Scooter

By introducing a rotary drive rod and transmission device into the scooter, balance and comfortable driving on the ground without legs are achieved, the balance and fatigue problems of traditional kick scooters are solved, and it is suitable for users with balance problems. Enhanced security and operational flexibility.

CN119317569AInactive Publication Date: 2025-01-14TULEAP SL
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202380045117.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-06-07
Filing Date
2023-05-10
Publication Date
2025-01-14
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional kick scooters are prone to cause balance problems and fatigue during use, especially when driving for a long distance, and are not suitable for users with balance problems, because one leg needs to be placed on the ground to push, resulting in a shift in the center of mass and Difficult to control.

Method used

A scooter with two rotating drive rods and transmission is designed. The drive rod is reciprocatingly moved through pulleys and pulling members, which is converted into rotating motion of the wheel, allowing the user to walk in place and operate the pedal alternately to maintain the Balancing and power transmission is achieved through the transmission, supporting independent angle actuation and auxiliary return.

Benefits of technology

It improves the comfort and safety of the scooter, reduces fatigue, is suitable for users with balance problems, can drive safely without placing their legs on the ground, and supports the operating mode of hybrid vehicles.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN119317569A_ABST
    Figure CN119317569A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a scooter, comprising: a frame; at least two wheels rotatably mounted to the frame; and two drive rods arranged adjacent to each other, one end of the drive rod being rotatably connected to the frame such that the other end of the respective drive rod can perform reciprocating forward and backward movements around one end thereof; a transmission connected to at least one wheel for rotationally driving the at least one wheel wherein a pulley is associated with each drive rod, around which a traction member, such as a rope, cable or belt, is wound, and which in turn is connected with the respective drive rod and the transmission, the drive levers are arranged such that, by actuating at least one of the drive levers at least in the back-and-forth direction, the movement of the drive lever is transmitted by its respective traction member via its respective pulley to the transmission and converted into a rotational movement of the at least one wheel in the drive direction of the vehicle.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a scooter, in particular according to the independent claim. Background Art

[0002] Scooters, such as kick scooters, also known as push-scooters, are well known in the art. Such scooters are stand-up road vehicles, usually powered by human power, having handlebars, a deck, and wheels that are propelled by the user pushing off the ground with their legs.

[0003] Motorized scooters are also known. Such stand-up scooters were (mainly in the past) powered by small general-purpose internal combustion engines. Recently, with the introduction of scooter sharing systems using apps that allow users to rent scooters by the minute, electric kick scooters (e-scooters) have become increasingly popular. Thus, these e-scooters are driven by small electric motors (hub motors) built directly into the front or rear wheels. These scooters have rechargeable batteries to power the motors. If the batteries run out, the scooter can still be propelled by foot.

[0004] The above-mentioned scooters, which are classified as a form of micromobility, are generally designed with a large deck in the center where the user stands. The deck may be supported by the frame of the scooter.

[0005] The present invention relates to the above-mentioned scooter.

[0006] However, known kick-drive scooters require the user to place one leg on the ground to push off in order to gain momentum and propel the scooter. To do this, the user must shift his balance to the side he is pushing off. In this way, one leg of the user leaves the platform and is placed on the ground. Therefore, he must lean from the center of the scooter and therefore his center of mass is just outside the vertical longitudinal center plane of the scooter. Therefore, users with balance problems are reluctant to use this type of scooter because they may lose control of the scooter and fall off the scooter due to the balance shift.

[0007] Furthermore, travelling longer distances on such conventional kick scooters can be particularly tiring for the user because the user must more frequently change which leg they push off with.

[0008] A scooter having the features known from the preambles of the independent claims is known from WO 2014 / 096470 A1 and FR 2 957 892 A3. Summary of the invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a scooter which is improved over the prior art. In particular, a scooter is to be provided which enables use to be more comfortable, less tiring and safer than conventional kick scooters, even when used for longer periods of time or distances.

[0010] Said object is solved by a scooter according to the independent claim.The dependent claims describe particularly useful embodiments of the invention.

[0011] According to the invention, a scooter comprises: a frame; at least two wheels, which are rotatably mounted to the frame; and two drive rods, which are arranged adjacent to each other, one end of the drive rods being rotatably connected to the frame so that the other end of the respective drive rod can perform a reciprocating forward and backward movement around its one end; a transmission connected to at least one wheel so as to rotationally drive at least one wheel, wherein a pulley is associated with each drive rod, around which a pulling member such as a rope, cable or belt is wound, and which is in turn connected to the respective drive rod and the transmission, so that by actuating at least one of the drive rods at least in the forward direction, the movement of the drive rod is transmitted to the transmission by its respective pulling member via its respective pulley and converted into a rotational movement of at least one wheel in the driving direction of the scooter. In other words, the drive rods perform a rotary movement around the end to which they are rotatably connected to the frame, while this rotary movement - at least in the forward direction or even in both the forward and backward directions - is converted into a rotary movement at the transmission.

