U.S. patent application number 17/098072 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-10 for motorized wheel assembly with quick release.
The applicant listed for this patent is Globe International Nominees Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to Peter Hill, Duncan Richard Quick.
Application Number | 20210170259 17/098072 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005404168 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210170259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Quick; Duncan Richard ; et
al. |
June 10, 2021 |
MOTORIZED WHEEL ASSEMBLY WITH QUICK RELEASE
Abstract
A motorized vehicle assembly includes an axle comprising a
channel extending along a central axis of the axle, a socket
positioned within the channel of the axle, and a motorized wheel
configured to be mounted on an end the axle. The motorized wheel
includes a boss configured to engage the end of the axle when the
motorized wheel is mounted on the axle, an electric motor, a tire
mounted on the rotor, and a plug positioned within the boss, the
plug configured to engage with the socket when the motorized wheel
is mounted on the axle. The electric motor includes a stator fixed
to the boss and a rotor surrounding the stator, the rotor
configured to rotate relative to the stator. The electric motor is
configured to cause the rotor to rotate relative to the stator to
cause the tire to rotate.
Inventors: |
Quick; Duncan Richard;
(Snake Valley, AU) ; Hill; Peter; (Hawthorn,
AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Globe International Nominees Pty Ltd |
Port Melbourne |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005404168 |
Appl. No.: |
17/098072 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16441631 |
Jun 14, 2019 |
10835806 |
|
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17098072 |
|
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|
|
16261473 |
Jan 29, 2019 |
10576360 |
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16441631 |
|
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15768304 |
Apr 13, 2018 |
10617935 |
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PCT/IB2016/001955 |
Oct 13, 2016 |
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16261473 |
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62253635 |
Nov 10, 2015 |
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62242919 |
Oct 16, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Y 2200/81 20130101;
A63C 2203/12 20130101; B60K 7/0007 20130101; A63C 17/012 20130101;
A63C 17/12 20130101; B60B 27/0047 20130101; A63C 2203/22 20130101;
A63C 2203/24 20130101; B60B 27/06 20130101; B60B 27/0015 20130101;
A63C 2203/14 20130101; B60B 35/14 20130101; B60K 7/00 20130101;
A63C 17/226 20130101; A63C 17/015 20130101; A63C 17/01 20130101;
B60K 1/00 20130101; B60K 2007/0092 20130101; B60K 2007/0038
20130101; B60L 50/00 20190201 |
International
Class: |
A63C 17/12 20060101
A63C017/12; B60K 1/00 20060101 B60K001/00; A63C 17/01 20060101
A63C017/01; B60B 35/14 20060101 B60B035/14; B60L 50/00 20190101
B60L050/00; B60B 27/00 20060101 B60B027/00; A63C 17/22 20060101
A63C017/22; B60B 27/06 20060101 B60B027/06; B60K 7/00 20060101
B60K007/00 |
Claims
1-102. (canceled)
103. A method for assembling a motorized skateboard comprising a
deck, a truck connected to the deck, a hanger attached to the truck
by a kingpin, an axle supported by the hanger, a wheel including a
tire mounted on an electric motor such that the electric motor is
capable of driving the tire, the method comprising: connecting a
socket within a channel of the axle of the motorized skateboard to
a plug positioned within a boss of the wheel to connect wiring that
extends between a battery supported by the deck of the motorized
skateboard and the electric motor of the wheel.
104. The method of claim 103, further comprising aligning a
projection extending from an inner surface of the boss of the wheel
with a slot in the axle to align the wheel to the axle.
105. The method of claim 104, wherein aligning the wheel to the
axle aligns the socket to the plug.
106. The method of claim 103, further comprising inserting a
fastener through an opening in the truck such that a portion of the
fastener is at least partially received within a groove of the boss
of the wheel to retain the wheel on the axle.
107. A method of manufacturing a motorized wheel assembly, the
method comprising: positioning a socket within a channel of an
axle; routing wiring through the channel of the axle to the socket;
electrically connecting the wiring to the socket; positioning a
plug within a boss of a motorized wheel comprising an electric
motor; and electrically connecting the plug to the electric
motor.
108. The method of claim 107, further comprising mounting the boss
on the axle such that the plug engages the socket to form an
electrical connection between the electric motor and the
wiring.
109. The method of claim 107, further comprising: attaching the
axle to a hanger having a channel formed in the hanger, wherein the
channel of the axle and the channel of the hanger are connected to
form a continuous duct; and routing the wiring through the channel
of the hanger.
110. The method of claim 109, further comprising: attaching the
hanger to a truck with a kingpin, the truck having a channel formed
in the truck, wherein the continuous duct includes the channel of
the truck; and routing the wiring through the channel of the
truck.
111. The method of claim 110, further comprising: attaching the
truck to a vehicle; and routing the wiring to a battery positioned
on or within the vehicle.
112. The method of claim 111, wherein the vehicle is a skateboard
and said attaching the truck to the vehicle comprises attaching the
truck to a deck of the skateboard.
113. A method for securing a motorized wheel to an axle mounted in
a hanger, the method comprising: mounting a motorized wheel on an
axle; inserting a pin through a bore in a hanger such that the pin
engages a groove on the motorized wheel; and aligning a projection
on the motorized wheel with a slot on the axle.
114. The method of claim 113, wherein mounting the motorized wheel
on the axle comprises sliding a boss of the motorized wheel on the
axle such that the projection slides along the slot.
115. The method of claim 114, further comprising: positioning an
inner bearing on the boss; positioning an inner bell end on the
inner bearing; and connecting the inner bell end to a rotor of an
electric motor of the motorized wheel.
116. The method of claim 115, further comprising: connecting an
outer bell end to the rotor, the outer bell end comprising an
opening; positioning an outer bearing on the boss within the
opening of the outer bell end; engaging a retainer with the boss;
and securing the outer bearing within the opening of the outer bell
end via a flange of the retainer.
117. The method of claim 116, wherein the outer bell end comprises
a flange surrounding the opening of the outer bell end, and wherein
the outer bearing is positioned between the flange of the outer
bell end and the flange of the retainer.
118. The method of claim 116, wherein engaging the retainer with
the boss comprises securing a tire of the motorized wheel onto the
electrical motor via the retainer.
119. The method of claim 113, wherein the slot extends from an end
of the axle along a direction parallel to a central axis of the
axle.
120. The method of claim 113, wherein mounting the motorized wheel
on the axle comprises extending a fastener through a locking plate
along a central axis of the axle.
121. The method of claim 120, wherein extending the fastener causes
displacement of a retaining ball in a direction perpendicular to
the central axis.
122. The method of claim 121, wherein the retaining ball is
displaced into an opening in a wall of the axle.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic
priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed
with the present application are incorporated by reference under 37
CFR 1.57 and made a part of this specification. This application is
related to Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Application No.
PCT/IB2016/000536, filed Apr. 9, 2015, which is also incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes and made a
part of this specification.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] This disclosure relates to electric vehicles. In particular,
it relates to a motorized wheel assembly for a vehicle.
Description
[0003] Lightweight personal vehicles, such as skateboards,
scooters, roller skates, and others are common for recreational use
and transportation. These vehicles are commonly non-motorized,
requiring the user to provide the power for motion. Several
motorized personal vehicles have been developed. For example, some
commercially available motorized skateboards use a motor and a
toothed belt to drive one or two wheels. Additionally, motorized
skateboards that include motorized wheels, such as hub mounted
motors, are being developed.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to this disclosure, a motorized vehicle assembly
includes one or more of the following: an axle comprising a channel
extending along a central axis of the axle; a socket positioned
within the channel of the axle; and/or a motorized wheel configured
to be mounted on an end the axle. According to this disclosure, the
motorized wheel includes one or more of the following: a boss
configured to engage the end of the axle when the motorized wheel
is mounted on the axle; an electric motor; a tire mounted on the
rotor; and/or a plug positioned within the boss, the plug
configured to engage with the socket when the motorized wheel is
mounted on the axle. According to this disclosure, the electric
motor includes one or more of the following: a stator fixed to the
boss; and a rotor surrounding the stator, the rotor configured to
rotate relative to the stator. The electric motor is configured to
cause the rotor to rotate relative to the stator to cause the tire
to rotate.
[0005] According to this disclosure, the assembly further comprises
one or more of the following: the plug comprises prongs and the
socket comprises receptacles, and/or wherein the prongs are
configured to be received within the receptacles; a hanger, wherein
the hanger supports the axle, and/or wherein the hanger comprises a
channel formed therein, the channel of the hanger connected to the
channel of the axle; the channel of the axle and the channel of the
hanger form a continuous duct; a truck, the truck resiliently
connected to the hanger by a kingpin; the truck comprising a
surface configured to mount to the motorized vehicle, the surface
including an opening formed therein, and/or a channel extending
through the truck from the opening, wherein the channel of the
truck is connected to the channel of the hanger; the channel of the
axle, the channel of the hanger, and/or the channel of the truck
form a continuous duct; wiring extending through the duct and
connecting to the socket; the wiring is internally housed within
the continuous duct of the axle, hanger, and/or the truck; the
wiring is further connected to a battery in the motorized vehicle;
the hanger further comprises a hollow pivot tube, and wherein the
channel of the hanger extends through the hollow pivot tube; the
truck further comprises a hollow pivot bushing, and wherein the
channel of the truck extends through the hollow pivot bushing; a
bore, a groove formed in an outer surface of the portion of the
boss, and/or a pin configured in size and shape to be inserted into
the bore, wherein, when the motorized wheel is mounted to the axle,
the pin is inserted into the bore and is at least partially
received within the groove; a receiving space formed in the truck,
the receiving space positioned to receive a portion of the boss
therein when the motorized wheel is mounted on the axle, a bore
extending at least partially into the truck, the bore intersecting
the receiving space, a groove formed in an outer surface of the
portion of the boss, and/or a pin configured in size and shape to
be inserted into bore, wherein, when the motorized wheel is mounted
to the axle, the pin is inserted into the bore and is at least
partially received within the groove; when the pin is at least
partially received within the groove, the motorized wheel is
retained on the axle; the motorized wheel further comprises an
inner bearing positioned on the boss, an inner bell end positioned
on the inner bearing, the inner bell end further connected to the
rotor, wherein the portion of the boss extends outwardly away from
the inner bearing and the inner bell end; a portion of the pin is
threaded, a portion of the bore is threaded, and the threaded
portion of the pin is configured to engage the threaded portion of
the bore; the groove extends in a direction that is perpendicular
to the central axis; a projection extending from an inner surface
of the boss, and/or a slot formed in the end of the axle, wherein
the slot is configured to receive the projection when the motorized
wheel is mounted on the axle; the slot and projection are
positioned to rotationally align the motorized wheel to axle around
the central axis; the slot extends from an end of the axle along a
direction parallel to the central axis; the projection comprises a
grub screw extending through an opening in the axle; the projection
extends from an inner surface of the portion of the boss; the
motorized wheel further comprises an outer bell end connected to
the rotor, the outer bell end including an opening, an outer
bearing positioned on the boss, the outer bearing received with the
opening of the outer bell end and/or a retainer configured to
removably engage with the boss, the retainer including a flange
that secures the outer bearing within the opening of the outer bell
end; the retainer includes a threaded portion that engages with a
threaded portion of the end of the boss; the outer bell end
includes a flange surrounding the opening, and/or wherein the outer
bearing is positioned between the flange of the outer bell end and
the flange of the retainer; the motorized wheel further comprises a
quick release mechanism configured for mounting the motorized wheel
to the axle, the quick release mechanism comprising a single
fastener actuable to mount the motorized wheel to the axle; the
quick release mechanism further comprises a locking plate, the
single fastener extending through the locking plate along the
central axis, wherein advancing the single fastener causes
displacement of a retaining ball in a direction perpendicular to
the central axis; the end of the axle further comprises an opening
through a wall of the axle, wherein advancing the single fastener
causes displacement of the retaining ball at least partially into
the opening in the axle; the locking plate comprises a cylindrical
projection extending along the central axis and configured to be at
least partially received within the boss or axle, wherein the
retaining balls are disposed within the cylindrical projection and
configured to be displaced radially outward by the fastener; the
boss further comprises a divot that radially aligns with the
opening through the wall of the axle, the divot positioned radially
further from the central axis relative to the opening of wherein
advancing the single fastener causes displacement of the retaining
ball at least partially into the divot; the quick release mechanism
further comprises a retainer, wherein the retainer is positioned
between the locking plate and the tire, and/or wherein the retainer
secures the tire onto the electric motor; the quick release
mechanism further comprises a thrust bearing positioned between the
locking plate and the retainer, and wherein the thrust bearing
allows rotation of the retainer relative to the locking plate; the
thrust bearing comprises a flat ring with roller bearings disposed
thereon; the roller bearings contact a surface of the locking plate
and a surface of the retainer when the thrust bearing is positioned
therebetween; the locking plate comprises a channel, the retainer
comprises a channel, and the thrust bearing is received within the
channel of the locking plate and the channel of the retainer;
and/or the motorized vehicle is a skateboard.
