AU2014277819A1 - Control Apparatus for Electric Bicycle - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric bicycle has a battery connected to a control box which has a power circuit connecting the battery to the motor and a detector circuit which reacts to signals from a portable remote or a proximity transmitter. A solid state switch responds to the signals and can handle various battery voltages. An indicator panel visible to the rider shows speed and battery charge level. A kit for conversion to keyless switching of the power circuit is described. A kit for the same switching facility plus a motorised wheel, control box and battery is described for converting a pedal bicycle into an electric bicycle. 2014-12-19.C:\Usets\Shadene\DocumenIs\SPECFICATIONSeectriccap.ipd,O 58N - 60

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION Control Apparatus for Electric Bicycle TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention concerns control apparatus for solid state switching of power for electric bicycle negating requirement of mechanical switching. BACKGROUND [0002] The addition of 24v, 36v and 48v batteries and electric motors to bicycles turns them into commuting vehicles like cars. Typically the electrical circuit in the bicycle is mechanically controlled by the rider. Thus power has been controlled by a push button, rocker switch or key switch mounted in various locations in the electric circuitry on the bicycle situated in a case which accommodates the battery. It would be of advantage to owners if the bicycle's electronics could be immobilised with a remote device via its electrics like a car. [0003] In this specification the term "bicycle" includes tricycle. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0004] One aspect of the invention provides an electric bicycle wherein the battery is connected to the bicycle motor by a control box which has a power circuit connecting the battery to the motor and a detector circuit capable of reacting to external signals to activate the power circuit. The original equipment aspect provides control equipment for supplying battery power to an electric bicycle, comprising a control box to which the battery is electrically connected, the control box having a power circuit for supplying the bicycle motor and a detector circuit capable of activation by a handheld remote to activate the power circuit. [0005] The current to the motor may be controlled by an accelerator making use of an 2014+12+18,C:\Users\ShrIeneDoImenis\SPECIFICATIONSlelectric cap wpd,I 2 accelerator assembly or PAS utilising Hall effect sensors. [0006] The equipment may include an indicator panel visible to the rider which indicates the state of battery charge and optionally the bicycle's speed. The panel is fixed to the handlebars. [0007] The detector circuit may include an audio emitter for telling the rider that the remote has operated. [0008] The power circuit may operate a gate which locks the battery to the control box and releases the battery when required for charging. [0009] The conversion kit aspect of the invention provides control componentry for controlling the supply of battery power to an electric bicycle, comprising a control box to which the battery is connectable, having a power circuit for supplying the bicycle motor, a detector circuit capable of activation by a handheld remote in order to activate the power circuit through a solid state switch in replacement of a key switch, rocker or equivalent. [0010] The solid state switch may be a high current switch. The battery may deliver any level of current, not just 15A. The power circuit may operate at a selectable voltage, commonly 24v, 36v 48v. [0011] The control box may include an intelligent motor controller to which the battery is electronically connected. The control box then provides power to the intelligent motor controller having a power circuit for supplying the bicycle motor through a solid state switch. The control box detector circuit is capable of activation by a handheld remote thus activating the power circuit affording keyless operation. [0012] The intelligent brushless controller utilises a 36v 200mA signal to turn the power circuit on and off. This may be improved by provision of an electronic switch that will carry the 15A current fed to the motor. 2014-12-18,C:\Users\Sharene\Documents\SPECFICATIONStelectricap.wpd,2 3 [0013] The control box to which the battery is electronically connected may have a proximity receiver for activating a power circuit in response to the approach of a proximity transmitter worn by the rider. Thus no button would need to be provided nor any key switch rotated. [0014] When a proximity receiver is included in the kit or in the original equipment of the electric bicycle it may be accommodated in a compartment within the control box, inside the bicycle frame or in a handlebar mounted component such as the indicator panel, a separate speedometer or turning indicators. Advantageous Effects of Invention [0015] 1. Component reliability because the prior art switches had limited life. [0016] 2. Bicycle security is improved through the ability to conceal the switch components. [0017] 3. Electronic activation of power to bicycle without requirement