An electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric vehicle (10) comprising at most four wheels for transporting a user from a first position to a second position; a motor for moving said wheels; a rechargeable energy source for providing the energy necessary for the operation of the motor.

Description

[0001] AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention is an electric vehicle comprising at most four wheels for transporting a user from a first position to a second position; a motor for moving said wheels; a rechargeable energy source for providing the energy necessary for the operation of the motor.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] An electric scooter is a type of electrically powered skateboard suitable for short-distance transportation, produced as an alternative to bicycles or electric bicycles. Electric scooters include a carrying surface for the user to place the user's foot, a support provider that allows the user to hold on to the user in connection with the said carrier surface; up to four wheels that provide the movement of the vehicle positioned under the carrying surface; a motor that provides the movement of the said wheels; a rechargeable energy source that provides the energy necessary for the operation of the motor.

[0006] One of the most important benefits of electric scooters is that they do not consume fossil fuels. Therefore, there are no exhaust emissions or carbon emissions emitted from these vehicles. This situation ensures the protection of the environment by reducing the increasing exhaust emissions in recent days. In addition, it has become a highly preferred means of transportation in recent years with its quiet operation.

[0007] In recent years, the use of e-scooters has increased considerably due to their environmental friendliness and economy. In recent studies, there has been a significant increase in traffic accidents involving e-scooters, and general deaths and / or injuries are also increasing. In a study conducted in England, 460 reported accidents were detected in 2020, while this rate increased to 1280 in 2021. The death rate also increased 9 times compared to 2020. This shows that in order to reduce death and accident rates, it is necessary to check whether driving safety is ensured in accordance with the regulations in e-scooters in the future.

[0008] Regulations for the use of electric scooters have been developed in recent years. These regulations include the necessary obligations to ensure the driving safety of the users. Users are required to use it without going beyond the rules specified in the regulations. However, most users violate the rules and cause loss of life and property. Scooters are vehicles suitable for single-person transportation. Carrying two or more people or goods in a vehicle constitutes a violation of the rules. In areas where officers are present, users who drive in this way can be monitored. However, this situation is not monitored in areas where there are no officers. This situation causes loss of life and property.

[0009] The application numbered US202225258822A1 describes a system developed to ensure safe travel on e-scooters. The system uses at least one pressure and a weight sensor to detect the weight of the person using the e-scooter or the load to be carried. Finding the number of people using the e-scooter with the weight sensor will vary depending on the weight of the person, resulting in inaccurate results.

[0010] As a result, all the above-mentioned problems have made it imperative to innovate in the related technical field.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle for eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages and bringing new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0013] One object of the invention is to provide an electric vehicle to ensure safe driving and to prevent violations of regulations.

[0014] In order to accomplish all of the above-mentioned objects and the ones which will arise from the following detailed description, the present invention is an electric vehicle comprising at most four wheels for transporting a user from a first position to a second position; a motor for moving said wheels; a rechargeable energy source for providing the energy necessary for the operation of the motor. Accordingly, it is characterized in that it comprises a carrier surface provided to allow light to pass through for said user to place a foot on; a sensor array positioned side by side under said carrier surface, at least one drive mechanism for moving said sensor array between a first direction and a second direction; a processor unit for operating said drive mechanism, a switching element for allowing the passage of energy transmitted from the said energy source to said motor when in a first position and / or preventing its passage when in a second position; the processor unit is configured,

[0015] - to enable the drive mechanism to be operated in a first operating mode for moving the sensor array in a first direction, - to enable the drive mechanism to be operated in a second operating mode for moving the sensor array in a second direction,

[0016] - to enable to receive a first measurement data from the sensor array when the drive mechanism is operated in the second operating mode,

[0017] - to enable to receive a second measurement data from the sensor array when the drive mechanism is operated in the first operating mode,

[0018] - to enable the first measurement data and the second measurement data to be compared at least with reference values,

[0019] - to enable the switching element to be moved from a first position to a second position in the case that the first measurement data and the second measurement data are detected to be outside the reference values.

[0020] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the electric vehicle is an electric scooter.

[0021] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the sensor array comprises multiple photosensitive sensors.

[0022] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the drive mechanism comprises at least one DC motor.

[0023] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a motor drive for controlling the movement of the drive mechanism.

[0024] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the carrier surface is covered with a transparent material.

