Roller

Abstract

A scooter (1), in particular a folding scooter, with two axles (2) each having at least one wheel (3) and an intermediate scooter structure comprising a footboard (4) and a steering column (6) connected to the footboard (4) for a handlebar (5) of one of the two axles (2), with which at least one wheel (3) can be steered at its lower end, wherein at least one electric drive unit (8) is provided for driving at least one wheel (3), wherein the footboard (4) includes a trough-shaped battery compartment (15) closed towards the wheels (3) and, in the operating state of the scooter (1), towards the floor, for receiving a replaceable energy storage device (9) for supplying the at least one electric drive unit (8), wherein the battery compartment (15) can be closed by a cover (10) which at least partially forms the footplate (4') of the footboard (4).wherein the replaceable energy storage device (9) is provided for insertion into the battery compartment (15) in a predetermined orientation, which has a connection socket (18) accessible in the fully inserted state for connecting a connecting cable (17) arranged in the battery compartment (15), and wherein the connection socket (18) is arranged on a section (19) of the outer wall of the energy storage device (9) extending at an angle of 30° to 60° to the bottom of the battery compartment when the energy storage device (9) is inserted into the battery compartment (15), such that the battery compartment (15) can be closed by the cover (10) when the connecting cable (17) is connected thereto.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a scooter, in particular a folding scooter, with an electric drive.

[0002] Scooters are known from the prior art. They generally have two axles, each with a wheel, between which a footboard is arranged. One of the wheels is steerable via a handlebar, the handlebar of which is guided by a steering column that, when the scooter is ready to ride, extends upwards essentially perpendicular to the footboard. The handlebar, attached to the steering column, usually extends with its grips to both sides of the column and is often height-adjustable via a telescopic mechanism to adapt to the individual rider.

[0003] Folding scooters are also known, which, from a configuration comparable to non-folding scooters, can be folded into a space-saving transport and storage state using one or more folding and telescopic mechanisms. A first folding mechanism, for example, allows the steering column with the handlebars guided within it to be pivoted into a position where the steering column is essentially parallel to the footboard.

[0004] Scooters and folding scooters can be equipped with a drive unit for at least one of the wheels, which is activated by a lever on the handlebars. This drive unit is usually electric, with power supplied by batteries often located in the footboard.

[0005] For safety and theft protection reasons, the batteries are regularly permanently attached to or integrated into the structure of the scooter so that they cannot be unintentionally detached in an accident and cannot be removed and replaced without complex disassembly.

[0006] Electric bicycles are known to have easily replaceable batteries that can be inserted into an externally accessible holder with comprehensive electrical contacts and secured via a locking mechanism.

[0007] The use of such a system in the area of ​​the footboard of a scooter is ruled out not only because of the usual form factor of the batteries intended for bicycles, but also because of the susceptibility of such systems to malfunctions due to dirt and splashing water, which cannot be prevented in the area of ​​the footboard of scooters.

[0008] Consequently, such systems can only be mounted on the handlebars of a scooter, as is sometimes the case with auxiliary batteries on scooters. However, due to the mass of the battery, this changes the scooter's center of gravity and thus negatively affects its handling.

[0009] Documents DE 201 00 172 U1, WO 00 / 51 878 A1, and CN 2 01 745 705 U disclose scooters in which accumulators are arranged in a battery compartment integrated into the footboard or footrest area. For electrical connection, either a connecting cable protruding from the accumulator is provided for connection to a connecting cable protruding from the battery compartment, or the accumulator and battery compartment are precisely matched so that, when the accumulator is correctly inserted, contact surfaces on the accumulator establish an electrical connection with corresponding contact surfaces in the battery compartment. The latter concept is known from US 2016 / 0 280 306 A1 for electric motorcycles. Further prior art is shown in DE 10 2019 007 915 A1 and FR 3 093 593 A1.

[0010] A disadvantage of this state of the art is, among other things, the difficulty in handling the accumulators due to protruding cables and / or the required and possibly costly accuracy of fit between accumulators and battery compartments to ensure the described contact of contact surfaces.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to create a scooter in which the disadvantages of the prior art no longer occur or only occur to a reduced extent.

