EP3996981A1

EP3996981A1 - Drive module for a small or mini vehicle, and small or mini vehicle having the drive module

Info

Publication number: EP3996981A1
Application number: EP20740220.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Simon Ortmann; Philippe Wagner; Yannick Wey
Original assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG and Co KG
Current assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG and Co KG
Priority date: 2019-07-10
Filing date: 2020-06-17
Publication date: 2022-05-18
Also published as: US20220258822A1; CN114080348A; DE102019118694A1; WO2021004573A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive module (1) for a small or mini vehicle (20), comprising a wheel axle (8), at least one wheel (2, 3), at least one motor device (4, 5) for producing and applying a drive torque to the at least one wheel (2, 3), and at least one braking device (6, 7) for braking the at least one wheel (2, 3). The drive module (1) comprises an evaluation and control device (12) for evaluating safety-relevant data (30) of the small or mini vehicle (20) and for controlling the drive module (1) on the basis of the evaluated safety-relevant data (30) and/or can be and/or is connected to said evaluation and control device.

Description

Drive module for a small or micro vehicle and small or

Small vehicle with the drive module

The invention relates to a drive module for a small or micro vehicle with a wheel axle, with at least one wheel, with at least one motor device for generating and introducing a drive torque into the at least one wheel and with at least one braking device for braking the at least one wheel. The invention also relates to a small or micro vehicle with the drive module according to claim 6.

E-scooters are increasingly used as a means of transport in road traffic. Solutions are being sought to increase safety when driving e-scooters. It is already known to switch off a drive of the e-scooter if it exceeds a permissible total load weight.

For example, the publication DE 20 2019 001 096 U 1, which probably forms the closest prior art, describes an e-scooter with an electric drive and with a control system for controlling the drive and for informing a user about a state of the e-scooter. A weight of the user including luggage is determined and this is compared with a permitted weight. The result of the comparison is displayed to the user on an information panel. If the weight is too high, the control system switches off the electric drive.

The invention is based on the object of providing a compact, robust and safety-optimized drive module for a small or very small vehicle. This object is achieved by a drive module for a small or micro vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by a small or micro vehicle with the drive module according to claim 6. Preferred or advantageous Embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the following description and / or the accompanying figures.

A drive module for a small or micro vehicle is proposed. The small or micro vehicle is preferably designed as an in particular multi-lane electric vehicle. The vehicle is particularly preferably designed as a scooter, in particular as an electric scooter, electric scooter, electric scooter, e.g. e-scooter, as a Segway, floverboard, kickboard, longboard or the like. The vehicle can alternatively be designed as a multi-track bicycle, in particular with three or more wheels. For example, the vehicle can be a transport or cargo bike, especially a motorized or electrically driven transport or cargo bike, especially a three-wheel or four-wheel pedelec or a rickshaw, especially with or without a roof, or a cabin scooter.

The drive module comprises a wheel axle, in particular a transverse wheel axle. The wheel axle is preferably designed as a rear wheel axle, but it can alternatively also be designed as a front wheel axle. The wheel axle preferably has a mechanical interface for attachment to a frame or frame of the small or micro vehicle.

The drive module has at least one wheel and at least one motor device, in particular at least one electric motor. The at least one motor device is designed to generate a drive torque and to introduce this into the at least one wheel. The drive module also includes at least one braking device which is designed to brake the at least one wheel.

According to the invention, the drive module comprises at least one evaluation and control device for evaluating safety-related data of the small or micro vehicle and for controlling the drive module on the basis of the evaluated safety-related data. This is an alternative or optional supplement Drive module connectable and / or connected to the control and evaluation device.

