Personal mobility and method of controlling the same

By introducing a height adjustment device and image sensor into the personal mobile device to measure the user's body information, and combining it with a wireless communication module and control server, the inconvenience caused by the fixed height of the steering handle is solved, and automatic or manual adjustment according to the user's conditions is realized, thus improving the user experience.

CN114537574BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-13HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202111189868.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-11-26
Filing Date
2021-10-12
Publication Date
2026-02-13
Estimated Expiration
2041-10-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The steering handle of existing personal mobility devices has a fixed height, which cannot adapt to the different body conditions of users, resulting in inconvenience in use.

Method used

By measuring the user's body information through a height adjustment device and image sensor, and combining it with a wireless communication module and control server, the height of the steering handle can be automatically or manually adjusted to suit the user's body conditions.

Benefits of technology

It enables automatic or manual adjustment of the steering handle height based on the user's physical condition, improving user comfort and safety.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a personal mobility and a control method thereof. The personal mobility includes a height adjusting device configured to adjust a height of a steering handle, an image sensor configured to measure user body information, and a controller configured to control the height adjusting device to adjust the height of the steering handle based on the user body information measured by the image sensor.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a personal mobility and a control method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] Recently, a sharing service using a personal mobility, such as an electric bicycle and an electric scooter, has been developed. The reason for this is because when a vehicle moves too close but walking is difficult to move, a user can move conveniently without difficulty by using an electric bicycle or the like.

[0003] However, in a typical personal mobility, the height of a steering handle is fixed in consideration of an average height of a user, and the physical condition of a user who rents a personal mobility is diverse. Therefore, for a relatively tall or short user, it can be inconvenient to rent and use a personal mobility. SUMMARY

[0004] The disclosure relates to a personal mobility and a control method thereof. Embodiments relate to a personal mobility having a steering handle height adjustment function and a control method thereof.

[0005] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a personal mobility capable of adjusting the height of a steering handle according to the physical condition of a user and a control method thereof.

[0006] Additional embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or can be learned by practice of the disclosure.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a personal mobility includes a height adjustment device configured to adjust the height of a steering handle, an image sensor configured to measure user body information, and a controller configured to control the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the steering handle based on the user body information measured by the image sensor.

[0008] When the user body information is transmitted from the control server by authentication, the controller can control the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the steering handle according to the transmitted user body information.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a personal mobility includes a height adjustment device configured to adjust the height of a steering handle, a wireless communication module configured to communicate with a control server through a wireless network, and a controller configured to control the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the steering handle according to user body information transmitted from the control server by authentication.

[0010] The height adjustment device can include a lower steering shaft connected to a front wheel side, an upper steering shaft disposed above the lower steering shaft to enable lifting and lowering and having an upper end connected to a steering handle, and a lifting driving device installed at a connection portion between the lower steering shaft and the upper steering shaft to raise and lower the upper steering shaft.

[0011] The lifting driving device can include a lifting screw shaft located in the upper steering shaft to be screwed to the upper steering shaft, and a lifting motor installed on the lower steering shaft to rotate the lifting screw shaft in a forward or rearward direction.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a control method of a personal mobility including a height adjustment device for adjusting a height of a steering handle and an image sensor for measuring user body information includes determining whether a user is authenticated, measuring user body information with the image sensor when the user is authenticated, and controlling the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the steering handle based on the user body information measured by the image sensor.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a control method of a personal mobility including a height adjustment device for adjusting a height of a steering handle and a wireless communication module disposed to communicate with a control server through a wireless network includes determining whether a user is authenticated by communicating with the control server, determining whether user body information input by the user exists when it is determined that the user is authenticated, and controlling the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the steering handle according to the user body information input by the user when the user body information input by the user exists.

[0014] The personal mobility can further include an image sensor for measuring user body information, and the determining whether user body information input by the user exists can include measuring user body information with the image sensor when the user body information input by the user does not exist, and controlling the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the steering handle according to the user body information measured by the image sensor.

[0015] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a personal mobility includes a lower steering shaft connected to a front wheel side, an upper steering shaft having a lower side connected to the lower steering shaft and an upper side connected to a steering handle, and a height adjustment device configured to rotatably connect a lower end of the upper steering shaft to an upper end of the lower steering shaft, the height adjustment device allowing rotation of the upper steering shaft or restricting rotation of the upper steering shaft to adjust a height of the steering handle.

