WO2018194503A1

WO2018194503A1 - Hybrid vehicle with loading platform

Info

Publication number: WO2018194503A1
Application number: PCT/SE2018/050367
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johan VEDIN; Nils VEDIN; Behdad ANSARI; Staffan Sölve
Original assignee: Starke Ecb Ab
Priority date: 2017-04-19
Filing date: 2018-04-10
Publication date: 2018-10-25
Also published as: EP3612439A4; EP3612439A1

Abstract

The present invention describes a hybrid vehicle 100 comprising pedals 6 with connected driving mechanism and an electric motor 10, said hybrid vehicle 100 also comprising a chassis 1 and a cargo carrier 2, wherein the chassis 1 and the cargo carrier 2 are two separate units where the cargo carrier 2 is attachable and detachable from the chassis 1, wherein fixating units 14 are arranged for fixating the cargo carrier 2 into the chassis 1, and wherein the cargo carrier 2 has two different fixated positions being a horizontal position H where the cargo carrier 2 is arranged on top of the chassis 1 and fixated to the same, and an extended position E in which the cargo carrier 2 is pulled out from the chassis 1 and angled on a rear end of the hybrid vehicle 100 to function as a loading ramp.

Description

HYBRID VEHICLE WITH LOADING PLATFORM

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a hybrid vehicle having both

mechanical and electric driving mechanism, and which hybrid vehicle also comprises a loading platform.

Technical Background

Different types of hybrid bicycles and vehicles are known. There are many different bicycles having both electric and manual driving systems. There are regular hybrid bicycles intended for human transportation, but also freight carrying cycles also having a cargo transportation capability. For instance, there are bicycles having this hybrid functionality also having a cargo box in the front or in the back.

The present invention is directed to providing a hybrid vehicle in the form of a bicycle, which also functions as a loading vehicle possible to operate by only one person even with considerable heavy loads.

Summary of the invention

The latter stated purpose above is achieved by a hybrid vehicle comprising pedals with connected driving mechanism and an electric motor, said hybrid vehicle also comprising a chassis and a cargo carrier, wherein the chassis and the cargo carrier are two separate units where the cargo carrier is attachable and detachable from the chassis, wherein fixating units are arranged for fixating the cargo carrier into the chassis, and wherein the cargo carrier has two different fixated positions being a horizontal position where the cargo carrier is arranged on top of the chassis and fixated to the same, and an extended position in which the cargo carrier is pulled out from the chassis and angled on a rear end of the hybrid vehicle to function as a loading ramp.

The hybrid vehicle according to the present invention has several advantages. First of all, the hybrid vehicle allows the driver to use electric driving only, or to use manual driving only, or to use both electric and manual driving in any combination, thereby increasing torque and/or operating range. This may be based on the weight of the load being carried on the cargo carrier and if the hybrid vehicle is driven in an ascent, or if an extended operating range is required. Secondly, the cargo carrier is arranged to be possible to operate by only one person even when heavy loads are to be loaded onto and off from the cargo carrier. This is possible by the

arrangement where the cargo carrier has at least two different fixated positions in relation to the chassis.

Moreover, the chassis is dimensioned to carry its own weight, the weight of the cargo carrier including the maximum loaded weight and also the weight of the driver.

Other benefits and embodiments etc. according to the present invention are further disclosed below.

It may also be said that there are existing cargo bicycles on the market today. For instance in WO2014/177154 there is disclosed a cargo scooter comprising at least: two front wheels and one rear wheel, steering means connected to at least one of said wheels, a chassis, where said cargo scooter further comprises means for propulsion of said cargo scooter and means for carrying or supporting goods such as cargo, where said cargo scooter is modularly built and comprises at least a self-supporting base module/a chassis, wherein said cargo scooter further comprises a cargo module, and means at said base module/chassis for attachment and detachment of said cargo module to and from said self-supporting base module/chassis on said cargo scooter.

There are several differences between the present invention and cargo scooter disclosed in WO2014/177154. One first main difference relates to the fact that the hybrid vehicle according to the present invention has a cargo carrier with two different fixated positions of which one is an extended position where the cargo carrier is pulled out from the chassis of the hybrid vehicle and angled on a rear end of the same to function as a loading ramp. This is one first main difference, however there are many more, which is evident when viewing the disclosure below relating to embodiments of the present invention.

