Folding structure of scooter

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric scooter, in particular to a scooter folding structure. A scooter folding structure comprises a scooter body and a seat, the seat is supported over the scooter body through a front movable rod and a rear movable rod, and the two ends of the front movable rod and the two ends of the rear movable rod are rotationally fixed to the seat and the scooter body respectively; the lower part of the seat is provided with a fixed seat which is rotationally fixed with the front movable rod, the fixed seat is provided with a limiting block, and the limiting block has a tendency force for moving downwards through a compression spring; when the limiting block is located at the bottommost portion under the action of the compression spring and the seat is in an unfolded use state, the front end face of the upper end of the front movable rod faces the rear end face of the limiting block, or the front end face of the upper end of the front movable rod abuts against the rear end face of the limiting block. When the scooter is in an unfolded use state, the stability and the safety of the seat are better, and the service life of a folding related structure at the seat is longer and the maintenance is convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electric mobility scooter, specifically to a folding structure for the mobility scooter. Background Technology

[0002] To facilitate storage and transportation, many existing mobility scooters are foldable. For example, the electric mobility scooter disclosed in Chinese Patent Application No. 202420985182.1 includes a base and a seat frame. The base and seat frame are rotatably connected by two sets of parallel linkage components. The linkage components include a front support rod and a rear support rod. The base is provided with an inclined plate to limit the rear support rod from rotating backward. A connecting plate is provided on the underside of the seat frame. The connecting plate has a through hole and a pull pin. The front support rod has a fixing hole corresponding to the pull pin.

[0003] In the above solution, the front support rod is restricted from rotating relative to the seat frame by extending the end of the pull pin into the through hole of the connecting plate and the fixing hole of the front support rod, thereby achieving folding locking. However, this solution has the following drawbacks: the coaxiality requirements between the pull pin and the hole used to keep the seat in the unfolded state are stringent. If the gap between the hole and the pull pin is large, the seat will wobble more, affecting the stability of the unfolded state. If the gap between the hole and the pin is small, there may be difficulty in alignment and the pull pin may not be able to be inserted. This requires high assembly and processing precision. Furthermore, the pull pin and the front support rod are prone to deformation after long-term use, which may cause the structure to jam and ultimately cause the folding function of the mobility scooter to fail. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a folding structure for personal mobility vehicles that is more stable and has a longer service life when unfolded.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs a folding structure for a mobility scooter, comprising a vehicle body and a seat disposed above the vehicle body. The seat is supported directly above the vehicle body by a front movable rod and a rear movable rod. The two ends of the front movable rod and the two ends of the rear movable rod are respectively rotatably fixed to the seat and the vehicle body. A limiting structure for restricting the seat from flipping backward is provided at the lower end of the front movable rod and / or the lower end of the rear movable rod. A fixing seat for rotatably fixing to the front movable rod is provided at the fixing seat. A limiting block that can slide up and down is provided at the fixing seat. The limiting block has a downward tendency force due to the compression spring. When the limiting block is at its lowest position under the action of the compression spring and the seat is in the unfolded use state, the front end face of the upper end of the front movable rod approaches the rear end face of the limiting block, or the front end face of the upper end of the front movable rod abuts against the rear end face of the limiting block.

[0006] This invention employs a sliding limiting block to restrict rotation by blocking the upper end face of the front movable rod. When the mobility scooter is in the unfolded state, the limiting block and the end face of the movable rod remain only adjacent or abutting. The sliding of the limiting block and the rotation of the movable rod are independent of each other, achieving locking through spatial position rather than rigid insertion. Simultaneously, the limiting block, directly connected and fixed to the fixed seat or seat, bears the pressure, and the contact surface between the front movable rod and the limiting block is larger, significantly improving structural rigidity and reliability. The front movable rod and the limiting block are less prone to damage and have a longer service life. When the mobility scooter is in the unfolded state, the contact between the front movable rod and the limiting surface results in minimal forward and backward movement of the front movable rod, minimizing seat sway and thus ensuring high stability in the unfolded state. Furthermore, the hinge seat of this invention can be fixed to the seat with bolts or other fasteners, making the limiting block easy to replace even if it deforms.

[0007] Preferably, when the seat is in the unfolded use state, the height position of the rotation axis of the upper end of the front movable rod is lower than the height position of the rotation axis of the upper end of the rear movable rod, and the height position of the rotation axis of the lower end of the front movable rod is lower than the height position of the rotation axis of the lower end of the rear movable rod.

