Balance car

Abstract

The invention relates to a balance car (1; 1a), in particular a pedal-free bicycle, having a linear seat tube (2) for the seat tube (1; 1a) and a connecting tube (4; 1a) for connecting the seat tube (2) and the steering unit (3); 4a). According to the invention, the seat tube (2) and the connecting tube (4; 4a) are arranged offset from each other. In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting tube (4; 4a) is detachable. The connecting tube (4) is advantageously designed to be adjustable in length, in particular telescopically adjustable. In one embodiment of the invention, the position of the seat tube (2) and / or the steering unit (3) can be along the direction of the connecting tube (4; 4a) in the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a balancing vehicle, in particular to a bicycle without pedals, which comprises a straight seat tube, a unit for steering the balancing vehicle and a tube for connecting the seat tube and the steering unit. Background Art

[0002] Such balancing vehicles are known in use. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a balancing vehicle with high flexibility in structural design.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the seat tube and the connecting tube are arranged offset from each other.

[0005] Due to the arrangement according to the invention, the seat tube and the connecting tube can be offset in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connecting tube and / or the seat tube so that they are arranged adjacent to each other. It is therefore not necessary to provide recesses or sleeves at the connection points of the pipes as is required in known self-balancing vehicles. This provides further possibilities for the construction of self-balancing vehicles, which are preferably two-wheeled and / or monorail.

[0006] In one embodiment of the invention, the position of the seat tube and / or the steering unit along the connecting tube and / or the length of the connecting tube is adjustable. The distance between the seat tube and the steering unit, preferably the distance between the rear wheel arranged on the seat tube and the front wheel arranged on the steering unit, can be adjusted.

[0007] The connecting tube is advantageously at least partially, in particular completely, straight. The connecting tube is advantageously fastened directly to the seat tube and / or the steering unit. Preferably, the connecting tube is a round tube, a square tube and / or an oval tube.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the connecting pipe is adjustable.

[0009] The connecting pipe is advantageously formed from at least two partial pipes, which are preferably arranged (nested) at least partially inside one another, particularly preferably coaxially.

[0010] The connecting tube is telescopically adjustable, so that the distance between the seat tube and the steering unit can be particularly easily adjusted, and in particular, the distance between the rear wheel and the front wheel can be easily adjusted.

[0011] It will be appreciated that the connecting tube may be formed from a single tube.

[0012] The balancing vehicle may be provided in such a manner that the distance between the seat tube and the steering unit can be adjusted continuously or in predetermined amplitudes.

[0013] The connecting tube, in particular a partial tube, is advantageously foldable and / or at least partially detachable. The connecting tube preferably has at least one joint, in particular a hinge.

[0014] The connecting pipe, in particular at least a portion of the pipe, advantageously has a rectangular, preferably square, triangular, circular and / or oval cross section.

[0015] Preferably, the connecting tube is detachably fastened to the seat tube and / or the steering unit.

[0016] One of the two partial tubes is advantageously connected to the seat tube and / or the other of the two partial tubes is connected to the steering unit, preferably fixedly connected to the steering unit. In one embodiment of the invention, the two partial tubes are connected by at least one connector partial tube, which also forms one of the partial tubes. The partial tubes are advantageously connected to each other in a detachable manner. The connector partial tube can preferably be inserted into the two partial tubes and can be fastened there by fastening means on the balancing vehicle. The connector partial tube can also be formed in a telescopically adjustable manner. The partial tube connected to the seat tube can be non-detachably connected to the seat tube, preferably by welding.

[0017] Preferably, the connector part tube is detachably connected to the part tube fastened on the seat tube, and / or releasably connected to the part tube fastened on the steering unit. The connection between the seat tube and the steering unit can be loosened to replace the connecting tube or disassemble the balance vehicle.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting pipe is formed by two end portions and a joint portion, thereby making the self-balancing vehicle particularly easy to store.

[0019] The end section advantageously bears against the inside of the partial tube held on the steering unit and the seat tube. The end sections arranged in the partial tube preferably have a shape by which they are connected to the partial tube in a non-rotatable manner. As a result, the end section arranged in the partial tube cannot be twisted relative to the partial tube, and the bicycle without pedals becomes particularly stable. The end section can be formed by a tube, in particular by a completely straight tube. The end section advantageously has a rectangular, preferably square, triangular or oval cross section. The end sections preferably have different lengths.

[0020] The end portions are advantageously connected to each other via a particularly rigid joint part, wherein each end portion is connected to the joint part in an articulated manner. Preferably, the formed joints are each formed in the form of a hinge. Thus, each end portion can be moved relative to the joint part, respectively, and the connector part tube can be folded.

[0021] Preferably, the axes of rotation of the two joints and / or hinges are held at a distance from one another by the joint part, which distance can correspond at least to the width of a part of the tube and / or the end section.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the balance vehicle is configured to be arranged in a comfortable driving position and a compact driving position, wherein the distance between the rear wheels and the front wheels, in particular the distance between the seat tube and the steering unit is greater in the comfortable driving position than in the compact driving position.

[0023] By changing the length of the connecting tube, replacing the connecting tube with a connecting tube of different length and / or adjusting the position of the seat tube and / or the steering unit along the connecting tube, it is advantageously possible to switch between a compact driving position and a comfortable driving position. Preferably, the length of the connecting tube is adjustable by the position of the partial tube and / or the partial tube and at least one end section, in particular the longer end section, are relatively adjustable, preferably by displacement.

[0024] In the comfortable driving position, the distance between the rotational axis of the rear wheels and the rotational axis of the front wheels is advantageously at least 1.4 times, preferably 1.4 to 2 times, particularly preferably 1.6 to 1.8 times, the diameter of the rear wheel or the front wheel, or advantageously at least 1.4 times, preferably 1.4 to 2 times, particularly preferably 1.6 to 1.8 times, the sum of the radii of the rear and front wheels. The distance between the rotational axes of the rear wheels and the front wheels in the comfortable driving position is preferably 0.5 m to 1.2 m, preferably 0.5 m to 1 m, particularly preferably 0.6 m to 0.8 m.

