FR3056188A1 - CYCLE WITH DIRECT TRANSMISSION. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cycle comprising a pedal provided with two pedals (1) and a transmission device (14), adapted to transmit the movement of the pedals (1) to the rear wheel so as to drive it in rotation, said transmission device (14) comprising two rear rods (17) movable in rotation about the driving axle (15) of the driving wheel, and able to perform an alternating oscillatory movement, one of the rear rods (17) driving the wheel rotates in one direction, while the other performs the movement in the opposite direction, and is then released from the wheel by a freewheel device.

Description

© Publication number: 3,056,188 (to be used only for reproduction orders)

©) National registration number: 16 70538 ® FRENCH REPUBLIC

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

COURBEVOIE © IntCI ⁸

B 62 M 1/26 (2017.01), B 62 M 15/00

A1 PATENT APPLICATION

®) Date of filing: 20.09.16. (© Priority: © Applicant (s): DAUPHIN PHILIPPE— FR. @ Inventor (s): DAUPHIN PHILIPPE. ©) Date of public availability of the request: 23.03.18 Bulletin 18/12. ©) List of documents cited in the preliminary search report: See the end of this booklet (© References to other related national documents: ® Holder (s): DAUPHIN PHILIPPE. ©) Extension request (s): © Agent (s): HEGE FREDERIC.

DIRECT TRANSMISSION CYCLE.

FR 3 056 188 - A1 _ The present invention relates to a cycle comprising a crankset provided with two pedals (1) and a transmission device (14), capable of transmitting the movement of the pedals (1) to the rear wheel so as to drive the latter in rotation, said transmission device (14) comprising two rear rods (17) movable in rotation about the motor axis (15) of the drive wheel, and capable of operating an alternating oscillatory movement, one of the rear rods (17) driving the wheel in rotation in one direction, while the other performs the movement in the opposite direction, and is then released from the wheel by a freewheel device.

i

Direct transmission cycle

The present invention is in the field of cycles. A cycle is defined as a vehicle having at least two wheels and powered at least in part by the muscular energy of the people on this vehicle.

A cycle usually includes a crankset. This includes an axis on which are fixed two cranks, each provided with a pedal, and a plate secured to the axis. To advance the cycle, the cyclist pushes with his feet alternately on each pedal, thus giving a rotational movement to the axle of the crankset. This rotates the chainring, and through a chain, the rear wheel of the cycle.

The movement of the pedals is generally circular. This movement is not optimal, because only the vertical downward component of the movement allows the cyclist to transmit energy efficiently to the crankset. However, the circular movement includes an important horizontal component.

In addition, friction in the chain drive makes the system lose energy and requires regular maintenance.

Document GB2251586 proposes a cycle without chain, which has the advantage of simplified maintenance, and an infinite number of possible transmission ratios; however, the mode of transmission of the movement is quite complex, with a large number of mechanical parts. The same document presents a cycle whose pedal observes an elliptical movement, which optimizes the effort of the cyclist. However, this document does not suggest combining the two characteristics. GB2251586 was published in 1992, and since that time no solution combining a chainless transmission and an elliptical crankset has been proposed.

There is therefore a long-standing need to offer a cycle with more efficient transmission, while offering the cyclist more suitable leg movement.

The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome these drawbacks. To this end, it offers a cycle comprising a crankset fitted with two pedals and a transmission device, capable of transmitting the movement of the pedals to the rear wheel so as to drive the latter in rotation, characterized in that said transmission device comprises two rear rods movable in rotation about the motor axis of the driving wheel, and capable of operating an alternating oscillatory movement, one of the rear rods driving the wheel in rotation in one direction, while the other performs the movement in the opposite direction, and is then released from the wheel by a freewheel device.

Thanks to these provisions, the transmission requires little maintenance and allows a reduction in friction.

According to other characteristics:

