A POWER UNIT AND ELECTRIC DRIVE SYSTEM FOR A BIKE

Abstract

A power unit for powering an electric bike, the power unit comprising: a power supply; a control module connected to the power supply and configured to manage the power output by the power unit; a holder for supporting the power supply and control module; a power connector for connecting the power unit to an electric motor; a control connector for connecting the power unit to an input device; and an attachment device for attaching the power unit to a bike. An electric drive system for a bike, the system comprising: a separable power unit; an electric motor for powering a bike, wherein the electric motor is separably connectable to the power unit by means of the power connector; an input device for communicating data to the power unit; wherein the data is used to manage the power supply of the power unit and the input device is separably connectable to the power unit by means of the control connector.

Claims

1. A power unit for powering an electric bike, the power unit comprising: a power supply; a control module connected to the power supply and configured to manage the power output by the power unit; a holder for supporting the power supply and control module; a power connector for connecting the power unit to an electric motor; a control connector for connecting the power unit to an input device; and an attachment device for attaching the power unit to a bike.

2. A power unit according to claim 1, wherein the holder is a bag comprising a refastenable opening to permit access to the inside of the bag, and the power supply and control module are both located inside the bag.

3. A power unit according to claim 1, wherein the control connector is configured to connect the power unit to a pedal sensor configured to detect when a user of a bike is pedalling.

4. A power unit according to claim 1, further comprising a user interface comprising a display and an input device for receiving inputs from a user.

5. A power unit according to claim 1, wherein the attachment device comprises: a locking mechanism for preventing the attachment mechanism being unintentionally disconnected from the bike, the locking mechanism comprising: a release; wherein the release is configured to be actuated to unlock the locking mechanism so that the attachment mechanism can be detached from a bike; and the holder comprises a handle, and the handle is configured to actuate the release when the handle is moved.

6. A power unit according to claim 1, wherein the power connector is a wired connector and is integral with the attachment device; and the power connector and attachment device are arranged such that the power connector is connected as the attachment device attaches the power unit to a bike.

7. A power unit according to claim 1, wherein the control connector is a wired connector and is integral with the attachment device; and the control connector and attachment device are arranged such that the control connector is connected as the attachment device attaches the power unit to a bike.

8. A power unit according to claim 1, wherein the power connector and control connector are combined in a single connector.

9. A power unit according to claim 1, further comprising an immobilisation module comprising a key and a verifier; wherein the immobilisation module is configured to disable the power unit when the key is not within a predetermined proximity of the verifier.

10. (canceled)

11. A power unit according to claim 1, further comprising a charge interface comprising a solar panel configured to charge the power supply.

12. A power unit according to claim 1, further comprising an external power connector for powering an external device.

13. An electric drive system for a bike, the system comprising: a separable power unit according to claim 1; an electric motor for powering a bike, wherein the electric motor is separably connectable to the power unit by means of the power connector; an input device for communicating data to the power unit; wherein the data is used to manage the power supply of the power unit and the input device is separably connectable to the power unit by means of the control connector.

14. (canceled)

15. An electric drive system according to claim 13, comprising at least one of the following input devices: a user interface, a pedal sensor configured to detect when a user is pedalling, a brake sensor for detecting when a brake is activated, a light, a user device, a throttle control configured to control a power output of the power supply and a light sensor configured to detect an ambient light level.

16. An electric drive system according to any of claim 13, further comprising a mount, wherein the mount is attachable to a bike and is configured to releasably engage the attachment device.

17. An electric drive system according to claim 16, further comprising a motor connector for connecting the motor to the power connector; wherein the motor connector is integral with the mount, and the mount and motor connector are arranged such that the motor connector is connected to the power connector as the mount and attachment device engage.

18. An electric drive system according to claim 17, comprising an input device connector for connecting the input device to the control connector; wherein the input device connector is integral with the mount, and the mount and input device connector are arranged such that the input device connector is connected to the control connector as the mount and attachment device engage.

