Pedal assisted electric vehicle
The pedal-assisted electric vehicle integrates a reversible dynamo and motor system with a differential gear train for continuous operation and battery charging, addressing recharging limitations and enhancing performance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/IB2025/052840
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-03-19
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-25
AI Technical Summary
Pedal-assisted electric vehicles face limitations in battery recharging during operation, requiring halts for battery recharge and lack of integrated power sources for continuous use.
Incorporation of a reversible dynamo and electric motor system with a differential gear train that allows simultaneous operation and battery charging during vehicle use, enabling motive power and recharging without interruption.
Enables continuous operation with integrated power sources, enhancing vehicle performance and efficiency by allowing battery recharging and motive power supply during motion.
Smart Images

Figure IB2025052840_25092025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] PEDAL ASSISTED ELECTRIC VEHICLE
[0002] DESCRIPTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a pedal-assisted electric vehicle.
[0004] A pedal-assisted electric vehicle conventionally comprises a propulsion system including a drive assembly with a central shaft, for example in a cycle the bottom bracket spindle, and an electric motor that can be kinematically connected to said drive assembly to impart motive power. The electric motor is connected in an electric circuit with respect to rechargeable electric battery power supply means. The electric motor is configured to operate only after said central shaft has started to rotate. Moreover, a pedal-assisted electric vehicle may include an electronic control unit electrically connected in said electric circuit with respect to said motor and said power supply means, and a sensor means electrically connected with respect to said control unit and configured to emit an electric signal, received by said control unit, when said drive shaft begins to rotate. When the signal emitted by the sensor means is received by the control unit, the motor is electrically activated and imparts motive power to said drive assembly.
[0005] The operating autonomy of the electric motor depends on the electric charge of the vehicle battery. When the battery charge is insufficient, the electric motor can no longer operate. The battery must therefore be electrically recharged at a charging station, halting the operation of the vehicle, for example for the time required for recharging.
[0006] Document DE 102021208703 B3 discloses a pedal-assisted electric vehicle.
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a pedal-assisted electric vehicle that also allows the electric battery to be recharged during operation, without interrupting use of the vehicle itself.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pedal-assisted electric vehicle that allows the battery to be recharged even when stationary, in a fast and efficient way.
[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pedal-assisted electric vehicle that also allows a reversible dynamo to be used to impart motive power to the drive assembly, thereby enhancing the vehicle operating potential.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a pedal-assisted electric vehicle that allows a reversible electric motor to be used to impart motive power to the drive assembly, or to recharge an electric battery during operation, without interrupting use of the vehicle itself. A still further object of the present invention is to provide a pedal-assisted electric vehicle that allows the transmission ratio to be varied during operation of the vehicle.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pedal-assisted electric vehicle which, through a simplified structure, delivers high and prolonged operating performance at a relatively low cost.
[0012] To achieve these objects, the present invention provides a pedal-assisted electric vehicle, the essential characteristic of which is the subject of claim 1.
[0013] Other advantageous features of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.
[0014] Further features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, with reference to the drawings which show key aspects of the invention, as well as from the claims. The features illustrated herein are not necessarily drawn to scale and are depicted in such a way as to clearly highlight the aspects of the invention.
[0015] In the accompanying drawings:
[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation view of a pedal-assisted bicycle according to one embodiment of the present invention, with some parts omitted for clarity, conventionally showing the right-hand side of the bicycle;
[0017] Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1, but conventionally showing the left-hand side of the bicycle;
[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bicycle of Figure 1, with partial cutaway and schematic indication of electrical means with control switch for the electric connection / disconnection of an electric motor and a dynamo, respectively, with which the bicycle of Figure 1 is equipped;
[0019] Figure 4 is an elevation view of a drive, propulsion and electric charging system of the bicycle seen in Figure 2, comprising a drive assembly with a central shaft, and a propulsion and electric charging group comprising an electric motor and a dynamo;
[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the drive, propulsion and electric charging system of Figure 4;
[0021] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the drive, propulsion and electric charging system of the bicycle of Figure 1, at a larger scale, in which a bottom bracket housing is omitted for illustrative clarity;
[0022] Figure 7 is a sectional view along line VII- VII of Figure 4; Figure 8 is a detail view, at a larger scale, of detail VIII of Figure 7;
[0023] Figure 9 is a detail view, at a larger scale, of detail IX of Figure 7;
[0024] Figure 10 is a view similar to that of Figure 5, showing a first variant embodiment of the invention;
[0025] Figure 11 is a view similar to that of Figure 7, showing a second variant embodiment of the invention;
[0026] Figure 12 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, but at a larger scale and showing a third variant embodiment of the invention;
[0027] Figure 13 is a front elevation view of the vehicle according to Figure 12;
[0028] Figure 14 is a view similar to that of Figure 7, showing said third variant embodiment of the invention;
[0029] Figure 15 is a detail view at a larger scale of a part of Figure 14.