[0008] Because the support point of the front movable rod is lower, gravity itself provides a stronger tendency to return to center when the user's center of gravity shifts backward or when subjected to a backward impact, significantly enhancing the anti-tipping ability. Furthermore, during folding, it can be directly folded and collapsed forward and downward under the influence of gravity. Simultaneously, the front end face of the upper part of the front movable rod naturally presses against the rear end face of the limiting block due to gravity, resulting in greater contact pressure and eliminating micro-gaps.

[0009] Preferably, a backrest rod is rotatably fixed to the rear of the seat, the upper end of the backrest rod is rotatably fixed to the connecting rod, the lower end of the connecting rod is rotatably fixed to the rear movable rod at its offset end, and the lower end of the backrest rod is rotatably fixed to the seat.

[0010] When the rear movable rod rotates forward and folds, it will force the backrest rod to tilt forward synchronously through the linkage structure, and the seat and backrest will fold together at the same time, so the user does not need to fold the backrest separately.

[0011] Preferably, the fixed seat is provided with a sliding groove extending in the vertical direction, the limiting block is slidably fitted in the sliding groove, the limiting block is provided with a guide hole that runs vertically through, a guide post is fitted in the guide hole, the upper end of the guide post is fixed to the fixed seat or seat, and the compression spring is sleeved on the guide post and located above the limiting block.

[0012] The limiting block is doubly constrained by the sliding groove and guide post. When the moving rod impacts the limiting block, the off-center load is borne by the sliding groove and guide post together, which can reduce the possibility of the limiting block shaking and deformation, and ensure the stability of the mobility scooter when it is deployed.

[0013] Preferably, an unlocking block is rotatably fixed at the fixed base. Under the action of a compression spring, the portion of the unlocking block that is off-axis of rotation contacts the limiting block. When the unlocking block overcomes the spring force of the compression spring and drives the limiting block upward, the limiting block is no longer on the movement trajectory of the front movable rod. By setting the unlocking block, the spring force of the compression spring can be overcome and the limiting block can be moved, thereby achieving unlocking.

[0014] The number of front movable rods is at least two, arranged side by side. Each limiting block corresponds to one of the front movable rods, and each limiting block is fitted with an unlocking block. The side-by-side unlocking blocks are connected and fixed by a linkage rod. Using a larger number of front movable rods reduces the load on a single rod. Even if any front movable rod or limiting block is accidentally damaged, the remaining front movable rods can still be supported, preventing the seat from collapsing instantly and improving safety.

[0015] The unlocking block is provided with an arc-shaped guide groove, and a guide protrusion fixed to the fixing seat is provided inside the arc-shaped guide groove. By setting the arc-shaped guide groove, the unlocking block is prevented from flipping down excessively, which facilitates the contact between the unlocking block and the limiting block and ensures rapid unlocking.

[0016] Preferably, a pad is fixed to the front side of the upper end of the front movable rod, the upper end of the front movable rod is provided with a mounting hole, the pad is provided with a vertical strip groove, and the fastener passes through the strip groove and cooperates with the mounting hole to fix the pad.

[0017] The pad, a replaceable wear-resistant component (copper alloy or high-strength nylon), bears all friction and wear to reduce negative impacts on the front movable rod. After complete vehicle assembly, pads of varying thicknesses can be selected based on the distance between the front movable rod and the limiting block, further preventing seat wobbling during use. The position of the contact surface between the limiting block and the front movable rod can also be precisely controlled by fine-tuning the pad height.

[0018] Preferably, the connecting rod is arc-shaped, forming an upward-sloping opening when the seat is in the unfolded state. When the seat is unfolded, the arc-shaped opening is upward and backward-sloping, and its geometry forms a mechanical self-locking mechanism. When the user leans back, the load is transmitted sequentially through the backrest rod, the connecting rod, and the rear movable rod, which can reduce the swaying of the backrest during use.

[0019] Preferably, there are two backrest bars, each with a rotatably fixed armrest bar. The downward projections of the two armrest bars are located on the left and right sides of the vehicle body, respectively. When folded, the armrest bars can be positioned on the left and right sides of the vehicle body, allowing the seat to be closer to the vehicle body after folding, thus reducing the space occupied by the folded vehicle.

