MOBILITY UNIT
The mobility unit addresses battery stress and driver fatigue in subminiature vehicles by enabling energy sharing and adjustable interior connectivity/isolation, enhancing travel comfort and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2019-11-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing subminiature mobility devices lack a unified or coupled ride concept, leading to potential battery-related issues and driver fatigue during long journeys, and there is a need for a mechanism to connect or isolate vehicle interiors during coupling.
A mobility unit with a drive section, rear glass section, and integrated control unit that allows vehicles to be coupled or isolated, featuring adjustable transparency and energy management between vehicles.
Enables efficient energy sharing and interior connectivity or isolation between vehicles, addressing battery stress and enhancing user comfort during extended travel.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Area of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a mobility unit that is capable of coupling one vehicle and another vehicle and connecting the interiors of the vehicles or isolating the interiors of the vehicles from each other. Description of the state of the art
[0002] With the development of electric vehicles, a subminiature mobility device has been proposed. This device is designed as either a single-seat or a two-seat vehicle. Due to the limited motor power of an electric vehicle, the subminiature mobility device is expected to be used primarily for short distances, such as commuting or grocery shopping. However, depending on the circumstances, situations may arise where it is necessary to use the subminiature mobility device over longer distances.
[0003] In cases where a subminiature mobility device is driven over a long distance, various stresses can occur, such as battery-related problems or fatigue due to the long journey. If, in the present situation, the subminiature mobility device is coupled with another subminiature mobility device, it is possible to share the batteries of the two devices and to select the driver. For these reasons, a joint or shared journey is necessary.
[0004] So far, the hardware of the subminiature mobility device has been intensively developed, but no concept for a unified ride or coupled ride has been proposed.
[0005] From WO 2016 / 161 216 A1, a mobility unit is known comprising: a drive section connected to a drive shaft of a vehicle for providing a drive force to the vehicle; a glass section attached to a section of the vehicle so that it is operable to selectively insulate the section of the vehicle from the outside of the vehicle; a front connecting section or a rear connecting section arranged at a front or a rear of the vehicle for selective coupling with another vehicle;a control unit that is electrically connected to the front linkage section or the rear linkage section and is designed to control the operation of the front linkage section or the rear linkage section depending on the direction in which the vehicle is coupled to another vehicle, and to control the operation of the glass section and the drive section when the vehicle is coupled to another vehicle.
[0006] JP 2012-105 514 A discloses a coupled vehicle consisting of two vehicles that can move independently. The rear sections of the two vehicles are coupled separately by coupling mechanisms. In the coupled state, the first vehicle is moving and the second vehicle is being coupled. A user enters the vehicle and performs a driving maneuver such that the coupling process of the two vehicles is carried out.
[0007] A YouTube video titled "Next Future Transportation - Modular Bus System" presents a robot-assisted transport system that can be adapted as a bus system depending on the traffic situation, with individual units being able to be connected and shared.
[0008] US Patent 2020 / 0216122A1 describes a control device, vehicle, vehicle combination and method, wherein the control device is designed to provide a first control signal for the vehicle to approach another vehicle in a first section of a travel path of the vehicle, wherein the control device is designed to provide a second control signal for the vehicle to couple to the other vehicle in the first section of the travel path in order to create a passage between the vehicle and the other vehicle through which a person can move between the vehicle and the other vehicle.
[0009] Finally, in JP 2001-222 790 A, several independently capable vehicles are connected to form a convoy. Each of these vehicles has connecting components at its front and rear to ensure communication with other vehicles. Once the convoy is configured, the vehicles' control units are interconnected via these components, and their batteries and drive motors are also linked. Simultaneously, command signals are transmitted between the vehicles' ECUs, and battery power and regenerative motor power are also shared between them.
[0010] The information disclosed in this section concerning the background of the present invention is provided solely for a better understanding of the general background of the present invention and should not be construed as confirmation or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. BRIEF SUMMARY
[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mobility unit that is configured for coupling one vehicle and another vehicle and for connecting or isolating the interiors of the vehicles from each other in a subminiature mobility area. This object is achieved by a mobility unit having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.