[0006] According to this disclosure, an axle assembly for a
motorized wheel includes one or more of the following: a hanger
having a channel formed there through; and/or an axle supported by
the hanger, the axle having a channel formed therein. The channel
of the hanger and the channel of the axle are connected to form a
continuous duct.
[0007] According to this disclosure, an axle assembly further
includes one or more of the following: a truck, the truck
resiliently connected to the hanger by a kingpin; the truck
including a surface configured to mount to a vehicle, the surface
including an opening formed therein, and a channel extending
through the truck from the opening, wherein the channel of the
truck is connected to the channel of the hanger, and wherein the
channel of the truck forms part of the continuous duct; the hanger
further comprises a hollow pivot tube, wherein the channel of the
hanger extends through the hollow pivot tube; the truck includes a
hollow pivot bushing, wherein the channel of the truck extends
through the hollow pivot bushing; at least a portion of the hollow
pivot tube is received within the hollow pivot bushing; the duct
forms a passageway for wiring between the vehicle and the axle; a
socket positioned within the channel of the axle, wherein the
wiring is connected to the socket, and wherein the socket is
configured to connect to a motorized wheel to power the motorized
wheel; and/or the socket comprises a receptacle configured to
receive a prong of the motorized wheel to provide an electrical
connection between the wiring and the motorized wheel.
[0008] According to this disclosure, a motorized wheel includes one
or more of the following: a boss configured to engage an end of an
axle when the motorized wheel is mounted on the axle; an electric
motor; and/or a plug positioned within the boss, the plug in
electrical communication with the electric motor, the plug
configured to engage with a socket in the axle when the motorized
wheel is mounted on the axle to provide electrical communication
between the socket and the electric motor.
[0009] According to this disclosure, the motorized wheel of claim
45, further includes one or more of the following: a portion of the
boss configured to be received within a receiving space formed in a
hanger when the motorized wheel is mounted on the axle; a groove
formed in an outer surface of the portion of the boss; the grove is
configured to at least partially engage a pin when the motorized
wheel is mounted to the axle to retain the motorized wheel on the
axle; when the pin is at least partially engaged within the groove,
the pin extends through a bore that at least partially extends into
the hanger; the motorized wheel further includes an inner bearing
positioned on the boss, an inner bell end positioned on the inner
bearing, the inner bell end further connected to the rotor, wherein
the portion of the boss extends outwardly away from the inner
bearing and the inner bell end; the groove extends in a direction
that is perpendicular to the central axis; a projection extending
from an inner surface of the boss, wherein the projection is
configured to be received within a slot on the axle when the
motorized wheel is mounted on the axle; the slot and projection are
positioned to rotationally align the motorized wheel to axle around
the central axis; the projection comprises a grub screw extending
through an opening in the axle; the projection extends from an
inner surface of the portion of the boss; a quick release
mechanism, the quick release mechanism comprising a fastener
actuable to mount the motorized wheel to the axle; the quick
release mechanism further includes a locking plate, the fastener
extending through the locking plate along an axis, wherein
advancing the fastener causes displacement of retaining ball in a
direction perpendicular to the axis, wherein the retaining ball is
configured to engage with an opening through a wall in an end of
the axle; the locking plate comprises a cylindrical projection
extending along the central axis and configured to be at least
partially received within the boss or axle, wherein the retaining
balls are disposed within the cylindrical projection and configured
to be displaced radially outward by the fastener; the boss further
comprises a divot that radially aligns with the opening through the
wall of the axle, the divot positioned radially further from the
central axis relative to the opening of wherein advancing the
single fastener causes displacement of the retaining ball at least
partially into the divot; the quick release mechanism further
comprises a retainer, wherein the retainer is positioned between
the locking plate and the tire, and wherein the retainer secures
the tire onto the electric motor; the quick release mechanism
further comprises a thrust bearing positioned between the locking
plate and the retainer, and wherein the thrust bearing allows
rotation of the retainer relative to the locking plate; the thrust
bearing comprises a flat ring with roller bearings disposed
thereon; the roller bearings contact a surface of the locking plate
and a surface of the retainer when the thrust bearing is positioned
therebetween; the locking plate comprises a channel, the retainer
comprises a channel, and the thrust bearing is received within the
channel of the locking plate and the channel of the retainer;
and/or the fastener comprises a single fastener.
[0010] According to this disclosure, a motorized wheel with a quick
release mechanism includes one or more of the following: an
electric motor; and/or a fastener actuable to mount the motorized
wheel to the axle.
[0011] According to this disclosure the motorized wheel further
includes one or more of the following: the axle is mounted on a
hanger; the quick release mechanism further includes a bore
extending into the hanger, and a groove on a boss of the electric
motor, wherein the fastener comprises a pin configured to be
received within the bore and at least partially within the groove;
the quick release mechanism further includes a locking plate, the
fastener extending through the locking plate along an axis, wherein
advancing the fastener causes displacement of retaining ball in a
direction perpendicular to the axis; a retainer, wherein the
retainer is positioned between the locking plate and the tire, and
wherein the retainer secures the tire onto the electric motor;
and/or a thrust bearing positioned between the locking plate and
the retainer, and wherein the thrust bearing allows rotation of the
retainer relative to the locking plate.
[0012] According to this disclosure, a method for securing a
motorized wheel to an axle mounted in a hanger includes one or more
of the following: mounting a motorized wheel on an axle; and/or
inserting a pin through a bore in a hanger such that the pin
engages a groove on the motorized wheel.
[0013] According to this disclosure, the method further includes
one or more of the following: aligning a projection on the
motorized wheel with a slot on the axle; mounting the motorized
wheel on the axle comprises sliding a boss of the motorized wheel
on the axle such that the projection slides along the slot.
[0014] According to this disclosure, a method of manufacturing a
motorized wheel assembly includes one or more of the following:
positioning a socket within a channel of an axle; and/or routing
wiring through the channel of the axle to the socket.
[0015] According to this disclosure the method further includes one
or more of the following: attaching the axle to a hanger having a
channel formed in the hanger, wherein the channel of the axle and
the channel of the hanger are connected to form a continuous duct;
routing the wiring through the channel of the hanger; attaching the
hanger to a truck with a kingpin, the truck having a channel formed
in the truck, wherein the continuous duct includes the channel of
the truck; routing the wiring through the channel of the truck;
attaching the truck to a vehicle; routing the wiring to a battery
positioned on or within the vehicle; the vehicle is a skateboard
and said attached the truck to the vehicle comprises attaching the
truck to a deck of the skateboard; positioning a plug within a boss
of a motorized wheel comprising an electric motor, the boss
configured to be mounted, the plug connected to the electric motor;
and/or mounting the boss on the axle such that the plug engages the
socket to form an electrical connection between the electric motor
and the wiring.
[0016] According to this disclosure, a method for manufacturing a
motorized wheel includes one or more of the following: fixedly
attaching a stator to a boss such that the stator surrounds the
boss, the boss configured to mount to an axle of a vehicle;
positioning a rotor around the stator, the rotor configured to
rotate relative to the stator; and/or positioning a plug within the
boss, the plug electrically connected to coils of the stator.
[0017] According to this disclosure the method further can further
include mounting a tire onto the rotor.
[0018] According to this disclosure, a motorized skateboard
includes one or more of the following: a deck; a truck connected to
the deck; a hanger attached to the truck by a kingpin; an axle
supported by the hanger; a wheel connected to the axle, the wheel
including a tire mounted on an electric motor such that the
electric motor drives the tire; a battery mounted proximal to the
deck; and/or wiring connecting the battery to the electric motor,
wherein the wiring is routed from the battery to the electric motor
entirely inside the axle, hanger, truck, and deck.
[0019] According to this disclosure, the skateboard further
includes one or more of the following: the hanger further comprises
a hollow pivot tube, wherein the wiring is routed through the
hollow pivot tube; the hanger further comprising one or more
channels formed therein, the one or more channels functioning as
cable ducts for routing the wiring; the axle further comprising one
or more channels formed therein, the one or more channels
functioning as cable ducts for routing the wiring; the truck
further comprising one or more channels formed therein, the one or
more channels functioning as cable ducts for routing the wiring;
and/or the wiring is not externally visible.
[0020] According to this disclosure, an electric motorized
skateboard includes one or more of the following a deck, truck,
hanger, axle and/or a motorized wheel, wherein the wheel is
removably mounted on the axle by a quick release mechanism.
[0021] According to this disclosure the skateboard further includes
one or more of the following: the quick release mechanism comprises
a single fastener; a thrust bearing and a retainer, wherein the
retainer bears against the thrust bearing to retain the tire on the
wheel; the fastener is selected from the set comprising bolts,
thumbscrews, and grub screws; loosening of the fastener permits the
quick and easy removal of the wheel from the skateboard without the
use of other tools, nor the separate manual disconnection of any
wiring connectors; the quick release mechanism comprises a
retaining projection configured to extend radially toward the axle
when the fastener is engaged with the wheel.
[0022] According to this disclosure, a hanger for an electric
skateboard includes one or more of the following: a pivot tube;
and/or a kingpin; the pivot tube and the hanger are both fitted
with passages for the routing of services, the kingpin serves to
carry at least a portion of the mechanical load, and the pivot tube
serves to carry the services, and to restrict the locus of travel
of the hanger around the kingpin, such that the hanger forms a
steering mechanism for the skateboard. The hanger may further
include the services comprise at least one of liquid coolant, air,
or electrical cables.
[0023] According to this disclosure, a motorized vehicle assembly
includes one or more of the following: a hanger; a wheel connected
to the hanger via a fastener; and/or an electric motor connected to
the wheel, the electric motor configured to turn the wheel relative
to the hanger; the wheel can be disconnected from the hanger after
disengaging the fastener.
[0024] According to this disclosure, the assembly may further
include one or more of the following: the fastener comprises a pin,
and wherein disengaging the fastener comprises removing the pin
from a bore; disengaging the fastener comprises turning the
fastener relative to the hanger; disengaging the fastener
disengages connections axially securing the wheel to the hanger; an
axle connecting the wheel to the hanger, wherein disengaging the
fastener comprises disengaging the wheel from the axle.
[0025] According to this disclosure, a motorized wheel mounting
assembly includes one or more of the following: a hanger comprising
a conduit configured to accept an electrical wire; and/or the
electrical wire is configured to power a motorized wheel configured
to connect to the hanger.
[0026] According to this disclosure, the assembly may further
include one or more of the following: a pivot connected to the
hanger, the pivot comprising a conduit configured to accept the
electrical wire, the conduit of the pivot connected to the conduit
of the hanger; and/or a truck connected to the hanger, the truck
configured to connect to a vehicle and comprising a conduit
configured to accept the electrical wires, the conduit of the truck
connected to the conduit of the hanger.
[0027] The foregoing is a summary and contains simplifications,
generalization, and omissions of detail. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, features, and
advantages of the devices and/or processes and/or other subject
matter described herein will become apparent in the teachings set
forth herein. The summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of any subject matter described
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure
will become more fully apparent from the following description,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding
that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance
with the disclosure and are not, therefore, to be considered
limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with
additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying
drawings.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
motorized skateboard.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the motorized
skateboard of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a motorized
wheel assembly, including a truck, hanger, and two motorized
wheels.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the motorized
wheel assembly of FIG. 3.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view of the motorized wheel
assembly of FIG. 3.
[0034] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the hanger
of the motorized wheel assembly of FIG. 3.
[0035] FIG. 6B is a transverse sectional perspective view of the
hanger of FIG. 6A.
[0036] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the truck
of the motorized wheel assembly of FIG. 3.
[0037] FIG. 7B is a longitudinal sectional perspective view of the
truck of FIG. 7A.
[0038] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
motorized wheel of the motorized wheel assembly of FIG. 3.
[0039] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the
motorized wheel of FIG. 8B.
[0040] FIG. 9A is an exploded inside perspective view of an
embodiment of a quick connect mechanism.
[0041] FIG. 9B is an exploded outside perspective view of the quick
connect mechanism of FIG. 9A.
[0042] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of
a motorized wheel.
[0043] FIG. 11 is a sectional perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a tire for the motorized wheel of FIG. 10.
[0044] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hanger
that includes open channels.
[0045] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hanger
that includes an open plenum.
[0046] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another
embodiment of a motorized wheel.
[0047] FIG. 15A is an outside perspective view of another
embodiment of a motorized wheel.
[0048] FIG. 15B is an inside perspective view of the motorized
wheel of FIG. 15A.
[0049] FIG. 15C is an exploded view of the motorized wheel of FIG.
15A.
[0050] FIG. 16A is an outside perspective view of an embodiment of
an electric motor.
[0051] FIG. 16B is an inside perspective view of the electric motor
of FIG. 16A.
