GB2539386A

GB2539386A - Transportation device

Info

Publication number: GB2539386A
Application number: GB1509642.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Artemev Timur
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-06-03
Filing date: 2015-06-03
Publication date: 2016-12-21
Also published as: GB201509642D0

Abstract

A transportation device, particularly a self-balancing vehicle, comprises a drive means and at least one footrest 165. A first coupling arrangement 20 is provided in the vicinity of the footrest 165. A main power source 218 of the device is remote from the drive means and is adapted for wearing or carrying by a user of the device. A second coupling arrangement 210, 214 is adapted for wearing or carrying by the user. The first 200 and second 210, 214 coupling arrangements are connectable together to provide a physical coupling and an electrical coupling between the main power source and the drive means. The main power source therefore does not contribute to the weight of the transportation device. The coupling devices 200, 210, 214 may comprise magnets and the wearable coupling devices 210,214 may be integrated into an item of clothing, particularly the users trousers 216.

Description

TRANSPORTATION DEVICE

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to transportation devices, in particular electrically powered transportation devices which people drive, such as single-wheeled devices and more particularly to powered unicycles with self-balancing functionality.

to Background to the Invention

Powered self-balancing vehicles for use while standing are known. Such vehicles include two-wheeled vehicles and single-wheeled vehicles (i.e. unicycles).

In a powered self-balancing unicycle, an electronic or mechanical system that controls the wheel in the appropriate direction is typically used to achieve fore-and-aft balance. This type of automatic fore-and-aft balance technology is well known and described, for example, in United States Patent number 6,302,230. A sensor and electronic equipment are typically provided. Information detected by the sensor and the electronics is relayed to a motor. The motor drives the wheel in the appropriate direction and at sufficient speed to maintain fore-and-aft balance.

The motor is typically powered by a rechargeable battery which is contained within the main housing of the unicycle device. This contributes to the weight of the device, and therefore may have an impact on the manoeuvrability. It also means the main casing must be opened up in order to replace the battery if it reaches the end of its life.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a transportation device comprising: an electrically powered drive means; at least one footrest; a first coupling arrangement provided in the vicinity of the at least one footrest; a main power source for powering the drive means which is for wearing or carrying by a user of the device; and a second coupling arrangement for wearing or carrying by the user, wherein the first and second coupling arrangements are connectable together to provide a physical coupling and an electrical coupling between the main power source and the drive means.

This design means the main power source does not contribute to the weight of the transportation device. It is instead carried or worn by the user, so it is remote from the main outer housing of the device. This design also enables recharging of the power source if required remote from the device and enables the power source to be changed without opening an outer housing of the device.

This design also provides a safety function, in that as soon as a user steps (or falls) off the device, power is cut from the device. Similarly, the device may start up as soon as a user gets on. At the limit, there may be no need for a separate on/off switch.

There may be a coupling arrangement at each of two footrests. Thus, a third coupling arrangement may be provided in the vicinity of a second footrest and a fourth coupling arrangement may be provided for wearing or carrying by the user, wherein the third and fourth coupling arrangements are connectable together to provide a physical coupling and an electrical coupling between the power source and the drive means.

If only one connection is needed in order to maintain electrical connection (i.e. only one of (i) the first and second coupling arrangements and (ii) the third and fourth coupling arrangements) this enables the user to move su one foot (accidentally or on purpose) without losing connection to the main power source.

Each coupling arrangement may comprise separate contact parts, one for providing a physical magnetic coupling and the other for providing an electrical coupling. For example, there may be a magnetic part and an electrical contact part side by side on a connection plate. Using a magnetic coupling provides a simple connection which can tolerate misalignment and then self-align.

Each contact part can then be designed specifically for its function, either to optimise electrical contact or magnetic retention.

Alternatively, a single contact part may be provided which provides both a physical magnetic coupling and an electrical coupling. This may for example be a ferromagnetic based contact with a highly conductive coating (such as gold).

