A folding mobility scooter

Abstract

This invention discloses a folding mobility scooter, comprising a frame unit, a drive unit, and a steering unit. The frame unit includes a front frame, a rear frame, a support frame, and a locking mechanism. The rear ends of the front frame are hinged to the two inner front hinge points of the rear frame. The support frame is located above the front frame. The locking mechanism includes an unfolding lock plate and a folding lock plate, rotatably disposed on the inner rear end of the support frame and arranged side-by-side. This invention uses a foldable frame unit, allowing the frame unit to rotate around the two hinge points to unfold or fold. The double-hinge structure improves the stability of the frame. Furthermore, the locking mechanism locks and secures the frame unit when it is in the unfolded or folded state, which helps improve the overall stability of the folding scooter in different states, making it safer and more convenient to operate, and has high practical value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mobility scooter technology, and more specifically to a folding mobility scooter. Background Technology

[0002] To address the issue of large storage space required for bulky mobility scooters, foldable mobility scooters have been invented. Most existing scooters reduce their size by folding the handlebars and seat. For example, in prior art 202120499916.1, a foldable electric mobility scooter includes a frame assembly, handlebar assembly, and seat assembly. This solution reduces the overall volume of the electric mobility scooter by folding the handlebar and seat assemblies. However, it does not allow for frame folding, meaning the overall length of the folded electric mobility scooter remains the same as its normal operating length. This means that the horizontal space occupied when the scooter is laid flat on the ground is not reduced, which is inconvenient for storage and transportation.

[0003] The folding mechanism of most commuter bikes on the market relies on the bike's own weight to lock the frame when it is opened or folded. This structure carries certain risks, namely, the frame may not lock properly and deform on bumpy roads. Furthermore, there is no additional locking mechanism after folding, and the frame may open on its own during transportation and storage, which is very inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a folding mobility scooter with a foldable frame that remains stable under different conditions, preventing the frame from becoming loose; thus ensuring the folding scooter maintains high structural stability and safety in use.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: a folding mobility scooter, including a frame unit, a drive unit, and a steering unit; the frame unit includes a front frame, a rear frame, a support frame, and a locking mechanism; the rear ends of the front frame are hinged to two first hinge points located on the inner sides of the front ends of the rear frame; the support frame is located above the front frame; the rear ends of the support frame are hinged to two second hinge points located on the inner sides of the front ends of the rear frame; the front frame, support frame, and rear frame can rotate and unfold or fold around the first and second hinge points; the locking mechanism includes an unfolding lock plate and a folding lock plate rotatably disposed on the inner side of the rear ends of the support frame and arranged side-by-side; the unfolding... The rear end of the lock guard plate is provided with an unfolding latch, which engages with the lock guard post I located on the inner side of the front end of the rear frame corresponding to the first hinge point. The front end of the unfolding lock guard plate is provided with a locking connector. The rear end of the folding lock guard plate is provided with a positioning latch that engages with the locking connector when the frame is unfolded. The front end of the folding lock guard plate is provided with a locking latch. The inner side of the front end of the rear frame is provided with a lock guard post II in front of the first hinge point. The unfolding lock guard plate and the folding lock guard plate are connected by a spring, and the spring is located below the engagement position of the locking connector and the positioning latch. When the front frame and the rear frame are folded, the spring pulls the folding lock guard plate downward and rotates it, causing the locking latch to engage with the lock guard post II.

[0006] In this technical solution, the frame unit is constructed by rotating a front frame, a rear frame, and a support frame, allowing the frame unit to rotate around two hinge points to unfold or fold. The double-hinged structure improves frame stability and facilitates operation. A locking mechanism is also used to lock and secure the frame unit in its unfolded or folded state. When the frame unit is unfolded, the unfolding latch at the rear end of the unfolding lock guard engages with the lock guard post I, and the latch engages with the balance latch, ensuring stability during unfolding. When the frame unit is folded around the hinge points, the unfolding lock guard and the folding lock guard rotate relative to each other. After the frame unit is fully folded, the unfolding latch separates from the lock guard post I, and simultaneously, under the action of a spring, the locking latch engages with the lock guard post II, thus locking and securing the folded frame unit. This improves the overall stability of the folding vehicle in different states, making it safer and easier to operate.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a support frame arranged in a fork-scissor shape, with the lower front sides of the support frame rotating with the rear sides of the support frame, and the rear sides rotating with the rear sides of the rear frame.

