Semi-rotary vertical propulsion system for vehicles

Abstract

A semi-rotary vertical propulsion system with cranks or levers connected to an axle of one or more bottom brackets or a pedal-assist motor (mid-drive), particularly applicable to all types of pedal vehicles or means of transport, suitable for use in the production of bicycles, their components, and all types of pedal vehicles or motorcycles and similar with human, electric, hybrid, mechanical, combustion, or combined propulsion, characterized by the ability to perform a semi-circular vertical movement.

Description

[0001] SEMI-ROTARY VERTICAL PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES Description

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the mechanical field, with particular reference to the field of motion transmission components applicable to vehicles, and specifically delas with a semi-rotary vertical propulsion system with cranks or levers connected to the axle of one or more bottom brackets or of a pedal-assisted motor (mid-drive), particularly applicable to all types of bicycles or transport means.

[0004] The invention is particularly suitable for use in the production of bicycles, of the related components, and all types of bicycles or motorcycles and similar vehicles with human, electric, hybrid, mechanical, combustion, or combined propulsion.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] As known, the common bottom bracket cranksets on bicycles and similar vehicles generally are made up of one or more chainrings and cranks and are permanently attached, i.e. welded or secured with any bolt or other system, to the central axle, which allows rotation via any bottom bracket or any type of pedal-assist mid-drive.

[0007] Consequently, the classic fixed crankset system necessarily requires a complete rotation.

[0008] Such a rotation limits the maximum crank length to approximately 17.5 cm, which is a length that allows the cyclist to rotate smoothly. However, this rotating system does not allow for increased crank length, as this would prevent smooth rotation, or even a complete rotation.

[0009] Technical tests also show that the energy produced is significantly less in the phase in which the cranks are at the top of the initial propulsion stage and in the bottom of the final propulsion stage, as the length of the lever is reduced, while in the central phase, where the lever is greater, maximum power is exploited.

[0010] Furthermore, the traditional system with a rotary crankset fixed entirely to the central axle, if used tobuild any type of bicycle used by multiple cyclists simultaneously, such as tandems, quadricycles, and similar, requires a bottom bracket for each component. GE2009A000101 / 102009901794589 discloses a system with a slight modification to the rotary pedaling action, which uses a vertical pedaling motion while standing upright on a bicycle; in this case, too, the small cranks of the bottom bracket performa complete rotation.

[0011] Another vertical pedaling system is disclosed in 101998900687690, wherein a freewheel system is used and connected to the bottom bracket which interacts with a rack connected to the pedal exerting a vertical, non-semi-rotational movement that slides on guides, even if these racks can be used with a semi-rotational system but with a rotation axis different from the bottom bracket.

[0012] CN133306664 provides for the use of unidirectional systems located in the rear wheel, while WO2023098542 provides for a semi-rotational vertical pedaling system in which the rotation axis is located at the rear wheel.

[0013] Finally, US5984335 describes a system having all the features contained in the preamble to this main claim.

[0014] Scope of the invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is to provide a semi-rotary vertical propulsion system for human-powered, hybrid, or motorized vehicles, such as bicycles or similar, characterized by high efficiency.

[0016] A particular object is to provide a semi-rotary vertical propulsion system for vehicles that modifies the traditional pedaling system, moving from rotary pedaling to semirotary vertical pedaling, thereby allowing the use of cranks of considerably greater length, also adjustable in length with a relative locking system, in order to increase the lever arm and the corresponding applied force.

[0017] These objects, as well as others that will become more apparent hereinafter, are obtained by means of a semi-rotary vertical propulsion system for vehicles in accordance with claim 1, to which reference is made for greater conciseness of presentation.

[0018] Advantageously, to achieve semi-rotary vertical pedaling, the chainring, or chainrings, if present in a number greater than one, must always remain fixed (for example welded, bolted, or otherwise) to the central axis of rotation in the direction of the rear sprocket or sprocket cluster. To fix said chainring to the rotating axle, an internal adapter may also be used, for example with a square taper interface. Said adapter must also allow, on its outer side, the stable mounting of both one or more chainrings and a unidirectional freewheel bearing or unidirectional system designed to allow the transfer of propulsion energy in the predetermined direction only.Particularly advantageous alternative embodiments are obtained in accordance with the dependent claims.