Each coupling arrangement may comprise an electrical contact part which has a protected mode and is moved into a non-protected mode when contact is made. The protected mode has gives dust protection and short circuit protection. The protected mode may have the electrical contact part retracted.

if a magnetic coupling is used, the magnetic part of the coupling may be used to bring the electrical parts into contact out of their protected configuration. In this way, the electrical contact parts may be protected from dust and from the risk of short circuit when contact is not made. This design may be used for the coupling parts only on the user side or only on the unicycle side, or on both sides. Retraction of the electrical contact may for example be made by a spring, and the magnetic force which is provided when the coupling is made is sufficient to overcome the spring force.

The coupling arrangement or arrangements for wearing or carrying by the user are for example: integrated into the base of a pair of trousers or integrated into another item of clothing (such as a sock); or provided on a strap for fitting around the leg of the user; or provide as a clip on device for attaching to clothing or to the user; or provided on a shoe or boot.

su The user typically has his/her feet in the same place at all times during use, so the coupling arrangement can be located at a fixed position relative to the user's feet. This may be at the ankle or foot of the user. The coupling arrangement may be at the side of a shoe, boot, sock or trouser leg, connecting to a side wall of an outer housing of the overall device, or it may be at the footrest itself, with a contact at the base of the users shoe.

If the coupling arrangement is at the footrest, it may have an electrical contact part that is revealed when the user presses down on the surrounding pad of the footrest by standing on the footrest. Again, this enables a dust protection feature.

When the wearable coupling arrangement is provided in the base of trousers, it means there is some freedom of movement of the user relative to the coupling arrangement, without the coupling becoming detached. It also means the electrical and magnetic coupling can be made more easily in the first place.

The coupling arrangement or arrangements provided in the vicinity of the footrest or footrests may be movable relative to the footrest or outer housing. This again allows the user some freedom of movement.

The power source may be: provided on a belt; or integrated into an item of clothing; or fitted into a rucksack or shoulder bag.

The power source may be positioned where is it most comfortable for the user, with an electrical connection (i.e. wires) to the coupling arrangement worn or carried by the user.

The power source may instead be directly connected to the coupling arrangement or arrangements for wearing or carrying by the user, if it is also mounted nearby.

When the power source is connected to the coupling arrangement or arrangements for wearing or carrying by the user by connection wires, these may be integrated into clothing to be worn by the user.

Alternatively, the power source may be releasably connected to the connection wires by an electrical connector. This provides a simple su connection system for the user for connecting between the power source and an item of clothing that they are wearing. The clothing then provides an electrical connection to the coupling arrangement at the user's foot or ankle. A plug fitting may instead be used, so that the user plugs the power source into a socket which may form part of an item of clothing, with the socket coupling to the coupling at the user's ankle/ankles or foot/feet.

The main power source is for example a battery (although a capacitor may be used). The drive means is for example an electric motor.

The invention also provides a powered unicycle device comprising a transportation device as defined above, wherein the drive means is for driving the wheel of the unicycle device and the device further comprises a balance control system adapted to maintain fore-aft balance of the unicycle device.

1(1 Brief description of the drawings

An example of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying diagrams, in which: FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example of a powered unicycle device in a closed configuration; FIG. 2 is an exploded diagram of components internal to the casing of FIG. 1, FIGS. 3A & 3B are side and front elevations, respectively, of the example of FIG. 1, wherein the casing is moving between a closed and open configuration; 2u FIGS. 4A & 4B are side and front elevations, respectively, of the example of FIG. 1, wherein the casing is in an open configuration and the foot platforms are in a stowed configuration; FIG. 5 shows a powered unicycle including a battery connection arrangement in accordance with the invention; and FIG. 6 shows one example of how to implement the battery.

Detailed description

:3(1 The invention provides a transportation device comprising a drive means and at least one footrest. A first coupling arrangement is provided in the vicinity of the footrest. A main power source of the device is outside the main housing of the device, i.e. remote from the drive means, and is for wearing or carrying by a user of the device. A second coupling arrangement is for wearing or carrying by the user. The first and second coupling arrangements are connectable together to provide a physical coupling and an electrical coupling between the main power source and the drive means. This means the main power source does not contribute to the weight of the transportation device. It also enables recharging remote from the device and enables the main power source to be changed without opening the outer housing of the device.