[0052] FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional perspective view of the
electric motor of FIG. 16A.
[0053] FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hanger
and axle assembly.
[0054] FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the hanger
and axle assembly of FIG. 17A.
[0055] FIG. 17C is a detail view of one end of the hanger and axle
assembly of FIG. 17A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description and the drawings are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood
that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described
herein, and illustrated in the figures, may be arranged,
substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made a
part of this disclosure.
[0057] This disclosure relates to motorized wheel assemblies,
electric vehicles including the same, and associated methods of use
and manufacture. Although described primarily in the context of a
skateboard, the motorized wheel assemblies described herein can be
used in many types of electric vehicles, including road luges,
roller skates, inline skates, and small wheeled scooters, among
many others. In some embodiments, the motorized wheel assemblies
can include one or more motorized wheels. In some embodiments, the
motorized wheel includes a tire mounted on an electric motor, such
that the electric motor serves as the hub for the tire and drives
the tire directly.
[0058] In some embodiments, the motorized wheel assemblies are
configured for quick release and/or quick connect. As used herein,
"quick release" and/or "quick connect" is intended to signify that
a wheel of the motorized wheel assembly can be removed and/or
replaced easily, such as, without tools, with commonly available
tools (in other words, with non-specialized tools), with minimal
tooling, by a user, without requiring substantial specialized
knowledge, training, or instruction. In some embodiments, a quick
release motorized wheel (having a quick release mechanism as
discussed herein) can be removed and/or replaced by a user without
requiring the vehicle to be shipped back to the manufacturer or a
specialized repair shop. As used herein, the terms "quick release"
and "quick connect" are each intended to refer to system for
engaging and disengaging a wheel to a motorized wheel assembly.
[0059] As will be described in greater detail below, in some
embodiments, a quick release motorized wheel can also include
electrical connections (for example, between the electrical
components of the wheel and other electrical components located
elsewhere on the vehicle) that do not require direct handling. That
is, in some embodiments, removal of a quick release motorized wheel
can also disconnect an electrical connection between the motorized
wheel and the vehicle without requiring a user to separately handle
the electrical connection, and attachment of the motorized wheel to
the vehicle (for example, replacement of the motorized wheel) can
also connect the electrical connection between the motorized wheel
and the vehicle without requiring the user to separately handle the
electrical connection. In some embodiments, motorized wheel
assemblies include an integral plug and socket. In some
embodiments, the plug can be fitted coaxially in the motor's hollow
shaft. When the motor is slid onto the axle, the plug can
automatically engage with the socket fitted inside the hollow axle.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, the user does not need to take
special action to connect the electrical plug to the socket.
[0060] In some embodiments, the motorized wheel assemblies
disclosed herein are configured to eliminate or minimize external
wiring between a motorized wheel and an electric vehicle. For
example, in some embodiments, wiring providing the electrical
connection between electrical components of a motorized wheel and
additional electrical components of an electric vehicle may be
routed through the interior structures connecting the motorized
wheel to the electric vehicle. In some embodiments where the
vehicle is a skateboard, the wiring between electrical components
stored in, on, or below the deck of the skateboard (or elsewhere)
can be routed to a motorized wheel through ducts that extend
through the interior of the truck, hanger, and axle connecting the
motorized wheel to the deck. In some embodiments, the ducts are
wholly internal. In some embodiments, the ducts are partially
internal. In some embodiments, the ducts extend through the pivot
tube of the hanger. As used herein ducts can refer to hollows,
channels, conduits, passageways, pipes, pipelines, tubes, tunnels,
grooves, etc. of any suitable shape and size to allow for passage
and protection of electrical wiring.
[0061] Most existing electric skateboards have their motors
supported from the hanger by a bracket and drive the wheels using a
toothed belt. Some have the motors mounted inside the wheels as hub
motors. Regardless of the type of drive system, most skateboards
(including non-powered skateboards) have resiliently mounted
hangers and trucks fixed to the deck. Because the hanger is
resiliently mounted, this configuration allows steering of the
skateboard by means of shifting the rider's weight laterally.
Existing motorized skateboards traditionally use flying wiring (in
other words, wiring that is routed at least partially through the
air) to route the wires from the electric motors that power the
wheels to the deck, where the electronic speed controllers (ESCs),
batteries, and other electronics are normally located. Such flying
wiring typically leaves the hanger or deck below the deck and is
therefore exposed to road debris and potential damage. Such wiring
typically is run in flexible cable, usually protected by a mesh
sleeve. Such wiring can be subject to rapid flexing at a high cycle
rate, due to the movement of the hanger relative to the deck when
turning, wobbling in a straight line, or moving over uneven ground.
Over time this can fatigue the wiring, causing failure.
[0062] Further, existing motorized skateboards do not have a quick
release wheels, and therefore suffer from several disadvantages.
For example, most existing motorized skateboards have to be
returned to the dealer or manufacturer for even typically simple
servicing. On most, a user cannot even change the bearings or
wheels easily, without mechanical skills and/or special tools. This
is in contrast to the easy bearing or wheel replacement possible on
unpowered, conventional skateboards, which can be performed by even
novice users. Existing motorized skateboards either do not allow
for replacement or do not include the necessary tools to replace
the bearings and wheels, since it is intended that the bearings and
wheels be replaced by the vendor, not the user, unlike
non-motorized skateboards that allow the user to change their own
bearings and wheels. Additionally, for most existing motorized
skateboards motor replacement is beyond the capability of most
users.
[0063] Most existing electric skateboards provide plugs and sockets
for connecting the motor wiring. A user generally needs to handle
these directly to connect and/or disconnect the electrical
connections. This can expose the user to electric shock and can
damage the electrical components if connected improperly. Some
exiting electric skateboards solder the motor wires directly to the
electronics in the deck, making motor replacement difficult and
beyond capability of most users.
[0064] As noted previously, some embodiments of motorized wheel
assemblies disclosed herein include quick release motorized wheels
that reduce or eliminate the need for the user to own specialized
tools and handle electrical connections in order to replace motors,
tires, wheels, and bearings. For example, in some embodiments
disclosed herein, a quick release motorized wheel is removable
without tools, or with a single bolt or key. In some embodiments,
components of the motorized wheel can also be relatively easily
removed and replaced by the user, including the motor, both wheel
bearings, and the tire. Further, in some embodiments, the motorized
wheel assembly includes a captive plug and socket to provide the
electrical connections, so that the user is not required to handle,
align, and seat the plugs and sockets.
[0065] Thus, in some embodiments, the motorized wheel assemblies
disclosed herein provide several notable advantages over existing
motorized skateboards, some of which are described below. For
example, in some embodiments, a quick release motorized wheel
assembly reduces or eliminates the need for the user to own
specialized tools and/or handle electrical connections, in order
to, for example, replace motors, tires, wheels, and/or bearings or
perform other maintenance. Further, in some embodiments, a
motorized wheel assembly can hide and protect the wiring over a
portion, substantially all, or all of the wiring's length, by using
a hanger and truck with a hollow pivot tube and a hollow or
recessed hanger to allow passage of the wiring. In some
embodiments, a motorized wheel assembly does not require adding a
separate conduit, which can mitigate the cost and weight.
[0066] In some embodiments, electric vehicles with other electrical
components, such as LED lights on the wheels, electric brakes,
cooling systems, etc., can also use features of embodiments
disclosed herein. For example, wiring for these additional
electrical components can be run through the truck, hanger, and
axle as described herein. In some embodiments, skateboards that
include motorized wheels with cooling systems can use the ducts
through the truck, hanger, and axle for coolant hoses, in addition
to electrical wiring.
[0067] In some embodiments, an advantage of routing the wiring
through the pivot tube can be that the wires are then exposed to
torsion, not bending. This can allow for the use of larger and
stiffer wiring, which may not suffer from the limited number of
bending cycles before cracking, as bending wiring does.
[0068] In some embodiments, another advantage of hiding the wiring
over its entire or substantially entire length can be that the
skateboard does not appear to be electrified or motorized, allowing
the electric board to be mistaken for a non-electric board. Users
may see this as an advantage.
[0069] In some embodiments, motorized wheel assemblies that include
quick release features can easily and quickly allow a user to
replace the motors (or motorized wheels) with higher or lower power
motors (or motorized wheels), or with unpowered wheels, without
having to change the hanger, truck, and/or board or ship the board
to the dealer or manufacturer. For example, a motorized skateboard
can be sold as a basic board with a cheaper or less powerful
motors, and a user can change or upgrade motors if desired. This
can allow the board to be easily upgraded. As another example, in
the event of a motor or wheel failure of any kind, the user can
easily remove the faulty wheel and mail it to the retailer for
replacement or repair. Thus, advantageously, in some embodiments,
there is no need to return the whole board in the event of a faulty
motor or wheel. Further quick release replaceable wheels allow for
the carrying of a spare wheel or motor, and changing in the field
without any tools or with minimal tooling.
[0070] In some embodiments, an additional advantage can be that
improper connection of the plug and socket is eliminated or
minimized. For example, in some embodiments disclosed herein, there
are no plugs to handle and get backwards and no live pins to
accidentally touch, making the system simpler and safer.
[0071] In some embodiments, another advantage can be that the motor
is secured to the axle when the plug and socket are fully or
substantially fully engaged. Full engagement can help ensure a
partly connected plug cannot arc and damage itself or cause the
motor to stop.
[0072] These and other features and advantages present in some
embodiments according to the present disclosure will become more
apparent from the following description of certain non-limiting
embodiments shown in the figures.
[0073] FIGS. 1 and 2 show top and bottom perspective views,
respectively, of an embodiment of a motorized skateboard 100, or
other vehicles as discussed herein. In the illustrated embodiment,
the motorized skateboard 100 includes a deck 110 and front and back
motorized wheel assemblies 200. Although illustrated with both
front and back motorized wheel assemblies 200, in some embodiments,
either the front or back motorized wheel assembly 200 can be
replaced with a non-motorized wheel assembly. In some embodiments,
a non-motorized wheel assembly can be a wheel assembly (in other
words, truck, hanger, axle, and wheels) as used in conventional
non-powered skateboards. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the
motorized skateboard 100 can be front-wheel drive, rear-wheel
drive, or all-wheel drive. An embodiment of a motorized wheel
assembly 200 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 4 and 5, which are
described below.
[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the motorized wheel
assemblies 200 each include a truck 210, a hanger 240, and two
motorized wheels 300 mounted on an axle 260 (the axle 260 is shown,
for example, in FIG. 5). Although each wheel assembly 200 is
illustrated as including two motorized wheels 300, in some
embodiments, one or both of the motorized wheels 300 can be
replaced with non-motorized wheels. A non-motorized wheel can
include a wheel as used in a conventional, non-powered skateboard
or an idler wheel, which that does not include a rotor, stator,
and/or magnets. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the motorized
skateboard 100 includes one, two, three, or four motorized wheels
300, depending on the user's requirements or desire for speed and
acceleration versus battery and motor weight, and the remaining
wheels may be non-motorized wheels. In some embodiments, a user may
modify or alter the motorized skateboard 100 after purchase to
include less or more motorized wheels 300. In some embodiments, the
motorized wheels 300 have substantially the same appearance as
non-motorized wheels. Embodiments of motorized wheels 300 are shown
in greater detail in FIGS. 8A-11 and 14, which are described
below.
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the motorized wheel assemblies
200, including motorized wheels 300, are mounted below the deck
110. The trucks 210 are connected to the deck 110 by mounting
hardware 205. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting hardware
205 includes four nuts and bolts for each motorized wheel assembly
200, although other types of mounting fasteners may be used. In
some embodiments, the mounting hardware 205 may be similar to or
the same as hardware used to mount trucks in conventional
skateboards. As best seen on the back motorized wheel assembly 200
in FIG. 2, the hangers 240 are connected to the trucks 210 by a
kingpin 280. In some embodiments, the hangers 240 are resiliently
connected to the trucks 210 by the kingpin 280 such that the
motorized wheel assemblies 200 are steerable in a manner similar to
conventional skateboards (in other words, steerable by a user
shifting his or her weight laterally). The axle 260 extends through
the hanger 240 (see FIG. 5) and the motorized wheels 300 are
mounted on the axle 260 on opposite sides of the hanger 240. In
some embodiments, the motorized wheel assemblies 200 have an
appearance substantially similar to the trucks, hangers, and
wheels, used in conventional skateboards, such that the
motorization of the motorized skateboard 100 is not readily
apparent.
