Pressure balancing device for mobility equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure balancing device (100) for a mobility device, disposed in a sealed housing (311), the device comprising an external tube (110) having an open end (112) opening to the outside of the housing (311) and a closed end (111), in which is disposed an internal tube (120) configured to prevent oil leakage, the external tube (110) having at least one orifice (115) allowing communication between the inside of the external tube and the inside of the housing (311), and the internal tube (120) being open at both ends so as to allow communication between the inside of the external tube (110) and the outside of the external tube (110). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: 8

Description

Title of the invention: Pressure balancing device for mobility equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pressure balancing devices, and more particularly to a pressure balancing device for a gear shift housing for a mobility device using at least one electric propulsion, and for example an electric-assisted bicycle.

[0002] Such a mobility device thus comprises a gearbox consisting of a housing in which the gear-changing mechanism is located. For its proper operation, the gear-changing mechanism is immersed in an oil-like fluid. One effect of the presence of this fluid is an increase in pressure within the housing, caused either by the heating of the fluid or by natural variations in external pressure, particularly those due to altitude. It is therefore necessary to relieve this excess pressure.

[0003] It is known to use engine pressure balancing devices for motor vehicles. The role of the device is to vent water and engine oil vapors to prevent overpressure in the oil pan and potential water deposits in the oil. This balancing device is often formed by an opening partially sealed by a vented plug, a filter, or a condenser. The drawback of these prior art devices is that they are not designed for use in all positions and are therefore not suitable for use in mobility devices such as, for example, electric bicycles.

[0004] Indeed, an electrically assisted mobility device may, in certain cases, be in positions other than the standard riding position, that is, the position where the device's opening is above the fluid level, so that the oil cannot escape from the housing. For example, during repairs or transport, the device may be placed upside down or lying on its side, and in this case, the known devices can no longer perform their pressure-balancing function because they are immersed in oil. Furthermore, this leads to oil leaks from the device itself.

[0005] The present invention therefore aims to overcome one or more of the drawbacks of prior art devices by proposing a pressure balancing device suitable for all mobility devices.

[0006] To this end, the present invention proposes a pressure balancing device for a mobility device, disposed in a sealed housing, the device comprising an external tube having an open end leading to the outside of the housing and a closed end, in which is arranged an internal tube configured to prevent oil leaks,

[0007] the external tube having at least one orifice allowing communication between the inside of the external tube and the inside of the housing, and the internal tube being open at both ends so as to allow communication between the inside of the external tube and the outside of the external tube.

[0008] Indeed, in certain cases, for example during use or depending on the bicycle's storage location, the oil temperature increases, which increases the pressure in the first housing. The pressure balancing device allows the pressure inside the first housing to be regulated.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing device is inserted into the housing so that the closed end is in the housing, and the open end is disposed at the level of the face of the housing communicating with the outside.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing device is arranged so as not to be in contact with oil, or equivalent, present in the housing of the mobility device.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, a first end of the inner tube opening to the outside of the housing has a rim forming a double wall at the end of the inner tube, the rim being positioned so as to be in contact with an inner face of the outer tube.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, a seal is disposed between the rim and the inner face of the outer tube to ensure sealing inside the device.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the open end of the external tube includes a filtration element.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtering element completely covers the opening of the open end of the external tube.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the open end of the external tube comprises a cap having an opening in its center.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtering element or the cap is held in place by its edge by a cover covering the entire end of the external tube and fixed to the housing in a non-sealing manner.

[0017] The invention also relates to a mobility device, in particular an electrically assisted mobility device, comprising a device according to the invention.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device is an electrically assisted bicycle

[0019] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be better understood and will become more apparent upon reading the description given below, with reference to the accompanying figures, given by way of example and in which: - Fig. 1 is an overview of a mobility device according to one aspect of the invention, - [Fig.2] is an elevational view of the housing containing the transmission assembly of the mobility device of [Fig.1] 2a) according to a first face, 2b) according to a second face, - Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the transmission assembly. - [Fig. 4] is a cross-sectional elevation view of the changing device speed, - [Fig. 5] is a cross-sectional view of the transmission assembly shaft, - [Fig. 6] is a cross-sectional view of the inside of the casing, which includes a pressure balancing device according to the invention, - Figure 7 is an elevational view of the pressure balancing device according to the invention. - [Fig.8] is a cross-sectional view of the pressure balancing device according to the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a mobility device 1 according to one aspect of the invention. The device 1 is here an electrically assisted bicycle comprising an electric motor 2. The electric motor 2 is arranged to provide part of the propulsion of the device.