[0016] The height adjustment device can include a first rotary connection part provided on one of the lower steering shaft and the upper steering shaft, a second rotary connection part provided on the other of the lower steering shaft and the upper steering shaft and having one side surface in contact with a side surface of the first rotary connection part, a connection shaft provided to rotatably fasten the first rotary connection part and the second rotary connection part and having an axis line intersecting an axis line of the lower steering shaft, a plurality of locking balls inserted between the first rotary connection part and the second rotary connection part, a plurality of suppression grooves formed in a hemispherical shape on the side surface of the first rotary connection part to respectively accommodate and suppress a portion of the plurality of locking balls, a plurality of ball accommodation grooves formed at positions on the second rotary connection part corresponding to the plurality of suppression grooves to respectively accommodate the plurality of locking balls movable forward and backward, a plurality of pressing springs installed in the plurality of ball accommodation grooves to respectively press the plurality of locking balls toward the plurality of suppression grooves, a plurality of pressing pins installed in the first rotary connection part to respectively push and move the plurality of locking balls located in the plurality of suppression grooves toward the plurality of ball accommodation grooves, the plurality of pressing pins having one end portion extending to the outside of the first rotary connection part, and a pressing member coupled to the end portions of the plurality of pressing pins.

[0017] The height adjustment device can include a first rotary connection part provided on one of the lower steering shaft and the upper steering shaft, a second rotary connection part provided on the other of the lower steering shaft and the upper steering shaft and having one side surface in contact with a side surface of the first rotary connection part, a connection shaft provided to rotatably fasten the first rotary connection part and the second rotary connection part and having an axis line intersecting an axis line of the lower steering shaft, a circular fluid accommodation groove formed on the side surface of the first rotary connection part so that the circular fluid accommodation groove is open to one side of the side surface of the second rotary connection part and has a center coinciding with a center of the connection shaft, a magnetorheological (MR) fluid accommodated in the circular fluid accommodation groove, a plurality of protrusions protruding from the second rotary connection part to enter the circular fluid accommodation groove, and an excitation coil provided on the first rotary connection part to provide a magnetic field to the MR fluid.

[0018] When power is applied to the excitation coil to generate a magnetic field, the MR fluid can become a solid property to restrict movement of the plurality of protrusions.

[0019] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a personal mobility includes a guide rail fixed to an upper portion of a steering shaft and having a sliding groove formed in a vertical direction, a lifting member coupled to the guide rail to ascend and descend along the sliding groove, a steering handle extending to opposite sides of the lifting member in a state of penetrating the lifting member in a lateral direction to be rotatably supported on the lifting member, a plurality of locking grooves formed on an inner surface of the sliding groove in contact with a side surface of the lifting member to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, a cam groove formed on an outer surface of the steering handle inside the lifting member, a locking member installed on the lifting member to be forwardly and rearwardly movable to be clamped in one of the plurality of locking grooves and having one end in contact with the cam groove, the locking member being moved forwardly and rearwardly by rotation of the steering handle, a first return spring installed outside the locking member to move the locking member toward the steering handle, and a second return spring installed between the lifting member and the steering handle to rotate the steering handle in a direction protruding from the locking member.

[0020] The personal mobility can further include a first traction spring disposed to connect an upper side of the guide rail and the lifting member to pull the lifting member upward, and a second traction spring disposed to connect a lower side of the guide rail and the lifting member to pull the lifting member downward. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] These and / or other features of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A personal mobility according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a height adjustment device of a personal mobility according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 is a control block diagram of a personal mobility according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figures 4 to 6 is a flowchart of a control method of a personal mobility according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 7 A personal mobility according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a height adjustment device of a personal mobility according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 9is a cross-sectional view of the height adjustment device of the personal mobility according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which the upper turning shaft is suppressed;

[0029] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the height adjustment device of the personal mobility according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which suppression of the upper turning shaft is released to enable height adjustment;

[0030] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the height adjustment device of the personal mobility according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the height adjustment device of the personal mobility according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 13 shows a personal mobility according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the height adjustment device of the personal mobility according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which the upward and downward movement of the turning handle is suppressed;

[0034] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the height adjustment device of the personal mobility according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which the upward and downward movement of the turning handle is enabled; and

[0035] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing a cam groove, a locking member, a first return spring, and a second return spring in the height adjustment device of the personal mobility according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are provided by way of example so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the spirit of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below, but can be embodied in other forms. In order to clearly explain the present disclosure, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted from the drawings, and for convenience, the width, length, thickness, etc. of components can be exaggerated.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The personal mobility 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can include a main body 110, a turning device 120 provided at the front of the main body 110, a front wheel 130 mounted at the lower end of the turning device 120, and a rear wheel 140 mounted at the rear end of the main body 110.

[0038] The front wheel 130 and the rear wheel 140 can each include a wheel driving motor 131 and 141 for driving and a brake device for braking. The main body 110 can include a battery for supplying electric power to the wheel driving motors 131 and 141 of the front wheel 130 and the rear wheel 140.

