ON-BOARD POWER SUPPLY UNIT FOR CYCLE

Abstract

ON-BOARD POWER SUPPLY UNIT FOR CYCLE On-board power supply unit (1) for vehicle, comprising: - an elongated electric accumulator battery (2) in an elongation direction (II), - a charger (3), fixed to a first end of the electric accumulator battery, having an output connected to said electric accumulator battery, and having an input comprising an electrical connection cable (4), the first end of which is fixed and permanently connected to the charger, and the second end of which is free and provided with a male plug (10) for connection to an external source of electrical energy, - a plug receptacle (5), provided at a second end of the electric accumulator battery (2) and shaped to receive and retain said male plug (10) in a rest position in which the electrical connection cable (4) runs along said electric accumulator battery (2).Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: ON-BOARD POWER SUPPLY UNIT FOR CYCLE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of on-board electrical power supply for vehicles, in particular for light electrically assisted vehicles such as bicycles, scooters, tricycles, ....

[0002] In this application, the electrical power source for the electric assist motor is a battery mounted on the vehicle chassis. The battery is generally recharged by an external charger that the user connects to it. The external charger is either permanently connected to an external power source or can be connected to that external power source at will.

[0003] To charge the electric accumulator battery at different connection points to an external source of electrical energy, the user must carry his external charger in a bag, which is not very convenient and carries a risk of forgetting or losing the charger.

[0004] To avoid the inconvenience of carrying an external charger in a bag, and the risk of forgetting or losing it, it has already been proposed to integrate an onboard charger, attached to one end of the battery pack and permanently connected to said battery pack. In the proposed solutions, it remains necessary to use an external electrical connection cable, which the user must connect between the onboard charger and an external power source.

[0005] Thus, to charge the battery at various connection points to an external power source, the user must carry the external power cable in a bag, which is again inconvenient and carries the risk of forgetting or losing the cable. The proposed solutions have not provided a simple, efficient, and compact way to house the external power cable on the vehicle chassis, nor to allow for its permanent connection to the charger. Description of the invention

[0006] One problem addressed by the present invention is to design an on-board power supply unit in which a charger is fixed and permanently connected to the battery of electrical accumulators, an electrical connection cable is permanently connected to the charger and is accessible and long enough for its connection to an external source of electrical power, and the electrical connection cable can be stored in a resting position that does not significantly increase the volume occupied by the power supply unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the use of the electrical connection cable, to put it in the resting position or to deploy it for connection to an external source of electrical energy, should not require any special skill or attention from the user.

[0008] Preferably, the on-board power supply unit should be removable, allowing the user to recharge it in a supervised area. In this case, the handling of the power supply unit, for its installation on the vehicle or its removal, must not be affected in any way by the presence of the electrical connection cable.

[0009] On the other hand, in the rest position, the electrical connection cable must be effectively fixed to avoid any risk of even partial release or vibration of the cable with respect to the electrical power supply unit during the operation of the vehicle.

[0010] According to another object of the invention, improper storage of the electrical connection cable should be virtually impossible and should never generate a risk of damage to the electrical connection cable, damage which could lead to a risk of electrocution of the user.

[0011] Similarly, the invention aims to prevent a damaged electrical connection cable from coming into contact with the vehicle chassis during the charging of the electrical power unit.

[0012] To reach these objects and others, the invention proposes an on-board vehicle power supply unit, comprising: - a battery of electrical accumulators having a length between a first end and a second end along a direction of elongation, - a charger, fixed to said first end of the electric accumulator battery, having an output connected to said electric accumulator battery, and having an input configured for its connection to an external source of electrical power, and in which: - the input includes an electrical connection cable, one end of which is fixed and permanently connected to the charger, and the other end of which is free and fitted with a male plug shaped for its insertion and connection to a socket for the connection of said external source of electrical power, - A plug receptacle is provided at one end of the power supply unit and is shaped to receive and retain said male plug in a resting position of the electrical connection cable, - in said rest position, the electrical connection cable runs alongside said electrical accumulator battery.

[0013] In this way, we take advantage of the relatively large length of the battery which is necessary for a satisfactory autonomy of the vehicle, the electrical connection cable being long enough to allow its connection to an external source of electrical energy when the electrical power unit rests on the ground, the volume of the electrical power unit is not substantially increased by the presence of the electrical connection cable in the rest position, and the handling of the electrical connection cable is easy.

