Electric pedal bicycle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric velocipede comprising at least one electric battery and at least one photovoltaic panel, at least one electric motor, and an electronic circuit for distributing electrical energy between the power sources and the loads, characterized in that it comprises a crankset driving an electric generator, without mechanical transmission between said cranksets and the wheels, the torque setpoint of said generator being determined by the power delivered by said at least one electric motor and by the state of charge of said battery, said at least one crankset having a torque sensor connected to said electrical energy distribution circuit to control the rotational speed of said at least one electric motor. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Electric pedal-powered velocipede Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of velocipede land vehicles, generally with three or four wheels, capable of accommodating one or more passengers and equipped with pedals for propulsion, known for example under the brand names "La Rosalie" or "Le Cuistax". These vehicles, without a motor (or with simple electric assistance), meet various needs, including tourist rentals, pedal taxis, private tours, use in the mountains, and on industrial sites. For recreational use, they are generally offered for rent for rides in tourist areas, such as amusement parks and seaside resorts. Prior art

[0002] Moroccan patent MA20150460, describing an electric quadricycle with a battery recharged by means of a standard tiltable photovoltaic panel forming the canopy of the quadricycle, is known in the prior art. This patent provides that in case of insufficient electrical charge, a pedal system is used to move the vehicle.

[0003] US patent 8640796 describes a solar-powered vehicle with regenerative and mechanical braking comprising a chassis or frame, a seat mounted on the frame, a rear axle rotatably supported on the frame, spaced left and right rear wheels mounted on the rear axle, and at least one front wheel mounted on the frame. The vehicle includes a selectively engaged regenerative braking system and a mechanical braking system. A lever for engaging the braking systems has three positions, in which, in the first position, a reed switch on the lever engages a magnetic source, deactivating the regenerative braking system. In the second position, the reed switch disengages the magnetic source, activating the regenerative braking system. In the third position of the lever, the mechanical braking system is engaged.

[0004] Indian patent IN201641024865 proposes another electric vehicle powered by integrated power systems to operate a two- and three-wheeler with human, solar, electric and piezoelectric energy and a four-wheeler with solar, electric and piezoelectric energy.

[0005] US patent 7017685 describes a three-wheeled, enclosed, zero-emission electric scooter with two 1 HP motors powered by batteries charged by solar panels and a generator operated by pedals.

[0006] US patent 7021978 describes a human-powered generator system with a control means by which the perceived mechanical properties of the mechanism The pedal and the electric pedal generator are adjustable by the operator. The invention provides a means by which the rotational inertia and damping of the input pedal mechanism, including the generator, as perceived by the operator, can be increased or decreased as desired. The control means further have properties such that the input pedal mechanism, as perceived by the operator, can mimic that of a bicycle, i.e., with high inertia when pedaling forward, very low inertia when pedaling backward, and a freewheeling clutch mechanism by which the high inertia is disengaged when no forward pedaling is applied with forward torque.

[0007] US patent 4181188 describes a low-energy-consumption passenger transport vehicle for road use powered by a battery that can be recharged from any free energy source, namely the sun, wind, human muscle power, and momentum. The vehicle comprises four modules: the body, the solar module, and two power modules. A power module is located at each end of the body module. This module includes electric motors driving the vehicle's wheels and rechargeable batteries to power the motors. Pedals, similar to those of a bicycle, located at each power module, drive generators to assist in recharging the batteries while the vehicle is in operation, or directly assist in driving the vehicle's wheels.A solar module, including a large panel of solar cells that generate electricity, covers most of the vehicle's roof to help charge the batteries. Regenerative braking can be used during deceleration, on a long descent, when the cruising speed exceeds the required speed, or at any other time when the vehicle's momentum is greater than necessary for its operation, in order to use the excess forward momentum to drive the generators and charge the batteries. This way, only one battery charge is maintained, and the vehicle's operation is assisted to achieve maximum range and speed.