Said crankset may include a device for ovalizing the path of the pedals; thus the trajectory of the pedals makes it possible to optimize the effort of the cyclist, said ovalization device can comprise an upper plate movable in rotation around an upper axis of rotation, and a lower plate movable in rotation around an axis of lower rotation, and a drive means connecting said lower plate to said upper plate, one of said pedal being fixed on said drive means, and connected to one of said rear rods, constituting a simple and robust means of realization, said device ovalization may include a fixed crown, internally toothed, a pinion kept mobile in rotation about a secondary axis of rotation by a crank mobile in rotation around a primary axis of rotation concentric with the crown so as to force the pinion to mesh the crown, a pedal arm secured to said pinion, and a fixed pedal movable in rotation at the end of the arm d e pedal, thus avoiding the use of a chain and therefore reducing the problems of wear and friction, the distance between the axis of rotation of the pedal and the secondary axis of rotation can be between half and three-quarters of the distance between the primary and secondary axes of rotation, which results in a path of the pedals far enough from a circular path to optimize the effort of the cyclist, without being too close to a movement rectilinear oscillatory which would be uncomfortable for the cyclist, the distance between the axis of rotation of the pedal and the axis of secondary rotation can be greater than the distance between the axes of primary and secondary rotation, which results in a movement where the pedal is forwards when the pinion is backwards and vice versa, and the pedal is upwards when the pinion is upwards and vice versa, and allows a realization with a much smaller crown, resulting in a gain in weight, the pitch diameter of the pinion can be equal to half the pitch diameter of the crown, so that during a turn of the pinion in the crown, said pinion performs a turn on itself in the opposite direction, constituting a simple means of obtaining an oval pedal trajectory with a vertical axis, the transmission device may comprise two front rods fixed to each pedal, each front rod being articulated with one of said rear rods around a joint, so that said front rods transmit the movement of the pedals in said alternating oscillatory movement of said rear rods, making it possible to carry out the invention without linear friction, but only of joints, the apex of the angle formed by said articulation can be turned upwards, which allows the cyclist to avoid a training effort when passing from the bottom vertex of the oval, o where the leg has the least efficiency, and to avoid the joint getting too close to the ground, and risking touching the ground, the front rod may be shorter than the rear rod, in order to minimize the drive effort of the motor axis at the moment when the pedal passes at the top of the oval, and thus to concentrate this drive effort in the descending part of the trajectory of the pedal, the transmission device can comprise two front rods fixed to each pedal, each front rod sliding in one of said rear rods, or vice versa, so that said front rods transmit the movement of the pedals in said alternating oscillatory movement of said rear rods, making it possible to minimize the bulk of said rods during movement.

An oval shape with a vertical axis should be understood in the context of the present invention as a closed trajectory deviating from the circle by a vertical dimension greater than the horizontal dimension. The ellipse, defined by the constancy of the sum of the distances to two foci, and the oblong, defined by two semicircles connected by two straight lines, are two special cases of such an oval.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended figures in which:

Figure 1 is an overview of a cycle according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a sequence view of the operation of the crankset comprising a device for ovalizing the path of the pedals according to a first embodiment of the invention, and a hinged transmission device,

FIG. 3 is a sequence view of the operation of the crankset comprising a device for ovalizing the path of the pedals according to a first embodiment of the invention, with a sliding transmission device,

FIG. 4 is a sequence view of the operation of the crankset comprising a device for ovalizing the path of the pedals according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a sequence view of the operation of the crankset comprising a device for ovalizing the path of the pedals according to a variant of the second embodiment of the invention.

As shown in fig. 1, the movement of the pedals is transmitted to the rear wheel of the cycle via a transmission device 14. The transmission device 14 is fixed at one of its ends to a pedal 1, and at its other end to the motor axle 15 of the rear wheel. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 2, the transmission device 14 is composed of a front rod 16 and a rear rod 17 articulated around a joint 18. The movement of the pedal 1 causes the rear rod 17 to oscillate around the motor axis 15. The drive axle 15 is provided with a freewheel device, so that when the rear rod 17 rises, it rises freely, without braking the movement in the opposite direction of the wheel, while when it descends, it drives the wheel in its direction of rotation. The motor axis 15 also includes a reduction device, if necessary with a gear change, to allow the efforts of the crankset to be adapted between a movement on the flat, and an uphill movement, for example.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the front rod 16 can be shorter than the rear rod 17, which has the advantage of minimizing the drive force of the motor axis 15 when the pedal 1 passes at the top of the oval, and thus to concentrate this training effort in the descending part of the trajectory of pedal 1.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the articulation 18 between the front 16 and rear 17 rods is arranged upwards, which has the advantage that a training effort is avoided when passing from the bottom apex of the oval, where the leg is least effective. The training effort necessary for the passage of the tops of the oval will then be made at the passage of the top of the oval. Furthermore, this prevents said joint 18 from getting too close to the ground, and risking touching the ground in certain configurations.

It is also possible, as illustrated in FIG. 3, to produce the transmission device 14 by sliding the front rod 16 in the rear rod 17, or vice versa in the form of a telescopic device. The pedal 1 being held by the chain 7, then produces the output or re-entry of the front rod 16 into the rear rod 17. In a similar manner to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the descent of the rear rod 17 produces a motor force on the rear wheel, while its rise, by the free wheel system, is carried out freely.