[0030] With reference to the drawings, Figures 1 to 3 schematically illustrate a pedal-assisted bicycle C according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] The pedal-assisted bicycle C, in a known way, comprises:
[0032] - a frame T and at least one drive wheel R2, which has a hub and at least one sprocket, engaged by means of a flexible transmission member, coaxial and fixed with respect to said hub;
[0033] - a rechargeable electric battery B, and
[0034] - an electric drive, propulsion and charging system S, which comprises a drive assembly A and an electric propulsion and charging assembly M; Ml, wherein:
[0035] - said electric propulsion and charging assembly M; Ml comprises:
[0036] - at least one electric motor, or one reversible dynamo 5, 51; 6, which can be kinematically connected, and impart, or receive, motive power to said drive assembly A, or from said drive assembly A, by means of a first pinion 5.2, or a second pinion 6.2, fixed coaxial with respect to the drive shaft 5.1; 6.1 of said at least one motor, or of said reversible dynamo, wherein said at least one motor, or said reversible dynamo, is supported in a case 1 fixed with respect to the frame T, is electrically connected in an electric / electronic control and supply circuit and is electrically branched with respect to the battery B by means of an ON / OFF electric selector switch 5.3; 6.4;
[0037] - said drive assembly A comprises: - a shaft 2 of the pedal cranks, supported rotating with respect to the case 1 and having a first axial end 2.1 and a second axial end 2.2; wherein, when said at least one electric motor 5, 51 imparts driving power to the drive assembly A, the drive shaft 5.1 of said at least one electric motor rotates in a first direction, conventionally referred to as counter-clockwise direction hereunder, observing the right side of the vehicle C in movement, and the shaft 2 rotates in a second direction, conventionally referred to as clockwise direction hereunder, and wherein said at least one electric motor 5, 51 has the drive shaft 5.1 with axis parallel, or orthogonal, to the axis of the shaft 2;
[0038] - two pedal cranks 2.3 fixed to the first end 2.1 and to the second end 2.2 of the shaft 2, respectively;
[0039] - a differential gear train 3 comprising a first planet wheel 3.2;
[0040] - a cup- shaped body 8, having a bottom axially perforated and arranged coaxial with respect to the shaft 2, contained and fixed in the case 1 and which provides a housing for containing said differential gear train 3.
[0041] According to the present invention, said drive assembly A further comprises:
[0042] - a first gear wheel 4.1, contained in the case 1, mounted coaxial with respect to said first end 2.1 of the shaft 2, external with respect to said housing 8 and kinematically connected with respect to said at least one electric motor 5, 51, by means of said first pinion 5.2, and with respect to the shaft 2 by means of a free wheel mechanism 4.2, wherein said free wheel mechanism 4.2 maintains the shaft 2 and said first gear wheel 4.1 in integral rotation, when said at least one motor 5, 51 rotates said first gear wheel 4.1 in clockwise direction;
[0043] - a kinematic connection means 4.3; 4.31, configured as disc axially perforated for kinematic connection between said electric propulsion and charging assembly M, Ml and said first planet wheel 3.2 of said differential gear train 3, wherein said kinematic connection means 4.3; 4.31 is contained in the case 1 and is mounted coaxial and idle with respect to the first end 2.1 of the shaft 2;
[0044] - a crown 7, which is mounted coaxial and idle with respect to the second end 2.2 of the shaft 2 and on which said flexible transmission member circulates.