[0014] The power supply unit of the present invention may further include one or more of the following features.

[0015] Thus, for example, the plug receptacle can advantageously be shaped to receive said male plug in a transverse insertion direction relative to said elongation direction.

[0016] This further facilitates the handling of the electrical connection cable, without increasing the volume of the power supply unit.

[0017] Preferably, said male plug is angled.

[0018] This further reduces the bulk of the electrical connection cable and the power supply unit.

[0019] In said rest position, the electrical connection cable is advantageously taut between the charger and the plug receptacle.

[0020] This prevents vibrations of the electrical connection cable during vehicle use.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the plug receptacle is mobile, in translation or in rotation, according to the direction of elongation, between a close position and a distant position, the plug receptacle being constantly stressed by a return means which pushes it towards its distant position so as to tension the electrical connection cable in the rest position.

[0022] This ensures the tension of the electrical connection cable in the rest position, while also facilitating its handling.

[0023] To further reduce the risk of vibration of the electrical connection cable during use of the vehicle, it may be provided that, between the charger and the plug receptacle, the electrical connection cable is held against the electrical storage battery by a plurality of point-to-point connection means distributed according to the length of the electrical connection cable.

[0024] The point-to-point connection means may advantageously include magnets, further facilitating the handling of the electrical connection cable.

[0025] Preferably, between the charger and the plug, the electrical connection cable is equipped with stiffening strips defining at least two cable sections with increased stiffness separating cable sections without strips and having a lower stiffness than that of the strips.

[0026] In this way, the electrical connection cable is held more securely against the battery, while retaining sufficient flexibility.

[0027] According to an advantageous and simplified embodiment, it can be provided that: - the plug receptacle is disposed at the second end of the electric accumulator battery, - in rest position, the electrical connection cable runs along said battery of electrical accumulators in a single pass.

[0028] This embodiment is suitable when the electrical storage battery is sufficiently long, so that the electrical connection cable is also sufficiently long to allow the connection of the power supply unit to an external source of electrical energy.

[0029] To further reduce the volume of the power supply unit, between the charger and the plug receptacle, the electrical connection cable can be housed in a groove provided on the periphery of the electric accumulator battery.

[0030] Said groove is preferably substantially straight and parallel to said elongation direction.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment for use on a cycle, the power supply unit includes removable fixing members shaped for fixing in a housing of a bicycle frame.

[0032] The electrical connection cable may advantageously have a length of between 20 and 30 centimeters approximately, advantageously 25 centimeters approximately.

[0033] According to one application of the invention, an electrically assisted bicycle is provided comprising an electrical power supply unit as defined above.

[0034] In this case, the electrically assisted bicycle may advantageously include a receiving compartment in which the power supply unit can engage with little play, preventing the correct engagement of the power supply unit in the receiving compartment when the electrical connection cable is not positioned in its rest position.

[0035] In this way, improper storage of the electrical connection cable is virtually impossible and cannot generate a risk of damage to the electrical connection cable. Furthermore, this prevents an electrical connection cable that may have been damaged by external causes from coming into contact with the vehicle chassis during the charging of the power supply unit.

[0036] According to an advantageous provision in such an electrically assisted bicycle, it is provided that: - the receiving compartment is located in an oblique beam of the bicycle frame between the handlebars and the bottom bracket, - the receiving compartment includes a top opening that can be closed with a cover and allows the insertion and extraction of the power supply unit, - in the receiving compartment, the power supply unit is arranged with its extension direction substantially aligned with the oblique beam, with the plug receptacle in the upper part of the receiving compartment, and with the electrical connection cable in the rest position located below the electrical storage battery.

[0037] In this way, even if the cover did not provide watertight protection, any rainwater runoff would not reach the plug because it is still protected by the plug receptacle. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, made in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0039] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view from below of a power supply unit electric according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connection cable being in the charging position, away from the electrical accumulator battery, for connection to an external source of electrical power supply;

[0040] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a perspective view from below of the power supply unit electrical of the [Fig.1], the electrical connection cable being in the rest position, fully pressed against the electrical accumulator battery, the male plug being engaged in the plug receptacle;

[0041] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a perspective view from below of the power supply unit electrical of the [Fig.l], in a first intermediate position in which the electrical connection cable is partially pressed against the electrical accumulator battery;