[0012] Scooters in the sense of the present invention are at least human-powered stand-up road vehicles, which have at least two wheels, but can also have more than two wheels, and are therefore tricycles or quadricycles. When it is propelled by manpower, this is accomplished by using two drive rods, which do not provide continuous rotational movement, but provide reciprocating rotational movement to and fro and back movement. In other words, these downward (back) and upward (to) movements correspond only to partial circular movement. It can also be said that this is an angle-limited up-and-down or back-and-forth pivoting movement. Simply put, the drive rod does not perform a complete rotation (360°). Therefore, angle-limited means that the angle limited by the drive rod in the maximum position to move to and the maximum position to move back does not exceed 180°, preferably does not exceed 120°, and particularly preferably does not exceed 90°, and most preferably, the angle is between 10° and 45°.

[0013] Thus, the drive rod can be configured as a foot pedal rod, so that by actuating at least one drive rod with the foot in the return direction, for example by stepping it down, the downward movement of the drive rod is transferred by the pulling member, the pulley and the transmission to at least one wheel so as to drive at least one wheel in the driving direction of the scooter. Thus, the function of the pedal is similar to a stepper (sports equipment). In order to propel the scooter, the user walks in place and thus operates the pedals alternately. As with a natural human gait, the balance is maintained in the vertical plane of the scooter, or when the user shifts the balance from one leg to the other, the balance is only slightly shifted to one side. This means that people with balance problems can also use the scooter very well without having to put one leg on the bottom on which the scooter is driven when driving the scooter. The user stands on the scooter symmetrically, with one foot on each pedal (not one foot in front of the other). At the same time, the ergonomic operation of the drive rod or pedal with limited angles is less prone to fatigue and can be used more safely even over longer distances compared to a purely mechanically driven kick scooter, which can also be achieved by the pulling member.

[0014] One end of the pulling member can be connected to the corresponding drive rod and the other end is connected to a pulley, which can be connected to the input shaft of the transmission device. In this way, an optimal power transmission from the drive rod to the transmission device can be achieved.

[0015] Preferably, each pulley can be configured so that a corresponding pulling member can be wound around each pulley, and each pulley is associated with a flywheel clutch and a tractor, the tractor comprising a return spring, wherein each pulley can be connected to the input shaft of the transmission via the corresponding flywheel clutch, the tractor and the flywheel clutch being configured so that during a return movement of the corresponding drive rod, the pulling member can be unwound from the pulley, thereby tensioning the return spring of the tractor and engaging the flywheel clutch, so that the driving force from the drive rod can be transmitted to the input shaft of the transmission by the pulling member, the pulley and the engaged flywheel clutch, wherein during a forward movement of the drive rod, the flywheel clutch is disengaged, so that the pulley is idle relative to the input shaft of the transmission, so that no driving force can be transmitted from the pulley to the input shaft, and the pulling member is rewound around the pulley by the pre-tensioned return spring of the tractor. The rewinding occurs in a rotational direction opposite to the direction when the pulling member is unwound from the pulley. In other words, the pulley, the tractor and the flywheel clutch can each be configured in the manner of a rope starter for an internal combustion engine. In this way, a particularly compact and therefore small power transmission from the pulling member to the transmission can be achieved.

[0016] Thereby, each pulley can be coupled to a respective end of the input shaft of the transmission by a respective flywheel clutch, so that the two drive levers can be actuated independently of each other and even at independent angles, wherein preferably the tractor, the flywheel clutch and the respective pulley are arranged concentrically to each other and to the input shaft. This means that users with limited mobility or physical disabilities (e.g. only one leg) can also use the scooter, because each drive lever pedal can be operated independently to propel the scooter. Even, the pedals can be pressed to different degrees independently of each other (this means different maximum position to and maximum position to move back).

[0017] The flywheel clutch ensures that power from the drive lever or pedal can only be transferred in one direction of rotation of the transmission, in particular of its input shaft. In other words, the flywheel clutch acts as a directional lock, thereby allowing power or torque to be transmitted in only one direction, for example the return direction or step-down direction in the case of a pedal, but not in the opposite direction (i.e. the to-direction or step-up direction).

[0018] A drive rod return spring may be associated with each drive rod, one end of which may be connected to the frame of the scooter and the other end of which may be connected to the drive rod, so as to ensure that the restoring force of the drive rod returns the drive rod from the back (or pressed, step-down position of the pedal) to the go direction or step-up. In this way, an assisted return of the pedal may be achieved after the user has transferred balance to the other leg.

[0019] Preferably, the transmission comprises an output shaft, which is coupleable to the input shaft in order to transmit the driving force from the input shaft to the output shaft, wherein the transmission is configured as a summing gearbox, so that the driving force introduced into the input shaft, preferably by the two pulleys, and the driving force introduced into the output shaft (directly or indirectly by a member such as a gear drive or an electric motor such as a hub motor) can be jointly transmitted to at least one wheel in order to drive the at least one wheel. This can be used to couple additional auxiliary energy (e.g. from the drive motor) into the transmission or, if the drive motor is configured as a hub motor, directly to the wheel, making the scooter a hybrid vehicle.

