GB2532709A

GB2532709A - Improved vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2532709A
Application number: GB1417276.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerald Bevan Philip
Original assignee: TRIDENT ELECTRIC VEHICLES Ltd
Current assignee: TRIDENT ELECTRIC VEHICLES Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-30
Filing date: 2014-09-30
Publication date: 2016-06-01
Anticipated expiration: 2034-09-30
Also published as: WO2016051173A1; GB201417276D0; GB2532709B

Abstract

A braked vehicle 10 comprising a cycle incorporating bodywork in the form of a canopy 11 which extends above the head of a rider of the cycle to provide protection to the rider from inclement weather; characterised by the feature that at least one of the opposite side regions 13,14 of the vehicle 10 incorporates a screen 18,19 which acts to shield the rider's side region(s) from the weather. The screen(s) 18,19 may be in the general form of a fan whos successive segments concertina when not in use. The vehicle 10 may include at least one automatically operated stabilising wheel.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1417276.1 RTM Date:24 March 2016 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: BMW (page 1, 2) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk /ipo Improved Vehicle Fie The invention relates to vehicles, and is specifically concerned with br aked°v kind (known per se) comprising a cycle incorporating bodywork in the form of which, in operation of the cycle, extends above the head of a rider of the cycle to a measure of protection to the rider from inclement weather. of the oPY rovide Known to the r3ppint Vehicles of the kind define iown and, in one spec"c.

form, are embodied in self-propelied motor cycles designed primarily for inner city jourrie duration, The best example currently known to the present applicant is the BMW CI scooter in which a canopy extends over the rider's head and, as outlined above, provides i asure cif protection for the rider against the weather, This BMW scooter, however, whilst providing the closest prior art known to the App ic has disadvantages in use, The major ones of these will now be listed, First, it provides at best ial protection against it cie r7ent. conditions, Whilst cs If, as is so often the case, the weather encountered by the rider is not only takiM4, fsdt also windy, rain will be thrown at canopy:extends over the driver's head, it has 10 si the driver's head and upper body form the sides quite irrespective of the presence of the top-extending canopy.

Second, the scooter is not stabiliSed. tike a convention* non-canopied pedal cycle, motor cycle or scooter, it has to be balanced by the rider if it is to stay upright. On losing balance, for example if the machine begins to lean in travel beyond a controllable degree from the vertical, it and its rider will end up on the ground. The machine, the rider; or both will be damaged even if only temporarily.

When this has occurred, the rider has to Lever the machine upright if he or she wants to continue the journey. Here a serious disadvantage becomes apparent in that the weight, bulk and general awkwardness of the canopy and its supporting frame make it a distinct (and in many cases distinctly uneven) struggle between man and machine. At best, even if the rider has the strength and agility to right the machine, the typical city office worker for is whom these machines are designed and intended will almost certainly get his or her clothing wet, dirty, or both. This is not an enjoyable experience.

These and other disadvantages experienced in use make it essential for the design of the BMW Cl to be improved. The invention takes this particular machine and the need to improve it as its starting point; Inv A braked vehicle, of the kind (known per se) comprising a cycle incorporating bodywork in the form of a canopy which, in operation of the cycle, extends above the head of a rider of the cycle to provide a measure of protection to the rider from inclement weather; characdsed b t: a) one at least -and preferably each -of the opposite side regions of the vehicle incorporates a screen which, in use, acts to shield the rider's side region(s) at Least partially 30 from the weather; gmlbr.

b) when feature a) immediately above is present, the screen -or at least one of the screens if there are more than one -is in the general form of a fan whose successive segments concertina to allow passage of the rider past the concertinaed screen to enter or leave the vehicle; dusiipy.