[0025] The balancing vehicle can be adapted according to the stride length of the driver, in particular continuously or step by step.

[0026] In the compact driving position, the distance between the rotational axes of the rear wheels and the front wheels is advantageously greater than the sum of the radii of the rear wheels and the front wheels and is preferably at most 1.2 times, particularly preferably at most 1.15 times, the sum of the radii of the rear wheels and the front wheels. The distance between the rotational axes of the rear wheels and the front wheels in the compact driving position is preferably 0.3 m to 0.8 m, preferably 0.4 m to 0.6 m.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, in the compact driving position, the end of the connecting tube or at least one partial tube, in particular at least one connector partial tube, remote from the steering unit protrudes beyond the seat tube and preferably does not protrude beyond the rear wheel. Such a self-balancing vehicle is particularly easy to operate and saves space.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the mutually facing ends of the partial tube fastened to the seat tube and the partial tube fastened to the steering unit abut against each other, wherein two adjacently abutting partial tubes are preferably connected via a connector partial tube.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the balance vehicle is intended to be arranged in a packed position, in which the balance vehicle can be arranged in a particularly space-saving manner, for example for storage or for carrying around.

[0030] The balancing vehicle is advantageously arranged in the packaging position so that the distance between the seat tube and the steering unit is minimized, preferably by reducing the length of the connecting tube to a minimum length, by adjusting the position of the seat tube and / or the steering unit along the connecting tube, and / or by removing the connecting tube from the seat tube and / or the steering unit.

[0031] In the packed position, the distance between the rotational axes of the rear wheels and the front wheels of the self-balancing vehicle is advantageously at most 1.2 times, particularly preferably at most 1.02 times, the sum of the radii of the rear wheels and the front wheels. Preferably, the distance between the rotational axes of the rear wheels and the front wheels is the same in the packed position and the compact driving position.

[0032] In another packaging position, the rear wheel and the front wheel are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance between the rotation axes of the front wheel and the rear wheel can therefore be smaller, and the balancing vehicle can be arranged more compactly.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, in the packed position the connecting tube or at least one partial tube, in particular at least one connector partial tube, with its end facing away from the steering unit protrudes beyond the seat tube and preferably not beyond the rear wheel.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting tube, in particular one of the partial tubes, is detached from the seat tube and / or the steering unit, in particular from another partial tube held on the seat tube and / or the steering unit, in the packed position. The balancing vehicle can be divided into two separate components. The components, in particular the seat tube and / or the steering unit, preferably have means for fastening them to each other, in particular magnets or jackets. Alternatively, the components are connected in the packed position via a folded connector partial tube, wherein one of the end sections is connected to one of the components, in particular one of the partial tubes. The connecting tube can be folded.

[0035] It is advantageous for arranging the balancing vehicle in the packed position if the rear wheel and / or the front wheel is only held on one side in the manner described above.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the steering unit comprises an at least partially, in particular completely, straight steering tube, wherein the front wheel is preferably arranged only on the steering tube. The rear wheel is advantageously arranged on the seat tube, preferably only on the seat tube.

[0037] The seat tube or the at least partially straight, in particular completely straight, seat support, which is at least partially arranged in the seat tube, advantageously has a holder for the seat.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, in the packaging position, the seat support is pushed into the seat tube up to a stop, which is preferably formed by the seat holder or the seat. In the packaging position, the seat support advantageously projects from the seat tube with its end facing away from the seat holder. Preferably, the seat tube is formed completely straight, in particular to achieve this arrangement. Alternatively, the seat support can be completely removed from the seat tube in the packaging position.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, the steering tube or the at least partially straight, in particular completely straight steering support, which is at least partially arranged in the steering tube, has a holder for the steering gear. The steering support can be displaced and / or rotated in the steering tube to adjust the height and / or orientation of the steering gear. The steering tube and the steering support together advantageously form a straight tube with a preferably telescopically adjustable length.

[0040] In the packaging position, the steering support is advantageously pushed into the steering tube up to a stop, which is preferably formed by the steering gear holder and / or the steering gear. In one embodiment of the invention, in the packaging position, the end of the steering support facing away from the steering gear holder protrudes from the steering tube. Alternatively, the steering support can be completely removed from the steering tube in the packaging position.

[0041] The longitudinal axis of the steering gear, preferably the longitudinal axis of the partial section of the steering gear held thereon by the steering gear holder, is advantageously arranged in the packed position at an angle to the axis of rotation of the front wheel, preferably at an angle of 70° to 90°, particularly preferably at an angle of 80° to 90°. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the steering gear, in particular the partial section of the steering gear, is arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the front wheel, and thus the self-balancing vehicle arranged in the packed position becomes narrower.

[0042] In one embodiment of the invention, the rotation axis of the rear wheel is offset from the longitudinal axis of the seat tube so that the seat support in the seat tube can be moved past the wheel axis of the rear wheel. The rotation axis of the front wheel is advantageously offset from the longitudinal axis of the steering tube so that the steering support in the steering tube can be moved past the wheel axis of the front wheel. The seat support can be moved outside the rotation axis of the rear wheel in the seat tube or the steering support can be moved outside the rotation axis of the front wheel in the steering tube.

[0043] The rotation axis of the rear wheel is advantageously arranged to be offset from the longitudinal axis of the seat tube, preferably in a direction away from the steering unit. The offset of the rear wheel increases the stability of the self-balancing vehicle when driving; in particular, the center of gravity of the self-balancing vehicle and the driver is moved toward the middle of the front and rear wheel axes.

[0044] The rotation axis of the front wheel is advantageously arranged to deviate from the longitudinal axis of the steering tube in the direction of the seat tube, thereby reducing the overall length of the balancing vehicle and preferably increasing the caster angle.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rear wheel axle may be held on the seat tube directly or through a retainer, and / or the front wheel axle may be held on the steering tube directly or through a retainer.

