A drive train receives drive from an electrical machine and rider pedals. Under the control of a controller, it transmits drive to a cycle wheel (30). An encoder detects angular position of a rotary part (30,6) of the cycle and comprises a series of magnetic elements (33) mounted on the rotary part (30,6) and mutually spaced at a constant circumferential pitch P, with the poles of successive magnetic elements (33) arranged in opposite polarities. Two analog Hall sensors (34) are mounted in fixed positions on the cycle, to respond to magnetic elements (33) as they pass the sensors (34), which are mutually spaced by P/4, a quarter of the pitch P of the magnetic elements (33). A processor receives the outputs of the sensors (34) and process the outputs to provide a signal representative of the angular position of the rotary part (30,6).
B62J 45/423 - Sensor arrangementsMounting thereof characterised by mounting on or besides the wheel
B62M 6/65 - Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor power-driven at axle parts with axle and driving shaft arranged coaxially
G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
G01P 3/487 - Devices characterised by the use of electric or magnetic means for measuring angular speed by measuring frequency of generated current or voltage of pulse signals delivered by rotating magnets
H02K 11/215 - Magnetic effect devices, e.g. Hall-effect or magneto-resistive elements
A drive system for an electrically-assisted pedal cycle (10) comprises an input (80) that receives drive from a pedal (40) of the cycle (10) and rotates about an input axis (1); an output (100) that rotates about an output axis (1) to provide drive to a driven wheel (30); an electrical machine (5,6) that provides motor drive to the output (30); and a drive train that receives drive from the electrical machine (5,6) and the pedal (40) and transmits drive to the output (100). The drive train is operable in one mode to provide a continually variable transmission (CVT) by which pedal cadence is controlled by the electrical machine (5,6). In one configuration, the drive train is operable in another mode to provide output drive both from the pedal (40) and the electrical machine (5,6) in parallel; and the drive system further comprises a mode selector (110) that is operable to select the modes. In another configuration (Figure 10), above a cycle speed of V2, the drive train is operable in another mode to disengage drive from the electrical machine (5,6) to provide output drive only from the pedal (40), with a gear ratio between the input and output (100) that is higher than that upon startup of the cycle (10). The input axis is an axis of rotation of a pedal crankshaft (150), and the electrical machine (5,6) and drive train are offset with respect to the input axis.
B62M 6/55 - Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor power-driven at crank shafts parts
B62M 6/65 - Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor power-driven at axle parts with axle and driving shaft arranged coaxially
B62M 11/06 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with spur gear wheels
B62M 11/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears
B62M 11/16 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears built in, or adjacent to, the ground-wheel hub
B62M 11/18 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears with a plurality of planetary gear units
An electrically-assisted pedal cycle has a drive system with an input that receives drive from a pedal of the cycle and rotates about an axis; an output that rotates about that axis to provide drive to a cycle wheel; an electric motor that provides motor drive to the output; and a drive train that receives drive from the electric motor and the pedal and transmits drive to the output. Between cycle speeds of V1 and V2, where V2 is greater than V1, the drive train provides a continually variable transmission (CVT) by which the pedal cadence is controlled by the electric motor. Above a cycle speed of V2, the drive train disengages drive from the electric motor to provide output drive only from the pedal.
B62M 11/18 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears with a plurality of planetary gear units
An electrically-assisted pedal cycle (10) has a drive system with an input 80 that receives drive from a pedal (40) of the cycle (10) and rotates about an axis; an output (100) that rotates about that axis to provide drive to a cycle wheel (30); an electric motor that provides motor drive to the output (100); and a drive train that receives drive from the electric motor and the pedal (40) and transmits drive to the output (100). Between cycle speeds of V1 and V2, where V2 is greater than V1, the drive train provides a continually variable transmission (CVT) by which the pedal cadence is controlled by the electric motor. Above a cycle speed of V2, the drive train disengages drive from the electric motor to provide output drive only from the pedal (40).