[0020] Preferably, the front of the vehicle body is equipped with a handlebar assembly. The handlebar assembly includes a lower part of a handlebar fixed to the vehicle body and an upper part of a handlebar rotatably fixed to the upper end of the lower part. An operating handle is located at the upper end of the upper part of the handlebar. A locking component is provided at the rotatable connection between the lower and upper parts of the handlebar to limit the positional relationship between them. When the seat is folded and the upper part of the handlebar is flipped back to its extreme position, the upper part of the handlebar is located on top of the seat. This design allows the vehicle to occupy less space when folded. The locking component can be a conventional bolt and nut structure or a quick-release tool.

[0021] Preferably, the rear of the vehicle body is provided with a rear wheel and a rear auxiliary wheel, the rear auxiliary wheel is located behind the rear wheel, and the rear of the vehicle body is also provided with an upwardly extending auxiliary frame, the upper end of the auxiliary frame is located behind the rear wheel.

[0022] After folding the mobility scooter according to this invention, the user can drag it using the rear wheels and auxiliary rear wheels. The auxiliary frame extends upwards, allowing the folded scooter to be stored upright. When upright, the auxiliary frame and the auxiliary rear wheels form a triangular support, preventing slippage and tipping. The auxiliary frame also functions as a rear bumper.

[0023] When the mobility scooter of this invention is in the unfolded state, the seat has better stability and safety, the folding-related structure of the seat has a longer service life and is easier to maintain; it also has the advantages of being easy to unlock and fold, taking up less space when folded, and being easy to store upright. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the folding structure of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the folding structure at the seat of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hinge between the front movable rod and the seat in this invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting structure of the front movable rod of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the upper end of the front movable rod of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mobility scooter of the present invention after it has been folded. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0031] Depend on Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment discloses a folding structure for a mobility scooter, including a vehicle body 100 and a seat 200 disposed above the vehicle body 100. The seat 200 is supported directly above the vehicle body 100 by a front movable rod 1 and a rear movable rod 2. The two ends of the front movable rod 1 and the two ends of the rear movable rod 2 are rotatably fixed to the seat 200 and the vehicle body 100, respectively. A limiting structure for restricting the seat from flipping backward is provided at the lower end of the front movable rod 1.

[0032] Depend on Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the front end of the vehicle body 100 is provided with a handlebar assembly, and the rear end of the vehicle body 100 is provided with a rear wheel 81 and a rear auxiliary wheel 82. The rear auxiliary wheel 82 is located behind the rear wheel 81, and the rear end of the vehicle body 100 is also provided with an upwardly extending auxiliary frame 83, the upper end of which is located behind the rear wheel 81. The handlebar assembly includes a lower handlebar 71 fixed to the vehicle body 100 and an upper handlebar 72 rotatably fixed to the upper end of the lower handlebar 71. The upper end of the upper handlebar 72 is provided with an operating handlebar 73. A locking component is provided at the rotatable connection between the lower handlebar 71 and the upper handlebar 72 to limit the positional relationship between them. When the seat 200 is in a folded state and the upper handlebar 72 is flipped backward to its extreme position, the upper handlebar 72 is located on the upper side of the seat 200. The locking component in this embodiment can adopt any existing electric mobility scooter handlebar folding locking structure, such as fastener locking.

[0033] Depend on Figures 1 to 4 As shown, there are two front movable rods 1 and two rear movable rods 2. The two front movable rods 1 are arranged side by side, and the two rear movable rods 2 are arranged side by side. When the seat 200 is in the unfolded use state, the height position of the rotation axis of the upper end of the front movable rod 1 is lower than the height position of the rotation axis of the upper end of the rear movable rod 2, and the height position of the rotation axis of the lower end of the front movable rod 1 is lower than the height position of the rotation axis of the lower end of the rear movable rod 2.

[0034] Depend on Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a mounting base 101 is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 100. The mounting base 101 includes a bottom and side walls located on the left and right sides of the bottom. The lower ends of the front movable rod 1 and the rear movable rod 2 are both hinged and fixed between the side walls of the mounting base 101. Figure 4 As shown, the limiting structure includes a bottom surface 10 located at the lower end of the front movable rod 1. When the seat 200 is in the unfolded use state, the bottom surface of the lower end of the front movable rod 1 abuts against the bottom upper surface of the bottom surface of the lower end of the front movable rod 1.

[0035] Depend on Figures 1 to 3As shown, the lower part of the seat 200 is provided with four fixing seats 19. Two fixing seats are respectively fixed to a front movable rod 1, and the other two fixing seats are used to be hinged to the upper ends of the two rear movable rods 2. In this embodiment, the fixing seats 19 are fixed to the seat 200. The fixing seats 19 have two downwardly extending extensions, and the upper ends of the front movable rod 1 and the upper ends of the rear movable rods 2 are both hinged and fixed between the two extensions. In this embodiment, the fixing seats 19 and the seat 200 are integrally die-cast from magnesium alloy and machined by CNC (Computer Numerical Control), which greatly reduces the machining error.