It is advantageous that safe driving with the small or very small vehicle can be ensured in that the drive module integrated in the small or small vehicle is controlled on the basis of the evaluated safety-relevant data. In particular, dangerous situations in road traffic when driving a small or micro vehicle can be reduced, thereby avoiding accidents and the resulting injuries and damage.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the wheel axle carries a first wheel, a first motor device and a first braking device and a second wheel, a second motor device and a second braking device of the drive module. The first wheel, the first motor device and the first braking device preferably form a first compact unit which is arranged at one end of the wheel axle. In particular, the second wheel, the second motor device and the second braking device form a second compact unit which is arranged at another end of the wheel axle. In this arrangement, the mechanical interface is preferably arranged centrally between the two units. It is advantageous that a high integration density of the braking devices and the motor devices can be achieved. The units preferably have a resistant and robust structure and are therefore well protected against vandalism.

A possible constructive implementation of the invention provides that the motor devices are integrated in the respective wheel, for example designed as a wheel hub motor. The braking devices are preferably arranged axially adjacent to the respective wheel and / or to the respective motor device. For example, the braking devices can be activated manually by a driver of the small or very small vehicle. For this purpose, the braking devices can be connected, for example via a line, to a hand lever by means of which they can be hydraulically operated. The hand lever is arranged, for example, on a handlebar of the small or very small vehicle. A single central evaluation and control device is optionally provided for the drive module, in particular for controlling the two units. Alternatively, two evaluation and control devices can be provided, each of the units being assigned its own evaluation and control device. For this purpose, the evaluation and control device (s) can be arranged on the wheel axle and connected to the units, or they can be integrated directly into the corresponding unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive module comprises an activation device which is designed to activate the braking device. The control device preferably controls the activation device to activate the braking device to brake the at least one wheel. In particular, the activation device is designed and / or can be activated independently of the hand lever to be operated manually.

For example, the activation device can be a cable, a linkage or a hydraulic device which is in an operative connection with the at least one braking device. In particular, the braking device can be activated as a function of the safety-relevant data and the small or micro vehicle can be braked or brought to a standstill when the drive module is integrated in the small or micro vehicle. For example, the driving speed of the small or very small vehicle can thereby be adapted automatically and / or automatically, in particular without manual intervention by the driver, to the conditions of road traffic. An emergency braking of the small or small vehicle can optionally also be activated, e.g. to avoid a collision.

In one possible implementation of the invention, the control device controls the motor device to increase or decrease the drive torque. If the drive module is integrated in the small or very small vehicle, a travel speed of the small or small vehicle can be automatically and / or automatically, in particular without, depending on the safety-relevant data Intervention by the driver. In particular, the speed of the small or very small vehicle can be adapted to the conditions of road traffic. For example, excessive speed of the small or micro vehicle can be avoided and the resulting safety risks can be restricted.

Another possible embodiment of the invention provides that the control device triggers a shutdown of the motor device when the braking device is activated. The motor device is preferably deactivated automatically and / or automatically, in particular without intervention by the driver, when its power is not required due to the braking of the at least one wheel. In particular, an automatic switch-off can be implemented in the small or micro vehicle if the drive module is integrated in the small or micro vehicle. It is advantageous that this reduces the energy consumption of the motor device and ensures that the small or very small vehicle can run longer.

A further subject matter of the invention is a small or micro vehicle with the drive module according to the previous description and / or according to one of claims 1 to 5.

The small or micro vehicle preferably comprises the frame or frame, the handlebar and / or the hand lever. The small or micro vehicle preferably has at least one additional wheel. For example, the at least one additional wheel is a front wheel that can be steered with the handlebar. However, it can also be at least one rear wheel if the drive module comprises the front wheel axle of the vehicle as the wheel axle.

