Bicycle trailer usable as a stroller, with push handle and adjustable track width
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QERIDOO ENGINEERING GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a bicycle trailer which can be used as a stroller and has at least one push handle and variable track width according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0002] Bicycle trailers for transporting children, also called child bike trailers, are often used both as a trailer, attached to a bicycle, and as a push-along trailer. In a trailer, the bike trailer is usually attached to a bicycle using a drawbar attached to the bike trailer and then pulled by the bicycle. For push-along trailers, a push handle in the form of a bar (push bar) is usually provided on the bike trailer, allowing the operator to push the bike trailer from the rear with the hand of a person walking or moving around in another way.
[0003] A so-called buggy wheel is usually provided for pushing. On bicycle trailers, the buggy wheel is attached or folded down as needed and is not in contact with the ground when the bike is being pushed.
[0004] On some bicycle trailers, the push handle or push bar is height-adjustable. This can be achieved, for example, by pivoting around a pivot axis. On some bicycle trailers, the push bar can also be pivoted upwards so far that, when fully pivoted upwards, it serves as a safety bar, extending over the area above a seat or bench. In this position, the safety bar functions as a roll bar and serves as an upper protective element when towing the trailer.
[0005] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that a push handle within the meaning of the invention also includes individual gripping elements for pushing, e.g. a left push handle and a right push handle for the right and left hands of an operator. Such push handles can also be height-adjustable and / or adjustable to a trailer operating position. In this context, a trailer operating position is understood in particular to be a position in which the push handles as such can no longer be used at all or can no longer be used sensibly. The push handles are no longer usable at all if they are sunk into an opening and are therefore no longer accessible. The push handles are no longer usable sensibly if they are obviously no longer ergonomically easy to grip in order to use the bicycle trailer in push mode.
[0006] DE 100 20 588 A1 discloses a device for adjusting the height and / or track width on vehicles used to transport children and / or trailers to be attached to two-wheeled vehicles, with a retrofittable adapter device. The adapter device is intended to enable a change in height and / or track width by arranging two different bearing or axle mounts. To change the height and / or track width, at least one wheel must be removed and remounted on a different bearing or axle mount. A possibility for adjusting the track width without removing the wheels is not disclosed.
[0007] DE 198 18 724 A1 discloses an axle design with variable track width for the optional use of strollers as bicycle trailers for transporting small children, or vice versa. The wheels are mounted on axle stubs mounted on a tube for axial displacement. To adjust the track width, the axle stubs are moved relative to the tube. Locking bolts are provided to secure certain track width settings. To adjust to a different position, the locking bolts must be loosened and reinstalled after the other position has been set. A synchronized track width change by simultaneously axially shifting two wheels inward or outward is not provided for and is not described.
[0008] A disadvantage of prior art bicycle trailers is that adjusting the track width is sometimes very time-consuming, which leads to users foregoing it—possibly sometimes due to time constraints—especially when frequently switching between trailer operation and push operation. However, omitting a large track width adjustment in trailer operation is associated with an increased risk of the bicycle trailer tipping over and increases the risk of accidents. Based on this, the invention is based on the object of further increasing the safety of bicycle trailers that can also be used as strollers and feature the option of adjusting the track width.
[0009] The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 1. Further practical embodiments and advantages of the invention are described in conjunction with the dependent claims.
[0010] A bicycle trailer according to the invention comprises at least two wheels and a frame, as well as a first wheel mount and a second wheel mount. A first wheel is attached to the first wheel mount, and a second wheel is attached to the second wheel mount, running parallel to each other, such that the track width is defined by the distance between the first wheel and the second wheel. The track width is variable at least to the extent that the first wheel and the second wheel are adjustable between a small track width setting and a large track width setting, in order to be able to use the bicycle trailer with a small track width and, at least temporarily, also with a large track width setting.Furthermore, at least one hazard detection device is provided, by means of which the large track width setting is immediately effected or initiated upon detection of a specific operating state and / or by means of which the operation of the bicycle trailer with the small track width setting is restricted in certain operating states. The safety of bicycle trailers is increased with the bicycle trailer according to the invention insofar as the hazard detection device is capable of detecting critical driving situations and increasing tipping stability in such driving situations - without the need for operator intervention - by either automatically effecting the large track width setting or by reducing the risk of tipping by keeping the speed of the bicycle trailer below a certain speed level using suitable measures when the small track width setting is selected.