[0039] The steering device 120 includes a steering handle 121 extending in a lateral direction and a height adjustment device 150 capable of adjusting the height of the steering handle 121. The height adjustment device 150 includes a lower steering shaft 151 rotatably mounted at the front end of the main body 110 and connected to the front wheel 130 side, an upper steering shaft 152 disposed above the lower steering shaft 151 so as to be capable of ascending and descending and having an upper end connected to the steering handle 121, and an ascending and descending driving device 153 mounted at a connection portion of the lower steering shaft 151 and the upper steering shaft 152 to ascend and descend the upper steering shaft.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2 , the ascending and descending driving device 153 includes an ascending and descending screw shaft 153a located inside the upper steering shaft 152 to be screwed to the upper steering shaft 152 and an ascending and descending motor 153b fixed to the lower steering shaft 151 to rotate the ascending and descending screw shaft 153a in a forward or rearward direction. The upper steering shaft 152 can be mounted so that a lower portion of the upper steering shaft 152 enters the inside of a cylindrical housing 153c fixed to the upper side of the lower steering shaft 151 and can be mounted to ascend and descend in the cylindrical housing 153c in a state of restricting the rotation of the upper steering shaft 152.

[0041] The ascending and descending driving device 153 can ascend or descend the upper steering shaft 152 by rotating the ascending and descending screw shaft 153a in the forward or rearward direction by the operation of the ascending and descending motor 153b, so that the height of the steering handle 121 can be adjusted.

[0042] Referring to Figure 3 , the personal mobility 100 of the first embodiment can include a wireless communication module 161, an operation member 162, an image sensor 163, and a controller 164.

[0043] The wireless communication module 161 can communicate with a control server 166 through a wireless network. The wireless communication module 161 can transmit information transmitted from the control server 166 to the controller 164 or can transmit information from the controller 164 to the control server 166.

[0044] A user who wants to rent and use the personal mobility 100 can request user authentication from the control server 166 through a user terminal 167, and the control server 166 can transmit information on whether to use authentication to the controller 164 of the corresponding personal mobility 100 in consideration of member information, payment information, etc.

[0045] The user can input user body information such as the user's height and weight to the user terminal 167 and transmit the user body information to the control server 166, and the controller 164 can control the operation of the height adjustment device 150 to adjust the height of the steering handle 121 according to the user body information transmitted from the control server 166. The user terminal 167 can be a smart phone installed with a service application (APP) or various mobile terminals capable of wireless communication.

[0046] The operation member 162 can be provided on the steering handle 121 or the like and transmit information input by the user's manipulation to the controller 164. The user can control the overall operation of the personal mobility 100 by manipulating the operation member 162.

[0047] The image sensor 163 can measure user body information by photographing the entire body of the user when the use of the personal mobility 100 is authenticated. As Figure 1 shown, the image sensor 163 can be provided on the steering handle 121 to easily photograph the entire body of the user.

[0048] The controller 164 can control the operation of the height adjustment device 150 to adjust the height of the steering handle 121 according to body information such as the height measured by the image sensor 163. In addition, the controller 164 can control the operation of the wheel driving motors 131 and 141 and the brake device related to the driving of the personal mobility 100.

[0049] Hereinafter, a control method of the personal mobility 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Figures 4 to 6 .

[0050] Referring to Figure 4 , in the personal mobility 100 of the first embodiment, the image sensor 163 can measure user body information and adjust the height of the steering handle 121 according to the measured user body information. In this case, the controller 164 determines whether the user is authenticated (171), and when it is determined that the user is authenticated, controls the image sensor 163 to measure user body information such as the user's height (172).

[0051] Thereafter, the controller 164 controls the operation of the height adjustment device 150 to adjust the height of the steering handle 121 according to the user body information measured by the image sensor 163 (173). In the process 173, the controller 164 can determine whether the height of the steering handle 121 is appropriate by comparing the information measured by the image sensor 163 with the data stored therein, and control the height adjustment device 150 to appropriately adjust the height of the steering handle 121 in consideration of the user's body condition.

[0052] Figure 5 is a modification example of the control method. Referring to Figure 5 In the personal mobility 100 of the first embodiment, when the user inputs user body information such as height through the user terminal 167, the height of the steering handle 121 can be adjusted in accordance with the input user body information. In this case, the controller 164 determines whether the user is authenticated (181), and when it is determined that the user is authenticated, it is determined whether there is an input of user body information (182). That is, in the process 182, the controller 164 determines whether there is user body information in the information transmitted from the control server 166 (182).

[0053] When it is determined in the process 182 that there is user body information input by the user, the controller 164 controls the height adjustment device 150 to adjust the height of the steering handle 121 in accordance with the user body information input by the user (183).