19. An electric drive system according to claim 18, wherein the motor connector and input device connector are combined in a single connector in the mount.

20. An electric drive system according to claim 13, further comprising an electrically activated lock; wherein the electric drive system is configured such that the lock is an unlocked position when the power unit is connected to the rest of the electric drive system and the lock is in a locked position when the power unit is disconnected from the rest of the electric drive system.

21. An electric drive system according to claim 20, further comprising an immobilisation module comprising a key and a verifier; wherein the immobilisation module is configured to disable the power unit when the key is not within a predetermined proximity of the verifier; and the immobilisation module is configured to activate the lock when the key is not within a predetermined proximity of the verifier by moving the lock into, or keeping the lock in, a locked position.

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. A kit of parts comprising: a separable power unit according to claim 1; an electric motor for powering a bike, wherein the electric motor is separably connectable to the power unit by means of the power connector; an input device for communicating data to the power unit; wherein the data is used to manage the power supply of the power unit and the input device is separably connectable to the power unit by means of the control connector.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0168] FIG. 1 is a side view of a push bike.

[0169] FIG. 2 is a side view of a push bike with an embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0170] FIG. 3 is a side view of a push bike with a further embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0171] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a mount and a detachable unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0172] FIG. 5 is a side view of a push bike with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] FIG. 6 is a further side view of the push bike of FIG. 5.

[0174] FIG. 1 shows a push bike 1 according to the prior art. The bike depicted comprises a frame 2, a seat post 5 and saddle 4, a stem 12 and handle bars 11, a front fork 3, two bicycle wheels 6 with hubs 13, rims 14 and tires 15. The wheels are attached to the frame 2 with axles. The bike also has a gearing system 9, shown as a chain 16, chain rings 10 and cog set. The bicycle has two pedals 7 connected to a crank arm 8, the pedals 7 form the mechanical interface between the users foot and the crank arm 8. It is to be understood that the illustrated bike is an example only and embodiments according to the present disclosure can be used with any bike or similar product.

[0175] FIG. 2 depicts a push bike 1 with an electric drive system according to an embodiment. In FIG. 2, the push bike 1 has been modified to have a pedal assist sensor 18 and electric motor 17. The electric motor 17 is a hub motor for mounting on the hub 13a of the front wheel 6a, however, in other embodiments it is possible that the motor could be a mid-drive motor, for mounting around the crank arm 8.

[0176] Also shown in FIG. 2 is a power unit. The power unit has a holder in the form of a bag 23, which contains a control module 22, a power supply 21 (in the form of a battery) and a user interface 20. The user interface 20 is visible to the user and contains a display. In this embodiment, the user interface 20 is attached to the top surface of the bag 23.

[0177] The user interface 20 may be used to provide information or feedback to the userfor example a speed of the bike or the power level of the power supply 21. The user interface 20 may also be used as an input device to allow a user to manage settingsfor example the power level supplied to the motor (i.e. a throttle) or to turn on or off an electric light.

[0178] The power supply 21 and user interface 20 are connected to the control module 22 by connectors 21a and 20a respectively. In the present embodiment, these connections are permanently in place, for example they may be hard wired connections, which are part of an integrated circuit. In alternative embodiments, however, they may be flexible connectors with attachable and detachable connection ends.

[0179] The power unit has connectors for connecting the other devices of the electric drive system. In the present embodiment, the control module 22 has control connectors for connecting the following input devices: pedal assist sensor 18 and brake detectors 19. These connectors in the present embodiment are in the form of sockets/ports on the bag 23.

[0180] The control module 22 also has a power connector for connecting the power unit to the electric motor 17. This power connector is also in the form of a socket/port on the bag 23 in the present embodiment.

