Patent Grant
10369454
The invention relates to a drive module for a skateboard, a set with such a drive module, as well as a skateboard equipped with such a drive module.
Already known from prior art, e.g., DE 10 2009 036 924 A1 and WO 2006/029044 A2, are skateboards that have an axle with at least one wheel, wherein the wheel can be electrically driven by an electric motor. Energy is here supplied to the electric motor via an accumulator or batteries, for example which the driver of the skateboard carries with him or her in a backpack. The accumulator to be carried separately limits the comfort of the wearer, and also poses a risk of injury, since a cable connection to the electric motor is required.
As an alternative, prior art proposes that the energy storage unit be integrated into the skateboard. In the fully integrated variant according to WO 2006/029044 A2, the disadvantage is that the skateboard cannot be used while charging the accumulator. As a result, the range of the skateboard is also limited. In addition, the acquisition costs for such a fully integrated skateboard are increased.
The object of the invention is to indicate a concept for an electric drive of a skateboard, which offers a high flexibility to the user, and is easy to handle. The object of the invention is further to indicate a skateboard that realizes this concept.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by a drive module with the features in claim 1, by a set with the features in claim 9, as well as by a skateboard according to claim 12.
The invention proposes a drive module for a skateboard. The drive module can have at least one axle with at least one wheel, wherein the wheel can be or is driven by an electric motor. The drive module can further comprise a frame, which is connected with the axle. The frame has a receiving space for an energy storage unit, in particular an accumulator. The drive module can be replaceably connectible with the skateboard.
The invention is based upon the idea of providing the components for the electric drive of the skateboard as a uniformly manageable module. In particular, the uniformly manageable drive module can be universally used for a plurality of skateboards, in particular the boards (decks) of skateboards. This gives the user an opportunity to retrofit or convert his or her already existing skateboard with an electric drive. In addition, the drive module can also be combined with different skateboards or decks of skateboards on the production side already.
The drive module essentially allows a standardization, so that a plurality of different skateboards, in particular also longboards or slalom boards, can be equipped with the uniform drive module. This also applies to conventional or commercially available, non-driven skateboards, which can be easily retrofitted with the invention.
The ability to replace the drive module also makes it possible to use the electric drive in different, already existing or conventional skateboards. At any time, the user can thus choose which of his or her existing skateboards he or she wants to equip with the drive module.
Another advantage to the invention is that the energy storage unit of the drive module can be replaced. This largely eliminates the range limitations placed on electrically driven skateboards from prior art. This is because the replaceable energy storage unit makes it possible to replace a spent energy storage unit with a charged energy storage unit in just a few hand movements, so that the drive module remains ready for operation. The removed, spent energy storage unit can then be charged independently of the drive module. In addition, the ability to replace the energy storage unit makes it possible to offer the user different energy storage units, for example with different energy storage capacities.
The frame of the drive module preferably forms a supporting structure that carries all components of the drive module. It is essentially advantageously provided that all components required for an electric drive be combined in the drive module. As a consequence, the drive module forms a compact unit that is only connected with a skateboard, in particular the deck of a skateboard, so as to equip the skateboard with an electric drive. The drive module can here be operated via remote control, in particular wireless remote control. Remote control of the drive module can also be realized with a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, which contains a corresponding software.
The frame can have several functions. On the one hand, the frame can ensure that individual components of the drive module are protected against damage. Furthermore, the frame, which borders the receiving space for the energy storage unit, can form a guide for the energy storage unit, so that the energy storage unit can be easily arranged in the drive module. Finally, the frame can form a heat sink, in particular if the frame is made out of a metal, for example aluminum. This enables a heat dissipation from components situated inside of the frame, for example from power electronic components or the energy storage unit. In addition, the frame functions as a design element.
In a preferred embodiment of the drive module according to the invention, the frame comprises a base plate for the axle, and is detachably connectible with a deck of the skateboard. Therefore, the frame essentially combines all load-bearing components of the drive module, thereby yielding an especially compact unit. It can here be provided that the frame, in particular the base plate, has a standardized hole pattern to be connected with the deck.