[0008] US patent application US20100170727 relates to a vehicle that can be powered by integrated power systems involving human pedaling, electric power, and solar power; a drive-wheel power transmission system for the vehicle that can also operate in reverse; and an integrated solar / electric power system for mobile systems. The unique design of the vehicle's power transmission systems allows human pedaling and the electric motor to power the vehicle independently. The electric motor is powered by batteries charged from household power sources or by solar panels integrated on the exterior of the vehicle. Disadvantages of prior art

[0009] Prior art solutions are unsatisfactory because they involve a mechanical transmission between the pedals and the wheels, usually the rear wheels. While this solution allows for the transmission of muscular energy to the wheels with minimal loss, it requires the installation of a transmission mechanism, resulting in an increase in the vehicle's unladen mass. For a velocipede capable of traveling on "all terrains," it is generally preferable to use suspension, which necessitates a more complex and therefore heavier transmission mechanism. Description of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks. To this end, the invention relates, in its most general scope, to an electric velocipede comprising at least one electric battery and at least one photovoltaic panel, at least one electric motor, and an electronic circuit for distributing electrical energy between the sources of electricity and the loads of electricity, characterized in that it comprises a crankset driving an electric generator, without mechanical transmission between said cranksets and the wheels, the torque setpoint value of said generator being determined by the power delivered by said at least one electric motor, and by the state of charge of said battery, said at least one crankset comprising a torque sensor connected to said electrical energy distribution circuit to control the rotational speed of said at least one electric motor.

[0011] The object of the present invention may also have one or a compatible combination of the following characteristics.

[0012] it comprises a canopy the upper part of which is constituted by said photovoltaic panel

[0013] it includes a regenerative braking system electrically connected to said electrical energy distribution circuit, said regenerative braking circuit being controlled by the signal provided by said torque sensor and / or by a braking actuation device.

[0014] It comprises a tubular frame having an empty area for the positioning of at least one crankset

[0015] said tubular chassis has a suspended front axle and a suspended rigid rear axle, articulated with respect to a central frame;

[0016] Said central frame comprising a U-shaped tube has two lateral longitudinal arms connected by a cross-section,

[0017] Two longitudinal tubes are fixed to said cross-section and extend forward via joints for the front axle crossbars; and connected to the rear to a connecting crossmember with said lateral arms, the rear ends of said lateral arms being articulated relative to said rear axle,

[0018] said central frame is further extended on either side by vertical tubular uprights in the shape of inverted U being connected on said lateral arms to form a protective cage for the persons transported.

[0019] said vertical tubular uprights are fitted with retaining handles

[0020] It comprises on either side a longitudinal part articulated in rotation between a folded position where it extends between the rear upright and the front upright, and a raised position where it frees the passage between said rear and front uprights.

[0021] It further comprises a transverse front bench fixed to said tubular frame.

[0022] It comprises two pedal assemblies, each arranged between lateral longitudinal arms of said U-shaped tube and said corresponding longitudinal tube.

[0023] it includes retractable extensions carrying additional photovoltaic panels.

[0024] Description of non-limiting examples of embodiment

[0025] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, concerning a non-limiting example of an embodiment illustrated by the accompanying drawings where:

[0026] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a velocipede according to the invention

[0027] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents a view from below of the velocipede frame according the invention

[0028] [Fig.3] Fig.3 represents a schematic view of the velocipede's electrical circuit according to the invention General principle of the invention

[0029] The velocipede according to the invention is, in the example described, a four-wheeled vehicle (10 to 13), consisting of a tubular frame (100) and a body (200). The choice of a tubular frame and a body made of aluminum or plastic ensures robustness and durability while minimizing weight. It includes a front bench seat (210) for two passengers and a rear bench seat (220), each formed by a rigid load-bearing shell fixed to the frame (100) and covered with seat cushions.

[0030] Two U-shaped uprights (110, 120) with upper bars (115, 125) extending on either side of two vertical arms fixed to the frame form a rigid cage to protect users. The upper bars (115, 125) also support the canopy (300), the upper part of which carries photovoltaic panels. The front uprights are equipped with grab handles (116, 126).

[0031] A longitudinal bar (240) extends on either side of the vehicle between the front and rear pillars. They are articulated about a transverse pivot (241), to allow a switch between the position illustrated by [Fig.1], where they close the passage with the two vertical posts and protect the vehicle occupants and serve as armrests, and a position where they are oriented vertically to free the passage.

[0032] One of the users has a steering wheel (130) controlling the orientation of the front wheels. The vehicle also has two pedal assemblies (130, 140) located in front of the front seat (210). These pedal assemblies (130, 140) are mounted on rails allowing adjustment of the distance in front of the front seat (210) and adaptation to the user's height.

[0033] Fig. 2 represents a bottom view showing the chassis of a non-limiting example of chassis embodiment.