[0025] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the carrier surface is covered with an opaque material.

[0026] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a protective case in which the sensor array is positioned.

[0027] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one load sensor positioned on the carrier surface. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one acceleration sensor positioned on the carrier surface.

[0028] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the processor unit is configured to enable receiving load measurement data from the load sensor.

[0029] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the processor unit is configured to receive acceleration measurement data from the acceleration sensor.

[0030] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises an A / D converter to enable the conversion of the measurement data received from at least one of the sensor arrays, the load sensor, and the acceleration sensor into digital signals.

[0031] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a multiplexor for selecting one of the measurement data received from the sensor array and transmitting it to the output.

[0032] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a warning unit for alerting the user.

[0033] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the warning unit comprises an audible warning.

[0034] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the warning unit comprises a visual warning.

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] Figure 1 shows a representative view of an electric vehicle.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a representative view of a carrier surface provided in an electric vehicle.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a representative view of a sensor array provided in an electric vehicle.

[0039] Figure 4 shows a representative view of the protective case provided in an electric vehicle.

[0040] Figure 5 shows a representative view of the operating scenario of an electric vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] In this detailed description, the subject matter of the invention is explained only by means of examples that will not have any limiting effect for a better understanding of the subject matter.

[0042] The invention is an electric vehicle as shown in Figure 1 , comprising at most four wheels for transporting a user from a first position to a second position, a motor for moving said wheels, and a rechargeable energy source for providing the energy necessary for the operation of the motor (10). In a possible embodiment of the invention, said electric vehicle (10) is an electric scooter.

[0043] Referring to Figure 1 , said electric vehicle (10) comprises a carrier surface (11 ) provided to allow light to pass through for the user to place a foot on. In a possible embodiment of the invention, said carrier surface (11 ) is covered with a transparent material. In another possible embodiment of the invention, the carrier surface (11) is covered with an opaque material. Under the carrier surface (11) there is a sensor array (12) positioned side by side. Said sensor array (12) comprises a plurality of photosensitive sensors (121). Said photosensitive sensors (121) enable accurate data to be collected even in low ambient illumination. The fact that the carrier surface (11 ) is covered with transparent or opaque material also increases the accuracy of the measurement data of the photosensitive sensors (121 ). Thus, the data measured by the sensors contain accurate results. As shown in Figure 4, there is a protective case (122) in which the sensor array (12) is positioned. Said protective case (122) comprises a plurality of chambers for the placement of each photosensitive sensor (121) provided in the sensor array (12). Each photosensitive sensor (121) is positioned in a chamber. The protective case (122) prevents the photosensitive sensors (121) from taking measurements on a light incident at an oblique angle. Thus, the accuracy of the measurement data is increased.

[0044] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, there is provided at least one drive mechanism (13) for moving the sensor array (12) between a first direction (1 ) and a second direction (2) under the carrier surface (11). In a possible embodiment of the invention, said drive mechanism (13) comprises at least one DC motor, etc. At least one motor drive is provided for controlling the movement of the drive mechanism (13). The energy necessary for the operation of the drive mechanism (13) is provided by an energy source. A processor unit (14) is provided for operating the drive mechanism (13). In a possible embodiment of the invention, said processor unit (14) may be a microcontroller, etc., which is operated to execute predetermined commands. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the processor unit (14) enables measurements to be made and the measurements to be evaluated by means of a sampling decision algorithm.

[0045] In order for the electric scooter to move, energy is supplied to the motor that drives the wheels by means of an energy source. It comprises a switching element (15) which allows the passage of the energy transferred from the energy source to the motor in a first position and prevents its passage in a second position. In a possible embodiment of the invention, a valve, etc. is used as the said switching element (15).

[0046] There is at least one load sensor (16) positioned on the carrier surface (11 ). In a possible embodiment of the invention, it is preferred to use at least one weight sensor as said load sensor (16). In another possible embodiment of the invention, it is preferred to use at least one load cell as the load sensor (16). The weight sensor enables the total weight on the carrier surface (11 ) to be measured. There is at least one acceleration sensor (17) positioned on the carrier surface (11). The said acceleration sensor (17) enables the acceleration state of the electric vehicle (10) to be detected depending on its speed.