The cycle pedal according to the invention shown in fig. 1 has two pedals

1. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the crankset includes a device 2 for ovalizing the path of the pedals. In order to advance the cycle, the cyclist presses each pedal alternately. The pedals then follow a trajectory whose vertical component is greater than the horizontal component. This allows optimal use of the cyclist's force, which makes it easier to apply downward pressure with his feet.

In a first embodiment of the invention, illustrated in figs. 2 and 3, the ovalization device 2 comprises an upper axis of rotation 3 and a lower axis of rotation 4 fixed to the frame of the cycle. The axes of rotation (3, 4) are horizontal, vertically offset, and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cycle. The ovalization device 2 also includes an upper plate 5, which can move in rotation around the upper axis of rotation 3, and a lower plate 6, which can move in rotation around the lower axis of rotation 4. The ovalization device 2 further comprises a drive means 7, for example a chain 7 or a belt, connecting the plates (5, 6). The pedal 1 is fixed to one of the links of the chain 7. In the case where the plates (5, 6) are substantially of the same diameter, the path followed by the chain 7 and therefore by the pedal 1 is of the oblong type, which corresponds to an exemplary embodiment of an oval, within the meaning of the present invention.

At the other end of the axes of rotation (3, 4) there is also an upper plate 5, a lower plate 6, a chain 7 and a pedal 1. The upper plates 5 being fixed on the same upper axis of rotation 3, they are integral in rotation around the upper axis of rotation 3. The lower plates 6 being fixed on the same lower axis of rotation 4, they are integral in rotation around the lower axis of rotation 4. By the action chains 7, all the plates (5, 6) are thus integral in rotation. The second pedal 1 is placed on the second chain 7 so that when a pedal 1 goes down, the second pedal 1 rises due to the rotation solidarity of the plates (5, 6). It is also possible to secure only one of the pairs of plates 5 or 6, the other then being driven by the chain or belt at an imposed speed.

Of course, the chain could also be replaced by a belt, and the chainrings by pulleys, with identical functions. It is considered, in the context of the present invention, that this embodiment is included in what is covered by plates and a chain.

In a second embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 4 and 5, the ovalization device 2 comprises a primary axis of rotation 8 concentric with a crown 9, internally toothed, both fixed relative to the frame of the cycle. To facilitate understanding and avoid overloading a single drawing, the crown 9 has been represented in four situations during a period which must be understood as a period of time, and the crown 9 is well fixed relative to the frame of the cycle. .

At the end of the primary axis of rotation 8 is fixed a crank 10, mobile in rotation about the primary axis of rotation 8, and carrying a pinion 11, mobile in rotation around a secondary axis of rotation 12. The pinion 11 is integrally connected to a pedal arm 13. The pinion 11 is engaged in the crown 9. At the end of the pedal arm 13 is fixed a pedal 1. When the cyclist presses on the pedal 1, he rotates the pedal arm 13 and thus the pinion 11. The pinion 11 then moves inside the crown 9. The crown 9 has a pitch diameter twice as large as the pitch diameter of the pinion 11, which has the consequence that when the pinion 11 moves in the crown 9, it makes a complete revolution in the opposite direction to the rotation of the crank 10. The pitch diameters of the crown 9 and of the pinion 11 are the diameters of two circles, one concentric at crown 9 and the other concent rique pinion 11, whose tangential speeds are equal and passing through the contact points, about in the middle of the teeth. If the pinion has a pitch diameter half that of the crown, this is equivalent to the fact that the number of teeth of the pinion is half the number of teeth of the crown.

As the pedal arm 13 is integral with the pinion 11, it alternately extends and shortens the crank 10, which gives the pedal 1 an oval trajectory. The ovalization device 2 is made so that when the pinion 11 is at the top of the crown 9, the pedal arm 13 is substantially vertical, the end on which the pedal 1 is fixed being turned upwards. Thus the major axis of the oval traversed by the pedal 1 is substantially vertical, and the movement of the pedal 1 has a greater vertical component than its horizontal component.

According to a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the distance between the axis of rotation of the pedal 1 and the secondary axis of rotation 12 is less than the distance between the axes of primary 8 and secondary rotation 12. Otherwise, the path of the pedal 1 would be reversed, and if these distances were equal, the trajectory of pedal 1 would then be rectilinear oscillatory which is less comfortable for the cyclist.

