SCOOTERS SUITABLE FOR COMPACT STORAGE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention is that of means of transport.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a scooter structure suitable for compact storage.

[0003] The invention finds applications, in particular, for the compact storage of a fleet of scooters, and more specifically a fleet of electric scooters. Within the framework of a shared scooter service, this storage can be carried out in one or more locations within an urban environment. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] It is known from prior art that there are techniques for storing a fleet of scooters, notably by installing individual terminals, each accommodating one scooter from the fleet.

[0005] The main drawback of installing these individual docking stations is the need for a multitude of fixed locations, which means monopolizing a large area to store the fleet. It's worth noting that in a shared system, the number of docking stations is generally much higher than the number of scooters deployed, giving users a better chance of finding an available space at their destination.

[0006] In addition, when the fleet includes electric scooters, each station is usually electrically powered in order to recharge an electric scooter battery, which complicates the installation of the stations.

[0007] None of the current systems can simultaneously meet all the required needs, namely, to offer a technique that allows for high-density storage of a fleet of scooters, particularly electric scooters, while requiring minimal installation. Document DE 10 2007 038243 A1 describes a scooter structure according to the preamble of claim 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

[0009] To this end, the present invention aims, according to a first aspect, at a structure of a human-powered vehicle.

[0010] A human-powered vehicle can be, for example, a bicycle, a tricycle, a scooter, a pedal car, a pedal boat, etc. Generally, human propulsion is provided by a pedaling mechanism used by an individual, the pedaling mechanism usually consisting of two cranks that drive the bottom bracket shaft. This is notably the case for a bicycle, a tricycle, a pedal car, or a pedal boat.

[0011] Preferably, the human-powered vehicle is a scooter which includes a platform, two wheels, a stem and a handlebar.

[0012] The scooter may or may not include electric propulsion assistance. When it includes such assistance, it will subsequently be called an "electric scooter".

[0013] For a scooter, human propulsion is generally carried out by the individual with one foot placed on the platform, usually flat, presented by the structure of the scooter, the other foot being used to push the ground to propel the scooter.

[0014] It's important to note that while an electric scooter primarily uses an electric motor for propulsion, it's also a human-powered vehicle. An electric scooter can be propelled by a person using one leg to push off the ground with that foot. In particular, some models require this push to "prime" the electric motor.

[0015] The structure can be, in particular, a frame or a chassis.

[0016] According to the invention, the vehicle structure includes at least one coupling set comprising attachment means and complementary attachment means, the attachment means cooperating with complementary attachment means presented by a similar vehicle or by a fixed terminal.

[0017] In other words, the vehicle structure includes at least one coupling set comprising attachment means and additional attachment means, the attachment means being capable of coupling to additional attachment means presented by a second similar vehicle or by a terminal.

[0018] Thus, the space between two vehicles coupled together can be reduced to a minimum or even to zero, which allows for compact vehicle storage.

[0019] Furthermore, coupling the attachment points and supplementary attachment points of two separate sets of couplings—one corresponding to the vehicle and the other to the second vehicle or the charging station—generally creates a solid mechanical connection between the two vehicles or between the vehicle and the charging station. In the case of a bicycle or scooter, this mechanical connection keeps them in a position, usually vertical, and prevents them from tipping over. It is then unnecessary to use a kickstand to create a third point of contact with the ground to keep them essentially upright.

[0020] According to the invention, the attachment means and the complementary attachment means of the same coupling set are positioned laterally in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said vehicle, or to the main axis of movement of said vehicle.

[0021] Thus, two coupled vehicles are aligned along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or the axis of movement.

[0022] It should be noted that when the vehicle is a bicycle, the bicycle has a longitudinal median plane that corresponds approximately to a principal plane of symmetry of the bicycle. When the bicycle is moving in a straight line, the longitudinal median plane is vertical and parallel to the wheels of the bicycle. The attachment points and any additional attachment points are offset laterally from the longitudinal median plane.

[0023] Similarly, when the vehicle is a scooter, the scooter also has a longitudinal median plane corresponding to a principal plane of symmetry of the scooter. When the scooter is moving in a straight line, the longitudinal median plane is vertical and parallel to the scooter's wheels. The attachment points and any additional attachment points are offset laterally from the longitudinal median plane.

[0024] According to the invention, the coupling means and supplementary coupling means are arranged on either side of said plane, in order to couple several vehicles in pairs to form a compact unit. Thus, the pair of coupled vehicles has coupling means or supplementary coupling means so that another vehicle can couple to the unit.

[0025] According to the invention, the distance between the attachment means and the complementary attachment means of the same coupling set is less than the span of said vehicle.

