MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention is based on a means of locomotion according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Means of transport in various forms have long been part of the state of the art. The invention relates in particular to three-wheeled means of transport. Bicycles, with and without motors, as well as motorcycles, are widespread and exist in diverse variations. Among other things, there are a wide variety of designs of three-wheelers or so-called trikes. The combination of different designs offers a high degree of flexibility. For example, EP 2 698 309 B1 discloses a tricycle in which it is easy to switch between a first mode, in which two wheels are at the front and one at the rear, and a second mode, in which two wheels are at the rear and one at the front. DE 10 2005 046 125 B4 discloses a foldable tricycle that can be adapted to specific requirements using various modules.Utility model DE 20 2013 004 092 U1 discloses a balance bike that can be converted from a two-wheeler to a tricycle. A disadvantage of the aforementioned tricycles is the limited variation in the vertical width and track of the tricycles, which are either fixed or can only be varied between fixed widths. Folding scooters are also known from international patent application WO 2012 / 011706 A2, the generic German utility model DE 20 2021 100 148 U1, the translation of the European patent DE 60 2004 013 295 T2, the US patent application US 2007 / 019*0374 A1, and the Korean patent application KR 2007 0084934 A.

[0003] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a means of transport that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The invention and its advantages

[0004] The means of transport according to the invention, with the features of claim 1, has the advantage that in the means of transport according to the invention, which has at least one steering device, a frame, wherein the frame has a first and a second end and at least two frame legs, and at least three wheels, wherein at least one wheel is arranged at one end of the frame and at least two wheels are arranged at the other end of the frame, wherein the at least two wheels are each attached to a frame leg and each wheel has a hub, wherein the frame legs are connected to one another by means of a joint and at least one connection is arranged between the frame legs and / or the joint is lockable and / or at least one frame part has a longitudinal direction and is adjustable in this,wherein the means of transport has at least one foot pedal drive and / or at least one combustion engine for driving at least one wheel. It would be conceivable for the foot pedal drive to be attached to the wheel or the frame, for example, also as a direct drive, whereby the track width of the means of transport can be adapted to the respective requirements. Thus, by folding out the frame legs, it is easily possible to switch between a wide and thus stabilized track of the wheels and a narrow and thus maneuverable and space-saving wheel position. The longitudinally possible change in the length of a frame part also allows the center of gravity of the means of transport to be adjusted. A corresponding frame part would preferably be a frame leg or a frame extension, the length of which could be variably adjusted, for example, by a telescopic function. It would be conceivablethat the means of transport is designed as a bicycle or tricycle, as well as a motorcycle. It would also be conceivable for the frame legs to be arranged asymmetrically, so that, for example, a first frame leg is arranged parallel to the direction of travel of the wheels and a second frame leg protrudes diagonally from it, thus enabling the attachment of a flexibly add-on structure arranged laterally on a conventional bicycle, such as a pillion passenger on a motorcycle sidecar. In this case, an additional seat would preferably be attached between the first and second frame legs, which can be removed as needed.

[0005] According to an advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, the wheels attached to the frame legs are arranged coaxially. This has the advantage that no tilt occurs and the center of gravity is ideally centered between the wheels.

[0006] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, the hubs of the wheels attached to the frame legs are each fastened to a frame leg via a joint and coupled to the connection such that they are always arranged perpendicular to the frame leg. This makes it possible to maintain the parallel alignment of the track even if the spread of the frame legs changes. It would be conceivable for at least one end of the connection to be designed as a hub for a wheel arranged on a frame leg and / or for the connection to be designed as an axle for the at least two wheels each arranged on a frame leg and / or for a coupling to be formed between the connection and at least one hub and this coupling to be non-positive.

[0007] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, the connection is replaceable. It would be conceivable that, when the frame legs are folded, the connection between them could be removed, or a long connection could be replaced by a short connection connecting the frame legs to one another.

[0008] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, the connection is designed in multiple parts. It would be conceivable for several parts to be joined together to form the connection, so that these individual parts can be adapted to the requirements. Furthermore, it would be conceivable for additional components to be incorporated into the connection; for example, supports or fastening means for superstructures could be incorporated into the connection.

[0009] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, the connection has a longitudinal direction and is adjustable in this direction.