[0076] Various components 150 for the motorized skateboard can be
mounted on, below, or within the deck 110. In the illustrated
embodiment, the components 150 are represented by the dashed lines
shown on the bottom surface of the deck 110. In some embodiments,
the components 150 are positioned within the deck 110. The
components 150 can be accessible by one or more hatches in the top
and/or bottom surfaces of the deck 110. The components 150 may
include batteries, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), a main
controller, operator interfaces, radio interfaces, braking
resistors, wiring harnesses, cooling system components, and/or
other electronic components. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
components 150 are housed inside the deck 110, making their
appearance non-obvious to a viewer. In some embodiments, the deck
110 comprises a tapered boat hull shape (for example, as shown in
FIG. 2). In some embodiments, a tapered boat hull shaped deck 110
can provide sufficient space within the deck 110 for the components
150, while still having the appearance of a non-motorized
skateboard. The shape of the deck 110 can take many other forms and
is not limited to the shapes disclosed herein.
[0077] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, wiring
connecting the motorized wheels 300 to the components 150 is not
visible because it is not external or substantially not external to
the motorized skateboard. That is, the wiring connecting the
motorized wheels 300 to the components 150 runs internal or
substantially internal to the deck 110, through the motorized wheel
assemblies 200, and into the motorized wheels 300. Thus, in some
embodiments, the motorized skateboard 100 does not include flying
wiring that is exposed to road debris, damage, and substantial
bending forces. Further, because the wiring is not external, it may
not provide any indication that the motorized skateboard 100 is
powered.
[0078] In some embodiments, the motorized wheel assemblies 200 are
configured (as will be described below) such that the motorized
wheels 300 offer quick release. That is, in some embodiments, the
motorized wheels 300 can be removed and/or replaced easily, such
as, without tools, with commonly available tools (in other words,
with non-specialized tools), with minimal tooling, by a user,
without requiring substantial specialized knowledge, training, or
instruction. In some embodiments, the motorized wheel assemblies
200 are configured (as will be described below) to simplify the
electrical connection (and/or connections to other services, such
as cooling systems or hydraulic systems) between the motorized
wheels 300 and the components 150, for example, by including
integral plugs and sockets that are connected or disconnected
automatically when the motorized wheels 300 are attached or remoted
to the motorized wheel assemblies 200.
[0079] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the motorized wheel assembly
200 of FIG. 1. As shown, the motorized wheel assembly 200 includes
the truck 210, the hanger 240, and two motorized wheels 300. The
truck 210 is configured to mount to the underside of the deck 110.
In the illustrated embodiment, the truck 210 includes a baseplate
212 for mounting to the deck 110. In some embodiments, the
baseplate 212 is a flange having a substantially flat surface for
interfacing with the deck 110. The baseplate 212 includes holes
through which the mounting hardware 205 (e.g., fasteners such as
nut and bolt assemblies) is used to attach the hanger 240 to the
deck. In FIG. 3, the mounting hardware 205 is illustrated
positioned within the holes in the baseplate 212.
[0080] The main body of the truck 210 extends away from the
baseplate 212 and includes a pivot portion 214 and a kingpin
portion 216 for interfacing with the hanger 240. The pivot portion
214 is configured to receive a pivot portion 242 of the hanger 240.
The pivot portion 214 provides a pivot point for the pivot portion
242 of the hanger 240 such that the hanger 240 can pivot laterally
to allow for steering. The kingpin portion 216 of the truck 210 is
configured to receive the kingpin 280, which extends through and
connects the hanger 240 to the truck 210 (as shown in FIG. 4). The
kingpin 280 may be configured to provide a resilient connection
between then truck 210 and the hanger 240 to allow for steering.
For example, the kingpin 280 may include bushings 284, as shown in
FIG. 4.
[0081] As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the truck
210 also includes an opening 222 that extends through the baseplate
212. As will be described in greater detail below, the opening 222
allows for the passage of wiring through the motorized wheel
assembly 200 to the motorized wheels 300. The opening 222 may
extend into the truck 210 from a side that, when mounted, contacts
the deck 110. When mounted, the opening 222 may be aligned with a
corresponding opening into the deck 110, thus allowing for passage
of wiring between the deck 110 and the truck 210. In some
embodiments, the opening 222 is positioned below the pivot portion
214 of the truck 210, such that the wiring can extend through the
pivot portion 214 of the truck 210 and through the pivot portion
242 of the hanger 240 on route to the motorized wheels 300.
[0082] As noted previously, the hanger 240 is connected to the
truck 210 by the kingpin 280. The kingpin 280 is secured by a
kingpin nut 281 or other type of fastener. In the illustrated
embodiment, the kingpin 280 extends through a central portion of
the hanger 240. Below the kingpin 280, the pivot portion 242 of the
hanger 240 pivotally engages the pivot portion 214 of the truck
210. Above the kingpin 280, the hanger 240 includes an axle portion
244. An axle 260 extends through the axle portion 244 of the hanger
240 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In some embodiments, the axle 260 is
pressed or glued into the axle portion 244 of the hanger 240. The
motorized wheels 300 are mounted on the axle 260. The features of
the motorized wheels 300 will be described below with reference to
FIGS. 8A-11 and 14.
[0083] FIGS. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views illustrating the
internal features of the motorized wheel assembly 200 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the motorized wheel
assembly 200. FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view of the
motorized wheel assembly 200 with the motorized wheels 300 removed
for illustration purposes.
[0084] The truck 210 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and includes the
baseplate 212, the pivot portion 214, and the kingpin portion 216.
The baseplate 212 includes openings for mounting hardware 205. The
opening 222 is positioned on the baseplate 212 below the pivot
portion 214. A channel 223 extends from the opening 222 through the
pivot portion 214.
[0085] The kingpin 280 extends through the kingpin portion 216 of
the truck 210. A kingpin recess 217 is formed in the kingpin
portion 216. The kingpin recess 217 can extend partly into the
kingpin portion 216 from a rear surface of the truck 210. The
kingpin recess 217 can be configured to receive a kingpin head 283
of kingpin 280. In some embodiments, the kingpin recess 217 and the
kingpin head 283 are configured in size and shape such that when
the kingpin head 283 is received within the kingpin recess 217, the
kingpin 280 is substantially prevented or substantially inhibited
from rotating.
[0086] The hanger 240 is attached to the truck 210 by kingpin 280,
which extends through central portion of hanger 240 as shown in
FIG. 4. The kingpin 280 also extends through bushings 284 that are
positioned on opposite sides of the hanger 240. The bushings 284
are maintained in place by washers 285, with one washer 285
positioned above the top bushing 284 and another washer 285
positioned below the bottom bushing 284. In some embodiments, the
washers 285 are curved. The bushings 284 may be similar to those
used in conventional skateboards. In some embodiments, the bushings
284 and the kingpin 280 resiliently connect the hanger 240 to the
truck 210 to allow for steering.
[0087] The pivot portion 242 of the hanger 240 also allows for
resilient connection between the hanger 240 and the truck 210 to
allow for steering. For example, the pivot portion 242 includes a
pivot bushing 243. The pivot bushing 243 provides a pivot point
between the pivot portion 242 of the hanger 240 and the pivot
portion 214 of the truck 210. The pivot bushing 243 is received
partially within a portion of the channel 223 of the truck 210. A
pivot tube 246 extends through the pivot portion 242 and the pivot
bushing 243. The pivot tube 246 is hollow. In some embodiments, the
pivot tube 246 is rigid. In some embodiments, the pivot tube 246 is
flexible. Openings 245 through the walls of the pivot tube 246 are
connected to channels 247 (see FIG. 5) that extend through the
hanger 240. In the illustrated embodiment, a first channel 247
extends through the hanger 240 on a first side of the kingpin 280,
and a second channel 247 extends through the hanger 240 on a second
side of the kingpin 280. In some embodiments, only a single channel
247 is included. The channels 247 extend through the hanger 240
between the pivot portion 242 and the axle portion 244.
[0088] The axle 260 is received in the axle portion 244 of the
hanger 240. In some embodiments, the axle 260 may be pressed or
glued into the axle portion 244. In the illustrated embodiment, the
axle 260 is hollow and includes a channel 268 formed therein. The
axle 260 and the channel 268 can extend along a central axis or
longitudinal axis 269. A longitudinal axis can be an axis that
extends along a greatest or longest dimension of a component. Axle
openings 261 in the wall of the axle 260 are aligned with the
hanger channels 247. In the illustrated embodiment, two axle
openings 261 are included that align with the two hanger channels
247. In some embodiments, only a single channel 247 and a single
axle opening 261 are included. In some embodiments, more than two
channels 247 and axle openings 261 are included.
[0089] As shown, sockets 290 are positioned within the hollow
channel 268 of the axle 260. In some embodiments, the sockets 290
are pressed or glued into the axle 260. In some embodiments,
mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) are used to fix
the sockets 290 within the axle 260. In some embodiments, the
sockets 290 can be connected to the axle 260 any suitable or known
process or processes, including permanent adhesive, thermal bonds,
ultrasonic bonds, spot welds, i.e., thermal weld points, a stitch
or stitches, strip welds, tacks formed by crimping, and/or press
fit, shrink fit, sliding fit, interference fit, and/or snap fit
mechanisms, including male and female parts (e.g.,
tongue-and-groove corresponding parts), and the like, including any
combination thereof. As will be described below, the sockets 290
are configured to mate with plugs on the motorized wheels 300 to
establish an electrical (and/or other type of) connection
therebetween. The sockets 290 can be configured to allow for quick
release of the motorized wheels 300. The ends of the axle 260 can
also include features for engaging the motorized wheels 300. For
example, in the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the axle 260
include openings 263 and slots 267. The openings 263 and slots 267
can be configured to engage with corresponding features on the
motorized wheels 300 to secure the motorized wheels 300 to the axle
260. In some embodiments, the openings 263 and slots 267 engage
with a quick release mechanism 390 that secures the motorized
wheels 300 to the axle 260. As will be discussed below, in some
embodiments, the openings 263 engage with retaining balls,
protrusions, projections, or bosses 334. The slots 267 can engage
with shoulders 336 of a quick release mechanism 390 of the
motorized wheel 300 (see FIGS. 8B-9B).
[0090] As illustrated by the dashed lines in FIGS. 4 and 5, ducts
201 are formed through the motorized wheel assembly 200 between the
opening 222 and the sockets 290. The ducts 201 can be continuous.
In the illustrated embodiment, the ducts 201 are formed by the
opening 222, channel 223, pivot tube 246, openings 245, channels
247, axle openings 261, and axle 260. The ducts 201 provide a
continuous passageway through the motorized wheel assembly 200
through which services such as wiring, cooling air, hydraulic
fluid, liquid coolant, etc., can be routed from the deck 110,
through motorized wheel assembly 200, to the socket 290 for
connection to the motorized wheel 300.
[0091] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of the hanger 240.
FIG. 6A is a perspective view, and FIG. 6B is a transverse
sectional perspective view. As shown in FIG. 6A, the body of the
hanger 240 includes the axle portion 244 and the pivot portion 242.
The body of the hanger 240 also includes an opening 251 extending
through a central portion thereof for receiving the kingpin 280. A
recess 253 is formed in each of the top and bottom surfaces of the
central portion of the body of the hanger 240 for receiving the
bushings 284 and washers 285.
[0092] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, a channel
249 extends through the axle portion 244. The channel 249 is
configured in size and shape to receive the axle 260. A recess 255
is formed in the pivot portion 242 of the hanger 240. The recess
255 is configured in size and shape to receive the pivot tube 246.
The recess 255 is connected to the channels 247. The channels 247
are also connected to the channel 249. The hanger 240 shown in
FIGS. 6A and 6B is provided by way of example only, and other
embodiments of hangers are possible, for example, as shown in FIGS.
12 and 13 described below.
[0093] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an embodiment of the truck 210.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view, and FIG. 7B is a longitudinal
sectional perspective view. The truck 210 includes a baseplate 212
for mounting the truck 210 to the deck 110. In FIG. 7A, mounting
holes are shown, which extend through the baseplate 212 and are
configured to receive mounting hardware 205. A kingpin portion 216
and a pivot portion 214 extend away from the baseplate 212. A
channel 226 extends through the kingpin portion 216. The channel
226 is configured to allow the kingpin 280 to extend therethrough.
A kingpin recess 217 is formed in the rear of surface of the
kingpin portion 216. The kingpin recess 217 is configured to
receive the head 283 of the kingpin 280 as described above.
[0094] A channel 223 extends through the pivot portion 214 of the
truck 210 from the opening 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the
channel 223 includes a first portion 223a and a second portion
223b. The first portion 223a may extend along an axis substantially
orthogonal to the plane of the baseplate 212. The second portion
223b may be configured to receive at least a portion of the pivot
bushing 243 therein. The second portion 223b extends along an axis
that is angled with respect to the axis of the first portion 223a.
In some embodiments, the angle between the axes is between about 15
degrees and about 75 degrees, about 30 degrees and about 60
degrees, between about 40 degrees and about 50 degrees, or about 45
degrees, although other angles are possible. In some embodiments,
the axis of the second portion 223b is oriented at about 90 degrees
from an axis of the channel 226 and the kingpin 280. The
illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B is provided by way of
example only, and other embodiments of trucks are possible.