[0054] When it is determined in the process 182 that there is no user body information input by the user, the controller 164 controls the image sensor 163 to measure user body information such as the height of the user (184), and controls the height adjustment device 150 to adjust the height of the steering handle 121 in accordance with the user body information measured by the image sensor 163 (185).

[0055] Figure 6 is another modification example of the control method. Referring to Figure 6 In the personal mobility 100 of the first embodiment, in a state where the measurement by the image sensor 163 is excluded, the height of the steering handle 121 can be adjusted only with the user body information input by the user into the user terminal 167. In this case, the controller 164 determines whether the user is authenticated (191), and when it is determined that the user is authenticated, it is determined whether there is an input of user body information (192).

[0056] When it is determined in the process 192 that there is user body information input by the user, the controller 164 controls the height adjustment device 150 to adjust the height of the steering handle 121 in accordance with the user body information input by the user (193). When it is determined in the process 192 that there is no user body information input by the user, the controller 164 controls to keep the height of the steering handle 121 unchanged (194).

[0057] Therefore, because the height of the steering handle 121 is automatically adjusted in accordance with the body condition of the user, the personal mobility 100 according to the first embodiment can be used safely and conveniently.

[0058] Figures 7 to 10 A personal mobility 200 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1, a personal mobility 100 according to a first embodiment includes a lower steering shaft 122 connected to a front wheel 130 side, an upper steering shaft 123 having a lower side connected to the lower steering shaft 122 and an upper side connected to a steering handle 121, and a height adjustment device 150 provided on a connection portion of the upper steering shaft 123 and the lower steering shaft 122 for adjusting a height of the steering handle 121. Figure 7

[0060] The height adjustment device 150 rotatably connects a lower end of the upper steering shaft 123 to an upper end of the lower steering shaft 122 and can adjust the height of the steering handle 121 by rotating the upper steering shaft 123 upward and downward by a manual operation of a user.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, the height adjustment device 150 can include a first rotation connection portion 151, a second rotation connection portion 152, a connection shaft 153, a plurality of locking balls 154, a plurality of suppression grooves 155, a plurality of ball accommodation grooves 156, a plurality of pressing springs 157, a plurality of pressing pins 158, and a pressing member 159. Figures 8 to 10

[0062] The first rotation connection portion 151 can be provided in a substantially disc shape and connected to the lower end of the upper steering shaft 123. Similarly to the first rotation connection portion 151, the second rotation connection portion 152 can be provided in a disc shape and connected to the upper end of the lower steering shaft 122. The second rotation connection portion 152 is mounted such that one side surface of the second rotation connection portion 152 is in contact with a side surface of the first rotation connection portion 151.

[0063] The connection shaft 153 is fastened to the center penetrating the first rotation connection portion 151 and the second rotation connection portion 152 to rotatably connect the first rotation connection portion 151 and the second rotation connection portion 152. An axis direction of the connection shaft 153 intersects with an axis direction of the lower steering shaft 122. The connection shaft 153 can include a conventional bolt and nut.

[0064] The plurality of locking balls 154 are inserted between the first rotation connection portion 151 and the second rotation connection portion 152 and provided to be spaced apart from each other in a rotation direction.

[0065] The plurality of suppression grooves 155 are formed in a hemispherical shape on the side surface of the first rotation connection portion 151 to respectively accommodate and suppress one half of the plurality of locking balls 154. Each of the plurality of ball accommodation grooves 156 is formed to be recessed from the side surface of the second rotation connection portion 152 at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of suppression grooves 155 and to accommodate each of the plurality of locking balls 154 which is movable forward and backward in the axis direction of the connection shaft 153.

[0066] ​​Each of the plurality of pressing springs 257 is mounted in each of the plurality of ball receiving slots 256 to press each of the plurality of locking balls 254 contained in each of the plurality of ball receiving slots 256 toward each of the plurality of inhibiting slots 255.

[0067] A plurality of pressing pins 258 are mounted in the first rotary connection 251 to push and move a locking ball 254 located in a restraining groove 255 toward the ball receiving groove 256 and have one end extending to the outside of the first rotary connection 251. Each of the plurality of pressing pins 258 is mounted to enter from each of the plurality of restraining grooves 255 and protrude to the outer surface of the first rotary connection 251. Each of the plurality of pressing pins 258 includes a locking portion 258a formed at one end to be held in each of the plurality of restraining grooves 255 and a helical fastening portion 258b formed at the opposite end to be fastened to the pressing member 259.

[0068] The pressing member 259 is fastened to a helical fastening portion 258b of a plurality of pressing pins 258 extending outward from the first rotary connection portion 251. The pressing member 259 can simultaneously press the plurality of pressing pins 258 to move a plurality of locking balls 254 from a plurality of inhibition grooves 255 to a plurality of ball receiving grooves 256.