[0021] The bicycle comprises at least two wheels 3, 3' to which a driving force is supplied, via two pedals or equivalent rotating around a bottom bracket axle Xp which drives the rear wheel for example by a chain, or any other means of transmission during its use.

[0022] The device 1 also includes a control unit 4 and several sensors 5, 5', 5”, located for example at the level of the pedal assembly, on the frame of the bicycle or at the level of a wheel 3, 3'.

[0023] The device 1 shown herein also includes an energy storage device in the form of a battery 6, a lighting system 7, a crankset 8 with an Xp axis, a localization and / or navigation system 90, and a human-machine interface system 91 comprising, in particular, a touchscreen capable of displaying information and / or responding to user requests. The human-machine interface system 91 is specifically connected to the localization system 90 and serves as a navigation interface. The invention is not limited to a particular human-machine interface system and may include any system known to those skilled in the art.

[0024] The wheels 3, 3' are equipped with a braking system 31, comprising for example disc brakes 32.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transmission assembly 10 is at least partly housed in a case 30 illustrated [Fig.2] here positioned at the level of the pedal assembly 8 whose axis Xp coincides with the output axis Xv of the gear changing device 20.

[0026] The vehicle 1 comprises a visible transmission assembly 10 [Fig. 6]. The transmission assembly 10 includes a gear-changing device 20 according to the invention and the electric motor 2 to provide part of the power for the propulsion of the vehicle 1.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gear change device 20 illustrated [Fig.3] and [Fig.4] has at least 2 ratios, and for example 7 ratios between a first ratio called ratio no. 1 and a higher ratio called ratio no. 7.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gear changing device 20 comprises a series of seven output sprockets 60 with axis XVj of reference Fl to F7, fixed in rotation to a hollow shaft 40 and a series of seven input sprockets 50, of reference FRI to FR7 arranged to rotate freely around a bottom bracket shaft 80.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the selection shaft 40 illustrated [Fig.3] to [Fig.5] houses a shuttle 41 surrounding a worm gear 21 of the speed change device 20.

[0030] According to a variant of the invention, the gear change device 20 comprises an epicyclic gear train.

[0031] The device 1 according to the invention, comprises a speed change actuator 70 arranged to move the shuttle 41 along the worm gear 21 by a helical kinematic linkage, between at least 2 positions and for example between 7 positions from Pi to P7 and engage a selected ratio.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the speed change actuator 70 comprises electrical means for moving the shuttle 41, in the form of a geared motor. This includes a motor 81 and a gearbox 82.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the geared motor also includes a pinion 22 on the axis of the worm gear 21, an intermediate pinion 22' and a pinion 22'" on the axis of the motor 81.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the shuttle 41 is configured to, during its movement, position itself under the pinion of the selected ratio, and engage that ratio.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gear-changing device 20 comprises, at the level of the selector shaft 40, at least two pawls 42 illustrated [Fig. 4] and, for example, for a 1- to 7-speed gear, comprises seven pawls 42. Each pawl 42 is associated with a lifting device 43 for lifting the ratchet via the shuttle 41, and to engage the selected gear via the input and output gears

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gear change device 20 comprises at least a series of at least seven pawls 42 arranged one after the other along the longitudinal axis Xv of the selection shaft 40.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gear change device 20 comprises three sets of at least seven pawls arranged one after the other along the longitudinal axis Xv of the selection shaft 40. The sets being arranged at 120 degrees to one another around the selection shaft 40.

[0038] The pawls 42 have a shape configured to cooperate with the input pinions Fri.

[0039] When the speed is selected, the shuttle 41 is positioned under the input pinion Fq corresponding to the selected ratio i, which is then blocked in rotation by one of the pawls 42, and meshes with the corresponding output pinion.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retention of the pawls 42 is achieved by a retaining ring.

[0041] When using the device, the shuttle 41 allows the selected ratio to be selected, which will engage an input pinion Fri via a ratchet 42.

[0042] The input pinion Fri then meshes with an output pinion Fi.