[0012] This task is solved by a scooter according to the main claim. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] Accordingly, the invention relates to a scooter, in particular a folding scooter, with two axles, each with at least one wheel, and an intermediate scooter structure comprising a footboard and a steering column connected to the footboard for a handlebar of one of the two axles, with which at least one wheel can be steered at its lower end, wherein at least one electric drive unit is provided for driving at least one wheel, wherein a trough-shaped battery compartment, closed towards the wheels and, in the scooter's state of use, towards the ground, is provided in the footboard for receiving a replaceable energy storage device for supplying the at least one electric drive unit, wherein the battery compartment can be closed by a cover that at least partially forms the footboard's surface, and wherein a replaceable energy storage device is provided for insertion into the battery compartment in a predetermined orientation.which is designed as a connection socket accessible in the fully inserted state for connecting a connection cable arranged in the battery compartment, and wherein the connection socket is arranged on a section of the outer wall of the energy storage device which, in the state of the energy storage device being inserted into the battery compartment, runs at an angle of 30° to 60° to the bottom of the battery compartment, such that the battery compartment can be closed by the cover when the connection cable is connected thereto.

[0014] The invention recognizes that the energy storage device for the scooter can be advantageously and interchangeably integrated into its footboard without the disadvantages known from the prior art, by using the actual footboard surface – i.e., the surface on which the rider stands when using the scooter – or at least parts thereof, as a cover for an underlying tray-shaped battery compartment. Thus, when the scooter is standing on the ground, the battery compartment opens upwards and, due to the tray shape according to the invention, is completely closed on the other sides – in particular towards the ground and the wheels. This effectively prevents contact between the energy storage device and dirt and splash water kicked up by the wheels.

[0015] For the battery compartment cover to effectively serve as a safe stepping surface for the user, it must be firmly connected to the rest of the footboard in the closed position, particularly in the plane of the stepping surface, with as little play as possible. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is pivotally attached to the footboard on one side around a pivot axis. By appropriately designing the pivoting mechanism, the play in the plane of the stepping surface can be reduced or minimized. Alternatively, the cover can have one or more elements, such as pins, located away from the pivot axis. These pins engage positively with corresponding counterparts, such as bores, in the footboard when closed, further reducing the play. The cover itself can also be designed to form a positive fit with the rest of the footboard.

[0016] It is preferred that the pivot axis of the lid is oriented parallel to one of the two axes for the base rollers, preferably a fixed axis. It has been shown that by appropriately arranging the pivot axis, easy access to the battery compartment can regularly be achieved when the lid is open.

[0017] It is preferred that the cover, when closed, is secured by a lock integrated into the footplate and accessible from the outside. A suitable lock protects the battery compartment from unauthorized access and any energy storage device within it from theft. If the lock is located away from the pivot axis, and the lock design achieves a positive-locking connection between the cover and the rest of the footplate (as illustrated above), any potential play in the plane of the footplate can be reduced.

[0018] It is preferred that the lock be located in the area of ​​the connection between the footboard and the handlebars. Sufficient space for integrating the lock is typically available in this connection area. With such a lock arrangement, it is advantageous if the potential pivot axis of the cover is located away from the handlebars.

[0019] The scooter includes a replaceable, preferably rechargeable, energy storage device for insertion into the battery compartment in a predetermined orientation. This device features a connector socket, accessible when fully inserted, for connecting a connecting cable located within the battery compartment. The connector socket is positioned such that the battery compartment can be closed with the cover when the connecting cable is attached. By designing the energy storage device so that it is first inserted into the battery compartment and only then is a connecting cable attached to the energy storage device's connector socket, simple replacement of the energy storage device is ensured. There is no need to handle the typically heavy energy storage device, nor is it necessary to connect it with a connecting cable, nor is it necessary to ensure that electrical contacts are properly closed when inserting the energy storage device.