[0046] The rear wheel holder and / or the front wheel holder is advantageously formed by a recess in the seat tube and / or the steering tube, in particular a tube insert or means for receiving the rear wheel axle and / or the front wheel axle, in particular a perforated plate, a square tube and / or a round tube.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the rear wheel holder and / or the front wheel holder is a shoulder, in particular a pin, protruding from the seat tube and / or the steering tube. The shoulder is advantageously arranged on the seat tube or the steering tube and preferably rests against the seat tube or the steering tube. The shoulder may have a recess which at least partially has the shape of the outer surface of the seat tube and / or the steering tube, preferably a negative shape. The longitudinal axis and / or the axis of symmetry of the shoulder are advantageously identical to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel or the front wheel arranged on the shoulder. Preferably, the shoulder is at least partially arranged in the rear wheel or the front wheel (the rear wheel or the front wheel is arranged on the shoulder) and may completely pass through and / or protrude from the rear wheel or the front wheel. The shoulder is advantageously arranged on the seat tube and / or the steering tube so that the longitudinal axis and / or the axis of symmetry of the shoulder are arranged directly on and / or next to the seat tube and / or the steering tube.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rear wheel axle is fastened only on one side of the rear wheel through the rear wheel holder on the seat tube, and / or the front wheel axle is fastened only on one side of the front wheel through the front wheel holder on the steering tube. This simplifies the assembly and maintenance of the rear wheel and / or the front wheel and reduces the weight. The number of components constituting the balance vehicle is reduced. The manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0049] In one embodiment of the invention, the outer tube, in particular the seat tube, the steering tube and the connecting tube, in particular the tube section fastened to the seat tube and the tube section fastened to the steering unit, have an inner radius of almost the same size. The inner tube, in particular the seat support, the steering support and, if necessary, at least one connector tube section, can have an outer radius of the same size. The outer tube advantageously has an inner radius which is equal to or greater than the outer radius of the inner tube. The inner tube can be arranged in the outer tube, preferably in a displaceable manner.

[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, in the packed position, the seat support is arranged in one of the partial tubes, in particular a partial tube which is preferably fixedly held on the seat tube or the steering unit. One of the partial tubes, in particular at least one connector partial tube, is advantageously arranged in the packed position in the seat tube or the steering tube.

[0051] The seat tube and / or the steering tube can have means, in particular clamps, clips and / or sleeves, for holding the connecting tube, in particular for holding at least one of the partial tubes, the seat support and / or the steering support.

[0052] The partial tube arranged on the seat tube advantageously has such a length that the end of the partial tube facing away from the seat tube protrudes above the rear wheel at most to a vertical line tangential to the rear wheel. Preferably, the length of the partial tube provided on the steering unit is such that the end of the partial tube facing away from the steering unit protrudes above the front wheel at most to a vertical line tangential to the front wheel.

[0053] In one embodiment of the invention, the steering unit has a swivel joint, with which the steering tube can be pivoted or rotated about the axis of rotation of the swivel joint.

[0054] The steering tube is advantageously held on the swivel joint at a distance from the axis of rotation of the swivel joint, thereby enabling the steering tube to pivot about the axis of rotation of the swivel joint.

[0055] Alternatively, the steering tube can advantageously be held by a swivel joint so that the longitudinal axis of the steering tube is identical to the axis of rotation of the swivel joint. This allows the steering tube to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

[0056] The swivel joint is advantageously connected, in particular directly, to the end of one of the connecting pipes or pipe sections which faces the deflection unit.

[0057] The steering tube and / or the steering support and the connecting tube or the partial tube connected to the swivel joint are advantageously arranged at right angles to each other, in particular at an angle which deviates preferably by no more than 12°, particularly preferably by no more than 10°.

[0058] In one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal axis of the steering tube and / or the longitudinal axis of the steering support and the rotation axis of the swivel joint are arranged at an angle to each other, preferably <5°, particularly preferably <3°.

[0059] The longitudinal axis of the steering tube and / or of the steering support and the axis of rotation of the swivel joint are advantageously arranged parallel to one another and preferably at a distance from one another.

[0060] In one embodiment of the invention, the rotation axis of the swivel joint and / or the longitudinal axis of the steering tube and / or the steering support are arranged vertically, in particular perpendicularly. The rotation axis of the swivel joint, the longitudinal axis of the steering tube and / or the steering support are advantageously arranged at an angle of between 0° and 20°, preferably between 0° and 12°, particularly preferably between 4° and 10° to the vertical.

[0061] The rotation axis of the swivel joint is advantageously arranged in a symmetry plane of the front wheel perpendicular to the rotation axis of the front wheel.The rotation axis of the swivel joint may intersect the longitudinal axis of the connecting pipe or a part pipe connected to the swivel joint.

[0062] The longitudinal axis of the seat tube is advantageously arranged vertically, in particular perpendicularly. The longitudinal axis of the seat tube may be arranged at an angle of between 0° and 20°, preferably between 0° and 10°, particularly preferably between 0° and 5° to the vertical.

[0063] The seat tube and the connecting tube are advantageously arranged at a right angle to one another, in particular at an angle which deviates preferably by no more than 10°, particularly preferably by no more than 5°, from the right angle.

[0064] The longitudinal axis of the connecting tube is advantageously arranged in a symmetry plane of the rear wheel perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel.

[0065] In one embodiment of the invention, the seat is arranged centrally above the rear wheel, preferably so that the longitudinal axis of the seat is arranged in a symmetry plane of the rear wheel perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel. To this end, it can be arranged on the seat tube or the seat support in a transversely offset manner. The seat tube or the seat support advantageously has an upper end section, which is bent towards the steering unit and / or arranged obliquely relative to the connecting tube so that the upper end is arranged vertically above the connecting tube. The center of gravity of the driver of the balancing vehicle sitting on the seat can be placed in the symmetry plane of the rear wheel perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel and moved in the direction of the front wheel. It goes without saying that the end section can form a stop, and the seat support can be pushed into the seat tube until the stop.

