MOTORIZED AUXILIARY DEVICE FOR A BICYCLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motorized assistance device for a cycle, the cycle being able to be a vehicle comprising at least two wheels of the bicycle or scooter type requiring physical effort on the part of its user to make it move forward.

[0002] Many cities in France and around the world were historically built around waterways, then expanded by various university, commercial and / or residential areas located higher up than the city center. For the Greater Nancy metropolitan area, for example, the university campuses are located on the Brabois plateau, 200m upstream from the city center, and are gradually expanding. In the current context of energy transition and air and noise pollution control in city centers, the mobility offer that must be proposed to limit the use of private cars is confronted with this structuring of certain cities. Indeed, it complicates the design of guided transport (trams) and limits the use of bicycles due to the physical effort required, which also implies a brake on the development of cycle paths in the direction of these areas.

[0003] Among the range of mobility options currently available to users, the electric bicycle (or electric scooter) goes some way toward overcoming this difficulty. However, the high cost of this solution limits its adoption by the majority of people, particularly students. This cost is largely generated by the cost of the batteries that individually equip electric bicycles, batteries that can also pose a serious problem in terms of the use of fossil resources if manufactured on too large a scale. As a result, users are also faced with the problem of the theft of these high-value bicycles.

[0004] We also know of installations which aim to share the means to move a bicycle or scooter between a low geographical position and a high geographical position.

[0005] For example, document FR 2 573 713 discloses a connecting device for towing a bicycle (or a scooter) by its handlebars using an individual towing cable, itself connected to a general towing cable located at a certain distance above the bicycle, like a ski lift, to allow the bicycle to be raised between a low geographical position and a high geographical position.

[0006] To be implemented, such a device requires a bulky and unsightly infrastructure that would be complicated to implement in cities.

[0007] A more discreet solution is described in document WO 2009 / 151340: the document describes an installation comprising several devices connected to each other by cables and driven in movement in a conduit made in the ground. Each device serves as a support for a user's foot. It is understood from this document that the installation is not designed to allow pedal assistance: the user must remain in a standing position with one foot on the device, which makes the use of the installation limited because it is uncomfortable over long distances.

[0008] Also known from document KR 100 947 010 B1 is a motorized assistance device for a cycle, comprising at least one carriage capable of being moved between a starting position and an arrival position, said assistance device comprising a movement drive device and a connecting device between the carriage and said cycle. This movement drive device also comprises a drive wheel.

[0009] The invention offers an alternative solution, which consists of externalizing the electric assistance of a bicycle (or a scooter) in order to share the device between different users using a conventional bicycle, by relocating the motor part in the ground. Its application is therefore immediate in all cities seeking to expand their mobility offer and their cycle network by circumventing the problem of the difference in level. In addition, it aims to minimize energy needs by not using any heavy infrastructure, by allowing the user to continue to exert their pedaling effort, and by only using a motorized drive when requested by the user and not permanently, as is the case with an escalator or a ski lift.

[0010] The invention relates to this end to a motorized assistance device for a cycle according to claim 1.

[0011] Thus implemented, the invention proposes devices whose movement drive is independent of a structure external to the carriage, which allows the creation of an overall installation that is less bulky, less expensive and less difficult to implement.

[0012] In addition, the presence of a connecting device that can adopt two positions, one of which is retracted, ensures that the urban landscape is preserved.

[0013] Finally, connecting the connecting device to a component fixed to the cycle allows you to choose the element of the cycle to which the device will be connected: you can thus choose to connect the connecting device to the hub of a wheel, as will be seen later, which leaves the user the possibility of pedaling.

[0014] The invention may also include the following features, taken separately or in combination: The axis of rotation of said drive wheel may be oriented substantially vertically so that said wheel is capable of rolling on a substantially vertical surface. This offers the advantage of overcoming problems related to the presence of leaves or other waste which would enter the conduit and rest at the bottom of the conduit. This embodiment prevents any jamming of these leaves in the drive wheel of the device according to the invention which does not rest at the bottom of the conduit.

[0015] The carriage may include an elastic return element that exerts pressure on the axle of the drive wheel. This keeps the wheel on the support on which it is to roll and allows a slight pivoting of the wheel axle to insert the carriage and its wheel into the conduit when mounting the device in the conduit.

