GB2598760A

GB2598760A - A vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2598760A
Application number: GB2014298.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gabriel Birligea Danut
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-09-11
Filing date: 2020-09-11
Publication date: 2022-03-16
Anticipated expiration: 2040-09-11
Also published as: GB2598760B; GB202014298D0; WO2022053925A1

Abstract

A motorised dicycle 10 comprising a chassis, a motor, a transmission and two wheels 14 on a common axis 17, the chassis supporting the two wheels 14 and comprising a rider seat 20 and a rider steering device 22, the motor arranged to drive the wheels 14 via the transmission to induce a direction of forward travel of the vehicle in use. The arrangement is such that when a rider 24 is seated on the rider seat 20, the centre of gravity 28 of the rider 24 is forwards and above the common axis during forwards travel of the dicycle. In use, reaction force 34 under acceleration follows a vector passing close to the wheel 14 axis. The dicycle may be further stabilised using a gyroscope and/or moving weights. The weights may be batteries.

Description

A Vehicle

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a motorised dicycle comprising a chassis, a motor, a transmission and two wheels on a common axis, the motor arranged to deliver motive power to the wheels via the transmission to induce a direction of forward travel of the vehicle in use, wherein the common axis is perpendicular to the direction of forward travel, the dicycle being particularly for use in high performance racing or leisure activity.

Background and Prior Art

High performance vehicles for use in motorsport or in recreational activities are known. These are generally in the form of a car, i.e. a vehicle having generally four wheels in a rectangular relationship, or a motorcycle, i.e. a two-wheeled vehicle with the wheels that contact the ground in a line parallel to the direction of travel.

Cars also may sometimes be distinguished from motorcycles by the seating position of the driver and, if present, the passengers. In a car there is provided a seat for each passenger or driver, each seat having an upright backrest. In a motorcycle the driver, referred to as a rider, has a seat generally without a backrest reflecting the difference in naming of the rider. However motorcycles do exist where the rider has a backrest.

Variants of cars also exist that have three wheels, with two wheels at the rear or the front with the third wheel at the opposite end and centrally located, in a symmetrical manner.

These are sometimes referred to as cyclecars. Variants of motorcycles also exist that include a sidecar, introducing a third wheel to the side in contact with the ground. Such vehicles are asymmetrical and distinct from cyclecars.

Four-wheeled vehicles known as quad-bikes also exist, which behave like a car in terms of lack of tilt during a turn but behave like a conventional motorcycle in terms of the rider seating position.

When turning, it is known that motorcycles must use a combination of a change in direction of the front wheel combined with some degree of tilt of the chassis and rider, in order to stabilise the motorcycle and to compensate for the centrifugal force during a turn. The presence of a sidecar allows turning of the motorcycle without tilt under some circumstances. A four-wheeled car however does not require chassis tilting, as it is already stable during a turn due to the presence of the four wheels. A four-wheeled car that is very high performance and does not tilt its chassis during a turn is the Ariel At0mTM.

Three-wheeled cars may however perform a tilt during turning, such as the Carver OneTM and PersuTm. Thus, titling is generally not a distinguishing feature between a car and a motorcycle, as either type of vehicle may or may not employ a tilt during a turn.

A lesser-known separate class of vehicles, distinct from cars and motorcycles and known as dicycles, have two wheels whose points of contact with the ground are in a line perpendicular to the direction of travel. In general the two wheels are on a common axis that is also perpendicular to the direction of travel. The two wheels encompass an inner frame and passenger mounting. A commonly known practical example of this is a segway or self-balancing scooter, wherein the rider stands on a platform positioned between the two wheels. Dicycles accomplish turning by inducing a difference in the rotation speed of one wheel relative to the other, and no titling of the chassis is required.

US 5,366,034 discloses a dicycle as a replacement for an urban car, wherein a slung seated passenger compartment is provided between the two wheels that are larger in diameter than the passenger compartment, typically 8 feet in diameter.