[0020] Advantageously, the transmission comprises a two-way overrunning clutch, whereby the two-way overrunning clutch is configured such that in a first operating mode, the two-way overrunning clutch is engaged so that drive force can be transferred from the at least one drive rod to the input shaft and through the two-way overrunning clutch to the output shaft, and in a second operating mode, wherein the two-way overrunning clutch is disengaged - and preferably no drive force is transferred from the at least one drive rod to the input shaft - no drive force can be transmitted from the output shaft back to the input shaft in both directions of rotation of the output shaft. Thus, the two-way overrunning clutch ensures that the traction member is not activated or operated (e.g. wrapped or wound around the pulley) when driving downhill, coasting without operating the drive rod, or pushing the scooter while walking backwards or forwards alongside the scooter, because in these situations the drive rod or pedal is not operated by the user. In other words, when driving the scooter downhill at a relatively fast speed or pushing the scooter backwards or forwards, the two-way overrunning clutch prevents the drive rod from kicking back in the going direction and the returning direction.

[0021] The two-way overrunning clutch can be configured so that in a first operating mode, when a driving force or torque is applied to the input shaft by the drive rod, the two-way overrunning clutch is engaged or engaged, and when the driving force or torque stops, the two-way overrunning clutch is disengaged or disengaged. This means that, since the two-way overrunning clutch is in its engaged mode, torque from the pulling member can be transferred to at least one wheel to drive at least one wheel, and when there is no power input to the drive rod or pedal, the two-way overrunning clutch is disengaged.

[0022] Therefore, the two-way overrunning clutch is configured so that the engagement and disengagement of the two-way overrunning clutch are performed completely mechanically, i.e., according to whether at least one of the drive levers is actuated (engaged clutch) or not actuated (disengaged clutch). The two-way overrunning clutch is engaged immediately and autonomously from the disengaged position (second operating mode), in which the scooter is coasting or driving downhill, or when the user actuates any drive lever, the user pushes the scooter backward. The reason for the closure of the two-way overrunning clutch is that there is a torque caused by the actuation of at least one drive lever on the input shaft. Therefore, the two-way overrunning clutch is configured so that no auxiliary energy is required to operate the two-way overrunning clutch, because the two-way overrunning clutch engages automatically according to the torque present at the input shaft.

[0023] Furthermore, the transmission device comprises an intermediate shaft which is arranged between the input shaft and the output shaft when viewed in the driving force transmission direction, wherein the two-way overrunning clutch is configured such that it can selectively couple the intermediate shaft to the output shaft.

[0024] The two-way overrunning clutch can be configured so that in a first operating mode in which a driving force or torque is applied to the input shaft (when one of the drive rods is actuated), the two-way overrunning clutch is engaged, the intermediate shaft is coupled to the output shaft by the two-way overrunning clutch, and in a second operating mode in which preferably no driving force or torque is applied to the input shaft, the two-way overrunning clutch is disengaged, the output shaft is decoupled from the intermediate shaft by the two-way overrunning clutch, so that the two-way overrunning clutch prevents the transmission of the driving force from the output shaft through the intermediate shaft to the input shaft. Preferably, the two-way overrunning clutch can be arranged between the intermediate shaft and the output shaft. In fact, the two-way overrunning clutch can be configured to be positioned between the intermediate shaft and the input shaft. In addition, the two-way overrunning clutch can be arranged on the intermediate shaft, preferably concentric with the intermediate shaft. In short, the use of the intermediate shaft and this special arrangement can particularly achieve a smaller installation space, and therefore realize the compact design of the scooter. In the first operating mode of the two-way overrunning clutch, the flywheel clutch of at least one drive rod can be engaged so that the driving force can be transmitted from the drive rod to the input shaft.

[0025] In detail, the output shaft may include an input gear and an output gear each fixedly mounted to the output shaft, the input shaft including an output gear fixedly mounted to the input shaft, the output gear of the input shaft meshing with an intermediate input gear on an intermediate shaft, the intermediate input gear fixedly mounted to the intermediate shaft, the intermediate shaft further including an intermediate output gear meshing with the input gear of the output shaft, wherein when viewed in the driving force transmission direction, a two-way overrunning clutch is arranged between the intermediate shaft and the intermediate output gear, and the two-way overrunning clutch is configured such that in a first operating mode in which the two-way overrunning clutch is engaged, the intermediate output gear is coupled to the intermediate shaft by the two-way overrunning clutch so that the intermediate input gear, the intermediate output gear and the intermediate shaft rotate together so as to transmit the driving force from the input shaft through the intermediate shaft to the output shaft, wherein in a second operating mode in which the two-way overrunning clutch is disengaged, the intermediate output gear is decoupled from the intermediate shaft by the two-way overrunning clutch so that the intermediate output gear idles relative to the intermediate shaft so as to prevent the driving force transmission from the output shaft through the intermediate shaft to the input shaft regardless of the rotation direction of the intermediate output gear.

[0026] In addition, the intermediate output gear at least partially surrounds the two-way overrunning clutch in the circumferential direction. This means that at least a portion of the two-way overrunning clutch is radially arranged inside the intermediate output gear. In addition, the two-way overrunning clutch is concentric with the intermediate shaft and at least partially surrounds the intermediate shaft in the circumferential direction. Such a transmission saves installation space and can reduce the total mass of the scooter.

