UNITARY POWER MODULE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

摘要

An electric bicycle comprises a frame having a rider seat and propulsion controls positioned and thereon, a settable front wheel having an axle affixed to a front portion of said frame, and a hub spoke rear wheel having an axle with a woven spoke pattern affixed to a rear portion of said frame. A unitary power module, which may be a "kit" for use with a standard bicycle, is used as a propulsion system which includes a battery affixed to said bicycle, and an electric motor having a pinion sprocket affixed thereon. The electric motor is suitable to be connected to the battery by a battery cable. The unitary power module includes a target sprocket and a mounting frame, with the target sprocket comprising a disk shaped assembly having an center opening to allow the unitary member to be placed about the wheel axle. The target sprocket mates to the wheel pattern of either of the wheels to enable target sprocket to be concentrically attached to the wheel by engagement with the wheel by securing elements. The mounting frame is aligned with and rotatably attached to the target sprocket to allow for aligned rotation of the target sprocket about said wheel axle. The mounting frame is attached to the unitary member by a bearing or the like and has an opening to receive the electric motor to enable a pinion sprocket to engage the target sprocket to rotate the rear wheel upon application by the rider of the propulsion controls. A free wheel clutch is provided on the unitary power module or target sprocket to allow the wheel to rotate faster than the motor without motor drag. In this manner, a self-aligned unitary power module is provided by the mounting frame maintaining a single point of reference for aligning the pinion sprocket with the target sprocket.