[0069] The second embodiment illustrates the following situation: the first rotary connecting portion 251 is connected to the upper steering shaft 223, and the second rotary connecting portion 252 is connected to the lower steering shaft 222, but the positions of the first rotary connecting portion 251 and the second rotary connecting portion 252 can be interchanged. That is, the first rotary connecting portion 251 can be connected to the lower steering shaft 222, and the second rotary connecting portion 252 can be connected to the upper steering shaft 223.

[0070] like Figure 9 As shown, in the height adjustment device 250 of the second embodiment, because the pressing spring 257 normally presses the locking ball 254 towards the inhibition groove 255, the locking ball 254 enters the inhibition groove 255 to maintain the clamped state. Therefore, in Figure 9 In this state, the rotation of the upper steering shaft 223 is restricted.

[0071] like Figure 10 As shown, when the user is Figure 9 When adjusting the height of the steering handle 221 in the specified state, the user presses the pressing member 259 from the side to push the pressing pin 258 inward, causing the locking ball 254 to separate from the inhibition groove 255. Therefore, the first rotary connection 251 is rotatable relative to the second rotary connection 252, allowing the user to adjust the height by rotating the steering handle 221 up and down.

[0072] When the user releases the pressing of the pressing member 259 after adjusting the height of the steering handle 221, as shown in FIG. 6B, the plurality of locking balls 254 respectively enter the plurality of suppression grooves 255, and the rotation of the upper steering shaft 223 is restricted. Accordingly, the steering handle 221 can be maintained in the height-adjusted state. Figure 10

[0073] Figure 11 Figure 12 A height adjustment device 350 of a personal mobility according to a third embodiment is shown. The height adjustment device 350 of the third embodiment can also be provided at the same position as the height adjustment device 250 of the second embodiment.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 7A, the height adjustment device 350 of the third embodiment can include a first rotary connecting portion 351, a second rotary connecting portion 352, a connecting shaft 353, a fluid containing groove 354, a magnetorheological (MR) fluid 355, a plurality of protrusions 356, and an excitation coil 357. Figure 11 Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 7A, the height adjustment device 350 of the third embodiment can include a first rotary connecting portion 351, a second rotary connecting portion 352, a connecting shaft 353, a fluid containing groove 354, a magnetorheological (MR) fluid 355, a plurality of protrusions 356, and an excitation coil 357.

[0075] The first rotary connecting portion 351 can be provided in a substantially disc shape and connected to the lower end of the upper steering shaft 223. Similarly to the first rotary connecting portion 351, the second rotary connecting portion 352 can be provided in a disc shape and connected to the upper end of the lower steering shaft 222. The second rotary connecting portion 352 is mounted such that one side surface of the second rotary connecting portion 352 is in contact with a side surface of the first rotary connecting portion 351.

[0076] The connecting shaft 353 is fastened to the center penetrating the first rotary connecting portion 351 and the second rotary connecting portion 352 to rotatably connect the first rotary connecting portion 351 and the second rotary connecting portion 352. The axis direction of the connecting shaft 353 intersects with the axis direction of the lower steering shaft 222.

[0077] The fluid containing groove 354 is formed on the side surface of the first rotary connecting portion 351 such that one side facing the side surface of the second rotary connecting portion 352 is open. The fluid containing groove 354 is provided in the form of a circular groove whose center coincides with the center of the connecting shaft 353, around the connecting shaft 353.

[0078] The MR fluid 355 is filled in the fluid containing groove 354. The MR fluid 355 is a solution in which magnetic particles such as fine iron powder are contained in silicon oil or mineral oil. When a magnetic field is applied, the MR fluid 355 becomes a solid property due to the arrangement of the magnetic particles in the direction of the magnetic field, and when the magnetic field is released, the MR fluid 355 becomes a fluid property due to the irregular dispersion of the magnetic particles.

[0079] ​​​A sealing member 358 for preventing the MR fluid 355 from leaking can be installed between the first rotary connecting part 351 and the second rotary connecting part 352.

[0080] A plurality of protrusions 356 protrude from the second rotary connecting part 352 to enter the fluid containing groove 354. Because the plurality of protrusions 356 are in a state of entering the fluid containing groove 354 filled with the MR fluid 355, when the MR fluid 355 becomes a solid property, the rotation of the first rotary connecting part 351 is restricted.

[0081] An excitation coil 357 can be provided around the fluid containing groove 354 of the first rotary connecting part 351 to provide a magnetic field to the MR fluid 355. The excitation coil 357 can provide a magnetic field to the MR fluid 355 when power is applied, such that the MR fluid 355 becomes a solid property. A user can apply or release power to the excitation coil 357 by manipulating a switch that applies power to the excitation coil 357.