[0043] According to an embodiment not illustrated, the shuttle 41 is able to take a position called neutral position PO for which no speed ratio is engaged.

[0044] Figures [Fig.2] and [Fig.6] illustrate in more detail the housing 30 of the mobility device 1 of [Fig.1].

[0045] The housing 30 has at least two housings 311, 312. A first housing 311 arranged to house the gears of the speed change device 20 and a second housing 312 to house the electric motor, the reducer, the speed change actuator and the control unit of the mobility device.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises a first housing 311 arranged to house the gears of the speed change device 20 and at least two other housings 312, 313 distinct from each other arranged to house respectively the electric motor and the speed change actuator.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the case 30 is open on one side.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, this face is closed by a lid 314.

[0049] In the context of the invention, oil or any equivalent liquid is disposed in the first housing 311, which is sealed. This oil is necessary for the operation of the gears of the gear-changing device.

[0050] In some cases, for example during use or depending on the storage areas of the bicycle, the temperature of the oil increases, which increases the pressure in the first housing 311.

[0051] In the context of the invention, to regulate the pressure inside the first housing 311, the first housing 311 includes a pressure balancing device 100 illustrated [Fig.7] and [Fig.8].

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing device 100 is disposed on one face of the housing perpendicular to the axis Xp of the crankset, and opens into the first housing 311.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing device 100 is disposed in the middle of the housing along its smallest dimension and at 2 / 3 of the housing along its largest dimension so as to open into the first housing 311.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing device 100 is arranged perpendicular to the face of the housing, and parallel to the axis Xp of the crankset.

[0055] In the context of the invention, the pressure balancing device 100 is arranged so as not to be in contact with the oil during normal use of the mobility device. Different oil levels depending on the position of the device 1 are illustrated by the thick lines 315 in [Fig. 6].

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing device 100 is disposed in an opening formed in the housing 311 of the casing 30.

[0057] In the context of the invention, the pressure balancing device 100 is configured to prevent oil leakage when, despite its position, it is in contact with oil. For example, during chaotic transport or a fall.

[0058] For this purpose, the pressure balancing device 100 includes an external tube 110 in which is arranged an internal tube 120 configured to prevent oil leaks.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two tubes are formed by two separate parts.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two tubes are formed from the same piece.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the external tube 110 has an open end 112 and a closed end 111. The open end opens towards the outside of the housing of the casing.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the outer tube 110 has a rim 116 arranged around the open end 112. The rim 116 is continuous or discontinuous. The rim 116 bears against the outer face of the housing. The rim allows the device to be held in place by a cover 160 (also visible [Fig. 3].

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover 160 is fixed to the housing 30. More specifically, the cover is not fixed in a sealed manner so that excess gas pressure can be evacuated, or in the event of a vacuum, so that air can enter.

[0064] The closed end 111 is closed by narrowing the outer tube 110 or by adding an additional piece.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the external tube 110 has at least one orifice 115 for the passage of overpressure gases or air.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the external tube 110 has at least two orifices 115.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the external tube 110 has between two and ten orifices 115, and for example six orifices 115.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one orifice 115 is disposed at the closed end 111.

[0069] In the context of the invention, an orifice 115 is an opening with a diameter smaller than that of the internal tube 120, allowing a gas of pressure to pass through, while limiting the passage of oil.

[0070] The external tube 110 is inserted into the first housing 311 so that the closed end 111 is in the housing, and the open end 112 is positioned at the face of the housing 311 or the casing 30.

[0071] The diameter of the inner tube 120 is smaller than that of the outer tube 110. More precisely, the diameter of the inner tube 120 is between (1.5 * diameter of the outer tube 110) and (2.5 * diameter of the outer tube 110). Thus, the oil entering the device can flow between the inside of the outer tube 110 and the inner tube 120.

[0072] The inner tube 120 has two open ends 121, 122. The inner tube thus allows the circulation of air or excess gas and thereby equalizes the pressure in the first compartment 311 of the housing 30. The inner tube 120 is arranged longitudinally within the outer tube 110. The length of the inner tube 120 is less than the length of the outer tube 110. A first open end 122 of the inner tube 120 is positioned at the level of the open end 112 of the outer tube 110. The second open end 121 of the inner tube is therefore not in contact with the closed end 111 of the outer tube 110. Thus, the oil entering the device can circulate between the inside of the outer tube 110 and the inner tube 120.

