Highly reliable electric suitcase

Abstract

This invention provides a highly reliable electric suitcase. It includes a drive wheel, a driven wheel, and a steering lever for controlling the direction of the drive wheel. It also features an integrated chassis and a case detachably mounted on the integrated chassis. The steering lever is rotatably mounted on the front of the integrated chassis. The integrated chassis has a one-piece molded frame. The frame is disc-shaped, with its maximum width less than its maximum length. A first interface for mounting the drive wheel is formed on the frame. A second interface for mounting the driven wheel is formed on the frame. The integrated chassis uses a one-piece molded frame as the main load-bearing structure, reducing the number of parts. The long disc-shaped frame provides high structural strength, facilitates thinner frame walls, reduces material usage, lowers weight, reduces assembly steps, saves assembly time, reduces mass production costs, and improves connection reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of travel equipment, and more particularly to an electric suitcase. Background Technology

[0002] Electric suitcases, also known as electric smart suitcases, have become a popular new travel accessory in recent years. Especially in large spaces like airports and train stations, they can be ridden directly, saving time and effort.

[0003] Electric suitcases typically consist of a suitcase body and a steering assembly. The steering assembly usually includes a steering lever and steering wheels that are rotatably mounted on the suitcase body. The connection between the steering lever and the steering wheels is not limited to a direct connection; steering can also be achieved through belt drive, chain drive, or other methods. The steering lever can even control the steering wheels via a tie rod system similar to that used in automobiles. The steering wheels can be either drive wheels or driven wheels.

[0004] Most existing electric suitcases have a modular structure. Chinese patent ZL202421706701.2 discloses an intelligent electric suitcase that lacks an independent supporting chassis. The rear wheel wells and front panel are manufactured separately and fixed to both sides of the suitcase's inner frame. The rear wheel wells, front panel, and inner frame all require significant structural strength, resulting in a heavy overall weight. The connection strength between the rear wheel wells, front panel, and inner frame is low, and the assembly process is complex. The battery is mounted on the side of the suitcase, and the battery and drive mechanism, among other core components, are dispersed, which not only occupies a large space and results in poor sealing but also reduces overall reliability.

[0005] Chinese patent ZL202423147337.3 discloses a detachable electric suitcase whose base is composed of a rear wheel connecting shell, a mounting shell, and a support seat. The structure is complex, the processing cost is high, and the connection strength is low.

[0006] The chassis of traditional electric suitcases has not undergone targeted lightweight optimization, resulting in excessive weight, short battery life, and inconvenience in carrying them, making it difficult to meet the demands of modern high-end travel equipment for lightweight, integrated, and highly reliable features.

[0007] Currently, most electric suitcases have three wheels, including one drive wheel and two follower wheels. This results in poor stability, a tendency to tip over, and potential accidents, leading to low reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a lightweight and highly reliable electric suitcase.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the electric suitcase of the present invention has a drive wheel, a driven wheel and a directional control lever for controlling the steering of the drive wheel, and also has an integrated chassis and a case body detachably mounted on the integrated chassis.

[0010] The steering lever is rotatably mounted on the front of the integrated chassis.

[0011] The integrated chassis has a one-piece molded frame.

[0012] The frame is disc-shaped, and its maximum width is less than its maximum length.

[0013] The frame has a first interface for mounting the drive wheel.

[0014] The frame has a second interface for mounting the driven wheel.

[0015] Therefore, it is evident that the integrated chassis uses a one-piece molded frame as the main load-bearing structure, reducing the splicing of parts. The long, disc-shaped frame has high structural strength, which facilitates thinner frame walls, reduces material usage, lowers weight, reduces assembly processes, saves assembly time, and lowers mass production costs, while also improving connection reliability. The long, disc-shaped frame allows for the creation of internal storage space to accommodate components such as batteries, guide rails, and controllers. This prevents the internal space of the suitcase from being encroached upon by guide rails or batteries, improving the effective utilization of the internal storage space and facilitating the storage of large luggage.