[0082] The height adjustment device 350 of the third embodiment can provide a magnetic field to the MR fluid 355 by normally applying power to the excitation coil 357, and by this, the plurality of protrusions 356 can be restrained by the solidified MR fluid 355. Therefore, in this state, the rotation of the upper steering shaft 223 is restricted.

[0083] When a user wants to adjust the height of the steering handle 221, the user manipulates the switch to release the applied power to the excitation coil 357, such that the MR fluid 355 can become a fluid property. Therefore, because the first rotary connecting part 351 is in a rotatable state with respect to the second rotary connecting part 352, the user can adjust the height by rotating the steering handle 221 upward and downward.

[0084] The third embodiment exemplifies a case where the first rotary connecting part 351 is connected to the upper steering shaft 223 and the second rotary connecting part 352 is connected to the lower steering shaft 222, but the positions of the first rotary connecting part 351 and the second rotary connecting part 352 can be interchanged. That is, the first rotary connecting part 351 can be connected to the lower steering shaft 222 and the second rotary connecting part 352 can be connected to the upper steering shaft 223.

[0085] Figures 13 to 16 A personal mobility 400 according to a fourth embodiment is illustrated.

[0086] In the personal mobility 400 of the fourth embodiment, a height adjustment device 450 is provided at an upper portion of a steering shaft 420. The height adjustment device 450 supports a steering handle 421 and at the same time allows vertical movement of the steering handle 421 when it is necessary to adjust the height of the steering handle 421.

[0087] ReferenceFigures 14 to 16 The height adjustment device 450 of the fourth embodiment can include a guide rail 451, a lifting member 452, a plurality of locking grooves 453, a cam groove 454, a locking member 455, a first return spring 456, a second return spring 457, a first traction spring 458, and a second traction spring 459.

[0088] The guide rail 451 is fixed to the upper end of the steering shaft 420 and extends upward from the upper end of the steering shaft 420. A sliding groove 451a extending in the vertical direction is provided inside the guide rail 451, and a vertically elongated slot 451b is provided at opposite sides of the guide rail 451 for the installation and lifting of the steering handle 421.

[0089] The lifting member 452 is coupled to the sliding groove 451a of the guide rail 451 and can be raised and lowered along the sliding groove 451a. The lifting member 452 can be provided in a substantially hexahedral shape and has a handle coupling hole 452a through which the steering handle 421 penetrates in the lateral direction.

[0090] The steering handle 421 is coupled to the handle coupling hole 452a of the lifting member 452. In a state of penetrating the lifting member 452 in the lateral direction, the steering handle 421 extends to the opposite side of the lifting member 452 to be rotatably supported in the handle coupling hole 452a of the lifting member 452. The steering handle 421 can be supported on the lifting member 452 not to be separated in the lateral direction and can be raised and lowered together with the lifting member 452.

[0091] The plurality of locking grooves 453 are formed on the inner surface of the sliding groove 451a in contact with the side surface of the lifting member 452 and are arranged in the vertical direction in a state of being spaced apart from each other.

[0092] The cam groove 454 is formed on the outer surface of the steering handle 421 inside the lifting member 452. The cam groove 454 can be provided in a form in which the depth gradually increases from the surface of the steering handle 421 in the rotational direction.

[0093] The locking member 455 is installed to be movable forward and backward on the lifting member 452 and can protrude toward the plurality of locking grooves 453 to be clamped in one of the plurality of locking grooves 453. The locking member 455 has one end in contact with the cam groove 454 and the other end extending toward the locking groove 453. Since the locking member 455 maintains a state of being in contact with the cam groove 454, when the user rotates the steering handle 421, the locking member 455 can be moved forward and backward to be clamped in or released from the locking groove 453.

[0094] A first return spring 456 is installed outside the locking member 455 inside the lifting member 452. The first return spring 456 moves the locking member 455 toward the steering handle 421 in which the cam groove 454 is located.

[0095] A second return spring 457 is installed between the steering handle 421 on the opposite side of the lifting member 452 and the locking member 455. The second return spring 457 can be provided so that one end thereof is supported in a state of being accommodated in a first spring groove 421a formed on an outer surface of the steering handle 421 and the other end thereof is supported in a state of being accommodated in a second spring groove 452b formed on the lifting member 452. The second return spring 457 can include a compression coil spring, and can rotate the steering handle 421 in a direction in which the locking member 455 protrudes to maintain the locking member 455 in a state of being clamped in the locking groove 453.