[0073] The first end 122 of the inner tube 120 has a rim 123 extending and forming a double wall at the end of the inner tube 120. One wall forms the body of the inner tube and the other wall forms the rim 123, the whole forming a U-shape. This rim 123 is positioned so as to be in contact with the inner face 113 of the outer tube 110. A seal 150 is disposed between the rim and the face The internal 113 of the external tube 110 ensures the sealing of the inside of the device. Thus, oil entering the device cannot escape at the point of contact between the inside of the external tube 110 and the internal tube 120.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner face 113 of the outer tube has an external thread cooperating with an internal thread of the outer tube 110.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the open end 112 of the external tube 110 comprises a filtration element 130, i.e. allowing air and overpressure gases to pass through while retaining the oil.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element 130 completely covers the opening of the open end 112 of the external tube 110.

[0077] According to another embodiment of the invention, the open end 112 of the external tube 110 comprises a cap 140 having an opening 114 in its center. The filtering element 130 is disposed at this opening 114.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element 130 is a gore-tex ® membrane.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtering element or the cap is held in place by its edge by the cover 160 covering the entire end of the external tube 110.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover 160 is fixed to the housing 30. More specifically, the cover is not fixed in a sealed manner so that excess gas pressure can be evacuated, or in the event of a vacuum so that air can enter.

[0081] Thus, in a situation that increases or decreases the pressure in the first housing 311, pressure equilibrium is achieved by means of the pressure balancing device 100. The excess gas pressure enters the device 100 through at least one orifice 115, then flows through the internal tube 120, and exits the device via the filter element 130. Any oil present in the device is blocked by the filter element. The rim 123 of the internal tube prevents the gas from escaping except through the filter element, thereby preventing oil leaks. Indeed, in certain cases other than a pressure increase, oil may end up in the device 100. It is then blocked by the filter element and by the rim 123 of the internal tube 120 associated with the seal 150.

[0082] Conversely, in cases where the pressure decreases in the housing 311, air can enter via the membrane 130 and circulate in the inner tube 120 and then enter the first housing 311 via the openings 115 of the outer tube 110.

[0083] Such a device according to the invention, thus makes it possible to regulate the pressure in the housing of the mobility device regardless of its use or position, while preventing oil leaks.

[0084] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the details given above and allows for embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the field of application of the invention. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration and may be modified without, however, departing from the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

Demands

1. A pressure balancing device (100) for a mobility device, disposed in a sealed housing (311), the device comprising an external tube (110) having an open end (112) opening to the outside of the housing (311) and a closed end (111), in which is disposed an internal tube (120) configured to prevent oil leakage, the external tube (110) having at least one orifice (115) allowing communication between the inside of the external tube and the inside of the housing (311), and the internal tube (120) being open at both ends so as to allow communication between the inside of the external tube (110) and the outside of the external tube (110), characterized in that a seal (150) is disposed between a rim (123) of the internal tube and the inner face (113) of the external tube (110) to ensure sealing inside the device.

2. Pressure balancing device (100) according to claim 1, inserted in the housing (311) so that the closed end (111) is in the housing, and the open end (112) is disposed at the face of the housing (311) communicating with the outside.

3. Pressure balancing device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, arranged so as not to be in contact with oil, or equivalent, present in the housing of the mobility device.

4. Pressure balancing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a first end (122) of the inner tube (120) opening outwards from the housing (311) has a rim (123) forming a double wall at the end of the inner tube (120), the rim (123) being positioned so as to be in contact with an inner face (113) of the outer tube (110).

5. Pressure balancing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the open end 112 of the external tube 110 comprises a filtration element (130).

6. Pressure balancing device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the filtering element (130) completely covers the opening of the open end (112) of the external tube (110).

7. A pressure balancing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the open end (112) of the tube external (110) includes a cap (140) having an opening (114) in its center.

8. Pressure balancing device (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the filter element or cap is held in place by its edge by a cover (160) covering the entire end of the outer tube (110) and fixed to the housing (131) in a non-sealing manner.

9. Mobility device (1), in particular electrically assisted mobility device, comprising a pressure balancing device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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