WO2021005229A1

WO2021005229A1 - Auxiliary drive device for a motorcycle

Info

Publication number: WO2021005229A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/069626
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Yves SESE
Original assignee: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin
Priority date: 2019-07-11
Filing date: 2020-07-10
Publication date: 2021-01-14
Also published as: FR3098487A1

Abstract

Auxiliary drive device (10) for a motorcycle (1) comprising a frame supporting an actuating motor, a transmission and two wheels, wherein at least one of the two wheels (2) comprising a hub (7) is intended to be driven by a power roller (12) driven by an electric motor to which power is supplied by a battery (14), the device further comprising a device (16) for moving the power roller between a first operating position wherein it is positioned against the wheel (2) of the motorcycle and a second rest position wherein it is positioned away from the wheel. The power roller (12) and the movement device (16) are mounted on a common support (20) provided with means for removable attachment to the motorcycle, the support comprising a rigid arm (22) by means of which it can be attached to the hub (7) of the wheel and the rigid arm (22) supports a mudguard (30) of the wheel.

Description

AUXILIARY MOTORCYCLE TRAINING DEVICE

The present invention relates to auxiliary drive mechanisms for motorized vehicles with two wheels, more particularly of the type intended to maneuver at very low speed in forward or reverse a motorcycle or a scooter of medium to large displacement or a three-wheeled motorcycle or scooter. The invention relates more particularly to an auxiliary drive device capable of equipping various models of two- or three-wheeled motorcycles or scooters.

[0002] Motorcycles and scooters mainly comprise a heat engine and a transmission, the transmission being such that it can provide the different gear ratios for forward travel, but generally not having reverse gear. Thus, when it is necessary to move the motorcycle, for example to park it, it must be pulled back while supporting it, which implies a significant effort for the person performing the operation, which is often difficult especially when the person is small or does not have sufficient strength. The same need arises when driving forward when moving the motorcycle up a hill or over a small obstacle for parking or when maneuvering near a fuel pump.

Solutions are certainly known for equipping a motorcycle with a reverse gear, such as that described in document US Pat. No. 4,869,332. This document describes a motorcycle comprising a heat engine and a transmission and which uses the engine of the starter coupled to the transmission of the motorcycle in order to be able to print it a reverse gear. As this solution uses many components, it is very bulky and very expensive.

[0004] A simplified solution has been proposed in document US Pat. No. 9,926,040 which describes the use of a flexible shaft or of a gimbal for transmitting the rotational movement of the starter motor to the transmission of the motorcycle. Presenting fewer components than the solution in the previous document, it is however complex and quite expensive, and, being an option for the purchase of the motorcycle, it is integrated into the construction of the latter. [0005] Document US Pat. No. 5,069,304 describes another solution which consists in providing a motorcycle comprising an electric motor drive device with transmission of a driving wheel, which wheel in turn drives the rear wheel of the motorcycle. by friction. Of simpler construction than the previous solutions, that of this document has the drawback of being permanently fixed in several places to the frame of the motorcycle and makes use of the power supply of the latter's electric battery during operation. However, this implies fairly significant constructive modifications of a motorcycle to be able to provide it with a maneuvering device of this type.

[0006] The documents US 2016/347408, JP 2003 231490 and US 4,974,695 describe different solutions of devices for driving by friction of a motorcycle wheel, the device being integral with the frame of the motorcycle. These solutions have the disadvantage of undergoing vibrations and of not having precise positioning relative to the wheel.

[0007] Document JP S63 199193 describes a device for driving by friction of a motorcycle rear wheel and in which the device is fixed to the swingarm of the motorcycle. However, this solution implies that it is necessary to carry out constructive modifications to the motorcycle before mounting the device (such as perforations, slot for moving the mobile actuating finger of the device in the oscillating arm, etc.), which s 'proves complex to implement and could ultimately weaken the mechanical resistance of certain components of the motorcycle. [0008] An objective of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the aforementioned documents and to provide an original solution for an auxiliary motorcycle drive device making it possible to easily equip a motorcycle at a lower cost.