[0034] The tubular frame comprises a U-shaped tube with two longitudinal arms (101, 102) connected by a transverse segment (103) to surround the user seating area. It is completed by two tubular longitudinal members (104, 105) generally S-shaped with their front ends close together, each fixed to the transverse segment (103) of the U-shaped tube, and their rear ends set apart and fixed to a transverse bar (132). This frame thus forms a rigid and lightweight base, to which the lower ends (111, 121, 112, 122) of the two vertical uprights (110, 120) forming the occupant protection cage are fixed.

[0035] The tubular frame is extended by a front axle (160) and a rear axle (170) with a rigid axle (175) suspended and associated with shock absorbers.

[0036] The chassis is also extended by front (20) and rear (30) bumpers. Electrical system

[0037] The velocipede according to the invention comprises at least three sources of electricity: - An electric generator (500), for example an alternator associated with an AC / DC converter - Photovoltaic cells (600) forming a panel mounted on the canopy of the velocipede - A battery (700) - And possibly the electrical energy produced by the engine (800) and recovered by a regenerative braking circuit

[0038] The electrical system also includes electrical charges and primarily: - An electric motor (800) driving the rear wheel axle (11, 13), or the drive wheels (11, 13), or even four drive wheels (10 to 13) - A computer and an electronic circuit - And incidentally, safety or comfort equipment such as lighting systems, a horn, etc.

[0039] The main pedal assembly is located at the level of the driver. It transmits mechanical energy directly or via a kinematic chain such as a gear-shifting system to an electric generator (500). The pedal assembly (130) does not drive the wheels (10 to 13) by mechanical transmission, but only via electrical energy supplied partly by the generator and partly by the motor powered by electricity supplied by the various electrical energy sources of the system.

[0040] The pedal assembly (130) is equipped with a torque sensor (510) that outputs an electrical signal representing the torque applied by the user. This torque signal controls the calculation of a target speed for the vehicle. When the torque exerted by the user on the pedal assembly increases relative to the resistance torque exerted by the generator, the target speed increases. When it decreases, the target speed decreases. When the relative torque reverses, the signal activates regenerative braking.

[0041] Preferably the velocipede according to the invention comprises a second pedal set mechanically connected to the main pedal set, to allow the mechanical effort to be increased by the contribution of a passenger, or one or more additional pedal sets each equipped with its own generator, which is controlled by the main circuit (550) of the main pedal set (130), or by secondary circuits which take into account the signal provided by a torque sensor specific to the corresponding secondary pedal set to allow an adaptation of the resistance torque of each of the generators to the user who acts on the associated pedal set.

[0042] The generator (500) is controlled by a power electronic circuit (550) comprising an AC-DC converter (520) and a control circuit (530) modifying the operating point of the generator according to usage variables presented below.

[0043] The pedal assembly (130) constitutes the power interface between the user and the generator (500); it is advantageously coupled to the generator rotor (500) via a gear train. Advantageously, the rotational speed of the generator rotor is ten times higher than that of the pedal assembly. The mechanical power supplied by the user is transmitted to the generator (500) and converted into electrical power. Typically, the generator (500) supplies three-phase electrical current.

[0044] The rectifier (520) is a unidirectional controlled rectifier. It converts the three-phase current supplied by the generator (500) into rectified, substantially direct current. To ensure a voltage within an optimal range for the operation of the electric assist system at its best efficiency, the rectifier (520) includes an integral proportional regulator to control the output power and optionally modulate the torque at the crankset (130) according to the pedal position. When the motor (800) is an alternating motor, for example three-phase, the control circuit (850) includes an inverter which transforms the rectified current, substantially direct, delivered by the distribution circuit (1000) into three-phase current supplying the stator of the electric machine (800).

[0045] In the event of regenerative braking, the inverter receives a three-phase current from the motor (800) and transforms it into rectified, substantially direct current.

[0046] The electronic circuit (1000) ensures the distribution of electrical energy according to the residual energy of the battery (700) and the variable inputs of human energy by the main generator (500) and, where applicable, by secondary generators on the one hand, and by the photovoltaic panel (300) on the other. It typically includes a buck converter ensuring a nominal charging voltage for the battery (700) and ensuring a voltage increase or decrease depending on the voltage supplied by the generator(s) (500) and / or by the photovoltaic panel (600).

[0047] This electronic circuit (1000) supplies the electric current to a control circuit (850) of the motor(s) (800), this control circuit (850) also ensuring the function of recovering electrical energy by regenerative braking.