[0016] Said carriage may comprise at least two lower guide wheels, each of said at least two lower guide wheels being mounted to move in rotation in the lower part of said carriage, each of said at least two lower guide wheels comprising a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, ensuring the guidance of said carriage on a substantially horizontal bottom wall of a conduit. This ensures guidance of the device in the bottom of the conduit.

[0017] Said carriage may also comprise at least two lateral guide wheels, said at least two lateral guide wheels comprising a substantially vertical axis of rotation, ensuring the guidance of said carriage on an internal vertical surface of a conduit. This ensures lateral guidance of the device in the conduit.

[0018] Said side guide wheels may be provided on a first side of said carriage which is opposite a second side of said carriage, said second side being opposite the substantially vertical surface of said conduit on which said drive wheel bears to drive said carriage in movement when said carriage is positioned in said conduit. This allows balancing of the device when it is in movement in said conduit.

[0019] The carriage may comprise a chassis on which the axle of the drive wheel is fixed and carrying said motor, as well as said articulated elements and the articulated elements may comprise a first element pivotally mounted on said chassis at a first end of the first element, around a first pivot axis, and a second element pivotally mounted relative to said first element at a second end of said first element around a second pivot axis, said second pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to said first pivot axis. This makes it possible to offset part of the elements of the device above and to the side of the conduit, to allow the attachment of the connecting device to the cycle.

[0020] Said second element may comprise, at its free end which is opposite the end pivotally mounted on the first element, a radial notch. This makes it possible to hold the second element in position in the receiving housing of the connecting member which is fixed, for example, on the hub of the rear wheel.

[0021] In the active position, the first and second members may form an angle with each other and are in a position where they stand out from the carriage and in that, in the inactive position, the first and second members are aligned and are positioned against the frame of said carriage. This allows the device to disappear in the inactive, or retracted, position.

[0022] The connecting device may include a gripping handle for manually gripping said device and moving said articulated elements from the inactive position to the active position, or vice versa. The presence of this handle makes it easier for the user to operate the device.

[0023] The handle may be carried by a sleeve slidably mounted on said second member, and partially on said first member in the inactive position of said connecting apparatus. The sleeve makes it possible to maintain the first and second members in an aligned position in the inactive position.

[0024] The articulated elements can be connected to the carriage by a system for guiding and locking the articulated elements in the active position, said guiding system comprising at least one connecting rod, a first connecting rod end of which is pivotally mounted on an articulated element among said articulated elements and a second connecting rod end comprising a pin mounted movably in a groove formed in a wall of said carriage, said groove comprising a bent part in which the pin is positioned in the active position of the articulated elements of the connecting device.

[0025] The invention also relates to an assembly according to claim 12.

[0026] Finally, the invention relates to an installation according to claim 13.

[0027] Advantageously, said conduit can be at least partially buried.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the installation can also comprise a second conduit which extends between said arrival station and said departure station, said device being mounted movably in said second conduit between said arrival station and said departure station, said first conduit communicating with said second conduit at said departure station and at said arrival station to pass said device from said first conduit to said second conduit at said arrival station and from said second conduit to said first conduit at said departure station.

[0029] This embodiment allows the implementation of several devices.

[0030] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description of a non-limiting embodiment, and the appended drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] illustrates a cycle and a device according to the invention, seen in perspective, the device comprising a connecting device in the inactive position, [ Fig. 2 ] is an enlargement of the device shown in figure 1 , seen in perspective, [ Fig. 3 ] illustrates the cycle and the device of the figure 1 , seen in perspective, the device comprising a connecting device in the active position, [ Fig. 4 ] is an enlargement of the device shown in figure 3 , seen in perspective, [ Fig. 5 ] is a schematic top view of the device shown in figure 1 , whose connecting device is in the inactive position, [ Fig. 6 ] is a schematic side view of the device shown in figure 5 , [ Fig. 7 ] is a schematic top view of the device with the connecting device in an intermediate position, [ Fig. 8 ] is a schematic side view of the device shown in figure 7 , [ Fig. 9 ] is a schematic top view of the device with the connecting device in the active position, [ Fig. 10 ] is a schematic side view of the device shown in figure 9 .

[0031] THE figures 1 And 3 illustrate an example of cycle 1 on which the device according to the invention can be implemented.