This objective is achieved by the invention which provides an auxiliary drive device according to claim 1. [0010] The auxiliary drive device according to the invention is intended to be removably mounted on a motorcycle comprising a frame supporting an actuating motor, a transmission and two or three wheels, at least one of the wheels being intended to be driven by a motorized roller of the device. The roller is driven by a electric motor supplied with energy by a battery, the device further comprising a device for moving said motorized roller between a first operating position in which it is applied against the wheel of the motorcycle and a second rest position in which it is moved away from it , and where the motorized roller and the displacement device are mounted on a common support provided with removable fixing means on the motorcycle.

[0011] In other words, the invention provides an auxiliary motorcycle wheel drive device which is able to rotate the rear wheel and / or the front wheel so as to help the person using it to maneuver the motorcycle without the use of the actuating motor or main motor (for example a heat engine or an electric motor capable of ensuring the movement of the motorcycle over long distances) of the latter. Such a device is of the type comprising a motorized roller, the roller being driven by an electric motor at low speed and applied against the casing of a motorcycle wheel, preferably against the tread thereof, so as to perform a friction drive of the wheel.

[0012] More particularly according to the invention, all the components of the auxiliary drive device are integral with a common support, which support is intended to be removably attached to the motorcycle. It will be understood that the device is of the unitary assembly type which forms an accessory intended to be mounted on a motorcycle, the common support being provided with means for fixing to the motorcycle. An autonomous and compact drive device is thus obtained which is easy to install on any model of motorcycle and without having to make major constructive modifications thereof, as in the aforementioned prior art.

Such a device can drive the motorcycle at a speed of about 1 km / h and allows it to climb a ramp having a slope of about 10%, which makes the motorcycle easily manageable and that without making use of the main engine drive thereof.

The support of the device of the invention can be directly mounted on a part of the motorcycle which is not the frame of the motorcycle. The frame or chassis of the motorcycle is generally formed from a set of tubes and is intended to ensure the connection between the main parts of the motorcycle. In addition, it is rigid and allows the movement of suspended elements, such as the front axle and the rear axle. The support of the device can advantageously be fixed in a removable manner on the motorcycle. Thus, the support of the device of the invention can, in a variant, be directly fixed to the oscillating arm of the motorcycle. In another variant, said support can be directly attached to the front fork of the motorcycle. However, in this way, we avoid installing the support on a part with deflection or which vibrates during movement, while being able to add the device of the invention to an existing motorcycle, and this in a facilitated manner and at a lower cost. , because we do not modify the construction of the motorcycle. [0015] The wheel comprises a hub and said support comprises a rigid arm by means of which it can be fixed to the hub of the wheel. This makes it possible to have a stable hold of the device and a precise positioning of the motorized roller of the device relative to the wheel of the motorcycle for an even more efficient drive.

[0016] The rigid arm can support a mud shield of said wheel. Thus, we can provide a mudguard modified to integrate the device, while having the shapes and dimensions of an original mudguard and which can replace the latter. The same location and the same fixings are thus used, without any other constructive modification, while offering an additional function to the user and making it possible to protect the components of the device using the mudguard [0017] The battery d power supply of the electric motor of the motorized roller may be integral with the common support. In a variant, the motorcycle battery supplies the electric motor via an auxiliary socket.

[0018] The roller can be mounted directly on the output shaft of the electric drive motor for more compactness. The device may include a control system for said electric motor which is adapted to be mounted on the handle of the motorcycle. This allows easy starting of the device which can thus be operated from the handle of the motorcycle. The direction of rotation of the electric drive motor may be that given by means for detecting the direction of rotation of the wheel of the motorcycle when the latter is set in motion.

Once the drive motor of the motorized roller is supplied, the direction of rotation of the motor can be that given by means for detecting the direction of rotation of the wheel installed on the wheel of the latter, such as a direction sensor of rotation or torque transmitted to the engine during the forward or reverse maneuver imprinted on the motorcycle by the person who sets the motorcycle in motion. This makes it possible to perform maneuvers easily, intuitively and with a simplified control device. In a variant, the device comprises a control button capable of being mounted on the handle of the motorcycle and of being connected to the control of the electric motor so as to be able to determine (choose) the direction of rotation of the motor.