B62M 11/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears
B62M 11/18 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears with a plurality of planetary gear units
B62M 6/55 - Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor power-driven at crank shafts parts
In an electrically-assisted pedal cycle (10), a drive system comprises an input (2) that receives drive from a pedal (40) of the cycle (10) and an output (100) that provides drive to a driven wheel (30) of the cycle (10). An electrical machine (5,6) provides motor drive to the output (100). A drive train receives drive from the electrical machine (5,6) and the pedal (40) and transmits drive to the output (100). The drive train comprises an epicyclic gear set EP having a sun gear (21), a planet carrier (23), a plurality of planet gears (22) and an annulus gear (24) that rotates with the output (100). The epicyclic gear set EP transmits drive from pedal (40) to its annulus (24) via its planet carrier (23). The sun gear (21) is driven by the electrical machine (5,6). The drive train also comprises a one-way clutch V between the planet carrier (23) and a fixed part (1) of the drive system, to allow rotation of the planet carrier (23) in only one direction.
B62M 11/16 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears built in, or adjacent to, the ground-wheel hub
B62M 6/65 - Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor power-driven at axle parts with axle and driving shaft arranged coaxially
A drive system for a cycle has an input that receives drive from a pedal. An output rotates to drive a wheel via an electrical machine that provides motor drive. A drive train transmits drive to the output. The drive train includes first and second epicyclic gear sets EP-1, EP-2, which each include a sun gear, a planet carrier, a plurality of planet gears, and an annulus gear. Both annulus gears are connected to the output. Both sun gears are driven by the electrical machine. The first epicyclic gear set transmits drive from its sun gear to its annulus gear with its planet carrier in a fixed position. The second epicyclic gear set transmits drive from a pedal to its annulus gear via its planet carrier. Electrical assistance may be provided when the cyclist is pedalling and not pedalling.
B62M 6/65 - Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor power-driven at axle parts with axle and driving shaft arranged coaxially
B62M 11/16 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears built in, or adjacent to, the ground-wheel hub
B62M 11/18 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears with a plurality of planetary gear units
An electrically-assisted pedal cycle has a pair of pedals that drive a front sprocket. A rear driven wheel is spaced from the pedals and has a hub (100) in which an electrically-assisted drive system is mounted. A rear sprocket (80) is mounted on or adjacent the hub (100) and a chain or belt connects the front and rear sprockets (80). Moving parts (111) of a cadence sensor (111,112) are mounted on a part (13) of the electrically-assisted drive system that rotates with the rear sprocket (80). That rotating part may be a part (13) (e.g. a planet carrier) of an epicyclic gear set (15) that is part of the electrically- assisted drive system, which preferably provides a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
B62M 6/50 - Control or actuating devices therefor characterised by detectors or sensors, or arrangement thereof
B62M 6/65 - Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor power-driven at axle parts with axle and driving shaft arranged coaxially
B62M 11/16 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears built in, or adjacent to, the ground-wheel hub
A drive system for a cycle in the form of a pedelec (10) has an input (2) that receives drive from a pedal (40) of the cycle and rotates about axis (1). An output (100) rotates about axis (1) to drive a wheel (30) of the cycle. An electrical machine (5, 6) provides motor drive to the output (100). A drive train receives drive from the electrical machine (5, 6) and pedal (40) and transmits drive to the output (100). The drive train comprises first and second epicyclic gear sets EP-1, EP-2, each of which comprises a sun gear (11, 21), a planet carrier (13, 23), a plurality of planet gears (12, 22) and an annulus gear (14, 24). Both annulus gears (14, 24) are connected to the output (100) to rotate with it. Both sun gears (11, 21) are driven by the electrical machine (5, 6). The first epicyclic gear set EP-1 transmits drive from its sun (11) to its annulus (14) with its planet carrier (13) in a fixed position. The second epicyclic gear set EP-2 transmits drive from a pedal (40) to its annulus (24) via its planet carrier (23). Optionally, electrical assistance may be provided both when the cyclist is pedalling and when the cyclist is not pedalling.
B62M 6/65 - Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor power-driven at axle parts with axle and driving shaft arranged coaxially
B62M 11/16 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears built in, or adjacent to, the ground-wheel hub
B62M 11/18 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears with a plurality of planetary gear units
9.