[0066] In one embodiment of the invention, the seat is wider in the region of the seat tip than in the region between the seat tip and the end of the seat facing away from the seat tip. The cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the seat is advantageously larger in the region of the seat tip than in the region between the seat tip and the end facing away from the seat tip. In one embodiment of the invention, the seat tip is inclined upwards. Each of the aforementioned possible embodiments and combinations of the seat according to the invention are able to better absorb the forces generated by a driver sitting on the seat when driving a self-balancing vehicle.

[0067] The balance vehicle may have only a single seat tube, a single connecting tube and / or a single steering tube.

[0068] The front wheel and / or the rear wheel preferably has a wheel diameter of 12 inches to 20 inches, preferably 16 inches to 18 inches, particularly preferably 18 inches.

[0069] The balancing vehicle advantageously has means for preventing the partial tubes from twisting relative to each other, the seat tube and the seat support from twisting relative to each other, and / or the steering tube and the steering support from twisting relative to each other, and / or means for fixing the length of the connecting tube, the seat height and / or the steering gear height, and preferably being able to change the length in stages. The corresponding means can be, for example, bolts, screws, grooves and / or edges with corresponding recesses, stops with corresponding matching stops and / or clamps. Preferably, the bolt is arranged on a resetting means, which holds the bolt in the recess.

[0070] In one embodiment of the invention, the balancing vehicle has at least one clamp, which is arranged on the connecting pipe and by which the partial pipes can be fixed to each other. The clamp advantageously has a clamp around one of the partial pipes and preferably completely against the partial pipe. In order to clamp the jacket, the clamp can have a clamping device, which preferably engages the corner area of ​​the surrounded partial pipe, which preferably has a rectangular or triangular cross section. The clamping device advantageously connects the two sides of the jacket, which preferably form an angle of 45° to 135°, preferably an angle of 90°. The clamping force can thus be particularly evenly distributed on the periphery of the clamped partial pipe.

[0071] Advantageously, the partial pipe surrounded by the clamp has a gap formed in the longitudinal direction of the partial pipe in the corner area where the clamp means engages. As a result, the circumference of the surrounded partial pipe can be reduced by the clamp and the partial pipe and / or end portion arranged in the surrounded partial pipe can be clamped.

[0072] In order to facilitate the movement of tubes arranged one inside the other, in particular end sections and / or tube sections, a sliding layer and / or a sliding coating can be formed between the tubes.

[0073] The scooter may comprise only a single brake, in particular a rim brake and / or a disc brake, which is dedicated to braking the rear wheel and is preferably arranged on the connecting tube or the seat tube. Since the center of gravity of the system consisting of the scooter and the driver is closer to the rear wheel than to the front wheel, it has proven to be advantageous to provide braking only on the rear wheel.

[0074] The front wheel and / or the rear wheel advantageously has a drive, preferably a wheel hub motor. The drive may be without a pedal crank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] The present invention is further explained below using exemplary embodiments and drawings related to these exemplary embodiments. In the drawings:

[0076] Figure 1a-1b The balance vehicle according to the present invention is shown in a comfortable and compact driving position;

[0077] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1a-1b Another seat support of the balance vehicle;

[0078] Figure 3a-Figure 3b Shown according to Figure 1a-1b Another rear wheel holder and / or a front wheel holder of the self-balancing vehicle;

[0079] Figure 4a-4b Shown in packed position Figure 1a-1b The balance car shown;

[0080] Figure 5 Another balancing vehicle according to the present invention is shown;

[0081] Figure 6a-6b Another balancing vehicle according to the present invention is shown in a comfortable and compact driving position;

[0082] Figure 7a-7c Shown in two different packaging positions Figure 6a-6b The balance car shown;

[0083] Figure 8a-8f and Figure 9a-9e Shown according to Figure 6a-6b Detailed view of the connection pipe of the self-balancing vehicle;

[0084] Fig.10 Shows the lock Figure 8a-8f and Figure 9a-9e A detailed view of the clamp for connecting the pipes is shown;

[0085] Fig.11 A detailed view of the retention of the rear wheel on the seat tube by means of a shoulder is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] Figure 1a-1b A balancing vehicle 1 according to the present invention is shown, which comprises a straight seat tube 2 and a steering unit 3. The seat tube 2 and the steering unit 3 are connected to each other via a connecting tube 4, and the seat tube 2 is arranged to be offset from the connecting tube 4. The seat tube 2 and the connecting tube 4 are arranged at right angles to each other.

[0087] The length of the connecting pipe 4 is as follows Figure 1a The selection shown is such that the distance between the rotation axis of the rear wheel 10 and the rotation axis of the front wheel 11 is, for example, 1.6 times the sum of the radii of the rear wheel 10 and the front wheel 11. Figure 1a The self-balancing vehicle 1 is arranged in a comfortable driving position.

[0088] A straight seat post 5 is movably arranged in the seat tube 2 , to which a seat 15 is fastened.

[0089] You can also set Figure 2 The seat support 5 a shown has its upper end section 5 a ′ bent toward the deflection unit 3 and is optionally arranged obliquely relative to the connecting tube 4 , so that the upper end is arranged vertically above the connecting tube 4 .

[0090] As a result, the center of gravity of the driver of the self-balancing vehicle 1 sitting on the seat 15 is directed toward the front wheel 11 and into the symmetry plane of the rear wheel 10, which is perpendicular to its rotation axis. In addition, the holder 8 for the rear wheel 10 is directly fastened to the seat tube 2, so that the rotation axis of the rear wheel 10 deviates from the longitudinal axis of the seat tube 2 in a direction away from the steering unit 3. In the embodiment shown, the rear wheel holder 8 is a square tube protruding from the seat tube 2, but it can also be a different structure, in particular a pin, a plate or a round tube.