[0022] The device may include a control unit capable of activating the control system of said electric motor when the motor driving the motorbike is stopped. This allows for safe movement of the motorcycle.

The power supply battery for the electric drive motor may be a rechargeable accumulator removably mounted from said support. A quick-connect connector is provided on the device holder for this purpose and the battery can be easily removed for charging. [0024] The displacement device may comprise a spring and a locking mechanism, the control of said locking mechanism being able to be adapted to be connected to the handle of the motorcycle. This allows the drive wheel to be easily applied against the motorcycle wheel casing when it is desired to maneuver the motorcycle using the device. [0025] The object of the invention is also achieved with a removable mudguard for a motorcycle wheel comprising a device according to the invention.

[0026] A subject of the invention is also a motorcycle comprising a device according to the invention or a mudguard according to the invention. The invention will be better understood from the remainder of the description, which is based on the following figures: FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the rear part of a motorcycle comprising the device of the invention ; - Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 in which the mudguard of the rear wheel has been omitted for greater visibility of the device of the invention; FIG. 3 is a simplified front view illustrating the device of the invention in the two operating positions; FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the device of the invention; - Figure 5 is a top view of the device of Figure 4; FIG. 6 is a top view of a component of the device of the invention; Figure 7 is a sectional view along the plane AA of Figure 4; FIGS. 8a and 8b represent simplified front views, respectively, from above, of an alternative embodiment of the device of the invention. In the various figures, identical or similar elements bear the same reference. Their description is therefore not systematically repeated.

[0029] Figure 1 schematically illustrates the rear part of a motorcycle 1 comprising an auxiliary drive device 10 of the invention. The motorcycle comprises, in a known manner, a heat engine (not shown) which transforms the thermal energy into mechanical energy transmitted to the rear wheel 2 via a transmission 3 comprising a clutch, a gearbox and a chain 4, components which produce the forward motion of the motorcycle.

In Figure 1 we also see a swing arm 5 connected, on the one hand to the hub 7 of the rear wheel 2 and, on the other hand, to a suspension (not shown in the drawings). On the oscillating arm 5 is also a tensioner 6 of the chain 4 which has the role of maintaining a predetermined tension of the latter.

As shown more precisely in Figures 2 and 3, the auxiliary drive device 10 comprises a motorized roller 12 arranged so that the roller selectively comes into contact with the wheel 2 of the motorcycle 1. For this, the device comprises a displacement device 16 for moving said motorized roller 12 between a first operating position in which it is applied against the tread 9 of the motorcycle wheel 2 and a second rest position in which it is moved away from it. According to the invention, the motorized roller 12, the battery 14 and the displacement device 16 are mounted on a common support 20 with which they form a unitary assembly, the support 20 being provided with removable fixing means on the motorcycle . More particularly with reference to FIG. 2, the common support 20 comprises a rigid arm 22, a first end 24 of which is connected to a rigid cradle 18 which supports the motorized roller 12, the battery 14 and the displacement device 16 and a second end 26, distal to the first, which is provided with fixing means on the wheel, in particular a screw fixing 28. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the end 24 of the rigid arm 22 supports a mudguard 30 In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the rigid arm 22 is elongated and has a general L-shape. As shown in Figure 1, the mudguard 30 completely covers the cradle 18 of the auxiliary drive device 10. In this example, the mudguard 30 is located at the rear of the wheel 2.

As shown in Figure 3, the first end 24 supports the cradle 18 shown in its two extreme positions relative to the casing 8: in continuous lines, there is shown the position in which the motorized roller 12 is applied with a certain pressure against the tread 9 of the casing and in dotted lines, the rest position has been shown in which the motorized roller 12 is at a distance from the latter. The second end 26 is received in a housing 35 of the oscillating arm 5 in which it abuts against the screw head of the tensioner 6. Thus, in this embodiment, the rigid arm 22 is made in two parts 22 'and 22. ”Mounted with the possibility of sliding for adjustment radial by means of screws 23 and an elongated slot 25 in which these move to adapt to the position of the chain tensioner (fig. 3).

