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 comprises an external tube (110) having an open end (112) and a closed end (111) inserted into the housing (311). An internal tube (120) is disposed in the housing, configured to prevent oil leakage. The internal tube (120) is open at both ends to allow communication between the inside and outside of the external tube (110). One end (1221) of the internal tube (120) opens to the outside of the housing (311) and includes fastening means. The external tube (110) has at least one orifice (115) allowing communication between the inside of the external tube (120) and the inside of the housing (311). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: 7

Description

Title of the invention: Pressure balancing device for mobility device

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

[0002] Such a mobility device thus comprises a gearbox composed of a housing in which the gear changing device is arranged. For its proper operation, the gear changing device is arranged in an oil-type fluid. One effect of the presence of this fluid is the increase in pressure in the housing, caused either by the heating of the fluid or by natural variations in external pressure, in particular due to altitude. It is therefore necessary to evacuate this excess pressure.

[0003] It is known to use engine pressure balancing devices for motor vehicles. The role of the device then consists of evacuating water and engine oil vapors to avoid excess pressure in the oil sump and possible water deposits in the oil. This balancing device is often formed by an opening partially closed by a ventilated plug, a filter or a condenser. The disadvantage of these prior art devices is that they are not intended to be used in any position, and are therefore not usable in mobility devices such as, for example, electrically assisted bicycles.

[0004] Indeed, an electrically assisted mobility device may, in certain cases, be in positions other than the standard driving position, that is to say the position where the opening of the device is above the liquid level, so that the oil cannot escape from the housing. For example, during repair or transport, the device may be placed upside down or lying on its side, and in this case the known devices can no longer play their role of pressure balancing because they are immersed in the oil. In addition, this leads to oil leaks through the device itself.

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

[0006] For this purpose, the present invention proposes a pressure balancing device arranged in a sealed housing, the device comprising an external tube, comprising an open end and a closed end inserted into the housing, in which is arranged an internal tube configured to prevent oil leaks,

[0007] the inner tube being open at its two ends so as to allow communication between the inside of the outer tube and the outside of the outer tube, one end of the inner tube opening towards the outside of the housing and comprising fixing means, the outer tube comprising at least one orifice allowing communication between the inside of the outer tube and the inside of the housing.

[0008] Indeed, in certain 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. The pressure balancing device makes it possible to regulate the pressure inside the first housing.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the internal tube is formed of two parts of different diameters, a first part is arranged in the external tube and a second part, comprising the means for fixing the device to the housing, is arranged at the open end of the external tube, the diameter of the first part of the internal tube is less than that of the second part, the second part opens towards the outside of the housing and its diameter is determined so that it is adjusted in the external tube.

[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, the fixing means are formed by a thread allowing the device to be screwed into the housing of the casing.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second part of the internal tube comprises on its external face, in contact with the housing, a groove in which a seal is arranged.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, an external face of the second part comprises at least one protrusion arranged opposite an opening arranged so as to cooperate with the stud of the internal tube.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the outer tube comprises at least one elongated opening, of the notch type at its open end configured to allow the insertion of an elongated protrusion of the tongue type formed on the surface of the outer face of the inner tube.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner tube comprises a filtration element arranged at the junction of the two parts of the inner tube.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing device according to the invention comprises a screw housing formed at the closed end of the external tube.

[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 machine is an electrically assisted bicycle.

[0019] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood and will appear more clearly on reading the description given below, with reference to the appended figures, given by way of example and in which: - [Fig.l] is an overall view of a mobility device according to one aspect of the invention, - [Fig.2] is an elevation view of the housing comprising the transmission assembly of the mobility device of [Fig.l] 2a) along a first face, 2b) along a second face, - [Fig.3] is a sectional view of the transmission assembly, - [Fig.4] is a sectional elevation view of the gear changing device speed, - [Fig.5] is a sectional view of the shaft of the transmission assembly, - [Fig.6] is a sectional view of the interior of the housing comprising a pressure balancing device according to the invention, - [Fig.7] is a sectional view of the pressure balancing device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, - [Fig.8] is an elevation view of the pressure balancing device according to the variant embodiment of the invention of [Fig.7], - [Fig.9] is another elevation view of the pressure balancing device according to the other variant of [Fig.7], - [Fig. 10] is an elevation view of the pressure balancing device according to another alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0020] [Fig.l] 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, by means of two pedals or equivalent rotating around a crankset axle of axis Xp which drives the rear wheel for example by a chain, or any other transmission means during its use.