US 6,752,231 discloses a dicycle powered by two electric gear motors, wherein a slung seated passenger compartment is provided between the two wheels that are larger in diameter than the passenger compartment.

Another class of vehicles is monocycles, which have a single wheel and come in a variety of forms. In general these are casual vehicles or for special or novelty purposes. An example of this is the RIOTTm wheel or the RYNOTM micro-cycle.

There is an ongoing need for innovative motorised vehicles, particularly in the high performance market.

Brief Description of the Invention

In a first aspect the present invention relates to a motorised dicycle comprising a chassis, a motor, a transmission and two wheels on a common axis, the chassis supporting the two wheels and comprising a rider seat and a rider steering device, a braking actuator and an acceleration actuator; the motor arranged to deliver motive power to the wheels via the transmission to induce a direction of forward travel of the vehicle in use, wherein the common axis is perpendicular to the direction of forward travel, the arrangement being such that when a rider is seated on the rider seat and is gripping the rider steering device, the centre of gravity of the rider is forwards and above the common axis during forwards travel of the dicycle.

By the term "chassis" is meant the frame that connects the two wheels together and provides the structure onto which the components of the dicycle are mounted.

The invention provides a novel form of vehicle, particularly suitable for high speed, high performance activities. The vehicle provides that the seating position of the rider is forwards and above the common axis between the wheels. This means that the rider can experience high speed travel with a unique experience of the feeling of being in front of the vehicle during use, providing an additional feeling of exhilaration over and above the speed and performance of the vehicle.

Additionally, the inventor has observed that the vehicle has a particular stability during acceleration of the vehicle. During forwards acceleration there is a rearwards reactionary force on the vehicle from the rider's inertia. This combines with the rider's weight (which is directed downwards) to provide an overall resolved force from the rider's body that is rearwardly directed at an angle to vertical, depending on the degree of acceleration. For example, if the vehicle were accelerating at 1G then the resolved force would be 45° to vertical. As the rider's centre of gravity is forwards and above the common axis, this resolved force is directed towards the common axis, and thus provides stability of the vehicle during acceleration. This stabilising effect allows high degrees of acceleration to be obtained.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The dicycle preferably comprises an electronic controller. The controller is typically adapted to receive a plurality of electronic sensor signals and transmit a plurality of control signals, as will be discussed below.

The motorised dicycle chassis preferably comprises a centrally positioned chassis strut, the chassis strut projecting forwards of the vehicle and supporting the rider seat and the rider steering device. This enables the rider to position themselves straddled over the chassis strut. In this way the rider is conveniently positioned forwards and above the main body of the dicycle during forwards travel.

Being positioned in this manner the rider will generally not have any of the vehicle in view other than the steering device and the chassis strut. This provides the rider with a particularly exhilarating sensation of travelling forwards, almost as if flying. Motor

The motor system provides the motive power to the wheels. The motor may be an internal combustion type or it may comprise an electric motor, or both. Preferably the motor comprises at least one electric motor, preferably a DC motor.

In a preferred embodiment the motor comprises first and second motors, arranged to drive the two wheels independently.

In a preferred embodiment, each motor is electrically connected to a respective battery.

Balance As the motorised dicycle only has two wheels in contact with the road the chassis strut, and preferably the entire chassis, is rotatable about an axis parallel to the common axis. This enables the rider's position relative to the dicycle to pivot, depending on the state of the vehicle, for example whether it is stationary, at a steady speed or accelerating.

In a preferred embodiment the chassis or chassis strut comprises a moveable balancing mass, arranged to be moveable forwardly or rearwardly relative to the common axis, so as to have the effect of moving the centre of gravity of the chassis forwardly or rearwardly accordingly. This provides a balancing facility, so as to rotate the chassis or chassis strut appropriately to provide a stable position.

Preferably the motorised dicycle comprises at least one balance sensor, arranged to transmit an electronic balance signal to the electronic controller, the electronic controller arranged to deliver a balancing control signal to the moveable balancing mass, in order to maintain balance of the chassis or chassis strut.

