Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
  • B62J1/00—Saddles or other seats for cycles; Arrangement thereof; Component parts
  • B62J1/12—Box-shaped seats; Bench-type seats, e.g. dual or twin seats
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
  • B62J43/00—Arrangements of batteries
  • B62J43/10—Arrangements of batteries for propulsion
  • B62J43/16—Arrangements of batteries for propulsion on motorcycles or the like
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
  • B62J43/00—Arrangements of batteries
  • B62J43/20—Arrangements of batteries characterised by the mounting
  • B62J43/23—Arrangements of batteries characterised by the mounting dismounted when charging
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
  • B62K19/00—Cycle frames
  • B62K19/30—Frame parts shaped to receive other cycle parts or accessories
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
  • B62M6/00—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles with additional source of power, e.g. combustion engine or electric motor
  • B62M6/80—Accessories, e.g. power sources; Arrangements thereof
  • B62M6/90—Batteries
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
  • B62K2202/00—Motorised scooters
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
  • B62K2204/00—Adaptations for driving cycles by electric motor

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a saddle assembly for an electric cycle, and more particularly to a removable saddle including a battery for an electric motorcycle or a scooter or more generally for an electrically driven cycle, the term cycle including both two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles.
• a major drawback of electric vehicles in general is the limited battery range, although great improvements are being made year by year, and more importantly the necessity to park the cycle at a place where its battery can be recharged when the energy level becomes low.
• This second drawback is definitely the major obstacle for electric cycles which are usually used for shorter drives.
• Document EP 1 215 111 discloses an electric cycle with a removable battery set, wherein several batteries and a charger are integrated into one integrated body, which is removably mounted on the cycle body.
• This integrated body is provided with a wheel and a handle retractably mounted on the integrated body in order to facilitate the transport of the battery set.
• This system is particularly useful to charge the battery when the electric cycle is parked on the street, thanks to the wheel and handle.
• the integrated body is arranged in the cycle body frame at foot level so that the driver has to bend to reach it, and then perform a series of operations to extract the battery. Again, the handling of the battery is neither easy, nor practical or ergonomic.
• the invention consists in the integration of the battery into the saddle of the electric cycle with the saddle assembly made in such a way that it is very easy to install it on and to remove it from the cycle. Additionally, the saddle assembly includes different means to easily remove it from the cycle and transport it to a place where it will be possible to charge its battery.
• a removable saddle assembly for an electric cycle comprising:
• a battery container housing at least one battery
• the saddle assembly which includes the battery can be easily removed and transported when needed to recharge it, or even each time the electric cycle is parked in public places. In the later case, it provides an efficient anti-theft device and additionally prevents the saddle from being deliberately damaged, knowing that the saddle constitutes a typical target of vandalism and uncivil acts.
• the grip means is retractable in order to limit the space requirement of the saddle assembly when installed on the cycle.
• the saddle assembly, the seat cushion and grip means form a backpack and the grip means include two straps.
• This embodiment is convenient since the user can comfortably carry the saddle assembly on his back and keep his two arms completely free.
• the saddle assembly, the seat cushion and grip means form a trolley case and the saddle assembly is provided with at least one wheel, the grip means including a retractable handle. Because it is much easier to carry heavy weight in a trolley case than in a backpack, this second embodiment is more adapted for heavier, more powerful scooters that require a more powerful, hence heavier battery, or for electric scooters intended to have a higher mileage range.
• the battery container of the saddle assembly comprises a charger with an electric outlet.
• the battery can be charged at any location where a power supply is available, e.g. at home or in the office.
• the invention also concerns an electric cycle with a saddle assembly as described before, comprising a cycle body provided with additional securing means cooperating with the securing means of the saddle for releasably securing the saddle to the cycle body in an operational position and an electric propulsion motor releasably connected to the battery of the saddle assembly through additional connection means
• the cycle body is provided with at least one guideway and the removable saddle assembly is provided with at least one slider for sliding into the guideway such that the removable saddle assembly can be moved between an operational position and a lower position.
• This guideway enables to slide easily the saddle assembly from the operational position allowing the driver to sit on the seat cushion to a lower position in which the saddle assembly is on the ground ready to be rolled away as a regular trolley case.
• This arrangement also greatly facilitates the installation of the saddle assembly back to the cycle since it is very easy to position the saddle assembly against the guideway and then to lift it up with the weight progressively supported by the base of the cycle.
