Folding scooter with folding joint

Abstract

Folding scooter (1) comprising a footboard (4) arranged between two axles (2) each with at least one floor roller (3) and a steering column (6) connected to the footboard (4) via a folding joint (10) for a handlebar (5) of one of the two axles (2), wherein the handlebar (5) can be pivoted about the folding joint (10) formed by a first and a second pivot bearing (12, 13) between a folded and a ready-to-ride unfolded state, wherein the folding joint (10) has a locking bolt (18) extending parallel to the pivot axis (11), which is guided at the first joint mount (12) in a linear guide (14) extending radially to the pivot axis (11) and at the second joint mount (13) in an annular segment-shaped cam (15) with a first locking groove (16) extending radially to the annular segment and to the pivot axis (11) at a first end of the cam (15) such that the locking bolt (18) can be brought into engagement with the first locking groove (16) by sliding along the linear guide (14) to secure the folding arm (5) in the ready-to-drive, unfolded state and is guided along the annular segment-shaped cam (15) when the folding arm (5) is pivoted. wherein the locking bolt (18) is connected to a spring (21) which is pre-tensioned by a tension lever (20) which can pivot between a locking position and an unlocking position, such that in the locking position of the tension lever (20) when the handlebar (5) is unfolded and ready to drive the locking bolt (18) is forced by the spring (21) into engagement with the first locking groove (16) and in the unlocking position can be guided without tension in the ring segment-shaped cam (15).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a folding scooter with a folding joint for folding the scooter.

[0002] Folding scooters are well-known in the art. Such scooters typically have two axles, each with a base roller, between which a footboard is arranged. One of the base rollers is steered via a handlebar, whose handlebar is guided by a steering column that, when the scooter is in ready-to-use state, extends upwards essentially perpendicular to the footboard. The handlebars typically extend with their grips on both sides of the handlebar and are often height-adjustable.

[0003] Such scooters typically feature one or more folding and telescopic mechanisms to allow for space-saving transport and storage when folded. When unfolded, however, the handling and stability of non-folding scooters should be achieved as closely as possible.

[0004] Most known folding scooters have a folding mechanism with which the steering column with the handlebar guided in it can be pivoted into a position in which the handlebar is essentially parallel to the footboard.

[0005] Various state-of-the-art folding mechanisms also have mechanical locks that can be used to secure them, at least when the scooter is in running order.

[0006] Document AT 518 205 A1 discloses a foldable scooter in which a first engagement element is movable from a release position into a locking position, in which the first engagement element is in engagement with a second engagement element, by actuation by means of an operating element mechanically coupled to the first engagement element, which operating element is arranged separately from the joint, for example on a handlebar, on a support rod and / or on a fender.

[0007] Document WO 2016 / 074 345 A1 discloses a folding joint for a scooter, in which a circular section formed radially around the axis of the folding joint is provided on one part of the folding joint with recesses running parallel to said axis, into which a locking pin, linearly guided on the other part of the folding joint, can selectively engage to secure the folding joint in the position predetermined by the recess. Document DE 100 25 923 A1 discloses a similar folding joint, wherein, instead of a linearly guided locking pin, a spring-loaded, pivotable locking pawl is provided on one part of the folding joint, which can engage in suitable recesses in the other part of the folding joint.Document DE 20 2018 101 757 U1 also discloses a similar folding mechanism, wherein the locking pin can be moved by a mechanism and actuated by a pivoting lever, which can be secured against unintentional actuation by a spring-loaded locking element.

[0008] It has been shown that many known folding mechanisms and / or their locking devices are cumbersome to operate, so that folding up a scooter or getting it ready to ride requires a lot of effort.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to create a folding scooter with a folding joint in which the disadvantages known from the prior art no longer occur or only occur to a reduced extent.

[0010] This problem is solved by a folding scooter according to the main claim. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] Accordingly, the invention relates to a folding scooter comprising a footboard arranged between two axles, each with at least one floor roller, and a steering column connected to the footboard via a folding joint for a handlebar of one of the two axles, wherein the handlebar can be pivoted about the folding joint formed by a pivot axis guided by a first and a second joint receptacle between a folded state and a ready-to-use unfolded state, wherein the folding joint has a locking bolt extending parallel to the pivot axis, which is guided on the first joint receptacle in a linear guide extending radially to the pivot axis and on the second joint receptacle in a ring-segment-shaped link with a first locking groove extending radially to the ring segment and to the pivot axis at a first end of the link in such a way thatthat the locking bolt, in the ready-to-drive, unfolded state of the handlebar, can be brought into engagement with the first locking groove by sliding it along the linear guide to secure this state, and is guided along the ring-segment-shaped guide when the handlebar is pivoted. The locking bolt is connected to a spring preloaded by a clamping lever pivotable between a locking position and an unlocking position in such a way that, in the locking position of the clamping lever, when the handlebar is unfolded and ready to drive, the locking bolt is urged into engagement with the first locking groove by the spring, and can be guided tension-free in the ring-segment-shaped guide in the unlocking position.