Preferably the chassis may include at least one flywheel (for its gyroscopic effect) in order to provide general stability, especially when the dicycle is not yet moving, to facilitate a rider mounting the dicycle.

In order that the dicycle can handle a variety of road surface inclinations, the dicycle may comprise a road surface inclination measurement system. Alternatively, the dicycle may comprise a plurality of orientation modes, suitable for a number of different inclines or declines. For example it may have a mode for a decline, one for a level surface and one for an incline, with the rider being able to select the appropriate mode depending on the observed terrain. The selection will then adjust the neutral balance position accordingly.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the moveable balancing mass comprises two moveable portions, each one comprising a battery. The two batteries are typically electrically connected to a respective motor for driving a wheel, wherein the batteries are located within is the moveable balancing mass. This is a particularly advantageous feature of the dicycle because the weight of such batteries is usually viewed as a negative feature, whereas in this embodiment the batteries serve a valuable balancing function.

Steering When the rider desires to turn the vehicle to the right or the left, he actuates the steering device in known manner. The steering device may take a number of forms, such as the form of a steering wheel, however preferably the steering device is a handlebar. Although there can be a physical connection between the steering device, e.g. handlebar, and the steering system, preferably the dicycle operates on a steer-by-wire principle.

Preferably therefore the steering device is arranged to transmit an electronic steering signal to the electronic controller, the electronic controller arranged to deliver a steering control signal to the two wheels to control the rotation speed of the two wheels independently of each other. The steering control signal therefore instructs the wheels to turn at different rates, in order to induce a turn of the dicycle.

In order to facilitate turning, when the dicycle comprises a chassis strut, the chassis strut is preferably rotatable around an axis parallel to the direction of forward travel in use. Thus, if the dicycle is turning right then there is a clockwise rotation of the chassis strut, and if the dicycle is turning left there is a counter-clockwise rotation of the chassis strut. Therefore preferably the electronic controller is arranged to deliver a steering control signal to control the rotation of the chassis strut around the axis parallel to the direction of forward travel in use The rotation of the chassis strut causes rotation of the rider mounted upon it. Therefore the centre of gravity of the rider is no longer centrally positioned and is instead shifted in the direction of the turn. This provides a tiliting effect, without the wheels needing to leave contact with the ground and provides for a more stable riding position during a turn. The degree of tilting is speed-dependent.

The dicycle is also capable of controlling one or both of the wheels to rotate in a rearwards direction. This can be to reverse the vehicle (when both wheels are in reverse) or to spin the vehicle in a tight circle (e.g. when one wheel is stationary and one is moving forwards or backwards) or on the spot (when one wheel is moving forwards and the other is moving backwards).

Braking When the rider desires to reduce the speed of the vehicle, he can actuate the braking actuator in known manner. Although there can be a physical connection between the braking actuator, e.g. foot pedal, and the braking system, preferably the dicycle operates on a brake-by-wire principle.

Preferably therefore the braking actuator is arranged to transmit an electronic braking signal to the electronic controller, the electronic controller arranged to deliver a braking control signal to the two wheels.

Preferably the dicycle comprises a regenerative braking system for the two wheels. This is particularly effective when the wheels are driven by an electric motor. When one or both of the wheels are undergoing braking, electrical energy can be transmitted to one or more 30 batteries.

Acceleration When the rider desires to increase the speed of the vehicle, he can actuate the acceleration actuator, often referred to as a throttle, in known manner. Although there can be a physical connection between the acceleration actuator, e.g. handlebar, and the acceleration system, preferably the dicycle operates on a drive-by-wire principle.

Preferably therefore the acceleration actuator is arranged to transmit an electronic acceleration signal to the electronic controller, the electronic controller arranged to deliver an acceleration control signal to the two wheels.

Hydraulics As discussed above, preferably the dicycle operates by the various control actuators transmitting electronic sensor signals to the electronic controller. In order to implement the control of the vehicle the controller issues a number of control signals. These signals are received at a device which is then capable of altering the balance of the vehicle, the rotation speed of one or both wheels and/or rotation of the chassis strut, for example.