• the cycle body comprises an open cavity for receiving a lower part of the removable saddle assembly.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic, side view of an electric cycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of the saddle of the electric cycle of figure 1 ;
• FIG. 3 is a schematic, side view of an electric cycle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is a schematic, perspective view of the rear part of the electric cycle of figure 3;
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the saddle of the electric cycle of figure 3;
• FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective view of the rear part of the electric cycle of figure 3 with the saddle off;
• FIGS. 7a to 7d are schematic, side views of the electric cycle of figure 3.
• FIG. 1 shows a side view of an electric cycle 1 provided with a saddle assembly 2 according to the invention.
• the electric cycle 1 comprises a cycle body 3, an electric propulsion motor 4, two wheels 5 and 5', a handlebar 6 and the saddle assembly 2.
• the saddle assembly 2 is represented more precisely in figure 2.
• the saddle assembly 2 comprises a battery container 7 housing a battery 8 and a charger 9, a seat cushion 13 covering the battery container 7, securing means 10 and 19 for removably securing the removable saddle assembly 2 to the electric cycle 1 , connection means 11 for connecting the battery 8 to the electric propulsion motor 4 and grip means 12 and 12' for handling the saddle assembly 2 when removed from the cycle 1.
• the battery container 7 is formed by a plastic shell covered with a seat cushion 13 including a foam 14 and an outer waterproof flexible covering 15.
• the seat cushion 13 is curved in order to be comfortable whereas the bottom 16 of the battery container 7 is a substantially flat surface.
• the battery 8 is preferably a Lithium-Ion battery as it currently offers the best compromise reliability/density/cost.
• the battery has a volume of about 3500 cm 3 and a weight of about 4,5 kg. With the current technology, the battery 8 confers an autonomy of about 35 km to the cycle 1.
• the saddle assembly 2 is positioned on a base 17 in order to be functional.
• the base 17 is part of the cycle body and comprises a plate 17a surrounded by a side wall 17b to form an open cavity.
• the saddle assembly 2 is shaped to match the shape of the base 17. Thus, the saddle assembly 2 can be partially inserted into the cavity of the base 17 which supports it and partially contains the lower part of the battery container 7.
• the battery container 7 comprises securing means 10 and 19 for removably securing the removable saddle 2 to the base 17. These securing means 10 and 19 are shaped to cooperate with complementary securing means 10' and 19' located on the base 17. These securing means 10 and 19 enable to releasably secure the saddle assembly 2 to the cycle body 1 in an operational position allowing the driver to sit on the saddle and to ride on it in a very secure way.
• the locking mechanism between the securing means 19 of the saddle assembly 2 and the complementary securing means 19' of the base 17 is locked by a key lock 18.
• the user To remove the battery container 7 from the base 17, the user must turn the key in the key lock 18.
• the battery container 7 is put back in the base 17 by simply snaping the battery container 7 in the base 17.
• the saddle can be very quickly installed by the user and can be easily removed. The rider can then easily take away the saddle assembly each time the electric cycle is parked in a public parking space. Thus, the risk of theft or vandalism is very limited.
• connection means 11 for connecting the battery 8 to the electric propulsion motor 4 are placed at the rear end of the battery container 7, whereas the rear end of the base 17 comprises complementary connection means 11 ' shaped to match with the connections means 11.
• connection means 11 and complementary connection means 11' connect, in a very simple way, the battery 8 to the electric cycle 1 and more particularly to the electric propulsion motor 4 of the electric cycle 1.
• the charger 9 is preferably included in the saddle assembly 2 so that the battery 8 can be charged readily anywhere.
• the charger 9 is provided with a retractable electrical outlet cable 21 which can be pulled out to charge the battery 8 or retracted into the battery container 7 when the saddle assembly is used on the cycle or transported.
• the battery container 7 is provided on its back side 16 with two straps 12 such that, once removed from the electric cycle, the saddle assembly 2 can be carried like a backpack.
• the straps 12 are adjustable and partially retractable.
• the bottom 16 of the battery container 7 is a flat surface and comprises a covering and/or padding similar to those in the conventional backpacks. It is then really easy and convenient for the user to carry the saddle assembly 2.
• the base 17a comprises a hole 22 so that any water coming for instance from rain can flow down through a hose not represented here.
• the saddle assembly can be rolled like a trolley case when removed from the cycle.
• the cycle 1 of figure 3 comprises a cycle body 3, two wheels 5 and 5', an handle bar 6, an electric propulsion motor 4 and a saddle assembly 2.
• the saddle assembly 2 comprises a battery container 7 housing a battery 8 and a charger 9, a seat cushion 13 covering the battery container 7, securing means 10 and 19 for removably securing the removable saddle 2 to the electric cycle 1 , securing means 10 protruding from the underside of the battery container 7 for connecting the battery 8 to the electric propulsion motor 4 and grip means 12 and 12' for handling the saddle assembly 2 when removed from the cycle 1.