[0010] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, the connection is a telescopic rod and / or a plug connection.

[0011] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, the means of transport has at least one electric motor for driving at least one wheel.

[0012] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, at least one foot pedal drive has a chain, a belt or a cardan shaft.

[0013] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, the connection is equipped with a chainring set of a derailleur. It would be conceivable for this to function as an additional drive.

[0014] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, at least one saddle, at least one bench seat, at least one child seat and / or at least one loading platform can be attached between the frame legs. It would be conceivable for the loading platform to be foldable and / or extendable, for example designed like a fan or in the form of plates or the like that can be pushed over one another, which may also be made at least partially from a flexible material. In this regard, it would be conceivable for at least one roller to be detachably or permanently arranged on the loading platform, which roller comes into contact with the ground either under high load or permanently, wherein it is also conceivable for the position of at least one roller to be height-adjustable. It would be conceivable for the means of transport to have at least one container, for example for transporting liquids, in particular water (e.g.Drinking water), which is preferably mounted between the frame legs. Furthermore, it would be conceivable for the means of transport to be capable of pumping a liquid via a motor or foot pedal drive, which is preferably directed into at least one container.

[0015] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, the frame is collapsible along the frame legs. This allows the means of transport according to the invention to be folded like a conventional folding bicycle for transport.

[0016] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, at least one wheel has a rim, with a tire having a tread being arranged on the rim, and a ground-gripping element, with at least one ground-gripping element being movable into two positions. It would be conceivable for one position to be an active position, a less active position, or an inactive position, between which it would be possible to switch. Furthermore, it would be conceivable for the ground-gripping element to be a knob, a stud, a spike, and / or a plate. It would also be conceivable for the ground-gripping element to be foldable or spring-loaded.

[0017] It would also be conceivable for the traction element to protrude through the tire in an active position and disappear into the tire when moved to an inactive position. It would also be conceivable for the traction element to be located on the rim and / or the tire. Regarding the tire, it would be conceivable for it to be made of solid rubber or of several parts; for example, an air tube could be arranged in a hollow rubber tire.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, at least one ground adhesion element can be controlled by a controller, wherein the controller has at least one actuating element and / or a sensor.

[0019] According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the means of transport according to the invention, the frame is constructed in several parts. In this regard, it would be conceivable for the multi-part frame to be assembled using plug-in connections. It would be conceivable for the individual components of the means of transport to be designed as combinable modules, so that, for example, different seating options and / or drive options can be freely combined and exchanged as needed.

[0020] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the following description, the claims and the drawings. Drawings

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. Fig. 1 a plan view of a schematic representation of a means of transport according to the invention in the folded state, Fig. 2 a plan view of a schematic representation of a means of transport according to the invention, according to Fig. 1 , with slightly spread double frame, Fig. 3 a plan view of a schematic representation of a means of transport according to the invention, according to Fig. 1, with fully spread double frame, Fig. 4 a plan view of a schematic representation of a further variant of a means of transport according to the invention with fully spread double frame and a simple telescopic connection, and Fig. 5 a plan view of a schematic representation of a further variant of a means of transport according to the invention with fully spread double frame and a double telescopic connection, Fig. 6 a plan view of a schematic representation of a further variant of the means of transport according to the invention in the folded state, Fig. 7 a plan view of a schematic representation of a means of transport according to the invention, according to Fig. 6 , with fully spread double frame, Fig. 8 a plan view of a schematic representation of a means of transport according to the invention, according to Fig. 6, with asymmetrically spread double frame and Fig. 9 a plan view of a schematic representation of a means of transport according to the invention, according to Fig. 6 , with asymmetrically spread double frame and extended frame leg. Description of the embodiments

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a top view of a schematic representation of a means of transport 1 according to the invention in the folded state, in which a joint 2 is arranged above a front tire 3, which is connected to a double frame consisting of a left frame leg 4 and a right frame leg 5. The right frame leg 5 of the double frame is connected to a joint 6 on the right rear wheel 7, wherein the joint 6 is connected via a connection 8 to a joint 9, which is attached to the left rear wheel 10 and simultaneously connects the left rear wheel 10 to the left frame leg 4 of the double frame.