Method of controlling an electromechanical drive mechanism
There is provided a method of controlling a pedal cycle and a pedal cycle incorporating the same. The pedal cycle has an electro-mechanical drive arrangement including a continuously variable ratio transmission system having an input which is mounted to rotate about the axis and an output connected to rotate with a hub member, the transmission system comprising an epicyclic gear set including a sun gear in mesh with a plurality of planet gears mounted to rotate about respective planet shafts carried by a common carrier, which is mounted to rotate with the input about the axis, the planet gears being in mesh with an annulus gear, which is connected to rotate with the hub member. Only the sun gear may be connected to rotate a rotor of an electrical machine or an additional machine may be provided. The electrical connections of the stator of the electrical machine are connected to a controller; the method may include the step of applying a time division multiplexed control algorithm to the electrical machine, wherein the time division multiplexed control algorithm alternates between a first control mode in which current generated by the electrical machine is monitored to infer torque applied to the crank arms of the cycle and a second control mode in which the current in the input electrical machine is controlled using the inferred torque.
B62M 6/25 - Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary combustion engine power-driven at axle parts
B62M 6/60 - Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor power-driven at axle parts
B62M 11/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears
H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
H02P 5/00 - Arrangements specially adapted for regulating or controlling the speed or torque of two or more electric motors
B62M 9/06 - Transmissions characterised by use of an endless chain, belt, or the like of changeable ratio using a single chain, belt, or the like
10.
Method of operating a pedal cycle having an electro-mechanical drive arrangement
There is provided a method of operating a pedal cycle and a pedal cycle incorporating the same. The pedal cycle has an electro-mechanical drive arrangement including a continuously variable ratio transmission system having an input which is mounted to rotate about the axis and an output connected to rotate with a hub member, the transmission system comprising an epicyclic gear set including a sun gear in mesh with a plurality of planet gears mounted to rotate about respective planet shafts carried by a common carrier, which is mounted to rotate with the input about the axis, the planet gears being in mesh with an annulus gear, which is connected to rotate with the hub member. Only the sun gear may be connected to rotate a rotor of an electrical machine or an additional machine may be provided. The electrical connections of the stator of the electrical machine are connected to a controller; the method may include the step of applying a time division multiplexed control algorithm to the electrical machine, wherein the time division multiplexed control algorithm alternates between a first control mode in which current generated by the electrical machine is monitored to infer torque applied to the crank arms of the cycle and a second control mode in which the current in the input electrical machine is controlled using the inferred torque.
B62M 11/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears
B62M 6/50 - Control or actuating devices therefor characterised by detectors or sensors, or arrangement thereof
B62M 6/25 - Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary combustion engine power-driven at axle parts
There is provided a pedal cycle and a method of operating the same. The pedal cycle has an electro-mechanical drive arrangement including a continuously variable ratio transmission system having an input which is mounted to rotate about an axis and an output, the input being arranged to rotate with a common carrier coupled to a pedal system, and an electrical machine operable to provide power to the output via the continuously variable ratio transmission system. Operation of the pedal cycle comprises monitoring the rotation of the pedals within the pedal system; and when the monitored pedals are found to be stationary, selectively fixing the common carrier to fix the transmission ratio between the electrical machine and the output and applying a current to the electrical machine.
B62M 6/55 - Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor power-driven at crank shafts parts
B62M 11/14 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears
12.
A METHOD OF OPERATING A PEDAL CYCLE HAVING AN ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DRIVE ARRANGEMENT
There is provided a method of operating a pedal cycle and a pedal cycle incorporating the same. The pedal cycle has an electro-mechanical drive arrangement including a continuously variable ratio transmission system having an input which is mounted to rotate about the axis and an output connected to rotate with a hub member, the transmission system comprising an epicyclic gear set including a sun gear in mesh with a plurality of planet gears mounted to rotate about respective planet shafts carried by a common carrier, which is mounted to rotate with the input about the axis, the planet gears being in mesh with an annulus gear, which is connected to rotate with the hub member. Only the sun gear may be connected to rotate a rotor of an electrical machine or an additional machine may be provided. The electrical connections of the stator of the electrical machine are connected to a controller; the method may include the step of applying a time division multiplexed control algorithm to the electrical machine, wherein the time division multiplexed control algorithm alternates between a first control mode in which current generated by the electrical machine is monitored to infer torque applied to the crank arms of the cycle and a second control mode in which the current in the input electrical machine is controlled using the inferred torque.
patents