[0016] Furthermore, the drive wheel is installed in the middle of the frame along the width direction.

[0017] It helps to improve the support capacity of the middle part of the integrated chassis, and facilitates the thinning of the frame wall, reducing material usage and lowering the weight.

[0018] Furthermore, the driven wheels include a pair of front wheels located on the front side of the frame and a pair of rear wheels located on the rear side of the frame; the pair of front wheels are arranged on both sides of the frame along the width direction of the frame; the pair of rear wheels are arranged on both sides of the frame along the width direction of the frame.

[0019] The integrated chassis is supported by five wheels simultaneously, which helps reduce the load on each wheel and extends wheel life. The five-wheel layout also improves the stability of the electric suitcase, reduces the risk of tipping over, and enhances riding safety and reliability.

[0020] Furthermore, the drive wheels are located between the front and rear wheels.

[0021] This further facilitates the even distribution of chassis load and further improves riding stability.

[0022] Furthermore, the front side of the frame is integrally formed with a front wheel receiving cavity; the rear side of the frame is integrally formed with a rear wheel receiving cavity; the cavity walls of the front wheel receiving cavity and the rear wheel receiving cavity both serve as the second reinforcing ribs of the frame.

[0023] The walls of the front wheel cavity and the rear wheel cavity are integrally formed on the frame and serve as the second reinforcing ribs of the frame. Structurally, they support each other, which helps to further reduce their thickness, which is beneficial for overall lightweighting, simplifying the structure, and reducing production costs.

[0024] Furthermore, the front side of the frame has an integrally formed drive wheel receiving cavity, and the side wall of the drive wheel receiving cavity serves as the third reinforcing rib of the frame.

[0025] The drive wheel cavity serves two purposes: firstly, it houses the drive wheel, and secondly, its wall is integrally formed on the frame, acting as the third reinforcing rib of the frame. Structurally, they support each other, which helps to further reduce their thickness, resulting in overall lightweighting, simplified structure, and reduced production costs—a win-win situation.

[0026] Furthermore, the pop-out foot pedal is installed on the front side of the frame via a tube that extends along the width of the frame and is fixed to the frame.

[0027] The tube body serves as the housing for the pop-out foot pedal and is fixedly mounted on the frame. It also acts as a structural reinforcement component for the frame, achieving two goals at once: it helps to reduce overall weight and production costs.

[0028] Furthermore, the frame is formed with a first auxiliary reinforcing rib extending from the bottom along the height direction and extending along the width direction. The top of the first auxiliary reinforcing rib is provided with a groove that matches the shape of the tube.

[0029] The first auxiliary reinforcing rib helps to increase the structural strength of the frame and also supports the tube body used to install the pop-out foot pedal, achieving two goals at once.

[0030] Furthermore, a battery receiving portion is formed inside the frame; the sidewall of the battery receiving portion extending from the bottom of the frame along the height direction serves as the first reinforcing rib of the frame.

[0031] The sidewalls can be used for battery mounting and fixing, as well as as reinforcing ribs for the frame. They support each other, which helps to further reduce the thickness of each component, making the overall structure lighter, simplifying the structure, and reducing production costs.

[0032] Furthermore, the battery receiving part is located in the middle of the frame along its length; the inner cavity of the battery receiving part extends along the width of the frame; the battery receiving part is a recessed cavity with an opening on the side of the frame along its width.

[0033] When the battery housing is a recessed cavity with an opening along the width direction, it facilitates the installation and removal of the battery from the side, and the battery is less likely to be subjected to accidental impact, thus improving safety and reliability.

[0034] Furthermore, a cover plate is installed on the top of the frame; a support frame is installed on the frame; the upper side of the support frame abuts against the lower side of the cover plate.