As a rule, the decks of skateboards have a standardized hole pattern usually consisting of six holes. The spacing and arrangement of holes are essentially identical for all deck manufacturers, since agreement has here been reached on a standard. If the frame, in particular the base plate, preferably also has this hole pattern in the drive module according to the invention, the drive module can be secured to any decks for skateboards, regardless of any specific manufacturer. This increases the possible uses for the drive module, and simplifies assembly of the drive module to a skateboard.
In particular, the hole pattern can have six holes or bores, wherein two holes form a respective hole pair. The distance between the two holes of each hole pair usually measures 41.3 mm (1.625 inches).
The hole pairs are arranged in a row, wherein the distance between the hole pairs varies. In particular, a front hole pair, a middle hole pair and a rear hole pair can be provided. The middle hole pair is preferably spaced further apart from the rear hole pair than from the front hole pair. The terms “front” and “rear” here refer to the traveling direction of the skateboard with the mounted base plate. In particular, the rear hole pair is located closer to the receiving space for the energy storage unit than the middle and/or front hole pair. In particular, the front hole pair and middle hole pair can be arranged in front of the axle, and the rear hole pair in back of the axle.
The distance between the rear hole pair and middle hole pair preferably measures 54 mm (2.125 inches). The rear hole pair can be spaced apart from the front hole pair by 63.5 mm (2.5 inches). The hole distance between the holes of the first and rear hole pairs is suitable for assembling the base plate or drive module onto a deck having a so-called “old school” bore pattern. By contrast, the hole distance between the holes of the front and middle hole pair is suitable for assembling the base plate or drive module onto a deck having a so-called “new school” bore pattern.
The frame can further have a support plate, which can be connected with a skateboard deck independently of and/or spaced apart from the base plate. The support plate increases the stability of the drive module in the assembled state. The support plate can here be adjusted to the contour of the skateboard deck or carry a damping layer, which is pressed against the contour of the skateboard deck. For example, the damping layer can consist of rubber or sponge rubber.
For connection with the skateboard deck, the frame preferably has a positive-locking element, in particular a keyhole opening. The positive-locking element is preferably formed in the support plate. Using the positive-locking element enables a particularly stable and simple attachment of the drive module to a skateboard deck. The positive-locking element can here serve to initially fix the drive module in place. In this way, the user can positively connect the drive module with the deck, and then fix it in place with a screw connection through the hole pattern of the base plate. This simplifies assembly, while simultaneously ensuring a good and reliable attachment of the drive module to the skateboard deck.
A preferred variant of the drive module provides that the frame form at least one protective bracket, which connects the support plate with the base plate. The support plate and base plate can essentially be arranged on the same plane. In the assembled state, both plates, the support plate and base plate, are joined with a skateboard deck. The protective bracket joins the support plate with the base plate, wherein the protective bracket can be spaced apart from the skateboard deck. As a result, the protective bracket can be used as an impact guard for additional components of the drive module. In addition, the frame uses the protective bracket to essentially form a cage, so that all components of the drive module are reliably held inside of the frame.
The electric motor of the drive module can be connected with a controller located inside of the frame. The controller can preferably be electrically connected with the energy storage unit. The controller can essentially comprise power electronics that regulate the power of the electric motor. The power electronics can be arranged on a uniform plane. Because the controller is arranged inside of the frame, the frame protects the controller.
The controller can be arranged in a controller housing, wherein the frame, in particular the protective bracket, at least partially envelops the controller housing. The frame can essentially form a cage, which extends around the controller housing, and thereby protects the controller housing against shocks, impacts or falling rocks. The controller housing itself can be made out of plastic or a metal, in particular aluminum. When using a metal, the controller housing provides additional impact resistance on the one hand, and dissipates heat on the other. The controller housing is preferably rigidly connected with the frame.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the controller housing has a plug contact for electrically connecting the energy storage unit with the controller. The plug contact can be designed as a plug or bushing. In any event, the plug contact is preferably designed so as to easily enable an electrical connection between the controller and energy storage unit by inserting the energy storage unit into a guide preferably formed in the receiving space for the energy storage unit. In this way, the electrical connection between the energy storage unit and controller can be established with a single hand movement. The plug contact can be multipolar in design, and have both power contacts and data contacts. The interface between the controller and energy storage unit preferably enables data transmission, as well as an electrical connection to the power supply. For example, the controller consists of power electronics, battery management electronics, as well as a wireless communications unit. The wireless communications unit permits wireless communication with a remote control, for example via Bluetooth, in particular Bluetooth LE, Zigbee or WLAN.
Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the frame and/or controller housing have a latching mechanism for fixing the replaceable energy storage unit in place. The latching mechanism makes it possible to easily and quickly replace the energy storage unit. In particular, the energy storage unit can be removed or inserted with a single hand movement. The energy storage unit is here connected firmly enough with the drive module, and an electrical connection is simultaneously established with the controller. As a result, the energy storage unit can be replaced without any tools.
The drive module is preferably configured so that it can remain on a skateboard deck in an assembled state while replacing the energy storage unit. Therefore, replacing the energy storage unit does not require that the entire drive module be disassembled, but can rather be done with the drive module in the assembled state. This makes it even easier to handle the entire drive module.
To economize on weight, it can be provided that the energy storage unit have a housing made out of plastic. The plastic housing can integrate latching elements on the energy storage unit that interact with the latching mechanism on the frame and/or on the controller housing.
It can further be provided that the axle have an axle carrier, wherein a cable duct is formed in the axle carrier. The axle carrier is preferably hinged with the base plate. The axle carrier is also known as a hanger in technical jargon. The hanger is preferably hinged with the base plate of the frame, so that the user can change the traveling direction by shifting his or her weight in the driving mode. To provide for the supply of power to the electric motor, it makes sense to have a cable connection between the controller and electric motor. It can here be provided in particular that the electric motor be configured as a wheel hub motor. As a consequence, the electric motor sits directly on the axle or an axle bolt of the axle. The electric motor can here have a variable running surface, so that the electric motor itself essentially comprises the wheel of the drive module. The cable duct formed in the hanger or axle carrier serves to protect the cable connection between the electric motor and controller.
The present invention further relates to a set with a drive module described above and a retaining bolt. On the one hand, the retaining bolt can be fixedly connectible with a skateboard deck. On the other hand, the retaining bolt can be positively connectible with the frame of the drive module so that it can be unlatched. The set thus includes all components for using the drive module on any skateboard deck. In this way, the user can simply retrofit an existing skateboard with an electric drive module. On the one hand, the connection with the deck of the already existing skateboard is established via the standardized six-hole pattern with which the frame, in particular the base plate, of the drive module is fixed to the deck. To ensure an adequate stability, the set further comprises the retaining bolt, which is rigidly secured to the deck on the one hand, and positively engages in the frame on the other, so as to yield another fixing point for the drive module. The retaining bolt can here be connected with the skateboard deck with screws or adhesive.
The set can further have a replaceable energy storage unit, in particular an accumulator. The energy storage unit is preferably adjusted in such a way that it is or can be arranged in the receiving space of the frame of the drive module.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a skateboard with a deck and a previously described drive module. The drive module is preferably connected with the deck.
The invention will be described in greater detail below based on an exemplary embodiment, with reference to the attached, schematic drawings. Shown therein on:
The frame 10 has a base plate 12 and a support plate 13. The base plate 12 and support plate 13 are joined together by two protective brackets 15. Specifically, lateral side profiles 16 extend from the support plate 13, and pass over into the protective brackets 15. The side profiles 16 form a guide 14 for the energy storage unit 30, so that the latter can be inserted into the frame 10. A frame neck 17 designed as a double-headed connecting profile extends between the base plate 12 and protective brackets 15. The protective brackets 15 essentially pass over into the shared frame neck 17.
As especially readily discernible on
In the assembled state, the controller 40, in particular the controller housing 41, is located inside of the frame 10. The controller housing 41 is rigidly connected with the frame 10. The controller housing 41 here extends under the protective brackets 15. In other words, the controller housing 41 is enveloped by the protective brackets 15. As a consequence, the protective brackets 15 yield an impact guard for the controller housing 41 or controller 40. At the same time, at least sections of the side profiles 16 can extend over the controller housing 41, thereby ensuring a lateral impact guard for the controller housing 41 as well.