for mechanical activation. [0018] The invention also provides an electric bicycle conversion kit for controlling the supply of battery current to the bicycle motor comprising control componentry for controlling the supply of battery power to an electric bicycle, further comprising a control box to which the battery is connectable having a power circuit for supplying the bicycle motor, a detector circuit capable of activation by a handheld remote in order to activate the power circuit through a solid state switch in replacement of a key switch, rocker or equivalent. [0019] If a rider wishes to convert a pedal bicycle to an electric bicycle, a more comprehensive list of parts is needed and the invention provides a kit for converting a pedal bicycle into an electric bicycle comprising a motorised front wheel, a battery and circuitry for connecting the battery and the motor of the front wheel, the circuitry in turn comprising a control box to which the battery is connectable, a power circuit and a detector circuit operable to be activated by a handheld remote or a proximity transmitter. 20112-1 SC:\UsersShatene\Documents\SPECIFICATIONS jecric cap.ipd,3 4 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0020] One embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0021] Figure 1 is a side view of an electric bicycle with the equipment fitted. [0022] Figure 2 is a plan view of the indicator panel. [0023] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of a first control box. [0024] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a second control box. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0025] Referring firstly to Figure 1, the seat tube 2 and the down tube 4 are part of a continuous curve braced by a low cross bar to facilitate riding by males and females. Seat tube 2 has a lead inlet 8 and down tube 10 has a lead exit 12. Head stock 14 supports handlebars 16 and a front fork assembly 18. Front wheel 20 is driven by hub motor 22. Rear forks 24, 26 support rear wheel 28 which is driven by chain wheel 30. [0026] The rear forks bracket supports battery carrier 32 consisting of a horizontal battery cage 34 from which pairs of struts 36, 38 and 40 depend. Brace 42 stiffens the cage. [0027] Control box 44 is attached to the cage and 24v battery 46 connects to the control box through a gate which locks and unlocks the battery for removal and charging. A solenoid is energised by the power circuit which utilises lead 52 and re-opens the gate linking the battery to the circuit which is normally closed. This part of the control box forms part of the prior art. [0028] Lead 52 is connected to a twist grip accelerator 54 on handlebar 16. The accelerator is connected to motor 22 by lead 56. Indicator panel 58 is mounted on the handlebars 16 and is 2014-12-18,C:\UsersShrlene\lDocumnts\SPECIFICATIONStectric.cap.wpd,4 5 connected between the accelerator 54 and motor 22. [0029] Referring now to Figure 2, the panel has a digital display visible to the rider and shows speed 60, mileage or kilometres travelled 62 and state of battery charge 64. [0030] The power circuit is switched on and off by a control box rotary switch 66 which is turned by the rider's key. A receptor circuit contains an infra-red detector and an audio emitter. [0031] Referring now to Figure 3, control box 44 does not have a key switch. Infra-red detector 70 receives signals from the rider's remote transmitter 72. The receiver is a type supplied by Guangzhou Ding Xin Electronic Technology Co. Ltd. A 200mA switch line 74 activates and deactivates power circuit 76 which supplies 36v at 15A to motor 22. [0032] Referring now to Figure 4, the power circuit 74 supplies the voltage available from 24v, 36v or 48v batteries. The 15A current is switched on and off by solid state switch IRF 1405. This switch is a type supplied by International Rectifier Corporation of California, USA. This switch in turn is controlled by detector 70 which responds to remote transmitter 72. These components are housed in a 50 x 30mm cylinder with built-in motion alarn. This can be supplied as retro-fit componentry to replace standard mechanical switches. If a motion sensor for alarm purposes is required it is made part of detector 70. [0033] In a non-illustrated third version, the rider carries an electronic emitter the same size as a conventional remote device and a detector in the control box responds whenever the rider approaches the bicycle. The detector recognises the emitter signal and switches the power circuit on. Likewise when the rider walks away from the bicycle the battery circuit is disconnected. [0034] It is to be understood that the word "comprising" as used throughout the specification is to be interpreted in its inclusive form, le. use of the word "comprising" does not exclude the addition of other elements. [0035] It is to be understood that various modifications of and/or additions to the invention can 2014-12-18,C:\Users\Sharke'Docum rnSPECtFICATIONS electic.cap mpd,5 6 be made without departing from the basic nature of the invention. These modifications and/or additions are therefore considered to fall within the scope of the invention. 2014-12-18,C:\Usrs\Shulene\Documents\SPECiFICATIONSielecin ccap.npd,6