As shown in Figure 4, the cradle 18 supports, at one of its longitudinal ends, the motorized roller 12 mounted rotatably about an axis 12 'parallel to a direction tangential to the circumference of the casing 8 at the point of contact between the roller and the casing. The motorized roller 12 is mounted in bearings provided for this purpose (not shown) in the side walls 18 ’, 18” of the cradle 18 facing each other (fig. 5). The cradle 18 supports, at the opposite longitudinal end, the battery 14 removably mounted in electrical connectors provided for this purpose in the walls 18 "and 18" of the cradle (not shown in the drawings). The displacement device 16 is placed in the center of the cradle 18, in a cylindrical support provided for this purpose, between the motorized roller 12 and the battery 14. The displacement device 16 is centered relative to the side walls of the cradle 18 , while the motorized roller 12 and the battery 14 are placed on either side of the displacement device and are offset therefrom. More particularly, the motorized roller 12 is located as close as possible to the edge of the side wall of the cradle 18 so that it is as close as possible to the casing 8 of the wheel in order to reduce the stroke performed by the displacement device 16 , while the battery 14 moves away from it, the latter being located near the opposite edge of the side wall of the cradle 18.

The motorized roller 12 is formed of a roller having a shape of revolution mounted directly on the output shaft of an electric motor supplied by a battery 14. In a variant, the roller is hollow, of cylindrical shape and the electric motor is arranged inside the roller. The roller is, for example, metallic and provided with ridges or reliefs making it possible to better drive by friction the tread 9 of the casing 8 of the motorcycle wheel. The electric motor is of the direct current motor type supplied at a voltage of 3.6 V capable of supplying a torque of about 2 to 4 Nm with a variable speed up to about 450 rpm. It is powered by one or more Li-Ion 3.6 VS 3 A batteries with a capacity of approximately 2 Ah. The battery is of the rechargeable electric accumulator type and the device is fitted with a quick connector to facilitate removal the battery for charging and replacing. In a variant (not shown) the battery can be replaced by the motorcycle battery, an auxiliary socket being provided for this purpose.

We will now explain, with reference to Figures 6 and 7, the construction and operation of the displacement device 16. The displacement device 16 comprises a cylindrical body 40 and a fixing base 42 of diameter greater than that of the body 40 with the aid of which the device is fixed in position at the end 24 of the arm 22 (fig. 3), in particular by means of the screws (not shown) which are screwed into the holes 44 of the base of fixation. On the body of the cradle 18, two other threaded holes 36 serve for attachment to the mudguard 30. The displacement device 16 is mounted with the possibility of pivoting about its longitudinal axis 40 ', materialized by a threaded rod 47, which axis is parallel to the axis 12 'of the motorized roller 12.

As shown in Figure 7, the displacement device 16 comprises a barrel 40 mounted to pivot about the axis 40 'under the relaxation of a torsion coil spring 50 when actuated by a mechanism locking 52. The spring 50 is arranged in a housing of the barrel 40 of generally cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis aligned with the axis 40 '. The spring 50 has a first end 50a embedded in the fixing base 42 and a second end 50b integral with the barrel 40. The spring 50 is kept constrained by means of a disc 49 resting on the housing bottom of the barrel 40. The fixing base 42 is retained on the barrel 40 with the fixing screw 47, which also has the role of adjusting the operating clearance necessary for the rotation of the two assemblies. A functional clearance is provided between the upper part of the pad 40 and the bottom wall of the housing 49 in order to allow the spring 50 to relax. The locking mechanism 52 may include an electric control actuated on the handle (which for example controls a electromagnet which releases a ball 53 pushed by a spring 54 and therefore releases the spring 50). Thus, when the locking mechanism is actuated to release the spring 50, the latter allows the barrel to pivot in order to pass from a first rest position of the spring corresponding to the separated position of the motorized roller 12 (position represented by dotted lines at fig. 3) to a second position active in which the motorized roller 12 is applied against the tread 9 of the casing 8 (position shown in solid lines in Figure 3).