[0026] Thus, very compact storage is possible. In the case of a bicycle or scooter, the wingspan corresponds to the distance between the ends of the handlebars. In other words, the wingspan corresponds to the width of the bicycle or scooter.

[0027] In the case where the attachment means include a first surface capable of coming into contact with a second surface presented by the additional attachment means presented by a second similar vehicle or by the bollard, the distance between the attachment means and the additional attachment means corresponds to the distance between the first surface and the second surface of the same coupling set.

[0028] It should be noted that the first and second surfaces of the same game are parallel to each other and preferably parallel to a median plane of the vehicle, or even to the longitudinal median plane in the case of a bicycle or scooter.

[0029] It should also be emphasized that the distance between the coupling means and the complementary coupling means of the same set defines the pitch between each vehicle of a coupling comprising a plurality of coupled vehicles.

[0030] In the case of a bicycle, the distance between the attachment means and the complementary attachment means of the same coupling set may advantageously be greater than the width of the crankset at the level of the two cranks, a pedal of one bicycle being able to come into contact with a pedal of a second bicycle, provided that this contact only causes a driving effect of the second crankset by the first crankset, without blocking the rotation of the two cranksets.

[0031] Advantageously, the distance between the attachment means and the complementary attachment means of the same set can be advantageously greater than the width of the crankset taking into account the pedals so that the pedals can turn freely when two bicycles are coupled.

[0032] In the case of a scooter, the distance between the attachment means and the complementary attachment means of the same coupling set is generally greater than the width of the platform on which the individual places at least one of their feet.

[0033] According to the invention, the vehicle structure comprises at least two sets of couplings.

[0034] Thus, two vehicles can be more easily coupled parallel to each other.

[0035] In addition, the two coupling sets, once coupled to two other coupling sets of another similar structure or terminal, increase the mechanical stability conferred by the coupling.

[0036] Advantageously, at least two sets of couplings are placed at different heights relative to the scooter deck.

[0037] Thus, the paired scooters are more stable and less likely to tip over.

[0038] It should be noted that generally one of the two coupling sets is positioned almost in the same plane as the deck, for example, at the level of the scooter's rear wheel, which corresponds to a height relative to the deck that is virtually zero. Since the deck is usually close to the ground to allow for easy mounting, the second coupling set is preferably positioned higher up, on the scooter's stem, thus providing a point of mechanical stability for the scooter when it is coupled to another scooter or to a charging station.

[0039] In particular embodiments of the invention, the complementary attachment means comprise at least one magnet cooperating with at least one magnet included by the attachment means.

[0040] The two magnets can advantageously be of opposite polarity.

[0041] In particular embodiments of the invention, the complementary attachment means comprise at least one permanent magnet cooperating with at least one metallic element presented by the attachment means.

[0042] The metallic element can, in particular, be a sheet of metal.

[0043] In particular embodiments of the invention, the additional attachment means also include an electromagnet capable of creating a magnetic field opposite to the magnetic field of the permanent magnet.

[0044] Thus, uncoupling two bicycles or two scooters can be made easier.

[0045] Advantageously, the vehicle may include means of detecting when it is being grasped by an individual.

[0046] Thus, when a grip is detected, the electromagnet is activated to create a counter-field.

[0047] In particular embodiments of the invention, the attachment means have a male element capable of coupling with a female element presented by the complementary attachment means.

[0048] In other particular embodiments of the invention, the complementary attachment means have a male element capable of coupling with a female element presented by the attachment means.

[0049] In particular embodiments of the invention, the female element comprises a circular or oblong recess.

[0050] In the case of an oblong recess, its length can be advantageously oriented along the vehicle's main axis of travel, along a perpendicular axis, or at any other advantageous angle, for example, 10°, 30°, 45°, 60°, or 80° relative to the axis of travel. The oblong shape allows for increased freedom of movement of the vehicle's coupling points to compensate for uneven ground.

[0051] In particular embodiments of the invention, the female element comprises an oblong-shaped recess, the length of which is oriented perpendicularly to the main axis of movement of said vehicle.

[0052] Thus, it is possible to couple two vehicles despite uneven terrain on which the two vehicles are resting, such as a slope.

[0053] In particular embodiments of the invention, the attachment means and the complementary attachment means each comprise complementary electrical connection means, capable of electrically connecting said vehicle with the second vehicle or with the terminal.

[0054] Thus, a charging circuit can be set up, connecting bicycles, or scooters, coupled together.

[0055] It should be noted that the charging circuit can be achieved via a coupling set, the coupling set comprising at least two pairs of complementary electrical connectors.

[0056] Alternatively, the charging circuit can also be achieved via two sets of couplings, each set comprising at least one pair of complementary electrical connectors.