[0022] The machine 1 also comprises a control unit 4 as well as several sensors 5, 5', 5”, located for example at the level of the pedals, on the frame of the bicycle or at the level of a wheel 3, 3'.

[0023] The machine 1 shown here also comprises an energy storage device in the form of a battery 6, a lighting system 7, a pedal assembly 8 with an Xp axis, a location and / or navigation system 90 as well as a human-machine interface system 91 comprising in particular a touch screen capable of displaying information for and / or take into account the requests of said user. The human-machine interface system 91 is in particular connected to the location 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 provided 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 housing 30 illustrated [Fig.2] here positioned at the level of the crankset 8 whose axis Xp coincides with the output axis Xv of the speed change device 20.

[0026] The machine 1 comprises a visible transmission assembly 10 [Fig.6]. The transmission assembly 10 comprises a speed change device 20 according to the invention and the electric motor 2 to provide part of the power for the propulsion of the machine 1.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gear changing 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 pinions 60 of axis XVj of reference Fl to F7, integral in rotation with a hollow shaft 40 and a series of seven input pinions 50, of reference FRI to FR7 arranged to rotate freely around a pedal 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 screw 21 of the gear change device 20.

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

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

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

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the geared motor also comprises a pinion 22 on the axis of the worm screw 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 this report.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gear change device 20 comprises at the level of the selection shaft 40 at least two pawls 42 illustrated [Fig. 4] and for example for a 7-speed engine, comprises seven pawls 42. Each pawl 42 is associated with a lifting device 43 making it possible to lift the pawl 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 changing device 20 comprises at least one 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 changing device 20 comprises three series of at least seven pawls arranged one after the other along the longitudinal axis Xv of the selection shaft 40. The series being arranged at 120 degrees from each other around the selection shaft 40.

[0038] The pawls 42 have a shape configured to cooperate with the input gears 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 locked in rotation by one of the pawls 42, and meshes with the corresponding output pinion.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pawls 42 are held in place by a holding ring.

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

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

[0043] According to an embodiment not illustrated, the shuttle 41 is capable of taking a position called the neutral position PO for which no gear ratio is engaged.

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

[0045] The housing 30 comprises 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 gear change device 20 and at least two housings 312, 313 distinct from each other and arranged to house respectively the electric motor and the gear change actuator.

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

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

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

[0050] In certain 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 comprises a pressure balancing device 100 illustrated [Fig.7] to [Fig. 10].

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

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressure balancing device 100 is arranged in the middle of the housing according to its smallest dimension and at 2 / 3 of the housing according to 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 conventional use of the mobility machine. Different oil levels depending on the position of the machine 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 arranged 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 so as to prevent oil leaks, when despite its position, it is in contact with oil. For example during chaotic transport or falling.

[0058] For this, the pressure balancing device 100 comprises 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 by the same part.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the external tube 110 comprises an open end 112 and a closed end 111. The open end is oriented towards the outside of the housing 311 of the casing 30.

[0062] The closed end 111 is closed by narrowing the outer tube 110 or by adding an additional piece.

[0063] The outer 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 disposed at the face of the housing 311 or the casing 30.

[0064] The inner tube 120 has two open ends 121, 122. The inner tube thus allows the circulation of air or overpressure gas and thus makes it possible to balance the pressure in the first housing 311 of the casing 30. The inner tube 120 is located longitudinally in 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 oriented towards the open end 112 of the outer tube 110. The second open end 121 of the inner tube is thus not in contact with the closed end 111 of the outer tube 110. Thus, the oil which penetrates into the device can circulate between the interior of the outer tube 110 and the inner tube 120.