[0036] A groove is formed between the two extensions of the fixing seat 19 used to fix the front movable rod 1. A limiting block 31 is slidably arranged in the groove. The limiting block 31 extends in the left and right direction. Each extension of the fixing seat 19 used to fix the front movable rod 1 is provided with a guide groove 191 that runs through from left to right. Both ends of the limiting block 31 are fitted into a guide groove 191. The limiting block 31 has a guide hole that runs through from top to bottom. A guide post 32 fits in the guide hole. The upper end of the guide post 32 is fixed to the seat 200. A compression spring 33 is sleeved on the guide post 32 and located above the limiting block 31. In this embodiment, a pad 11 is fixed to the front side of the upper end of the front movable rod 1. When the limiting block 31 is located at the bottom under the action of the compression spring 33 and the seat 200 is in the unfolded use state, the pad 11 at the upper end of the front movable rod 1 contacts the limiting block 31.

[0037] Depend on Figure 5 As shown, the front movable rod 1 has a groove 12 extending along its length on its front end face. The pad 11 is fixed in the groove 12. The pad 11 is positioned by contacting the side wall of the pad 11 with the side wall of the groove 12, preventing the pad 11 from rotating relative to the groove. The upper end of the front movable rod 1 has a forward-opening mounting hole 13. The pad 11 has a vertical strip groove 110 that runs through the front and back. After the screw or other fastener passes through the strip groove, the 111 engages with the mounting hole 13 to fix the pad 11. In order to facilitate the hiding of the screw fastener, the strip groove 110 can be set in the form of a stepped groove so that the head of the screw fastener can be located in the strip groove 110. In this embodiment, the front end face of the pad 11 includes an abutting part 111 and a mating part 112. The lower edge of the mating part 112 is connected to the upper edge of the abutting part 111. A strip groove 110 is provided at the abutting part 111. The front end face of the abutting part 111 is a plane, and the front end face of the mating part 112 is an inclined surface or arc surface that gradually extends backward from bottom to top.

[0038] Depend on Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a backrest rod 4 is rotatably fixed on both the left and right rear sides of the seat 200. Each backrest rod 4 is rotatably fixed to the upper end of a connecting rod 5, and the lower end of each connecting rod 5 is rotatably fixed to the offset end of a rear movable rod 2. Each of the left and right rear edges of the seat 200 has an upwardly extending support column 201, and the offset end of the backrest rod 4 is rotatably fixed to the support column 201. The front end of the backrest rod 4 has holes for mounting a backrest 40, and the rear end of the armrest rod 6 is rotatably fixed to the upper end of the backrest rod 4. The downward projections of the two armrest rods 6 are located on the left and right sides of the vehicle body 100, respectively. The connecting rod 5 is arc-shaped, and when the seat 200 is in the unfolded use state, the connecting rod 5 forms an upwardly inclined opening.

[0039] Depend on Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the limiting block 31 corresponds one-to-one with the front movable rod 1. In this embodiment, the left and right ends of the limiting block 31 extend to both sides of the fixed seat 19. Each side of the fixed seat of the front movable rod 1 has a rotatably fixed unlocking block 34. Under the action of the compression spring 32, the part of the unlocking block 34 that deviates from the rotation axis contacts the end of the limiting block 31. When the unlocking block 34 overcomes the elastic force of the compression spring 32 and drives the limiting block 31 to move upward, the limiting block 31 is no longer on the movement trajectory of the front movable rod 1 and the pad 11. To facilitate the upward movement of the unlocking block 34, the unlocking block located on the outermost side has a forward-extending unlocking handle 341. The four unlocking blocks 34 arranged side-by-side are connected and fixed by a linkage rod 35 extending in the left-right direction, achieving synchronization. Some or all of the unlocking blocks 34 are provided with an arc-shaped guide groove 342. The arc-shaped guide groove 342 has a guide protrusion fixed to the fixed seat 19. The guide protrusion can be a small screw fixed to the side of the fixed seat 19. Figure 3 As shown, the unlocking block 34 has a V-shaped structure formed between the portion extending forward and the portion having the unlocking handle 341 and the portion having the arc-shaped guide groove 342, and the limiting block 31 is engaged at the V-shaped structure.