[0012] First, some terms used in connection with the invention will be explained.

[0013] "Joint mounts" refer to the two components of the folding scooter in which the pivot axis of the folding joint is mounted, allowing them to pivot relative to each other around the pivot axis. The joint mounts can be separate components that, together with the pivot axis, form a separate folding joint assembly and are firmly connected to the other parts of the folding scooter. However, the joint mounts can also be integrally designed with other components.

[0014] In the folding scooter according to the invention, the handlebars are secured in the unfolded, ready-to-use state by a locking bolt, which in this state only needs to be moved along a linear guide in one joint receptacle, whereby the locking bolt is brought into engagement with the first locking groove in the second joint receptacle and thus creates a positive locking connection. To still enable the handlebars to be pivoted into the folded state, a ring-segment-shaped guide is provided in the second joint receptacle, along which the locking bolt can be guided - given the appropriate position in the linear guide. To secure the handlebars in the unfolded, ready-to-use state, the locking bolt only needs to be moved by a distance corresponding to the depth of the first locking groove - i.e., usually only a short distance.

[0015] Various easy-to-use mechanisms are conceivable for accomplishing the linear movement of the locking bolt required for the final locking. By connecting the locking bolt to a spring that is pre-tensioned by a clamping lever that can be pivoted between a locking position and an unlocking position in such a way that the locking bolt is urged into engagement with the first locking groove by the spring in the locking position of the clamping lever when the handlebar is unfolded and ready for use, and can be guided tension-free in the ring-segment-shaped guide in the unlocking position, the locking can be established or released simply by actuating the clamping lever. Due to the provided spring, the clamping lever can in principle be moved into the locking position before the handlebar has been fully unfolded.The locking pin then snaps into the locking groove thanks to the spring as soon as the handlebar is fully extended and the locking pin's linear guide is aligned with the first locking groove. When the clamping lever is in the unlocked position, the locking pin is guided tension-free in the ring-segment-shaped guide. This means that no force is exerted on the locking pin via the spring, which could potentially lead to increased friction between the locking pin and the guide. This ensures that the swiveling of the handlebar is not impaired by the folding joint or its locking mechanism.

[0016] It is preferred if the clamping lever is held in the locked position by the spring. In the locked position, the spring is tensioned to exert a force on the locking bolt. A force of the same magnitude then also acts on the clamping lever. By appropriately selecting the connection point of the spring on the clamping lever, the force in question can be ensured to hold the clamping lever in the locked position. This can already provide an initial safeguard against unintentional release of the clamping lever and release of the folding joint.

[0017] The spring can preferably be a tension spring. An adjustment element, such as an adjustment screw, can also be provided, with which the spring force in the locking position of the clamping lever can be adjusted.

[0018] It is preferred if a further second locking groove extending radially toward the ring segment and the pivot axis is provided at the second end of the link. When the handlebar is folded, the locking bolt can be selectively engaged in this second locking groove for securing by sliding it along the linear guide. The handlebar can thus also be secured in the folded state, which, for example, enables easy transport of the folding scooter in the folded state.

[0019] It is preferred if at least the first locking groove is designed to extend radially outward relative to the ring-segment-shaped guide. In particular, if the locking bolt can be preloaded with a tension spring, the corresponding design of the first locking groove enables a favorable arrangement of the clamping device, e.g., a clamping lever. It is then further preferred if the second locking groove is also designed to extend radially outward relative to the ring-segment-shaped guide, so that the locking bolt can be held in the second locking groove using the same operating principle as the first locking groove.

[0020] It is preferred if the ring-segment-shaped link is formed in the shape of a circular ring segment and / or coaxial with the pivot axis.

[0021] The linear guide and / or the ring-segment-shaped link with at least one locking groove can be designed as recesses through which the locking bolt is guided.

[0022] As an additional or alternative means of securing the locking bolt at least in the first locking groove, a locking bolt can be provided that can be displaced parallel to the pivot axis, with which the locking bolt can be secured in engagement with the first locking groove at the first end of the guide by means of a positive fit. After the locking bolt has engaged with the first locking groove, the locking bolt can be displaced in such a way that it blocks the locking bolt's path out of the locking groove, thus securing it in the locking groove.