[0091] The steering unit 3 comprises a straight steering tube 6, in which a straight steering support 7 is at least partially displaceably arranged. The steering gear 16 is held on the steering support 7. Furthermore, a holder 9 for the front wheel 11 is fastened directly on the steering tube 6, by means of which the axis of rotation of the front wheel 11 is offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the steering tube 6 in the direction of the seat tube 2. In the embodiment shown, the front wheel holder 9 is a plate protruding from the steering tube 6, but it may also be a shoulder of a different design.

[0092] Instead of holding the rear wheel 10 on the seat tube 2 by the rear wheel holder 8 and the front wheel 11 on the steering tube 6 by the front wheel holder 9, the axle 12 of the rear wheel 10 may be fastened directly to the seat tube 2 or the axle 13 of the front wheel 11 may be fastened directly to the steering tube 6. Furthermore, the rear wheel axle 12 and / or the front wheel axle 13 may have a shoulder 21; 21a. Figure 3a-Figure 3b The shoulder 21 ; 21 a shown is fastened directly to the seat tube 2 . Figure 3b The shoulder 21a shown has a recess at least partially surrounding the seat tube 2, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 , in which a shoulder 21a is arranged on an alternative seat tube 2b. The seat tube 2b differs from the seat tube 2 in that it has a gap 29b extending in the longitudinal direction in the end region, which allows the seat tube 2b to expand and thus the seat support, not shown here, to be moved more easily in the seat tube 2b. The shoulder 21a can be fastened to the seat tube 2, 2b, for example by welding. Figure 3a-Figure 3b Only the holder of the rear wheel 10 on the seat tube 2 by means of the bosses 21, 21a is shown, but it will be appreciated that the bosses 21, 21a may be arranged on the steering tube 6 in the same manner as the holder of the front wheel 11. It goes without saying that instead of or in addition to the gap 29b provided in the seat tube 2b, a Fig.11 A gap designed in the same manner is provided in a steering tube (not shown).

[0093] The rear wheel axle 12 and the front wheel axle 13 are held only on a single side of the corresponding wheels 10 , 11 by the rear wheel holder 8 and the front wheel holder 9 .

[0094] The connecting tube 4 is connected to the steering tube 6 via a swivel joint 14. In the present example, the steering tube 6 is held at a certain distance from the swivel joint 14 and can therefore pivot around the rotation axis of the swivel joint 14. Alternatively, if the longitudinal axis of the steering tube 6 is the same as the rotation axis of the swivel joint 14, the steering tube 6 can be rotatably mounted around the rotation axis of the swivel joint 14 via the swivel joint 14. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the steering tube 6 is parallel to the rotation axis of the swivel joint 14, but may also be arranged at a certain angle to the rotation axis of the swivel joint 14.

[0095] The length of the connecting tube 4 can be adjusted telescopically. To this end, the connecting tube 4 is formed by a plurality of partial tubes 4', 4", 4'", wherein the partial tube 4' is fastened to the seat tube 2 and the partial tube 4'' is fastened to the swivel joint 14. The partial tube 4'' serves as a connector partial tube 4'', which is arranged inside the partial tubes 4', 4'' and connects the partial tubes 4', 4''. The connector partial tube 4'' can be pushed out of the seat tube 2 through the partial tube 4', as shown in FIG. Figure 1b In this case, the self-balancing vehicle 1 is arranged in a compact driving position, wherein the self-balancing vehicle 1 is particularly easy to maneuver and saves space. If the connecting tube 4 is formed by a single tube, the connecting tube 4 can protrude beyond the seat tube 2 in the same way as the connecting tube 4 ″.

[0096] The distance between the rotation axes of the rear wheel 10 and the front wheel 11 is, for example, 1.02 times the sum of the radii of the rear wheel 10 and the front wheel 11. If the connecting tube 4 is formed of a single tube, the connecting tube 4 may have a length such that the distance between the rotation axes of the rear wheel 10 and the front wheel 11 conforms to the above ratio.

[0097] In order to change between a compact driving position and a comfortable driving position, the connecting pipe 4 can be replaced or the length of the connecting pipe 4 can be changed, such as Figure 1a-1b Alternatively or additionally, the seat tube 2 or the steering unit 3 can be displaced along the connecting tube 4 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connecting tube 4 in order to thereby change the distance between the rotation axes of the rear wheel 10 and the front wheel 11 .

[0098] In order to prevent the partial tubes 4', 4", 4"' and thus the seat tube 2 and the steering unit 3 from twisting relative to each other, the partial tubes 4', 4", 4"' have bolts and corresponding recesses 18. In addition, the partial tubes 4', 4", 4"' can have guide grooves with corresponding mating parts. In order to further fix the partial tubes 4', 4", 4"', a clamp 19 is also provided. The partial tubes 4', 4"' have a longitudinal slot in the end area on which the clamp 19 is arranged, through which the connector partial tube 4" can be clamped or contracted by the clamp 19. By means of the bolts and recesses 18 and the clamp 19, the distance between the seat tube 2 and the steering unit 3 can be adjusted and fixed in stages. In particular, in the compact driving position, the distance between the seat tube 2 and the steering unit 3 can also be specified by the length of the partial tubes 4', 4"' in such a way that the relative base surfaces of the partial tubes 4', 4"' abut against each other in the compact driving position.

[0099] Since the rotation axis of the front wheel 11 deviates from the longitudinal axis of the steering tube 6, and the rotation axis of the rear wheel 10 deviates from the seat tube 2, when the seat 15 and the steering gear 16 are lowered, the seat support 5 and the steering bracket 7 can be guided on the rear wheel axle 12 or the front wheel axle 13. Figure 4a The shown Figure 1a-1b The packing position of the self-balancing vehicle 1 is shown. The seat 15 and the steering gear 16 or the seat holder or the steering gear holder not shown here form a stopper for controlling the depth of the seat support 5 inserted into the seat tube 2 and the steering support 7 inserted into the steering tube 6. The seat support 5 protrudes from the seat tube 2 with its end facing away from the end for accommodating the seat 15, and the steering support 7 protrudes from the steering tube 6 with its end facing away from the end for accommodating the steering member 16.