[0011] Unless otherwise described in this disclosure, the track width can be adjusted in any manner known from the prior art and obvious to a person skilled in the art and within the scope of his technical knowledge.
[0012] In the following, a distinction is made between active hazard detection devices and passive hazard detection devices.
[0013] Passive hazard detection devices are those that directly activate the hazard detection device based on forces, moments, and / or accelerations. For example, a centrifugal brake can be functionally coupled to the wheels in such a way that the travel speed of the bicycle trailer in the small track width setting is limited to the speed of walking pedestrians (approx. 5 km / h), and the bicycle trailer is automatically braked at higher speeds by the centrifugal brake when the small track width setting is selected. When switching to the large track width setting, the centrifugal brake can then be deactivated - preferably automatically - for example, by directly linking the track width adjustment to the deactivation of the centrifugal brake.
[0014] Active hazard detection devices are those that require active action by an operator, such as moving a push handle from a push position to a trailer position. This is described below using the push handle as an example, along with other active hazard detection devices.
[0015] In a practical embodiment of a bicycle trailer, a push handle is designed as an active hazard detection device. This push handle can be adjusted between a push position and a trailer position. Moving the push handle to the trailer position immediately triggers the large track width setting. In this case, it is ensured that a bicycle trailer with a push handle that is adjusted to the trailer position is simultaneously moved to the large track width setting without any further action required by the operator. In this case, there is a forced coupling between the position of the push handle and the track width, which, when the push handle is operated as intended, immediately triggers an (active) adjustment of the track width.
[0016] As suitable design options for adjusting between the small track width setting and the large track width setting, particular reference is made to an electrical and / or mechanical coupling means and / or drive means.
[0017] Mechanical coupling devices have the advantage of operating independently of an external power supply, making them very user-friendly and structurally robust. Particular reference is made to traction devices such as a Bowden cable. Such a traction device can be arranged on the push handle in such a way that moving the push handle from a pushing position to a towing position exerts a tensile force on the traction device. The resulting movement can be used to actuate a track width adjustment mechanism located near the wheels or wheel axle and adjust the track width accordingly.For example, a Bowden cable can be arranged in such a way that when the push handle is moved from the push position to the trailer position, it exerts a tensile force on a traction mechanism, and the track width is changed from the small track width setting to the large track width setting during the movement of the push handle. For the opposite direction, a spring mechanism or other return mechanism can be provided, for example, which changes the track width from the large track width setting back to the small track width setting when the push handle is moved from the trailer position to the push position.
[0018] As an example of an electrical coupling means, particular reference is made to the possibility of arranging a sensor with a transmitter module on the push handle and an adjustment motor with a receiver module in the track width adjustment area, and coupling them together in such a way that upon detection of an adjustment of the push handle from the push position to the trailer position, a signal is transmitted to the receiver module, which then causes the adjustment motor to move the wheels from the small track width setting to the large track width setting. Conversely, the sensor should also be able to detect when the push handle is moved from the trailer position to the push position and then transmit a signal to the receiver module, which causes the adjustment motor to move the wheels from the large track width setting to the small track width setting.
[0019] In a further practical embodiment of a bicycle trailer according to the invention, a brake unit is provided as an active or passive hazard detection means and is arranged on at least one wheel in such a way that the rotational movement of the wheel is inhibited at least in certain driving conditions, at least as long as the small track width setting is selected. In this case, for safety reasons, the driving speed of the bicycle trailer is limited as long as the small track width setting is selected. This ensures that operators who intend to use the bicycle trailer in trailer operation always select the large track width setting beforehand. Should this be forgotten, the operator riding on the bicycle will notice that the bicycle trailer actively brakes from a certain driving speed (e.g. from 5 km / h, from 10 km / h, from 15 km / h or from 20 km / h). The operator can then interrupt the journey if necessary.Pause briefly to adjust the large track width setting. Adjusting the large track width setting deactivates the brake unit, allowing the bike trailer to be used safely and without tipping over without braking.
[0020] The possibility of a brake unit with a centrifugal brake being directly coupled to at least one wheel as a passive hazard detection device has already been mentioned above. Preferably, a brake unit is provided on each of the two wheels so that the bicycle trailer can be braked on both sides as needed and with tracking stability. Alternatively or additionally, the brake unit or brake units, if several are provided, are coupled to the track width adjustment in such a way that they are only active when the small track width setting is selected. It is also possible to design the brake unit so that even with the large track width setting, the bicycle trailer is actively braked at significantly higher speeds, for example when exceeding 25 km / h, 30 km / h, 35 km / h or 40 km / h.
