WO2015055875A1

WO2015055875A1 - Electric tricycle

Info

Publication number: WO2015055875A1
Application number: PCT/ES2014/070745
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leopoldo LÓPEZ MAESTRO
Original assignee: López Maestro Leopoldo
Priority date: 2013-10-15
Filing date: 2014-09-30
Publication date: 2015-04-23
Also published as: ES1107807U; ES1107807Y

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric tricycle comprising at least a folding chassis (1) having a front section (3) and a rear section (2), a folding seat (5), a folding platform (6), handlebars (8), an electric motor for driving the tricycle, one front wheel (9) and two rear wheels (11) and a second fairing (14). The tricycle can be switched between: a first position in which the elements of the tricycle are closed; a second position in which the platform (6) is unfolded and a user can travel in a standing position; a third position in which the front section (3) of the chassis and the seat (5) are unfolded and the user can travel in a seated position; and a fourth position, similar to the third position, but in which the second fairing (14) is in an extended position in order to protect the user from the sun or rain.

Description

ELECTRIC TRICYCLE

D E S C R I P C I Ó N

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can be included in the technical field of electric powered three-wheeled vehicles and optionally also with solar energy. Additionally the proposed electric tricycle is foldable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Climate change, high traffic in cities, lack of parking space and the constant rise in fuel prices make it necessary to look for alternatives to conventional means of transport.

A difficult challenge for today's society is to develop new means of transport that represent an effective, economical and at the same time environmentally friendly solution.

From the state of the art, means of transport known as "clean means of transport" are known, such as bicycles or traditional tricycles. The most important advantage of this type of transport is that they do not pollute.

However, an important drawback they present is that a physical effort by the user is necessary for their displacement. This fact greatly limits its application since there are certain groups of people who cannot count on their physical abilities to make frequent trips or can only make trips over very short distances. This happens for example with people of high age or people with injuries or disabilities. Thus, a new means of transport that is not polluting and allows all types of users to travel is necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention proposes an electric tricycle intended to transport at least one user and that moves at least between a position in which it is folded, a position in which it is deployed and the user travels standing and a position in which it is deployed and the user travels sitting.

Preferably the tricycle has four possible configurations. In a first position the tricycle is folded to store or transport it manually (that is, without the user being mounted on it but dragging it). In a second position the tricycle is deployed in a position in which the user travels on foot. In a third position the tricycle is fully deployed so that the user travels seated and has a rear fairing that is folded in this position. In a fourth position the tricycle is fully deployed so that the user travels seated and has a rear fairing that is stretched in this position.

Preferably, in the first position the tricycle has a maximum height of 1 m to be transported in the trunk of a car. This first position allows you to conveniently store the tricycle when it is not being used. It is also the position in which the tricycle is placed when the user wants to transport it manually, that is, when the user wants to take it up to his house or wants to transport it to the car in a parking lot, etc.

To facilitate the operation of transporting the tricycle it may comprise a retractable shooter that is camouflaged when the tricycle is in one of the other positions (deployed) and that is extracted when you want to pull it.

In the second position, the third position and the fourth position the user travels on the tricycle. It can travel on all types of roads, preferably on roads, highways and even pedestrian areas. It is a very versatile means of transport and that the user can adapt to their needs at all times.

The change between positions is done automatically by pressing a button. For this, it incorporates at least one microprocessor that manages the movement of the elements involved in the change.

The electric tricycle comprises a start / stop button that manages the tricycle on and off. An additional keyboard allows you to select the position from those described above.

The electric tricycle comprises a chassis divided into a rear section in which a platform is arranged to receive the user when the tricycle is in the second position, a folding front section and a vertical section disposed between them. The front section comprises a first subsection and a second subsection joined together by an articulated joint that allows folding.

In the vertical section there is a folding seat that is intended to support the user when the tricycle is used in an unfolded position (specifically in the third position and the fourth position, in which the user travels seated) and that folds completely when the tricycle is used in the second position (the user travels standing) and in the first position (folded position). The three wheels of the tricycle are distributed so that there is a front wheel at the end of the first section and two rear wheels arranged in the rear section. Said rear wheels fold or unfold depending on the position of the tricycle and always move in solidarity with the folding rear platform.

Preferably the electric motor that drives the tricycle is located in the front wheel although there could be an electric motor in each of the wheels. The batteries to power the at least one electric motor can be removable (they are arranged in the upper part of the vertical section) or integrated in the chassis (inside the tubes of the vertical section) to prolong the autonomy in long distances .

The vertical section of the chassis is in turn divided into an upper subsection that is movable, up and down, and into a lower subsection that is fixed. In the first position of the tricycle the upper subsection is introduced in the lower subsection to occupy less space.

From the free end of the second subsection part a front axle that is also retractable. At the other end of said front axle is a handlebar that allows the user to steer the tricycle.