[0012] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the above and other problems can be solved by providing a mobility unit comprising a drive section or driving section connected to a drive shaft of a vehicle for providing a driving force to the vehicle, a rear glass section provided on a rear section of the vehicle and operable for isolating the rear section of the vehicle, a front connecting section or a rear connecting section provided on the front or rear of the vehicle for attachment to another vehicle, and an integrated control unit (controller) for controlling the operation of the front connecting section or the rear connecting section depending on the direction in which the vehicle is coupled to another vehicle.and for controlling the operation of the rear glass section and the drive section when the vehicle is coupled to another vehicle, wherein the glass section comprises a first glass section and a second glass section, the first glass section being provided on a first lower side of the rear section of the vehicle, the second glass section being provided on a second upper side of the rear section of the vehicle, and the second glass section being movable downwards and upwards by the mobility unit to open and close the upper side of the rear section of the vehicle; wherein the control is configured to perform a control such that the rear coupling section of the vehicle and a rear coupling section of another vehicle are coupled together and the second glass sections of the vehicle and the other vehicle become opaque,which isolates the interior of the vehicle from the interior of the other vehicle.
[0013] The transparency of the rear load section can be adjusted and can become opaque when its isolation operation is performed.
[0014] In the case where the vehicle is coupled to another vehicle and the vehicle has a drive / propulsion priority, the integrated control can have a priority to control the drive section or second rear glass section of the vehicle and a drive section or second rear glass section of another vehicle.
[0015] In a case where the vehicle and another vehicle are coupled together, the integrated control can perform a control such that the drive section of the vehicle is operated.
[0016] In the case where the vehicle and another vehicle are coupled together, the integrated control system can perform control in such a way that the drive section of another vehicle is operated.
[0017] The integrated control system can perform a control such that the second rear glass sections of the vehicle and another vehicle slide downwards, thereby connecting the interior of the vehicle and the interior of another vehicle.
[0018] The integrated control system can perform a control such that the second rear glass sections of the vehicle and of another vehicle do not slide downwards, thus preventing the interior of the vehicle and the interior of another vehicle from being connected.
[0019] In the event that the residual energy in the drive section of the vehicle is greater than the residual energy in the drive section of another vehicle, the control system can perform a control operation such that the energy in the drive section of the vehicle is used.
[0020] In the event that the residual energy in the drive section of another vehicle is greater than the residual energy in the drive section of the vehicle, the integrated control can perform a control such that the energy in the drive section of another vehicle is used.
[0021] The integrated control system can perform control in such a way that the energy in the drive section of the vehicle and the energy in the drive section of another vehicle are used in the same amount.
[0022] The methods and devices of the present invention have other features and advantages which will become apparent or be explained in more detail from the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made herein, and the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows a view depicting the states before and after a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention and another vehicle are coupled together; Fig. Figure 2 shows a view representing a first rear glass section and a second rear glass section of a mobility unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows a view representing the state in which the second rear glass section of the mobility unit is directed downwards according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 shows a view representing the state in which a rear connecting section of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention and a rear connecting section of another vehicle are coupled together; Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows views depicting a drive section of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention and a drive section of another vehicle before and after coupling the vehicle and another vehicle together; Fig. Figure 7 shows a view depicting the state in which three mobility units are attached to one another; and Fig. Figure 8 shows a conceptual view of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention and of another vehicle.
[0023] It is understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and represent a somewhat simplified depiction of various features intended to illustrate the principles of the disclosure. The specific design features of the present invention, as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, installation locations, and shapes, are partly determined by the application specifically provided for this purpose and the working environment.
[0024] In the figures, the reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the various figures of the drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the invention(s) is / are described in connection with exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present description is not intended to limit the invention(s) to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the invention(s) is / are intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and further embodiments that may be included within the teaching and scope of the invention, as defined by the accompanying claims.
[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a view depicting the states before and after a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention and another vehicle are coupled together. Fig. Figure 2 shows a view representing a first rear glass section and a second rear glass section of a mobility unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a view representing the state in which the second rear glass section of the mobility unit is directed downwards according to the embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 shows a view representing the state in which a rear connecting section of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention and a rear connecting section of another vehicle are coupled together. Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows views depicting a drive section of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention and a drive section of another vehicle before and after coupling the vehicle and another vehicle together. Fig. Figure 7 shows a view representing the state in which three mobility units are attached to each other, and Fig. Figure 8 shows a conceptual view of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention and of another vehicle.