[0181] The pedal assist sensor 18 is connected to the control module 22 by an input device connector 18a, which plugs into a control connector on the bag 23. Electric motor 17 is connected to the control module 22 by a motor connector 17a which plugs into the power connector on the bag 23. Brake detectors 19 are attached to the handle bars 11 and connected to the control module 22 by an input device connector 19a which plugs into a control connector on the bag 23. In this embodiment the input device and motor connectors 17a, 18a and 19a are fixed with respect to the bike permanently, although in other embodiments they may be separable from the bike.

[0182] The bag 23 is attachable to and detachable from the push-bike 1. The bag 23 is attached to the handle bars 11 by an attachment device (not shown) and positioned such that the user can connect the motor connector 17a to the power unit via the power connector and input device connectors 18a and 19a to the power unit via the control connectors. This connects the motor 17 and input devices to the rest of the electric drive system for the bike, such that power can be supplied from the power supply 21 to the electric motor 17 and the control module can communicate with the pedal assist sensor 18 and brake detectors 19 on the bike in order to manage the power supply. When the user attaches the bag 23 to the bike 1, the user also connects the connectors 17a, 18a and 19a to the relevant input on the power unit/control module.

[0183] The connectors are physical in this embodiment, i.e. the connectors 18a, 17a, 19a connecting the brake detectors 19, pedal assist sensor and electric motor with the control module 22 are wired connectors. The motor connector 17a is a power cable which connects the electric motor 17 to a plug/socket and is conveniently located for connection with the power unit.

[0184] The control connectors and power connectors (and/or motor and input device connectors) may be identical connectors, or may be different types of connector. The power connector may be any standard AC or DC power connector, as described above. The power connector and/or control connector may comprise any standard power/data cable, such as USB, micro USB or any other examples mentioned above.

[0185] To install the drive system, the pedal assist sensor 18, brake detectors 19 and electric motor 17 are installed on a standard non-electric push bike. The connectors (e.g. cables and connecting ends) are then connected to the pedal assist sensor 18, brake detectors 19 and electric motor and are attached to the bike frame. For example, they may be attached (e.g. by clamps) to members of the triangular central frame or the front forks, such that their ends are conveniently located for connecting to a power unit.

[0186] When a user wants to use the electric drive system on the bike, they simply need to attach the power unitembodied within a self-contained bagto the bike mechanically, and then connect the connectors to the relevant inputs on the power unit. The electric drive system is then ready for use.

[0187] During use, a user can start to use the pedals, as they usually would. The pedal assist sensor 18 detects the use of the pedals and communicates this to the power unit (control module 22). The control module controls the power supply 21 such that power is supplied from the power unit to the electric motor 17 and the electric motor 17 assists in driving the bike.

[0188] The user interface 20 may comprise a throttle control, or may be configured to act as a throttle control, allowing a user to vary the power supplied to, or by, the electric motor 17. This may allow a user to adjust the speed of the bike when electrically powered.

[0189] When a user brakes, the brake detectors 19 communicate this to the power unit (control module 22). The control module 22 may be configured to reduce, or cut off, power supply from the power unit to the electric motor 17, or the power output from the electric motor in order to ensure that the electric motor 17 is not trying to drive the bike forwards when the user wants to brake.

[0190] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment according to the present invention. The electric drive system in FIG. 3 has a mount 26. The detachable power unit in this embodiment comprises a bag 23 with an attachment device 25. In this embodiment the mount 26 and attachment device 25 form a single connection point 27. Mount 26 and the attachment device 25 are arranged to mechanically connect and are configured to be releasably engageable.

[0191] Furthermore, the mount 26 and attachment device 25 are configured to provide electrical power and/or data connections between the power unit and the rest of the electric drive system (e.g. the input devices and electric motor). This is achieved by integrating the motor connector(s) and input device connector(s) in the mount, and the power connector(s) and control connector(s) in the attachment device. As such, when a user attaches the power unit to a bike by mechanically attaching the attachment device 25 and the mount 26, the electrical power and/or data connections between the motor and power connectors and input device and control connectors are automatically, simultaneously, made.