[0019] Brief disclosure of the drawings

[0020] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent in light of the detailed description of preferred, though not exclusive, embodiments of the system according to the invention, shown by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawing tables, wherein:

[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a bicycle frame and some components to be assembled of the system;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view in assembled configuration of the axle with cranks by means of the unidirectional system;

[0023] FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of a long axle for mounting multiple cranks for side-by-side seating positions;

[0024] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the secondary transmission in assembled configuration;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a front view of a double crank;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a front view of a detail of the system illustrating the chain connection.

[0027] Best modes of carrying out the invention

[0028] With reference to the attached figures, some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a motion propulsion system in accordance with the present invention are shown. The system described and illustrated will be particularly suitable for application to vehicles such as bicycles or other pedal-driven vehicles, both single-seat and two-or-more-seat versions, for example of the tandem type or side-by-side seating type. It is nevertheless understood that the system according to the present invention will be adapted to be applied to all types of pedal-driven vehicles and accessories, and more generally in the mechanical field wherever a motion transmission mechanism is present in which a chainring designed to transmit propulsion to a wheel or other end user has a separate movement from the cranks or levers, which, by means of a force applied in one direction only (pressure), produces energy through a semi-rotary vertical movement.

[0029] As visible from FIG. 1, the system according to the invention will be applied to the bottom bracket 2 having a central axle 1 with square taper interface arranged on theframe of a bicycle-type pedal vehicle. In particular, a system in accordance with the present invention will be applied to both sides of the frame.

[0030] To achieve semi -rotary vertical pedaling, the chainring 5, or chainrings, if present in a number greater than one, must always remain fixed (welded, bolted, or otherwise) to the central axle 1 in the direction of the rear sprocket or sprocket cluster 22; to fix the chainring 5 to the central axle 1, an adapter 6 with a square taper inner interface may also be used. Said adapter6 must allow stable mounting, also on the outer side, of both one or more chainrings 5 and one or more unidirectional freewheel bearings or one or more unidirectional systems 7 designed to allow the transfer of propulsion energy in one direction only, the chosen one.

[0031] In particular, on one side of the central axle 1, for example the right side, a first square taper adapter 6 will be applied, allowing the mounting of both one or more chainrings 5 and the unidirectional system 7, while on the other side of the axle 1 a second square taper adapter 6 will be fixed, allowing only the mounting of a unidirectional freewheel system 7.

[0032] On the second adapter6, on both sides, thrust bearings 18 will firstbe installed, serving both on the right and left side as spacers from the chainring 5 or from the final stop of the adapter 6, and also having the function of reducing any friction.

[0033] Subsequently, on both sides, on the outer part of the adapters 6, the unidirectional freewheel systems 7 will be installed and locked by means of fixing keys 9. This locking is necessary to allow, once the cranks 3 are positioned, the transfer of a force applied to the pedal 28 during the downstroke to the sprocket 22 on the rear wheel, thereby enabling forward motion.

[0034] The cranks 3 are coupled to the central axle 1 or to the adapter 6 via the unidirectional system 7. For example, in the illustrated configuration, keys 9 are used with corresponding seats 8 present in both the cranks and the unidirectional systems 7. In particular, the crank 3 will be assembled on both sides via the appropriate seat 21, which will fit over the unidirectional freewheel system 7 and then be locked by means of a fixing key 9.

[0035] On one side of the cranks 3, an attachment for a pedal 28 or for any propulsion force will be provided, while on the other side, on the outer part where the unidirectional freewheel system 7 is located, at least one toothed pulley IIP or smooth pulley 13Pwill be provided, along with the corresponding adapter or fixing system allowing the said pulleys IIP or 13P to be secured.

[0036] Once the cranks 3 are stably housed, if not already pre-arranged, the toothed pulleys IIP will be bolted onto the previous arrangement; finally, to complete the assembly, additional thrust bearings 18 will be placed on both sides to reduce any friction, after which everything will be locked with a fixing system 19.