Preferably, the tricycle comprises a first fairing disposed on the front axle and a second fairing, joined in an articulated manner to the vertical section by means of bars that allow its displacement from a vertical (folded) position to a horizontal (extended) position in which it is intended to protect the seated traveler from rain or sun.

To improve the environmental sustainability of the tricycle, it can have solar panels incorporated in the described fairings, or replacing these fairings. In addition, the two available positions of the second fairing allow in this embodiment to optimize the solar collection according to the time of day and the position of the sun at that time.

The center of gravity of the cylinder always falls between the three wheels (in all positions of the tricycle) so it is more stable than any other bicycle system, both moving and standing. It is also fully stable in the first position (folded configuration) so there is no danger of destabilization when stored.

The tricycle also has automatic lateral inclination in curves and rear wheels automatically adaptable to ramps up and down to maintain the verticality of the driver at all times. This is achieved by a linear motor that governs the position of each rear wheel. The tricycle of the invention can also run in reverse.

The tricycle may additionally comprise a communications port that allows communication with a mobile device, such as a GPS, a mobile phone, a tablet, etc. In this embodiment the start and stop of the tricycle can be controlled directly from said mobile device.

Once the communication between the tricycle and the mobile device has been established, the speedometer, odometer, battery charge level, distance traveled, etc. can be displayed on the mobile device.

Thus, some of the most important advantages of the tricycle of the present invention are that it harmonizes the practical and the aesthetic, it is innovative and multifunctional. It is a means of transport that allows to meet the needs of everyday life. It also allows to combine the pedestrian zones with the road, is easily transported, does not require parking, takes advantage of an inexhaustible and non-polluting source of energy when using solar energy acquired with solar panels (in the embodiment where it has solar panels). Another advantage is that it is highly silent, so it does not contaminate acoustically.

It is a much cheaper means of transport than vehicles with compression engines that use gasoline or diesel. In addition, as the energy to make it work is obtained through the sun or the electricity grid, its operation and daily use is very economical.

The electric tricycle described is especially useful as a sustainable solution for large cities contaminated with heavy traffic. It can be used for daily transport to the workplace or study or be used to allow stable and safe mobility of disabled and elderly people. It also allows mobility through urban areas with restricted access to internal combustion vehicles.

It can also be offered as a rental service in cities and to clients of hotels, airports and seaports, hospitals, golf courses, amusement parks, fairs and exhibitions, university campuses, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Figure 1 .- Shows a perspective view of the electric tricycle in the first position.

Figure 2.- Shows a perspective view of the electric tricycle in the second position.

Figure 3.- Shows a perspective view of the electric tricycle in the third position.

Figure 4.- Shows a perspective view of the tricycle in the fourth position. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the electric tricycle is described below with the aid of Figures 1 to 4 without this being understood as a limiting embodiment of the present invention.

The electric tricycle of the invention has four possible configurations and passes from one to another automatically by pressing a button that is part of the tricycle. For this, it incorporates a series of microprocessors that manage the movement of the elements involved in the configuration change.

Figure 1 shows the first position of the tricycle in which it is folded. Figure 2 shows the second position in which it is deployed to allow a user to travel on foot. Figure 3 shows the third position in which the tricycle is deployed to allow a user to travel seated and comprises a rear fairing that is in an upright position, in an upright position. Figure 4 shows the fourth position that is similar to the third position but in this case the rear fairing is in an extended position (in a horizontal position) to protect from rain or sun the user who is sitting.

The electric tricycle of the present invention is of the type comprising a chassis (1) with a folding system that allows to pass through the four positions described. Said chassis (1) comprises a rear section (2) and a front section (3). In turn, the front section (3) is divided into a first subsection (3.1) and a second subsection (3.2) joined together by a hinged joint (4). Thus the hinged joint (4) allows the folding and unfolding of the front section (3).

Likewise, the chassis (1) comprises a vertical section (17) arranged at the junction between the rear section (2) and the front section (3). Said vertical section (17) is retractable and in turn is divided into a mobile upper subsection (17.1) and a fixed lower subsection (17.2).

When the tricycle is in the first position, the upper subsection (17.1) is inside the lower subsection (17.2) to occupy less space. When the tricycle is in any of the other positions (it is deployed) the upper subsection (17.1) rises slightly above the lower subsection (17.2).

Inside the vertical section (17) there are fixed batteries that are responsible for feeding the electric motor with which the tricycle moves.

The tricycle comprises a folding seat (5) attached to the vertical section (17) by a movable part (25) and which is intended to support the user to sit when the tricycle is in the third position (figure 3) or in the fourth position (figure 4).