The invention is of particular interest for a powered unicycle device. In this case, the main power source is typically a battery and the drive means is an electric motor for driving the wheel of the unicycle device. There are also typically two footrests, one on each side of the device.

Before describing the power source arrangement of the invention, the operation of the general type of powered unicycle device is described with reference to FIGS. 1-4. These FIG.s show a hubless design, but the invention can be applied equally to a design using a hub motor.

FIG. 1 shows the powered unicycle device 100 with a casing 110 in a closed configuration so that it encases a single wheel 120. In this particular example, the casing 110 is formed from a first, upper portion 110A that covers the top (uppermost) half of the wheel 120, and a second, lower portion 110B that covers the bottom (lowermost) half of the wheel 120. FIG 2 illustrates an exploded view of components internal to the casing 110, namely a wheel 120 and drive arrangement 135.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the wheel 120 spins about a central axis 125. The first, upper portion 110A of the casing is retained in a fixed position relative to the central axis 125, whereas the second, lower portion 110B of the casing is adapted to rotate about the central axis 125. Rotation of the second lower su portion 110B about the central axis 125 moves the casing between closed and open configurations (as illustrated by FIGS. 3-4). In the closed configuration (shown in FIG.1), the casing 110 encloses the wheel 120 so that the outer rim 130 of the wheel 120 is not exposed. In the open configuration (shown in FIG. 5), the outer rim 130 of the wheel 120 is exposed so that it can contact a ground surface.

Referring now to FIG. 2, rotation of the single wheel 120 is driven by a drive arrangement 135. The drive arrangement 135 includes guide wheels 140 attached to an outwardly facing side of respective batteries 145. In this example, there are two pairs of guide wheels 140, wherein the two guide wheels in each pair share the same axis of rotation (e.g. by sharing the same axle) and are positioned spaced apart to provide a gap between the two guide to wheels.

This known design has batteries located with the outer housing of the motor. As will be clear from the discussion below, the battery or batteries (or other sources of electrical power such as capacitors) in the device of the invention are provided outside the outer housing.

A rib 150 is provided around the inner rim of the wheel 120 and fits into the gap between the two guide wheels 140 in each pair. The guide wheels 140 are therefore adapted to contact with the inner rim of wheel 120 where they 2J1 spin along with wheel 120 and hold wheel 120 in place by way of the rib 150.

Of course, it will be appreciated that other arrangements, including those with only one guide wheel per battery 145, are possible.

The batteries 145 are mounted on a motor 155 which drives a drive wheel 160 (shown in FIG. 4) positioned at the lowermost point along the inner rim of the wheel 120. The batteries 145 supply power to motor 155 and, this example, there are two batteries in order to create a balanced distribution of volume and weight. However, it is not necessary to employ two batteries 145. Also, alternative energy storage arrangements may be used, such as a flywheel, 3(1 capacitors, and other known power storage devices for example.

The drive wheel 160 is adapted to contact the inner rim of the wheel 120. The drive wheel 160 for example comprises a wide roller with a groove in the center into which the rib 150 fits. By way of contact with the inner rim of the wheel 120, the drive wheel 160 transmits torque from the motor 155 to the wheel 120. It will be understood that this drive system operates by friction and it may be preferable to avoid slippage between the drive wheel 160 and the inner rim of wheel 120. Positioning the drive wheel 160 at the lowermost point enables the weight of a user to provide a force which presses the drive wheel 160 against the inner rim of the wheel 120, thereby helping to reduce or avoid slippage.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, two foot platforms 165 are coupled to the second, lower portion 1106 of the casing 110, with one on each side of wheel 120. In the open configuration, the foot platforms 165 are movable between a stowed configuration, wherein the foot platforms are substantially parallel with the plane of the wheel (as shown in FIG. 4), and an active configuration, wherein the foot platforms are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the wheel so as to support a user's weight. Thus, in this example, the foot platforms 165 are movable between: (i) a stowed configuration wherein they are flat against the side of the wheel and can be rotated (with the second, lower portion 1106 of the casing) about the central axis 125 so as to be positioned inside (and covered by) the first, upper portion 110A of the casing; and (ii) an active configuration, wherein they project outwardly from the side of the wheel to provide a support surface for the feet of a user (not shown).