[0096] A first traction spring 458 connects the upper side of the guide rail 451 and the lifting member 452 to pull the lifting member 452 upward. A second traction spring 459 connects the lower side of the guide rail 451 and the lifting member 452 to pull the lifting member 452 downward. Accordingly, since the lifting member 452 is provided so that the upper side thereof is supported by the first traction spring 458 and the lower side thereof is supported by the second traction spring 459, the user can smoothly move the steering handle 421 upward and downward.

[0097] As Figure 14 shown, in the height adjustment device 450 of the fourth embodiment, since the second return spring 457 rotates the steering handle 421 counterclockwise to protrude the locking member 455 to be clamped in the locking groove 453, the lifting member 452 does not move upward and downward. Accordingly, the steering handle 421 does not move upward and downward in a state of Figure 14 .

[0098] When the user wants to adjust the height of the steering handle 421 in a state of Figure 14 , as Figure 15 shown, the user rotates the steering handle 421 clockwise. By so doing, the locking member 455 is released as the locking member 455 enters the inside of the lifting member 452 by the elastic force of the first return spring 456. Accordingly, the user can adjust the height of the steering handle 421 by moving the steering handle 421 upward or downward in this state.

[0099] When the user wants to adjust the height of the steering handle 421 in a state of Figure 15When the steering handle 421 is released after the height of the steering handle 421 is adjusted in the state, the steering handle 421 is rotated again (counterclockwise) to the original state by the elastic force of the second return spring 457, so that the locking member 455 enters the locking groove 453 to be clamped in the locking groove 453, as shown in FIG. 4C. Thus, the steering handle 421 can maintain the height adjustment state. Figure 14

[0100] As is apparent from the above, the personal mobility according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can easily adjust the height of the steering handle according to the physical condition of the user.

[0101] Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to particular embodiments, it will be apparent that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to these specific embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.​

Claims

1. A personal mobility comprising: a height adjustment device configured to adjust a height of a steering handle; an image sensor configured to measure user body information; and a controller configured to compare a height of a user included in the user body information measured by the image sensor with internally stored data to determine a height of the steering handle corresponding to the user, and to control the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the steering handle based on a result of the determination.

2. The personal mobility device of claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to control the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the steering handle based on additional user body information transmitted from a control server through authentication.

3. The personal mobility device of claim 1, wherein, The height adjustment device comprises: a lower steering shaft connected to a front wheel side; an upper steering shaft disposed above the lower steering shaft and configured to be liftable and lowerable, the upper steering shaft having an upper end connected to the steering handle; and a lift driving device installed at a connection portion between the lower steering shaft and the upper steering shaft, the lift driving device being configured to lift and lower the upper steering shaft.

4. The personal mobility device of claim 3, wherein, The lift driving device comprises: a lift screw shaft located in the upper steering shaft and configured to screw into the upper steering shaft; and a lift motor installed on the lower steering shaft and configured to rotate the lift screw shaft in a forward or rearward direction. 5.A personal mobility comprising: a height adjustment device configured to adjust a height of a steering handle; a wireless communication module configured to communicate with a control server through a wireless network; and a controller configured to compare a height of a user included in user body information transmitted from the control server through authentication with internally stored data to determine a height of the steering handle corresponding to the user, and to control the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the steering handle based on a result of the determination.

6. The personal mobility of claim 5, wherein The height adjustment device comprises: a lower steering shaft connected to a front wheel side; an upper steering shaft disposed above the lower steering shaft and configured to be liftable and lowerable, the upper steering shaft having an upper end connected to the steering handle; and a lift driving device installed at a connection portion between the lower steering shaft and the upper steering shaft and configured to lift and lower the upper steering shaft.

7. The personal mobility device of claim 6, wherein The lift driving device comprises: a lift screw shaft located in the upper steering shaft and configured to screw into the upper steering shaft; and a lift motor installed on the lower steering shaft and configured to rotate the lift screw shaft in a forward or rearward direction. 8.A control method of a personal mobility including a height adjustment device for adjusting a height of a steering handle and an image sensor for measuring user body information, the control method comprising the steps of: determining whether a user is authenticated; when the user is authenticated, measuring the user body information with the image sensor; comparing a height of the user included in the user body information measured by the image sensor with internally stored data to determine a height of the steering handle corresponding to the user; and controlling the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the steering handle based on a result of the determination. controlling the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the handlebar based on a result of the determining. 9.A control method of a personal mobility including a height adjustment device for adjusting a height of a handlebar and a wireless communication module configured to communicate with a control server through a wireless network, the control method comprising the steps of: determining whether a user is authenticated by communicating with the control server; when it is determined that the user is authenticated, determining whether user body information input by the user is present; comparing a height of the user included in the user body information input by the user with internally stored data to determine a height of the handlebar corresponding to the user; and controlling the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the handlebar based on a result of the determining.