The folding seat (5) of the tricycle comprises a backrest (5.1) and a support (5.2). Preferably the backrest (5.1) is held in a fixed position while the support (5.2) is folded to move from a vertical position when the tricycle is the first position (figure 1) or in the second position (figure 2) to a position horizontal when the tricycle is in the third position (figure 3) or in the fourth position (figure 4). The support (5.2) is joined and articulated in a movable piece (25) movable along the vertical section (17) to allow folding.

Likewise, the tricycle comprises a folding platform (6) arranged in the rear section (2) of the chassis (1) intended to serve as support for the user when the tricycle is in the second position (figure 2). When the tricycle is in the first position (figure 1) the platform (6) is folded so that the tricycle takes up less space. When the tricycle is in the third or fourth position the platform remains deployed as a trunk to transport boxes, bags, suitcases, etc.

From the free end of the first section (3.1) starts a front axle (7) that joins a handlebar (8) with a front wheel (9). The front axle (7) is retractable so that in the first position of the tricycle (figure 1) it does not protrude. That is, the front axle (7) comprises a lower part (7.1) that is fixed and an upper part (7.2) that is retractable on said lower part (7.1).

When the tricycle is in the second position the front axle (7) is fully stretched, allowing the user who moves in a standing position on the folding platform (6) can grab the handlebar (8) to drive the tricycle. As seen in figure 2.

The tricycle comprises at least one electric motor powered by rechargeable batteries. Preferably some batteries are removable and at least one other battery is integrated in the tricycle frame. In one embodiment, the removable batteries are arranged in the upper subsection (17.1) of the vertical section (17) of the chassis (1). The user can pick them up and take them to the office, home, hotel, etc. and load them comfortably. The battery that is integrated in the frame has the function of acting as a support battery for long distances.

In addition to the front wheel (9) described above, the tricycle comprises two rear wheels (1 1) that are arranged in the rear section (2). These wheels also change position depending on the position of the tricycle at any time. The connection between the rear wheels (1 1) and the vertical section (17) is carried out by means of bars (10) that are attached to the axles of said rear wheels (1 1) and have the possibility of moving along the section vertical (17).

When the tricycle is in the first position (figure 1), that is, fully folded, the bars (10) are practically vertical so that the rear wheels (1 1) are glued to the rest of the elements of the tricycle so that it remains as compact as possible

In the second, third and fourth positions (figures 2, 3, 4 respectively) the bars (10) are deployed, as is the folding platform (6). In these positions the rear wheels (1 1) are at the height of the free end of the platform (6). The bars (10) are also moved with the help of linear electric motors (12) that are also attached to the vertical section (17). These linear motors (12) allow each of the rear wheels to adapt independently and automatically to ramps up and down and uneven terrain to maintain the verticality of the user at all times. This is observed, for example, in Figure 2, in which it is observed how the rear wheels are lower than the front one because the position that the tricycle adopts on uphill ramps is being represented. As seen in the image, the rear wheels adapt to the inclination of the terrain so that the user does not notice unevenness and is always comfortable. Linear motors (12) also allow the rear wheels to tilt to improve the stability of the tricycle in curves, in the second, third and fourth positions.

The linear motors (12) are automatically commanded by a microprocessor and various inertia and position sensors connected to it.

Additionally, the tricycle may comprise a first articulated link link (18) and a second articulated link link (19) intended to facilitate folding and unfolding of the tricycle. The first link (18) has one of its ends articulated at the bottom of the vertical section (17) and the other end articulated at the hinged joint (4) between the first subsection (3.1) and the second subsection (3.2 ). The second link (19) has one of its ends articulated in the hinged joint between the first subsection (3.1) and the second subsection (3.2) and another of the ends articulated in the lower part on which the front axle rotates ( 7).

Additionally, the tricycle may comprise a first fairing (13) attached to a lower part on which the front axle (7) rotates. Preferably on said fairing a solar panel is arranged to obtain energy to power the electric motor.

In one embodiment of the invention any of the wheels may comprise an electric motor although preferably there is only one electric motor that is included in the front wheel (9).

The tricycle may also comprise a second fairing (14) designed to protect the user from rain or sun. A solar panel can also be arranged in said second fairing (14).

The second fairing (14) is connected to the chassis (1) by tubes (15) that they are attached to the upper subsection (17.1) of the vertical section in an articulated manner to allow movement of the second fairing (14) from a position in which it is folded (as seen in Figure 3), in a vertical position, to a position in which it is extended (as seen in figure 4) to perform the user's protective function against rain or sun. When a solar panel is arranged on the second fairing (14), the orientation can also depend on the position of the sun to maximize energy. When it is extended it is in a practically horizontal position. The extended position of the second fairing (14) can only be used when the user travels in a sitting position.

Preferably the tricycle brakes are hydraulic and the tricycle comprises a regenerative braking system for charging batteries in braking.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which can be seen in Figure 1, the tricycle comprises a retractable handle (23) intended to facilitate its transport in the folded position. In this way the user can comfortably drag the tricycle and when stored by the shooter (23) it is camouflaged.