[0020] To simplify connecting the energy storage device with a connecting cable after it has been inserted into the battery compartment, the connection socket is located on a section of the energy storage device's outer wall that runs at an angle of 30° to 60°, preferably 40° to 50°, and more preferably 45° to the bottom of the battery compartment when the energy storage device is inserted. This arrangement of the connection socket ensures that it remains easily accessible through the opening (which can be closed by the cover) for inserting the connecting cable, even when the energy storage device is inserted into the battery compartment.

[0021] It is preferred if the energy storage device is secured against slippage in the battery compartment by a positive fit and / or if the energy storage device and / or the battery compartment have spacer elements to achieve a corresponding positive fit. The energy storage device is then completely secured against slippage simply by being inserted into the battery compartment and closing it with the cover. The use of spacer elements makes it possible to secure different energy storage device designs, e.g., due to different capacities, positively in the battery compartment. It is also possible for individual spacer elements, especially those provided and fixed within the battery compartment, to provide installation space for other scooter components, such as charging electronics for the energy storage device or a speed controller.

[0022] The invention will now be described by way of example using an advantageous embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1: an embodiment of a scooter according to the invention with a closed battery compartment cover; Fig. 2: the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 with the battery compartment cover open; and Fig. 3: a detailed illustration of the battery compartment of the scooter according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 inserted energy storage devices.

[0023] In Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a folding scooter 1 according to the invention. The folding scooter 1 comprises two axles 2, each with a wheel 3. One wheel 3 is rotatably mounted at one end of a footboard 4, while the other wheel 3 is mounted on a handlebar 5. The handlebar 5 is rotatably guided in a steering column 6, enabling the wheel 3 mounted thereon to be steered. The steering column 6 is connected to the footboard 4 via a folding joint 7. The folding joint 7 allows the scooter to be folded. Fig. 1 Fold the folding scooter 1 shown in ready-to-ride condition in such a way that the steering column 6 is aligned parallel to the footboard 4.

[0024] The floor roller 3, mounted on the footboard 4, is driven by an electric wheel hub motor 8. A replaceable, rechargeable energy storage device 9 (see figure) is required to supply the wheel hub motor 8 with electrical energy. Fig. 2) provided, which is arranged in the footboard 4.

[0025] In order to replace the energy storage device 9, the footplate 4' of the running board, intended for use by the driver, is designed as a pivotable cover 10. The cover 10 can be pivoted about a pivot axis 11 located in the area of ​​the driven floor roller 3 and running parallel to its axis 2 between the Fig. 1 shown closure position and the one in Fig. Swivel to the opening position shown in point 2.

[0026] At the end of the cover 10 furthest from the pivot axis 11, projections 12 are provided which, in the closed position, engage in a form-fitting manner in recesses 13 provided for this purpose on the footboard 11, so that the cover 10 in the closed position has - if any - only extremely little play, which is important for the driving safety of the scooter 1.

[0027] A lock 14, accessible from the outside, namely laterally on the footboard 4 in the area of ​​the connection between the footboard 4 and the handlebar 6, is provided on the footboard 4. In the closed position of the cover 10, this lock interacts with one of the projections 12 in such a way that the cover 10 is secured in the closed position by the lock 14. The energy storage device 9 can thus be effectively protected against theft.

[0028] To accommodate the energy storage device 9, a trough-shaped battery compartment 15 is provided in the footboard 4. This compartment is closed off towards the base rollers 3 and the ground on which the scooter 1 rolls when in use. The sole opening of this compartment can optionally be closed by the cover 10. This design provides good protection for the energy storage device 9 inserted into the battery compartment 15 against splashing water and dirt kicked up by the base rollers 3. The cover 10 effectively prevents the ingress of moisture and dirt from above, so that the energy storage device 9 located in the battery compartment 15 can be considered to be completely protected.