[0057] In particular embodiments of the invention, the vehicle also includes means for identifying said vehicle and means for communicating the identification of said vehicle to a similar vehicle.

[0058] In particular embodiments of the invention, the communication means for the identification of said vehicle include a tag according to the NFC standard (acronym for the English term "Near Field Communication"), the tag being included in the complementary attachment means, and wherein the attachment means include an NFC reader capable of reading the NFC tag of the second vehicle.

[0059] According to other unclaimed examples, the said structure is a bicycle or scooter frame.

[0060] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a structure according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0061] In particular embodiments of the invention, the vehicle also includes wireless communication means capable of communicating with a similar vehicle, a terminal or a remote server.

[0062] According to other unclaimed examples, the vehicle in question is a bicycle.

[0063] Preferably, said vehicle is a scooter.

[0064] Advantageously, the scooter also includes an electric motor capable of propelling the scooter and a battery powering said electric motor.

[0065] According to a third aspect, the invention also relates to a terminal comprising additional attachment means suitable for receiving attachment means of a vehicle according to any of the preceding embodiments.

[0066] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method of recharging a battery of all or part of a plurality of vehicles according to any one of the preceding embodiments, said vehicles each comprising an electronic module and an electric battery powering a pedal assist device of said vehicle, said vehicles being coupled to each other, the set of coupled vehicles being called stock, the stock being coupled to a terminal according to the preceding embodiment, the terminal being connected to an electrical supply.

[0067] Such a process includes the following steps: determination of an electronic module, called master module, from among the electronic modules included in the vehicles in stock; communication to the master module of the list of vehicles in stock and the state of their battery; selection of at least one battery to be charged; communication by the master module of a command to the module of each vehicle in stock in order to connect the selected battery(ies) to a charging circuit connected to the power supply, the other batteries in stock being disconnected; recharging of the selected battery(ies).

[0068] It should be noted that the stock can also be referred to by the English term "stack" by analogy to the stacking formed by the vehicles in the stock.

[0069] In particular embodiments of the invention, the selection of the battery or batteries to be charged is restricted to a predetermined number, said selection including the battery or batteries having a charge level below a predetermined threshold, from among the batteries of vehicles connected at a predetermined distance from the free end of the stock.

[0070] In particular embodiments of the invention, the terminal includes an electronic module and the master module is determined from among the electronic modules included in the vehicles in stock or in the terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0071] Other advantages, purposes, and specific features of the present invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the devices and methods of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: there figure 1represents a view of a vehicle including a structure according to other unclaimed examples; the figure 2 is a view of the vehicle storage of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle storage area of ​​the figure 2 illustrating the means of coupling between two vehicles; the figure 3B is a simplified electrical diagram of the vehicle storage of the figure 2 ; there figure 4 is a top view of a vehicle stockpile from the figure 1 ; there figure 5 is a synoptic diagram of a process for replenishing all or part of the stock of the figure 4 ; there figure 6 is a perspective view of a vehicle comprising another example of a structure according to the invention; the figure 7 is a top view of the vehicle of the figure 6 ; there figure 8 is a top view of two vehicles of the figure 6 ; there figure 9 is a perspective view of a stock of vehicles from the figure 6 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF METHODS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0072] It should be noted from the outset that the figures are not to scale. Example of a particular embodiment of the invention

[0073] There figure 1 represents a human-powered vehicle 100, commonly known as a bicycle. The vehicle 100, comprising in particular a tubular frame 110, two wheels 120, handlebars 130, and a crankset 140, is referred to in the following description as the bicycle 100. The structure of the vehicle 100 is therefore, in this non-limiting example of the invention, the frame 110 of the bicycle 100.

[0074] It should be noted that the bicycle 100 moves along a longitudinal axis 150 when the wheels 120 are parallel.

[0075] The frame of the bicycle 100 is substantially symmetrical with respect to a median plane 151 parallel to the longitudinal axis 150, the median plane 151 generally including the two wheels 120 when they are parallel.

[0076] Bicycle 100 has laterally on each side, offset by a defined distance from the median plane 151, a front attachment zone 160 and a rear attachment zone 165 of bicycle 100.

[0077] It should be emphasized that the 160 1 hooking zone, on one side of the bicycle 100, is advantageously complementary to the 160 2 hooking zone, on the other side of the bicycle 100.

[0078] In other words, the bicycle 100 includes two sets of couplings, one at the front of the bicycle 100 and the other at the rear of the bicycle 100, the front coupling set comprising a 160 1 attachment zone and a 160 2 supplementary attachment zone, the rear coupling set comprising a 165 1 attachment zone and a 165 2 supplementary attachment zone.

[0079] In variants of this particular embodiment of the invention, the bicycle 100 comprises only one coupling set, preferably near the front of the bicycle 100, comprising an attachment zone and a complementary attachment zone.