[0032] In our example, cycle 1 is a bicycle, but it should be understood that the invention could be implemented on other cycles, such as a scooter for example.

[0033] The device is illustrated to the left of the cycle on the figure 1 and is designed to allow motorized assistance of this cycle.

[0034] In other words, the device is designed to help the cycle move forward, using a motor.

[0035] As can be seen on the figure 1 , the device comprises a carriage 2 which is arranged in a conduit 3. The conduit 3 is used to guide the carriage in its movement.

[0036] In our example, conduit 3 is buried, so that it largely disappears into the urban landscape.

[0037] It should however be understood that the conduit could not be buried, without departing from the scope of the invention: in fact, the invention could find an application to occasionally help with the lifting of bicycles on sloping ground, for example in the context of competitions. In this case, the conduit could be removable and would be above ground.

[0038] Duct 3 has a substantially rectangular section.

[0039] Only one conduit 3 is partially shown in the figures. It serves to guide the carriage 2 between a starting position and an arrival position. The starting position is generally located at the geographically lowest point where one end of the conduit 3 is located and the arrival position is generally located at the geographically highest point where the other end of the conduit 3 is located.

[0040] Even if only one conduit 3 is illustrated, it should be understood that the installation according to the invention could comprise two conduits: a first conduit for conveying the carriage 2 from the starting position to the arrival position (from one end of the first conduit to the other) and a second conduit for conveying the carriage 2 from the arrival position to the starting position (from one end of the second conduit to the other). According to this embodiment, several carriages 2 could move in the same direction in the first or second conduit without hindering each other.

[0041] The first and second conduits could be located side by side: this would allow the invention to be implemented in shallow soils above existing gas or water pipes, for example.

[0042] The first and second conduits could also be located one above the other: the width of an installation according to the invention would then be limited to the ground.

[0043] According to the invention, to enable the carriage 2 to move in the conduit 3, the device comprises a movement drive device 4.

[0044] To associate the movement of the cycle with the movement of the carriage, the device comprises a connecting device 5.

[0045] The movement training device 4 will be described first. Then, the connecting device will be described secondly.

[0046] The moving drive device 4 is designed so that the carriage 2 moves autonomously.

[0047] To do this, the trolley has a motor / wheel 40, that is to say that the trolley is equipped with a motor associated with a wheel 40 to drive its rotation.

[0048] The axle of the wheel 40 is mounted to rotate freely on a frame 20 of the carriage 2.

[0049] According to the invention, it is provided that the axis of the wheel 40 is oriented in a substantially vertical direction so that the wheel 40 is able to roll on a substantially vertical surface: in fact, as can be seen in the figures 2 And 4 , in particular, the wheel 40 rests on a vertical internal surface 30 of the conduit 3. The advantage of this embodiment is to prevent the rotation of the wheel 40 from being hindered by the presence of elements at the bottom of the conduit, for example dead leaves which would settle at the bottom of the conduit 3 in autumn.

[0050] To allow good support of the wheel 40 on the vertical wall 30, provision is made to equip the carriage with at least one elastic return element 41: in our embodiment, these are two springs 41 which exert pressure on a plate 42 bearing against the axis Z of the wheel 40 (see in particular the figure 5 ): the wheel is thus pressed against the vertical wall 30.

[0051] To ensure balance of the carriage 2 in the conduit 3, it is planned to equip the chassis 20 with at least two lateral guide wheels 6.

[0052] The two lateral guide wheels 6 bear on the internal surface 31 of a vertical wall of the conduit, the vertical surface 31 being the surface of the conduit 3 which is opposite the surface 30 on which the drive wheel 40 bears (see in particular the figure 5 ).

[0053] To do this, the axes of rotation of the two wheels are substantially vertical on the chassis 20 of the trolley.

[0054] There figure 6 shows that the axes of rotation are produced by transverse rods 60, each end of each rod 60 being fixed to an upright of the chassis 20.

[0055] Thus, the carriage rests on the surfaces of the two vertical walls of the conduit 3, the lateral guide wheels 6 being located on a first side of the carriage while the drive wheel 40 projects from the other side of the carriage (second side of the carriage): the device of the invention is thus balanced when it is moving in the conduit 3.

[0056] THE figures 1 à 4 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the device according to which the lateral guide wheels 6 are carried by slats 61 which are substantially vertical and which are fixed by their ends to the chassis 20.