[0192] Mount 26 is attached to all three connectors 17a, 18a and 19a, which may optionally join to form a single electrical connection in the mount. These are integral to the mount 26.

[0193] In this embodiment 17a, 18a and 19a are physical connectors, permanently attached to the mount 26. Since these connectors 17a, 18a and 19a are fixed to the mount 26, which is fixed to the bike 1, the user does not need to wire the electronics separately, which is advantageous. The attachment device 25 comprises control connectors for the brake detectors 19 and pedal assist sensor 18 and a power connector for the electric motor. In this embodiment, the control connectors and power connector are combined into a single power and data connector 28.

[0194] The mount 26 and attachment device 25 are arranged such that a single connection point 27 is (automatically) made between the mount 26 and attachment device 25. And that the control module 22 is connected to the attachment device 25 via a single connector 28 of the power unit which acts as the control connector and power connector. The electrical power and data connection is made between the power unit and the input devices and electric motor 17 as the mount 26 and attachment device 25 engage. Similarly, the connection can be severed when the mount 26 and attachment device 25 are disengaged, i.e. the bag is detached from the bike.

[0195] In this way the attachment device 25 and mount 26 are arranged such that a single electrical connection 27 is (automatically) connected (electrically) as the attachment device 25 attaches the unit to a bike (mechanically).

[0196] In some embodiments, the electrical/data connections may be made using exposed contacts arranged to connect with corresponding contacts/brushes/protrusions upon mechanical connection. An example of a suitable type of connection (providing mechanical and electrical connections simultaneously) is that used in a cordless drill between the power supply and the drillthe power pack is inserted into the handle of the drill and automatically provides a mechanical and electrical connection.

[0197] In other embodiments, the simultaneous mechanical and electrical connection may be provided by using standard electrical connectors (e.g. standard 12V DC connectors), specifically arranged such that they connect as part of the same motion as that which connects the mechanical fastening elements of the mount and attachment device.

[0198] Once a connection is made between the mount and attachment device, power can be supplied from the power supply 21 to the electric motor 17 and the control module 22 can communicate with the pedal assist sensor 18 and brake detectors 19 on the bike in order to manage the power supply.

[0199] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an embodiment according to the present disclosure. The detachable power unit 24, comprising bag 23 and contents: user interface 20, control module 22, power supply 21; and attachment device 25. The attachment device 25 and mount 26 comprise a mechanical connector arranged to cooperate with a corresponding mechanical connector on the other of the attachment device 25 and mount 26. The attachment device 25 comprises a locking mechanism which is shown here as a receiving recess, whereby the detachable power unit 24 is secured to the bike 1. The attachment device 25 is configured to be actuated to unlock the locking mechanism so that the attachment device 25 can be detached from a bike 1.

[0200] The mount 26, electric motor connector 17a, pedal assist sensor connector 18a and brake detector connector 19a are arranged such that simultaneous mechanical and electrical connections are provided between the detachable unit 24 and the rest of an electric drive system for a bike 1. This is achieved by the connectors being integral with the attachment device and mount.

[0201] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show an embodiment of the present invention in which the power unit comprises, in addition to the features described in FIG. 3, a mains plug for charging the power supply 21. In FIG. 5 the mains plug 29 is integrated with the detachable power unit 24 and is in a non-extended state such that it is contained within the bag 23. The mains plug 29 is provided as part of a charge interface to facilitate charging of the power supply 21 by connecting the power supply 21 to a mains power supply.

[0202] In FIG. 6 the mains plug 29 is extended ready to be connected to a mains power supply and so is depicted outside of the detachable power unit 24 and is connected to the detachable unit 24 by a charging cable 30. The charge interface in this case also comprises the extension cable 30 for enabling a power supply 21 connected to a bike to be conveniently charged by a mains power supply.

[0203] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the novel methods, devices and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope of the invention defined by the claims.