[0080] In this non-limiting example of the invention, the two front gripping zones 160 are substantially vertically aligned with the axis of rotation of the front wheel 120 A, while the two rear gripping zones 165 are substantially in the axis of rotation of the rear wheel 120 B.

[0081] Zones 160 and 165 allow bicycle 100 to be secured to a device 170 that has at least one additional attachment zone 180 connected to either zone 160 or 165. Bicycle 100 is generally secured to device 170 using a magnetic attraction force, whether or not a permanent magnet is present. An electromagnet may be used to create a magnetic counterforce to facilitate the detachment of bicycle 100.

[0082] In order to trigger the electromagnet, a device indicating that the bicycle 100 is being gripped by a user can advantageously be included in the bicycle 100. This grip detection device can, for example, be placed at the handlebar 130 of the bicycle 100 in order to detect, via an accelerometer, a movement of the handlebar 130.

[0083] Device 170 can include a fixed terminal or another bicycle similar to, or even identical to, bicycle 100.

[0084] Indeed, the 160 and 165 attachment zones present on one side, for example on the left side of bicycle 100, have a shape and / or polarity complementary to the 160 and 165 attachment zones opposite, on the other side, for example on the right side of bicycle 100.

[0085] It should be noted that two hooking zones 160 and two hooking zones 165 are positioned laterally in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 150, in order to allow bicycles 100 to be stored in a line perpendicular to the axis 150. The hooking zones 160 and 165 generally have a flat face parallel to the longitudinal axis 150, each flat face being able to come into contact with a flat face presented by the hooking zone 180.

[0086] Advantageously, the distance between the attachment zone 160 1 and the complementary attachment zone 160 2 is less than the span of the bicycle 100, the span corresponding here to the distance between the ends of the handlebar 130, but greater than the width of the crankset 140.

[0087] It should be noted that the distance between the attachment zones 165 at the rear of the bicycle 100 is substantially equal to the distance between the attachment zones 160 located at the front of the bicycle 100. Thus, two bicycles 100 coupled together are parallel.

[0088] The bicycle 100 also includes a battery 190 connected to an electric pedal assist device 191, and an electronic module 195 comprising a microprocessor, computer memory, and a wireless communication device 196. The wireless communication device 196 is based, for example, on a Wi-Fi protocol, a Bluetooth Low Energy® (BLE) protocol, or any other protocol well known to those skilled in the art. The electronic module 195 can also be called a microcontroller.

[0089] There figure 2 illustrates the storage of two bicycles 100 at a terminal 210 comprising two masts 215.

[0090] Terminal 210 has a zone 220 on which is held by magnetism to zone 160 A1 on the right side of the first bicycle 100 A and a zone 230 on which is held by magnetism to zone 165 A1 on the right side of the first bicycle 100 A.

[0091] In variations of this particular embodiment of the invention, the terminal 210 also includes an electronic module comprising a microprocessor, computer memory, and a wireless communication device. The electronic module of the terminal is generally similar to the electronic module 195 of the bicycle 100.

[0092] The second bicycle 100 B is then positioned on the first bicycle 100. To hold the second bicycle 100 B to the first bicycle 100 A, the attachment zone 160 B1 on the right side of the second bicycle 100 B is held magnetically to the zone 160 A2 on the left side of the first bicycle 100 A. To ensure the parallelism of the two bicycles 100, the attachment zone 165 B1 on the right side of the second bicycle 100 B is held magnetically to the zone 165 A2 on the left side of the first bicycle 100 A.

[0093] The hook-up areas 160 B2 165 B2 to the left of bicycle 100 are free for hooking up another bicycle.

[0094] It is thus possible to create a stock of 250 bicycles arranged in a compact and dense manner. With this system, it is possible to store a plurality of bicycles, spacing them approximately twenty-five centimeters apart. The spacing is generally configured to allow two bicycles to be placed side by side with sufficient space for the cranks to rotate freely.

[0095] It should be noted that the 130 handlebars, and consequently the 120 A front wheels, are advantageously turned so as not to collide with each other, thus contributing to the compactness of the storage.

[0096] It should also be noted that the 160, 165 attachment zones are generally laterally offset from the 110 frame and that the distance between each lateral end of the 160 or 165 attachment zones is configured according to the spacing between each bicycle 100.

[0097] The rear 165 attachment zones generally offer more degrees of freedom than the front 160 attachment zones in order to compensate for unevenness or a possible inclination of the ground on which the bicycles rest 100.

[0098] Each rear attachment zone 165 may, for example, have a plane coming into contact with a plane of another attachment zone 165, the coupling of the two planes not being constrained in a lateral direction, in particular in a substantially vertical direction.

