Electric scooter with tilting mechanism

Abstract

An electric scooter has a frame with a standing deck, front and rear edges comprising upper and lower recesses and holes. The scooter comprises front and rear wheel assemblies with suspension and connecting arms which extend into the recesses of the frame and are provided with rods. A resilient rubber pad is provided between these components and is provided with holes for controlled compression. A fastening arrangement ensures that the rods pass through the rubber pad and the frame holes, allowing some flexibility while maintaining stability. The design improves riding comfort and durability by effectively distributing forces and maintaining the resilience of the rubber pad, allowing the rods to compress the rubber within the frame holes when leaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tilting mechanism assembled on an electric scooter. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional electric scooters typically use a rigid connection between the frame and wheel assembly, which limits their ability to absorb shocks and provide smooth handling. Therefore, when the rider turns, the entire scooter structure remains level with the ground, resulting in reduced comfort and stability.

[0003] Existing technology EP3500479 (WO2018 / 037400) discloses a flexible pivoting structure comprising: an upper suspension plate attached to the frame, an intermediate suspension plate connected to a shock absorber, and a set of elastic rubber and rod elements disposed between the two plates to achieve tilting. This design creates a gabled and bulky structure that raises the frame and platform relative to the wheel system and involves numerous components, increasing the complexity and cost of manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this invention is to solve the problems of complex manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance of traditional electric scooters, which are also costly.

[0005] To address the above problems, the present invention provides a tilting mechanism integrated into the frame of an electric scooter. The tilting mechanism includes: (a) A frame, wherein four grooves are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the front and rear portions of the frame, each portion further comprising two vertical holes; (b) Four rubber pads, each having two holes, disposed in one of the grooves; (c) Two front rods extending from the front wheel assembly and configured to pass through holes in the front and holes for pads mounted therein; (d) Two rear rods extending from the rear wheel assembly and configured to pass through holes in the rear and holes for mounting pads therein; (e) wherein the diameter of the hole in the pad and the diameter of the rod are smaller than the diameter of the hole in the frame; (f) wherein the frame is configured to tilt when the scooter turns, while the wheel assembly remains horizontal, and the pads therebetween are compressed; and (g) wherein the tilt of the frame occurs about a tilt point located within the interior space of the frame, the tilt point being defined by the relative motion between the rod and the frame bore.

[0006] Compared to existing technologies, the tilting mechanism of this invention consists of only three components and is directly mounted on the frame, resulting in a more compact, efficient, and cost-effective solution. This invention further introduces a flexible mounting system that allows for controlled tilting of the frame relative to the wheel assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or its application. They are merely illustrative and constitute only one of many possible embodiments of the invention.

[0008] Figure 1 An electric scooter (1) is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 The tilting mechanism (100) is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 The front (24) of the frame is shown, which is similar to the rear structure.

[0011] Figure 4 One part of the frame is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The vertical rod inside the rubber pad is shown in its horizontal position and in its tilting action.

[0013] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The main objective of this invention is to provide a tilting mechanism (100) integrated into an electric scooter (1). The tilting mechanism (100) includes a scooter frame (2), four rubber pads (3), two front vertical bars (4), and two rear vertical bars (5). The scooter includes a steering rod assembly (11), a front wheel assembly (12), and a rear wheel assembly.

[0015] The tilting mechanism (100) is mounted on the electric scooter (1) and includes a frame (2), rubber pads (3), and vertical bars (4, 5). Four grooves (21) are formed on the upper surface (22) and lower surface (23) of the front (24) and rear (25) of the frame (2). Each part also includes two vertical holes (26). Each rubber pad (3) has two holes (31). Each rubber pad (3) is disposed in one of the four grooves (21) in the frame.

[0016] Two front rods (4) extend from the front wheel assembly (12) and are configured to pass through holes in the front (24) and holes (31) for rubber pads (3) mounted therein. Two rear rods (5) extend from the rear wheel assembly (13) and are configured to pass through holes in the rear (25) and holes for rubber pads mounted therein.

[0017] The diameter (32) of the hole in the pad and the diameter (45) of the rod are smaller than the diameter (27) of the hole (26) in the frame. When the scooter turns, the frame is configured to tilt while the wheel assemblies (12, 13) remain horizontal and the rubber pads therebetween are compressed.