[0045] Furthermore, said differential gear train 3 comprises: - a central pivot 3.1 with axis orthogonal to the axis of the shaft 2 and integral in rotation with the shaft 2;
[0046] - said first planet wheel 3.2, mounted coaxial and idle with respect to the shaft 2, in proximity of the first end 2.1, wherein said first planet wheel 3.2 is supported with respect to said housing 8 by means of a free wheel mechanism 3.21, configured to allow the integral rotation of said first planet wheel 3.2 and of said kinematic connection means 4.3; 4.31, when said first planet wheel 3.2 is rotated in counterclockwise direction, while, when said shaft 2 is stationary or rotated in clockwise direction, said first planet wheel 3.2 and said kinematic connection means 4.3; 4.31 are prevented from rotating and are integral with respect to said housing 8;
[0047] - a second planet wheel 3.3, mounted coaxial and idle with respect to the shaft 2, in proximity of the second end 2.2;
[0048] - a first satellite wheel 3.4 mounted idle and coaxial with respect to a first end of said pivot 3.1 and meshing with said first planet wheel 3.2 and said second planet wheel 3.3;
[0049] - a second satellite wheel 3.5 mounted idle and coaxial with respect to a second end of said pivot 3.1 and meshing with said first planet wheel 3.2 and said second planet wheel 3.3, wherein said differential gear train 3 is configured so that said second planet wheel 3.3 rotates at a different speed with respect to the speed of the shaft 2, when said shaft 2 is rotated in clockwise direction.
[0050] In one embodiment, said kinematic connection means is configured as a second gear wheel 4.3, and said reversible dynamo 6 has the drive shaft 6.1 with axis parallel, or orthogonal, with respect to the axis of the shaft 2.
[0051] In particular, said reversible dynamo 6:
[0052] - is supported fixed with respect to the case 1,
[0053] - is electrically connected in said electric / electronic control and supply circuit and with respect to the battery B by means of said ON / OFF electric selector switch 6.4,
[0054] - comprises said second pinion 6.2 fixed coaxial with respect to the drive shaft 6.1 and meshed with respect to said second gear wheel 4.3, and
[0055] - is configured so that, when it receives driving power from said drive assembly A by means of said second pinion 6.2, said drive shaft 6.1 rotates in said second direction, conventionally referred to as clockwise direction. Operation of the pedal-assisted bicycle C
[0056] In bicycle C, after start-up, pedaling is assisted by the rotation of said at least one motor 5, which is electrically connected and transmits driving power through said first pinion 5.2, which rotates in counter-clockwise direction and is meshed with respect to the first gear wheel 4.1,
[0057] In particular, said second planet wheel 3.3 is integral in rotation with respect to said crown 7 and said differential gear train 3 is configured so that the central pivot 3.1 rotates integral with the shaft 2, causing the integral rotation of the first 3.4 and second 3.5 satellite wheels, which rotate said second planet wheel 3.3 in clockwise direction, while said first planet wheel 3.2 and said second gear wheel 4.3 are integral with each other and are prevented from rotating by said free wheel mechanism 3.21; wherein said crown 7 rotates in clockwise direction integral with said second planet wheel 3.3 and, by means of the flexible transmission member circulating between said crown 7 and the at least one sprocket integral with said at least one drive wheel R2, transmits motion to said drive wheel.
[0058] Operation of bicycle C with battery B recharging during motion
[0059] Consider the condition of bicycle C wherein the pedal cranks 2.3 are stationary, the vehicle C moves by inertia, the motor 5 is electrically disconnected and the respective drive shaft 5.1 is stationary, and wherein said at least one drive wheel R2 rotates and, through said flexible transmission member, rotates the crown 7.