Preferably the control signals are transmitted from the controller to a hydraulic system e.g. comprising a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic distributor. The hydraulic distributor can be operatively connected to a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, so that they can carry out the necessary physical movements required in response to the control signals.

In particular the balance control signal, wherein the electronic controller is arranged to deliver a balancing control signal to the moveable balancing mass, is directed to control of a number of hydraulic cylinders. Such hydraulic cylinders can then actuate movement of the moveable balancing mass, which may be one or multiple such masses.

In particular the steering control signal, wherein the electronic controller is arranged to deliver a steering control signal to control the rotation of the chassis strut around the axis parallel to the direction of forward travel in use, is directed to control a number of hydraulic cylinders. Such hydraulic cylinders can then actuate the rotation of the chassis strut.

Structural features The chassis may be made from any suitable material capable of providing suitable rigidity without too much of a weight penalty. Various metal materials would be suitable for the purpose of forming the chassis such as aluminium and titanium, although steel may be also be used. Non-metallic materials may also be used such as carbon fibre.

The chassis may have a surrounding fairing, which could be made from a plastics material, however in a preferred embodiment no fairing is present to reduce air resistance.

Various air resistance structures may be included including aerofoil and flaps and the like, according to the particular design of the dicycle.

When braking, particularly in an emergency, there is a risk that the chassis will drop and connect with the ground. Therefore, when the chassis comprises a centrally positioned chassis strut, it preferably comprises a ground-contacting tip, which may e.g. be a freely rotatable wheel or skid surface.

Moment of Inertia (Mol) is a measure of rotational inertia of an object. A high Mol indicates that the object is resistant to spinning. Spinning objects are unusual in that the energy needed to start or stop spinning an object increases as the square of the object's radius, assuming it has uniform density.

is This has a profound impact on the size of the wheels of the dicycle according to the present invention. Firstly the wheels are typically a large component of the mass of the dicycle, and secondly they are typically spinning. Furthermore, acceleration, changing direction and braking all involve a change in the rotation speed of the wheels, and so their Mol has a large impact on the design and behaviour of the dicycle.

Even given these constraints, the size of the wheels may vary widely, however large or very large wheels may be impractical and it has been found that the wheels do not need to be particularly sizeable in order to achieve a stable high performance result. Preferably the diameter of the wheels is from 0.5 to 1.2m.

Preferably the width of the car, i.e. the distance between the outermost sides of the wheels is from 1.5 to 2.5m Preferably the motorised dicycle has a weight and a maxiumum power output such that, wherein when supporting a rider having a weight of 75kg is capable of an acceleration of at least 0 to 60mph in 3 seconds.

This vehicle recreates the sensation of flight whilst touching the ground.

Although the present invention is applicable to a vehicle to be ridden by a human rider, the design concepts can be extended to model vehicles, such as toy vehicles.

Thus, in a second aspect, the invention relates to a motorised model dicycle comprising a chassis, a motor, a transmission and two wheels on a common axis, the chassis supporting the two wheels; the motor arranged to deliver motive power to the wheels via the transmission to induce a direction of forward travel of the vehicle in use, wherein the common axis is perpendicular to the direction of forward travel, the arrangement being such that the centre of gravity of the chassis is forwards and above the common axis during forwards travel of the dicycle.

Such a model may have a weight of from 0.5 to 30kg. A model will generally have a length of from 0.2 to 1.5m. Preferably the model dicycle comprises a radio receiver and is controlled by a radio controller. The model may include a model rider but such a rider would not actuate any of the control systems and merely be present for aesthetic purposes.

The invention will now be illustrated, by way of example, and with reference to the following figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective representational view of a first embodiment of a dicycle according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of the dicycle shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of a dicycle according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a rear view of a dicycle according to the invention.

Figure 5 is a systems chart for a dicycle according to the present invention.