[0095] An embodiment of a motorized wheel 300 will now described
with reference to FIGS. 8A-11. FIG. 8A is an inside perspective
view of the motorized wheel 300, shown removed from the axle 260.
As shown, the motorized wheel 300 includes a plug 305. The plug 305
is configured and positioned to mate with the socket 290 (see FIG.
5) when the motorized wheel 300 is installed on the axle 260. In
the illustrated embodiment, the plug 305 includes five pins,
although other numbers of pins and other types of plugs 305 are
possible. In some embodiments, the plug 305 and socket 290
establish an electrical connection. In some embodiments, the plug
305 and socket 290 may additionally or alternatively establish
fluid connections, for example, for a cooling fluid or hydraulic
fluid, or other types of connections.
[0096] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the
motorized wheel 300. The motorized wheel includes a tire 370
mounted on an electric motor 301. The tire 370 and the electric
motor 301 are shown separately in the exploded view of FIG. 10. The
electric motor 301 serves as the hub for the tire 370 and can drive
it directly as described below and as described in PCT Application
No. PCT/IB2016/000536, which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety for all purposes and made a part of this
specification.
[0097] In some embodiments, the electric motor 301 is an outrunner
motor. Outrunner motors are those that have an internal stator that
is surrounded by an external rotor. The external rotor spins
relative to the internal stator (e.g., about the central axis 269),
which generally remains in a rotationally fixed orientation. In
some embodiments, the electric motor may be brushless. In the
illustrated embodiment, the electric motor 301 comprises an outer
casing that is formed by an outer bell end 310, an outer surface of
a rotor 350, and an inner bell end 320. The outer casing surrounds
a stator 340. The stator 340 is mounted on a boss 355. The boss 355
is configured to mount on an axle 260 (see for example, FIG. 5).
The boss 355 is further connected to the outer bell end 310 via a
bearing 315. Similarly, the boss 355 is further connected to the
inner bell end 320 via a bearing 325. The bearings 315, 325 allow
the outer casing of the electric motor (in other words, the outer
bell end 310, the rotor 350, and the inner bell end 320) to rotate
relative to the boss 355 and the stator 340. When the boss 355 is
attached to the axle 260 of the motorized skateboard 100, the
electric motor 301 can drive the tire 370, thus allowing the
motorized wheel 300 to propel the motorized skateboard 100. For
example, the boss 355 and stator 340 can be substantially fixedly
attached to the axle 260. When the motorized wheel 300 is powered,
the rotor 350 spins relative to the stator 340. This rotation may
be imparted to the tire 370.
[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer bell end 310 also
includes cooling holes 311 (openings, cutouts, slots, apertures,
etc.). The cooling holes 311 can allow cooling fluid (for example,
air or water) to flow into and out of the interior of the electric
motor 301. On the opposite end of the electric motor 301 the inner
bell end 320 can also include features similar to the outer bell
end 310, such as cooling holes 323.
[0099] Each of the bearings 315, 325 may be ring bearings,
including a central opening formed there through. The boss 355 is
received within the central openings of the bearings 315, 325. The
bearings 315, 325 allow the outer bell end 310, the rotor 350, and
the inner bell end 320 to rotate together relative to the boss 355.
The boss 355 may be configured as a substantially cylindrical tube.
One or more of the ends of the boss 355 may be open. The boss 355
may be configured to receive or otherwise attach to an axle 260 of
the motorized skateboard 100 to which the motorized wheel 300 is to
be attached. In some embodiments, the boss 355 is rotationally
fixed to the stator 340 such that the two rotate together.
[0100] The stator 340 can comprise a lamination stack with copper
windings (in the figures, the copper windings are not shown for
ease of illustration, although the windings or other suitable
mechanisms can be included in use). The rotor 350 includes one or
more magnets 354 mounted on an inner surface thereof. A wide
variety of configurations for the stator 340 and the rotor 350 are
possible, including various numbers of poles and magnets. The rotor
350 may comprise a mild steel cylinder fitted with neodymium boron
permanent magnets on its inner surface. The stator 340 can be
formed from laminated sheet steel, wound with copper wire. Other
configurations and materials for the rotor 350 and/or the stator
340 are possible. A control board for the electric motor 301 may be
included and may be housed within the outer casing of the electric
motor or may be remotely located, for example, on or within the
deck 110 of the motorized skateboard 100 (for example, among the
components 150).
[0101] The motorized wheel 300 may be considered a direct drive
system because power is transferred substantially directly from the
electric motor 301 to the tire 370. Other mechanical structures or
linkages, including gears and/or belts are not necessary. Utilizing
a motorized wheel 300 as discussed herein and also discussed in PCT
Application No. PCT/IB2016/000536. which is incorporated by
reference, can substantially mitigate or negate the need for a
transmission (for example, a transmission including a gear box).
This may provide several advantages. For example, without a gearbox
with chain or belt means, maintenance of the vehicle can be
substantially minimized or mitigated because, for example, there
are minimal wearing parts other than the two inner and outer
bearings 315, 325 per motorized wheel 300 (and the tire 370).
Accordingly, where the motorized wheel 300 is included on the
motorized skateboard 100, the maintenance of the motorized
skateboard 100 may be substantially the same as the maintenance on
an unpowered board. Further, the bearings 315, 325 on the motorized
wheel 300 may be larger than those of an unpowered board, so that
the bearing maintenance is also significantly reduced.
[0102] Additionally, a motorized wheel 300 as discussed herein
(without a transmission) can provide lower rolling drag or coasting
losses in use. In vehicle designs that include a belt or gearbox
transmission, by comparison, the transmission element typically
loses energy, as well as all the bearings necessary to carry the
various shafts. For example, in a typical belt driven skateboard,
each motor will have one or two additional bearings to support the
belt tension, so each driven wheel may have five, six, or more
bearings in the power train. The losses in such a dual motor belt
driven board may be about significantly higher than a board
including the motorized wheel 300. These losses make a notable
difference in the ease with which the board can be pushed when the
motor is not powered, for example, when the battery is dead
(depleted of power).
[0103] Further, because the motorized wheel 300 does not have any
belts or has minimal belts and transmission mechanisms, there is no
belt tensioning required (or minimal/infrequent belt tensioning or
transmission mechanism maintenance for any such mechanisms that may
be present), and unskilled users can operate the board
substantially without having to consider routine maintenance on the
power transmission. No belt, chain, or gear transmission system
means that there are no transmission losses while motoring, which
can improve the battery range. Further, because the motorized wheel
300 does not have any belts it can be much simpler to remove and
replace the motorized wheel 300.
[0104] As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the motorized wheel 300 can
include a quick release mechanism 390. In some embodiments, the
quick release mechanism 390 allows for relatively simple mounting
of the motorized wheel 300 on the axle 260. For example, the quick
release mechanism 390 can include a locking plate 331, a fastener
333, a thrust bearing 332, and a retainer 330. Embodiments of some
of the components of the quick release mechanism 390 are shown in
the exploded views of FIGS. 9A and 9B, as described below. To mount
the motorized wheel 300 on the axle 260, the boss 355 can be slid
onto the axle 260. The quick release mechanism 390 can then be used
to retain the motorized wheel 300 on the axle 260 by tightening the
fastener 333.
[0105] In some embodiments, the fastener 333 can be a grub screw, a
thumbscrew, a bolt, or any other suitable fastener. In some
embodiments, the fastener 333 is configured to be tightened by
hand. In some embodiments, the fastener 333 is configured to be
tightened with common tools (such as Allen wrenches or
screwdrivers). In some embodiments, the fastener 333 is tightened
with a single turn, half turn, or quarter turn of the fastener 333.
Advancing the fastener 333 can force retaining balls 334 in the
locking plate 331 to move outwardly and engage with openings 263
(see FIG. 5) in axle 260. The boss 355 can include divots 356
formed on an inner surface the boss 355 that are configured in size
and shape to radially align with the openings 263 of the axle 260
and the retaining balls 334. When the fastener 333 is advanced, the
retaining balls 334 can be forced outward, such that a portion of
the retaining balls 334 extends through the openings 263 of the
axle 260 and into the divots 356 of the boss 355.
[0106] When the retaining balls 334 engage the openings 263 in the
axle 260 and/or the divots 356 of the boss 355, the locking plate
331 is held in a fixed relationship with the axle 260. That is, the
retaining balls 334 prevent the locking plate 331 from being
removed from the axle 260, until the fastener 333 is loosened such
that the retaining balls 334 can recede into the locking plate 331.
In some embodiments, the retaining balls 334 further prevent the
locking plate 331 from rotating relative to the axle 260. When the
locking plate 331 is thus secured to the axle 260, the locking
plate 331 is held against the thrust bearing 332. The thrust
bearing 332 then presses the retainer 330 against the tire 370 to
hold the motorized wheel 300 in place on the axle 260. The thrust
bearing 332 allows the tire 370 and outer bell end 310 of the
electric motor 301 to rotate relative to the locking plate 331.
[0107] Thus, in some embodiments, tightening the single fastener
333 can secure the motorized wheel 300 to the axle 260, and
loosening the single fastener 333 can allow for quick release of
the motorized wheel 300. For example, the fastener 333 can be
loosened such that retaining balls 334 withdraw from openings 263
of the axle 360. The motorized wheel 300 can then slide off the
axle 260. Further, the tire 370 can also slide off the electric
motor 301. Thus, the tire 370, the electric motor 301, or the
entire motorized wheel 300 can be easily replaced. In some
embodiments, the fastener 333 cannot be fully seated unless the
retaining balls 334 have been extended into the openings 263 in the
axle 260. In some embodiments, retaining balls 334 can be replaced
by equivalent mechanisms, such as dogs or pawls of varying
shapes.
[0108] FIGS. 9A and 9B show inside and outside exploded perspective
views of an embodiment of some of the components of a quick release
mechanism 390 that can be used to secure the motorized wheel 300 to
the axle 260 as described above. Embodiments of the locking plate
331, the thrust bearing 332, and the retainer 330 are shown. In the
illustrated embodiment, the locking plate 331 comprises a circular
disc 331a having a cylindrical projection 331b extending from and
centered on an inner surface of the circular disc 331a. The
cylindrical projection 331b includes the retaining balls 334. The
retaining balls 334 can be loosely retained within the cylindrical
projection 331b such that they can move backwards and forwards in a
direction substantially orthogonal to a central axis of the
cylindrical projection 331b. The outward motion of the retaining
balls 334 may be limited such that the in their outermost position
a portion of the retaining balls 334 extends beyond the outer
surface of the cylindrical projection 331b. The cylindrical
projection 331b is configured in size and shape to be at least
partially received within channel 268 the axle 260. As shown in
FIG. 9B, the fastener 333 extends into the outer surface of the
circular disc 331a and into the cylindrical projection 331b. As the
fastener 333 is advanced into the cylindrical projection 331b, it
forces retaining balls 334 outwardly. In some embodiments, the
cylindrical projection 331b includes shoulders 336 configured to
substantially prevent or substantially inhibit the locking plate
331 from rotating as the fastener 333 is rotated. In some
embodiments, the shoulders 336 engage with (for example, are
received, or at least partially received, within) slots 267 in the
ends of the axle 260. When the shoulders 336 engage the slots 267,
the locking plate 331 is prevented (or substantially prevented)
from rotating relative to the axle 260.
[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, a trough 331c (e.g., groove,
indentation, depression, etc.) is formed on the inner surface of
the circular disc 331a of the locking plate 331 and configured to
receive the thrust bearing 332. In the illustrated embodiment, the
thrust bearing 332 is a flat ring shape including bearings 332a. In
some embodiments, the bearings 332a are roller bearings, although
other types of bearings are also possible. An outer surface of the
retainer 330 also includes a trough 330a (e.g., groove,
indentation, depression, etc.) that is configured to receive the
thrust bearing 332. When assembled, the thrust bearing 332 is
positioned in the troughs 331c, 330a between the locking plate 331
and the retainer 330. The thrust bearing 332 allows the retainer
330 to rotate relative to the locking plate 331 by, for example,
bearings 332a rotating/spinning relative to or against the surfaces
of the troughs 331c, 330a. Accordingly, as bearings 332a
rotate/spin relative to the troughs 331c, 330a, the thrust bearing
332 may also rotate/spin about the central axis 269. Thus, the
retainer 330 is free to rotate with the tire 370 and outer casing
(outer bell end 310, rotor 350, and inner bell end 320) of the
electric motor 301, while the locking plate 331, axle 260, the boss
355, and stator 340 of the electric motor 301 remain fixed (do not
rotate).
[0110] The retainer 330 can be configured to have ring shape. In
some embodiments, holes 330b extend through the retainer 330. The
holes 330b can be configured to allow for cooling of the motorized
wheel 300, as described, for example, in PCT Application No.