Optionally, the frame or the frame has a step and / or standing area for the driver. The driver preferably stands on the step and / or stand area when driving the small or micro vehicle. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the frame or the frame can have a saddle or a seat on which the Driver can sit when driving a small or micro vehicle. A counter-interface for the mechanical interface of the wheel axle of the drive module is preferably arranged on the frame or on the frame. In particular, the drive module is connected to the frame or the frame via the interface and the counter interface.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the small or micro vehicle comprises at least one sensor device which is designed to detect a person and / or load weight of the small or micro vehicle as the safety-relevant data. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the small or very small vehicle can be and / or connected to the at least one sensor device. The at least one sensor device is preferably connected to the evaluation and control device of the drive module in a wired or wireless manner. In particular, the at least one sensor device transmits the personal and / or load weight as the safety-relevant data to the evaluation and control device. For example, the at least one sensor device is designed as a pressure and / or weight sensor for detecting the weight of the person and / or the load. The at least one sensor device can be arranged, for example, in the step and / or standing surface, in the saddle or in the seat or in the counter interface.

The personal and / or load weight is preferably evaluated as the safety-relevant data by the evaluation and control device. For example, at least one threshold value for the person and / or load weight can be stored in the evaluation and control device, and if this value is exceeded or undershot, the at least one motor device and / or the at least one activation device can be controlled accordingly.

For example, the evaluation and control device controls the at least one motor device based on the weight of the person and / or the load. As a result, the drive torque can be adapted to the weight of the person and / or the load, in particular increased or decreased if necessary. Optionally in addition or alternatively, the evaluation and control device controls the at least one activation device for activating the at least one braking device as a function of the person and / or load weight. For example, the braking device can be activated or the braking force can be increased if necessary. Control of emergency braking is also possible within the scope of the invention. In particular in the case of automatic and / or automatic braking, optimal performance of the at least one motor device can be achieved without endangering the driver.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the small or very small vehicle comprises a position determination device which is designed as the safety-relevant data for determining the position of the small or small vehicle. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the small or micro vehicle can be and / or connected to the position determination device. The position-determining device is preferably connected to the evaluation and control device of the drive module by wire or wirelessly. In particular, the position determination device transmits the position of the small or very small vehicle as the safety-relevant data to the evaluation and control device. For example, the position determination device can be designed as a GPS receiver and / or as a navigation device.

Alternatively, the position determination device can also be designed as an electronic mobile device carried in the small or micro vehicle, for example as a smartphone, in particular with location and / or navigation services. The mobile device can preferably be coupled to the small or micro vehicle in such a way that it is used as the position determining device and its battery can be charged at the same time when driving the small or micro vehicle. For this purpose, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the small or micro vehicle has a suitable coupling and / or charging interface for the mobile device.

In a preferred implementation of the invention, the evaluation and control device controls the at least one motor device and / or the at least an activation device for activating the at least one braking device as a function of the position of the small or micro vehicle. As a result, it can be achieved that the small or micro vehicle adheres to a prescribed and / or adapted speed, for example in a 30 zone, pedestrian zone or play street. For example, when driving on a steep uphill or downhill gradient, the at least one activation device can be activated and / or the drive torque of the at least one motor device can be adapted. The at least one wheel of the drive module can thus be braked automatically and / or automatically, in particular without intervention by the driver, by the at least one activated braking device. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one wheel of the drive module can be braked automatically and / or automatically, in particular without intervention by the driver, by the reduced drive torque.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the small or micro vehicle comprises a personal identification device for identifying the driver of the small or micro vehicle, in particular for determining a registered and / or approved driver using a code or using his name, date of birth, place of residence etc. and / or using biometric data such as fingerprint, face and / or eye scan, etc. as the security-relevant data. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the personal identification device can be connected and / or connected to the small or micro vehicle. The personal identification device can be designed as an input and / or output device, e.g. as a touchscreen. Alternatively, the electronic mobile device, e.g. the smartphone, can be used as the personal identification device.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the evaluation and control device of the drive module controls the at least one motor device and / or the at least one activation device for activating the at least one braking device on the basis of the identified person of the driver. In particular, the evaluation and control device compares the identified person of the driver with a database stored in the evaluation and control device in which all permitted drivers are registered. For example, the Evaluation and control device automatically and / or automatically block or enable the commissioning of the small or micro vehicle. To this end, it can only activate the at least one motor device if the identified driver is registered in the database as an approved driver. It is also possible within the scope of the invention that the evaluation and control device controls the drive torque of the at least one motor device as a function of the age and / or driving experience of the identified driver. For example, the small or very small vehicle can be throttled and, in particular, a maximum speed can be automatically and / or automatically adapted to the age or experience of the identified driver. It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that the at least one motor device is then automatically and / or automatically deactivated when the identified driver has covered a certain distance and / or driving time or when a certain distance and / or driving zone cannot be entered or passed through is allowed. The aforementioned control models can offer particularly interesting solutions for vehicle sharing providers, for example.