Specific embodiments of the invention

Below different embodiments of the present invention are discussed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cargo carrier is detachable from the chassis by continuously pulling out the cargo carrier from the extended position E to a free position F. This is further shown in the figures. It may further be said that the cargo carrier of the present invention functions as a loading platform in different usage positions, H, E and F. In the position F, then the cargo carrier is liberated from the hybrid vehicle so that it may be transported on a floor or the like to a place where a lift is to be made by a user. As such, it is easy to load the cargo carrier also with heavy weights without having to carry that weight a long way. This also implies that the cargo carrier may be ready for loading and unloading without the hybrid vehicle being in the same place. Therefore, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, then the bottom surface of the cargo carrier is arranged with wheels. These wheels are suitable 4 in total and placed close to each corner. Furthermore, the cargo carrier may also have an extendable ramp as shown in fig. 2.

In the position E, then the cargo carrier functions as a ramp. This is suitable as a middle position when securing the weight or as a direct loading position for some specific parcels or the like, i.e. certain ones already connected to wheels or put into a box on wheels or the like. Finally, the position H is when the cargo carrier is arranged securely on top of the chassis.

Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the hybrid vehicle comprises one or more units arranged to guide the cargo carrier along the chassis, to and from the horizontal position. The unit can be of many different types, such as wheels, slides, or a bracket device. According to one specific embodiment, the one or more units are rails or wheels.

According to yet another embodiment, then the cargo carrier comprises wedge shaped devices (males) and two wheels which are wedged in the corresponding devices (females) on the chassis when the cargo carrier is fixated in positon H. This may be performed by a tightening action provided by an eccentric lock. Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment, the hybrid vehicle comprises a unit for manual or motorised operation of the cargo carrier between the two end positions. This unit for manual or motorised operation may e.g. be a winch or a crane, in particular a winch.

As mentioned, the hybrid vehicle according to the present invention is a bicycle having pedals connected to a driving mechanism (chain) and also an electric motor. The vehicle typically has three main wheels, i.e. wheels intended to be in contact with the ground when cycling. Typically, there is arranged one wheel in the front and two wheels in the rear of the hybrid vehicle. In such a case, then the hybrid vehicle comprises a rear axis connected to two wheels.

Moreover, the hybrid vehicle suitably comprises a differential gear. This differential may e.g. be arranged in a longitudinal direction of the chassis.

The electric motor may be manoeuvrable with a speed regulator or speed lever, such as an adjustable gear.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hybrid vehicle comprises an electric motor arranged to drive a gearbox, which gearbox and a differential gear drives two individual driving shafts, and wherein the pedals are arranged to drive a vehicle chain connected to an adjustable gear and further to one of the driving shafts extending from the differential gear. In relation to this embodiment it may also be said that the vehicle chain may be arranged without a connection to an adjustable gear. Moreover, speed regulators may be used instead of adjustable gears, both in the case of the electric motor and the pedals with vehicle chain.

As understood from above, the gearbox of the hybrid device may be operated electrically. It should, however, be noted that also manually operation of the gearbox may be possible for the hybrid vehicle according to the present invention.

The hybrid vehicle is optimal for hybrid driving when also carrying heavy loads. The combination of manual and electric driving via a differential gear according to the present invention provides an optimal hybrid vehicle also for heavy loads, even when driving such loads in an ascent. The hybrid vehicle according to the present invention may comprise one or more braking devices. There may be several braking devices arranged on the hybrid vehicle. To give a first example is a braking device on the front wheel. This may be a hydraulic motorcycle braking device. Another example is a braking device connected to both rear wheels. This may also be a hydraulic braking device, for instance with a braking circuit for both rear wheels. All braking devices may be possible to operate with a handle from the steering unit/handlebar of the hybrid vehicle. There may also be locking functions arranged on one or both of the braking devices so that these may be lockable also in a parking mode.