• the battery container 7 is made of a plastic shell covered by the seat cushion 13, which is composed of a foam or padding 14 and a fabric 15.
• the seat cushion 13 is curved in order to be comfortable.
• This arrangement enables the user to transport a heavier battery than the first embodiment since the saddle assembly is rolled on the ground. For instance, it is possible to use a lithium battery weighting about 16kg, which with the current technology and an electric cycle of a total weigh of 70kg will provide approximately an autonomy of 70 kilometres.
• the saddle assembly 2 is positioned on a base 17 in order to be functional.
• the base 17 comprises two guideways 20 in which the battery container 7 slides thanks to sliders 21 protruding from the underside of the battery container 7 and to the securing means 10, which constitute additional sliders located at the front end of the battery container 7.
• the base 17 is convex and the bottom surface of the saddle assembly
• figure 7d shows the concavity along an arc A of the whole underside 16 of the seat assembly, this arc
• the arc A1 of the base 17 when the seat assembly is in the functional position shown on figure 7a matches the arc A1 of the base 17 when the seat assembly is in the functional position shown on figure 7a.
• the arc A2 of the base 17 shown on figure 7d can be different from the arc A as long as at least two sliders always match each guideway 20 and allow the seat assembly to slide safely and properly along the base 17.
• the guideways 20 extend from the rear to the front part of the base 17 so that the saddle assembly 2 can slide from the top/front end of the base 17 to the ground at the rear end of the base.
• the sliding motion of the saddle assembly 2 from the top of the base 17 to the ground is represented on figures 7a to 7d. Thanks to this sliding motion, most of the weight of the saddle assembly 2 is supported by the cycle body 1 during the installation and removal of the saddle assembly 2.
• Each guideway 20 is U-shaped in cross-section and the securing means/sliders 21 are shaped to match the guideways 20.
• Each guideway 20 is provided with a stopper 10' forming a recess at its front end and the underside of the saddle assembly is provided with two securing means/sliders 10 shaped to enter the recess of the stoppers 10' in order to stop the sliding of the saddle assembly 2 toward the front part of the base 17 and securely hold the front end of the saddle assembly.
• the front end of the securing means/sliders 10 are provided with connection terminals 11 and the recess of the stoppers 10' equally comprise complementary connection terminals 11 ' for connecting the battery 8 to the electric propulsion motor 4.
• the base 17 is provided with a latching system 19 located at the rear end of the base, which can be locked and unlocked with a key.
• the key lock 18 enabling to lock and unlock the latching system is located at the rear end of the saddle assembly 2.
• Two wheels 23 are provided at the rear end of the battery container 7 enabling the user to roll the battery container 7 on the ground. When the saddle assembly 2 is on the base 17, the wheels 23 are not in contact with the base 17.
• the battery container 7 is provided with a retractable handle 12 at its front end. Thanks to this retractable handle, it is convenient to remove the saddle assembly 2 from the base 17 and then to transport the trolley case formed by the saddle assembly 2.
• the handle 12 is retractable in the operational position of the saddle assembly.
• a second retractable or fixed handle 12' may be provided on the top of the battery container 7 in order to ease the manipulation of the saddle assembly during installation and removal of the saddle assembly.
• This secondary handle 12' has proved to be particularly ergonomic.
• FIGS 7a to 7d represent the removal of the saddle assembly 2.
• the same figures could be use to illustrate the installation of the saddle assembly 2.
• the removal of the saddle assembly 2 is very simple: first, the user unlocks the saddle assembly 2 thanks to the key lock 18.
• the saddle assembly 2 is free to slide, thanks to the sliders 21 guided in the guideways 20, from the top/front end of the base 17 to the ground.
• the user can control the sliding of the saddle assembly 2 on the base 17 with the handles 12 and 12'.
• the saddle assembly can be rolled like a trolley case thanks to the wheels 23.
• Fig. 5 shows that even if the sliders 21 are not perfectly aligned with the guideways 20, they will naturally slide in the guideways thanks to their respective rounded shapes.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
• Handcart (AREA)
• Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
• Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=39938717

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (4)

Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (10)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 2008
  • 2008-05-30 JP JP2011511097A patent/JP2011521834A/ja active Pending
  • 2008-05-30 EP EP08762750A patent/EP2303673A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2008-05-30 WO PCT/IB2008/001395 patent/WO2009144525A1/en active Application Filing
• 2009
  • 2009-06-01 TW TW098117988A patent/TW201012687A/zh unknown

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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