[0027] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 8 comprises a mobility according to an embodiment of the present invention, a drive section 101 connected to a drive shaft of a vehicle for providing a drive force to the vehicle 100, a rear glass section 160 provided on the rear section of the vehicle 100 and operable to insulate the rear section of the vehicle 100, a front connecting section 120 or a rear connecting section 140 provided on the front or rear of the vehicle 100 to be attached to another vehicle 200 having a rear glass section 260, and an integrated control unit (controller) 180 for controlling the operation of the front connecting section 120 or the rear connecting section 140 depending on the direction in which the vehicle 100 is attached to another vehicle 200.and to control the operation of the rear glass section 160 and the drive section 101 when the vehicle 100 is attached to another vehicle 200.
[0028] In the following, “Vehicle 100” is defined as the owner’s own vehicle, and “other Vehicle 200” is defined as a neighboring vehicle to be attached to Vehicle 100.
[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mobility unit comprises the drive section 101. The drive section 101 is connected to the drive shaft to supply a driving force to the vehicle 100. The present invention can suitably be applied to a vehicle powered by a battery and an electric motor, such as an electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle, and can also be applied to a vehicle with an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a future subminiature mobility device (a single-seat vehicle or a two-seat vehicle), although the present invention is designed to be applied to various types of vehicles. In one embodiment of the present invention, the drive section 101 comprises an electric motor and a battery.
[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mobility unit comprises the rear glass section 160, which is operable to insulate the rear section of the vehicle 100. The rear glass section 160 is provided on the rear section of the vehicle and insulates the interior of the vehicle 100 from the outside.
[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mobility unit comprises the front connecting section 120 and the rear connecting section 140, each of which is attached to another vehicle 200, so that subminiature mobility devices can travel in the grouped state or in the coupled state. The front connecting section 120 is provided at the front of the vehicle 100 and the rear connecting section 140 is provided at the rear of the vehicle 100. In this case, a mechanical locking device or an electronic locking device can be used as the front connecting section 120 and the rear connecting section 140, respectively. In addition to the locking device, a sensor for detecting a locking state can also be provided. The sensor detects whether the vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 are locked to each other.In the case where the vehicle 100 is coupled to another vehicle 200, the front connecting section 120 or the rear connecting section 140 of the vehicle 100 is attached to a front connecting section 220 or a rear connecting section 240 of another vehicle 200.
[0032] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 shows the left part of Fig. 1 the state in which vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 are driving independently of each other, and the right part of Fig. Figure 1 shows the state in which vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 are traveling in the coupled state.
[0033] With reference to Fig. 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobility unit comprises the integrated control 180 to couple or combine the vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200.
[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the integrated control unit 180 can be implemented by a non-volatile memory configured to store an algorithm for controlling the operation of various elements of a vehicle or data relating to software instructions for executing the algorithm, and a processor configured to perform the operation described below using the data stored in the memory. The memory and the processor can be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor can be implemented as a single integrated chip. The processor can comprise one or more processors.
[0035] The integrated control unit 180 controls the operation of the front connecting section 120 or the rear connecting section 140 depending on the direction in which the vehicle 100 is attached to another vehicle 200, and controls the operation of the rear glass section 160 and the drive section 101 when the vehicle 100 is attached to another vehicle 200. In the case where the front of the vehicle 100 is attached to another vehicle 200, the integrated control unit 180 performs a control operation such that the front connecting section 120 is attached to another vehicle 200. In the case where the rear of the vehicle 100 is attached to another vehicle 200, the integrated control unit 180 performs a control operation such that the rear connecting section 140 is attached to another vehicle 200.In the case of coupled or combined travel, the integrated control 180 can control the operation of the rear glass section 160 and the drive section 101.
[0036] A more detailed description will be provided with reference to Fig. 1 specified. In an embodiment of the present invention, in the case where the vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 are connected to each other and where the vehicle 100 has a driving priority, the vehicle 100 can be positioned in front of another vehicle 200 in the direction in which the vehicle 100 is moving forward, and the integrated control 180 can perform a control such that the rear connecting section 140 of the vehicle is attached to the front connecting section 220 of another vehicle 200.Furthermore, in the case where vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 are coupled together and where vehicle 100 has a driving priority, vehicle 100 can be positioned in front of another vehicle 200 in the direction in which vehicle 100 is moving forward, and the integrated control 180 can perform a control such that the rear connecting section 140 of vehicle 100 is attached to the rear connecting section 240 of another vehicle 200.