[0060] Under these circumstances, said second planet wheel 3.3 is integral in rotation with respect to said crown 7 and said differential gear train 3 is configured so that the crown 7 rotates the second planet wheel 3.3 in clockwise direction, which rotates the first satellite wheel 3.4 and the second satellite wheel 3.5 which transmit the rotary motion, in counterclockwise direction, to the first planet wheel 3.2, which is free to rotate in counterclockwise direction, thanks to the respective free wheel mechanism 3.21, integral with the second gear wheel 4.3, which is meshed with the pinion 6.2 integral with the drive shaft 6.1 of the reversible dynamo 6 and causes the corresponding drive shaft 6.1 to rotate in clockwise direction, so that the reversible dynamo 6 electrically charges the electric battery B.
[0061] Operation of bicycle C with reversible dynamo supplying motive power during motion Consider the condition of bicycle C in which the pedal cranks 2.3, the shaft 2 and the central pivot 3.1 of the differential gear train 3 are stationary. Under these circumstances, said second planet wheel 3.3 rotates integral with respect to said crown 7, and said reversible dynamo 6, electrically connected, is configured as motor means, wherein the drive shaft 6.1 rotates in clockwise direction, the second gear wheel 4.3, rotated by the pinion 6.2 integral with the drive shaft 6.1, rotates in counter-clockwise direction integral with the first planet wheel 3.2.
[0062] Furthermore, said differential gear train 3 is configured so that said first planet wheel 3.2 rotates the first satellite wheel 3.4 and the second satellite wheel 3.5 of the differential gear train 3, which rotate the second planet wheel 3.3 in clockwise direction, so that the crown 7 rotates integral with said second planet wheel 3.3 and imparts the motion, through said flexible transmission member, to the at least one sprocket of the at least one drive wheel R2.
[0063] Variant embodiment of bicycle C with reversible electric motor
[0064] Bicycle C comprises a reversible electric motor 51, also operating as dynamo, and it comprises also a selective clutch engagement mechanism 52, provided between:
[0065] - a first pair of parts, comprising said first gear wheel 4.1 and said kinematic connection means 4.31, respectively,
[0066] - a second pair of parts (version not illustrated), comprising said kinematic connection means 4.31 and said first planet wheel 3.2, respectively,
[0067] - a third pair of parts (version not illustrated), comprising said first gear wheel (4.1) and said first planet wheel 3.2, wherein in said third pair of parts:
[0068] - said first gear wheel 4.1 incorporates said kinematic connection means 4.31 and is opposite said first planet wheel 3.2, or
[0069] - said first planet wheel 3.2 incorporates said kinematic connection means 4.31 and is opposite said first gear wheel 4.1; and wherein said selective clutch engagement mechanism 52 is configured so as to take a first operating arrangement, in which the parts of said first pair of parts, of said second pair of parts, or of said third pair of parts are kinematically independent of one another, and a second operating arrangement, wherein the parts of said first pair of parts, of said second pair of parts, or of said third pair of parts are kinematically connected to, and rotate integral with, one another.
[0070] It is noted that said second planet wheel 3.3 is integral in rotation with respect to said crown 7 and said selective clutch engagement mechanism 52 is configured so as to take: - said first operating configuration, when said reversible motor 51 transmits driving power to said first gear wheel 4.1, through said first pinion 5.2, which rotates in counterclockwise direction and causes said first gear wheel 4.1 to rotate in clockwise direction, integral with the shaft 2, and
[0071] - said second operating configuration, when said at least one drive wheel R2 of the vehicle C rotates and, through said at least one sprocket and said flexible transmission member, rotates the crown 7 which rotates said second planet wheel 3.3 in clockwise direction, which rotates the first satellite wheel 3.4 and the second satellite wheel 3.5, which transmit motion, in counter-clockwise direction, to the first planet wheel 3.2, which is free to rotate in counter-clockwise direction, thanks to the respective free wheel mechanism 3.21, wherein:
[0072] - said first planet wheel 3.2 rotates integral with said kinematic connection means 4.31, which rotates in counter-clockwise direction integral with the first gear wheel 4.1, or
[0073] - said first planet wheel 3.2 rotates integral with the first gear wheel 4.1, and wherein:
[0074] - said first gear wheel 4.1 is meshed with said pinion 5.2 of the reversible electric motor 51, and
[0075] - said pinion 5.2 rotates the shaft 5.1 of the electric motor 51 in clockwise direction and the motor acts as dynamo, which charges the battery B.