PCT/IB2016/000536, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety for all purposes and made a part of this specification. In
the illustrated embodiment, a cylindrical flange 330c extends from
the inner surface of the retainer 330. When assembled, in some
embodiments, the cylindrical flange 330c contacts the outer bearing
315 of the motorized wheel, in order to, for example, retain the
outer bearing 315 in position between the retainer 330 and the
outer bell end 310 or stator 340. The retainer 330 also includes an
outer lip 330d. When assembled, in some embodiments, the outer lip
330d contacts a corresponding groove 376 (see FIGS. 10 and 11)
formed in the tire 370, and thus holds the tire 370 in place on the
electric motor 301.
[0111] Returning to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the plug 305 is positioned
within the boss 355. In some embodiments, the plug 305 is pressed
or glued within the boss 355. In some embodiments, mechanical
fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) can be used to retain the
plug 305 within the boss 355. In some embodiments, the plug 305 can
be connected to the boss 355 by any suitable or known process or
processes, including permanent adhesive, thermal bonds, ultrasonic
bonds, spot welds, i.e., thermal weld points, a stitch or stitches,
strip welds, tacks formed by crimping, and/or press fit, shrink
fit, sliding fit, interference fit, and/or snap fit mechanisms,
including male and female parts (e.g., tongue-and-groove
corresponding parts), and the like, including any combination
thereof. In some embodiments, the plug 305 includes cutouts 305b
that are used to position the plug 305 within the boss 355. In some
embodiments, the cutouts 305b engage features on the locking plate
331, or other parts of the motorized wheel 300. As shown in FIG. 5,
the corresponding socket 290 is positioned within the axle 260.
Thus, when the motorized wheel 300 is placed onto the axle 260, the
plug 305 can automatically engage the socket 290. In the
illustrated embodiment, the plug 305 includes prongs 305a. Five
prongs 305a are illustrated (see FIG. 8A). In some embodiments,
plug 305 can have one, two, three, four, six, seven, eight, nine or
more prongs 305a.
[0112] When engaged with the socket 290, each prong 305a is
received within a corresponding receptacle 290a (see FIG. 5) of the
socket 290. The prongs 305a can be configured with a spring portion
390b (see FIG. 8B) that is configured to circumferentially expand
to contact the walls of the receptacle 290a. When the motorized
wheel 300 is placed onto the axle 260, the prongs 305a of the plug
305 are received within the receptacles 290a of the sockets 290.
The receptacles 290a slightly compress the spring portion 390b of
the prongs 305a, and the spring force of the spring portion 390b
presses against the interior walls of the receptacles 290a to help
ensure and maintain an electrical connection. Accordingly, manual
and separate connection of the plug 305 and socket 290 may not be
needed. This mitigates the need for unskilled users to handle
electrical connections and reduce the total number of steps
required to remove or replace the motorized wheel 300. In some
embodiments, the plug 305 and the socket 290 can be reversed, with
the socket 290 positioned in the motorized wheel 300 and the plug
305 positioned in the axle 260. Wiring 391 (illustrated by dashed
lines) or other connection can be run between the plug 305 and the
interior of the electric motor 301. For example, as shown in FIG.
8B, wiring 391 connects the prongs 305a of the plug 305 to the
windings on the stator 340.
[0113] Other types of plugs 305 and sockets 290 can also be used.
In some embodiments, the plug 305 and socket 290 establish
connections for other services (e.g., fluid connections for cooling
fluids, lubricants, hydraulics, etc.) between the motorized wheel
300 and the axle 260. Thus, is some embodiments, the plug 305 and
socket 290 are configured to establish fluid connections between
the axle 260 and the motorized wheel 300.
[0114] In some embodiments, the motorized wheel 300 also includes a
cooling system, for example, as described in Patent Cooperation
Treaty (PCT) Application No. PCT/IB2016/000536, filed Apr. 9, 2015,
which is incorporated herein by reference. Inclusion of a cooling
system can increase the power to weight ratio and reduce the weight
of the motorized wheel 300. Because the electric motor is a
substantial portion of the weight of a vehicle, reducing the weight
of the motorized wheel may have a large impact on reducing the
overall weight of the vehicle.
[0115] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of some of the
components of the motorized wheel 300. FIG. 10 illustrates the
retainer 330, the tire 370, the outer bearing 315, the electric
motor (including the outer bell end 310, the stator 340, and the
inner bell end 320), and the inner bearing 325. In the assembled
state, the outer lip 330d of the retainer 330 presses into the
groove 376 of the tire 370 holding it onto the electric motor. Dogs
377 (or similar features, such as pawls, bosses, protrusions, etc.)
on the tire 370 engage with corresponding cutouts 310a (or other
similar features) on the outer bell end 310. This ensures that
rotation of the electric motor drives the tire 370. The cylindrical
flange 330c of the retainer holds the outer bearing 315 in place.
The inner bell end 320 also holds the inner bearing 325 in place
against the end of the hanger 240. Thus, in some embodiments, when
the motorized wheel 300 is removed, the inner and outer bearings
315, 325 are also easily replaceable.
[0116] FIG. 11 is a sectional perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a tire 370 for the motorized wheel of FIG. 10. The
groove 376 and dogs 377 are shown.
[0117] FIGS. 12 and 13 show perspective views of additional
embodiments of hangers 240a, 240b. FIG. 12 illustrates a hanger
240a that includes open channels 241a in place of (or in addition
to) the internal channels 247 shown in FIG. 6B. The open channels
241a are open to one surface and/or to the environment for user
access. Such an arrangement can allow for easier fitment of wiring
or piping as discussed herein. FIG. 13 is shows a hanger 240b that
includes an open plenum 241b in place of (or in addition to) the
internal channels 247 shown in FIG. 6B. The open plenum 241b is
open to one surface and/or to the environment for user access. Such
an arrangement can allow for easier fitment of the wiring or piping
as discussed herein. Further, in each of the embodiments of FIGS.
12 and 13, the wiring or piping, while not fully enclosed can still
be protected by the hangers 240a, 240b. In some embodiments,
covers, lids, or other similar structures may be provide to at
least partially enclose the wiring or piping positioned in the open
channels 241a and/or open plenum 241b.
[0118] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another
embodiment of a motorized wheel 300a. In many respects, the
motorized wheel 300a is similar to the motorized wheel 300
discussed above, and description of similar features will not be
repeated here. The motorized wheel 300a includes an electric motor
301a. The electric motor 301a includes an outer casing that is
formed by an outer bell end 310, an outer surface of a rotor 350,
and an inner bell end 320. The outer casing surrounds a stator 340.
The stator 340 is mounted on a boss 355. The boss 355 is hollow. A
portion 3551 of the boss 355 extends beyond the inner bell end 320
away from the electric motor 301a. The boss 355 is configured to
mount on an axle 260 that is itself mounted to a hanger 240. The
boss 355 is connected to the outer bell end 310 by an outer bearing
315. Similarly, the boss 355 is further connected to the inner bell
end 320 by an inner bearing 325. The bearings 315, 325 allow the
outer casing of the electric motor 301a (in other words, the outer
bell end 310, the rotor 350, and the inner bell end 320) to rotate
relative to the boss 355 and the stator 340 (e.g., about the
central axis 269). When the boss 355 is attached to the axle 260 of
an electric vehicle, such as the motorized skateboard 100, the
electric motor 301a can drive the tire 370, thus allowing the
motorized wheel 300a to propel the motorized vehicle.
[0119] The outer bearing 315 is received within an opening in the
outer bell end 310. A flange 310f is formed on the outer bell end
310 and configured to limit inward motion of the outer bearing 315.
Thus, to install the outer bearing 315, the outer bearing 315 can
be pressed into the corresponding opening on the outer bell end 310
until it contacts the flange 310f. A retainer 398 can be used to
secure the outer bearing 315. The retainer 398 can include a flange
398f that limits outward motion of the bearing 315. Thus, when the
retainer 398 is installed the outer bearing 315 is substantially
constrained between the flange 398f of the retainer 398 and the
flange 310f of the outer bell end 310. A fastener 333 can extend
through the retainer 398. The fastener 333 can secure the retainer
398 in place.
[0120] The inner bearing 325 is received within an opening in the
inner bell end 320. A flange 320f formed on the inner bell end 320
and configured to limit inward motion of the inner bearing 325.
Thus, to install the inner bearing 325, the inner bearing 325 can
be pressed into the corresponding opening on the inner bell end 320
until it contacts the flange 320f. When the motorized wheel 300a is
installed on the axle 260, the inner bearing 325 can contact the
hanger 240. The hanger 240 can thus limit outward motion of the
inner bearing 325. When installed, the inner bearing 325 is thus
substantially constrained between the flange 320f of the inner bell
end 320 and the hanger 240.
[0121] A plug 305 is positioned within the boss 355. The plug 305
is positioned to engage and form an electrical connection (and/or
other types of connections as described above) with a socket 290
positioned within the axle 260. In some embodiments, the plug 305
is pressed or glued within the boss 355. In some embodiments,
mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) can be used to
retain the plug 305 within the boss 355. In some embodiments, the
plug 305 can be connected to the boss 355 by any suitable or known
process or processes, including permanent adhesive, thermal bonds,
ultrasonic bonds, spot welds, i.e., thermal weld points, a stitch
or stitches, strip welds, tacks formed by crimping, and/or press
fit, shrink fit, sliding fit, interference fit, and/or snap fit
mechanisms, including male and female parts (e.g.,
tongue-and-groove corresponding parts), and the like, including any
combination thereof.
[0122] The boss 355 can be configured to receive the plug 305. As
shown, the boss 355 can be hollow, and the plug 305 can be
positioned within the hollow of the boss 355. In the illustrated
embodiment, the boss 355 includes a flange 355p projecting inwardly
from an inner surface of the boss 355. The flange 355p contacts the
plug 305. An inside portion 305i of the plug 305 extends beyond the
flange 355p toward the inner side of the electric motor 301a
(toward the inner bell end 320). The inside portion 305i of the
plug 305 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the boss 305. A
receiving space 355s is formed between the inner surface of the
boss 355, the flange 355p, and the inside portion 305i of the plug
305. When the motorized wheel 300a is installed onto the axle 260,
the end of the axle 260 is received within the receiving space
355s. The flange 355p limits how far the motorized wheel 300a can
be inserted onto the axle 260. When the motorized wheel 300a is
installed onto the axle 260, the inside portion 305i of the plug
305 extends into the axle 260 such that the plug 305 can engage the
socket 290. An outside portion 305o of the plug 305 can contact the
inside surface of the boss 355. In some embodiments, an inner
diameter of the boss 355 on the outside of the flange 355p is
greater than an inner diameter of the boss 355 on the inside of the
flange 355p. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the boss
355 is substantially equal on both sides of the flange 355p.
[0123] As shown, the outside portion 305o of the plug 305 can
include cutouts 305b. The cutouts 305b align with cutouts in the
boss 355 (not shown). The cutouts 305b in the plug 305 and the
cutouts in the boss 355 allow passage of wiring 391, tubing, or
other structures between the plug 305 and the interior of the
electric motor 301a. For example, wiring 391 from windings on the
stator 340 can be electrically connected to the plug 305 via the
cutouts 305b. In some embodiments, plug 305 can have one, two,
three, four, six, seven, eight, nine or more prongs 305a. The
prongs 305a can include spring portions 390b as described
above.
[0124] Other types of plugs 305 and sockets 290 can also be used.
In some embodiments, the plug 305 and socket 290 establish
connections for other services (e.g., fluid connections for cooling
fluids, lubricants, hydraulics, etc.) between the motorized wheel
300 and the axle 260. Thus, is some embodiments, the plug 305 and
socket 290 are configured to establish fluid connections between
the axle 260 and the electric motor 301a.
[0125] A portion 3551 of the boss 355 extends from the inside of
the electric motor 301a (in other words, extends away from the
electric motor 301a from the inner bell end 320 and the inner
bearing 325). The portion 3551 includes a groove 355b formed
therein. As will be described below, the groove 355b can be used to
retain the tire 370 onto the electric motor 301a.
[0126] As shown, a tire 370 is mounted on the electric motor 301a
such that the electric motor 301a drives the tire 370. In the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 14, the tire 370 and electric motor
301a are configured such that the tire 370 mounts from the inside
side of the motorized wheel 300a (in other words, from the same
side as the connection to the axle). Accordingly, the inner bell
end 320 can include cutouts that engage the dogs (similar to those
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) on the tire 370. The tire 370 can be
configured as described above, and can include a groove 376 and a
flange 376a. The tire 370 is inserted onto the electric motor 301a
until the flange 376a contacts the inner bell end 320. A retainer
330 then holds the tire 370 in place. The retainer 330 can be
configured as described above with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B,
except that it is positioned on the inside of the motorized wheel
300a.
[0127] The retainer 330 is held in place by a collar 337, which
presses a thrust bearing 332 into the retainer 330. The thrust
bearing 332 can be configured as described above with reference to
FIGS. 9A and 9B, except that it is positioned on the inside of the
motorized wheel 300a. The collar 337 includes a protrusion 337p.