Claims (23)

1. An electric bicycle wherein the battery is connected to the bicycle motor by a control box which has a power circuit connecting the battery to the motor and a detector circuit capable of reacting to external signals to activate the power circuit.

2. An electric bicycle as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the external signals are generated by a portable remote.

3. An electric bicycle as claimed in Claim I or 2, wherein the detection circuit includes an audio emitter for telling the rider that the remote has operated.

4. An electric bicycle as claimed in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein the power circuit has a solid state switch operable to respond to the detector circuit condition.

5. An electric bicycle as claimed in any one of Claims 1-4, wherein the current to the motor is further controlled by an accelerator.

6. An electric bicycle as claimed in any one of Claims 1-5, wherein a handlebar mounted indication panel which is visible to the rider shows the state of battery charge.

7. An electric bicycle as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the panel also shows the bicycles speed.

8. An electric bicycle as claimed in any one of Claims 1-7, wherein the power circuit operates a gate which locks the battery to the control box and releases the battery when required for charging.

9. An electric bicycle as claimed in any one of Claims 5-8, wherein the current to the motor is controlled by a PAS utilising Hall effect sensors.

2014-12-18,C:\Users\Sharsene\Documents\SPECIFICAflONS ct!e riccap w-pd,7 8

10. An electric bicycle as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the external signal is generated by a proximity signal device.

11. An electric bicycle as claimed in any one of Claims 4-10, wherein the power circuit is activated by a solid state switch capable of operating at a selected voltage.

12. An electric bicycle conversion kit for controlling the supply of battery current to the bicycle motor comprising control componentry for controlling the supply of battery power to an electric bicycle, further comprising a control box to which the battery is connectable having a power circuit for supplying the bicycle motor, a detector circuit capable of activation by a handheld remote in order to activate the power circuit through a solid state switch in replacement of a key switch, rocker or equivalent.

13. A conversion kit as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the current to the motor is further controlled by an accelerator.

14. A conversion kit as claimed in Claim 12 or 13, wherein the handlebar mounted indication panel which is visible to the rider shows the state of battery charge.

15. A conversion kit as claimed in any one of Claims 12-14, wherein the panel also shows the bicycle speed.

16. A conversion kit as claimed in any one of Claims 12-15, wherein the power circuit operates a gate which locks the battery to the control box and releases the battery when required for charging.

17, A conversion kit as claimed in any one of Claims 12-16, wherein the detector circuit has an audio emitter for telling the rider that the remote or proximity detector has operated.

18. A kit for converting a pedal bicycle into an electric bicycle comprising a motorised front wheel, a battery and circuitry for connecting the battery and the motor of the font wheel, the 2014-12-1 8,C:\Users\ShadeneDocuments\SPECIFICATIONS'electic.cap.wpd,8 9 circuitry in turn comprising a control box to which the battery is connectable, a power circuit and a detector circuit operable to be activated by a handheld remote or a proximity transmitter.

19. A kit as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the power circuit has a solid state switch operable to respond to the detector circuit condition.

20. A kit as claimed in Claim 18 or 19, wherein the current to the motor is further controlled by an accelerator,

21. A kit as claimed in Claim 18, wherein a handlebar mounted indication panel which is visible to the rider shows the state of battery charge.

22. A kit as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the panel also shows bicycle speed.

23. A kit as claimed in any one of Claims 18-22, wherein the power circuit operates a gate which locks the battery to the control box and releases the battery when required for charging. 2014-12-1S,CAUs s\ShukneM~ocumenis\SPECIFICATIONSelectric.cap.;pd,9