The side profiles 16 are connected with each other by the support plate 13. A positive-locking element 18 is formed in the support plate 13, preferably in the form of a keyhole opening. The positive-locking element 18 serves to fix the drive module 1 in place on a skateboard deck 50.
The energy storage unit 30 shown on
A cable 28 is arranged in the cable duct 23, and extends from an electric motor along the cable duct 23 up until the frame neck 17. To this end, a cable bushing 19 is formed in the frame neck 17, so that the cable 28 is largely protected while being guided up until the controller 40. The cable duct 23 minimizes the distance covered by the cable 28 unprotected. A duct cover 24 that can be latched with the axle carrier 21 also serves this purpose. The axle carrier 21 has recesses 26 in which latching elements 25 are arranged. Corresponding latching elements 25 are also arranged in the cable cover 24, so that the cable cover 24 can be placed in the recess 26. The depth of the recess 26 is here preferably adjusted to the wall thickness of the cable cover 24.
As denoted on
Most of the time, no corresponding counter-element is provided at the location of the positive-locking element 18 in conventional skateboard decks 50. In this regard, it is advantageous to offer the connecting module 1 in a set with a retaining bolt 51, wherein the retaining bolt can be connected with the deck 50. The retaining bolt can here be connected with the deck 50 via a screwed connection or, as in the exemplary embodiment shown, via an adhesive bond.
To achieve an adequate adhesive bond, the retaining bolt 51 preferably has an adhesive plate 52 that provides an enlarged adhesive surface. The size of the adhesive plate 52 is dimensioned so as to ensure a strong enough connection between the retaining bolt 51 and deck 50. The retaining bolt 51 is connected with the frame 10 by means of the positive-locking element 18 in the form of a keyhole opening, which is readily discernible on
The drive module 1 preferably together with an energy storage unit 30 has a mass of less than 4 kg, in particular less than 3 kg. It is further preferably provided that the entire drive module 1 including the energy storage unit 30 essentially be liquid-tight in design. To this end, it can be provided in particular that a seal be arranged between the energy storage unit 30 and controller 40. The seal is preferably fixedly secured to the back plate 43 of the controller housing 41.
The entire drive module 1, in particular to include the energy storage unit 30, is preferably designed so that it can achieve speeds in excess of 20 km/h. With respect to the wheels 27 with the electric motor designed as a wheel hub motor, it is preferably provided that the latter have an outer diameter of at most 80 mm. The wheels 27 can be driven by the electric motor in the form of an electric direct drive. The electric motor and the controller 40, in particular the power electronics 42, can be configured so that the electric motor acts as a regenerative brake.
With respect to the energy storage unit 30, it is preferably provided that the latter consist of an accumulator or battery having an integrated battery management system. The accumulator preferably has an energy content of about 100 Wh. The drive module 1 can be nominally operated with a d.c. voltage of 24 volts. The accumulator can here consist of two cell blocks 37 with a total of 14 cells. The cells 36 are preferably designed as lithium-ion cells.
It can further be provided that the energy storage unit 30, in particular the battery housing 31, have a display that furnishes information about the charging state of the cells 36. For example, the display can be made up of a series of LED's. The charging state query can be initiated by pressing a button, wherein a corresponding actuator button is provided on the battery housing 31. The battery management electronics 34 are here coupled with the display in such a way as to also enable a charging state display when the energy storage unit 30 is decoupled from the controller 40. The energy storage unit 30, in particular the battery management electronics 34, is preferably configured in such a way that the cells 36 can be charged both while installed inside of the drive module 1 and independently of the drive module 1.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2015 106 255 | Apr 2015 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2016/058731 | 4/20/2016 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016/169969 | 10/27/2016 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country |
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| 702661 | Aug 2011 | CH |
| 20 2010 004 820 | Aug 2010 | DE |
| 10 2009 036 924 | Feb 2011 | DE |
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| International Search Report for International Application No. PCT/EP2016/058731, dated Jun. 20, 2016. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20180111038 A1 | Apr 2018 | US |