The protrusion 337p engages the groove 355b on the boss 355 to
retain the collar 337 in place. The thrust bearing 332 allows the
retainer 330 to rotate with the tire 370, while the collar 337
remains stationary.
[0128] FIGS. 15A and 15B are outside and inside perspective views,
respectively, of another embodiment of a motorized wheel 300b. FIG.
15C is an exploded view of the motorized wheel 300b. In some
aspects, the motorized wheel 300b is similar to the motorized wheel
300 (FIGS. 8A and 8B) and the motorized wheel 300a (FIG. 14)
described above, with differences noted below. Description of some
features of the motorized wheel 300b that are substantially similar
to features of the motorized wheels 300, 300a will not be repeated
here, with understanding that the previous description of those
features with reference to the motorized wheels 300, 300a is
applicable to the substantially similar features of the motorized
wheel 300b.
[0129] The motorized wheel 300b includes a tire 370. The tire 370
is retained on an electric motor 301b (see the exploded view of
FIG. 3C) by a cap 380. An embodiment of the electric motor 301b is
shown in greater detail in FIGS. 16A-16C and described below. The
cap 380 can be a hubcap. The cap 380 can be secured to the electric
motor 301b by fasteners 381. The fasteners 381 can be mechanical
fasteners, such as bolt fasteners, screw fasteners, clasps, locks,
etc. In the illustrated embodiment, four bolts are shown, although
other numbers and types of fasteners 381 are possible. The
fasteners are inserted through corresponding openings 382 (see FIG.
3C) in the cap 380. In some embodiments, the fasteners 381 are
configured to be tightened or loosened with tool, such as a screw
driver, Allen wrench, wrench, or socket. In some embodiments, the
fasteners 381 are configured to be tightened or loosened by hand,
such as thumb screws, for example. In some embodiments, the
fasteners 381 are flush with an outside face of the cap 380 when
tightened. For example, heads of the fasteners 381 can be
countersunk into the outside face of the cap 380.
[0130] The cap 380 can be a substantially flat disc shape as shown
in FIG. 15C, although other shapes are possible. The cap 380
includes an outside face, an inside face, and a peripheral edge
385. The tire 370 can be configured as described above, and can
include a groove 376 and a flange 376a. When assembled, the cap 380
is received within the groove 376. The peripheral edge 385 can
contact the groove 376. A portion of the inside face of the cap 380
contacts the flange 376a to retain the tire 370 onto the electric
motor 301b. The tire 370 includes dogs 377 (or similar features,
such as pawls, bosses, protrusions, etc.). The dogs 377 on the tire
370 engage with corresponding cutouts 310a (or other similar
features) on the outer bell end 310 of the electric motor 301b.
This ensures that rotation of the electric motor 301b drives the
tire 370.
[0131] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 15A-15C, the tire 370
is configured to mount onto the electric motor 301b from the
outside side (in other words, from the side of motorized wheel 300b
opposite the connection to the axle). In some embodiments, the tire
370 can be configured to mount from the inside side of the
motorized wheel 300b (in other words, from the same side as the
connection to the axle). In such embodiments, the cutouts 310a
(that engage the dogs 377) and openings 310b (that receive the
fasteners 381 as described below) can be formed in the inner bell
end 320. The cap 380 can include an opening configured to allow the
axle to extend there through. In some embodiments, the cutouts 310a
and openings 310b are included on both the inner bell end 320 and
the outer bell end 310, such that the tire 370 can be mounted from
either side of the motorized wheel 300b.
[0132] As seen in FIG. 15C, the outer bell end 310 includes
openings 310b that are configured to receive the fasteners 381. The
openings 310b can be aligned with the openings 382 on the cap 380.
In some embodiments, the openings 310b are threaded to receive a
corresponding threaded portion on the fasteners 381. Accordingly,
the fasteners 381 extend through the openings 382 on the cap 380
and engage with the openings 310b on the outer bell end 310 to
secure the cap 380 to the outer bell end 310. The cap 380 engages
the tire 370 to secure the tire 370 to the electric motor 301b.
Also shown in FIG. 15C, the outer bearing 315 is received within a
corresponding opening in the outer bell end 310 and retained by a
retainer 398. The retainer 398 can include an engagement structure
398t for engaging a tool useable to remove the retainer 398. The
engagement structure 398t can be a recess. The recess can be
configured in size and shape to receive a portion of the tool. For
example, as illustrated, the engagement structure 398t is a
hex-shaped recess configured to receive an Allen wrench.
[0133] The inner bell end 320, the inner bearing 325, and a portion
3551 of the boss 355 of the electric motor 301b of the motorized
wheel 300b are shown in FIG. 15B. The inner bearing 325 and the
boss 355 can be substantially similar to corresponding features of
the motorized wheel 300a, previously described. A portion 3551 of
the boss 355 extends beyond the inner bell end 320 and the inner
bearing 325 (away from the electric motor 301b). As shown, the boss
355 can include an open end. The open end of the boss 355 is
configured to receive an axle 260 (shown, for example, in FIGS.
17A-17C) of a motorized vehicle, such that the motorized wheel 300b
can be mounted on the axle 260. The boss 355 will be described in
more detail below with reference to FIGS. 16A-16C and FIGS.
17A-17C.
[0134] As shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C, bearing removal openings
310c, 320c are formed in the outer bell end 310 and inner bell end
320, respectively, as described below, the bearing removal openings
310c, 320c are configured to facilitate removal of the bearings
315, 325.
[0135] An embodiment of an electric motor 301b that can be used,
for example, in the motorized wheel 300b described above (as well
as with other motorized wheels described throughout this
application or elsewhere), is shown in FIGS. 16A-16C. FIGS. 16A and
16B are outside and inside perspective views, respectively, and
FIG. 16C is a perspective cross-sectional view of the electric
motor 301b. In some aspects, the electric motor 301b is similar to
the electric motor 301 (FIGS. 8B and 10) described above, with
differences noted below. Description of some features of the
electric motor 301b that are substantially similar to features of
the electric motor 301 will not be repeated here, with
understanding that the previous description of those features with
reference to the electric motor 301 is applicable to the
substantially similar features of the electric motor 301b.
[0136] With reference to FIGS. 16A-16C, the electric motor 301b
comprises an outer casing that is formed by an outer bell end 310,
an outer surface of a rotor 350, and an inner bell end 320. The
outer casing surrounds a stator 340 (FIG. 16C). The stator 340 is
mounted on a boss 355. A portion 3551 of the boss 355 extends
beyond the inner bell end 320 (away from the electric motor 301b).
The boss 355 is configured to mount on an axle 260 that is itself
mounted in a hanger 240 (see for example, FIGS. 17A-17C). As will
be described below, the portion 3551 of the boss 355 may be
received within a receiving space 258 of the hanger 240 (see FIGS.
17A-17C). The boss 355 is further connected to the outer bell end
310 by an outer bearing 315. Similarly, the boss 355 is further
connected to the inner bell end 320 by an inner bearing 325. The
bearings 315, 325 allow the outer casing of the electric motor 301b
(in other words, the outer bell end 310, the rotor 350, and the
inner bell end 320) to rotate relative to the boss 355 and the
stator 340 (e.g., about the central axis 269). When the boss 355 is
attached to the axle 260 of the motorized skateboard 100, the
electric motor 301b can drive the tire 370, thus allowing the
motorized wheel 300b to propel the motorized skateboard 100.
[0137] As shown in FIG. 16C, the outer bearing 315 is received
within an opening in the outer bell end 310. A flange 310f is
formed on the outer bell end 310 and configured to limit inward
motion of the outer bearing 315. Thus, to install the outer bearing
315, the outer bearing 315 can be pressed into the corresponding
opening on the outer bell end 310 until it contacts the flange
310f. A retainer 398 can be used to secure the outer bearing 315.
The retainer 398 can include a flange 398f that limits outward
motion of the bearing 315. Thus, when the retainer 398 is installed
the bearing 315 is substantially constrained between the flange
398f of the retainer 398 and the flange 310f of the outer bell end
310. The outer end of the boss 355 can include a threaded portion
355e configured to engage with a corresponding threaded portion
398e of the retainer 398 to secure the retainer 398 to the boss
355. As noted previously, the retainer 398 also includes the
engagement recess 398 configured to engage a tool. The tool can be
used to tighten and loosen the retainer 398 to the boss 355. In
some embodiments, the retainer 398 can be tightened or loosened by
hand.
[0138] The inner bearing 325 is received within an opening in the
inner bell end 320. A flange 320f is formed on the inner bell end
320 and configured to limit inward motion of the inner bearing 325.
Thus, to install the inner bearing 325, the inner bearing 325 can
be pressed into the corresponding opening on the inner bell end 320
until it contacts the flange 320f. When the motorized wheel 300a is
installed on the axle 260, the inner bearing 325 can contact the
hanger 240. In some embodiments, the hanger 240 includes a flange
257 (see FIG. 17C) that contacts the inner bearing 325. The hanger
240 thus limits outward motion of the inner bearing 325. When
installed, the inner bearing 325 is thus substantially constrained
between the flange 320f of the inner bell end 320 and the flange
257 of the hanger 240.
[0139] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, bearing removal openings
310c, 320c are formed in the outer bell end 310 and inner bell end
320, respectively, as described below, the bearing removal openings
310c, 320c allow a tool to access and remove the bearings 315, 325.
For example, a tool can be inserted through the bearing removal
openings 310c, 320c and hooked around an inside edge of the
bearings 315, 325. The tool can then be used to pull the bearings
315, 325 from their corresponding openings in the outer bell end
310 and the inner bell end 320. In some embodiments, the outer
bearing 315 can only be removed when the retainer 398 is removed.
In some embodiments, the inner bearing 325 can only be removed when
the motorized wheel 300b is removed from the axle 260. These
features allow a user to remove and replace the bearings 315, 325
without requiring substantial tooling, and can allow even novice
users to perform the replacement themselves.
[0140] As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 16C, a plug 305
is positioned within the boss 355. The plug 305 is positioned to
engage and form an electrical connection (and/or other types of
connections as described above) with a socket 290 positioned within
the axle 260. In some embodiments, the plug 305 is pressed or glued
within the boss 355. In some embodiments, mechanical fasteners
(e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) can be used to retain the plug 305
within the boss 355. In some embodiments, the plug 305 can be
connected to the boss 355 by any suitable or known process or
processes, including permanent adhesive, thermal bonds, ultrasonic
bonds, spot welds, i.e., thermal weld points, a stitch or stitches,
strip welds, tacks formed by crimping, and/or press fit, shrink
fit, sliding fit, interference fit, and/or snap fit mechanisms,
including male and female parts (e.g., tongue-and-groove
corresponding parts), and the like, including any combination
thereof.
[0141] The boss 355 can be configured to receive the plug 305. As
shown, the boss 355 can be hollow, and the plug 305 can be
positioned within the hollow of the boss 355. In the illustrated
embodiment, the boss 355 includes a flange 355p projecting inwardly
from an inner surface of the boss 355. The flange 355p contacts the
plug 305. An inside portion 305i of the plug 305 extends beyond the
flange 355p toward the inner side of the electric motor 301b
(towards the inner bell end 320). The inside portion 305i of the
plug 305 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the boss 355. A
receiving space 355s is formed between the inner surface of the
boss 355, the flange 355p and the inside portion 305i of the plug
305. When the motorized wheel 300b is installed onto the axle 260,
the end of the axle 260 is received within the receiving space
355s. The flange 355p limits how far the motorized wheel 300b can
be inserted onto the axle 260. When the motorized wheel 300b is
installed onto the axle 260, the inside portion 305i of the plug
305 extends into the axle 260 such that the plug 305 can engage the
socket 290. An outside portion 305o of the plug 305 can contact the
inside surface of the boss 355. In some embodiments, an inner
diameter of the boss 355 on the outside of the flange 355p is
greater than an inner diameter of the boss 355 on the inside of the
flange 355p. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the boss
355 is substantially equal on both sides of the flange 355p. In
some embodiments, the flange 355p extends from the plug 305 rather
than the boss 355.
[0142] As shown, the outside portion 305o of the plug 305 can
include cutouts 305b. The cutouts 305b align with cutouts 355o in
the boss 355. The cutouts 305b in the plug 305 and the cutouts 355o
in the boss 355 allow passage of wiring 391, tubing, or other
structures between the plug 305 and the interior of the electric
motor 301b. For example, wiring 391 from windings on the stator 340
can be electrically connected to the plug 305 via the cutouts 305b,
355o. In some embodiments, plug 305 can have one, two, three, four,
six, seven, eight, nine or more prongs 305a. The prongs 305a can
include spring portions 390b as described above. Wiring 391
(illustrated by dashed lines) or other connection can be run
between the plug 305 and the interior of the electric motor 301b.
For example, as shown in FIG. 16C, wiring 391 connects the prongs
305a of the plug 305 to the windings on the stator 340.