[0099] A user wishing to use a bicycle 100 from stock 250 takes the first bicycle 100 available, namely the one opposite terminal 210.

[0100] In variations of this particular embodiment of the invention, the post 210 has front 160 and rear 165 hooking areas on each side of the masts 215 in order to be able to store bicycles 100 on either side of the post 210 and to allow two bicycles 100 to be easily removed.

[0101] There figure 3 is a schematic view representing in detail an example of a coupling mechanism between two front attachment zones 160, namely between an attachment zone 310 and a complementary attachment zone 320.

[0102] There figure 3thus presents a terminal 210 and two identical bicycles 100. Bicycle 100 A is coupled to terminal 210 by means of a front attachment zone 310 A, located in this non-limiting example of the invention to the right of bicycle 100 A, and a complementary attachment zone 320c fixed to the mast 215 A of terminal 210.

[0103] Bicycle 100 A also includes an additional attachment area 320 A, located on its left side, and intended to be coupled with an attachment area 310 B of bicycle 100 B.

[0104] It should be emphasized that a device of any kind can be coupled to the stock 250 provided that it has at least one attachment zone 310 or at least one additional attachment zone 320.

[0105] The attachment zone 310 has a male element 311 cooperating with a female element 321 of a front attachment zone 320.

[0106] The male element 311 of the attachment zone 310 is configured in this non-limiting example of the invention by a cylindrical part 315 comprising a shoulder 316 surrounding a cylindrical boss 317. The shoulder 316 is intended to abut against the female element 321 which includes an oblong recess configuring a housing 323 into which the cylindrical boss 317 presented by the male element 311 is inserted.

[0107] It should be noted that the shape of the recess is advantageously oblong in the vertical direction in order to compensate for irregularities in the ground on which bicycles 100 A, 100 B and marker 210 rest, by offering a degree of vertical freedom, the width of the oblong shape being substantially greater than the diameter of boss 317.

[0108] Thus, the male element 311 can be fixed at different heights, with a vertical freedom of about ten millimeters relative to the center of the housing 323.

[0109] Each bicycle 100 includes an identification inscribed in an NFC tag (English acronym for "Near Field Communication") 328 included in the female element 321, as well as an NFC reader 329 included in the male element 311 capable of reading the NFC tag 328 of a neighboring bicycle 100.

[0110] In order to keep the two attachment zones 310 and 320 in contact, an electromagnetic suction cup 330 fixed to the bottom of the housing 323 cooperates with a steel plate 340 fixed to the flat end of the boss 317.

[0111] Thus, when the boss 317 is inserted into the housing 323, the gripping area 310 is attracted by the magnetic force exerted by the magnetic suction cup 330 on the plate 340.

[0112] The electromagnetic suction cup 330 includes a permanent magnet 331 and a coil 332 which, when energized, creates a counter-magnetic field reducing or neutralizing the magnetic field of the magnet 331, in order to allow for easier uncoupling of two gripping areas 310 and 320.

[0113] It should be noted that the electromagnetic suction cup 330 is advantageously recessed in the female element 321, instead of being placed on the male element 311, thus reducing the risk of unintentional magnetization of metallic elements located near the suction cup 330.

[0114] In variants of this particular embodiment of the invention, the magnetic suction cup includes a permanent magnet and a mechanism for moving the magnet between a position close to and a position far from the outer surface 325, the far position conferring a lower magnetizing force than in the close position.

[0115] When the attachment zones 310 and 320 are in contact, the shoulder 316 is abutted against the outer surface 325, and an electrical connection is established between the two attachment zones 310 and 320 by means of two connectors 350 radially projecting on the periphery of the boss 317.

[0116] For establishing the electrical connection, the two horizontally diametrically opposed connectors 350 are in contact with two plates 355 presented by the vertical flat faces of the oblong housing 323. Thus, electrical contact is ensured regardless of the mating height between the attachment zones 310 and 320.

[0117] Advantageously, the connectors 350 include a spring to ensure electrical contact between the connectors 350 and the plates 355. The spring also compensates for any difference in distance that may occur if the axis formed by the two connectors 350 is inclined relative to the tangent of the plates 355, which can happen when the ground is uneven. The maximum permissible angle is generally on the order of 5 to 10°.

[0118] It should be noted that for each bicycle 350, each connector 350 is connected to a plate 355 in order to electrically connect all 100 bicycles in stock 250 by making an electrical circuit, called a charging circuit, which is usually powered by a DC charging voltage.

[0119] There figure 3Brepresents a simplified electrical diagram of bicycles 100 A and 100 B and terminal 210. This electrical diagram includes the charging circuit 362 connecting each battery 190 in parallel.