Another possible implementation of the invention provides that the small or very small vehicle includes an output device for outputting an optical and / or acoustic information and / or warning signal. Alternatively or optionally in addition, the small or micro vehicle can be connected and / or connected to the output device. For example, the output device is designed as a screen, display or touchscreen. The output device can, however, also be implemented via the electronic mobile device, for example via the smartphone. On the output device, the driver can, for example, be shown a release or a ban on using the small or micro vehicle and / or any restrictions with regard to the maximum speed and / or the route, etc. based on the person who has been identified. References to traffic regulations, such as speeds to be observed in certain streets or zones, or references to exceeding the permissible personal and / or load weight on the small or micro vehicle are also possible within the scope of the invention. Further features, advantages and effects of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. Show:

FIG. 1 shows a small or micro vehicle with a drive module in a perspective side view;

FIG. 2 the drive module from FIG. 1.

Corresponding or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

In the figure 1, a small or micro vehicle 20 is shown in a perspective side view. The small or micro vehicle 20 is designed as a three-lane electric scooter, in particular as an e-scooter. The small or micro vehicle 20 has a frame 21 with a step and stand surface 22 and a handlebar 23. A hand lever 24 for manual braking of the small or very small vehicle 20 by a driver 25 is arranged on the handlebar 23. The small or micro vehicle 20 comprises a front wheel 26 which can be steered by the handlebar 23 and a drive module 1 which forms a rear wheel axle of the small or micro vehicle 20.

The small or micro vehicle 20 comprises at least one sensor device 27 and / or can be and / or is connected to the at least one sensor device 27. The at least one sensor device 27 is designed to detect a person's weight and / or load weight as safety-relevant data 30 of the small or very small vehicle 20. The at least one sensor device 27 is designed as at least one pressure and / or weight sensor. According to FIG. 1, the at least one sensor device 27 is integrated in the step and stand surface 22, but it can alternatively also be arranged at a counter interface of the small or micro vehicle 20 in which the drive module 1 is attached to the frame 21. The small or micro vehicle 20 further comprises a position determination device 28 and / or is connectable and / or connected to this. The position determination device 28 is designed to determine a position of the small or very small vehicle 20 as the safety-relevant data 30. The position determination device 28 is, as shown in FIG. 1, integrated in an electronic mobile device 32, for example in a smartphone. It can alternatively be designed as a GPS or navigation device.

The small or micro vehicle 20 also includes a person identification device 29 and / or can be and / or connected to this. The personal identification device 29 is designed to identify the person of the driver 25 using a code or using his name, date of birth, place of residence etc. and / or using biometric data such as fingerprint, face and / or eye scan, etc. as the safety-relevant data 30 to identify. The personal identification device 29 is integrated in the mobile device 32. In an alternative embodiment, the personal identification device 29 can also be designed as an input and / or output device, for example as a touchscreen.

The small or micro vehicle 20 also has an output device 31 which is designed to output an optical and / or acoustic information and / or warning signal. According to FIG. 1, the electrical device 32 is used as the output device 31. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, however, a screen, display or touchscreen can also be provided as output device 31.