[0100] The connecting tube 4 can be connected to the seat tube 2 so that the connecting tube 4 protrudes beyond the seat tube 2 when reducing the distance between the rotation axes of the rear wheel 10 and the front wheel 11. In addition, the steering tube 6 can be arranged to be twisted relative to the steering support 7 so that the longitudinal axis of the steering gear 16 is parallel to the symmetry plane of the front wheel 11 perpendicular to the rotation axis 11 of the front wheel.

[0101] Figure 4b Another packaging position is shown, in which the connecting pipe 4 is not as Figure 4a The connecting tube 4; 4a shown protruding out of the seat tube 2, but not shown therein, is loosened from the swivel joint 14 and the seat tube 2, or the connector part tube 4" is removed from the part tube 4', 4'". This allows two separate components 20, 20' to be placed together for packaging and fastened to each other using magnets not shown here. The component 20 comprises, in particular, the seat tube 2 and the rear wheel 10. The component 20' comprises, in particular, the steering unit 3.

[0102] Remove the seat support 5 from the seat tube 2 and insert it into the Figure 4b Furthermore, the seat support 5 can be held on the outside of the seat tube 2 and / or the steering tube 6 by means of a tube clamp (not shown here). Alternatively or additionally, the seat support 5 can also be held in a partial tube 4" fastened to the swivel 14 or in a partial tube 4' fastened to the seat tube 2 (not shown here).

[0103] like Figure 4a As shown, the steering support 7 is pushed into the steering tube 6 up to the stop and prevents the steering tube 6 from twisting, so that the longitudinal axis of the steering gear 16 is arranged parallel to the symmetry plane of the front wheel 11 perpendicular to the rotation axis of the front wheel 11. Alternatively, the steering support 7 can be removed from the steering tube 6 and can be arranged on the assembly 20, 20' like the seat support 5.

[0104] The connector section pipe 4" taken out from the section pipe 4', 4"' is arranged at Figure 4b The seat tube 2 is not visible in the figure and can also be held on the assembly 20, 20' by means of a holding device not shown.

[0105] exist Figure 4b In the further packaging position shown, the symmetry planes of the rear wheel 10 and the front wheel 11 perpendicular to their respective rotational axes are arranged opposite each other. Between the rear wheel 10 and the front wheel 11, a steering tube 6 and a seat tube 2 are arranged, among others.

[0106] The self-balancing vehicle 1 has a clamp 19, which is placed against the seat tube 2 and the steering tube 6 and surrounds the seat support 5 or the steering support 7 in a clamping manner. The height of the seat 15 and the steering gear 16 can be fixed thereby.

[0107] The seat 15 is inclined upward in the region of the seat tip 17 and is wider than the region between the seat tip 17 and the end of the seat 15 facing away from the seat tip 17 .

[0108] Furthermore, the self-balancing vehicle 1 has a rim brake (not shown here) for braking the rear wheel 10, which is arranged on the partial tube 4'. Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide a disc brake on the seat tube 2.

[0109] Figure 5 Another balancing vehicle 1a according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1a-1bCompared with the self-balancing vehicle 1 of the present invention, instead of the telescopically adjustable connecting tube 4, the self-balancing vehicle 1a has a connecting tube 4a fixed along its length, which is fastened to the swivel joint 14 and the seat tube 2. The length of the connecting tube 4a is such that the distance between the rear wheel axle 12 and the front wheel axle 13 corresponds to, for example, 1.05 times the sum of the radii of the rear wheel 10 and the front wheel 11. Thus, the self-balancing vehicle 1a is arranged in a compact driving position. Alternatively, the length of the connecting tube 4a can be selected so that the distance between the rear wheel axle 12 and the front wheel axle 13 is, for example, 1.5 times the sum of the radii of the rear wheel 10 and the front wheel 11. Thus, the self-balancing vehicle 1a is arranged in a comfortable driving position.

[0110] The connecting tube 4a is detachable in order to switch between a compact driving position and a comfortable driving position or to change the distance between the rotation axes of the rear wheel 10 and the front wheel 11. Furthermore, the position of the seat tube 2 and / or the steering unit 3 can be changed along the connecting tube 4a.

[0111] it goes without saying, Figure 4a-4b The packaging positions shown also apply according to Figure 5 Balance car 1a.

[0112] In order to place the balancing vehicle 1a in a Figure 4b In another packaging position shown, the connecting tube 4a is loosened from the rotating joint 14 and the seat tube 2 and remains on the assembly 20, 20' or arranged in the seat tube 2, provided that the seat post 5 as shown in Figure 4 (b) is removed. Alternatively, the connecting tube 4a can be removed only from the rotating joint or the seat tube 2.

[0113] Instead of disassembling the connecting tube 4; 4a, the connecting tube 4; 4a may have a hinge and / or a joint so as to move the balancing vehicle 1; 1a to a position according to Figure 4b in the packaging position. Figure 6a-6b A balancing vehicle 1b having such a connecting pipe 4b is shown in FIG.

[0114] Unlike the self-balancing vehicles 1, 1a, the self-balancing vehicle 1b has a connecting pipe 4b, which is formed by two partial pipes 22, 23 and a connector partial pipe 24. In the embodiment shown, the partial pipe 22 is fixedly connected to the seat tube 2b, for example by welding, and the partial pipe 23 is fixedly connected to the swivel joint 14. However, the partial pipes 22, 23 can also be detachably fastened to the seat tube 2b or the swivel joint 14, respectively.