[0021] In a further practical embodiment of a bicycle trailer according to the invention, a driving condition sensor, a mobile device and / or a device with a global positioning system (GPS) is coupled to the bicycle trailer as an active hazard detection means or is arranged on the bicycle trailer and is functionally connected to a track width adjustment means and / or a braking unit.
[0022] In this context, a driving condition sensor is understood to mean, in particular, a speed sensor and / or an acceleration sensor. This also includes devices that indirectly detect the corresponding information, for example, via forces acting during lateral acceleration, such as those that occur when cornering. Since driving speed can also be determined using modern mobile devices, such as cell phones or mobile GPS devices, such devices are also considered driving condition sensors if they are coupled to the bicycle trailer in such a way that the information can be used for a track width adjustment device and / or a braking unit.For example, a mobile phone on which an app is installed can be coupled to a control unit of a bicycle trailer in order to activate a track width adjustment device, depending on the driving speed determined by the mobile phone (or another suitable driving state variable), in order to set the large track width setting and / or to activate a braking unit when the small track width setting is set. Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding device with a driving state sensor can be installed on the bicycle trailer itself and is part of the bicycle trailer. Such a device is preferably supplied with energy generated by the movement of the bicycle trailer itself, for example via a dynamo, in particular a hub dynamo, and / or via a solar module.
[0023] In a further practical embodiment of a bicycle trailer according to the invention, at least one spring-loaded, telescopic wheel support is provided as a passive hazard detection means. This is designed such that, when a minimum cornering speed is reached, the track width is increased by overcoming the spring preload. This embodiment has the advantage that the track width is only adjusted when necessary, when there is a risk of the bicycle trailer tipping over due to the cornering speed. This allows safety during driving to be increased only when necessary, when cornering at high speeds. The advantage of this is that the bicycle trailer is operated almost permanently in its compact, narrow configuration with a small track width setting and is only temporarily switched to the large track width setting when the cornering speed requires it.This embodiment can, in particular, be designed so that the track width increases variably depending on the cornering speed, i.e., the track width can be continuously increased between a small track width setting and a large track width setting. This has the advantage that the track width is only increased to a suitable level when needed.
[0024] To implement the option of a permanent large track width adjustment, either alternatively or in addition, additional measures are required. For example, a locking mechanism can be provided to fix a large track width adjustment once achieved. To release the locking mechanism, a separate release element can be provided, or the release can be achieved when the push handle of a bicycle trailer is moved into the push position.
[0025] Finally, reference is made to the possibility of providing a track width adjustment mechanism as an active hazard detection device, which increases the track width when a drawbar is mounted or activated and / or a buggy wheel is removed. In this case, this again involves a forced coupling, analogous to that described above in connection with the push handle. A mechanical and / or electrical coupling device can be used for the forced coupling. The advantages described above in connection with the push handle also apply in connection with the drawbar and the buggy wheel.
[0026] In another practical embodiment, the camber of the first wheel and the second wheel is adjustable. This includes both embodiments that allow separate adjustment of the camber independently of other vehicle parameters of the bicycle trailer, as well as embodiments in which the camber is coupled with one or more other vehicle parameters, in particular the track width.
[0027] In connection with a bicycle trailer whose wheel camber is coupled to the track width, particular reference is made to the possibility of adjusting the wheel camber from a neutral position to a negative wheel camber when adjusting the track width from the small track width setting to the large track width setting. This can be achieved in particular by designing a suitably constructed track width adjustment mechanism. For example, the track width adjustment mechanism can be designed such that as the track width increases, the wheel camber also increases in the negative camber direction. This can be achieved in particular by a suitable pivoting coupling of the wheel mounts to the track width adjustment mechanism.
[0028] The combination of the adjustability of the wheel camber with all embodiments of the invention mentioned above and below is explicitly mentioned again. For example, the wheel camber can be designed to be adjustable simultaneously with the track width using the push handle of a bicycle trailer.