[0057] Preferably, at least two lower guide wheels 7 are also provided: in this embodiment, four lower wheels 7 are provided, positioned on the bottom of the chassis 20. These wheels are designed to rest on the bottom of the conduit 3. They are therefore mounted on the chassis 20, in the lower part of the carriage, and their axes of rotation are parallel and oriented in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0058] The carriage 2 is thus also guided on a substantially horizontal bottom wall of the conduit 3 when it is in the conduit and moves there.

[0059] To ensure the rotational drive of the wheel-motor, the motor can be supplied with energy from several types of energy sources.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the device comprises a battery 8 which supplies energy to the motor.

[0061] Another solution (not shown) could be to provide power supply through the conduit, for example by means of a low-voltage line. The technology in this case is based on the achievements of various common means of transport. The main advantages are the reduction of maintenance costs due to battery wear, as well as the reduced environmental impact (due to the gray energy linked to the manufacture of the batteries).

[0062] Providing a battery nevertheless represents a lower cost and user safety is ensured because they do not have access to the battery which is enclosed in the trolley (it is provided inside the chassis 20, as shown in figures 5 à 10 For example).

[0063] Reference will now be made to the connecting device 5 which the trolley of the device according to the invention comprises and which has the function of connecting the cycle 1 of a user to the device, so that the device assists in the movement of the cycle 1.

[0064] The connecting device 5 is more particularly visible on the figures 2 , 4 And 5 à 10 .

[0065] It comprises elements hinged together which can adopt several positions between two extreme positions: in one of the extreme positions, also called the inactive or retracted position, the hinged elements are folded against each other so that the connecting device can be inserted into the conduit 3 (see figure 2 ). In the other extreme position, also called the active position, the articulated elements are fully deployed above and to the side of the device, so that the connecting apparatus can be brought into contact (and linked) in cycle 1 ( figure 4 ). In this active position, the device is in contact with a connecting member 9 which is fixed on the hub of the rear wheel 10 of the cycle 1.

[0066] The connecting member 9 comprises a U-shaped portion capable of receiving one end of one of the articulated elements of the connecting apparatus 5. To do this, this articulated element (bearing the reference 56 - see below) has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape defining a circular housing. In this way, it is not necessary to orient the end of the articulated element in a particular way so that it is inserted into the connecting member 9. Insertion is thus facilitated.

[0067] According to the invention, the articulated elements of the connecting device 5 comprise a first element 50, in the form of a bar of circular section, pivotally mounted on the chassis 20. More precisely, the first element 50 comprises a first end 51 which is pivotally mounted on the chassis 20. To do this, the end 51 is crossed by an axis 52 which is fixed to the chassis 20 and around which the end 51 can pivot ( figure 5 ).

[0068] The articulated elements also comprise a second element 53 which is pivotally mounted at another end 54 of the first element 50 around a second pivot axis 55 (see figures 7 , 8 et 9 For example).

[0069] According to the invention, the pivot axis 52 and the second pivot axis 55 are substantially perpendicular to each other, which makes it possible to offset the free end 56 of the second articulated element 53 to the side of the device, so that this free end 56 is attached to the connecting member 9.

[0070] It may be provided that the end 56 carries a radial notch 11 so that the connecting member is inserted therein, so as to ensure the grip of the end 56 of the element 53 in the connecting member 9 and vice versa, to hold the connecting member and the end of the second element in position.

[0071] Other means may also be provided: for example, in the embodiment shown in the figures 5 à 10 , a pin 57 is provided which can be inserted into a notch provided in the connecting member 9 (not illustrated).

[0072] Thus produced, the connecting device can adopt two positions: an active position in which the first and second elements 50 and 53 form an angle with each other and are erected outside the chassis 20 of the carriage 2 (see figures 3, 4 , 9 And 10 ) and a retracted (or inactive) position in which the first and second elements are aligned and are positioned against the chassis of said carriage 2 (see figures 1, 2 , 5 et 6 ).

[0073] Thus, in the retracted or inactive position, the device according to the invention disappears into the conduit 3.

[0074] To ensure that the first and second elements 50 and 53 are kept in aligned position, a sleeve 58 is provided, slidably mounted on the second element 53 and partially on the first element 50. Thus, when the first and second elements 50 and 53 are aligned, the sleeve can slide partially around the second end 54 of the first element to block the pivot movement around the pivot axis 55: the figures 2 And 8 for example illustrate this position of the sleeve 58.