Accordingly, the foot platforms 165 are upwardly foldable into a stowed configuration that narrows the profile of the unicycle 100 to aid in storage and carrying. In use, the foot platforms are moved to the active configuration, and the user stands with one foot on each platform 165.

The drive arrangement 135 includes a gyroscope or accelerometer system 170 which it senses forward and backward tilt of the device in relation to the su ground surface and regulates the motor 155 accordingly to keep the device upright. In this way, the user is provided a way of controlling the acceleration and deceleration of the unicycle by varying the pressure applied to various areas of the foot platforms 165. It also enables the unicycle to self-regulate its balance in the fore-and-aft plane.

When not in use, the foot platforms 165 are moved to the stowed configuration and then rotated (with the second, lower portion 110B of the casing) about the central axis 125 so as to move the casing to the closed configuration. Thus, in the closed configuration, the foot platforms 165 are stored inside the casing (covered by the first, upper portion 110A of the casing).

The example shown also comprises a lifting handle 180 coupled to the drive arrangement 135 via a plurality of rods 185. The lifting handle 180 is positioned at the top of the casing 110, above the wheel 120, and may be used to hold the unicycle 100 above the ground, for example to enable a user to lift, carry, convey or place the unicycle 100.

A retractable carrying strap 190 is also provided and attached to the top of the casing 100. The carrying strap 190 may be used to carry the unicycle 100, for example over the shoulder of user. A hook may be provided on the bottom of the case to create rucksack-like belts from the carrying strap 190.

:u In one example, the handle 180 is also adapted to trigger an activating system which moves the casing between the closed and open configurations. The lifting handle 180 may thus be used to initiate the activating system and move the casing from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Thus, when a user holds the unicycle 100 by the handle above the ground, the force of the unicycle pulling downwards under the influence of gravity causes upward movement of the lifting handle 180 relative to the casing 110 which triggers the activating system. In response to this trigger, the activating system moves the casing to the open configuration (depicted in FIG. 4) so that the lowermost portion of the wheel is exposed and can be brought into su contact with a ground surface. In other words, when lifted by the lifting handle 180, the unicycle may be arranged in an open configuration ready for deployment (e.g. placement on a ground surface).

Further, when placed on the ground, the depression of the handle in a downward/inward direction (towards the centre of the wheel 120) moves the rods 185 and causes the foot platforms to move from the stowed configuration (shown in FIG. 4) to the active configuration. Downward movement of the rods causes the foot platforms 165 to rotate about an axis and the rods then hold the foot platforms 165 in place to support the feet of user.

When the user no longer desires to use the unicycle, the user pulls on the lifting handle to lift the unicycle from the ground. This results in upward movement of the lifting handle 180 and the associated rods 185 relative to the casing 110 which then causes the foot platforms to move from the active configuration to the stowed configuration.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a unicycle design in accordance with the invention.

The main body of the unicycle does not contain a battery (or at least not the main energy supplying battery of the device). Instead, there is at least a first coupling arrangement 200 provided in the vicinity of one of the footrests 165 ::(1 for connecting to an external main battery. There may be another battery (or other energy storage device such as a capacitor) to provide power during a controlled shut down of the circuitry after the main battery has been abruptly disconnected. This may be a rechargeable device which is recharged by the main battery. It may also provide power for some functions which take place after the user has dismounted, such as retraction of the footrests and operation of an automated cover.