[0027] In addition, the output shaft of the transmission can be coupled to the axle of at least one wheel by means of a chain, a belt or a gear drive. Thus, as a supplement or alternative to the drive rod, a drive motor can be associated with the transmission or at least one wheel so as to transmit the driving force from the drive motor to at least one wheel, so that the scooter is preferably a hybrid vehicle. The drive motor can be an electric motor, which can preferably be powered by a rechargeable battery. In addition, the drive motor can be a hub motor, which is part of at least one wheel, so that the hub motor drives the wheel. Therefore, a hybrid vehicle can be specified, and the corresponding drive motor can be easily connected to the transmission in terms of its power input, thereby saving installation space. In addition, due to the summing gearbox, the drive rod can now be operated independently of the motor. This means that the vehicle can be used in the following three operating modes: 1. Pure human power drive achieved via actuation of at least one drive rod, 2. Pure motor drive (without actuation of the drive rod), and 3. Pure human power superimposed with pure motor drive.

[0028] Preferably, at least the input shaft, the intermediate shaft, the output shaft and the two-way overrunning clutch and the corresponding gears can be arranged at least partially inside a common housing of the transmission, wherein the drive motor is preferably separated from the common housing. In this way, a particularly compact design of the transmission and therefore of the entire scooter can be achieved.

[0029] According to the invention, a compact alternative to an electric assist vehicle or electric bicycle is obtained with a new mode of motion (stepper motion), whereby the scooter can be used as both a commuting device and an exercise device, enabling independent operation of the two drive levers or pedals, and having an extended range compared to a standard pure electric scooter when the drive levers are considered as a mechanical backup function in the event of a battery exhaustion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The advantages of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, which show:

[0031] Figure 1 a schematic side view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the main parts of the transmission and drive train of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 Schematic spatial detail of a pulley according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1A schematic side view of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is disclosed. The vehicle 1 is designed as a scooter and comprises a frame 2 and at least two wheels 3.1, 3.2 rotatably mounted to the frame 2, for example the wheels 3.1, 3.2 each rotate about an axle or wheel shaft 15 (see Figure 2 ), the axle or wheel axle can be supported by corresponding bearings. This allows the vehicle 1 to roll with the help of the wheels 3.1, 3.2.

[0035] Furthermore, two drive rods 4.1, 4.2 are arranged adjacent to each other, one end of which is rotatably connected to the frame 2 so that the other end of the respective drive rod can perform reciprocating to and fro movement around one end thereof, as indicated by the double arrow.

[0036] The transmission 5 is mechanically, more precisely rotationally, connected to one of the wheels 3.1, 3.2 in order to rotationally drive said wheel. Here, this is the wheel 3.2 driven by the transmission 5. The transmission 5 may be supported by the frame 2 or fixed to said frame.

[0037] Pulley 6.1, 6.2 (in Figure 1 Associated with each drive rod 4.1, 4.2 (only one of them is shown in the figure), a pulling member 7.1, 7.2 (see dashed lines), such as a rope, cable or belt, is wound around said pulley 6.1, 6.2. Each pulling member 7.1, 7.2 is in turn connected to its respective drive rod 4.1, 4.2 and the transmission 5. This means that a single and independent pulley 6.1, 6.2 and the respective pulling member 7.1, 7.2 are each associated with each drive rod 4.1, 4.2. In this case, one end of each pulling member 7.1, 7.2 is connected to the respective drive rod 4.1, 4.2 and the other end is connected to the pulley 6.1, 6.2 itself, wherein the pulley 6.1, 6.2 can be connected to the input shaft 12 of the transmission 5 (see Figure 2 ).

[0038] from Figure 2 As can also be best seen in FIG. 1 , the transmission 5 further comprises an output shaft 14 which here can be indirectly coupled to an axle 15 of at least one wheel 3 . 1 , 3 . 2 by means of a chain, belt or gear drive (depicted here with reference numeral 9 ).

[0039] By actuating the drive rods 4.1, 4.2 (which in the present case are configured as pedals (see Figure 1)), the movement of the drive rods 4.1, 4.2 is transmitted by their respective pulling members 7.1, 7.2 via their respective pulleys 6.1, 6.2 to the transmission 5, more precisely to the input shaft 12, and is converted within the transmission 5 into a rotational movement of at least one wheel (here the wheel 3.2) in the driving direction of the vehicle 1, thereby propelling the vehicle 1 by pressing at least one of the pedals.

[0040] Again: actuation of at least one drive rod 4.1, 4.2 with the foot in the return direction, for example by stepping it down, causes the movement or torque of the drive rod 4.1, 4.2 to be transferred by the respective pulling member 7.1, 7.2, the respective pulley 6.1, 6.2 and the transmission 5 to the at least one wheel 3.2.

[0041] like Figure 1 As indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1 , in addition to or instead of the drive rods 4.1, 4.2, the drive motor 8 can be associated with the transmission 5 or at least one wheel 3.2 so as to transmit the driving force from the drive motor 8 to the at least one wheel 3.2, so that the vehicle 1 forms a hybrid vehicle. Thus, the drive motor 8 can be an electric motor. The drive motor 8 can be coupled to the transmission 5 (see Figure 1 ), or can be configured as a wheel hub motor so that it drives the wheel 3.2 directly on the wheel axle 15, as Figure 1 and 2 Described in.