[0008] Furthermore, a backrest frame is hinged to the rear side of the upper end of the support frame, and a backrest cushion is provided on the backrest frame. A seat cushion frame is provided at the upper end of the support frame corresponding to the front of the backrest frame. The front end of the seat cushion frame is hinged to the front side of the upper end of the support frame, and the rear end is hinged to the backrest frame. A seat cushion body is fixed on the seat cushion frame.

[0009] Furthermore, the steering unit includes a bogie that rotates with both sides of the front end of the front frame. The two ends of the bogie are hinged with steering seats, and a set of steering wheels is provided on the outer side of the steering seats. A steering shaft is rotatably mounted in the middle of the bogie. A rotating plate is connected to the lower end of the steering shaft. Steering linkages are hinged between the two sides of the rotating plate and the two steering seats. Rotating the steering shaft can pull the two steering seats to rotate in the same direction.

[0010] Furthermore, the steering shaft is connected to a steering head located above the front frame, and the steering head is foldable.

[0011] Furthermore, the middle part of the bogie is rotatably engaged with the assembly part located at the front end of the support frame.

[0012] Furthermore, the drive unit includes drive wheel sets located on both sides of the rear end of the rear frame, the drive wheel sets are connected to an electric drive unit, the electric drive unit is connected to a controller and a power supply module, and a balance wheel set is provided behind each drive wheel set at the rear end of the rear frame.

[0013] Furthermore, an inverted U-shaped operating handle is provided between the two rear ends of the support frame, and the two ends of the operating handle are rotatably connected to a corresponding unfolding lock guard plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the support frame is provided with reinforcing plates arranged at intervals in the front and rear, and a support plate is fixed on the top of the support frame.

[0015] Furthermore, the support frame has upwardly inclined pedal frames on both sides of its front end, and a pedal body is provided at the upper end of the pedal frame.

[0016] Furthermore, the upper end of the support frame is provided with a support cushion, and a backrest cushion is installed at the rear end of the support cushion.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The foldable frame unit provided by this invention allows the frame unit to rotate around two hinge points to achieve unfolding or folding. The double hinge point structure improves the stability of the frame and facilitates operation. Furthermore, a locking mechanism is used to lock and fix the frame unit when it is in the unfolded or folded state. When the frame unit is unfolded, the snap-fit ​​structure of the unfolding lock plate ensures stability during unfolding. When the frame unit is folded, the relative rotation of the unfolding lock plate and the folding lock plate causes the locking latch to engage with the locking post II, thus locking and fixing the folded frame unit. This improves the overall stability of the folding vehicle in different states, making it safer and more convenient to operate, and has high practical value. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0019] Figure 1 The three-dimensional folding mobility scooter provided in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 .

[0020] Figure 2 The three-dimensional folding mobility scooter provided in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 2 .

[0021] Figure 3 The three-dimensional folding mobility scooter provided in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 3 .

[0022] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the steering unit of the folding mobility scooter provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 The locking mechanism structure of the folding mobility scooter provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0024] Figure 6 The locking mechanism structure of the folding mobility scooter provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0025] Figure 7 This is a folding diagram of the folding mobility scooter provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Reference numerals: Front frame 100, Rear frame 200, Support frame 300, Assembly part 310, First hinge point 400, Second hinge point 500, Deployed lock guard plate 600, Deployed latch 610, Latch connector 620, Folding lock guard plate 700, Positioning latch 710, Locking latch 720, Spring 800, Lock guard column I 900, Lock guard column II 1000, Bogie 1100, Steering seat 1200, Steering Wheel set 1300, steering shaft 1400, rotating plate 1500, steering linkage 1600, steering stem 1700, drive wheel set 1800, electric drive unit 1900, balance wheel set 2000, support frame 2100, backrest frame 2200, backrest cushion 2210, seat cushion frame 2300, seat cushion body 2310, operating handle 2400, reinforcing plate 2500, support plate 2600, pedal body 2700. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of the technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solution of the present invention and are therefore intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, a specific embodiment of the present invention provides a folding mobility scooter. This type of folding mobility scooter can be unfolded or folded, making it convenient to use, and it has high stability when unfolded and folded. Specifically, it includes a frame unit, which includes a front frame 100, a rear frame 200, a support frame 300, and a locking mechanism. The rear ends of the front frame 100 are hinged to the first hinge points 400 located on the inner sides of the front ends of the rear frame 200. The support frame 300 is located above the front frame 100, and the rear ends of the support frame 300 are hinged to the second hinge points 400 located on the inner sides of the front ends of the rear frame 200. The frame is hinged at point 500; that is, the front frame 100, the rear frame 200, and the support frame 300 constitute a movable frame structure. The frame as a whole can be unfolded or folded around the first hinge point 400 and the second hinge point 500. When unfolded, the front frame 100 and the rear frame 200 are rotated downward along the first hinge point 400 and the second hinge point 500 to a horizontal position. When folded, the front frame 100 and the rear frame 200 are rotated upward along the first hinge point 400 and the second hinge point 500 to fold. This is to ensure the stability of the frame unit when it is in the unfolded or folded state.