It also includes stirrups (16) intended to support the user's feet when the tricycle is in the unfolded position and the user travels seated, that is, in the third position (figure 3) and in the fourth position (figure 4). They are preferably arranged near the hinged joint (4) of the chassis (1).

In another embodiment of the invention the tricycle incorporates a receptacle (20) in the front axle (7) that allows the user to store, for example, a battery charger. In another embodiment of the invention the tricycle additionally incorporates a hollow cylindrical support (24) located opposite the receptacle (20) and intended to support soda cans, bottles, etc. In another embodiment the tricycle additionally comprises a housing (21) between the first fairing (13) and the front axle (7) for storing, for example, bags, packages, etc. In this case, the first fairing (13) is hingedly connected at its lower part to the front axle (7). The upper part can be moved to allow access to the interior of the housing (21) that when the first fairing (13) is released is closed by springs.

Additionally, the tricycle comprises headlights (22.1) in the front and some pilots (22.2) in the rear. They are preferably led type.

The tricycle comprises an accelerator (26) and a brake lever (27) arranged on the handlebar (8). These elements allow the user to comfortably control the speed of the tricycle at all times and brake and accelerate safely.

Additionally, the tricycle may comprise a communications port intended to establish communication with a mobile device. Instructions can be sent from the mobile device to and from the tricycle on / off, position change, speed, distance traveled, battery charge level, etc.

Claims

1 .- Electric tricycle intended to transport at least one user, characterized in that it comprises at least:

-a foldable chassis (1) comprising a rear section (2) and a front section (3) which in turn is divided into a first subsection (3.1) and a second subsection (3.2) joined together by a hinged joint ( 4) which allows the folding and unfolding of the front section (3), and comprises a vertical section (17) arranged at the junction between the rear section (2) and the front section (3),

-a folding seat (5) attached to a movable piece (25) movable along the vertical section (17),

-a foldable platform (6) arranged in the rear section (2),

- a retractable front axle (7) arranged at the end of the first section (3.1) that joins a handlebar (8) with a front wheel (9),

-at least one electric motor intended for traction of the tricycle, powered by rechargeable and removable batteries,

- two rear wheels (1 1) connected to the vertical section (17) by means of bars (10) that articulate and move through said vertical section,

-a second fairing (14) articulatedly connected to the chassis (1) by means of tubes (15) articulatedly connected to the vertical section (17), and the tricycle moves between four different positions:

-a first position in which the tricycle is folded,

-a second position in which the tricycle is deployed and the user travels standing on the folding platform (6),

-a third position in which the tricycle is deployed and the user travels seated in the folding seat (5) and the second fairing (14) is in a collected position in which it is arranged vertically,

-a fourth position in which the tricycle is deployed and the user travels seated in the folding seat (5) and the second fairing (14) is in a Extended position, horizontally, in which it is intended to protect the user from rain or sun.

2. - Electric tricycle according to claim 1 characterized in that it additionally comprises a first articulated link link (18) intended for joining the vertical section (17) and the hinged joint (4) facilitating the folding and unfolding of the tricycle.

3. - Electric tricycle according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that it additionally comprises a second articulated link (19) between the hinged joint (4) and the front axle (7) facilitating the folding and unfolding of the tricycle.

4. Electric tricycle according to claim 1 characterized in that it further comprises a first fairing (13) disposed on the front axle (7).

5. - Electric tricycle according to claim 4 characterized in that it additionally comprises a solar panel in the first fairing (13).

6. - Electric tricycle according to claim 1 characterized in that it further comprises a solar panel in the second fairing (14).

7. - Electric tricycle according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at least one retractable handle (23) intended to facilitate its transport.

8. - Electric tricycle according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the folding seat (5) comprises a backrest (5.1) fixedly attached to the vertical section (17) and a support (5.2) that is foldable, is joined to the moving part (25) and passes from a vertical position to a horizontal position and vice versa.

9. - Electric tricycle according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it additionally comprises stirrups (16) intended to support the user's feet when the tricycle is in the deployed position.

10. - Electric tricycle according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it additionally comprises a receptacle (20) disposed on the front axle (7).

eleven . -Electric tricycle according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it additionally comprises a hollow cylindrical support (24) disposed on the front axle (7).

12. - Electric tricycle according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it additionally comprises a housing (21) between the first fairing (13) and the front axle (7).

13. - Electric tricycle according to claims 2 and 3 characterized in that it additionally comprises at least one microprocessor allowing automatic folding and unfolding by pressing a button that is also part of the tricycle.

14. - Electric tricycle according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises regenerative brakes intended to charge the batteries in braking.

15. - Electric tricycle according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a communication port intended to establish communication with a mobile device.