Moreover, the loading surface of the cargo carrier may vary depending on the size of the vehicle. To give one example it may be up to almost 3000 mm in length and up to 1200 mm in width, such as up to about 2600 mm in length and 950 mm in width.

The hybrid vehicle according to the present invention has several possible user applications. First of all, it is intended for transportation of cargo and loads. This may imply to operate the hybrid vehicle for city logistic purposes when supplying goods to different form of clients. Other possible purposes are as a taxi or transportation service, as a street food / cafe vehicle, in park management work or the like or for transportation as a vehicle container or carrying different tools, e.g. in park management work.

The hybrid vehicle according to the present invention may also be connected to different types of communication tools and ICT platforms, mobile devices, the cloud etc. This may be relevant to collect and visualize data of certain parameters and of interest. Such parameters may be for example the position of a certain hybrid vehicle, the technical status of the hybrid vehicle, security information, such as if the hybrid vehicle is locked or not and also if the cargo carrier is locked or not. Moreover, a hybrid vehicle with a connected ICT platform or suitable ICT device(s) may also provide a full system which also provides full integration for a client to perform transaction with e-commerce.

Moreover, the hybrid vehicle with an implemented suitable ICT platform may also be arranged to receive and deliver data information about the loading of certain packages and parcels. As an example, different form of ID tags may be used so that data information may be transferred between unique packages and the ICT platform regarding which packages are in the loading and when these are delivered to a certain client etc. etc. As such, the hybrid vehicle with a suitable ICT platform and/or ICT devices connected thereto may provide a full city logistic system for transportation and delivery of loading to several clients. This is of course also totally possible in one delivery route for an individual hybrid vehicle when several clients are to receive packages during that specific delivery route.

Moreover, a connected ICT platform also provides other possible features. When such ICT platform and possible connected devices are connected to the hybrid vehicle according to the present invention, data may be collected and handled for further analysis. As an example, data on specific routes may be collected and then analyzed in a data unit. This system may then function as a learning system which by hand may provide suggestions on an optimal route to take for delivery bike intended to travel between a point A and B. In this context it should be noted that a delivery bike or hybrid vehicle according to the present invention may use both car drives and bicycle paths. This increases the complexity and also implies that the data collection and learning system to provide an optimal path between point A and B, of course also via other stops or points in between, possible according to the present invention may provide a great value for a user. This user may be a bicycle driver but can also be another party interested in further using the data.

Detailed description of the drawings

In fig. 1 there is shown a side view of a hybrid vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The hybrid vehicle 100 comprises pedals 6 with connected driving mechanism and an electric motor 10.

Moreover, the hybrid vehicle 100 also comprises a chassis 1 and a cargo carrier 2, where the chassis 1 and the cargo carrier 2 are two separate units and where the cargo carrier 2 is attachable and detachable from the chassis 1 . The hybrid vehicle has a seat 3, a steering unit 5 and a front wheel 4 and rear wheels 7 (see fig. 3 where it is clear that there are two rear wheels 7 according to this embodiment). Furthermore, there is arranged an adjustable gear 8 for the manual driving, a differential 9 and an adjustable gear 1 1 for the electric motor. In relation to this it should be noted that one or more speed regulators may be used instead of adjustable gears. Moreover, the hybrid vehicle 100 also comprises braking devices 12. In addition, the plane surface of the chassis 13 is also shown in fig. 1 .

Furthermore, fixating units 14 are arranged for fixating the cargo carrier 2 into the chassis 1 . These fixating units 14 may e.g. be in the shape of wedges, but may be of different types and arranged in different positions.

On the cargo carrier 2 there may be arranged wedge shaped devices

(males) and two wheels being wedged into the corresponding devices

(females) arranged on the chassis 1 . This may be performed by use of an eccentric lock to tighten the cargo carrier 2 in a locked position on the chassis

1 . The wedge shaped devices (heels) may be arranged so that they fit the corresponding unit on the rear edge of the chassis 1 , near the rear wheels 7. There may be arranged small front wheels 19 (see fig. 3) on the cargo carrier

2, which are wedged together with the female units, e.g. flanges, of the chassis 1 .