[0031] This embodiment provides a locking mechanism; the locking mechanism includes an unfolding lock guard plate 600 and a folding lock guard plate 700 rotatably disposed on the inner rear end of the support frame 300 and arranged side by side. The unfolding lock guard plate 600 and the folding lock guard plate 700 are connected by a spring 800. The rear end of the unfolding lock guard plate 600 is provided with an unfolding latch 610, which is movably engaged with a lock guard post I900 located on the inner front end of the rear frame 200 corresponding to the rear of the first hinge point 400. The front end of the unfolding lock guard plate 600 is provided with a locking connector 620, and the rear end of the folding lock guard plate 700 is provided with a locking connector 620 on the frame unfolding mechanism. When opened, the positioning slot 710 engages with the locking connector 620. The front end of the folding lock guard plate 700 is provided with the locking slot 720. The inner side of the front end of the rear frame 200 is provided with a locking guard post II1000 in front of the first hinge point 400. The unfolded lock guard plate 600 and the folding lock guard plate 700 are connected by a spring 800, and the spring 800 is located below the engagement position of the locking connector 620 and the positioning slot 710. When the front frame 100 and the rear frame 200 are folded, the spring 800 pulls the folding lock guard plate 700 downward and rotates it, causing the locking slot 720 to engage with the locking guard post II1000. With the above configuration, since the spring 800 is located below the engagement position of the snap-fit ​​connector 620 and the positioning latch 710, when the frame unit is in the unfolded state, the snap-fit ​​connector 620 at the front end of the unfolded locking guard plate 600 engages with the positioning latch 710 at the end of the folding locking guard plate 700 under the tension of the spring 800, and the unfolding latch 610 at the rear end of the unfolded locking guard plate 600 engages with the locking guard post I900, ensuring that the frame unit maintains high stability after the entire frame unit is unfolded; and when the frame unit is folded around the two hinge points, the folding locking guard plate 700 and the unfolded locking guard plate 600 can rotate in opposite directions, which on the one hand... The unfolding latch 610 separates from the locking post I900, and the latch 620 also separates from the positioning latch 710. When the front frame 100 and the rear frame 200 are folded, the folding lock guard plate 700 is pulled downward by the spring 800 and rotates further so that the locking latch 720 at its front end engages with the locking post II1000, thus fixing the frame unit in the folded state. After the frame is locked, it is prevented from being released after folding, ensuring that the folding mobility scooter remains stable during transportation and storage. In production applications, the frame unit is manufactured using an integrated die-casting process to ensure production assembly precision.