[0120] In order to connect or disconnect each battery 190 from the charging circuit, a switch 365 connects each battery 190 to the charging circuit 362.

[0121] The charging circuit 362 is powered by a power supply 370, such as a power grid, a generator, or a battery, which typically delivers a direct current. The charging circuit 362 terminates with two free plates 355 for connection to another bicycle 100.

[0122] In order to determine whether the electrical connection is properly established during coupling, the plates 355 of each complementary coupling zone 320 are connected to each other via a capacitor 360. It should be emphasized that since the charging voltage is generally direct, the capacitor 360 does not short-circuit the charging circuit 362.

[0123] When bicycle 100 B is coupled to bicycle 100 A, an alternating voltage signal is emitted by the electronic module 195 of bicycle 100 B, connected in parallel to the charging circuit 362, and flows through the charging circuit 362 superimposed on the DC charging voltage.

[0124] It should be noted that the electronic module 195 advantageously includes electronic protection means (not shown in the figure) preventing the electronic module 195 from being damaged by the load current flowing in the circuit 362.

[0125] The alternating signal flows through the capacitor of bicycle 100B, thus closing the electrical circuit even if the batteries 190 are not connected to the charging circuit 362. The electronic module of bicycle 100B therefore receives information that electrical contact has been established between the two bicycles 100A and 100B. The electronic module of bicycle 100B can then send an audible or visual signal to the outside of bicycle 100B, visible to an individual.

[0126] It should be emphasized that the circulation of the alternative signal does not require that the stock 250 be connected to the terminal 210 or that the terminal 210 be connected to the power supply source 370. In other words, it is possible to confirm the coupling between two bicycles 100 without either bicycle being coupled to the terminal 210 or when the terminal 210 is not supplied with current by a power supply source.

[0127] Furthermore, to prevent the electronic module 195 of a bicycle 100 from indicating that bicycle 100 is coupled to a similar bicycle 100 or to terminal 210 when bicycle 100 is free, a switch 361 is associated with the capacitor 360 of each bicycle 100. For this purpose, switch 361 is open when bicycle 100 is free. When bicycle 100 is coupled, for example, to stock 250, switch 361 of said bicycle 100 is closed as soon as the electronic module 195 detects the coupling by establishing the electrical connection with stock 250.

[0128] Once the coupling of bicycle 100 B with bicycle 100 A is made, an alternating signal sent by electronic module 195 B can circulate in the electrical circuit closed by at least capacitor 360 of terminal 210 or of bicycle 100 A.

[0129] When the electrical connection is established successively between each bicycle 100 of the stock 250, the electrical connection can in particular be used to recharge the battery 190 of all or part of the bicycles 100 connected to the terminal 210.

[0130] Given that the 210 terminal generally has limited available electrical power, a clever charging strategy can be implemented to prioritize charging the 190 battery of one or more bicycles from among the 100 bicycles attached to the 210 terminal.

[0131] As illustrated in figure 4, a recharging strategy is for example to prioritize recharging bicycle 100 X located at the free end of stock 250, or even a plurality of bicycles 100 located near a free end of stock 250, included for example in lot 415 including the three bicycles located at the end of the free end of stock 250. Among lot 415, it may be preferentially chosen to recharge those with batteries having a lower energy level than the others, or having an energy level below a predetermined threshold.

[0132] To manage the charging strategy, module 195 of bicycle 100 A, attached to terminal 210, acts as the "master" and sends a command to modules 195 of each bicycle 100 in storage 250, indicating whether to connect or disconnect battery 190 from the charging line. For this purpose, a remotely controlled electrical switch 365 is inserted into the electrical circuit connecting the battery 190 of each bicycle 100 to the charging circuit.

[0133] It should be noted that when bicycle 100z is coupled to bicycle 100 X located at the free end of stock 250, the NFC reader 329z reads the NFC tag 328x of bicycle 100x including the list of identifiers of stock 250, including bicycles 100 and terminal 205, and updates the NFC tag 328z by adding to the list, the identifier of bicycle 100 Z.

[0134] The list may also include an indication of the battery status of each bicycle.

[0135] The list can then be communicated to module 195 A of the "master" bicycle 100 A or to a remote fleet management server for bicycles 100, via, for example, a wireless telecommunications device, including, for example, a 3G antenna, installed either on a bicycle 100 or on terminal 205.

[0136] When the 195 A module of the 100 A bicycle receives the list of 100 bicycles and the states of their 190 batteries, the 195 A module processes the data to determine which 190 batteries should be charged first in order to optimize their charging time and give a user a greater chance of being able to take a 100 bicycle located at the free end of the 250 stock and enjoy electric pedal assistance, the 190 battery of the 100 bicycle in use having been previously charged.