[0042] In order to help the drive rods 4.1, 4.2 return to, for example, a neutral position (eg, to the go position), the return springs 11.1, 11.2 (see Figure 1 ) can be independently associated with each drive rod 4.1, 4.2, one end of the return spring 11.1, 11.2 is connected to the frame 2 of the vehicle 1 and the other end is connected to its corresponding drive rod 4.1, 4.2, so as to ensure that the restoring force of the drive rod returns the drive rod 4.1, 4.2 from the return direction (pedal is pressed) to the go direction (pedal is restored from being pressed).

[0043] The vehicle 1 may further comprise a handlebar 10 for steering at least one wheel 3.1, 3.2 of the vehicle 1, said handlebar 10 may comprise the illustrated steering rod and be supported to the frame 2 and configured such that it can swivel relative to said frame. A platform for resting the feet of a user of the vehicle 1 may be formed by the drive rods 4.1, 4.2 themselves.

[0044] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the transmission device 5 includes an input shaft 12 , an intermediate shaft 13 and an output shaft 14 .

[0045] The two pulleys 6.1, 6.2 are configured so that the drive rods 4.1, 4.2 (see Figure 1 ) is converted into a rotational driving force of the input shaft 12 by the outgoing and returning movements of the pulleys 6.1, 6.2. Therefore, the pulleys 6.1, 6.2 can be selectively connected to and disconnected from the input shaft 12. Each pulley 6.1, 6.2 is configured so that a corresponding pulling member 7.1, 7.2 can be wound or coiled around each outer circumference thereof.

[0046] From the schematic spatial detail view showing a pulley 6.1, 6.2 according to another embodiment Figure 3 As can be best seen in FIG. 1 , each pulley 6.1, 6.2 is associated with a flywheel clutch 16.1, 16.2 and a tractor. The tractor comprises a return spring 17.1, 17.2, which is shown here in a simplified manner. One end of the tractor return spring 17.1, 17.2 can be fixedly connected to the pulley 6.1, 6.2 and the other end can be fixedly connected to the frame 2 of the vehicle.

[0047] The return springs 17.1, 17.2 of the tractor can be configured as coil springs. Then, the rotation axis of the return coil springs 17.1, 17.2 can be parallel to the rotation axis of the input shaft 12, in other words, both the input shaft 12 and the tractor return springs 17.1, 17.2 can be concentric with each other. A coil spring is a metal strip wound in a plane with a worm line and is therefore strongly bent around its rotation axis. The return springs 17.1, 17.2 and the flywheel clutch 16.1, 16.2 can be arranged concentrically with each other and with the pulleys 6.1, 6.2. In other words, the pulleys 6.1, 6.2 can accommodate the flywheel clutch 16.1, 16.2 in the circumferential direction. Thereby, the flywheel clutch 16.1, 16.2 is arranged between the pulleys 6.1, 6.2 and the input shaft 12 in the radial direction.

[0048] Thus, each pulley 6.1, 6.2 can be connected to the input shaft 12 of the transmission 5 via its respective flywheel clutch 16.1, 16.2. The tractor and flywheel clutch 16.1, 16.2 are configured so that at the respective drive rod 4.1, 4.2 (see Figure 1 ), during the return movement of the pulling members 7.1, 7.2, the pulleys 6.1, 6.2 can be unwound or unreeled from the respective pulleys 6.1, 6.2, thereby tensioning the return springs 17.1, 17.2 of the tractor. In addition, the flywheel clutches 16.1, 16.2 are engaged, so that the driving force from the drive rods 4.1, 4.2 can be transmitted to the input shaft 12 of the transmission 5 by the pulling members 7.1, 7.2, the pulleys 6.1, 6.2 and the engaged flywheel clutches 16.1, 16.2. Therefore, unwinding the pulling members 7.1, 7.2 drives the pulleys 6.1, 6.2 with the engaged flywheel clutches 16.1, 16.2, which in turn drives the input shaft 12.

[0049] However, in the opposite direction, the return springs 11.1, 11.2 (see Figure 1 ) during an onward movement of the drive lever 4.1, 4.2 assisted by the traction device (e.g. pedal release), the flywheel clutch 16.1, 16.2 is disengaged so that the pulleys 6.1, 6.2 idle relative to the input shaft 12. In this case, as long as neither drive lever 4.1, 4.2 is operated, no driving force is transmitted from the pulleys 6.1, 6.2 to the input shaft 12, and the pulling members 7.1, 7.2 are wound back around the pulleys 6.1, 6.2 by the now relaxed, pre-tensioned return springs 17.1, 17.2 of the tractor.

[0050] If the two drive rods 4.1, 4.2 are to be actuated independently of each other, each pulley 6.1, 6.2 may be coupled to a respective end of the input shaft 12 by a respective flywheel clutch 16.1, 16.2, such as from Figure 2 Thus, the driving force from pulley 6.1, pulley 6.2 or both pulleys 6.1, 6.2 can be transmitted to the input shaft 12.