[0048] This circuit (1000) prioritizes the supply of power required by the motor(s) (800) to propel the velocipede at the set speed, and the use of any excess power supplied by the generator to recharge the battery (700). This circuit (1000) also controls the control circuit (530) by setting a resistance torque. If the battery's state of charge is high and / or the photovoltaic energy supply (600) is high, the resistance torque setpoint is lowered to maintain the set speed with less human effort. Conversely, if the battery's state of charge is low and the electricity supplied by the photovoltaic panel (600) is low, the resistance torque setpoint increases to increase the electrical power supplied by the generator (500).

[0049] In the case of several independent pedal sets, according to a first variant only the signal from the torque sensor (510) of the main pedal set is taken into account by the control circuit (1000), and in this case the control circuit (1000) provides each pedal set with a setpoint value of constant resistance torque or taking into account the signal provided by the torque sensor of the corresponding secondary pedal set, in order to adapt the effort to be provided to each user of a secondary pedal set.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (1000) takes into account a combination of the signals supplied for each of the torque sensors of the main pedal assembly and the secondary pedal assemblies in order to allow each to influence the speed or braking, possibly with a preference management algorithm to avoid the conflicting orders.

[0051] Optionally, this control circuit (1000) also takes into account data from a guidance system (90) to estimate the power required to travel a planned route and to adjust the instantaneous setpoint value to consider not only the instantaneous state of charge of the battery (700) but also the power requirements for the remainder of the route, thus smoothing variations in the setpoint value over the entire route to ensure the ability to travel the entire planned route without exceeding a reasonable resistance torque setpoint value. For example, this variant makes it possible to avoid a situation such as the battery being depleted at the bottom of a steep incline by increasing the resistance setpoint value above the instantaneous requirement in the first part of the route, and having a reserve for later parts of the route where high power is required.

Claims

Claims

1. - Electric velocipede comprising at least one electric battery (700) and at least one photovoltaic panel (600), at least one electric motor (800), as well as an electronic circuit for distributing electrical energy (1000) between the electricity sources and the electricity loads characterized in that it comprises a pedal assembly (130) driving an electric generator (500), without mechanical transmission between said pedal assembly and the wheels (10 to 13), the torque setpoint value of said generator (500) being determined by the power delivered by said at least one electric motor (800), and by the state of charge of said battery (700), said at least one pedal assembly (130) comprising a torque sensor (510) connected to said electrical energy distribution circuit (1000) to control the rotation speed of said at least one electric motor (800).

2. - Electric bicycle according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a canopy (300) the upper part of which is constituted by said photovoltaic panel (800).

3. - Electric velocipede according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a regenerative braking system electrically connected to said electrical energy distribution circuit (1000), said regenerative braking circuit being controlled by the signal supplied by said torque sensor (510) and / or by a braking actuating member.

4. 4 - Electric bicycle according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a tubular chassis having an empty zone for the positioning of at least one pedal assembly (130).

5. 5 - Electric velocipede according to the preceding claim characterized in that said tubular chassis has a suspended front axle (160) and a rear axle (170) with a suspended rigid axle, articulated relative to a central frame; - Said central frame comprising a "U" shaped tube having two lateral longitudinal arms (101, 102) connected by a transverse section (103), - and two longitudinal tubes (104, 105) fixed on said transverse section, and extending at the front by articulations for the transverse bars of the front axle (160), and connected at the rear to a connecting cross member with said lateral arms (101, 102), - the rear ends of said lateral arms (101, 102) being articulated relative to said rear axle (170), said central frame being further extended on either side by vertical tubular uprights (110, 120) in the shape of an inverted U being connected to said lateral arms to form a protective cage for the persons transported.

6. 6 - Electric velocipede according to the preceding claim characterized in that said vertical tubular uprights (110, 120) are provided with holding handles (116, 126).

7. 7 - Electric bicycle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises on either side a longitudinal part articulated in rotation between a folded position where it extends between the rear upright and the front upright, and a raised position where it frees the passage between said rear and front uprights.

8. 8 - Electric bicycle according to the preceding claim characterized in that it further comprises a transverse front bench fixed to said tubular frame.

9. 9 - Electric bicycle according to claim 5 characterized in that it comprises two pedals each arranged between lateral longitudinal arms of said “U” shaped tube and said corresponding longitudinal tube.

10. - Electric bicycle according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises retractable extensions carrying additional photovoltaic panels.

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