[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 can be coupled to perform a coupled or combined trip. In this case, vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 can be matched online via a social network or a mobile application, and the mobility device with trip priority can be pre-defined when the vehicle and another vehicle are matched. It is evident that it is also possible to change the trip priority during a trip by mutual agreement between the passengers in vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200.In the case where vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 are coupled together and vehicle 100 has priority, vehicle 100 can be positioned in front of another vehicle 200 in the direction in which vehicle 100 is moving forward. The reason for this is that it is only simple to ensure a driver's field of vision if vehicle 100 is positioned in front of another vehicle 200. In the present case, the integrated control 180 can control the operation of the rear connecting section 140 of the vehicle 100, so that the rear connecting section 140 of the vehicle 100 is attached to the front connecting section 220 of another vehicle 200, and can control the operation of the rear connecting section 140 of the vehicle 100, so that the rear connecting section 140 of the vehicle 100 is attached to the rear connecting section 240 of another vehicle 200.
[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transparency of the rear glass section 160 can be adjustable and can become opaque when its isolation operation is performed. The rear glass section 160 can comprise any of various materials whose transparency is adjustable or adaptable, such as smart glass or a transparent display.
[0039] In the event that vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 are engaged in coupled or combined travel as a result of coupling, the rear glass section 160 can be kept transparent, thus ensuring a clear line of sight between the interiors of vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200. Conversely, the rear glass section 160 can be kept opaque, thus blocking the line of sight between the interiors of vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200.
[0040] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the rear glass section 160 can comprise a first rear glass section 162 and a second rear glass section 164. The first rear glass section 162 can be located on the lower side of the rear section of the vehicle 100, and the second rear glass section 164 can be located on the upper side of the rear section of the vehicle 100. The second rear glass section 164 can be moved up and down to open or close the upper side of the rear section of the vehicle 100. The first rear glass section 162 is located on the lower side of the rear section of the vehicle 100, and the second rear glass section 164 is located on the upper side of the rear section of the vehicle 100. The second rear glass section is positioned above the first rear glass section 162.In the present case, the first rear glass section 162 and the second rear glass section 164 close the rear section of the vehicle 100, and the second rear glass section 164 slides downwards to open the upper side of the rear section of the vehicle 100. Fig. Figure 2 shows a view representing the state in which the second rear glass section closes the upper side of the rear section of the vehicle, and Fig. Figure 3 shows a view representing the state in which the second rear glass section opens the upper side of the rear section of the vehicle.
[0041] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the rear glass section 160 can comprise a first rear glass section 162 and a second rear glass section 164.
[0042] With reference to Fig. 8. In the case where vehicle 100 is attached to another vehicle 200 and vehicle 100 has a driving priority, the integrated control 180 may have a priority to control the drive sections 101 and 201 or the second rear glass sections 164 and 264 of vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200. In the case where vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 are attached to each other, the integrated control 180 or 280 of the mobility device with a driving priority has a priority to control the drive sections 101 and 201 or the second rear glass sections 164 and 264. The following description is provided by way of example, assuming that vehicle 100 has a steering priority.Meanwhile, if vehicle 100 is attached to another vehicle 200 and vehicle 100 has a driving priority, the integrated control 180 of vehicle 100 can have a priority to control the drive sections 101 and 201 or the second rear glass sections 164 and 264 of vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200, and can thus control the operation of the drive sections 101 and 201 or the second rear glass sections 164 and 264. Conversely, if another vehicle 200 has a driving priority, the integrated control 280 of another vehicle 200 can have a priority to control the drive sections 101 and 201 or the second rear glass sections 164 and 264 of vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200.
[0043] In the case where vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 are attached to each other, the integrated control unit 180 can perform a control operation such that the drive section 101 of vehicle 100 is operated. Similarly, in the case where vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 are attached to each other, the integrated control unit 180 can perform a control operation such that the drive section 201 of another vehicle 200 is operated.
[0044] In the case where vehicle 100 has driving priority and is positioned in front of another vehicle 200 in the direction in which vehicle 100 moves forward when its drive section 101 is operated, vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 can be coupled together in a front-wheel drive arrangement. In the present case, when the drive section 201 of another vehicle 200 is operated, vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 can be coupled together in a rear-wheel drive arrangement. In contrast, in the case where vehicle 100 has driving priority and is positioned behind another vehicle 200 in the direction in which vehicle 100 moves forward when its drive section 101 is operated, vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 can be coupled together in a rear-wheel drive arrangement.In the present case, if the drive section 201 of another vehicle 200 is operated, the vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 can be attached to each other in a front-wheel drive arrangement.