[0076] Variant embodiment of bicycle C with means for varying the transmission ratio during vehicle operation
[0077] Bicycle C comprises:
[0078] - a free wheel mechanism 81, configured as one way bearing fixed, in coaxial arrangement, by means of the outer ring with respect to said crown 7 and by means of the inner ring with respect to said second axial end 2.2 of the shaft 2, wherein said free wheel mechanism 81 is configured so as to allow the shaft 2 to rotate in clockwise direction and to cause the integral rotation of said crown 7 while, when the shaft 2 rotates in counterclockwise direction, said free wheel mechanism 81 does not transmit the rotation to the crown 7 ;
[0079] - a selective engagement member 82, connected to said second planet wheel 3.3, in a movable arrangement in the axial direction of the shaft 2, wherein:
[0080] - said selective engagement member 82 is arranged in a free interspace between said second planet wheel 3.3 and said crown 7 and can selectively take: - a first operating arrangement, in which it engages said crown 7, as said second planet wheel 3.3 and said crown 7 are integral in rotation, and
[0081] - a second operating arrangement, in which it does not engage said crown 7, as said second planet wheel 3.3 and said crown 7 are independent of each other.
[0082] In particular, said differential gear train 3 is configured so that, when:
[0083] - said selective engagement member 82 is in said second operating arrangement, the shaft
[0084] 2 rotates in clockwise direction, the free wheel mechanism 81, which is integral in rotation with the shaft 2, causes the integral rotation of said crown 7, while the second planet wheel 3.3 rotates freely, with a different rotation speed with respect to that of the shaft 2, thanks to the free wheel mechanism 3.2 of the differential gear train 3;
[0085] - said selective engagement member 82 is in said first operating arrangement, said second planet wheel 3.3, which is integral with said selective engagement member 82, causes said crown 7 to rotate, with a different rotation speed with respect to that of the shaft 2, which rotates in clockwise direction.
[0086] As is apparent from the foregoing, the present invention achieves the objectives set out in the introductory part of this description, in a simple and effective manner.
Claims
CLAIMS1. Pedal-assisted electric vehicle (C), comprising:- a frame (T) and at least one drive wheel (R2), which has a hub and at least one sprocket, engaged by means of a flexible transmission member, coaxial and fixed with respect to said hub;- a rechargeable electric battery (B), and- an electric drive, propulsion and charging system (S), which comprises a drive assembly (A) and an electric propulsion and charging assembly (M; Ml), wherein:- said electric propulsion and charging assembly (M; Ml) comprises:- at least one electric motor, or one reversible dynamo (5, 51; 6), which can be kinematically connected, and impart, or receive, motive power to said drive assembly (A), or from said drive assembly (A), by means of a first pinion (5.2), or a second pinion (6.2), fixed coaxial with respect to the drive shaft (5.1; 6.1) of said at least one motor, or of said reversible dynamo, wherein said at least one motor, or said reversible dynamo, is supported in a case (1) fixed with respect to the frame (T), is electrically connected in an electric / electronic control and supply circuit and is electrically branched with respect to the battery (B) by means of an ON / OFF electric selector switch (5.3; 6.4);- said drive assembly (A) comprises:- a shaft (2) of the pedal cranks, supported rotating with respect to the case (1) and having a first axial end (2.1) and a second axial end (2.2); wherein, when said at least one electric motor (5, 51) imparts driving power to the drive assembly (A), the drive shaft (5.1) of said at least one electric motor rotates in a first direction, conventionally referred to as counter-clockwise direction hereunder, observing the right side of the vehicle (C) in movement, and the shaft (2) rotates in a second direction, conventionally referred to as clockwise direction hereunder, and wherein said at least one electric motor (5, 51) has