The main battery is outside the outer housing and it is for wearing or carrying by a user of the device. An electrical connection is made between the battery su and coupling arrangement 200 during use of the unicycle. In use, the user will have both feet on the deployed footrests, in an essentially static position. Thus, by providing the coupling arrangement near the footrest, a connection can be made which does not break in normal use.

The connection is magnetic so that the electrical contact is maintained despite vibrations and other forces which arise during normal operation. However the contact can be made easily, for example without the user need to plug or unplug electrical contacts.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first coupling arrangement 200 has a magnetic part 202 and a pair of electrical contacts 204. Thus, there are separate contact parts, one for providing a physical magnetic coupling and the other for providing an electrical coupling. The example shows a magnetic part and an electrical contact part side by side on a connection plate. The electrical part comprises a pair of terminals (battery positive and negative).

Alternatively, a single contact pad may be provided which provides both a physical magnetic coupling and an electrical coupling. This may for example be a ferromagnetic part with a highly conductive coating (such as gold).

The electrical contacts may be for surface contact or they may form a plug and socket connection, but one which is self-engaging when the magnetic coupling is formed. For example, a tapered projection and tapered channel may be used to provide an electrical coupling which engages due to the force of the magnetic coupling.

A second coupling arrangement 210 (see FIG. 6) is for wearing or carrying by the user. One example is given below with reference to FIG. 6.

The first and second coupling arrangements are connectable together to provide a magnetic physical coupling and an electrical coupling between the battery and the motor.

su The magnetic coupling may comprise a permanent magnet on one side and a ferromagnetic element on the other side (not permanently magnetized) or it may comprises permanent magnets on both sides (with opposite polarity).

In this design, the battery does not contribute to the weight of the unicycle device. The unicycle device may be smaller and lighter and it may be more manoeuvrable. It also enables battery recharging remote from the device and enables the battery to be changed without opening the outer housing of the device.

At the minimum, only one first coupling arrangement 200 is needed. However, there are preferably two such coupling arrangements, and FIG. 5 shows a first coupling arrangement 200 on one side of the main housing and a third coupling arrangement 212 on the opposite side. There is then a corresponding fourth coupling arrangement 214 (FIG. 6) for wearing or carrying by the user, wherein the third and fourth coupling arrangements are connectable together to provide another magnetic physical and electrical coupling between the battery and the motor.

Contact is preferably only needed on one side of the unicycle so that the user can disconnect the coupling at one foot (accidentally or on purpose) without losing battery connection.

This design also provides a safety function, in that as soon as a user steps (or falls) off the device, power is cut from the device. Similarly, the device may start up as soon as a user gets on. At the limit, there may be no need for a separate on/off switch. It also reduces discharge of the battery through leakage when the device is not being used.

Each coupling arrangement (or those on only one side of each connection pair) may comprise an electrical contact part which is retractable and is moved into the non-retracted state when contact is made. The magnetic part of the coupling arrangement may be used to bring the electrical parts into su contact. In this way, the electrical contact parts may be protected from dust when contact is not made.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the coupling arrangements for wearing or carrying by the user. This example shows a pair of trousers 216 with the coupling arrangements 210,214 on the outside near the base of the trouser legs, facing inwardly. The coupling arrangements 210,214 connect with wires to the battery 218 which in this example is carried by the belt 220 of the user. The wires may be on the outside of the clothing or on the inside, or integrated into the fabric of the clothing.

An advantage of forming the coupling arrangements on trousers is that there is some freedom of movement between the coupling arrangements and the user to allow the user to move without disconnecting the battery.

There are many alternative ways to implement the coupling arrangements 210, 214. They may be provided on a strap for fitting around the leg of the user or provided as a clip-on device for attaching to clothing.

A further alternative is to provide the coupling arrangements 210, 214 on the shoes of the user, either at the side or under the sole in which case the coupling arrangements 200, 212 of the unicycle are on the footrests.

The coupling arrangement or arrangements 200,212 of the main device may also be movable relative to the outer housing. This again allows the user some freedom of movement.