[0137] Module 195 A sends, via the wireless communication device 425, to each bicycle 100 a command indicating the opening or closing of the switch 365 of each bicycle 100, in order to connect only the selected batteries 190, for the purpose of recharging them.

[0138] The selected 190 batteries, once connected to the charging circuit, are then recharged.

[0139] There figure 5 represents in the form of a synoptic diagram the process 500 of recharging a battery 190 of all or part of the bicycles 100 of the stock 250 coupled to the terminal 210.

[0140] The process 500 includes a first step 510 of determining a "master" electronic module from among the bicycles 100 in stock 250. In this non-limiting example of the invention, the "master" electronic module corresponds to the electronic module 195 of bicycle 100 A. Module 195 A will thus receive information concerning stock 250 in order to control the recharging of all or part of the batteries 190 in stock 250.

[0141] The second step of process 500 is a communication step 520 to module 195 A “master” of the list of bicycles 100 from stock 250 and the status of their battery 190.

[0142] From this list, a selection of at least one battery 190 to be charged is made, during a third step 530 based on the state of charge of the batteries 190 and their proximity to the free end of the stock 250.

[0143] In this non-limiting example of the invention, the selection includes two 190 batteries having a charge level below a predetermined threshold, from among the batteries in lot 415.

[0144] From the list of selected batteries, a command is then sent by module 195 A of bicycle 100 A to each bicycle 100 in stock 250 during a fourth step 540. The command sent to a given bicycle 100 indicates whether the battery 190 of that bicycle should be connected to the charging circuit 362 or disconnected. The command therefore results in the switch 365 associated with that battery 190 being closed or opened, respectively.

[0145] The 190 selected batteries are then recharged during the fifth stage 550. Another example of an embodiment of the invention

[0146] THE Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a 605 structure of a 600 scooter according to the invention, respectively according to a perspective view and a top view.

[0147] Structure 605, commonly referred to by the English term " deck " includes a 610 chainring and a 630 stem.

[0148] To form the 600 scooter, the 605 structure is assembled with two 620 wheels and a 640 handlebar.

[0149] As can be seen on the figure 7 It should be noted that the structure 605 of the 600 scooter is substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal median plane 605. The longitudinal median plane 605 is generally vertical when the 600 scooter is propelled along the usual axis of movement 606, corresponding to the parallel wheels 620.

[0150] In order to be able to form a compact storage, the 605 structure of the 600 scooter includes two sets of 650 couplings, one 650 1 fixed to the stem 630 and the other 650 2 fixed to the platform 610, near the rear wheel 620 1.

[0151] Each 650 coupling set includes attachment means and complementary attachment means, arranged on either side of the longitudinal median plane 605 of the 600 scooter so that two 600 scooters can couple together.

[0152] For this purpose, the attachment means of each coupling set 650 include an attachment zone 660 having a male element cooperating with a complementary female element of an attachment zone 670 included in the complementary attachment means.

[0153] The attachment zones 660 and 670 are similar, or even identical, to the attachment zones 310 and 320 of the previous embodiment, presented in particular in figure 3 .

[0154] It should be noted that the orientation of the oblong shape presented by the female element of the 670 attachment zone can be chosen to offer more freedom of movement when coupling two 600 scooters, and thus catch up with uneven ground.

[0155] Preferably, the oblong shape is oriented on the coupling set 650 1 located at the front, substantially along the axis of the 630 support, in order to offer a degree of freedom along a substantially vertical axis.

[0156] In variants of this particular embodiment of the invention, the female element of the attachment zone 670 has a circular shape whose diameter is larger than the diameter of the male element in order to offer degrees of freedom at the time of mating.

[0157] As illustrated in figure 8The distance 680 between the attachment zones 660 and 670 of the same coupling set is less than the span of the scooter 600, here represented by the arrow 690. The span here corresponds to the distance 690 between the two ends of the handlebar 640.

[0158] Furthermore, the two coupling sets of the same 600 scooter advantageously present, in the present non-limiting example of the invention, the same distance 680 between the attachment zones 660 and 670 so that two coupled 600 scooters are parallel to each other.

[0159] It should be noted that the outer faces of the 660 and 670 contacting zones of the same coupling set are generally parallel to each other. The outer face refers to the surfaces of each contacting zone intended to come into contact. Referring to the figure 3 , the outer faces here correspond to the shoulder 316 and the outer surface 325.

[0160] Furthermore, the 660 and 670 attachment zones, being arranged on either side of the 600 scooter, are oriented outwards, in opposite directions to each other so that each can be coupled with a complementary zone of a coupling set of a second 600 scooter placed opposite.