[0042] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a perspective view from below of the power supply unit electrical of the [Fig.l], in a second intermediate position in which the electrical connection cable is almost entirely pressed against the electrical accumulator battery, the male plug being partially engaged in the plug receptacle;

[0043] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a partial longitudinal sectional side view illustrating the partial engagement position of the male plug in the plug receptacle;

[0044] [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a partial longitudinal sectional side view illustrating the fully engaged position of the male plug in the plug receptacle;

[0045] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] is a partial side view illustrating the position and orientation of the male plug in the plug receptacle when the power unit is being inserted into a bicycle frame itself illustrated in longitudinal section;

[0046] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a partial side view in longitudinal section illustrating the position and orientation of the male plug in the plug receptacle when the power supply unit is housed in the bicycle frame;

[0047] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a top perspective view illustrating the power supply unit being introduced into a bicycle frame itself shown in longitudinal section;

[0048] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a top perspective view illustrating the power supply unit housed in the bicycle frame itself shown in longitudinal section;

[0049] [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a top perspective view illustrating the power supply unit during an attempted insertion into the bicycle frame when this insertion is prevented by the electrical connection cable; and

[0050] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is a side view of a bicycle in which the power supply unit is incorporated. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0051] When identical numerical references are used in several embodiments of the invention, these numerical references designate identical or similar elements in each of the embodiments.

[0052] We first consider the power supply unit 1 as illustrated globally in Figures 1 to 4. It is a removable power supply unit, shaped to be mounted on a vehicle, in particular on a light electrically assisted vehicle such as a bicycle.

[0053] This power supply unit 1 includes an electric accumulator battery 2, a charger 3, an electrical connection cable 4, and a plug receptacle 5.

[0054] The electric accumulator battery 2 is elongated between a first end 6 and a second end 7 along an elongation direction II, and has a length L between approximately 20 and 30 centimeters, advantageously approximately 25 cm.

[0055] The charger 3 is attached to said first end 6 of the electric storage battery 2, has an output connected to said electric storage battery 2, and has an input shaped for its connection to an external source of electrical power. The charger 3 is structured in a known manner to transform an alternating electric current, supplied to the charger 3 by an external source of electrical power, into a direct electric current, supplied by the charger 3. to the electric accumulator battery 2, and suitable for recharging the latter.

[0056] The electrical connection cable 4 has a first end 8 fixed and permanently connected to the input of the charger 3, and has a second end 9 fitted with a male plug 10 shaped for connection to the external source of electrical power.

[0057] The plug receptacle 5 is disposed at the second end 7 of the electric accumulator battery 2 and is shaped to receive and retain said male plug 10 in a rest position of the electrical connection cable 4 as illustrated in [Fig.2],

[0058] As can be seen more particularly in [Fig. 1], a groove 11 is provided on the periphery of the battery 2, and this groove 11 is substantially straight and parallel to the elongation direction II. The groove 11 is shaped to be able to receive and contain the electrical connection cable 4 when it is in the rest position as illustrated in [Fig. 2].

[0059] In this rest position illustrated in [Fig.2], the electrical connection cable 4 is thus in a position in which it runs along the electrical accumulator battery 2 in a single pass, and the male plug 10 is housed in the plug receptacle 5.

[0060] As can be seen in particular in figures 1 to 6, the plug receptacle 5 is shaped to receive said male plug 10 in an insertion direction ILII transverse to said elongation direction II. To facilitate insertion, the male plug is bent, preferably at 90°.

[0061] The length of the electrical connection cable 4 is chosen so that, in the rest position, the electrical connection cable 4 is taut between the charger 3 and the plug receptacle 5. In practice, the electrical connection cable 4 has a length equal to the length of the accumulator battery 2, i.e. a length of between 20 and 30 cm approximately, advantageously of 25 cm approximately.

[0062] We now consider Figures 5 and 6, illustrating in side view the structure of the plug receptacle 5 in longitudinal section. In [Fig. 5], the male plug 10 is being inserted into the plug receptacle 5, while in [Fig. 6], the male plug 10 is fully inserted into the plug receptacle 5.

[0063] The plug receptacle 5 is a movable part that can be moved along the elongation direction II, between a position close to and a position away from the battery 2. In practice, the plug receptacle 5 is a movable part, rotatably mounted about a transverse axis 12 of the second end 7 of the battery 2. The rotational movement of the plug receptacle 5 is illustrated by arrow 13, and is limited to the distance from the battery 2 by a stop 14. hook shape. A spring 15 constantly pushes the plug receptacle 5 away from the accumulator battery 2 and towards the stop 14.