However, the distance between the axis of rotation of the pedal 1 and the secondary axis of rotation 12 must not be too short, a zero distance corresponding to a circular movement of the pedal 1.

The distance between the axis of rotation of the pedal 1 and the secondary axis of rotation is preferably between half and three-quarters of the distance between the primary 8 and secondary 12 axes of rotation.

According to another embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 5, the distance between the axis of rotation of the pedal 1 and the secondary axis of rotation 12 is greater than the distance between the primary axes of rotation 8 and secondary 12, and thus the pinion descends from the rear when the pedal descends from the front. The advantage of this embodiment is the smaller size of the crown and the pinion, which makes it possible to reduce the weight of the device.

It could also be provided that the crown 9 has an internal friction strip instead of an internal toothing, and the pinion 11 with an external friction strip, instead of a toothing, with identical functions. It is considered, in the context of the present invention, that this embodiment is included in what is covered by a crown 9, and a pinion 11.

The second pedal 1 must, as usual for cycle pedals, move along a parallel path, but in an inverted position, that is to say high when the first pedal 1 is low, and vice versa.

To this end, it can be provided that at the other end of the primary axis of rotation 8 there is also a ring gear 9, a crank 10, a secondary axis of rotation 12, a pinion 11, a pedal arm 13 and a second pedal 1, arranged so that when one pedal goes up, the other pedal goes down.

One can also provide a shaft connecting the two pedals 1, held in its center by a ball joint fixed on the cycle frame, free in rotation, with an additional device, for example with an adapted linkage, forcing the second pedal 1 to be horizontal , for good foot support.

Claims (11)

1. Cycle comprising a crankset fitted with two pedals (1), and a transmission device (14), capable of transmitting the movement of the pedals (1) to the rear wheel so as to drive the latter in rotation, characterized in that that said transmission device (14) comprises two rear rods (17) movable in rotation about the motor axis (15) of the drive wheel, and capable of operating an alternating oscillatory movement, one of the rear rods (17) driving the wheel in rotation in one direction, while the other performs the movement in the opposite direction, and is then released from the wheel by a freewheel device. 2. Cycle according to the preceding claim, further comprising an ovalization device (2) of the path of the pedals. 3. Cycle according to the preceding claim, wherein said ovalization device (2) comprises an upper plate (5) movable in rotation about an upper axis of rotation (3), and a lower plate (6) movable in rotation around a lower axis of rotation (4), and a drive means (7) connecting said lower plate (6) to said upper plate (5), one of said pedal (1) being fixed on said drive means ( 7), and connected to one of said rear rods (17). 4. Cycle according to claim 2, wherein said ovalization device (2) comprises a fixed crown (9), internally toothed, a pinion (11) kept movable in rotation about a secondary axis of rotation (12) by a crank (10) movable in rotation about a primary axis of rotation (8) concentric with the crown (9) so as to force the pinion (11) to mesh the crown (9), a pedal arm (13) integral with said pinion (11), and a pedal (1) fixed mobile in rotation at the end of the pedal arm (13). 5. Cycle according to the preceding claim, in which the distance between the axis of rotation of the pedal (1) and the secondary axis of rotation (12) is between half and three-quarters of the distance between the axes. primary (8) and secondary (12) rotation. 6. Cycle according to claim 4, wherein the distance between the axis of rotation of the pedal (1) and the secondary axis of rotation (12) is greater than the distance between the primary axes of rotation (8) and secondary (12). ίο 7. Cycle according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the pitch diameter of the pinion (11) is equal to half the pitch diameter of the crown (9), so that during a turn of the pinion (11 ) in the crown (9), said pinion (11) makes a turn on itself in the opposite direction. 5 8. Cycle according to one of the preceding claims, in which the transmission device (14) comprises two front rods (16) fixed to each pedal (1), each front rod (16) being articulated with one of said rear rods (17 ) around a joint (18), so that said front rods (16) transmit the movement of the pedals (1) in said oscillatory movement 10 alternating said rear rods (17). 9. Cycle according to the preceding claim, wherein the apex of the angle formed by said articulation (18) is turned upwards, and preferably the front rod (16) is shorter than the rear rod (17). 10. Cycle according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device 15 transmission (14) comprises two front rods (16) fixed to each pedal (1), each front rod (16) sliding in one of said rear rods (17), or vice versa, so that said front rods (16) transmit the movement of the pedals (1) in said alternating oscillatory movement of said rear rods (17). 1/3