[0032] Example 2

[0033] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this embodiment also provides a seat structure that can be folded or unfolded along with the frame unit. Specifically, it includes a scissor-shaped support frame 2100. The lower front sides of the support frame 2100 are rotatably engaged with the rear rear sides of the support frame 300, and the rear sides are rotatably engaged with the rear rear sides of the rear frame 200. The lower end of the scissor-shaped support frame 2100 is rotatably connected to the support frame 300 and the rear frame 200. When the frame unit is folded, the support frame 2100 folds synchronously, facilitating user operation and reducing weight. The overall folding bicycle structure has a compact size. In practical applications, to improve riding comfort while reducing storage volume, a backrest frame 2200 is hinged to the rear of the upper end of the support frame 2100. A backrest cushion 2210 is mounted on the backrest frame 2200. A seat cushion frame 2300 is located at the upper end of the support frame 2100, corresponding to the front of the backrest frame 2200. The front end of the seat cushion frame 2300 is hinged to the front of the upper end of the support frame 2100, and the rear end is hinged to the backrest frame 2200. A seat cushion body 2310 is fixed to the seat cushion frame 2300. The seat cushion body 2310 and the backrest cushion 2210 are foldably mounted on the support frame 2100 via the seat cushion frame 2300 and the backrest frame 2200. The frame unit can fold synchronously when unfolded or folded. In practical applications, the seat cushion body 2310 and the backrest cushion 2210 are made of soft support materials to improve comfort, which will not be elaborated further here. As mentioned above, this device controls the unfolding or folding of the frame unit through a locking mechanism. To facilitate the unfolding or folding operation for the user, this embodiment has an inverted U-shaped operating handle 2400 located between the two sides of the rear end of the support frame 300. The two ends of the operating handle 2400 are rotatably connected to a corresponding unfolding locking guard plate 600. When in use, by pulling the operating handle 2400 upward, the front frame 100 and the rear frame 200 rotate downward around the middle position of the frame unit to achieve folding, thereby improving the convenience of operation.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in order to improve the overall structural strength of the frame unit, this embodiment provides reinforcing plates 2500 arranged at intervals front and rear on the support frame 300, and a support plate 2600 is fixed on top of the support frame 300. After the support plate 2600 is laid, it serves as a load-bearing platform, and the internal reinforcing plates 2500 play a role in ensuring the strength of the structure. The body materials such as the support frame 300, the front frame 100, and the rear frame 200 are selected as needed. In addition, this embodiment also provides upwardly inclined pedal frames on both sides of the front end of the support frame 300. The pedal frames can be used to support the weight of the legs, and the upper end of the pedal frame is provided with a pedal body 2700.

[0035] Example 3

[0036] like Figures 4 to 6As shown, this embodiment provides a drive unit and a steering unit installed in the frame unit. The drive unit provides the overall driving force for the folding vehicle, and the steering unit performs steering operations. The steering unit includes a bogie 1100 that rotatably engages with both sides of the front end of the front frame 100. Steering seats 1200 are hinged to both ends of the bogie 1100. A steering wheel assembly 1300 is provided on the outer side of the steering seats 1200. A steering shaft 1400 is rotatably mounted in the middle of the bogie 1100. A rotating plate 1500 is connected to the lower end of the steering shaft 1400. Steering linkages 1600 are hinged between the rotating plate 1500 and the two steering seats 1200 on both sides. Rotating the steering shaft 1400 can pull the two steering seats 1200 to rotate in the same direction. With the above configuration, the steering seats 1200 at both ends of the bogie 1100 can rotatably mount the steering wheel assembly 1300. The steering wheel assembly is controlled by the steering shaft 1400. When the steering shaft is rotated by an external force, the steering linkage 1600 connected to the steering plate simultaneously pulls the steering wheel assembly 1300, resulting in a significant steering effect and convenient operation. For ease of operation, the steering shaft 1400 is connected to a steering handle 1700 located above the front frame 100. The steering handle 1700 adopts a foldable T-shaped structure, which facilitates operation and reduces storage volume. In addition, to ensure that the folding vehicle structure can be fully folded, in this embodiment, the middle part of the bogie 1100 is rotatably engaged with the assembly part 310 located at the front end of the support frame 300. The front frame 100, the support frame 300, and the bogie 1100 are rotatably connected, facilitating folding operations. The steering handle 1700 can rotate completely to one side of the support frame 300 as the bogie 1100 rotates, improving the compactness of the folding vehicle after folding.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the drive unit for driving the folding bicycle in this embodiment includes drive wheel sets 1800 located on both sides of the rear end of the rear frame 200. The drive wheel sets 1800 are connected to an electric drive unit 1900, which is signal-connected to a controller and a power supply module. A balance wheel set 2000 is located behind each drive wheel set 1800 at the rear end of the rear frame 200. The electric drive unit 1900 is charged by the power supply module. The controller sends operating commands. The controller's control structure can be located on the upper end of the steering handle. The controller can also be connected to a display located on the upper end of the steering handle 1700 for user operation. The above control technology adopts existing technical structures and will not be described in detail here.