[0051] from Figure 2 As can be best seen in Figure 5 , all shafts 12, 13 and 14 of the transmission 5 are arranged parallel to each other. Thus, the driving force from the input shaft 12 can be transferred to the intermediate shaft 13 by the gears meshing with each other. Thus, the input shaft 12 comprises an output gear 12.1 fixedly mounted to the input shaft 12, and the intermediate shaft 13 comprises a corresponding intermediate input gear 13.1 fixedly mounted to the intermediate shaft 13 and meshing with the output gear 12.1 of the input shaft 12.

[0052] The intermediate shaft 13 further comprises an intermediate output gear 13.2 meshing with the input gear 14.1 of the output shaft 14. Furthermore, the output shaft 14 comprises an output gear 14.2 which is also fixedly mounted to the output shaft 14 just like the input gear 14.1.

[0053] The two-way overrunning clutch 18 is arranged between the intermediate shaft 13 and the intermediate output gear 13.2 or between the intermediate input gear 13.1 and the intermediate output gear 13.2 when viewed in the driving force transmission direction from the input shaft 12 to the output shaft 14. The two-way overrunning clutch 18 is configured so that in a first operating mode in which the two-way overrunning clutch 18 is engaged, the intermediate output gear 13.2 is coupled to the intermediate shaft 13 by the two-way overrunning clutch 18, so that the intermediate input gear 13.1, the intermediate output gear 13.2 and the intermediate shaft 13 rotate together, so as to transmit the driving force from the input shaft 12 to the output shaft 14 through the intermediate shaft 13.

[0054] Wherein, in the second operating mode of the two-way overrunning clutch 18 in which the two-way overrunning clutch 18 is disengaged, the intermediate output gear 13.2 is decoupled from the intermediate shaft 13 by the two-way overrunning clutch 18, so that the intermediate output gear 13.2 is idling relative to the intermediate shaft 13, so as to prevent the transmission of the driving force from the output shaft 14 through the intermediate shaft 13 to the input shaft 12 in the reverse direction, regardless of the rotation direction of the intermediate output gear 13.2. In other words, the two-way overrunning clutch 18 interrupts the power transmission from the output shaft 14 back to the input shaft 12. This is done to prevent the input shaft 12 from being driven, and thus to prevent the pulleys 6.1, 6.2 and their traction devices from being incorrectly actuated. It can be said that the two-way overrunning clutch 18 is configured so that in the first operating mode, the two-way overrunning clutch is engaged or engaged when the driving force or torque is applied to the input shaft 12 (by actuating at least one drive rod 4.1, 4.2), and the two-way overrunning clutch is disengaged or disengaged when the driving force or torque stops at the input shaft 12.

[0055] The intermediate output gear 13.2 at least partially surrounds the double-direction overrunning clutch 18 in the circumferential direction. The double-direction overrunning clutch 18 is therefore arranged on the intermediate shaft 13, here concentrically therewith, so that it at least partially surrounds the intermediate shaft in the circumferential direction.

[0056] like Figure 2 , when viewed in the driving force transmission direction from the input shaft 12 to the output shaft 14, the intermediate shaft 13 is arranged between the input shaft 12 and the output shaft 14. Thus, the two-way overrunning clutch 18 is configured so that it can selectively couple the intermediate shaft 13 to the output shaft 14. More specifically, the two-way overrunning clutch 18 is configured so that in the first operating mode, the intermediate output gear 13.2 is fixedly coupled to the intermediate shaft 13 via the two-way overrunning clutch 18.

[0057] Therein, in the second operating mode, the output gear 13.2 is decoupled from the intermediate shaft 13. Thus, the two-way overrunning clutch 18 ensures that the pulling members 7.1, 7.2 do not wrap around or wind up the pulleys 6.1, 6.2 when driving downhill without operating the drive levers 4.1, 4.2 or when pushing the vehicle 1 backwards or forwards while walking beside the vehicle 1.

[0058] As disclosed, the transmission 5 is configured as a summing gearbox, so that the driving force introduced into the input shaft 12, for example by the two pulleys 6.1, 6.2, and the driving force introduced into the output shaft 14 (for example by the drive motor 8) can be jointly transmitted to at least one wheel 3.1, 3.2 in order to drive the at least one wheel. Thus, the output shaft 14 can be coupled to the axle 15 of at least one wheel 3.1, 3.2 by means of a chain, belt or gear drive 9.

[0059] As depicted by the dashed lines, at least the input shaft 12, the intermediate shaft 13, the output shaft 14 and the two-way overrunning clutch 18 and the corresponding gears 12.1, 13.1, 13.2 and 14.1 are at least partially arranged in the common housing 19 of the transmission 5. Instead of the hub motor, the drive motor 8 can be separated from the wheels 3.1, 3.2 and can also be coupled to the common housing 19 or arranged inside it. The shaft ends of the shafts 13, 14 can also be configured so that they do not protrude from the common housing 19 to the outside, but are completely enclosed by the common housing.