[0037] The coupling between the central axle 1, also via adapter 6, and the cranks 3, achievable by any means, is designed to allow separate movement between the one or more chainrings 5 and the cranks 3.

[0038] The unidirectional freewheel system 7, in turn, must allow the transfer of the force exerted during the downstroke on the pedal 28 of the crank 3 to the sprocket 22 and, consequently, to the rear wheel, thus enabling the first propulsion phase; in turn, the opposite crank, during the upstroke, will encounter no resistance and will be ready for the second propulsion phase.

[0039] Appropriately, both cranks 3 will be positioned at the front and will not be offset by 180° as in traditional bicycles.

[0040] To enable semi-rotary vertical pedaling, a secondary transmission 10-11P-11T-12 will then be provided, shown in greater detail in FIG. 4, which alternates the movement of the cranks 3, so that when the right crank is at the bottom of its propulsion stroke, the opposite left crank is at thetop, ready to transfer the second propulsion phase again, and consequently allowing the chainring 5, which transmits the motion, to rotate continuously.

[0041] The secondary transmission consists of a structure 10 designed to be fixed to the seat tube 27 of the frame, through which the saddle slides, preferably at the lower part positioned slightly above the chainring 5; fixing will occur via a bolt system 20 provided in the structure 10, on which two bearings 24 are also housed to allow the rotation of a secondary rotation axle 16, at whose two ends the toothed pulleys 11T are fixed; the fixing of the secondary axle 16 to the toothed pulleys 11T may be achieved by any fixing means, not illustrated, without particular technical limitations. In turn, the toothed pulleys 11T must be connected via chain, steel wire, or belt transmission 12 to the toothed pulleys of the cranks IIP, as illustrated in the views of FIG. 6At the central part of the secondary axle 16, a travel limiter 17 is positioned, which serves to establish the range of movement of the cranks 3 via adjusters 17A-17B located on the structure of the secondary transmission support 10. The travel limiter 17 may be fixed or removably mounted, for example by means of screws or similar fasteners, so as to be detachable, and it will also be possible to insert a rubber buffer. Finally, the toothed pulleys 11P-11T must be connected on both sides via chain 12. On all ends of the chains 12, already cut to size, a so-called master link 15 is arranged, which serves to lock the chains 12 between the toothed pulleys 11P-11T via a hole 14 appropriately provided on the pulleys IIP or 13P.

[0042] The chain 12, already of the appropriate length, will be fixed on any one side between the toothed pulley of the crank IP and the toothed pulley 11T, passing over said toothed pulleys 11P-11T; on the other side, the chain 12 will be fixed to the toothed pulley of the crank IIP, always connecting it at the top.

[0043] The pulleys IIP, 13P must be connected to the pulleys 11T or 13T via chain, steel wire, or belt transmission 12, so as to alternate the semi-rotary vertical pedaling. The pulleys 11P-13P will be provided with a hole 14 or other similar system, in which the chain, steel wire, or belt 12 will be locked. The other final end of the chain, steel wire, or belt 12 of the secondary transmission 10 will be connected and locked to the pulley 11T-13T with the same master link 15 or other system.

[0044] The chain, steel wire, or belt 12 must be connected in such a way as to reverse the rotation of the right-side pulley 11P-13P with respect to the left-side pulley 11P-13P. To achieve this rotation reversal, both chains, steel wires, or belts 12 have to be connected to the crank pulleys 11P-13P using a master link 15 or similar via the fixing hole 14, passing said chains 12 over the top of the pulleys 11P-13P. The final end of one of the two chains, steel wires, or belts 12, on any one side, in this case the right one, will be connected in the same manner to the sprocket or pulley 11T-13T, that is, always passing over the top. On the opposite side, in this case the left one, it will be fixed with the same system, this time passing it underneath the sprocket or pulley 11T-13T, so as to reverse the movement of the cranks. The aforementioned sprockets or pulleys 11T-13T are fixed or locked by any system 20 to the secondary rotating axle 16 positioned in the support 10, which allows rotation via bearings 24 of both sprockets or pulleys 11T-13T.The support 10 may be positioned at any point on the pedal vehicle or structure for aesthetic or technical requirements, and sized in dimensions and load -bearing capacity according to the type of use or in order to alternate the cranks 3.