[0064] Thus, when the user presents the plug 10 for insertion into the plug receptacle 5, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], the plug receptacle 5 tilts slightly towards the battery 2 against the pressure of the spring 15 to facilitate the insertion of the plug 10 while the electrical connection cable 4 is not fully taut. Then, when the plug 10 is fully inserted into the plug receptacle 5, the user releases the electrical connection cable 4, and the spring 15 then pushes the plug receptacle 5 towards the stop 14, thus ensuring satisfactory tension on the electrical connection cable 4 in its rest position.

[0065] Figures 1 to 4, illustrating a particular structure of the electrical connection cable 4, are again considered. In this embodiment, point-to-point connecting means are distributed along the length of the electrical connection cable 4 and allow the electrical connection cable 4 to be held against the battery 2 when it is in its rest position. In practice, the electrical connection cable 4 includes magnets 16 which, in the rest position, press against the metal bottom of the groove 11 of the battery 2.

[0066] In this embodiment, the electrical connection cable 4 is further provided with two stiffening strips 17 and 18, defining two sections with increased stiffness separating cable sections 19, 20 and 21 without strips and having a lower stiffness than the strips 17 and 18. The magnets 16 are placed on the stiffening strips 17 and 18.

[0067] Thanks to this structure of the electrical connection cable 4, when the user wants to move the electrical connection cable 4 from the charging position shown in [Fig. 2] to the resting position shown in [Fig. 1], they gradually move the electrical connection cable 4 towards the groove 11 of the battery 2. Due to the attraction of the magnets 16, the strip 17 first comes to rest in the groove 11 as shown in [Fig. 3], facilitating the engagement of the electrical connection cable 4 in the groove 11. Then, as shown in [Fig. 4], when the male plug 10 is presented to the entrance of the plug receptacle 5, the strip 18 tends to come to rest in the groove 11. Finally, in the resting position shown in [Fig. 1], both strips 17 and 18 are pressed into the groove 11.

[0068] As can be seen in particular in Figures 1 to 4, the power supply unit 1 comprises, at its two ends, fastening elements allowing its removable attachment in a bicycle frame housing. These fastening elements can be structured in a known manner and are not themselves part of the present Invention. A retractable carrying handle 22, which can be rotated, is provided at the second end of the power supply unit 1, allowing it to be gripped and carried. At its second end, the power supply unit 1 also includes electrical connection means for connecting the battery 2 to the electric assist motor of the bicycle when it is fixed in the bicycle frame housing.

[0069] We now consider figures 7 to 12, illustrating the positioning of the power supply unit 1 as described above in a bicycle frame 23 designed for this purpose.

[0070] The bicycle frame 23 includes a receiving compartment 24 into which the power supply unit 1 can be engaged with minimal play. In practice, the receiving compartment 24 is formed in an oblique beam 25 of the bicycle frame between the handlebars 26 and the crankset 27 ([Fig. 12]). The receiving compartment 24 includes a top opening 28 that can be closed by a cover 29 and allows the insertion and removal of the power supply unit 1. In the receiving compartment 24, the power supply unit 1 is arranged with its elongation direction II substantially aligned with the oblique beam 25, the plug receptacle 5 is located in the upper part of the receiving compartment 24, and the electrical connection cable 4, in its resting position, is located below the battery 2, facing the bottom of the receiving compartment 24.

[0071] Figure 9 illustrates the power supply unit 1 being inserted into the receiving compartment 24, with its first end engaged in the receiving compartment 24 and its second end still outside the receiving compartment 24. Figure 10 illustrates the power supply unit 1 fully inserted into the receiving compartment 24, before the cover 29 is closed.

[0072] Considering [Fig. 11], the opening 28 of the receiving compartment 24 is distinguished. The dimensions of the opening 28 are chosen so that the power supply unit 1 passes through this opening 28 with only a small amount of play during its insertion. Thus, when the electrical connection cable 4 is not correctly engaged in its resting position, for example as illustrated in [Fig. 11], the electrical connection cable 4 itself prevents the correct insertion of the power supply unit 1, which therefore cannot be used to power the electric bicycle's assist motor.