[0040] In this embodiment, when the mobility scooter is in the unfolded state, the seat is more stable and safer, the folding-related structure at the seat has a longer service life and is easier to maintain; it also has the advantages of being easy to unlock and fold, taking up less space when folded, and being easy to store upright.

Claims

1. A folding structure for a mobility scooter, comprising a vehicle body and a seat disposed above the vehicle body, the seat being supported directly above the vehicle body by a front movable rod and a rear movable rod, the two ends of the front movable rod and the two ends of the rear movable rod being rotatably fixed to the seat and the vehicle body respectively, and a limiting structure for restricting the seat from flipping backward is provided at the lower end of the front movable rod and / or the lower end of the rear movable rod; Its features are: The lower part of the seat is provided with a fixed seat for rotating and fixing with the front movable rod. The fixed seat is provided with a limiting block that can slide up and down. The limiting block has a downward tendency force by compressing a spring. When the limiting block is at its lowest position under the action of the compression spring and the seat is in the unfolded use state, the front end of the upper end of the front movable rod approaches the rear end of the limiting block, or the front end of the upper end of the front movable rod abuts against the rear end of the limiting block.

2. The folding structure of the mobility scooter according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the seat is in the unfolded state, the height of the rotation axis at the upper end of the front movable rod is lower than the height of the rotation axis at the upper end of the rear movable rod, and the height of the rotation axis at the lower end of the front movable rod is lower than the height of the rotation axis at the lower end of the rear movable rod.

3. The folding structure of the mobility scooter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The backrest rod is rotatably fixed to the rear of the seat. The upper end of the backrest rod is rotatably fixed to the connecting rod, the lower end of the connecting rod is rotatably fixed to the rear movable rod at its offset end, and the offset end of the backrest rod is rotatably fixed to the seat.

4. The folding structure of the mobility scooter according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: The fixed base is provided with a sliding groove extending in the vertical direction. The limiting block is slidably fitted in the sliding groove. The limiting block is provided with a guide hole that runs vertically through the bottom. A guide post is fitted in the guide hole. The upper end of the guide post is fixed to the fixed base or seat. The compression spring is sleeved on the guide post and located above the limiting block.

5. The folding structure of the mobility scooter according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: An unlocking block is rotatably fixed at the fixed seat. Under the action of the compression spring, the part of the unlocking block that is off the rotation axis contacts the limiting block. When the unlocking block overcomes the elastic force of the compression spring and drives the limiting block to move upward, the limiting block is no longer on the movement trajectory of the front moving rod. The number of the front movable rods is at least two and they are arranged side by side. The limiting block corresponds to the front movable rod one by one. Each limiting block is equipped with an unlocking block. The unlocking blocks arranged side by side are connected and fixed by a linkage rod and synchronized. The unlocking block is provided with an arc-shaped guide groove, and a guide protrusion fixed to the fixing seat is provided in the arc-shaped guide groove.

6. The folding structure of the mobility scooter according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: A pad is fixed to the front side of the upper end of the front movable rod. The upper end of the front movable rod is provided with a mounting hole. The pad is provided with a vertical strip groove. After the fastener passes through the strip groove, it cooperates with the mounting hole to fix the pad.

7. The folding structure of the mobility scooter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting rod is arc-shaped, and when the seat is in the unfolded use position, the connecting rod forms an upward-sloping opening.

8. The folding structure of the mobility scooter according to claim 3, characterized in that: There are two backrests, and each of the left and right backrests is rotatably fixed with a handrail. The downward projections of the two handrails are located on the left and right sides of the vehicle body, respectively.

9. The folding structure of the mobility scooter according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: The front end of the vehicle body is provided with a faucet assembly, which includes a lower part of the faucet rod fixed to the vehicle body and an upper part of the faucet rod rotatably fixed to the upper end of the lower part of the faucet rod. An operating faucet is provided at the upper end of the upper part of the faucet rod. A locking component is provided at the rotatable connection between the lower part of the faucet rod and the upper part of the faucet rod to limit the positional relationship between the lower part of the faucet rod and the upper part of the faucet rod. When the seat is in a folded state and the upper part of the faucet rod is flipped backward to its extreme position, the upper part of the faucet rod is located on the upper side of the seat.

10. The folding structure of the mobility scooter according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: The rear of the vehicle body is provided with a rear wheel and a rear auxiliary wheel. The rear auxiliary wheel is located behind the rear wheel, and the rear of the vehicle body is also provided with an upwardly extending auxiliary frame. The upper end of the auxiliary frame is located behind the rear wheel.

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