the drive shaft (5.1) with axis parallel, or orthogonal, to the axis of the shaft (2);- two pedal cranks (2.3) fixed to the first end (2.1) and to the second end (2.2) of the shaft (2), respectively;- a differential gear train (3) comprising a first planet wheel (3.2);- a cup-shaped body (8), having a bottom axially perforated and arranged coaxial with respect to the shaft (2), contained and fixed in the case (1) and which provides a housing for containing said differential gear train (3); characterized in that said drive assembly (A) further comprises:- a first gear wheel (4.1), contained in the case (1), mounted coaxial with respect to said first end (2.1) of the shaft (2), external with respect to said housing (8) and kinematically connected with respect to said at least one electric motor (5, 51), by means of said first pinion (5.2), and with respect to the shaft (2) by means of a free wheel mechanism (4.2), wherein said free wheel mechanism (4.2) maintains the shaft (2) and said first gear wheel (4.1) in integral rotation, when said at least one motor (5, 51) rotates said first gear wheel (4.1) in clockwise direction;- a kinematic connection means (4.3; 4.31), configured as disc axially perforated for kinematic connection between said electric propulsion and charging assembly (M, Ml) and said first planet wheel (3.2) of said differential gear train (3), wherein said kinematic connection means (4.3; 4.31) is contained in the case (1) and is mounted coaxial and idle with respect to the first end (2.1) of the shaft (2);- a crown (7), which is mounted coaxial and idle with respect to the second end (2.2) of the shaft (2) and on which said flexible transmission member circulates; and in that said differential gear train (3) comprises:- a central pivot (3.1) with axis orthogonal to the axis of the shaft (2) and integral in rotation with the shaft (2);- said first planet wheel (3.2), mounted coaxial and idle with respect to the shaft (2), in proximity of the first end (2.1), wherein said first planet wheel (3.2) is supported with respect to said housing (8) by means of a free wheel mechanism (3.21), configured to allow the integral rotation of said first planet wheel (3.2) and of said kinematic connection means (4.3; 4.31), when said first planet wheel (3.2) is rotated in counter-clockwise direction, while, when said shaft (2) is stationary or rotated in clockwise direction, said first planet wheel (3.2) and said kinematic connection means (4.3; 4.31) are prevented from rotating and are integral with respect to said housing (8);- a second planet wheel (3.3), mounted coaxial and idle with respect to the shaft (2), in proximity of the second end (2.2);- a first satellite wheel (3.4) mounted idle and coaxial with respect to a first end of said pivot (3.1) and meshing with said first planet wheel (3.2) and said second planet wheel (3.3);- a second satellite wheel (3.5) mounted idle and coaxial with respect to a second end of said pivot (3.1) and meshing with said first planet wheel (3.2) and said second planet wheel (3.3), wherein said differential gear train (3) is configured so that said second planet wheel (3.3) rotates at a different speed with respect to the speed of the shaft (2), when said shaft (2) is rotated in clockwise direction.
2. Electric vehicle (C) according to claim 1, characterized in that said kinematic connection means is configured as a second gear wheel (4.3), and in that said reversible dynamo (6) has the drive shaft (6.1) with axis parallel, or orthogonal, with respect to the axis of the shaft (2), and wherein said reversible dynamo (6):- is supported fixed with respect to the case (1),- is electrically connected in said electric / electronic control and supply circuit and with respect to the battery (B) by means of said ON / OFF electric selector switch (6.4),- comprises said second pinion (6.2) fixed coaxial with respect to the drive shaft (6.1) and meshed with respect to said second gear wheel (4.3), and- is configured so that, when it receives driving power from said drive assembly (A) by means of said second pinion (6.2), said drive shaft (6.1) rotates in said second direction, conventionally referred to as clockwise direction.