[0023] Fig. 2shows a plan view of a schematic representation of a means of transport 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 1 , with slightly spread double frame, whereby the connection 8 is pulled apart.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a schematic representation of a means of transport 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 1 , with the double frame fully spread, whereby the connection 8 is pulled apart to the maximum.

[0025] Fig. 4 shows a plan view of a schematic representation of another variant of a means of transport according to the invention with a fully spread double frame and a simple telescopic connection 11 and Fig. 5 with a double telescopic connection 12.

[0026] Fig. 6 shows a plan view of a schematic representation of another variant of the means of transport 1 according to the invention in the folded state. In comparison to the first embodiment, Fig. 1 , the joint 2 is not located above the front tire 3. Instead, the joint 2 is offset rearward via a frame extension 13.

[0027] Fig. 7 shows a plan view of a schematic representation of a means of transport 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 6 , with fully spread double frame.

[0028] Fig. 8 shows a plan view of a schematic representation of a means of transport 1 according to the invention, according to Fig. 6 , with asymmetrically spread double frame.

[0029] Fig. 9 shows a plan view of a schematic representation of a means of transport according to the invention, according to Fig. 6 , with an asymmetrically spread double frame and extended frame legs. It would be conceivable that the second wheel would not have any contact with the ground when folded.

[0030] It would be conceivable to design the means of transport 1 according to the invention as a swappable bicycle, i.e. the convertibility of a means of transport 1 according to the invention for use by at least two people by detachably connecting the front and rear parts of the means of transport 1. This allows the frame to be disassembled, e.g. by loosening the joints 2, 6 and 9. The construction principle described below for a means of transport 1 that can be adapted for use by different numbers of people is based on the principle of a divisible frame. However, here, for example, a front and a rear frame part are not connected by joints but rather by plug-in connections, consisting of a bolt and a tube, fixed by a toggle screw.The means of transport 1 according to the invention can be expanded by a front seat-pedal module, which in a preferred variant consists of a saddle, a saddle post, a pedal drive with a chainring, and at least two horizontal frame elements each towards the front and rear parts of the frame. Such a module can be inserted lengthwise one or more times between the front and rear frame parts. Horizontal in this context means parallel to a level roadway. The frame elements must be designed such that they can be connected to the front and rear parts of the frame via plug-in connections, similar to the front and rear parts of the frame. In principle, several similar intermediate modules can also be inserted between the front and rear parts of the original frame in this way. The number of these modules is limited by the mechanical stability of the overall construction.Furthermore, a rear module can be added, via which the torque is transmitted from the additional pedal drives to the rear wheel 7 and / or 10 either via chainrings linked by a chain, as in a conventional tandem bicycle, or via gears and a toothed belt. Both operating modes ensure a constant orientation of the pedal drives to one another. This orientation can be identical but can also be selected at 90° relative to one another, for example. Examples of this are the combustion engines in cars, implemented in the V-design of the engine block. Torque transmission between the pedal drives via a cardan shaft is also conceivable, but difficult to implement, since a gearbox must be integrated between adjacent pedal drives to reverse the direction of rotation between both ends of the cardan shaft.The intermediate module described above can be equipped with an electric auxiliary drive, for example, in the form of a mid-mounted motor on the pedal drive. To prevent theft, the expensive battery module can be designed to be removable. This allows the driver to safely remove it from the locked, parked vehicle 1.