The example of FIG. 6 has the battery provided on a belt. It may instead be provided integrated into an item of clothing or fitted into a rucksack or shoulder bag or any other item of clothing worn by the user, or accessory carried by the user.

The electrical connections (i.e. wires) from the battery to the coupling arrangements 210,214 may be fixed or detachable. A detachable su arrangement may also use by a magnetic and electrical connector. This provides a simple connection system for user for connecting to the battery. The battery may instead have a lead that plugs into a socket of the clothing of the user, and the clothing provides the electrical link to the coupling arrangement 210, 214 using integrated wiring.

The battery may instead be directly permanently connected to the coupling arrangement or arrangements for wearing or carrying by the user, if it is also mounted nearby.

The device has a single motor. Typically, a single tyre is used, but there may be two or more tyres side by side, but essentially still forming a single wheel, i.e. still defining a unicycle.

Many of the features described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4 are optional. The retractable housing around the wheel is entirely optional as is the particular handle arrangement shown and the automated operation of the footrests.

The invention is applicable more generally to transportation device on which a user stands. These may be single wheel or two-wheel devices.

While specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art *1u and may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A transportation device comprising: an electrically powered drive means; at least one footrest; a first coupling arrangement provided in the vicinity of the at least one footrest; a main power source for powering the drive means, which is for wearing or carrying by a user of the device; and a second coupling arrangement for wearing or carrying by the user, wherein the first and second coupling arrangements are connectable together to provide a physical coupling and an electrical coupling between the main power source and the drive means.
2. The transportation device as claimed in claim 1, comprising first and second footrests and further comprising a third coupling arrangement provided in the vicinity of the second footrest and a fourth coupling arrangement for wearing or carrying by the user, wherein the third and fourth coupling arrangements are connectable together to provide a physical :u1 coupling and an electrical coupling between the main power source and the drive means.
3. The transportation device as claimed in claim 2, wherein only one of (i) the first and second coupling arrangements and (ii) the third and fourth 25 coupling arrangements need to be connected to provide power to the drive means.
4. The transportation device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each coupling arrangement comprises: separate contact parts, one for providing a physical magnetic coupling and the other for providing an electrical coupling; or a single contact part which provides both a physical magnetic coupling and an electrical coupling.
5. The transportation device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one coupling arrangement comprises an electrical contact part which has a protected mode and is moved into a non-protected mode when contact is made.
6. The transportation device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the coupling arrangement or arrangements for wearing or carrying by the user are: integrated into the base of a pair of trousers or integrated into another item of clothing; or provided on a strap for fitting around the leg of the user; or provided as a clip on device for attaching to clothing or to the user; or provided on a shoe or boot.
7. The transportation device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the coupling arrangement or arrangements provided in the vicinity of the footrest or footrests are provided on a side portion of an outer housing of the device or on the associated footrest.
8. The transportation device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the coupling arrangement or arrangements provided in the vicinity the footrest or footrests are movable relative to the footrest.
9. The transportation device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the main power source is: provided on a belt; or integrated into an item of clothing; or fitted into a rucksack or shoulder bag.su
10. The transportation device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the main power source is: directly connected to the coupling arrangement or arrangements for wearing or carrying by the user; or connected to the coupling arrangement or arrangements for wearing or carrying by the user by connection wires.
11. The transportation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the main power source is connected to the coupling arrangement or arrangements for wearing or carrying by the user by connection wires which are integrated into clothing to be worn by the user.
12. The transportation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the main power source is connected to the coupling arrangement or arrangements for wearing or carrying by the user by connection wires, wherein the main power source is releasably connected to the connection wires by an electrical connector.
13. The transportation device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the main power source is a battery.
14. The transportation device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the drive means is an electric motor.
15. A powered unicycle device comprising a transportation device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the drive means is for driving the wheel of the unicycle device and the device further comprises a balance control system adapted to maintain fore-aft balance of the unicycle device.
16. The powered unicycle device substantially as herein described above with reference to the accompanying figures.