[0018] The scooter includes a stand plate (14) disposed on top of the frame. Recesses in each section are arranged opposite each other. Holes on the frame are located in the recessed areas, and when rubber pads are disposed within the recesses, these holes correspond in position to holes in the rubber pads. Each wheel assembly includes two wheels (150), a suspension device (151) for absorbing impact, and a main arm (152) from which rods (4, 5) extend. The frame is connected to the wheel assembly via the tilting mechanism. The electric scooter may also include a clamping plate (61) and screws (62) passing through threaded holes (63) in the vertical rods.

[0019] The aforementioned fastening configuration ensures that the diameter of the hole in the rubber pad and the diameter of the vertical rod are smaller than the diameter of the hole in the frame. This allows the rod to pass sequentially through the hole in the rubber pad located on the lower surface of the frame, the hole in the frame, and the hole in the rubber pad located on the upper surface of the frame.

[0020] During a scooter tilt or turn, the frame and stand tilt in the direction of the turn, while the front and rear wheel assemblies remain stable and essentially level. This effect is achieved because the vertical bar passes through elastic rubber pads, allowing for limited lateral movement of the frame relative to the wheels. As the bar compresses the elastic rubber pads, the frame tilts relative to the wheel assemblies, thus enhancing handling and riding stability.

[0021] This unique tilting mechanism provides enhanced comfort and control, making the electric scooter safer and more responsive for riders. The combination of flexible components and a robust structure ensures a smooth and controllable tilt without compromising the scooter's structural integrity.

[0022] The relative movement between the stand platform, the frame as a whole, and the wheel system enhances the scooter's stability by distributing forces (primarily centrifugal force) when turning or tilting. Furthermore, as mentioned above, placing the rubber pads within grooves ensures they remain securely in place without overtightening the locking screws. This prevents the rubber pads from being overcompressed, thus maintaining their elasticity, which is essential for allowing the rod to compress the rubber within holes at the frame edges when tilting.

[0023] The purpose is to allow the stand plate to tilt while keeping the wheels stable and firmly in contact with the ground. When the rider turns, centrifugal force naturally causes the rider and stand plate to tilt to one side. The tilting mechanism allows the stand plate to tilt independently relative to the wheels, helping to keep the wheels upright and maintain good road grip. The tilt axis (7) extends horizontally and is located on the vertical centerline of the bottom pad and frame. A key feature of this mechanism is that the tilt axis is located on the frame itself, rather than under the frame. This design improves stability by reducing the lateral (horizontal) displacement of the frame during tilting, resulting in a smoother ride. If the tilt axis were located under the frame, this lateral displacement would be greater, reducing stability.

[0024] The frame tilts relative to the wheel (actually relative to the main arm of the wheel) along a horizontal tilt axis, while the bottom rubber pad is compressed by it. Since the bottom rubber pad is directly attached to the frame (i.e., the edge of the frame), the axis is located in or near the interior of the frame itself, which helps to improve stability and reduce horizontal displacement of the frame, especially the horizontal displacement of the frame's stand plate during tilting.

[0025] The tilting action occurs between the lower rubber pad and the frame edge. However, the inventors added an upper rubber pad so that the rod is not directly screwed to the frame, as that could reduce tilting efficiency and slow down tilting response. Instead, this connection is achieved through the upper rubber pad, allowing the rod end to be pressed into the rubber and achieving a smooth and effective tilt.

[0026] Figure 1 An electric scooter (1) is shown. Figure 2 The tilting mechanism (100) is shown. Figure 3 The front (24) of the frame is shown, which is similar in general to the rear. Figure 4 The overall view shows one part of the frame. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows the vertical rod within the rubber pad in a horizontal position and its position during tilting. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are shown schematically.

Claims

1. A tilting mechanism (100) integrated into the frame (2) of an electric scooter (1), characterized in that, include: (a) A frame (2) having four grooves (21) formed on the upper surface (22) and lower surface (23) of the front (24) and rear (25) of the frame, each part also including two vertical holes (26). (b) Four rubber pads (3), each pad having two holes (31) and disposed in one of the grooves; (c) Two front rods (4) extending from the front wheel assembly (12) and configured to pass through holes in the front and holes for pads mounted therein; (d) Two rear rods (5) extending from the rear wheel assembly (13) and configured to pass through holes in the rear and holes for pads mounted therein; (e) wherein the diameter (32) of the hole in the pad and the diameter (45) of the rod are smaller than the diameter (27) of the hole in the frame. (f) wherein the frame is configured to tilt when the scooter turns, while the wheel assembly remains horizontal, and the pads therebetween are compressed; and (g) wherein the tilt of the frame occurs about a tilt point located within the interior space of the frame, the tilt point being defined by the relative motion between the rod and the frame bore.

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