[0047] The electric vehicle (10) comprises an A / D converter (18) for converting measurement data received from at least one of the sensor array (12), the load sensor (16), and the acceleration sensor (17) into digital signals. The electric vehicle (10) comprises at least one multiplexor (19) for transmitting measurement data received from the sensor array (12) to the processor unit (14).

[0048] The processor unit (14) comprises a warning unit (20) for alerting the user in the case that the electric vehicle (10) is detected to be used unlawfully. The said warning unit (20) comprises an audible warning. In a possible embodiment of the invention, an audible warning signal is transmitted to the user by means of a buzzer, a speaker, a bell, etc. as said audible warning. Said warning unit (20) comprises a visual warning. In a possible embodiment of the invention, as said visual warning, at least one led, a lamp, etc. devices are illuminated and a visual warning signal is transmitted to the user.

[0049] The processor unit (14) is configured to enable the drive mechanism (13) to be operated in a first operating mode for moving the sensor array (12) in a first direction (1 ), to enable the drive mechanism (13) to be operated in a second operating mode for moving the sensor array (12) in a second direction (2), to enable to receive a first measurement data from the sensor array (12) when the drive mechanism (13) is operated in the second operating mode, to enable to receive a second measurement data from the sensor array (12) when the drive mechanism (13) is operated in the first operating mode, to enable the first measurement data and the second measurement data to be compared at least with reference values, to enable the switching element (15) to be moved from a first position to a second position in the case that the first measurement data and the second measurement data are detected to be outside the reference values. The processor unit (14) is further configured to receive load measurement data from the load sensor (16). The processor unit (14) is further configured to receive acceleration measurement data from the acceleration sensor (17).

[0050] Referring to Figure 5, the processor unit (14) enables the drive mechanism (13) to be operated in a first operating mode to enable the sensor array (12) to move in a first direction (1). The processor unit (14) enables receiving the first measurement data from the sensor array (12) while the drive mechanism (13) is operated in the first operating mode. The processor unit (14) enables the drive mechanism (13) to be operated in a second operating mode to cause the sensor array (12) to move in a second direction (2). The processor unit (14) enables receiving second measurement data from the sensor array (12) while the drive mechanism (13) is operated in the second operating mode. The measurement data measured by the sensor array (12) is transmitted to the multiplexor (19). The measurement data is transmitted from the multiplexor (19) to the processor unit (14). Thus, the processor unit (14) enables receiving the measurement data from a plurality of photosensitive sensors (121 ) provided to the sensor array (12) with a single input. The processor unit (14) enables the conversion of the collected analog measurement data into digital data by means of the A / D converter (18).

[0051] Referring to Figure 5, the processor unit (14) further enables receiving load measurement data from the load sensor (16). The processor unit (14) enables comparing load measurement data with at least one reference value. The processor unit (14) further enables receiving acceleration measurement data from the acceleration sensor (17). The processor unit (14) enables the acceleration measurement data to be compared with at least one reference value. The processor unit (14) further enables comparing the first measurement data and the second measurement data with at least reference values. The processor unit (14) enables the switching element (15) to be moved from a first position to a second position if, as a result of the comparison, at least one of the first measurement data and the second measurement data is found to be outside the reference values. The processor unit (14) further enables checking, in addition to the first measurement data and the second measurement data, load measurement data, and acceleration measurement data. The processor unit (14) enables the evaluation of all the collected data for moving the switching element (15) from the first position to the second position. Thus, the electric vehicle (10) is prevented from traveling on the road.

[0052] An exemplary working scenario of the invention is described as follows;

[0053] When a user steps on the carrier surface (11) of the electric scooter, the drive mechanism

[0054] (13) is used to move the sensor array (12) in the first direction (1) from the rear point of the carrier surface (11) to the front point. During the said movement, instantaneous measurement is provided by means of photosensitive sensors (121) provided to the sensor array (12). The sensor array (12) is moved in the second direction (2) from the front point to the rear point of the carrier surface (11). During said movement, instantaneous measurement is enabled by means of the photosensitive sensors (121) provided in the sensor array (12).