[0060] According to the invention, the user does not need to put his legs down to the ground in order to gain momentum when driving, as is the case in known kick scooters. The scooter according to the invention is therefore suitable for users with balance problems, since their feet can stand on the drive levers during the entire driving period. It is even possible to propel the vehicle with one leg by pressing only one of the drive levers. In this way, driving longer distances with the scooter can also be more comfortable, less tiring, and safer to use than with conventional kick scooters, due to the symmetrical stance of the user when the scooter is propelled by the drive levers.

Claims

1. A scooter comprising Frame (2), at least two wheels (3.1, 3.2) rotatably mounted to the frame (2), and Two driving rods (4.1, 4.2) are arranged adjacent to each other, one end of each driving rod (4.1, 4.2) being rotatably connected to the frame so that the other end of the corresponding driving rod (4.1, 4.2) can perform reciprocating movement to and fro around one end thereof, a transmission (5) connected to at least one wheel (3.1, 3.2) in order to rotationally drive the at least one wheel, wherein a pulley (6.1, 6.2) is associated with each drive rod, around which a pulling member (7.1, 7.2) such as a rope, cable or belt is wound, and the pulling member (7.1, 7.2) is in turn connected to the corresponding drive rod (4.1, 4.2) and the transmission (5), so that by actuating at least one of the drive rods (4.1, 4.2) at least in the return direction, the movement of the drive rod (4.1, 4.2) is transmitted by its corresponding pulling member (7.1, 7.2) via its corresponding pulley (6.1, 6.2) to the transmission (5) and converted into a rotational movement of the at least one wheel (3.1, 3.2) in the driving direction of the scooter, characterized in that The transmission (5) comprises a two-way overrunning clutch (18), whereby the two-way overrunning clutch (18) is configured such that in a first operating mode, the two-way overrunning clutch (18) is engaged so that driving force can be transferred from the at least one drive rod (4.1, 4.2) to the input shaft (12) and through the two-way overrunning clutch (18) to the output shaft (14), and in a second operating mode, wherein the two-way overrunning clutch (18) is disengaged - and preferably no driving force is transferred from the at least one drive rod (4.1, 4.2) to the input shaft (12) - no driving force can be transmitted from the output shaft (14) back to the input shaft (12) in both directions of rotation of the output shaft (14).

2. The scooter according to claim 1, characterized in that The pulling members (7.1, 7.2) are connected at one end to the respective drive rods (4.1, 4.2) and at the other end to the pulleys (6.1, 6.2), which can be connected to an input shaft (12) of the transmission (5).

3. The scooter according to claim 2, characterized in that Each pulley (6.1, 6.2) is configured such that the respective pulling member (7.1, 7.2) can be wound around each pulley (6.1, 6.2), and each pulley (6.1, 6.2) is associated with a flywheel clutch (16.1, 16.2) and a tractor, the tractor comprising a return spring (17.1, 17.2), wherein each pulley (6.1, 6.2) can be connected to an input shaft (12) of the transmission (5) via a respective flywheel clutch (16.1, 16.2), the tractor and the flywheel clutch (16.1, 16.2) being configured such that during the return movement of the respective drive rod (4.1, 4.2), the pulling member (7.1, 7.2) can be unwound from the pulley (6.1, 6.2), thereby tensioning the return spring (17.1, 17.2) of the tractor ) and engage the flywheel clutch (16.1, 16.2) so that the driving force from the drive rod (4.1, 4.2) can be transmitted to the input shaft (12) of the transmission device (5) by the pulling member (7.1, 7.2), the pulley (6.1, 6.2) and the engaged flywheel clutch (16.1, 16.2), wherein during the outgoing movement of the drive rod, the flywheel clutch (16.1, 16.2) is disengaged so that the pulley (6.1, 6.2) rotates idly relative to the input shaft (12) of the transmission device (5), so that no driving force is transmitted from the pulley (6.1, 6.2) to the input shaft (12), and the pulling member (7.1, 7.2) is wound back around the pulley (6.1, 6.2) by the pre-tensioned return spring (17.1, 17.2) of the tractor.

4. The scooter according to claim 3, characterized in that Each pulley (6.1, 6.2) is coupled to a respective end of the input shaft (12) of the transmission (5) by the respective flywheel clutch (16.1, 16.2) so that the two drive rods (4.1, 4.2) can be actuated independently of each other, wherein preferably, the tractor, the flywheel clutch (16.1, 16.2) and the respective pulley (6.1, 6.2) are arranged concentrically with each other and with the input shaft (12).

5. The scooter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that A drive rod return spring (11.1, 11.2) is associated with each drive rod (4.1, 4.2), one end of which is connected to the frame (2) of the scooter and the other end of which is connected to the drive rod (4.1, 4.2) so as to ensure that the restoring force of the drive rod (4.1, 4.2) returns the drive rod (4.1, 4.2) from the return direction to the go direction.

6. The scooter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The drive rod (4.1, 4.2) is configured as a foot pedal rod, so that by actuating the at least one drive rod (4.1, 4.2) with the foot in the return direction, for example by stepping it down, the downward movement of the drive rod (4.1, 4.2) is transferred to the at least one wheel (3.1, 3.2) by the pulling member (7.1, 7.2), the pulley (6.1, 6.2) and the transmission (5), so as to drive the at least one wheel in the driving direction of the scooter.