Thus, when the displacement mechanism 16 brings the motorized roller 12 against the tread 9, it controls the supply of the roller drive motor and the direction of rotation thereof to obtain a drive of the roller. wheel 2 of the motorcycle while the thermal engine thereof is stationary.

[0040] The motorcycle is thus easily and safely maneuvered in forward or reverse gear to move it in a parking lot or near a fuel pump.

[0041] Figures 8a and 8b illustrate the auxiliary device 10 of the invention according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. More particularly, the common support 20 is placed on the front side of the rear wheel 2 of the motorcycle 1. Furthermore, the rigid arm 22 is elongated and has a general U-shape surrounding the periphery of the wheel 2 at the level of the oscillating arm. 5. The ends of the parallel arms of the rigid arm 22 are fixed to the hub 7 of the wheel 2, while the base of the U-shaped rigid arm supports the motorized roller 12 and the mudguard 30 fixed with the screws 31 on this last. The motorized roller 12 comprises a serrated roller of generally cylindrical shape which is driven in rotation around its axis 29, which is parallel to the axis X-X 'of the wheel 2, by an electric motor or by an electric gear motor. . The auxiliary device 10 further comprises a displacement device for moving said motorized roller 12 between a first operating position in which it is applied against the tread 9 of the wheel 2 of the motorcycle and a second rest position in which it is applied. is moved away (not illustrated in Figures 8a, 8b) which is of the type of the displacement device 16 described above.

The auxiliary device 10 according to this variant also has the advantage of being a unitary device integrating the mudguard 30 and capable of being removably attached to the motorcycle, by being added to an existing motorcycle, without proceeding to structural or constructive modifications thereof, the mud shield also having the advantage of protecting the components of the device. Furthermore, by being fixed to the hub of the wheel 2, the auxiliary device 10 is always positioned precisely relative to the wheel 2, in particular the tread 9, even after having tensioned the chain 4 and moved the wheel in the notches 27 provided for this purpose in the oscillating arm 5.

[0043] Other variations and embodiments of the invention can be envisioned within the scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, the auxiliary drive device of the invention can be mounted on any type of motorcycle or scooter with two or three wheels, whether it is a heat engine or an electric motor.

[0044] Furthermore, one can consider a drive by the motorized roller on the side of the casing instead of the drive at the level of the tread.

Claims

1. Auxiliary drive device (10) for a motorcycle (1) comprising a frame supporting an actuating motor, a transmission and two wheels, at least one of the two wheels (2) comprising a hub (7) is intended for be driven by a motorized roller (12) driven by an electric motor supplied with energy by a battery

(14), the device further comprising a device (16) for moving said motorized roller between a first operating position in which it is applied against the wheel (2) of the motorcycle and a second rest position in which it is. spaced apart, characterized in that the motorized roller (12) and the displacement device (16) are mounted on a common support (20) provided with removable fixing means on the motorcycle, said support comprising a rigid arm (22) by means of of which it is able to be fixed to the hub (7) of the wheel and in that said rigid arm (22) supports a mud shield (30) of said wheel.

2. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power supply battery for the electric motor of the motorized roller is integral with the support

(20).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said roller is mounted directly on the output shaft of the electric drive motor.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control system for said electric motor which is adapted to be mounted on the handle of the motorcycle.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the direction of rotation of the electric drive motor is that given by means for detecting the direction of rotation of the wheel of the motorcycle when the latter is set in motion. 6. Device according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that it comprises a control unit capable of activating the control system of said electric drive motor when the motor for actuating the motorcycle is in operation. stop.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said battery (14) is a rechargeable accumulator removably mounted relative to said support (20).

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said displacement device (16) comprises a spring (50) and a locking mechanism (52), the control of said locking mechanism (52) being able to be connected to the handle of the motorcycle.

9. Removable mudguard (30) for a motorcycle wheel comprising a device according to one of the preceding claims. 10. Motorcycle (1) comprising an auxiliary drive device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8 or a mudguard (30) according to claim 9.