[0161] In the present case illustrated in figure 8 , the 660 1 and 660 2 attachment zones of the 600 1 scooter are placed opposite the 670 1 and 670 2 complementary attachment zones of the 600 2 scooter respectively in order to couple the two 600 1 and 600 2 scooters.

[0162] Furthermore, the outer faces of the coupling sets of the same 600 scooter are generally parallel. In the present non-limiting example of the invention, they are also in the same plane.

[0163] Advantageously, one of the two 650 coupling sets, preferably the 650 2 set, located at the rear of the 600 scooter, can have two flat surfaces capable of sliding against each other in order to offer more degrees of freedom to the coupling.

[0164] The 660 attachment zone of at least one 650 coupling set may include an electromagnetic suction cup, similar to the electromagnetic suction cup 330 of the figure 3 cooperating with a metallic element presented by the complementary 670 attachment zone, in order to hold together two 600 scooters by means of a magnetic force which can be reduced, or even neutralized, to more easily uncouple the 660 and 670 attachment zones of two coupling sets.

[0165] In order to be identified, each 600 scooter includes an NFC tag and an NFC tag reader, similar to the previous embodiment.

[0166] A perspective view of a set of 600 scooters is shown in figure 9 This set of 800 600 scooters, called "stock", is connected to a terminal 810.

[0167] Stock 800 here includes three 600 scooters coupled in pairs, with 600 scooter 1 at the end of stock 800 being coupled to terminal 810.

[0168] Since the distance between each end of the same 650 coupling set is less than the span of the 600 scooter, it is necessary to rotate the 640 handlebar of each scooter so that the 600 scooters can couple together. Storage is therefore more compact than prior art storage where each scooter is positioned in a dedicated compartment.

[0169] Furthermore, in order to have a stock 800 that is more mechanically stable, thus avoiding falls and / or unexpected disengagements, the coupling set 650 1 fixed to the stem 630 is at a non-zero distance from the plate 610. Preferably, the two coupling sets 650 are substantially at an equal distance from the front wheel 620 2.

[0170] Stock 800 is present on the figure 8 two additional attachment zones 670 free so that a fourth scooter (not shown) can couple to the scooter 600 1 located at the free end of the stock 800.

[0171] It should be noted that the 600 scooter may also include an electric motor (not shown in the figure) powered by a battery (not shown in the figure) to propel the 600 scooter.

[0172] In which case, the 660 and 670 docking zones may also include electrical connection means to create an electrical connection between two 600 scooters coupled to each other. The electrical connection means are similar to those shown in figure 3 The resulting electrical circuit is also similar to that of the figure 3B .

[0173] When the 810 terminal is electrically powered to recharge all or part of the 685 batteries of the 600 scooters, the 500 recharging process illustrated in figure 5 also applies in the present non-limiting example of the invention.

Claims

1. Structure (605) of a scooter (600), comprising a platform (610) and a stem (630), said structure comprising at least one coupling set (650) comprising attachment means (660) and complementary attachment means (670), the attachment means being capable of being coupled to complementary attachment means borne by a similar structure of a second scooter (600), characterized in that the attachment means and the complementary attachment means of the same coupling set are positioned laterally in a plane perpendicular to the main movement axis (606) of said scooter, on either side of said scooter, and the structure comprises two coupling sets (650), one of said two sets being located substantially in the plane of the platform, the other being located along the stem, and in that the distance between the attachment means and the complementary attachment means of the same coupling set is less than the span of said scooter.

2. Structure according to claim 1, wherein the complementary attachment means comprise at least one permanent magnet (331) engaging with at least one metal element (340) borne by the attachment means.

3. Structure according to claim 2, wherein the complementary attachment means also comprise an electromagnet (332) capable of creating a magnetic field opposite to the magnetic field of the permanent magnet.

4. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the attachment means bear a male element (311) capable of being coupled with a female element (321) borne by the complementary attachment means.

5. Structure according to claim 4, wherein the female element comprises a circular or oblong recess.

6. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the attachment means and the complementary attachment means each comprise complementary electrical-connection means (350, 355) capable of electrically connecting said scooter with said second scooter or with a terminal.

7. Structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, also comprising means for identifying said scooter and means for communicating the identification of said scooter to a similar scooter.

8. Structure according to claim 7, wherein the means for communicating the identification of said scooter comprise a tag (328) according to the NFC (near field communication) standard, the tag being included in the complementary attachment means, and wherein the attachment means comprise an NFC reader (329) capable of reading the NFC tag of said second scooter.

9. Scooter (600), characterized in that it comprises a structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Scooter according to claim 9, also comprising wireless communication means capable of communicating with a similar scooter, a terminal (800) or a remote server.

11. Scooter according to either one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that it comprises an electric motor capable of propelling the scooter and a battery powering said electric motor.