Turning to the figures, figures 1 and 2 show a dicycle 10 in a perspective and side view respectively. The dicycle 10 comprises first wheel 12 and second wheel 14 connected together by a chassis 16 rotatable about common axis 17. The chassis 16 comprises a centrally positioned chassis strut 18 supporting a rider seat 20, a handlebar 22 constituting a rider steering device, and foot mounts 25. A rider 24 is positioned on the rider seat 20 and gripping the handlebar 22 and resting his feet on foot mounts 25. The centre of gravity 28 of the rider 24 marked as an X can be seen to be forwards and above the common axis 17 during forwards travel of the dicycle 10.

A downwards force 30 due to the action of gravity on the rider 24 is exerted onto the chassis 16. During forwards acceleration (when accelerating to the left in figure 2) a rearwards reactionary force 32 is also exerted onto the chassis 16 to balance the forward force of the chassis 16 exerted on the rider 24 during acceleration. These two forces combine to provide an overall resolved force 34 from the rider's body 24 that is rearwardly directed at an angle to vertical, depending on the degree of acceleration. In figure 2 the resolved force is directed towards the common axis 17. Thus, the resolved force provides no moment of rotation about the common axis 17, providing stability.

It will be appreciated that at higher accelerations than that shown in figure 2, the resolved force would provide a moment of rotation of the chassis about the common axis 17 in a clockwise sense.

A similar analysis can be carried out on the chassis 16 about its centre of gravity 36, which will in general be closer to, albeit still above, the common axis 17. The centre of gravity 36 of the chassis is moveable in a forwards or rearwards sense, by the action of a moveable balancing mass (not shown).

As for the rider 24, a downwards force 38 acts on the chassis 16 due to the action of gravity.

When stationary, e.g. when the rider is mounting the dicycle, it will be necessary for the centre of gravity 36 of the chassis to be to the rear of the common axis 17, to prevent any resultant rotational force about the common axis induced by the action of the rider's weight on the chassis 16.

As the dicycle accelerates forwards (as shown in figure 2), the centre of gravity 36 of the chassis is required to be moved forwards, by forwards movement of the moveable balancing mass. During forwards acceleration, there will be a rearwards reactionary force 40 from the chassis 16, as well as wind resistance W having a generally rearwardly acting direction on the chassis. For stability it is required that these forces, as well as those acting on the rider 24, result in a net zero moment resolved about the common axis, as shown in figure 2.

Figure 3 shows a side view of an alternative design of dicycle 10. In this embodiment the chassis 18 is without a fairing and the entire dicycle is lightweight and has a more naked appearance. In all other important respects the dicycle 10 functions in the same way as the one shown in figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 shows a rear sectional view of a second embodiment of a dicycle 50 according to the present invention. Dicycle comprises wheels 51 connected to a chassis comprising a pair of swingarms 52 and a pair of suspension arms 63 attached to a central cyclindrical housing 60 by mechanical elements 58 and mechanical joints 59.

Each wheel is driven by a DC electric motor 53 mounted on a mechanical support 54 and connected to the wheel hubs 55 via the transmission comprising motor shafts 56 and a bushing and bearing 57.

Rotatably mounted within cylindrical housing 60 is a centrally located chassis strut 65, having mechanical elements 64 extending out of the cylindrical housing 60. A pair of hydraulic cylinders 61 are connected to the mechanical elements 64.

Contained within the centre of the chassis strut 65 are the hydraulic systems components comprising an electric motor 66, hydraulic pump 67 and hydraulic distributor 68. These form part of the overall electro-hydraulic control system of the dicycle as will now be discussed. When it is desired to make a turn to the left or the right, the hydraulic pump 67 and hydraulic distributor 68 act on the hydraulic cylinders 61 which in turn act on mechanical elements 64 to induce rotation of the chassis strut 65, in a counter-clockwise or clockwise sense respectively, relative to the cylindrical housing 60.

Figure 5 shows a systems chart for the electro-hydraulic control system for operating the dicycle shown in figure 4.

At the centre is an electronic controller 100, adapted to receive electronic balance signals from the balancing sensors, electronic steering signals from the steering system, an electronic braking signal from a braking actuator, and an electronic acceleration signal from an acceleration actuator, e.g. a throttle on the handlebar.