c) when features a) and b) above are present, one at least of the longitudinal edge regions -and preferably several, more preferably all of the fan segments is channelled in a way which is intended to lead rain, impacting the segment) in use, to run down and/or off the segment.; d) when either or both of features b) and c) above are present, the apex of the fan occupies a position around the ground-adjacent (in use) region of the vehicle; and/or e) the canopy extends from front to back of the vehicle and ends, at the back region, in a hick acts at least partially as a weather shield; and/or f) the vehicle incorporates at least one -and preferably two -stabilising wheels which is automatically operate(s) as the vehicle, in use, comes to a halt and/or Leans beyond a predetermined angle from the vertical; and/or g the vehicle is a self-propelled vehicle whose propulsive means comprises a battery powered electric motor; and/or h) where feature g) immediately above is present, the or each battery is readily removable the vehicle and is so located within the vehicle as to be accessed and removed via the vehicle's interior; and/or i) where feature g) and/or feature h) above is resent, the or each battery occupies a position (in use) around the ground -adjacent (in use) region of the vehicle; and/or j) at least the major portion of the vehicle's bodywork comprises two co-operating halves which come together generally along rather than across the vehicle; and/or k) the bodywork includes portions additional to the canopy; and/or ) immediately above is present, the bodywork includes an apron portion, ccupy ng a region generally immediately below the rider's line of forward vision, which masks at least part of the, join between the main bodywork halves, and/or m) the vehicle is braked by drum brakes; and/or n) at least the major portion of the vehicle's bodywork is formed from plastics material but is carried on a separately defined load-bearing chassis; and/or here feature n) immediately above is present, at least the major portion of the chassis is comprised of non-plastics material; an4j/Qr p) where feature g) above is present, the motor drives the vehicle via a constantly variable transmission.

q) where feature g) above is present, h bodywork includes a channel with opening which is at least substantially forwa facing; and wherein the channel incorporates a Referring in more detail iss, in which i i reference numerals ides t fy corresponding parts, there is shown a braked vehicle, generally referenced 10, comprising,.-cycle having a body in the m of a canopy 11. The canopy 11 is positioned on a separate load-bearing chassis 12, which a,so holds a battery-powered electric motor (not. shown), for propulsion of the vehicle 10. Side regions 13 and 14 of the canopy 11 extend from opposites sides of the chassis 12 to a fully sealed windscreen 15, which substantially forms turbine connected tes the battery ihich, in use, is actuated by air' which flows i channel, The invention includes within ids scope a cycle substantially describediftereiiE reference to as d as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

Whilst the invention in one embodiment will now be described with reference to a self--propelled two-wheeled motor scooter, it will be appreciated from, the summary above that in its broadest aspect the invention can be applied to ail practically realisable forms of rt cycle which can embody any or all of its inventive features; that is to say, pedal cycles, motor cycles, motor scooters, quad bikes, and tricycles whether self--propelled or riot,

Brief Description of the Drawing

is The accompanying drawings h w one motor scooter embodying This is shown and will now be described by way of example only. R: is currently t known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice.

Z;i1 Figure 3 shows the scooter of Figures 1 and 2 viewed front on.

d Embodiment In the drawings: Figure 1 shows Figure 2 sh Merin rear'thr arter V he same scooter iewed front three-quarter; and the front and top of the canopy 11 to provide a rider with a large forward field of view. Side regions 13 and 14 also extend to the rear of the vehicle 10, accommodating a rear screen 16. The canopy 11 entirety contains a rider when in operetion. The vehicle 10 also comprises a front, steerable wheel 27 and a rear, powered wheel 28 which is powered by the battery-powered electric, motor, In an alternative embodiment, both the front 27 and rear 28 wheels are powered. The interior of the vehicle: 10 is also provided with a seat 32, interior floor 33 and controls 34 for controlling the vehicle 10, Further features, which are typically present on a road-going vehicle, such as forward and rear lights, indicators and vying-mirrors, are also provided. ro

In use, the canopy 11 -which in this embodiment is a rigid canopy throughout its entire length extends above the head of a rider of the vehicle 10 in order to provide a measure of protection to the entire body of the rider from inclement weather. The provision of the canopy 11 also allows the rider to use the road without a helmet. A seatbelt (not shown) is provided to keep the rider in the seat 32 during use, in at least one, but preferably both side regions 13, 14 an opening 17 and 24 is provided to allow movement of the rider in and out of the vehicle 10, Openings are preferably present on both sides of the cycle 13 and 14 to ensure that the rider can exit the vehicle 10 in the event that the vehicle 10 topples or that one of the openings becomes obstructed. Shown in Figure 2. each opening preferably has: a bottom, forwardly extending edge 22; a rear, upwardly extending edge 23: and a curved edge 26 which extends between edges 22 and 23.