[0075] Advantageously, it is provided that the elements 50 and 53 are hollow and elastic return means are provided in the two hollow elements 50 and 53, so that, when the sleeve no longer hinders the pivot connection between the two articulated elements, the latter align: this may be, for example, an elastic fixed in the two hollow elements 50 and 53.

[0076] To facilitate gripping of the articulated elements of the connecting device 5, in particular when the connecting device is in the retracted position, provision is made to equip the sleeve with a grip handle 59.

[0077] Means are also provided for ensuring that the articulated elements are kept in position in the active position of the connecting device 5: in fact, when the articulated elements are deployed, it is advantageous to ensure that their relative position remains in place.

[0078] To do this, the device comprises a system for guiding and locking in the active position, comprising at least one connecting rod 21, one end of which 22 is pivotally mounted on the first articulated element 50 and a second end of which 23 comprises a projecting pin 24 mounted to move in a groove 26 formed in a wall 25 of the chassis 20 of the carriage 2.

[0079] The groove 26 has a bent portion 27. When the projecting pin 24 is in the bent portion, it is locked in position, which prevents the articulated elements 50 and 53 from moving because this prevents the pivoting of the first element 50 around the first pivot axis 52: the active position is thus maintained.

[0080] To allow the articulated elements 50 and 53 to be retracted, the projecting pin 24 must be released from the bent part 27 of the groove: the projecting pin can then be moved into the other part of the groove and the first element 50 can be pivoted around the axis 52. The projecting pin is released by pulling the handle upwards.

[0081] It will be noted that, in the context of this advantageous embodiment, two connecting rods 21 are provided on each side of the element 50.

[0082] Thus produced, the device according to the invention makes it possible to assist a cycle in its movement when it is in the active position.

[0083] In the inactive position, the device according to the invention disappears from the urban landscape.

[0084] We will now describe a mode of implementation of the device and the assembly in accordance with the invention.

[0085] An installation according to the invention is implemented in a city street which has a difference in level. The roadway is equipped with two conduits 3 which extend between a starting position geographically located at the bottom of the street and an arrival position geographically located at the top of the street.

[0086] Several devices according to the invention are inserted into the conduit 3 ensuring the movement of the devices from the starting position to the arrival position.

[0087] The insertion of the devices is easily done by mounting the axis of the drive wheel 40 on springs 41: the axis is slightly moved by exerting pressure on the wheel, to allow the insertion of the device into the conduit. Once in place, the springs 41 allow the wheel to be compressed on the vertical surface 30 of the internal wall of the conduit 3.

[0088] A user can have access to the invention for example by means of a badge and has a bicycle or a scooter equipped with the connecting member 9.

[0089] Shared bicycles available in many cities can also be equipped with 9 connecting devices.

[0090] From then on, the user having access to the device comes to hang his bicycle or his scooter by grasping the handle 59, by moving the sleeve 58 on the articulated element 53, by erecting the articulated element 50 and keeping it in the erected position thanks to the insertion of the pin 24 in the bent part 27 of the groove of the chassis 20 of the trolley 2. Then, he positions the free end 56 of the second element 53 in the connecting member 9.

[0091] The device's motor drives the device at a low speed.

[0092] When the user begins to pedal, and lightly pulls the device according to the invention to which his bicycle is attached (or his scooter).

[0093] By means of a start-of-stroke sensor placed in the conduit, the electric assistance is activated until it encounters an end-of-stroke sensor also placed in the conduit, substantially at the arrival end of the conduit.

[0094] The user then detaches the second articulated element 53 from the connecting member.

[0095] The device folds automatically thanks to the elastic return means provided in the articulated elements 50 and 53.

[0096] Then the device is remotely controlled to engage in the second conduit 3 which returns it to the starting position.

[0097] From the description it is clear how the invention helps to move the cycle and how it blends into the urban landscape when not in use.