[0045] Fig. Figure 4 shows a view depicting the state in which the rear section of the vehicle and the rear section of another vehicle are coupled together. Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. In one embodiment of the present invention, the integrated control unit 180 can perform a control such that the rear connecting section 140 of the vehicle 100 and the rear connecting section 140 of another vehicle 200 are attached to each other and that the second rear glass sections 164 and 264 of the vehicle 100 and of another vehicle 200 slide downwards, thereby connecting the interior of the vehicle 100 and the interior of another vehicle 200.
[0046] When the rear connecting section 140 of vehicle 100 and the rear connecting section 140 of another vehicle 200 are joined together, and the second rear glass sections 164 and 264 slide downwards, the upper side of the rear section of vehicle 100 and of another vehicle 200 is opened. As a result, the interior of vehicle 100 and the interior of another vehicle 200 can be connected. In this case, vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 can be connected.
[0047] The integrated control unit 180 can perform a control such that the rear connecting section 140 of vehicle 100 and the rear connecting section 140 of another vehicle 200 are attached to each other, and that the second rear glass sections 164 and 264 of vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 do not slide downwards, thus preventing the interior of vehicle 100 and the interior of another vehicle 200 from being connected. In the present case, vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 are not connected to each other, thereby protecting privacy.
[0048] The integrated control unit 180 can perform a control such that the second rear glass sections 164 and 264 of vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 become opaque, thereby isolating the interior of vehicle 100 and the interior of another vehicle 200 from each other. In this case, the second rear glass sections 164 and 264 become opaque, thus completely isolating vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200 from each other. In this case, each of the second rear glass sections 164 and 264 can consist of smart glass or a transparent display that becomes opaque.
[0049] Fig. Figure 5 shows a view depicting the drive section of the vehicle and the drive section of another vehicle before the vehicle and another vehicle are coupled together, and Fig. Figure 6 shows a view representing the drive section of the vehicle and the drive section of another vehicle after the vehicle and another vehicle have been coupled together. Fig. Figure 8 shows a conceptual view of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention and of another vehicle.
[0050] However, in one embodiment of the present invention, if the residual energy in the drive section 101 of vehicle 100 is greater than the residual energy in the drive section 201 of another vehicle 200, the integrated control unit 180 can perform a control operation such that the energy in the drive section 101 of vehicle 100 is used. In addition to the locking device, energy transfer and reception sections can be provided at the front connecting sections 120 and 220 or the rear connecting sections 140 and 240 of vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200, so that energy is transferred between the drive section 101 of vehicle 100 and the drive section 201 of another vehicle 200.Even in the case where the drive section 201 of another vehicle 200 is used, the integrated control 180 can therefore perform a control such that the energy in the drive section 101 of the vehicle 100 is supplied to the drive section 201 of another vehicle 200.
[0051] In contrast, if the residual energy in the drive section 201 of another vehicle 200 is greater than the residual energy in the drive section 101 of vehicle 100, the integrated control 180 can perform a control such that the energy in the drive section 201 of another vehicle 200 is supplied to the drive section 101 of vehicle 100.
[0052] Furthermore, the integrated control unit 180 can perform a control operation such that the energy in the drive section 101 of vehicle 100 and the energy in the drive section 201 of another vehicle 200 are used in the same quantity. In the present case, the ratio of the energy consumption of the drive section 101 of vehicle 100 to the drive section 201 of another vehicle 200 is 1:1.
[0053] Fig. Figure 7 shows a view depicting the state in which three mobility units are attached to one another. A further vehicle 300 can be coupled to vehicle 100 and another vehicle 200, so that the vehicles undertake a combined or coupled journey. The front connecting sections or the rear connecting sections of the three mobility units can be connected to each other in such a way that the vehicles undertake a joint or coupled journey.
[0054] As can be seen from the above description, the mobility unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is designed to couple one vehicle and another vehicle and to connect the interiors of the vehicles to each other or to isolate the interiors of the vehicles from each other.
[0055] For the sake of clarity and precise definition in the accompanying claims, the terms "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "top / upwards", "bottom / downwards", "upwards", "downwards", "front", "backwards", "within", "outside", "inwards", "outwards", "internal / inside", "external / outside", "inner", "outer", "forwards", and "backwards" are used to describe features of the embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as shown in the figures. It is further understood that the term "connect" or its derivatives refer to both direct and indirect connections.