[0065] The first end 122 of the inner tube 120 extends beyond the open end 112 of the outer tube 110.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end of the internal tube 120 which protrudes from the external tube 110 has on its external face a visible thread 170 [Fig. 10]. This thread 170 makes it possible to screw the device 100 into the thickness of the housing 311 of the casing 30. +

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end of the inner tube 120 which protrudes from the outer tube 110 has on its outer face a groove 151 formed by 2 edges. A seal 150 is arranged in this groove 171 to ensure the sealing of the interior of the device. Thus, the oil which penetrates into the device cannot escape at the contact between the outer face of the inner tube 120 and the housing 311.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner tube 120 is formed of two parts 1211, 1221 of different diameters. More precisely, the inner tube 120 comprises a first part 1211 arranged in the outer tube and of smaller diameter than that of the second part 1221, and a second part 1221 arranged at the open end 112 of the outer tube 110. According to one embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the first part 1211 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 which penetrates into the device can circulate between the interior of the outer tube 110 and the inner tube 120.

[0069] The second part 1221 opens outwards from the housing 311 of the casing 30, its diameter is determined so that it fits into the external tube 110.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the external face of the second part 1221 is in contact with the internal face of the external tube 110.

[0071] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the external face of the second part 1221 comprises at least one projection 171 of the stud type. This stud is arranged in an area located opposite the internal face of the open end 112 of the external tube 110.

[0072] According to an embodiment of this variant of the invention, the external face of the second part 1221 comprises two stud-type protrusions 171.

[0073] In this variant embodiment, the open end 112 of the external tube 10 comprises at least one opening 17 arranged so as to cooperate with the stud 171 of the internal tube 120. In this way the stud 171 can be inserted into the opening and allow the internal tube 120 to be held in place relative to the external tube 110.

[0074] According to an embodiment of this variant of the invention, the open end 112 of the external tube 10 comprises at least two openings 17.

[0075] According to an embodiment of this variant of the invention, the outer tube 110 comprises at least one elongated opening 18, of the notch type at its open end 112. This elongated opening 18 is configured to allow the insertion of an elongated protrusion of the tongue type 181 formed on the surface of the outer face of the inner tube 120. The elongated opening is longer than the tongue 181, and ends at the first part 1211 of the inner tube 120. At this first part 1211 the inner tube 120 is not in contact with the outer tube 110, the elongated opening 18 thus forms a passage for the passage of overpressure gases or air.

[0076] According to an embodiment of this variant of the invention, the external tube 110 comprises at least two elongated openings 18 and two elongated protrusions 181.

[0077] According to another variant embodiment of the invention, the internal tube 120 does not have a protrusion but an external thread cooperating with an internal thread of the external tube 110 not illustrated.

[0078] According to another embodiment of the invention illustrated [Fig.8] and [Fig. 10], the external tube 110 comprises at least one orifice 115, 16 for the passage of overpressure gases or air.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, the external tube 110 comprises at least two orifices 115, 16.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the external tube 110 comprises between two and ten orifices 115, 16 and for example six orifices 115.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one orifice 115 is arranged at the closed end 111.

[0082] 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 pressure gas to pass through, while limiting the passage of oil.

[0083] In the context of the invention, the inner tube 120 comprises a filtration element 130, i.e. allowing air and overpressure gases to pass while retaining the oil. According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element is arranged at the junction of the two parts 1211, 1221 of the inner tube 120. The filtration element 130 is thus arranged radially in the inner tube 120 so as to filter the entire flow of gas or air.

[0084] The two parts 1211, 1221 have a different diameter, there is therefore a rim 132 formed at the junction of the two parts 1211, 1221. According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element 130 rests on this rim 132. The filtration element 130 completely covers the opening of the end 1212 of the first part 1211 of the internal tube 120. Located at the junction with the second part 1221 of the internal tube 120.