To provide increased protection to the rider, at /east one, but preferably:both of the side regions 13 and 14 of the vehicle 10 incorporate screens 18 and 19 which, in use, act to shield the rider's side regions at least partially from the weather, in a preferred embodiment, the screens 18 and 19 are in the general form of a fan whose successive segments concertina -whether by folding flat against one another, or (in another embodiment) sliding past one another to allow passage of the rider past the concertineed screen to enter or Leave the vehicie. 10. Even more preferably, the successive segments, such as 20 and 21 can each Lock such that the screens 18 and 19 are able to be partially opened or closed according to the preference of the rider, Shown in Figure 2, the screens 18 and 19 extend From either the b ge 22 or rear f the openings 17 ound axis 2.

The nts are ranslucent and some, at least, are transparent, The configuration of the segments, 20 and 21, is also such that each segment forms a channel with its adjacent segment(s) so that rain, impacting the segments) in use, can run and/or off the segments. This configuration, in addition to drainage channels (not ro:n) prepresent on the body, improves the rider's view from the side of the vehicle 10 whilst draining water from the vehicle 10 quickly and effectively. Preferably, the ted screens 18 and 19 are comprised of acrylic, which is lightweight and shatter resistant so as to reduce the risk of injury to a rider in the event of a collision. The succession of segments is also self-cleaning as they are opened and closed.

The segments, whilst relatively lightweight, are tough enough to resist pact in normal use.

Ina preferred embodiment, comprises at least once, but referably two, stabilising wheels (not shown) in addition the front 27 and rear 28 wheels, which extend from Individual compartments in the chassis 12 positioned substantially adjacent to the rear wheel 28. The stabilising wheels, which are coaxial to the front 27 and rear 28 wheels, are configured to automatically operate, by either extending or retracting from their respective compartments (not hown) as the vehicle 10, in use, comes to a halt and/or 'Leans beyond a predetermined ngle from the vertical. For instance, as a rider comes towards a corner and consequently leans the vehicle 10 into the bend, one pr both of the stabilising wheels will he actuated to extend in order to facilitate the movement of the vehicle 10 around the corner and to prevent the vehicle 10 from toppling. To facilitate >erat'on of the stabilising wheeis, the vehicle further comprises a speed sensor (not shown) anti an angular position sensor i't show which constantly measure the ta ar f osition of the vehicle during use in ne the extent to which the bit' wheels Should he deployed. Preferably, the angular position sensor comprises a Mercuryswitch. In a preferred embodiment, the angular position sensor also assists in Lifting the vehicle 10 from the ground if it has toppled. In use, the angular es that the vehicle is at an angle far from vertical nd, as the rider attempts to lever the vehicle 10, the stabil' t to the ground can deploy to facilitate the levering movement. The second q&jitwhg wheel can subsequently be deployed when the vehicle is close to vertical, to prevent the vehicle 10 from toppling to the opposite side.

The stabilising wheels are preferably not powered or steerable, but comprise a braking system, such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS), to aid in the deceleration of the vehicle 10 as it comes to a halt, This configuration reduces the braking distance of the vehicle 10 in the event of, for instance, an emergency stop.

io Generally, the width of the vehicle is substantially reduced compared to a car, and hase similar width to a conventional scooter. Further, when the stabilising wheels are deployed, they preferably do not extend beyond the width of the vehicle body. This allows the vehicle 10 to bypass traffic in a similar manner to conventional scooters and motorbikes whilst providing the advantages already discussed, The height of the vehicle 10 i5 approximately two meters, although can be any suitable height to house a rider.

The vehicle 10 is a self-propelled vehicle whose:propulsive, means comprise a battery powered electric motor (not shown), in a preferred embodiment, the battery is removable from the vehicle 10 so that a rider can charge the battery without requiring a roadside power source. Instead, the battery can be taken to a separate power source (ei& an electrical supply in a house) to be charged before reinserting it into the vehicle 10, Even more preferably, the battery is accessible via the vehicles interior. This reduces the risk of injury to the rider from another road user as the rider removes and inserts the battery. The motor is preferably a 28 Kilowatt electric motor, although it may be driven by any type of 2,5 battery of combination of batteries suitable for powering the vehicle. Preferably, the battery is of a type capable of powering the vehicle, 10 for approximately 100 Miles at 75 mph (or further distance if travelling at a slower speed). However, for journeys of a longer duration or distance, appropriate alternatives can be used, 00E The vehicle 10 preferably comprises a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox (not shown), and is even more preferably a tooth belt drive to the rear wheel 28 of the vehicle 10, in order to allow the vehicle to change through a number of gear ratios without the need for manual gear shifting. Preferably, the gearbox also comprises a reverse gear.