[0031] Another conceivable variant of the means of transport 1 according to the invention would be a Harley-chopper bike, optionally with two pedal drives. In this variant of the Harley-chopper bike, the means of transport 1 according to the invention would have a telescopically extendable steering device, a rotatable, adjustable handlebar fork that can be fixed at various angles between the road surface and the handlebar, an extendable and thus extendable saddle consisting of at least two parts, and, optionally, two pedal drives that can be used independently by one and the same rider.The rear saddle section, in the direction of travel, can serve as a mounting attachment for saddlebags, an additional seat for a passenger, or, when folded up diagonally, as a backrest for the means of transport 1 according to the invention, thereby creating a riding experience similar to that of a Harley chopper bike with an extended, angled handlebar fork and angled backrest. This means of transport 1 according to the invention thus represents a cross between a conventional bicycle with an upright or forward-leaning seating position and a recumbent bicycle with horizontal leg position while riding. The drive of the Harley chopper bike is essentially constructed like the drive of a tandem bicycle, although in this operating mode, the front pedal unit now functions as the drive.However, in contrast to the classic tandem bike, it has a shortened distance between the front pedal drive, referred to as the auxiliary pedal drive because it is positioned closer to the front wheel, and the main pedal drive in the usual position under the seat post. The frame construction consists of a double frame, i.e. congruent, parallel frame sections. The distance between these parallel frame legs to the right and left of the seat post corresponds at least to the diameter of the central seat post to which they are attached laterally. The two bottom brackets of the main pedal drive are integrated into the frame legs. A rotatable module is attached to two further bearings within the frame legs, at the other end of which the second module, the auxiliary pedal drive, is attached, also with a chain pinion.This means that the auxiliary drive module can be pivoted around the main pedal axis via the two bearings within the legs, whereby the chain length between the two pinions on the pedal axis of the main pedal drive and the auxiliary pedal drive remains unchanged. In the horizontal position, the auxiliary pedal drive collides with the adjustable front fork in the upright position. The main pedal drive consists of two concentric axes. The inner part of this two-part axis connects the two pedals of the main pedal drive. The pinion with the chain connection to the auxiliary drive and the - usually three - chainrings for operating the rear wheel via a derailleur form the second, concentric hollow axis. The pinion for the chain connection to the auxiliary pedal drive and the chainrings for the rear wheel drive are rigidly connected to one another. The design is similar to the shaft of an adjustable multi-blade circular saw.This design consists of an inner solid shaft, corresponding to the main pedal axis, and a concentrically mounted hollow shaft, which can be shifted against the main shaft even during rotation and transmits torque to the saw blades, the distance between which can be adjusted, even at full speed. The pinion of the auxiliary drive is equipped with a freewheel function, so that this pinion only transfers torque to the main pedal drive when the auxiliary drive pedals are moved. When the auxiliary pedal drive is not in use, it can be folded into the space between the two frame legs that slope upwards to support the steering fork. If the pedals are also folded in, the driver is not hindered by the auxiliary pedal drive.

[0032] The popular Harley-Chopper bike riding position is further enhanced by the seat, which is at least split in two, with a rear section that can be folded up and secured at an angle. It offers the option of using the seat horizontally as a seat for a passenger, also in a horizontal position, as a holder for saddlebags, and in an angled position as a backrest for the typical riding position on a Harley-Chopper bike. Unlike other bicycle drive systems, there is also a freewheel function between the main pedal drive and the set of chainrings that drive the rear wheel. This allows the pedals to be folded in when the auxiliary pedal drive is operated on the main pedal drive. The main pedal drive then rests while the auxiliary pedal drive is operated. The main pedal drive therefore does not hinder the rider. The drive can be electrically assisted, for example, byA pinion is firmly connected to the main pedal axle between the two frame members, and this pinion receives torque from the supporting electric motor. A drive in which the pinion axis of the drive motor is positioned perpendicular to the pinion on the pedal axle could prove particularly efficient. This type of drive promises very high reduction ratios with just one stage; thus, only two gears are sufficient to achieve the necessary reduction between the fast-running electric auxiliary motor and the axis of the main pedal drive. This type of drive is used, for example, in hand-operated pulleys. This drive is usually referred to as a worm drive and consists of a helical gear in the output and a type of screw in the input, the thread of which engages with the helical gear. A worm drive is usually self-locking, i.e.that the input and output cannot be confused. Alternatively, the output of the worm drive can also be mounted on the left side of the pedal, i.e. opposite the chainrings of the pedal drive. The power connection between the pedal axle and the auxiliary drive is achieved, for example, by a pressure-controlled friction clutch in order to prevent sudden changes in the torque transmitted to the rear wheel when the electric auxiliary drive is activated. The pressure on this friction clutch can simultaneously control the available torque provided by the electric torque of the auxiliary drive via a control system, e.g. pulse-width controlled. At the same time, the torque transmission in the friction clutch and, at the same time, the pulse-width ratio of the power supply can be continuously controlled using the pulling force exerted, for example, by hand on a Bowden cable.This pulse-width ratio provides the simplest way to control the average current at a given voltage in DC drives. The available power of the electric auxiliary drive is the product of the current and the average voltage. The pressure-controlled clutch enables continuous control of the power connection between the electric auxiliary drive and the driven rear wheel. This design enables the use of small-volume, high-speed, and therefore cost-effective electric motors, such as those used millions of times in DIY devices, as auxiliary drives. It also enables the use of commercially available lithium-ion batteries of various voltage classes, which are also produced in the millions. Their voltage is modulus 3.6 volts, for example, 10.8 volts, corresponding to the nominal voltage of three lithium-ion cells connected in series.This creates a cost-effective auxiliary electric drive that is already being used in millions of DIY machines.