10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein The personal mobility further includes an image sensor for measuring a body of the user.

11. The control method of claim 10, further comprising the step of: when it is determined that the user body information input by the user is not present, measuring the body of the user with the image sensor.

12. The control method of claim 11, further comprising the step of: when it is determined that the user body information input by the user is not present, controlling the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the handlebar based on the body of the user measured by the image sensor. 13.A personal mobility comprising: a lower steering shaft connected to a front wheel side; an upper steering shaft having a lower side connected to the lower steering shaft and an upper side connected to a handlebar; a height adjustment device rotatably connecting a lower end of the upper steering shaft to an upper end of the lower steering shaft, the height adjustment device being configured to allow or restrict rotation of the upper steering shaft to adjust a height of the handlebar; and a controller configured to compare a height of a user with internally stored data to determine a height of the handlebar corresponding to the user, and to control the height adjustment device to adjust the height of the handlebar based on a result of the determining.

14. The personal mobility of claim 13, wherein The height adjustment device includes: a first rotation connecting portion provided on one of the lower steering shaft and the upper steering shaft; a second rotation connecting portion provided on the other of the lower steering shaft and the upper steering shaft and having one side surface in contact with a side surface of the first rotation connecting portion; a connecting shaft provided to rotatably fasten the first rotation connecting portion and the second rotation connecting portion and having an axis intersecting an axis of the lower steering shaft; a plurality of locking balls inserted between the first rotation connecting portion and the second rotation connecting portion; a plurality of suppression grooves formed in a hemispherical shape on the side surface of the first rotation connecting portion and configured to accommodate and suppress a portion of the plurality of locking balls; a plurality of ball accommodation grooves formed at positions on the second rotation connecting portion corresponding to the plurality of suppression grooves and configured to accommodate the plurality of locking balls movable forward and backward; a plurality of pressing springs installed in the plurality of ball accommodation grooves and configured to press the plurality of locking balls toward the plurality of suppression grooves; a plurality of press pins installed in the first rotary connection part and configured to push toward the plurality of ball accommodation grooves and move the plurality of locking balls located in the plurality of suppression grooves, each of the plurality of press pins having an end portion extending to an outside of the first rotary connection part; and a press member coupled to the end portions of the plurality of press pins.

15. The personal mobility of claim 13, wherein, The height adjustment device includes: a first rotary connection part provided on one of the lower steering shaft and the upper steering shaft; a second rotary connection part provided on the other of the lower steering shaft and the upper steering shaft and having one side surface in contact with a side surface of the first rotary connection part; a connection shaft provided to rotatably fasten the first rotary connection part and the second rotary connection part and having an axis intersecting an axis of the lower steering shaft; a circular fluid accommodation groove formed on the side surface of the first rotary connection part so that the circular fluid accommodation groove is open to one side of the side surface of the second rotary connection part and has a center coinciding with a center of the connection shaft; a magnetorheological fluid accommodated in the circular fluid accommodation groove; a plurality of protrusions protruding from the second rotary connection part to enter the circular fluid accommodation groove; and an excitation coil provided on the first rotary connection part to provide a magnetic field to the magnetorheological fluid.

16. The personal mobility of claim 15, wherein, The magnetorheological fluid is configured to become a solid property to restrict movement of the plurality of protrusions when power is applied to the excitation coil to generate the magnetic field.

17. A personal mobility including: a guide rail fixed to an upper portion of a steering shaft and having a sliding groove formed in a vertical direction; a lifting member coupled to the guide rail and configured to ascend and descend along the sliding groove; a steering handle extending to an opposite side of the lifting member in a state of penetrating the lifting member in a transverse direction to be rotatably supported on the lifting member; a plurality of locking grooves formed on an inner surface of the sliding groove in contact with a side surface of the lifting member to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction; a cam groove formed on an outer surface of the steering handle inside the lifting member; a locking member installed on the lifting member and configured to be moved forward and backward by rotation of the steering handle to be clamped in one of the plurality of locking grooves and having one end in contact with the cam groove; a first return spring installed outside the locking member and configured to move the locking member toward the steering handle; a second return spring installed between the lifting member and the steering handle and configured to rotate the steering handle in a direction protruding from the locking member; and a controller configured to compare a height of a user with internally stored data to determine a height of the steering handle corresponding to the user and to control a height adjustment device to adjust the height of the steering handle based on a result of the determination.

18. The personal mobility according to claim 17, further comprising: ​ a first traction spring configured to pull the lifting member upwardly, the first traction spring being arranged to connect an upper side of the guide rail and the lifting member; and a second traction spring configured to pull the lifting member downwardly, the second traction spring being arranged to connect a lower side of the guide rail and the lifting member.

Citation Information

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