The brakes of the vehicle 10 preferably comprise hydraulic drum brakes (not shown) to effectively reduce the speed of the vehicle 10 when required and to allow the straightforward incorporation of a parking brake (not shown). Preferably, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) is also provided in at Least one of the front 27 and rear 28 wheels. In a further preferred embodiment, the battery and other components of the electric motor occupy a position, in use, around the ground adjacent region of the vehicle 10. This configuration provides the vehicle 10 with a low centre of gravity to improve the stability of the vehicle 10 and therefore reduce the risk of the vehicle 10 being toppled in use, As shorn in Figure 3, at least a major portion of the body of the vehicle 10 comprises two co-operating halves 29 and 30 which come together generally along the vehicle 10, Preferably, the joint between the two halves extends centrallyalong the vehicle 10, however in alternative embodiments, one of the halves may be smaller in size and the joint wilt therefore be located to the side of centre, A further apron portion 31, shown in figure 3 as a downwardly pointing generally triangular cover, locks and masks the joint between the two halves 29 and 30. The apron portion 31 preferably comprises a number of forward facing lights 37. The apron portion 31 is removable in order to access inner components of [he vehicle 10 or to take the vehicle 10 apart, for instance, if one of the halves needs to be replaced, Preferably, the body is formed from plastics material and the chassis 12 is comprised of non-plastics material, for example steel or a steel further preferred embodiment, the of the body comprises a hatch (not shown), which may at least partially include the rear screen 16, which can be opened in order for the rider to store belongings in a boot space (not shown).

A portion the interior floor 33 adjacent the front of the vehicle 10 is preferably inclined towards the front of the vehicle 10 to provide a comfortable resting position for he fret of the rider, The controls 3, preferably comprise a handlebar of a know rantrolfing the movement of the vehicle 10 in a 'twist-and-go' style. However, in an alternative embodiment, the controls 34 comprise a steering wheel of the type typically found in or similar vehicle. Additional controls may be provided in the form of pedals which are 00 the interior ? 3 of the vehicle 10, or the contr may be enti positioned on the handlebar.

in:e preferred bodiment, shown in Figure 3, the body of the vehicle comprises a cavity as is to d behind the front wheel 27 such that the front wheel can, in use, recess ie cavity 35, for instance, if a head-on collision occurs. Movement of the front wheel 27 into the cavity 35 during such an event simultaneously causes (due to their connection) the handlebars to move towards the windscreen 15, reducing the risk of the rider corning into CO tact with the handlebars during a ailliSion, thereby reducing risk of:injury to the to rider.

In a further preferred embodiment, eHchannel (not shown; provided in the body to the rear of the cavity 35, A turbine (not shown), which is connected to the battery, is provided within the channel such that, in use, air passes into the channel via the cavity 35 and charges the battery by driving the turbine. Preferably, the opening and dosing of the channel is adjustable. For instance, in order to reduce drag when the vehicle 10 is travelling uphill, the channel will be closed. However, to assist in deceleration of the vehicle 10 when it is travelfing:dOWnhill or decelerating from high speed, opening of the channel will be preferred. The inlet of air into the channel can also assist in cooling the battery and other Eko engine components.

in a preferred odiment, the roof of the vehicle 10 comprises:astar panel (not shown) for recharging the battery, This can be employed during use the vehicle 10 is idle, In a further preferred embodiment, the ve rther comprises rear facing lights, such as 36, which are positioned towards the upper region of the body in order for other road-users to dearly see when the vehicle 10 is braking or indicating,. More preferably, these ing lights 36 are provided in conjunction with rear lacing tights at the standard height nearer the ground.

in a yet further red embodiment, the vehicle 10 comprises means for providing keyless entry and power. This could, for example, be incorporated in a fob to he carried by the rider so that the vehicle is automatically immobilised when the rider exits and walks away from the vehicle. 10,