[0085] According to another embodiment of the invention, the end 1212 of the first part 1211 of the internal tube 120 comprises a cover 133 comprising an opening 114 in its center. The filtration element 130 is arranged at this opening 114.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element 130 is a gore-tex® membrane.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end of the device facing the outside of the housing 30 comprises a cover 160. The cover 160 is fixed to the housing 30. More precisely, the cover is not fixed in a sealed manner so that the excess pressure gas can be evacuated, or in the event of a vacuum, so that air can enter.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a screwing housing 117 formed at the closed end 111 of the external tube 110. This housing 117 makes it possible to insert a tool for screwing the device 100 into the housing 311 of the casing 30.

[0089] Thus, during a situation which will increase the pressure in the first housing 311, or decrease it, the pressure balance is achieved thanks to the pressure balancing device 100. The excess pressure gas enters the device 100 through at least one orifice 115, 16 then circulates via the internal tube 120, and leaves the device via the filtration element 130. Any oil present in the device is blocked by the filtration element. The external rim 123 of the internal tube 120, formed by the difference in diameter between the second 1211 and first 1221 parts, prevents the gas from escaping other than through the filtration element to avoid oil leaks. Indeed, in certain cases other than the increase in pressure, oil may end up in the device 100. It is then blocked by the filtration element and by the rim 123 of the inner tube 120

[0090] Conversely, in cases where the pressure decreases in the housing 311, air can penetrate via the membrane 130 and circulate in the inner tube 120 then penetrate into the first housing 311 via the openings 115, 16 of the outer tube 110.

[0091] 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.

[0092] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the details given above and allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration, and may be modified without departing from the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Pressure balancing device (100) for a mobility device, arranged in a sealed housing (311), the device comprising an outer tube (110), having an open end (112) and a closed end (111) inserted into the housing (311), in which is arranged an inner tube (120) configured to prevent oil leaks, the inner tube (120) being open at both ends so as to allow communication between the inside of the outer tube (110) and the outside of the outer tube (110), one end (1221) of the inner tube (120) opening towards the outside of the housing (311) and comprising fixing means, the outer tube (110) comprising at least one orifice (115) allowing communication between the inside of the outer tube (120) and the inside of the housing (311),characterized in that the fixing means are formed by a thread (170) allowing the device to be screwed into the housing (311) of the casing (30) and / or in that the device (100) comprises a screwing housing (117) formed at the closed end (111) of the external tube (110).,

2. Pressure balancing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the inner tube (120) is formed of two parts (1211, 1221) of different diameters, a first part (1211) is arranged in the outer tube (120) and a second part (1221), comprising the means for fixing the device to the housing (311), is arranged at the open end (112) of the outer tube (110), the diameter of the first part (1211) of the inner tube (120) is smaller than that of the second part (1221), the second part (1221) opens out towards the outside of the housing (311) and its diameter is determined so that it is fitted in the outer tube (110).

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

4. Pressure balancing device (100) according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the second part (1221) of the internal tube (120) comprises on its external face, in contact with the housing (311), a groove (151) in which a seal (150) is arranged.

5. Pressure balancing device (100) according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which an external face of the second part (1221) comprises at least one protrusion (171) arranged opposite an opening (17) arranged to cooperate with the stud (171) of the internal tube (120).

6. Pressure balancing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the outer tube (110) comprises at least one elongated opening (18), of the notch type at its open end (112) configured to allow the insertion of an elongated protrusion of the tongue type (181) formed on the surface of the outer face of the inner tube (120).

7. Pressure balancing device (100) according to one of claims 2 to 6, in which the inner tube (120) comprises a filtration element (130) arranged at the junction of the two parts (1211, 1221) of the inner tube (120).

8. Mobility device (1), in particular electrically assisted mobility device, comprising a pressure balancing device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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