[0029] Further practical embodiments and advantages of the invention are described below in conjunction with the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a bicycle trailer with push handle in a push position in a side view, Fig. 2 the bicycle trailer Fig. 1 in a trailer position in a side view, Fig. 3 the bicycle trailer from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with small track width adjustment in a view from behind, Fig. 4 the bicycle trailer from the Fig. 1-3 with large track width adjustment in a view from behind, Fig. 5 a bicycle trailer with a mechanical coupling means in the form of a Bowden cable in a side view, Fig. 6 a bicycle trailer with an electrical coupling means in the form of a sensor with a transmitter module on the push handle and in the form of an adjusting motor with a receiver module in the area of the track width adjustment in a view from the rear, Fig. 7 the bicycle trailer Fig. 3 in a version with adjustable wheel camber in the small track width setting with neutral wheel camber and Fig. 8 the bicycle trailer Fig. 7 in the large track width setting with negative camber.
[0030] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a bicycle trailer 10, which has a first wheel 12, a second wheel 14, which is concealed by the first wheel in the side view and therefore not visible, a frame 16, a first wheel holder 18 and a second, also concealed and therefore not visible, second wheel holder 20. The second wheel 14 and the second wheel holder 20 are shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 clearly visible.
[0031] A push handle 24 in the form of a push bar is pivotally connected to the frame 16 and Fig. 1 is shown in the sliding position and in Fig. 2 is shown in the trailer position.
[0032] In all figures, x denotes the vehicle longitudinal direction (x-direction), y denotes the vehicle transverse direction (y-direction) and z denotes the vehicle vertical direction (z-direction).
[0033] In the Fig. 1, the bicycle trailer 10 can be easily pushed on foot by an operator by the right and / or left hand of the operator grasping the bicycle trailer 10 at the bracket section (not visible) of the push handle 24 extending in the vehicle transverse direction (y-direction) and pushing the bicycle trailer forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
[0034] In the Fig. 2, the push handle 24 is pivoted upwards in such a way that it has a protective position above the head of a person in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, not shown, sitting in the bicycle trailer 10. Pushing the bicycle trailer 10 in this position using the push handle 24 is not possible or only ergonomically impossible because the push handle 24 is positioned relatively far inward relative to the rear end of the bicycle trailer 10. An operator would therefore have to awkwardly bend forward to avoid their legs colliding with the bicycle trailer 10 while walking.
[0035] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a centrifugal brake (not shown) is provided on each of the wheels 12, 14, which is activated when the push handle 24 is pivoted into the Fig. 12 is activated. The centrifugal brake is configured to decelerate the bicycle trailer and thus prevent further acceleration when the travel speed exceeds approximately 10 to 15 km / h. This is achieved by means of suitably designed centrifugal elements that move outward upon corresponding rotation of the wheels 12, 14 and, in conjunction with a braking device, generate a braking effect.
[0036] The track width of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown bicycle trailer 10 is between a small track width adjustment S k (cf. Fig. 3) and a large track width setting S g (cf. Fig. 4) adjustable, as in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5. A manually operated adjustment mechanism is provided for this purpose, which is not shown. As soon as the track width is set to the large track width setting, the centrifugal brake is deactivated. This prevents the bicycle trailer 10 from tipping over when towing with a small track width S. k which would increase the risk of tipping over.
[0037] In an alternative embodiment of a bicycle trailer 10, which is shown in Fig. 5, a traction device 26 in the form of a Bowden cable 28 is arranged between the push handle 24 and the track width adjustment mechanism (not shown in detail) between the wheels 12, 14. The traction device 26 is connected to the push handle 24 in such a way that a forced coupling between the track width adjustment mechanism is realized insofar as in the Fig. 5 shown trailer position of the push handle 24 the large track width setting S gis set and after swiveling the push handle 24 in the direction of the double arrow 32 into the push position, the small track width setting S k The Bowden cable 28 is therefore an active hazard detection device.
[0038] Fig. Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of a bicycle trailer 10. In this bicycle trailer 10, a sensor 30 with a transmitter module is arranged on the push handle 24 and an adjusting motor 34 with a receiver module is arranged in the area of the track width adjustment as the electrical coupling means. The track width adjustment is carried out by changing the distance between the wheels 12, 14 in the direction of the double arrow S with the aid of the adjusting motor 34. The position of the push handle 24 is monitored by the sensor 30. If the pushing position is detected, it sends a control signal to the receiver module, whereupon the adjusting motor 34 moves the wheels 12, 14 to the small track width setting S kIf the sensor 30 detects the push handle 24 in the trailer position, it sends a control signal to the receiver module, whereupon the adjustment motor 34 moves the wheels 12, 14 to the large track width setting S g proceeds.