[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foldable scooter, characterized in that, The frame unit is provided with a steering unit and a driving unit; The frame unit comprises a front frame (100), a rear frame (200), a support frame (300) and a locking mechanism, the rear end of the front frame (100) is hingedly connected to the first hinge points (400) arranged on the inner sides of the front end of the rear frame (200), the support frame (300) is located above the front frame (100), and the rear end of the support frame (300) is hingedly connected to the second hinge points (500) arranged on the sides of the front end of the rear frame (200). The locking mechanism comprises an unfolding locking plate (600) and a folding locking plate (700) arranged side by side in front of and behind the rear end of the support frame (300), the rear end of the unfolding locking plate (600) is provided with an unfolding notch (610), the unfolding notch (610) is movably clamped with a locking column I (900) arranged on the inner side of the front end of the rear frame (200) and behind the corresponding first hinge point (400), the front end of the unfolding locking plate (600) is provided with a clamping joint (620), the rear end of the folding locking plate (700) is provided with a positioning notch (710) movably clamped with the clamping joint (620) when the frame is unfolded, the front end of the folding locking plate (700) is provided with a locking notch (720), the inner side of the front end of the rear frame (200) is provided with a locking column II (1000) in front of the corresponding first hinge point (400), the unfolding locking plate (600) and the folding locking plate (700) are connected by a spring (800), and the spring (800) is located below the clamping joint (620) and the positioning notch (710) clamping position, when the front frame (100) and the rear frame (200) are folded, the spring (800) pulls the folding locking plate (700) to rotate downward and makes the locking notch (720) clamped into the locking column II (1000).

2. The foldable scooter of claim 1, wherein, The steering unit comprises a steering frame (1100) movably connected to the front end of the front frame (100), the steering frame (1100) is hingedly connected with steering seats (1200) at both ends, the outer side of the steering seat (1200) is provided with a steering wheel set (1300), the middle part of the steering frame (1100) is movably provided with a steering shaft (1400), the lower end of the steering shaft (1400) is connected with a rotating plate (1500), the rotating plate (1500) is hingedly connected with the steering seats (1200) between the two sides, and the steering shaft (1400) is rotated to pull the two steering seats (1200) to rotate in the same direction.

3. The foldable scooter of claim 2, wherein, The steering shaft (1400) is connected with a steering handle (1700) located above the front frame (100), and the steering handle (1700) is foldable.

4. The foldable scooter of claim 2, wherein, The middle part of the steering frame (1100) is movably connected with an assembly part (310) arranged on the front end of the support frame (300).

5. The foldable scooter of claim 1, wherein, The driving unit includes driving wheel groups (1800) located at both sides of the rear end of the rear frame (200), the driving wheel groups (1800) are drivingly connected with electric drive units (1900), the electric drive units (1900) are signal connected with a controller and a power supply module, and a balance wheel group (2000) is arranged behind each driving wheel group (1800) at the rear end of the rear frame (200).

6. The foldable scooter of claim 1, wherein, The support frame (300) is further provided with a load-bearing frame (2100) arranged in a forked and sheared manner, the lower end of the load-bearing frame (2100) is rotatably connected with the rear end of the support frame (300) at both sides, and the rear end of the load-bearing frame (2100) is rotatably connected with the rear end of the rear frame (200) at both sides.

7. The foldable scooter of claim 6, wherein, The rear end of the load-bearing frame (2100) is provided with a backrest frame (2200) hinged thereto, the backrest frame (2200) is provided with a backrest pad (2210), and the upper end of the load-bearing frame (2100) is provided with a seat cushion frame (2300) corresponding to the front of the backrest frame (2200), the seat cushion frame (2300) is hinged to the upper end of the load-bearing frame (2100) at the front side and hinged to the backrest frame (2200) at the rear end, and the seat cushion frame (2300) is fixed with a seat cushion body (2310).

8. The foldable scooter of claim 1 or 2 or 5 or 6, wherein, The rear end of the support frame (300) is provided with an operation handle (2400) arranged in an inverted U shape, and the two ends of the operation handle (2400) are rotatably connected with a corresponding unfolded lock guard plate (600).

9. The foldable scooter of claim 1 or 2 or 5 or 6, wherein, The support frame (300) is provided with reinforcing plates (2500) arranged at intervals in front and back, and the support frame (300) is fixed with a support plate (2600) above.

10. The foldable scooter of claim 1 or 2 or 5 or 6, wherein, The front end of the support frame (300) is provided with a pedal frame arranged upwardly and obliquely, and the upper end of the pedal frame is provided with a pedal body (2700).

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