[0115] The partial pipes 22, 23 are both formed by pipes with square cross sections, but may also have different square, oval or circular cross sections. It goes without saying that the partial pipes 4', 4", 4"' and the connecting pipe 4; 4a may also have square, oval or circular cross sections.

[0116] By moving the partial pipes 22, 23 relative to the connector partial pipe 24, the balancing vehicle 1b can be moved from Figure 6a The comfortable driving position shown moves to Figure 6b In order to fix the connecting pipe 4b in the corresponding driving position, the self-balancing vehicle 1b has a clamp 19c, which can be opened and closed by a clamping rod. This allows the position of the connector part pipe 24 to be fixed relative to the part pipes 22, 23.

[0117] In order to enable the connector pipe section 24 to be moved more easily in the pipe sections 22 , 23 , a sliding layer is formed on the surface of the connector pipe section 24 facing the inner side of the pipe sections 22 , 23 .

[0118] The self-balancing vehicle 1b comprises a steering gear 16b, which differs from the steering gear 16 in that the steering gear 16b has a front end structure (Vorbau), by which the steering gear 16 is kept at a certain distance from the steering support 7. It goes without saying that the front end structure can also form part of the steering support 7 or as a separate component. In addition, the steering gear 16 can be provided to replace the steering gear 16b, and vice versa.

[0119] As an alternative to the balancing vehicle 1, 1a, the rear wheel 10b and the front wheel 11b are arranged on the left side of the seat tube 2b or the steering tube 6b along the driving direction through the boss 21a. It goes without saying that the wheel can also be kept on the right side of the corresponding tube when viewed from the driving direction.

[0120] The rear wheel 10 b and the front wheel 11 b are formed here as traveling wheels on which spokes and rubber tires are mounted, but may be formed in a different manner.

[0121] exist Figure 7a In the figure, the self-balancing vehicle 1b is shown in a first packaging position, wherein the connecting tube 4b is arranged in a compact driving position, and the steering support 7 is twisted in the steering tube 6b so that the longitudinal axis of the steering gear 16b is oriented and aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connecting tube 4b.

[0122] In order to further reduce the packaging size of the balancing vehicle 1b, it can be arranged in the second packaging position, such as Figure 7c In addition to the arrangement in the first packaging position described above, in the second packaging position, the connecting tube 4b is folded by the connector part tube 24 so that the components 20b, 20b' can be arranged adjacent to each other. The component 20b particularly includes the seat tube 2b and the rear wheel 10b. The component 20b' particularly includes the steering tube 6b and the front wheel 11b. Figure 4b Compared to the second packaging position shown, in which the components 20 , 20 ′ are separated before being placed together, the two components 20 b , 20 b ′ are connected to each other via the connector portion tube 24 .

[0123] The seat support 5 is completely pulled out of the seat tube 2b and arranged outside the partial tube 22. The self-balancing vehicle 1b has magnets, not shown here, for holding the seat support 5 on the partial tube 22. Alternatively or additionally, the self-balancing vehicle 1b can have different types of holding devices, such as a clip or the like.

[0124] Figure 7b An intermediate position is shown, by which it is possible to move from a first packaging position to a second packaging position. Figure 8a-8f The connector pipe section 24 shown in the detailed view of FIG. 1 is partially pulled out of the pipe section 22 so that the joint section 26 of the connector pipe section 24 is exposed.

[0125] like Figure 8a-8f As shown, the connector part pipe 24 is formed by two end parts 25, 27 and a joint part 26. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the end parts 25, 27 are formed in the form of a tube with a square cross section, but can also have an oval, circular or rectangular cross section. The end part 27 also has a recess in the shape of a circular cross section at the end facing away from the joint part 26, the radius of which corresponds to the outer radius of the rotary joint 14. As a result, the end part 27 can be supported particularly well on the rotary joint 14. It should be understood that the recess is optional and the end part 27 can have a recess of a different shape or no recess at all.

[0126] Furthermore, the two end portions 25, 27 have different lengths, wherein in the embodiment shown, the end portion 25 is longer than the end portion 27. The end portions 25, 27 may also have the same length or the end portion 27 may be longer than the end portion 25.

[0127] The joint portion 26 is connected to one end of the end portions 25, 27 in such a manner that a joint is formed between the joint portion 26 and the end portions 25, 27, respectively. Thus, the connector portion tube 24 has a double joint, by which the connector portion tube 24 can be folded, such as Figure 8c-8f As shown. Figure 8e and Figure 8f In the position of the connector portion pipe 24 shown, the balancing vehicle 1b can be arranged according to Figure 7c In the above-mentioned second packaging position, the end portions 25, 27 are in direct contact with the joint portion 26 laterally.

[0128] exist Figure 8a , Figure 8c and Figure 8e , the connector portion tube 24 is shown in different positions. Figure 8b , Figure 8d and Figure 8f Corresponding cross-sectional views of the connector portion tube 24 are shown respectively.

[0129] In order to clarify how the connecting pipe 4b can be arranged at various positions, Figure 9a-9e FIG. 4 shows a connecting tube 4b showing a partial detail of the self-balancing vehicle 1b, wherein the seat tube 2b is shown to be connected to the rotating joint 14 through the connecting tube 4b.

[0130] exist Figure 9a In the embodiment, the self-balancing vehicle 1b is arranged in the above-mentioned comfortable driving position. In this position, the end portion 25 of the connector part pipe 24 is clamped in the part pipe 22 and the part pipe 23 by the clamp 19c at the same time. The joint portion 26 and the end portion 27 are arranged in the part pipe 23, wherein the end portion 27 is abutted against the rotary joint 14 through the recess.

[0131] If the self-balancing vehicle 1b is to be arranged in the above-mentioned compact driving position or the first packaging position, the clamp 19c is released and the components 20, 20' or the partial tubes 22, 23 are moved toward each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connecting tube 4b until they are in contact with each other with their ends. The clamp 19c is then clamped again so that the partial tubes 22, 23 are held on the end portion 25. Figure 8b In the position shown, the end portion 25 projects from the open end of the partial tube 22 .