[0098] It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiment illustrated in the drawings and described below, and that it extends to the implementation of equivalent means without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. Motorized assistance device for a cycle (1), comprising at least one carriage (2) capable of being moved in a channel (3) between a start position and an end position, said assistance device comprising a device (4) for driving the movement of said at least one carriage (2) in said channel (3), said device comprising a connection apparatus (5) capable of being arranged between the carriage (2) and said cycle (1), the connection apparatus (5) comprising elements (50 ; 53) articulated to one another and being movably mounted between: - an active position in which said articulated elements (50, 53) of said connection apparatus (5) are in a deployed position and in which said apparatus is in contact with a connection member (9) capable of being fixed to said cycle (1), and - an inactive position in which the articulated elements (50, 53) of said connection apparatus (5) are folded against one another and in which said apparatus is retractable so as to be inserted into said channel (3), and conversely, in that said carriage (2) comprises said movement drive device (4), and in that said movement drive device (4) comprises a drive wheel (40), the axis of rotation of which is fixed to said carriage (2) and which is rotated by a motor connected to a power supply source.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the axis of rotation (Z) of said drive wheel (40) is oriented substantially vertically so that said drive wheel (40) is capable of rolling on a substantially vertical surface (30).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the carriage (2) has at least one elastic return element (41) which exerts a pressure on the axis (Z) of the drive wheel (40).

4. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said carriage (2) comprises at least two lower guide wheels (7), each of said at least two lower guide wheels (7) being movably mounted in rotation in the lower part of said carriage (2), each of said at least two lower guide wheels (7) comprising a substantially horizontal axis of rotation which is capable of ensuring that said carriage (2) is guided on a substantially horizontal bottom wall of the channel (3).

5. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said carriage (2) further comprises at least two lateral guide wheels (6), said at least two lateral guide wheels (6) having a substantially vertical axis of rotation which is capable of ensuring that said carriage (2) is guided on an internal vertical surface (31) of the channel (3).

6. Device according to claim 5 in combination with claim 2, characterized in that said lateral guide wheels (7) are provided on a first side of said carriage which is opposite a second side of said carriage, said second side being capable of facing the substantially vertical surface (30) of said channel (3) on which said drive wheel (40) rests to move said carriage (2) when said carriage (2) is positioned in said channel (3).

7. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carriage (2) comprises a frame (20) to which the axis (Z) of the drive wheel (40) is fixed and which carries said motor, as well as said articulated elements (50, 53), and in that the articulated elements (50, 53) comprise a first element (50) pivotally mounted on said frame (20) at a first end (51) of said first element, about a first pivot axis (52), and a second element (53) pivotally mounted with respect to said first element (50) at a second end (54) of said first element, about a second pivot axis (55), said second pivot axis (55) being substantially perpendicular to said first pivot axis (52).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said second element (53) has a radial notch at its free end opposite the end pivotally mounted on the first element (50).

9. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection apparatus (5) comprises a gripping handle (59) for manually gripping said connection apparatus (5) and passing said articulated elements (50, 53) from the inactive position to the active position, or vice versa.

10. Device according to claims 7 and 9, characterized in that the handle (59) is carried by a sleeve (58) slidably mounted on said second element (53), and partially on said first element (50) in the inactive position of said connection apparatus (5).

11. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulated elements (50, 53) are connected to the carriage (20) by a system for guiding and locking the articulated elements in the active position, said guiding system comprising at least one connecting rod (21), a first connecting rod end (22) of which is pivotally mounted on one articulated element (50) of said articulated elements (50, 53), and a second connecting rod end (23) of which comprises a pin (24) movably mounted in a groove (26) formed in a wall of said carriage (2), said groove (26) comprising a bent part (27) in which the pin (24) is positioned in the active position of the articulated elements (50, 53) of the connection apparatus (5).

12. Assembly comprising a device according to any of claims 1 to 11 and at least one connection member (9) to be fixed to a hub of a wheel of a cycle (1), said connection member (9) comprising a housing for receiving part of said connection apparatus (5) of said motorized assistance device.

13. Installation comprising at least one device according to any of claims 1 to 11 and further comprising at least a first channel (3) which extends between a start station and an end station, said device being movably mounted in said first channel (3) between said start station and said end station.

14. Installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first channel (3) is at least partially buried.

15. Installation according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that it comprises a second channel which extends between said end station and said start station, said device being movably mounted in said second channel between said end station and said start station, said first channel communicating with said second channel at said start station and at said end station to pass said device from said first channel to said second channel at said end station and from said second channel to said first channel at said start station.