[0033] It would also be conceivable for the means of transport 1 according to the invention to be folded up and thus shortened to approximately half its length, for example for space-saving transport.

[0034] Finally, it is also conceivable to design the means of transport 1 according to the invention as a water bicycle for use on water. Additional volumetric buoyancy bodies, which provide the necessary buoyancy when the bicycle is in the tricycle position, create a buoyant vehicle. Additional fastening elements in the form of extended thru-axles connect two buoyancy-providing volumetric bodies mirror-symmetrically to the front wheel and two further bodies to the outside of each of the two rear wheels. Additional buoyancy bodies can be permanently connected to the frame of the bicycle. The buoyancy bodies, which are rotatably connected to the wheels, transfer the torque from the pedal drive to these volumetric bodies and thus provide propulsion. The permanently mounted buoyancy bodies generate only buoyancy.

[0035] All features presented in the description, the following claims, and the drawings may be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination. The invention is limited by the appended claims. Reference number list

[0036] 1 Means of transport 2 Joint 3 Front tire 4 Frame leg (left) 5 Frame leg (right) 6 Joint (rear right) 7 Rear tire (right) 8 Connection 9 Joint (rear left) 10 Rear tire (left) 11 Single telescopic connection 12 Double telescopic connection 13 Frame extension

Claims

1. A means of locomotion (1), - having at least one steering device, - having a frame, wherein said frame has a first end and a second end and at least two frame legs (4, 5), - having at least three wheels (3, 7, 10), wherein at least one wheel (3) is arranged on one end of the frame and at least two wheels (7, 10) are arranged on the other end of the frame, said at least two wheels (7, 10) being arranged each on one frame leg (4, 5), respectively, and wherein each wheel has a hub, wherein the frame legs (4, 5) are interconnected by means of a joint (2) and at least one connection (8) is arranged between the frame legs (4, 5), and / or wherein the joint (2) may be blocked and / or wherein at least a part of the frame has a longitudinal direction and may be adjusted in said direction, characterised in that the means of locomotion (1) has at least one foot pedal actuated drive mechanism and / or at least one internal combustion engine for driving at least one wheel (3, 7, 10).

2. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the wheels (7, 10) that are fastened to the frame legs (4, 5) are arranged coaxially.

3. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the hubs of the wheels (7, 10) fastened to the frame legs (4, 5) are each attached to one frame leg (4, 5) via a joint (6, 9) and are coupled to the connection (8) in such a manner as to be vertically arranged with respect to the latter.

4. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection (8) is exchangeable.

5. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection (8) is formed of several parts.

6. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection (8) has a longitudinal direction and may be adjusted in said direction.

7. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection (8) is a telescopic rod (11) and / or a plug-in connection.

8. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the means of locomotion (1) has at least one internal electric motor for driving at least one wheel (3, 7, 10).

9. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one foot pedal actuated drive mechanism has a chain, a belt, or a Cardan shaft.

10. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection (8) is equipped with a set of chain rings of a derailleur gear.

11. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one saddle, at least one seat bench, at least one child seat and / or at least one loading platform may be arranged between the frame legs (4, 5).

12. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame is foldable along the frame legs (4, 5).

13. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one wheel (3, 7, 10) has a rim, said rim having a tyre arranged thereon which has a running face and has a road adherence element, with at least one road adherence element being movable into two positions.

14. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in claim 13, characterised in that the at least one road adherence element may be controlled by a control device, said control device having at least one actuating element and / or at least one sensor.

15. The means of locomotion (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame is formed of several parts.