[0045] According to a not shown variant, instead of the toothed pulley 11T or the smooth pulley 13T, it will be possible to provide a lever connected on one side to the secondary axle 16 of the secondary transmission and on the other side to a connecting rod which is in turn connected, on one side, to the crank 3 via a joint and, on the other side, to the lever, again via a joint, so as to alternate the cranks 3 with rotary movement of the secondary axle 16.

[0046] Regardless of the configuration adopted, the advantages of semi-rotary vertical pedaling consist in the ability to use cranks of considerably greater length than those known, for example composed of two sections 3, 4 also adjustable in length with a bayonet system, using the lock 25, so as to increase the corresponding energy produced once a force is exerted on the crank 3, 4.

[0047] Another advantage consists in the possibility of creating a double crank 3, 29, as in the embodiment of FIG. 5, using the same central axle 1 applied to a tandem-type pedal vehicle, thus allowing pedaling by both the front and rear rider. In this configuration, it will in fact be possible to transfer the force of crank 29 to crank 3, or vice versa. In the case of use for the aforementioned tandem with double crank 3, 29, the secondary transmission 10 -IIP -11T -12 must be more robust, as it will need to transfer the force applied to crank 29 to crank 3 on the opposite side. The chain connections 12 must be reversed, to allow this time the transfer of a force applied to cranks 3, 29, since the upstroke of cranks 3, 29 will be assured by the front or rear cyclist.

[0048] As shown in FIG.3, the invention also allows the mounting of multiple pairs of cranks 3 using the same extended -length central axle 26, which also rotates on multiple bottom brackets 2, thus enabling pedaling by multiple cyclists seated side by side, for example for vehicles and pedal-driven vehicles designed for use by multiple cyclists positioned laterally, or also in the case of use by multiple cyclists positioned both laterally and in the front and rear seating positions, using the double cranks 3, 29 placed at multiple points along the extended -length central axle 26.

[0049] The system according to the present invention may use all materials and systemsalready in use for the construction of standard cranksets, so as to obtain a robust and optimal finished product.

Claims

Claims1. A semi-rotary vertical propulsion system for vehicles, adapted to be connected to one or more bottom brackets (2) or to a mid-drive motor of a vehicle, which system comprises a crankset with separate movement adapted to connect at least one rotation axle (1, 26) to at least one crank (3, 29) and a semi-rotary secondary transmission; wherein said crankset comprises at least one rotary bottom bracket or mid -drive motor (2) provided with said at least one axle (1, 26) to which at least one chainring (5) is fixed;wherein said crankset also comprises at least two cranks (3), right and left respectively, with semi -rotary movement designed to transmit human propulsion, and at least two unidirectional systems (7), positioned between an appropriate seat (21) provided in the corresponding one of said cranks (3), and said at least one axle (1, 26);wherein each of said cranks (3) is mounted on said at least one axle (1, 26) between two axial thrust bearings (18) and locked by means of bolts (19);wherein on each of said cranks (3), on the side opposite to said seat (21), at least one provision for mounting a pedal (28) is present;characterized in that each of said cranks (3) comprises a sprocket (IIP) or pulley (13P) located on the outer part of said seat (21), and in that said secondary transmission comprises a second semi-rotary bottom bracket (10) provided with a secondary rotation axle (16) having at its central part a fixed travel limiter (17), at the right and left ends of said secondary rotation axle (16) being fixed, by means of bearings (24), sprockets (11T) or pulleys (13T), locked by bolts (20), said secondary transmission being designed to be connected to the frame or structure (27) of a vehicle so as to align in the same direction and be adapted to connect via chain (12) the sprockets or pulleys (11T, 13T) of the secondary transmission with the sprockets or pulleys (HP, 13P) of said cranks (3), on said sprockets or pulleys (IIP, 13P; 11T, 13T) a chain fixing hole (14) being made, the semi-rotary bottom bracket also comprising two adjustable travel limiters (17A, 17B) positioned in the direction of the fixed travel limiter (17), one at the top and one at the bottom thereof, said sprockets or pulleys (HP, 13P) of said cranks (3) being connected via chain (12) with master link (15) to the hole (14) of the sprockets or pulleys (11T, 13T) of said second semi-rotary bottom bracket (10), said chain connection on any one side of the bottom bracket, rightor left, being crossed and on the opposite side being linear, so as to reverse the direction of rotation of the sprocket or pulley (IIP, 13P) of the right crank with respect to that of the left one.