The small or micro vehicle 20 includes a coupling interface 33 for coupling the mobile device 32, in particular the smartphone. For example, the coupling interface 33 is arranged on the handlebar 23 so that it is easily visible and accessible to the driver. The mobile device 32 can thus be securely coupled to the small or very small vehicle, carried along and used while driving. A battery of the mobile device 32 can be charged in the coupling interface 33 while driving. FIG. 2 shows the drive module 1 in a perspective top view from the front. It comprises at least one wheel, in particular a first wheel 2 and a second wheel 3. The drive module 1 has at least one motor device designed as an electric motor for generating and introducing a drive torque into the at least one wheel, in particular a first motor device 4 and a second motor device 5 . The drive module 1 further comprises at least one braking device for braking the at least one wheel, in particular a first braking device 6 and a second braking device 7 and a wheel axle 8, which is designed as a rear wheel transverse axle.

The first wheel 2, together with the first motor device 4 and with the first braking device 6, forms a first compact unit 9. The first compact unit 9 is arranged at one end of the wheel axle 8 and / or is supported by it. To form the first compact unit 9, the first motor device 4 is integrated in the first wheel 2 as a wheel hub motor. The first braking device 6 is arranged directly axially adjacent to the first wheel 2. The second wheel 3 forms, together with the second motor device 5 and with the second braking device 7, a second compact unit 10. The second compact unit 10 is arranged at another end of the wheel axle 8 and / or is supported by it. To form the second compact unit 10, the second motor device 5 is integrated in the second wheel 3 as a wheel hub motor. The second braking device 7 is arranged directly axially adjacent to the second wheel 2. The two units 9, 10 are space-saving and particularly robust and resistant to damage from the outside, for example against vandalism.

The wheel axle 8 has a mechanical interface 11, via which it can be fastened and / or fastened in the counter interface to the frame 21 of the small or micro vehicle 20. The mechanical interface 11 is arranged centrally between the two units 9, 10.

The drive module 1 comprises at least one activation device, in particular a first activation device 13 for activating the first braking device 6 and a second activation device 14 for activating the second braking device 7. For this purpose, the activation devices 14 are mechanically or hydraulically in an operative connection with the braking devices 4, 5.

The drive module 1 also has an evaluation and control device 12 for evaluating the safety-relevant data 30 of the small or very small vehicle 20 and for controlling the drive module 1 on the basis of the evaluated safety-relevant data 29. The evaluation and control device 12 can be connected and / or connected to the at least one sensor device 27 and to the position determination device 28, to the person identification device 29 and / or to the output device 31, in particular to the electrical device 32, in a wireless or wired manner.

If the drive module 1 is integrated in the small or micro vehicle 20 according to FIG. 1 and forms the rear wheel axle there, the at least one sensor device 27, the position determination device 28, the personal identification device 29 and the output device 31 transmit the safety-relevant data 30 recorded by them to the Evaluation and control device 12. The evaluation and control device 12 evaluates the received safety-relevant data 30 and controls the drive module 1 on the basis of the evaluated safety-relevant data 30.

The evaluation and control device 12 controls in particular the first and second motor devices 4, 5. In particular, the control and evaluation device 12 can activate or deactivate the first and second motor devices 4, 5 and / or control them to generate the drive torque determined in accordance with the evaluated safety-relevant data 30. The motor devices 4, 5 are activated, for example, when the driver 25 has successfully identified himself and, as a result, permission to use the small or micro vehicle 20 has been evaluated. In particular, the motor devices 4, 5 remain deactivated if the driver 25 cannot prove authorization to use the small or very small vehicle 20. The deactivation of the motor devices 4, 5 can also take place when it is evaluated that the personal and cargo weight exceeds a permissible total weight for the small or micro vehicle 20. The motor devices 4, 5 can also be switched off when the braking devices 6, 7 are activated. As a result, what is known as an automatic switch-off system is implemented in the small or micro vehicle 20.