[0132] In order to place the balancing vehicle 1b in the second packaging position, first Figure 8c The joint portion 26 is exposed as shown. Here, the end portion 27 is clamped in the partial pipe 23 by one of the clamps 19c, and the partial pipe 22 is moved away from the partial pipe 23 by at least the length of the joint portion 26. The end portion 25 is held in the partial pipe 22 by another clamp 19c. Now, as shown in FIG. Figure 9d and Fig.9e As shown, the connecting tube 4b can be folded by a double joint formed by two joints between the end members 25, 27 and the joint portion 26. If the connecting tube 4b is completely folded, as shown in FIG. Fig.9e As shown, the end portions 25 and 27 are stopped on the joint portion 26, and the balancing vehicle 1b can enter the second packaging position.

[0133] Fig.10A detailed view of a clamp 19c is shown. The clamp 19c comprises a clamp jacket 28 and a clamping rod 30 which rests on the partial pipe 22 from the outside. By turning the clamping rod 30, which connects the two sides of the clamp jacket 28, which form an angle of 90°, the jacket 28 can be clamped, whereby the partial pipe 22 surrounded by the jacket 28 is pressed to the end portion 25 arranged in the partial pipe 22. In order to support the deformation of the surrounded partial pipe 22, the partial pipe 22 has a gap 29 extending in the longitudinal direction of the partial pipe 22, the width of which is reduced once the jacket 28 is clamped by the clamping rod 30. The gap 29 is formed in the corner area of ​​the partial pipe 22, and the clamping rod 30 engages in this gap 29. Similarly, the partial pipe 23 can also have a gap 29. It goes without saying that instead of the clamp 19c, a different type of device for clamping the connector partial pipe 24 in the partial pipes 22, 23 can also be provided, for example in the form of a clamp 19.

Claims

1. A self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b), comprising a straight seat tube (2; 2b), a steering unit (3; 3b) for the self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b), and a connecting tube (4; 4a; 4b) for connecting the seat tube (2; 2b) and the steering unit (3; 3b), It is characterized in that The seat tube (2; 2b) and the connecting tube (4; 4a; 4b) are arranged offset from each other.

2. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A holder (8; 21; 21a) for the rear wheel (10; 10b) is arranged directly on the seat tube (2; 2b), its longitudinal axis and / or axis of symmetry being identical to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel (10; 10b) and being arranged directly on and / or beside the seat tube.

3. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 1 or 2 It is characterized in that The connecting tube (4; 4a; 4b) is foldable and / or at least partially detachable.

4. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The connecting pipe (4; 4a; 4b) is adjustable in length.

5. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The connecting tube (4; 4b) comprises at least two partial tubes (4', 4", 4"'; 22, 23, 24), which are at least partially arranged one inside the other, wherein one of the two partial tubes (4'; 22) is fixedly connected to the seat tube (2; 2b) and / or the other of the two partial tubes (4"'; 23) is fixedly connected to the steering unit (3; 3b).

6. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 5, It is characterized in that One of the partial pipes (4', 4", 4'"; 22, 23, 24) forms a connector partial pipe (4"; 24) which connects the partial pipes (4', 4'"; At least two of the two partial pipes (4', 4'"; 22, 23) are connected to each other and are arranged in at least two partial pipes (4', 4'"; 22, 23).

7. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The connecting pipe (4; 4b) has at least one hinge.

8. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The steering unit (3; 3b) comprises an at least partially straight steering tube (6; 6b), wherein the steering tube (6; 6b) or a steering support (7) at least partially arranged in the steering tube (6; 6b) has a holder for a steering gear (16; 16b).

9. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) is configured to be arranged in a comfortable driving position and a compact driving position, wherein the distance between the rear wheel (10; 10b) arranged on the seat tube (2; 2b) and the front wheel (11; 11b) arranged on the steering unit (3; 3b) is greater in the comfortable driving position than in the compact driving position.

10. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) is arranged to be arranged in a packaging position, in which the length of the connecting tube (4; 4a; 4b) can be reduced to a minimum length, the position of the seat tube (2; 2b) and / or the steering unit (3) is adjusted to a minimum distance along the connecting tube (4; 4a; 4b), and the connecting tube (4; 4a; 4b) is connected to the seat tube (2; 2b) and / or the steering unit (3; 3b) is loosened, and / or the connecting tube (4; 4a; 4b) is folded.

11. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 10, It is characterized in that In the packed position, a seat post (5) at least partially arranged in the seat tube (2; 2b) protrudes from the seat tube (2; 2b) with its end facing away from a holder for a seat (15), and / or an end of a steering support (7) facing away from a steering gear holder protrudes from the steering tube (6; 6b), wherein the steering support (7) is twisted in the steering tube (6; 6b) so that the longitudinal axis of the steering gear (16; 16b) is arranged at an angle of 70° to 90° to the rotation axis of the front wheel (11; 11b).

12. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The connecting tube (4; 4a; 4b) protrudes beyond the seat tube (2; 2b) with its end facing away from the steering unit (3; 3b).

13. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The rotation axis of the front wheel (11; 11b) deviates from the longitudinal axis of the steering tube (6; 6b) in the direction of the seat tube (2; 2b).

14. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The steering unit (3; 3b) has a swivel joint (14) by which the steering tube (6; 6b) can be pivoted about the rotation axis of the swivel joint (14), wherein the steering tube (6; 6b) is held at a distance from the rotation axis of the swivel joint (14).

15. The self-balancing vehicle (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The connecting pipe (4; 4a; 4b) is provided with at least one clamp (19; 19c) for fixing the partial pipes (4', 4", 4'"; 22, 23, 24) to each other, wherein the clamp (19; 19c) has a jacket (28) surrounding at least one of the partial pipes (4', 4", 4'"; 22, 23, 24).

Images