[0056] The preceding descriptions of certain embodiments of the present invention have been given for illustrative and descriptive purposes. They are not exhaustive and are not intended to limit the invention to the exact forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and alterations are possible in light of the teaching stated above. The embodiments have been selected and described to explain certain principles of the invention and its practical application, in order to enable another person skilled in the art to develop and use various embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the present invention is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents. Reference symbol list 100 vehicles 101 Drive section 120 front connecting section 140 rear connecting section 160 glass section 162 first glass section 164 second glass section 180 control 200 other vehicles 201 Drive section 220 front connecting section 240 rear connecting section 260 glass section 262 first glass section 264 second glass section
Claims
[1] Mobility unit, comprising: a drive section (101) connected to a drive shaft of a vehicle (100) for providing a driving force to the vehicle (100); a glass section attached to a rear section of the vehicle (100) so that it is operable to selectively insulate the rear section of the vehicle (100) from the outside of the vehicle (100); a front connecting section or a rear connecting section arranged at the front or rear of the vehicle (100) for optional coupling with another vehicle (200); and a control unit (180) which is electrically connected to the front connecting section or the rear connecting section and is configured to control the operation of the front connecting section or the rear connecting section depending on the direction in which the vehicle (100) is coupled to another vehicle (200), and to control the operation of the glass section and the drive section (101) when the vehicle (100) is coupled to the other vehicle (200), wherein the glass section (160) comprises a first glass section (162) and a second glass section (164), wherein the first glass section (162) is provided on a lower side of the rear section of the vehicle (100), wherein the second glass section (164) is provided on an upper side of the rear section of the vehicle (100), and wherein the second glass section (164) is movable downwards and upwards from the mobility unit to open and close the upper side of the rear section of the vehicle (100); wherein the control (180) is configured to carry out a control such that the rear connecting section (140) of the vehicle (100) and a rear connecting section (240) of the other vehicle (200) are coupled together and the second glass sections (164, 264) of the vehicle (100) and of the other vehicle (200) become opaque, thereby isolating the interior of the vehicle (100) and the interior of the other vehicle (200) from each other. [2] Mobility unit according to claim 1, wherein the rear glass section (160, 260) is adjustable in transparency and becomes opaque when an isolation operation of the glass section (160, 260) is performed. [3] Mobility unit according to claim 1, wherein, when the vehicle (100) is coupled to the other vehicle (200) and the vehicle (100) has a driving priority, the controller (180) has a priority to control the drive section (101) or the glass section (160) of the vehicle (100) and a drive section (201) or a glass section (260) of the other vehicle (200). [4] Mobility unit according to claim 3, wherein, when the vehicle (100) is coupled to the other vehicle (200) and has a driving priority, the control unit (180) has a priority to control the drive section (101) or the second glass section (164) of the vehicle (100) and the drive section (201) or a second glass section (264) of the other vehicle (100). [5] Mobility unit according to claim 4, wherein, when the vehicle (100) and the other vehicle (200) are coupled together, the control unit (180) is configured to perform control such that the drive section (101) of the vehicle (100) is operated. [6] Mobility unit according to claim 4, wherein, when the vehicle (100) and another vehicle are coupled together, the control unit (180) is configured to perform control such that the drive section (201) of the other vehicle (200) is operated. [7] Mobility unit according to claim 4, wherein the control (180) is configured to perform control such that the second glass sections (164, 264) of the vehicle (100) and the other vehicle (200) slide downwards, thereby connecting an interior of the vehicle (100) and an interior of the other vehicle (200). [8] Mobility unit according to claim 5, wherein the control (180) is configured to perform control such that the second glass sections (164, 264) of the vehicle (100) and the other vehicle (200) do not slide downwards, whereby an interior of the vehicle (100) and an interior of the other vehicle (200) are not connected to each other. [9] Mobility unit according to claim 1, wherein, if a residual energy in the drive section (101) of the vehicle (100) is greater than a residual energy in a drive section (201) of the other vehicle (200), the control (180) is configured to perform a control such that the energy in the drive section (101) of the vehicle (100) is used. [10] Mobility unit according to claim 1, wherein, if a residual energy in a drive section (201) of the other vehicle (200) is greater than a residual energy in the drive section (101) of the vehicle (100), the control (180) is configured to perform a control such that the energy in the drive section (201) of the other vehicle (200) is used. [11] Mobility unit according to claim 1, wherein the control (180) is configured to perform control such that energy in the drive section (101) of the vehicle (100) and energy in a drive section (201) of the other vehicle (200) are used in equal amounts.
Citation Information
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