The evaluation and control device 12 alternatively or optionally additionally controls the first and second activation devices 13, 14 to activate the first and second braking devices 6, 7. The activation of the generation of the specific drive torque and / or the activation of the first and second activation devices 13, 14 is carried out, for example, when a maximum speed is specified at which the small or micro vehicle 20 is to travel. This can take place, for example, as a function of an age limit if the identified driver 25 falls below this limit. Compliance with a maximum speed and the corresponding activation of the motor devices 4, 5 and the activation device 13, 14 can also take place when the small or micro vehicle 20 drives through streets, areas or zones where a speed limit is specified. In summary, the speed of travel of the small or very small vehicle 20 can be accelerated or slowed down as a function of the evaluated safety-relevant data 30.

It is also possible that the evaluation and control device 12 controls an increased drive torque through the motor devices 4, 5 and / or the activation devices 13, 14 for activating the braking devices 6, 7, if the evaluated personal and load weight is one of the and control device 12 exceeds stored threshold value or range.

The evaluation and control device 12 can also control the output of the at least one information or warning signal on the output device 31. For example, the driver 25 can use the evaluated safety-relevant data 30 and / or the resulting data Control measures are informed. The driver can also be informed, for example, that a speed limit applies in the street, zone or in the area in which he is traveling with the small or micro vehicle 20.

Reference list drive module

first wheel

second wheel

first motor device

second motor device

first braking device

second braking device

Wheel axle

first compact unit

second compact unit

mechanical interface

Evaluation and control device first activation device

second activation device small or micro vehicle

frame

Step and stand area

Handlebars

Hand lever

driver

Front wheel

Sensor device

Position determination device

Personal identification device

security-relevant data

Output device

mobile device

Coupling interface

Claims

1. Drive module (1) for a small or micro vehicle (20), with a wheel axle (8), with at least one wheel (2, 3), with at least one motor device (4, 5) for generating and introducing a

Drive torque into the at least one wheel (2, 3) and with at least one braking device (6, 7) for braking the at least one wheel (2, 3), characterized in that the drive module (1) has an evaluation and control device (12) for evaluating safety-relevant data (30) of the small or micro vehicle (20) and for controlling the drive module (1) on the basis of the evaluated safety-relevant data (30) and / or being connectable and / or connected to it.

2. Drive module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wheel axle (8) carries a first wheel (2), a first motor device (4) and a first braking device (6) of the drive module (1) and that the wheel axle ( 8) carries a second wheel (3), a second motor device (5) and a second braking device (7) of the drive module (1).

3. Drive module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the

The drive module (1) comprises at least one activation device (13, 14) for activating the at least one braking device (6, 7), the evaluation and control device (12) controlling the at least one activation device (13, 14) for this purpose, the at least one

Activate braking device (6, 7) for braking the at least one wheel (2, 3).

4. Drive module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation and control device (12) activates the at least one motor device (4, 5) and / or controls it to increase or decrease the drive torque.

5. Drive module (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the evaluation and control device (12) controls a shutdown of the at least one motor device (4, 5) when the braking device (6, 7) is activated.

6. Small or micro vehicle (20) with the drive module (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

7. Small or micro vehicle (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that the small or micro vehicle (20) has at least one sensor device (27) for detecting a person and / or load weight of the small or micro vehicle (20) as safety-relevant data (30) and / or that the small or micro vehicle (20) with the at least one sensor device

(27) is connectable.

8. small or micro vehicle (20) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the small or micro vehicle (20) comprises a position determination device (28) for determining the position of the small or micro vehicle (20) as safety-relevant data (30) and / or that the small or micro vehicle (20) with the position determination device

(28) is connectable.

9. Small or micro vehicle (20) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the small or micro vehicle (20) has a personal identification device (29) for identifying the person of at least one driver (25) of the small or micro vehicle ( 20) as the security-relevant data (30) and / or that the small or The small vehicle (20) can be connected to the personal identification device (29).

10. Small or micro vehicle (20) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the small or micro vehicle (20) has a

Output device (31) for outputting an optical and / or acoustic information and / or warning signal.