2. System as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said unidirectional system (7) comprises, on the outer ring side, said sprocket or pulley (IIP, 13P), fixed or assembled, said unidirectional system (7) being locked between said axle (1, 26) and the seat (21) of said crank (3).

3. System as claimed in claim 2, characterized by comprising a first and second adapter (6) for connecting said unidirectional system (7) to said axle (1, 26), wherein said adapters (6) have an inner ring dimensioned to lock perfectly onto said axle (1, 26) and an outer ring dimensioned to correspond to and lock onto said inner ring, said unidirectional system (7) being connected and locked to said inner ring.

4. System as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said crank (3) comprises on one side a seat (21) in which to lock said unidirectional system (7), a sprocket or pulley (IIP, 13P) being located on the outer part of said seat, either fixed or mounted by means of bolts.

5. System as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that opposite said crank (3) a second crank (29) with the same characteristics as said crank (3) is fixedly opposed, as a single unit, obtaining a double crank (3, 29) sharing the same rotation axis of the seat (21).

6. System as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said crank (3) comprises an extension system (4) wherein a profile of any shape and size slides internally or externally to the crank (3), and at least one locking system (25) is located, at the end of said extension a provision for mounting a pedal (28) being provided.

7. System as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said cranks (3) are all positioned such that the side of the seat (21) corresponds to and is connected to the axle (1, 26) forming part of at least one bottom bracket or mid-drive motor, and the opposite side where the pedal (28) is located faces the front of the pedal vehicle.

8. System as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said crank (3) has a variable footrest shape on which to rest the entire sole of the foot along its full length.

9. System as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said connection between said secondary transmission and said cranks (3) comprises all the sprocketsor pulleys (IIP, 13P) of the cranks (3) and all the sprockets or pulleys (11T, 13T) of the secondary transmission, the chain (12) and the master link (15) fixed to the hole (14) of each sprocket or pulley (IIP, 13P; 11T, 13T).

10. System as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said connection of the sprockets or pulleys (IIP, 13P; 11T, 13T) is provided on both sides of the bottom brackets (2, 10), on one of said sides the connection being linear, passing the chain either on the right side or on the left side of the sprockets or pulleys (IIP, 11T) and connecting the chain (12) to the holes (14) with master link (15), on the opposite side of the bottom brackets (2, 10), the connection being crossed, passing the chain from the right side of the sprocket (11T) to the left side of the sprocket (IIP) or vice versa, connecting the sprockets via chain (12) to the holes (14) with master link (15).

11. System as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that for said linear and crossed connections, a closed -loop figure-of-eight crossed connection is used as an alternative to the half-chain.

12. System as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that all the cranks (3) are mounted in series with the pedals facing the front of the pedal vehicle on the same rotation axle (26) forming part of at least one or more bottom brackets (2), said cranks (3) being positioned at a distance such as to be usable by multiple cyclists in a side-by-side seating arrangement.

13. System as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that all the sprockets (IIP, 11T) forming part of the semi-rotary secondary transmission can be replaced and locked by means of bolts (20) with toothed, smooth, or grooved pulleys (13P, 13T), so as to use as transmission, as an alternative to the chain (12), steel wire in the case of a grooved pulley, or a belt in the case of a toothed or smooth pulley.

14. System as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that the rotary movement of said chainrings (5) is distinct from the vertical movement of said cranks (3).

1. System as claimed in any preceding claim, characterized in that said second semirotary bottom bracket (10) comprises, in place of said sprocket or pulley (11T, 13T), a lever connected on one side to said secondary axle (16) and on the other side to a connecting rod which is in turn connected, on one side, to said crank (3) via a joint and, on the other side, to the lever.

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