[0035] The support frame supports the cover plate. The two can be made of different materials. The cover plate has appearance requirements during processing, while the support plate does not. Separate manufacturing helps reduce manufacturing costs and facilitates internal connection and fixation of the frame. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention in a folded state.

[0037] Figure 2 This is another perspective view of the invention in a folded state.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention in an extended state.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention with the box body omitted.

[0041] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A 3D view diagram with the cover plate and steering lever further omitted.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the frame of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 This is another perspective view of the frame of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the electric suitcase 1000 of the present invention has a drive wheel 111, a driven wheel 122 and a direction control lever 400 for controlling the steering of the drive wheel 111, and also has an integrated chassis 001 and a case 300 detachably mounted on the integrated chassis 001.

[0046] The steering lever 400 is rotatably mounted on the front side of the integrated chassis 001.

[0047] The integrated chassis 001 has a one-piece molded frame 100.

[0048] The frame 100 is disc-shaped, and the maximum width of the frame 100 is less than the maximum length of the frame 100.

[0049] The frame 100 has a first interface 110 for mounting the drive wheel 111.

[0050] The frame 100 has a second interface 120 for mounting the driven wheel 122.

[0051] Preferably, the drive wheel 111 is installed in the middle of the frame 100 along the width direction 02.

[0052] Preferably, the driven wheel 122 includes a pair of front wheels 1221 located on the front side of the frame 100 and a pair of rear wheels 1222 located on the rear side of the frame 100; the pair of front wheels 1221 are arranged on both sides of the frame 100 along the width direction 02 of the frame 100; the pair of rear wheels 1222 are arranged on both sides of the frame 100 along the width direction 02 of the frame 100.

[0053] Preferably, the drive wheel 111 is located between the front wheel 1221 and the rear wheel 1222.

[0054] Preferably, the front side of the frame 100 is integrally formed with a front wheel receiving cavity 150; the rear side of the frame 100 is integrally formed with a rear wheel receiving cavity 160; the cavity wall 151 of the front wheel receiving cavity 150 and the cavity wall 161 of the rear wheel receiving cavity 160 both serve as the second reinforcing ribs of the frame 100.

[0055] Preferably, the front side of the frame 100 is integrally formed with a drive wheel receiving cavity 190, and the side wall 191 of the drive wheel receiving cavity 190 serves as the third reinforcing rib of the frame 100.

[0056] Preferably, the pop-out foot pedal 170 is installed on the front side of the frame 100 via a tube 171, which extends along the width direction 02 of the frame 100 and is fixed to the frame 100.

[0057] Preferably, the frame 100 is formed with a first auxiliary reinforcing rib 105 extending from the bottom 101 along the height direction 01 and extending along the width direction 02. The top of the first auxiliary reinforcing rib 105 is provided with a groove 1051 that matches the shape of the tube 171.

[0058] The first auxiliary reinforcing rib 105 serves two purposes: firstly, it strengthens the frame 100, and secondly, it is used to install and position the pop-up foot pedal 170, achieving two goals at once.

[0059] Preferably, the frame 100 is formed with a second auxiliary reinforcing rib 106 that extends from the bottom 101 along the height direction 01 and extends along the length direction 03.

[0060] The second auxiliary reinforcing rib 106 helps to increase the structural strength of the frame and is also used to connect the rear wheel receiving cavities 160 on both sides. The second auxiliary reinforcing rib 106 and the cavity wall 161 of the rear wheel receiving cavity 160 intersect each other almost perpendicularly and support each other, greatly enhancing the overall strength of the frame 100.

[0061] Preferably, a battery receiving portion 140 is formed on the inner side of the frame 100; the side wall 142 of the battery receiving portion 140 extending from the bottom of the frame 100 along the height direction 01 serves as the first reinforcing rib of the frame 100.

[0062] Preferably, the battery 500 is installed in the inner cavity 141 via the battery box 510. The battery cover (not shown) seals the battery 500 in the battery receiving part 140 by means of threaded fastening or snap fastening.