[0143] Other types of plugs 305 and sockets 290 can also be used.
In some embodiments, the plug 305 and socket 290 establish
connections for other services (e.g., fluid connections for cooling
fluids, lubricants, hydraulics, etc.) between the motorized wheel
300b and the axle 260. Thus, is some embodiments, the plug 305 and
socket 290 are configured to establish fluid connections between
the axle 260 and the electric motor 301b.
[0144] As shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, a portion 3551 of the boss
355 extends from the inside of the electric motor 301b (in other
words, extends away from the electric motor 301b from the inner
bell end 320 and the inner bearing 325). As shown, the portion 3551
of the boss 355 can include a groove 355b formed in an outside or
outer surface of the portion 3551. In some embodiments, the groove
355b extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the boss 355. The portion 3551 can also include a projection
355a. The projection 355a extends from the inner surface of the
boss 355. In some embodiments, the projection 355a can be a pin,
guide, boss, etc. In some embodiments, the projection 355a is a
grub screw engaged with a hole in the boss 355. The grub screw can
be advanced such that a portion of the grub screw extends into the
hollow of the boss 355. The portion 3551 of the boss 355, the
groove 355b, and the projection 355a can form a part of a quick
connect system for the motorized wheel 300b as will be described
below.
[0145] FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hanger
and axle assembly 400. FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional perspective
view of the hanger and axle assembly 400, and FIG. 17C is a detail
view of one end of the hanger and axle assembly 400. In some
embodiments, the hanger and axle assembly 400 is configured for use
with the motorized wheel 300b (including the electric motor 301b)
described above (FIGS. 15A-16C), although use with other motorized
wheels (or non-motorized wheels) is possible. The hanger and axle
assembly 400 includes a hanger 240 and an axle 260.
[0146] In some aspects, the hanger 240 and axle 260 of the assembly
400 are similar to the hangers 240 and axles 260 described above,
with differences noted below. Description of some features of the
hanger 240 and axle 260 of the assembly 400 that are substantially
similar to features described above may not be repeated here, with
understanding that the previous description of those features is
applicable to the features of the hanger 240 and axle 260 of the
assembly 400.
[0147] The axle 260 is mounted to the hanger 240. The axle 260 is
received in an axle portion 244 of the hanger 240. In some
embodiments, the axle 260 may be pressed or glued into the axle
portion 244. In the illustrated embodiment, the axle 260 is hollow
and includes a channel 268 formed therein. The axle 260 and the
channel 268 can extend along a central axis (similar to the axis
269 shown in FIG. 5). Axle openings 261 in the wall of the axle 260
are aligned with channels 247 in the hanger 240. In the illustrated
embodiment, two axle openings 261 are included that align with the
two hanger channels 247. In some embodiments, only a single channel
247 and a single axle opening 261 are included. In some
embodiments, more than two channels 247 and axle openings 261 are
included.
[0148] A pivot portion 242 of the hanger 240 allows for resilient
connection between the hanger 240 and a truck 210 (for example, as
shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B) to allow for steering, as described
above. For example, the pivot portion 242 includes a pivot bushing
243. The pivot bushing 243 provides a pivot point between the pivot
portion 242 of the hanger 240 and the truck 210. A pivot tube 246
extends through the pivot portion 242 and the pivot bushing 243.
The pivot tube 246 is hollow. In some embodiments, the pivot tube
246 is rigid. In some embodiments, the pivot tube 246 is flexible.
Openings through the walls of the pivot tube 246 are connected to
channels 247 that extend through the hanger 240. In the illustrated
embodiment, a first channel 247 extends through the hanger 240 on a
first side of a kingpin opening 251, and a second channel 247
extends through the hanger 240 on a second side of the kingpin
opening 251. A recess 253 may extend into the hanger 240 around the
kingpin opening 251.
[0149] Similar to the hangers 240 and axles 260 previously
described (for example, with reference to FIGS. 3-6A), the hanger
240 and axle 260 of the assembly 400 are configured with a duct or
passageway 201 (illustrated with dashed lines in FIG. 17B) for
routing wiring, tubing, or other structures between an electric
vehicle and sockets 290 positioned within the hollow channel 268 of
the axle 260. The duct or passageway 201 can be formed by the pivot
tube 246, channels 247 of the hanger 240, and channel 268 of the
axle 260.
[0150] In some embodiments, the sockets 290 are pressed or glued
into the axle 260. In some embodiments, mechanical fasteners (e.g.,
bolts, screws, etc.) are used to fix the sockets 290 within the
axle 260. In some embodiments, the sockets 290 can be connected to
the axle 260 by any suitable or known process or processes,
including permanent adhesive, thermal bonds, ultrasonic bonds, spot
welds, i.e., thermal weld points, a stitch or stitches, strip
welds, tacks formed by crimping, and/or press fit, shrink fit,
sliding fit, interference fit, and/or snap fit mechanisms,
including male and female parts (e.g., tongue-and-groove
corresponding parts), and the like, including any combination
thereof. The sockets 290 are configured to mate with plugs 305 on
the motorized wheels 300b to establish an electrical (and/or other
type of) connection therebetween. The sockets 290 can be configured
to allow for quick release of the motorized wheels 300b such that
the connection between plug 305 and socket 290 is automatically
made when the motorized wheels 300b are installed on the axle
260.
[0151] The hanger and axle assembly 400 can include features for a
quick connect system for installing the motorized wheels 300b on
the axle 260. For example, as best seen in FIG. 17B, the hanger 240
includes a receiving space 258 surrounding the axle 260 at the
locations where the axle 260 extends outwardly from the hanger 240.
The receiving space 258 is configured to receive the portion 3551
of the boss 355 when the motorized wheel 300b is installed onto the
axle 260, that is, when the axle 260 is inserted into the hollow of
the boss 355. A flange 257 may surround the receiving space 258.
The flange 257 can contact the inner bearing 325 when the motorized
wheel 300b is installed on the axle 260. The hanger 240 also
includes bores 259 extending therethrough. The bores 259 partially
intersect the receiving space 258. The bores 259 are configured to
receive pins 405 (rods, screws, bolts, etc.). When each pin 405 is
inserted into the channels 268, a portion 405b of the pin 405 is
positioned within the receiving space 258 (see FIG. 17C). When the
motorized wheel 300b is installed on the axle 260, the portion 405b
of the pin 405 is partially received within the groove 355b in the
portion 3551 of the boss 355. Engagement between the pin 405b and
the groove 355b prevents the motorized wheel 300b from being
removed from the axle 260 until the pin 405b is removed.
[0152] In some embodiments a portion of the bores 259 and a portion
of the pins 405 are threaded, such that the pins 405 can be screwed
into the bores 259. The pins 405 can include a head portion 405a.
The head portion 405a can include features for engaging a tool
(such as a screw driver, Allen wrench, wrench, or socket) for
tightening and loosening the pins 405. In some embodiments, the
pins 405 are configured to be tightened and loosened by hand (for
example, thumb screws or similar).
[0153] In the illustrated embodiment, each end of the axle 260 also
includes a slot 267. The slot 267 can be configured to engage with
the projection 355a of the portion 3551 of the boss 355. In some
embodiments, engagement of the projection 355a with the slot 267
can ensure proper alignment between the plug 305 and the socket
290, by, for example, ensuring alignment between the prongs 305a
and the receptacles 290a. This can prevent an improper connection
between the plug 305 and the socket 290. Further, engagement of the
projection 355a with the slot 267 can ensure proper alignment
between the groove 355b and the pin 405.
[0154] Thus, the motorized wheel 300b can be retained on the axle
260 using the quick connect system. For example, the end of the
axle 260 is inserted into the hollow of the boss 355. To insert the
axle 260 into the hollow of the boss 355, the user can align the
projection 355a with the slot 267. Once aligned, the axle 260 can
be slid within the hollow of the boss 355, with the projection 355a
sliding along the slot 267. As the axle 260 is inserted into the
boss 355, prongs 305a of the plug 305 enter and establish a
connection with the receptacles 290a of the socket. Engagement
between the projection 305a and the slot 267 ensures that the plug
305 and socket 290 are properly aligned. As the axle 260 slides
into the boss 355, the portion 3551 of the boss 355 is received
within the receiving space 258. At the same time, the end of the
axle 260 is received within receiving space 355s within the boss
355. To retain the motorized wheel 300b on the axle 260, the pin
405 is inserted into the bore 259. The pin 405 engages the groove
355b. Engagement between the projection 355a and the slot 267
ensures that the pin 405 and the groove 355b are properly aligned.
The pin 405 can be tightened to secure the pin 405, thus retaining
the motorized wheel 300b on the axle.
[0155] To remove the motorized wheel 300b, the pin 405 is loosened
and removed. The motorized wheel 300b can then slide off the axle
260.
[0156] The color, embellishments, and exterior decoration of the
motorized wheel assemblies and motorized wheels are not relevant to
the function, and may be of any style the market desires.
[0157] Although, shown with the example of the skateboard 100, the
motorized wheel assemblies and motorized wheels described herein
can be also useful for other weight and/or space sensitive wheeled
sports applications, including road luge, roller skates, inline
skates, grass skiing, and small wheeled scooters, among others
types of vehicles. As used herein, a vehicle is a platform which
may be used for the transport of goods and/or people. Small wheeled
vehicles can include electric warehouse and factory cars, buggies,
autonomous vehicles, skateboards, scooters, roller skates and
street luge. Vehicles may be unpowered, for example, as in the case
of most skateboards, roller skates and street luge, or may have one
or more wheels driven by electric motors. Powered vehicles can
include electric vehicles, where the power supply is usually a
battery, and can also include vehicles such as slot cars, dodgem
cars, tracked vehicles and trams, where a sliding contact, often a
pantograph, is used to connect the vehicle to a fixed power supply
such as overhead electrified mesh, wire or rails. The motorized
skateboard 100 and/or motorized wheel assemblies and motorized
wheels may have beneficial application in last leg commuting
vehicles because it is both powered and lightweight. A last leg
commuting vehicle is one that can be hand carried, or slung from a
backpack, then used to transport the user from a train, plane,
tram, or other public transport system, to their final
destination.
[0158] It is contemplated that various combinations or sub
combinations of the specific features and aspects of the
embodiments disclosed above may be made and still fall within one
or more of the inventions. Further, the disclosure herein of any
particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic,
quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an
embodiment can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein.
Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and
aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or
substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the
disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the
present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the
particular disclosed embodiments described above. Moreover, while
the inventions are susceptible to various modifications, and
alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the
drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be
understood, however, that the inventions are not to be limited to
the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the
inventions are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various
embodiments described and the appended claims. Any methods
disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. The
methods disclosed herein include certain actions taken by a
practitioner; however, they can also include any third-party
instruction of those actions, either expressly or by implication.
For example, actions such as "passing a suspension line through the
base of the tongue" include "instructing the passing of a
suspension line through the base of the tongue." It is to be
understood that such depicted architectures are merely examples,
and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which
achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any
arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is
effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is
achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a
particular functionality can be seen as "associated with" each
other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective
of architectures or intermedial components. The ranges disclosed
herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and
combinations thereof. Language such as "up to," "at least,"
"greater than," "less than," "between," and the like includes the
number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as "approximately,"
"about," and "substantially" as used herein include the recited
numbers, and also represent an amount close to the stated amount
that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired
result. For example, the terms "approximately," "about," and
"substantially" may refer to an amount that is within less than 10%
of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less
than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.
Features of embodiments disclosed herein preceded by a term such as
"approximately," "about," and "substantially" as used herein
represent the feature with some variability that still performs a
desired function or achieves a desired result for that feature.
[0159] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0160] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms
(e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but
not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having
at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes
but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by
those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced
embodiment recitation is intended, such an intent will be
explicitly recited in the embodiment, and in the absence of such
recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to
understanding, the disclosure may contain usage of the introductory
phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce embodiment
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be
construed to imply that the introduction of an embodiment
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular embodiment containing such introduced embodiment
recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even
when the same embodiment includes the introductory phrases "one or
more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an"
(e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at
least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of
definite articles used to introduce embodiment recitations. In
addition, even if a specific number of an introduced embodiment
recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will
recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to
mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two
recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two
recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those
instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B,
and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in
the sense one having skill in the art would understand the
convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C"
would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances
where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc."
is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense
one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g.,
"a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not
be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the
art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting
two or more alternative terms, whether in the description,
embodiments, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the
possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms,
or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood
to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
[0161] Although the present subject matter has been described
herein in terms of certain embodiments, and certain exemplary
methods, it is to be understood that the scope of the subject
matter is not to be limited thereby. Instead, the Applicant intends
that variations on the methods and materials disclosed herein which
are apparent to those of skill in the art will fall within the
scope of the disclosed subject matter.
* * * * *