[0023] It is preferred if the locking bolt is displaceable via a toggle lever mechanism, wherein the dead center of the toggle lever mechanism is located between the locking bolt position in which the locking bolt is secured and the locking bolt position in which the locking bolt is free. Consequently, the toggle lever mechanism is to be overextended when the locking bolt is displaced between the two aforementioned end positions, thus securing the locking bolt at least in the position intended for securing the locking bolt.

[0024] The invention will now be described by way of example using an advantageous embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1: a first embodiment of a folding scooter according to the invention; Fig. 2a,b: schematic representations of different states of the folding scooter from Fig. 1; Fig. 3-6: schematic representations of the folding joint of the folding scooter from Fig. 1 in different states; Fig. 7a, b: schematic representations of an additional securing of the folding joint from the Fig. 1 to 6.

[0025] In Fig. 1 shows a folding scooter 1 according to the invention. The folding scooter 1 comprises two axles 2 perpendicular to the plane of the page, each with a base roller 3. One base roller 3 is rotatably mounted on one end of a footboard 4 and can be driven by an electric wheel hub motor 7, which is supplied with electrical energy via a battery integrated into the footboard 4. The other base roller 3 is mounted on a handlebar 5. The handlebar 5 is rotatably guided in a steering column 6, whereby the base roller 3 mounted thereon can be steered.

[0026] The steering column 6 is connected to the footboard 4 via a folding joint 10. With the help of the folding joint 10, the Fig. 1 Fold the folding scooter 1 shown in the ready-to-drive state in such a way that the steering column 6 is aligned parallel to the footboard 3.

[0027] These two states of the folding joint 10 are in Fig. 2a, b. While Fig. 2a the folding joint 10 in the for the also in Fig. 1 shown ready-to-use unfolded state of the folding scooter 1, the folding joint 10 is in Fig. 2b is pivoted into the position intended for the folded state of the folding scooter 1.

[0028] In Fig. 3 to 6, the folding joint 10 of the folding scooter 1 is made of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in various states. The folding joint 10 is partially transparent to illustrate the interaction of the individual components. The figures with the suffix "b" are detailed representations of the corresponding figures with the suffix "a" in which some components are not shown to better illustrate details of the folding joint 10. Fig. 6 is also such a detailed representation.

[0029] The folding joint 10 comprises a perpendicular to the sheet plane of the Fig. 3 to 6, which is guided by a first and a second joint receptacle 12, 13. A linear guide 14 is provided in the first joint receptacle 12 and extends radially to the pivot axis 11. The second joint receptacle 13 has a ring-segment-shaped, more precisely circular ring-segment-shaped guide 15, which is formed coaxially to the pivot axis 11. At the first end of the guide 15, a first locking groove 16 is provided, which extends radially outwards from the pivot axis 11. Analogously, a second locking groove 17 is provided at the other end of the guide 15. The linear guide 14 and the guide 15 are recesses in the respective joint receptacles 12, 13.

[0030] A locking bolt 18 extending parallel to the pivot axis 11 is provided, which is guided simultaneously in the linear guide 14 and in the link 15 together with the locking grooves 16, 17. The linear guide 14 and the link 15 are coordinated with one another in such a way that the locking bolt 18 pivots when the folding joint 10 or the link 5 is pivoted (see Fig. 2a, b) is guided along the guide 15. When the folding joint 10 is in a position corresponding to the folded or unfolded state of the handlebar 5, or the angular position between the two joint receptacles 12, 13, the locking pin 18 can be moved along the linear guide 14 such that it engages with one of the locking grooves 16, 17. The folding joint 10 is thereby locked until the locking pin 18 is moved out of the respective locking groove 16, 17.

[0031] The locking bolt 18 is connected to a clamping lever 20 via the spring 21, which can be adjusted using the adjusting screw 22. The clamping lever 20 can be moved between the Fig. 3a and the locking position shown in Fig. 4a and Fig. 5a. The connection of the spring 21 to the clamping lever 20 is such that - with suitable adjustment via the adjusting screw 22 - in the locking position, the locking bolt 18 is pulled in the direction of the locking grooves 16, 17 or into them when the folding joint 10 is in the corresponding position. At the same time, the clamping lever 20 is pulled in the direction of the locking position by the spring 21 in the locking position and is thus secured. In the unlocking position, no spring force acts on the locking bolt 18, which is why it can be guided tension-free in the guide 15.

[0032] Fig. 3a, b shows the locking pin 18 engaged with the first locking groove 16 at the first end of the guide 15, so that the handlebar is secured in the unfolded, ready-to-use state. The locking pin 18 is held in the locking groove 16 by the spring 21 tensioned by the tension lever 20. The spring 21 simultaneously secures the tension lever 20 in the illustrated locking position.