3. Electric vehicle (C) according to claim 1, wherein, after start-up, pedaling is assisted by the rotation of said at least one motor (5), which is electrically connected and transmits driving power through said first pinion (5.2), which rotates in counter-clockwise direction and is meshed with respect to the first gear wheel (4.1), characterized in that said second planet wheel (3.3) in integral rotation with respect to said crown (7) and in that said differential gear train (3) is configured so that the central pivot (3.1) rotates integral with the shaft (2), causing the integral rotation of the first (3.4) and second (3.5) satellite wheels, which rotate said second planet wheel (3.3) in clockwise direction, while said first planet wheel (3.2) and said second gear wheel (4.3) are integral with each other and are prevented from rotating by said free wheel mechanism (3.21); wherein said crown (7)rotates in clockwise direction integral with said second planet wheel (3.3) and, by means of the flexible transmission member circulating between said crown (7) and the at least one sprocket integral with said at least one drive wheel (R2), transmits motion to said drive wheel.
4. Electric vehicle (C) according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said differential gear train (3) is configured so that:- when pedaling is assisted by the rotation of said motor (5), said second pinion (6.2) of the reversible dynamo (6) is meshed with respect to said second gear wheel (4.3) — which is integral with respect to said first planet wheel (3.2) and is prevented from rotating by the free wheel mechanism (3.21) of said first planet wheel (3.2) — and is maintained stationary;- when pedaling is not assisted by the rotation of said motor (5), while the vehicle (C) is stationary and said crown 7 and said second planet wheel 3.3 are integral and stationary, rotating the pedal cranks (2.3) and the shaft (2) in counter-clockwise direction, by means of the first satellite wheel (3.4) and of the second satellite wheel (3.5), said first planet wheel (3.2) and said second gear wheel (4.3) integral with each other, are rotated concordantly, wherein said second gear wheel (4.3) rotates said second pinion (6.2) of said reversible dynamo (6) in clockwise direction, which charges the electric battery (B).
5. Pedal-assisted vehicle according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the pedal cranks (2.3) are stationary, the vehicle (C) moves by inertia, the motor (5) is electrically disconnected and the respective drive shaft (5.1) is stationary, and wherein said at least one drive wheel (R2) rotates and, through said flexible transmission member, rotates the crown (7), characterized in that said second planet wheel (3.3) is integral in rotation with respect to said crown (7) and in that said differential gear train (3) is configured so that the crown (7) rotates the second planet wheel (3.3) in clockwise direction, which rotates the first satellite wheel (3.4) and the second satellite wheel (3.5), which transmit the rotary motion, in counter-clockwise direction, to the first planet wheel (3.2), which is free to rotate in counter-clockwise direction, thanks to the respective free wheel mechanism (3.21), integral with the second gear wheel (4.3), which is meshed with the pinion (6.2) integral with the drive shaft (6.1) of the reversible dynamo (6) and causes the corresponding driveshaft (6.1) to rotate in clockwise direction, so that the reversible dynamo (6) electrically charges the electric battery (B).
6. Electric vehicle (C) according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the pedal cranks (2.3), the shaft (2) and the central pivot (3.1) of the differential gear train (3) are stationary, characterized in that said second planet wheel (3.3) rotates integral with respect to said crown (7), in that said reversible dynamo (6), electrically connected, is configured as motor means, wherein the drive shaft (6.1) rotates in clockwise direction, the second gear wheel (4.3), rotated by the pinion (6.2) integral with the drive shaft (6.1), rotates in counter-clockwise direction integral with the first planet wheel (3.2), and in that said differential gear train (3) is configured so that said first planet wheel (3.2) rotates the first satellite wheel (3.4) and the second satellite wheel (3.5) of the differential gear train (3), which rotate the second planet wheel (3.3) in clockwise direction, so that the crown (7) rotates integral with said second planet wheel (3.3) and imparts the motion, through said flexible transmission member, to the at least one sprocket of the at least one drive wheel (R2).
7. Electric vehicle (C) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one electric motor is a reversible electric motor (51), also operating as dynamo, characterized in that it comprises a selective clutch engagement mechanism (52), provided between:- a first pair of parts, comprising said first gear wheel (4.1) and said kinematic connection means (4.31), respectively,- a second pair of parts, comprising said kinematic connection means (4.31) and said first planet wheel (3.2), respectively,- a third pair of parts, comprising said first gear wheel (4.1) and said first planet wheel (3.2), wherein in said third pair of parts:- said first gear wheel (4.1) incorporates said kinematic connection means (4.31) and is opposite said first planet wheel (3.2), or- said first planet wheel (3.2) incorporates said kinematic connection means (4.31) and is opposite said first gear wheel (4.1); and wherein said selective clutch engagement mechanism (52) is configured so as to take a first operating arrangement, in which the parts of said first pair of parts, of said second pair of parts, or of said third pair of parts are kinematically independent of one another,and a second operating arrangement, wherein the parts of said first pair of parts, of said second pair of parts, or of said third pair of parts are kinematically connected to, and rotate integral with, one another.