[0039] The Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show a bicycle trailer 10 which essentially corresponds to the bicycle trailer 10 of Fig. 3 corresponds to the difference that the adjustment of the track width is coupled with the adjustment of the wheel camber. As can be seen from a summary of the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the wheel camber with a small track width setting S k neutral, especially to keep rolling resistance as low as possible when pushing the bike trailer. If the track width is set to the large track width setting S g distorted, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 8, the wheel camber is simultaneously adjusted to a negative camber. This further improves the driving safety of the bicycle trailer 10 by increasing the lateral guidance force when cornering and thus improving tipping stability.
[0040] The features of the invention disclosed in the present description, the drawings, and the claims may be essential, both individually and in any combination, for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. It may be varied within the scope of the claims and taking into account the knowledge of the person skilled in the art.
[0041] In particular, it is pointed out that a simple adjustment option between the large track width setting S g and the small track width setting S kby means of a switch, in particular on the push handle 24, and a travel mechanism coupled to the switch. In this context, particular reference is made to an electric drive by means of an electric motor or via a spring-driven and / or pneumatic drive, which can also be brought into a preloaded position by the movement of the bicycle trailer in order to generate the drive energy from the movement of the bicycle trailer itself and to make the functionality independent of electrical energy. List of reference symbols 10 bicycle trailers 12 first wheel 14 second wheel 16 frame 18 first wheel mount 20 second wheel mount 22 Hazard detection devices 24 Push handle 26 traction devices 28 Bowden cable 30 Sensor (with transmitter module) 32 double arrow 34 Adjustment motor (with receiver module) S Track width adjustment S k small track width adjustment S g large track width adjustment QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] DE 100 20 588 A1
[0006] DE 198 18 724 A1
[0007]
Claims
[1] Bicycle trailer (10) with at least two wheels (12, 14) and a frame (16) as well as a first wheel holder (18) and a second wheel holder (20), wherein a first wheel (12) is fastened to the first wheel holder (18) and a second wheel (14) is fastened to the second wheel holder (20) running parallel to one another in such a way that the track width is defined by the distance between the first wheel (12) and the second wheel (14), wherein the track width is variable at least to the extent that the first wheel (12) and the second wheel (14) can be adjusted between a small track width setting (S k ) and a large track width adjustment (S g ) are adjustable in order to use the bicycle trailer (10) with a small track width and at least temporarily also with a large track width setting (S g ) to use, characterized by that a danger detection means (22) is provided, by means of which the large track width setting (S g) is immediately effected or initiated upon detection of a specific operating condition and / or by means of which the operation of the bicycle trailer (10) with the small track width setting (S k ) is restricted in certain operating conditions. [2] Bicycle trailer (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that a push handle (24) is designed as an active hazard detection means (22), which can be adjusted between a push position and a trailer position, wherein the large track width setting (S g ) is effected. [3] Bicycle trailer (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that for adjusting between the small track width setting (S k ) and the large track width adjustment (S g ) an electrical and / or mechanical coupling means and / or drive means is provided. [4] Bicycle trailer (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that a traction means (26) is provided as the mechanical coupling means and / or a sensor with a transmitter module (30) is arranged on the push handle (24) and an adjusting motor with a receiver module (34) is arranged in the area of the track width adjustment (S) as the electrical coupling means [5] Bicycle trailer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a braking unit is provided as an active or passive hazard detection means (22) and is arranged on at least one wheel (12) in such a way that the rotational movement of the wheel (12, 14) is inhibited at least in certain driving conditions, at least as long as the small track width setting (S k ) is set. [6] Bicycle trailer (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that a brake unit with a centrifugal brake is directly coupled to at least one wheel (12, 14) as a passive hazard detection means (22). [7] Bicycle trailer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that as an active hazard detection means (22) a driving condition sensor, a mobile device or a device with a global positioning system (GPS) is coupled to the bicycle trailer (10) or arranged on the bicycle trailer and is functionally connected to a track width adjustment means and / or a braking unit. [8] Bicycle trailer (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that at least one spring-loaded, telescopically designed wheel holder (18, 20) is provided as a passive hazard detection means (22), which is designed in such a way that when a minimum cornering speed is reached, an increase in the track width is caused by overcoming the spring preload. [9] Bicycle trailer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a track width adjustment mechanism is provided as an active hazard detection means (22), which causes an increase in the track width when mounting or activating a drawbar and / or when removing a buggy wheel. [10] Bicycle trailer (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the camber of the first wheel (12) and the second wheel (14) is adjustable.