7. The scooter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The transmission (5) comprises an output shaft (14) which can be coupled to the input shaft (12) in order to transmit the driving force from the input shaft (12) to the output shaft (14), wherein the transmission (5) is configured as a summing gearbox so that the driving force introduced into the input shaft (12) and the driving force introduced into the output shaft (14) preferably by two pulleys (6.1, 6.2) can be jointly transmitted to the at least one wheel (3.1, 3.2) in order to drive the at least one wheel.

8. The scooter according to claim 1, characterized in that The two-way overrunning clutch (18) is configured such that in the first operating mode, the two-way overrunning clutch is engaged or engaged when a driving force or torque is applied to the input shaft (12), and the two-way overrunning clutch is disengaged or disengaged when the driving force or torque stops.

9. The scooter according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that The transmission device (5) comprises an intermediate shaft (13), which is arranged between the input shaft (12) and the output shaft (14) when viewed in the driving force transmission direction (5), wherein the two-way overrunning clutch (18) is configured so that it can selectively connect the intermediate shaft (13) to the output shaft (14).

10. The scooter according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that The two-way overrunning clutch (18) is configured such that in the first operating mode in which a driving force or torque is applied to the input shaft (12), the two-way overrunning clutch (18) is engaged and the intermediate shaft (13) is coupled to the output shaft (14) by the two-way overrunning clutch (18), and in the second operating mode in which preferably no driving force or torque is applied to the input shaft (12), the two-way overrunning clutch (18) is disengaged and the output shaft (14) is decoupled from the intermediate shaft (13) by the two-way overrunning clutch (18), so that the two-way overrunning clutch (18) prevents the transmission (5) of the driving force from the output shaft (14) through the intermediate shaft (13) to the input shaft (12).

11. The scooter according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the bidirectional overrunning clutch (18) is arranged between the intermediate shaft (13) and the output shaft (14).

12. The scooter according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that The bidirectional overrunning clutch (18) is arranged on the intermediate shaft (13), preferably concentric with the intermediate shaft.

13. A scooter according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that The output shaft (14) comprises an input gear (14.1) and an output gear (14.2) each fixedly mounted to the output shaft (14); the input shaft (12) comprises an output gear (12.1) fixedly mounted to the input shaft (12); the output gear (12.1) of the input shaft (12) meshes with an intermediate input gear (13.1) of the intermediate shaft (13); the intermediate input gear (13.1) is fixedly mounted to the intermediate shaft (13); the intermediate shaft (13) further comprises an intermediate output gear (13.2) meshes with the input gear (14.1) of the output shaft (14); wherein, when viewed in the driving force transmission direction (5), the two-way overrunning clutch (18) is arranged between the intermediate shaft (13) and the intermediate output gear (13.2); and the two-way overrunning clutch (18) is configured such that In the first operating mode in which the two-way overrunning clutch (18) is engaged, the intermediate output gear (13.2) is coupled to the intermediate shaft (13) by the two-way overrunning clutch (18), so that the intermediate input gear (13.1), the intermediate output gear (13.2) and the intermediate shaft (13) rotate together to transmit the driving force from the input shaft (12) through the intermediate shaft (13) to the output shaft (14), wherein in the second operating mode in which the two-way overrunning clutch (18) is disengaged, the intermediate output gear (13.2) is decoupled from the intermediate shaft (13) by the two-way overrunning clutch (18), so that the intermediate output gear (13.2) idles relative to the intermediate shaft (13) to prevent the transmission (5) of the driving force from the output shaft (14) through the intermediate shaft (13) to the input shaft (12) regardless of the rotation direction of the intermediate output gear (13.2).

14. The scooter according to claim 13, characterized in that The intermediate output gear (13.2) at least partially surrounds the bidirectional overrunning clutch (18) in the circumferential direction.

15. The scooter according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The output shaft (14) of the transmission (5) can be coupled to the axle (15) of the at least one wheel (3.1, 3.2) by means of a chain, belt or gear drive (9).

16. The scooter according to claims 1 to 15, characterized in that In addition or as an alternative to the drive rod (4.1, 4.2), a drive motor (8) is associated with the transmission (5) or the at least one wheel (3.1, 3.2) in order to transmit the driving force from the drive motor (8) to the at least one wheel (3.1, 3.2), so that the scooter is preferably a hybrid vehicle.

17. The scooter according to claim 16, characterized in that The drive motor (8) is an electric motor.

18. The scooter according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The drive motor (8) is a wheel hub motor, which is part of the at least one wheel (3.1, 3.2), so that the wheel hub motor drives the wheel (3.1, 3.2).

19. A scooter according to any one of claims 9 to 18, characterised in that At least the input shaft (12), the intermediate shaft (13), the output shaft (14), the bidirectional overrunning clutch (18) and the corresponding gears are at least partially arranged in a common housing (19) of the transmission device (5), wherein preferably, the drive motor (8) is separated from the common housing (19).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Scooter for use as e.g. entertaining sport leisure equipment, has passive drive wheel that is installed in coaxial manner with rear wheel, and transmission belts that are installed between active drive wheel and passive drive wheel

    FR2957892A3