[0055] The processor unit (14) generates a virtual matrix of the size of the total number of photosensitive sensors (121 ) provided in the sensor array (12) multiplied by the number of measurements taken. Each row and column of the virtual matrix has the lux values collected by the photosensitive sensors (121) during each sample. The lux value contains the measurement data measured by one of the photosensitive sensors (121). The processor unit

[0056] (14) enables the computation of two decision mechanisms over the virtual matrix. One of these decision mechanisms is the average decision data and the other is the hard decision data. The processor unit (14) calculates an arithmetic average over all rows and columns in the virtual matrix for the average decision data. The calculation of the average decisionmaking data is used to obtain the size of the user's footprint on the carrier surface (11). The processor unit (14) determines the values above and below a predetermined reference value in the virtual matrix for the hard decision-making data. The processor unit (14) calculates the area occupied by the user's foot on the carrier surface (11) from the determined values. The processor unit (14) compares the calculated average decision-making data and the hard decision-making data with predetermined reference values. The processor unit (14) also enables the acquisition of load data from load cells positioned in multiple numbers on the carrier surface (11). The received load data is compared with a predetermined reference value. The processor unit (14) provides acceleration data from the acceleration sensor. The acceleration data received from the acceleration sensor is compared with a reference value. As a result of the comparisons, the number of people on the carrier surface (11) is determined. If it is detected that the number of people on the electric scooter is more than the predetermined number of people or that items are being carried, the energy transferred from the energy source to the motor is cut off. The processor unit (14) also provides audible and visual warnings to alert the user.

[0057] The protection scope of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be strictly limited to what is described in this detailed description for illustrative purposes. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with similar embodiments in the light of the foregoing without departing from the main theme of the invention.

[0058] REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN THE FIGURES

[0059] 10 Electric vehicle

[0060] 11 Carrier surface 12 Sensor array

[0061] 121 Photosensitive sensor

[0062] 122 Protective case

[0063] 13 Drive mechanism

[0064] 14 Processor unit 15 Switching element

[0065] 16 Load sensor

[0066] 17 Acceleration sensor

[0067] 18 A / D converter

[0068] 19 Multiplexor 20 Warning unit

[0069] 1 First direction

[0070] 2 Second direction

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electric vehicle (10) comprising at most four wheels for transporting a user from a first position to a second position; a motor for moving said wheels; a rechargeable energy source for providing the energy necessary for the operation of the motor; characterized in that it comprises a carrier surface (11) provided to allow light to pass through for said user to place a foot on; a sensor array (12) positioned side by side under said carrier surface (11), at least one drive (13) mechanism for moving said sensor array (12) between a first direction (1 ) and a second direction (2); a processor unit (14) for operating said drive mechanism (13), a switching element (15) for allowing the passage of energy transmitted from the said energy source to said motor when in a first position and / or preventing its passage when in a second position; the processor unit (14) is configured,- to enable the drive mechanism (13) to be operated in a first operating mode for moving the sensor array (12) in a first direction (1 ),- to enable the drive mechanism (13) to be operated in a second operating mode for moving the sensor array (12) in a second direction (2),- to enable to receive a first measurement data from the sensor array (12) when the drive mechanism (13) is operated in the second operating mode,- to enable to receive a second measurement data from the sensor array (12) when the drive mechanism (13) is operated in the first operating mode,- to enable the first measurement data and the second measurement data to be compared at least with reference values,- to enable the switching element (15) to be moved from a first position to a second position in the case that the first measurement data and the second measurement data are detected to be outside the reference values.

2. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the electric vehicle (10) is an electric scooter.

3. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor array (12) comprises multiple photosensitive sensors (121 ).

4. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the drive mechanism (13) comprises at least one DC motor.

5. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a motor drive for controlling the movement of the drive mechanism (13).

6. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the carrier surface (11 ) is covered with a transparent material.

7. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the carrier surface (11 ) is covered with an opaque material.

8. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a protective case (122) in which the sensor array (12) is positioned.

9. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one load sensor (16) positioned on the carrier surface (11).

10. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one acceleration sensor (17) positioned on the carrier surface (11 ).

11. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the processor unit (14) is configured to enable receiving load measurement data from the load sensor (16).

12. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the processor unit (14) is configured to receive acceleration measurement data from the acceleration sensor (17).

13. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises an A / D converter (18) to enable the conversion of the measurement data received from at least one of the sensor arrays (12), the load sensor (16) and the acceleration sensor (17) into digital signals.

14. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a multiplexor (19) for selecting one of the measurement data received from the sensor array (12) and transmitting it to the output.

15. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a warning unit (20) for alerting the user.

16. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the warning unit (20) comprises an audible warning.

17. An electric vehicle (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the warning unit(20) comprises a visual warning.

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