[0033] By overcoming the spring force of the spring 21, which is used to secure the clamping lever 20 in the locking position, the clamping lever 20 can be moved into the Fig. 4a. The locking bolt 18 is moved out of the locking groove 16 by the spring 21 and can thus be easily moved along the guide 15.

[0034] The same happens when the handlebar 5 is swivelled from the ready-to-drive, unfolded state ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2a) into the folded state ( Fig. 2b) of the folding scooter 1. The position achieved is shown in Fig. 5a, b. The locking bolt 18 is located in the area of ​​the second locking groove 17.

[0035] By pivoting the clamping lever 20 into the locking position, the locking bolt 18 is pulled into the second locking groove 17 by the spring 21 (cf. Fig. 6), so that the folding scooter 1 is also secured when folded.

[0036] As an additional safeguard for the locking bolt 18 in engagement with the first locking groove 16, a locking bolt 30 is provided which is displaceable parallel to the pivot axis 11 and which Fig. 7a, b is shown. Fig. 7a shows the locking pin 30 in the locking position, with the folding joint 10 being partially transparent in order to illustrate the interaction of the individual components. Fig. 7b is a section through the folding joint 10 with the locking bolt 18 released.

[0037] The locking pin 30 is designed to be arranged in the slotted guide 15 in the region of the first locking groove when the locking pin 18 engages in the first locking groove 16 in such a way that the locking pin 18 cannot be moved out of the locking groove 16. As shown in Fig. 7a, it is sufficient if the locking pin 30 only partially protrudes into the link 15.

[0038] To release the locking bolt 18 so that the folding scooter 1 can be folded (see Fig. 3 to 6), the locking pin 30 is completely pulled out of the link 15 (cf. Fig. 7a).

[0039] A toggle lever mechanism 31 is provided to actuate the locking pin 30. The toggle lever mechanism 31 is designed such that the dead center of the toggle lever mechanism 31 lies between the position of the locking pin 30 in which the locking pin 18 is secured ( Fig. 7a), and the position of the locking bolt 30, in which the locking bolt 18 is free ( Fig. 7b).

Claims

[1] Folding scooter (1) comprising a footboard (4) arranged between two axles (2), each with at least one floor roller (3), and a steering column (6) connected to the footboard (4) via a folding joint (10) for a handlebar (5) of one of the two axles (2), wherein the handlebar (5) can be pivoted about the folding joint (10) formed by a first and a second joint receptacle (12, 13) between a folded state and a ready-to-use unfolded state, wherein the folding joint (10) has a locking bolt (18) extending parallel to the pivot axis (11), which is guided on the first joint receptacle (12) in a linear guide (14) extending radially to the pivot axis (11) and on the second joint receptacle (13) in a ring-segment-shaped slotted guide (15) with a first locking groove (16) extending radially to the ring segment and to the pivot axis (11) at a first end of the slotted guide (15) in such a way that the locking bolt (18) can be brought into engagement with the first locking groove (16) by sliding it along the linear guide (14) when the handlebar (5) is unfolded and ready for driving in order to secure this state, and is guided along the ring-segment-shaped slotted guide (15) when the handlebar (5) is pivoted, wherein the locking bolt (18) is connected to a spring (21) to be pre-tensioned by a tensioning lever (20) which can be pivoted between a locking position and an unlocking position in such a way that the locking bolt (18) is urged into engagement with the first locking groove (16) by the spring (21) in the locking position of the tensioning lever (20) when the handlebar (5) is in the ready-to-drive, unfolded state and can be guided in the ring-segment-shaped guide (15) without tension in the unlocking position. [2] Folding scooter according to claim 1, characterized by that the clamping lever (20) is held in the locking position by the spring (21). [3] Folding scooter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at the second end of the link (15) there is provided a further second locking groove (17) extending radially to the ring segment and to the pivot axis (11), into which the locking bolt (18) can be brought into engagement for securing purposes in the folded-in state of the handlebar (5) by sliding it along the linear guide (14). [4] Folding scooter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least the first locking groove (16) is designed to extend radially outwards relative to the ring-segment-shaped link (15). [5] Folding scooter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the ring-segment-shaped link (15) is formed in the shape of a circular ring segment and / or coaxial with the pivot axis (11). [6] Folding scooter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a locking bolt (30) is provided which is displaceable parallel to the pivot axis (11) and with which the locking bolt (18) can be secured in engagement with the first locking groove (16) at the first end of the link (15) by means of a positive fit. [7] Folding scooter according to claim 6, characterized by that the locking pin (30) is displaceable via a toggle lever mechanism (31), wherein the dead center of the toggle lever mechanism (31) is arranged between the locking pin position in which the locking pin (18) is secured and the locking pin position in which the locking pin (18) is free.

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