[0063] Preferably, the battery receiving portion 140 is disposed in the middle of the frame 100 along the length direction 03, that is, between the front wheel 1221 and the rear wheel 1222, preferably between the drive wheel 111 and the rear wheel 1222; the inner cavity of the battery receiving portion 140 extends along the width direction 02 of the frame 100; the battery receiving portion 140 is a recessed cavity with an opening disposed on the side of the frame 100 along the width direction 02.

[0064] Preferably, the cover plate 200 is installed on the top of the frame 100; the support frame 180 is installed on the frame 100; the upper side of the support frame 180 abuts against the lower side of the cover plate 200.

[0065] Preferably, the support frame 180 is fixed to the frame 100 by riveting or threading.

[0066] The electric suitcase can be turned 1000 degrees by using the traction control lever 400.

[0067] In other embodiments, the steering assembly typically includes a steering lever and steering wheels rotatably mounted on the housing. The connection between the steering lever and steering wheels is not limited to a direct connection; steering can also be achieved through belt drive, chain drive, or other methods. The steering lever can even control the steering wheels via a tie rod system similar to that used in automobiles. Steering actuation is prior art and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0068] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope based on the ideas of the present invention. The content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A highly reliable electric suitcase, comprising a drive wheel, a driven wheel, and a directional control lever for controlling the steering of the drive wheel, characterized in that: It also features an integrated chassis and a housing that is detachably mounted on the integrated chassis; The steering lever is rotatably mounted on the front side of the integrated chassis; The integrated chassis has a one-piece molded frame; The frame is disc-shaped, and the maximum width of the frame is less than the maximum length of the frame; The frame is formed with a first interface for mounting the drive wheel; The frame is formed with a second interface for mounting the driven wheel.

2. The electric suitcase according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive wheel is installed at the middle of the frame along its width.

3. The electric suitcase according to claim 2, characterized in that: The driven wheels include a pair of front wheels located on the front side of the frame and a pair of rear wheels located on the rear side of the frame; The pair of front wheels are arranged on both sides of the frame along the width direction of the frame; The pair of rear wheels are arranged on both sides of the frame along the width direction of the frame.

4. The electric suitcase according to claim 3, characterized in that: The drive wheel is located between the front wheel and the rear wheel.

5. The electric suitcase according to claim 3, characterized in that: The front side of the frame has an integrally formed front wheel receiving cavity; The rear side of the frame is integrally formed with a rear wheel receiving cavity; The walls of the front wheel cavity and the rear wheel cavity both serve as the second reinforcing ribs of the frame.

6. The electric suitcase according to claim 3, characterized in that: The front side of the frame has an integrally formed drive wheel receiving cavity, and the side wall of the drive wheel receiving cavity serves as the third reinforcing rib of the frame.

7. The electric suitcase according to claim 5, characterized in that: A pop-out foot pedal is installed on the front side of the frame via a tube that extends along the width of the frame and is fixed to the frame.

8. The electric suitcase according to claim 5, characterized in that: The frame is formed with a first auxiliary reinforcing rib that extends from the bottom along the height direction and also extends along the width direction. The top of the first auxiliary reinforcing rib is provided with a groove that matches the shape of the tube body.

9. The electric suitcase according to claim 3, characterized in that: A battery housing is formed inside the frame; The sidewall of the battery housing, extending from the bottom of the frame along the height direction, serves as the first reinforcing rib of the frame.

10. The electric suitcase according to claim 7, characterized in that: The battery housing is located at the middle of the frame along its length. The inner cavity of the battery housing extends along the width direction of the frame; The battery housing is a recessed cavity with an opening on the side of the frame along the width direction.

11. The electric suitcase according to claim 2, characterized in that: A cover plate is installed on top of the frame. A support frame is installed on the frame. The upper side of the support frame abuts against the lower side of the cover plate.

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