The one or more units 15 are arranged to guide the cargo carrier 2 along the chassis 1 . This operation may be performed by the use of a unit 16 for manual or motorised operation of the cargo carrier 2 between the two end positions H and E. The winch or crane 16 may be arranged inside the chassis 1 and the wire 21 is drawn out therefrom via a pulley (see fig. 3).

As may be seen in fig. 1 , the cargo carrier is arranged in position H, that is arranged on top of the chassis 1 and fixated to the same. Also seen are the wheels 17 arranged on the corners of the bottom surface of the cargo carrier 2.

In fig. 2, the same embodiment as seen in fig. 1 is shown, however in this case positions E and F, respectively, are shown. In position E, the cargo carrier 2 has been pulled out from the chassis 1 and is angled on a rear end of the hybrid vehicle 100 to function as a loading ramp. Moreover, as seen the wedges 14 may be arranged to fit wheels 19 (see fig 3) in a locked position. In position F, shown at the bottom of fig. 2, then the cargo carrier 2 is liberated from the hybrid vehicle 100 and is so called freely arranged. As seen in the F position, the cargo carrier 2 may comprise an extendable ramp 18 so that it can be loaded in certain cases by a single user without performing heavy lifts.

In fig. 3 there is shown a hybrid vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the back.

In fig. 4 there is shown part of the action when the cargo carrier is operated from position E to H, i.e. is loaded onto the chassis. According to this specific embodiment, one or more wheels 19 in the front of the cargo carrier 2 meets the ramp 20. When the wire 21 is fixated at the cargo carrier 2 and is stretched, then the cargo carrier 2 is lifted onto the ramp 20. The ramp 20 may be jointed against the chassis 1 so that it is pulled down when the cargo carrier 2 is arranged on top of the chassis 1 . It may further be said unloading may be performed in a converse action to the one disclosed above for loading. In relation to this specific embodiment it may further be said that a crane may be used instead of a winch and wire.

Claims

1 . Hybrid vehicle (100) comprising pedals (6) with connected driving mechanism and an electric motor (10), said hybrid vehicle (100) also comprising a chassis (1 ) and a cargo carrier (2), wherein the chassis (1 ) and the cargo carrier (2) are two separate units where the cargo carrier (2) is attachable and detachable from the chassis (1 ), wherein fixating units (14) are arranged for fixating the cargo carrier (2) into the chassis (1 ), and wherein the cargo carrier (2) has two different fixated positions being a horizontal position (H) where the cargo carrier (2) is arranged on top of the chassis (1 ) and fixated to the same, and an extended position (E) in which the cargo carrier (2) is pulled out from the chassis (1 ) and angled on a rear end of the hybrid vehicle (100) to function as a loading ramp.

2. Hybrid device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the cargo carrier (2) is detachable from the chassis (1 ) by continuously pulling out the cargo carrier (2) from the extended position (E) to a free position (F).

3. Hybrid vehicle (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hybrid vehicle (100) comprises one or more units (15) arranged to guide the cargo carrier (2) along the chassis (1 ), to and from the horizontal position (H).

4. Hybrid vehicle (100) according to claim 3, wherein the one or more units (15) are rails or wheels.

5. Hybrid vehicle (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hybrid vehicle (100) comprises a unit (16) for manual or motorised operation of the cargo carrier (2) between the two end positions.

6. Hybrid vehicle (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hybrid vehicle (100) comprises a rear axis (7) connected to two wheels.

7. Hybrid vehicle (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hybrid vehicle (100) comprises a differential (9).

8. Hybrid vehicle (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (10) is manoeuvrable with a speed regulator (1 1 ).

9. Hybrid vehicle (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hybrid vehicle (100) comprises an electric motor (10) arranged to drive a gearbox, which gearbox and a differential gear drives two individual driving shafts, and wherein the pedals (6) are arranged to drive a vehicle chain connected to an adjustable gear (1 1 ) and further to one of the driving shafts extending from the differential gear.

10. Hybrid vehicle (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hybrid vehicle (100) comprises one or more braking devices (12).

1 1 . Hybrid vehicle (100) according to any of preceding claims, wherein a bottom surface (20) of the cargo carrier (2) is arranged with wheels (17).