[0029] A spacer element 16 is arranged and attached in the battery compartment 15. This spacer element reduces the area in the battery compartment 15 intended for the energy storage device 9 in such a way that the energy storage device 9, particularly after the cover 10 is closed, fits completely snugly in the battery compartment 15 and therefore requires no further fastening. A free space 16' is provided in the spacer 16, in which, for example, control electronics for the scooter 1 can be arranged (not shown).

[0030] To ensure easy replacement of the energy storage unit 9, e.g., for maintenance and / or recharging of the energy storage unit 9 outside the scooter 1, the insertion and removal of the energy storage unit 9 is designed to be completely independent of the electrical connection to the scooter 1. The electrical connection is made via a connecting cable 17 provided in the battery compartment 15, which is connected to a designated connector 18 (see figure) only after the energy storage unit 9 has been inserted or before it has been removed. Fig. 3) is connected or disconnected. In Fig. Figure 2 shows the connecting cable 17 connected to the connector socket 18, while in the Fig. 3, which shows the energy storage device 9 fully inserted into the battery compartment 15 in slightly greater detail, the connecting cable 17 is not yet connected to the connection socket 18.

[0031] To enable the insertion and removal of the connecting cable 17 into and out of the connection socket 18 even when the energy storage device 9 is fully inserted into the battery compartment 15, the connection socket 18 is arranged on a section 19 of the outer wall of the energy storage device 9, which, when the energy storage device 9 is inserted into the battery compartment 15, runs at an angle of approximately 45° to the bottom of the battery compartment. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the connection socket 18 is easily accessible even when the energy storage device 9 is inserted. Connection socket 18 and connection cable 17 are, of course, designed to work together so that the cover 10 can still be closed without difficulty even when the two elements are connected.

Claims

[1] Scooter (1), in particular a folding scooter, with two axles (2) each with at least one wheel (3) and an intermediate scooter structure comprising a footboard (4) and a steering column (6) connected to the footboard (4) for a handlebar (5) of one of the two axles (2), with which at least one wheel (3) can be steered at its lower end, wherein at least one electric drive unit (8) is provided for driving at least one wheel (3), wherein the footboard (4) includes a trough-shaped battery compartment (15) closed towards the wheels (3) and, in the state of use of the scooter (1), towards the floor, for receiving a replaceable energy storage device (9) for supplying the at least one electric drive unit (8), wherein the battery compartment (15) can be closed by a cover (10) which at least partially forms the footplate (4') of the footboard (4),wherein the replaceable energy storage device (9) is provided for insertion into the battery compartment (15) in a predetermined orientation, which has a connection socket (18) accessible in the fully inserted state for connecting a connecting cable (17) arranged in the battery compartment (15), and wherein the connection socket (18) is arranged on a section (19) of the outer wall of the energy storage device (9) extending at an angle of 30° to 60° to the bottom of the battery compartment when the energy storage device (9) is inserted into the battery compartment (15), such that the battery compartment (15) can be closed by the cover (10) when the connecting cable (17) is connected thereto. [2] Roller according to claim 1, characterized by , that the lid (10) is attached to the footboard (4) on one side so as to pivot about a pivot axis (11). [3] Roller according to claim 2, characterized by, that the pivot axis (11) of the cover (10) is oriented parallel to one of the two axes (2) for the floor rollers (3), preferably a fixed axis. [4] Roller according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lid (10) is secured in the closed position by a lock (14) integrated into the footboard (4) and accessible from the outside. [5] Roller according to claim 4, characterized by , that the lock (14) is located in the area of ​​the connection between the footboard (4) and the handlebar (6). [6] Roller according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the energy storage device (9) is rechargeable. [7] Roller according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the connection socket (18) is arranged on a section (19) of the outer wall of the energy storage device (9) which, in the state of the energy storage device (9) being inserted into the battery compartment (15), extends at an angle of 40° to 50°, preferably further at 45° to the bottom of the battery compartment. [8] Roller according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the energy storage device (9) is secured against slipping by positive locking in the battery compartment (15) and / or the energy storage device (9) and / or the battery compartment (15) are provided with spacer elements (16) to achieve a corresponding positive locking.

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