8. Electric vehicle (C) according to claim 7, characterized in that said second planet wheel (3.3) is integral in rotation with respect to said crown (7) and in that said selective clutch engagement mechanism (52) is configured so as to take:- said first operating configuration, when said reversible motor (51) transmits driving power to said first gear wheel (4.1), through said first pinion (5.2), which rotates in counter-clockwise direction and causes said first gear wheel (4.1) to rotate in clockwise direction, integral with the shaft (2), and- said second operating configuration, when said at least one drive wheel (R2) of the vehicle (C) rotates and, through said at least one sprocket and said flexible transmission member, rotates the crown (7), which rotates said second planet wheel (3.3) in clockwise direction, which rotates the first satellite wheel (3.4) and the second satellite wheel (3.5), which transmit motion, in counter-clockwise direction, to the first planet wheel (3.2), which is free to rotate in counter-clockwise direction, thanks to the respective free wheel mechanism (3.21), wherein:- said first planet wheel (3.2) rotates integral with said kinematic connection means (4.31), which rotates in counter-clockwise direction integral with the first gear wheel (4.1), or- said first planet wheel (3.2) rotates integral with the first gear wheel (4.1), and wherein:- said first gear wheel (4.1) is meshed with said pinion (5.2) of the reversible electric motor (51), and- said pinion (5.2) rotates the shaft (5.1) of the electric motor (51) in clockwise direction and the motor acts as dynamo, which charges the battery (B).
9. Electric vehicle (C) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:- a free wheel mechanism (81), configured as one way bearing fixed, in coaxial arrangement, by means of the outer ring with respect to said crown (7) and by means of the inner ring with respect to said second axial end (2.2) of the shaft (2), wherein said free wheel mechanism (81) is configured so as to allow the shaft (2) to rotate in clockwise direction and to cause the integral rotation of said crown (7) while, when the shaft (2)rotates in counter-clockwise direction, said free wheel mechanism (81) does not transmit the rotation to the crown (7);- a selective engagement member (82), connected to said second planet wheel (3.3), in a movable arrangement in the axial direction of the shaft (2), wherein:- said selective engagement member (82) is arranged in a free interspace between said second planet wheel (3.3) and said crown (7) and can selectively take:- a first operating arrangement, in which it engages said crown (7), as said second planet wheel (3.3) and said crown (7) are integral in rotation, and- a second operating arrangement, in which it does not engage said crown (7), as said second planet wheel (3.3) and said crown (7) are independent of each other.
10. Electric vehicle (C) according to claim 9, characterized in that said differential gear train (3) is configured so that, when:- said selective engagement member (82) is in said second operating arrangement, the shaft (2) rotates in clockwise direction, the free wheel mechanism (81), which is integral in rotation with the shaft (2), causes the integral rotation of said crown (7), while the second planet wheel (3.3) rotates freely, with a different rotation speed with respect to that of the shaft (2), thanks to the free wheel mechanism (3.2) of the differential gear train (3);- said selective engagement member (82) is in said first operating arrangement, said second planet wheel (3.3), which is integral with said selective engagement member (82), causes said crown (7) to rotate with a different rotation speed with respect to that of the shaft (2), which rotates in clockwise direction.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Manpower-assisting power apparatus
CN1052200C
Drive system for a bicycle and bicycle
DE102021208703B3
Transmission gear, and vehicle and bicycle using it
JP1999301291A
Transmission and electric machine device having speed change mechanism
JP2013127296A
Electrical pedal assist bicycle powertrain
WO2024035702A1