Electronic controller is powered by two storage batteries via a voltage stabiliser.

The electronic controller transmits control signals to each of first and second motors, to drive the first and second wheels respectively. Each motor is also arranged to transmit a motor speed signal to the electronic controller 100.

The electronic controller also transmits control signals to the hydraulic control system, via third electric motor and by controlling the hydraulic distributor, and thereby controlling the four hydraulic cylinders. Hydraulic cylinders 1 and 2 are each connected to a moveable balancing mass, and move the mass forwards and rearwards according to the balancing needs determined by the controller 100. Hydraulic cylinders 3 and 4 correspond to hydraulic cylinders 61 shown in figure 4.

Claims

Claims 1 A motorised dicycle comprising a chassis, a motor, a transmission and two wheels on a common axis, the chassis supporting the two wheels and comprising a rider seat and a rider steering device, a braking actuator and an acceleration actuator; the motor arranged to deliver motive power to the wheels via the transmission to induce a direction of forward travel of the vehicle in use, wherein the common axis is perpendicular to the direction of forward travel, the arrangement being such that when a rider is seated on the rider seat and is gripping the rider steering device, the centre of gravity of the rider is forwards and above the common axis during forwards travel of the dicycle.
2. A motorised dicycle according to claim 1, which comprises an electronic controller.
3. A motorised dicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor comprises at least one electric motor, preferably a DC motor.
4. A motorised dicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor comprises first and second motors, arranged to drive the two wheels independently.
A motorised dicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis comprises a centrally positioned chassis strut, the chassis strut projecting forwards of the vehicle and supporting the rider seat and the rider steering device.
6. A motorised dicycle according to claim 5, wherein the chassis strut, preferably the chassis, is rotatable about an axis parallel to the common axis.
7 A motorised dicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis or chassis strut comprises a moveable balancing mass, arranged to be moveable forwardly or rearwardly relative to the common axis, so as to have the effect of moving the centre of gravity of the chassis forwardly or rearwardly accordingly.
8 A motorised dicycle according to claim 2 and claim 7, which comprises at least one balance sensor, arranged to transmit an electronic balance signal to the electronic controller, the electronic controller arranged to deliver a balancing control signal to the moveable balancing mass, in order to maintain balance of the chassis or chassis strut.
9. A motorised dicycle according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the moveable balancing mass comprises two moveable portions, each one comprising a battery.
A motorised dicycle according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the steering device is arranged to transmit an electronic steering signal to the electronic controller, the electronic controller arranged to deliver a steering control signal to the two wheels to control the rotation speed of the two wheels independently of each other.
11. A motorised dicycle according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the chassis strut is rotatable around an axis parallel to the direction of forward travel in use.
12. A motorised dicycle according to claim 9 and claim 10, wherein the electronic controller is arranged to deliver a steering control signal to control the rotation of the chassis strut around the axis parallel to the direction of forward travel in use.
13. A motorised dicycle according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the braking actuator is arranged to transmit an electronic braking signal to the electronic controller, the electronic controller arranged to deliver a braking control signal to the two wheels.
14. A motorised dicycle according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the acceleration actuator is arranged to transmit an electronic acceleration signal to the electronic controller, the electronic controller arranged to deliver an acceleration control signal to the two wheels.
15. A motorised dicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering device is a handlebar.
16. A motorised dicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the wheels is from 0.5 to 1.2m.
17. A motorised dicycle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when supporting a rider having a weight of 75kg is capable of an acceleration of at least 0 to 60mph in 3 seconds.
18 A motorised model dicycle comprising a chassis, a motor, a transmission and two wheels on a common axis, the chassis supporting the two wheels; the motor arranged to deliver motive power to the wheels via the transmission to induce a direction of forward travel of the vehicle in use, wherein the common axis is perpendicular to the direction of forward travel, the arrangement being such that the centre of gravity of the chassis is forwards and above the common axis during forwards travel of the dicycle.