[0073] The embodiment which has been previously described, both for the power supply unit 1 and for the bicycle-type vehicle, the electric accumulator battery 2 is of a relatively elongated shape, particularly well suited for a bicycle in which the frame includes an oblique beam 25.

[0074] However, the present invention can be applied to vehicles without a central tube, such as the oblique beam 25. This is the case, for example, with scooters. In this case, the battery can have a less elongated shape, so that a cable running along the battery in a single pass might be too short for connection to an external power source. It can then be provided that, in the resting position, the electrical connection cable runs along one face of the battery, making a round trip, with the plug receptacle positioned on the charger. This takes advantage of the flexibility between two rigid segments of the electrical connection cable.

[0075] As an alternative or in addition, it can also be provided that, in the rest position, the electrical connection cable is stored folded down on two sides of the electrical accumulator battery.

[0076] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments that have been explicitly described, but includes the various variants and generalizations contained within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Vehicle-mounted power supply unit (1), comprising: - an electric storage battery (2) having a length between a first end (6) and a second end (7) in an elongation direction (II), - a charger (3), fixed to said first end (6) of the electric storage battery (2), having an output connected to said electric storage battery (2), and having an input shaped for its connection to an external source of electrical power, wherein: - the input comprises an electrical connection cable (4), a first end (8) of which is fixed and permanently connected to the charger (3), and a second end (9) of which is free and provided with a male plug (10) shaped for its engagement and connection to a connection socket of said external source of electrical power,- a plug receptacle (5) is and is shaped to receive and retain said male plug (10) in a rest position of the electrical connection cable (4), characterized in that: - the plug receptacle (5) is provided at one end (7) of the electrical power supply unit (1), - in said rest position, the electrical connection cable (4) runs alongside said electrical storage battery (2), - the plug receptacle (5) is movable, along the extension direction (II), between a close position and a wide position, the plug receptacle (5) being continuously actuated by a return means (15) which pushes it back towards its wide position so as to tension the electrical connection cable (4) in the rest position.

2. Power supply unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug receptacle (5) is shaped to receive said male plug (10) in an insertion direction (II-II) transverse to said elongation direction (II).

3. Power supply unit (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said male plug (10) is angled.

4. Power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, between the charger (3) and the re- plug receptacle (5), the electrical connection cable (4) is held against the electrical storage battery (2) by a plurality of point-to-point connecting means (16) distributed according to the length of the electrical connection cable (4).

5. Power supply unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the point-to-point connecting means comprise magnets (16).

6. Power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, between the charger (3) and the plug (10), the electrical connection cable (4) is provided with stiffening strips (17, 18) defining at least two cable sections with increased stiffness separating cable sections without strips (19, 20, 21) and having a lower stiffness than that of the strips.

7. Power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: - the plug receptacle (5) is disposed at the second end (7) of the electric accumulator battery (2), - in the rest position, the electrical connection cable (4) runs along said electric accumulator battery (2) in a single pass.

8. Power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, between the charger (3) and the plug receptacle (5), the electrical connection cable (4) is housed in a groove (11) provided on the periphery of the electrical accumulator battery (2).

9. Power supply unit according to claim 8, characterized in that said groove (11) is substantially straight and parallel to said elongation direction (II).

10. Power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises removable fixing members shaped for fixing in a housing of a bicycle frame.

11. Power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the electrical connection cable (4) has a length of between 20 and 30 centimeters approximately, advantageously about 25 centimeters.

12. Electrically assisted bicycle comprising a power supply unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Electrically assisted bicycle according to claim 12, characterized in that that it includes a receiving compartment (24) in which the power supply unit (1) can engage with little play, preventing proper engagement of the power supply unit (1) in the receiving compartment (24) when the electrical connection cable (4) is not positioned in its rest position.

14. Electrically assisted bicycle according to claim 13, characterized in that: - the receiving compartment (24) is provided in an oblique beam (25) of the bicycle frame between the handlebars (26) and the crankset (27), - the receiving compartment (24) includes a top opening (28) which can be closed by a cover (29) and which allows the insertion and extraction of the power supply unit (1), - in the receiving compartment (24), the power supply unit (1) is arranged with its extension direction (II) substantially aligned with the oblique beam (25), with the plug receptacle (5) in the upper part of the receiving compartment (24), and with the electrical connection cable (4) in the rest position located below the electrical storage battery (2).

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