Single-track vehicle
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023744740
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-07-20
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing single-track vehicles, such as scooters, face challenges in stability and compactness when transporting both people and luggage, especially for larger or heavier loads, due to inadequate force transmission and space requirements, leading to instability and increased weight.
A single-track vehicle design featuring a longitudinally extended frame with a rigid vertical surface that integrates the front wheel fork, steering column, and footrest, providing a stable luggage rack with secure attachment points and a removable footrest to reduce length and enhance stability, while minimizing weight and space during transport.
The design significantly enhances stability and compactness, allowing for the safe transport of larger and heavier users and luggage, reducing the vehicle's footprint during storage and improving handling dynamics by efficiently absorbing forces and optimizing structural weight.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Single-track vehicle
[0002] Field of the invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a single-track vehicle on which a person can be transported while standing.
[0004] The invention also relates to a frame for single-track vehicles, such as a T-retroroller, which can transport both a person and luggage. The luggage can be of various sizes and is mounted longitudinally to the direction of travel.
[0005] The present invention is intended to create a universal luggage rack for such single-track vehicles. For the sake of maximum stability and lightweight construction, it is integrated with the front wheel mount and steering column mount in a common frame connected to the running board and rear wheel mount. This is intended to absorb the forces generated as effectively as possible and to optimize structural complexity and weight.
[0006] State of the art
[0007] Recently, both human-powered scooters and electrically powered e-scooters or e-scooters - also referred to as "scooters" below - have become more widespread, particularly in urban areas.
[0008] These vehicles are often used as supplementary means of transport for the “first mile” and / or “last mile” and are parked somewhere before and after use or taken on another means of transport.
[0009] There is insufficient space available either in the complementary modes of transport used (e.g., train, car) or in the mostly public parking spaces such as those found in residential buildings. Transporting the scooters, for example, up stairs into buildings or into and out of complementary modes of transport, also requires compact dimensions and low weight.
[0010] Another requirement for scooters when they are used as a means of transport rather than as a sports or leisure device is the ability to carry luggage or loads.
[0011] Four types of solutions have been proposed so far:
[0012] 1 . A non-interchangeable piece of luggage with attachments that is aligned lengthwise (e.g. US 9 033 350 B2 / EP2540604B1 , EP1138590A1 , JP2009006107A, US 2016 / 0144708 A1 , US 2004 / 0094919 A1 , WO 01 / 72164 A1 , CN108791621A) or transversely to the direction of travel (e.g. CN 201240476Y, DE 10026184 C2, EP 3 516 982 A1 , US6460866, US9090274, US20130062377A1). This involves a piece of luggage (usually a portrait-sized suitcase) containing the necessary attachments to convert it into a scooter. These are extended or unfolded for riding, and retracted or folded for carrying. Thus, the piece of luggage itself is the scooter.
[0013] 2. A trolley with roller attachments (such as a footboard) and a luggage rack positioned perpendicular to the direction of travel (e.g., US20150122566A1, trolley with removable suitcase: US20100213680A1). The same applies to the attachments as in 1.
[0014] 3. A normal scooter with luggage rack on the front wheel across the direction of travel (e.g.
[0015] DE000010204478A1 , DE202019103766U1 , US20140061267A1 ,
[0016] W0001995008466A1 , EP000001704901 A1 , DE202008006764U1 ,
[0017] US20130062377A1 , DE102006042119A1 ) or with a square base (DE202004003741 U1 , DE102011106561 A1 )
[0018] 4. A normal scooter with an open-top luggage container on the front wheel
[0019] (e.g. DE3138095A1 / DE000008128047U1 , US20160297459A1 , US8534405, DE9403583U1 , combination of 3. and 4.: DE000029610975U1 ,
[0020] DE102012007780B3, DE102006049770A1 ) US9108695 describes a vehicle in which a vertical square frame also serves both as a luggage holder and as the central mounting part for the steering, front wheel and seat (instead of a footrest), but here the luggage is not attached to a surface but pushed into the frame.
[0021] Solutions with fixed luggage and those with a luggage container are less flexible when it comes to transport. In the case of rental scooters, the passenger also brings their own luggage.
[0022] Luggage carrier solutions that are perpendicular to the direction of travel or have a square base have a disadvantage in terms of space requirements for larger pieces of luggage. Luggage usually does not have a square base, meaning it has one long side. For reasons of tipping stability, it must be transported forward and, for securing stability, transverse to the direction of travel. Depending on the size of the luggage, this significantly widens the vehicle, which has a rather oblong base, and can be disadvantageous when driving through pedestrian zones, for example.
[0023] The invention aims to further develop a scooter of known type in such a way that it has a universal luggage rack that can accommodate various passenger items such as suitcases or shopping bags, while at the same time creating a stable and compact structure of the scooter with as little weight as possible.
[0024] The closest prior art to this can be found in WO 02 / 12057 A1. This document already shows a single-track vehicle on which a person can be transported while standing. However, the frame functions more like a shell; it only increases the stability of the vehicle when folded in, but not when unfolded when driving. In this citation, moreover, the front wheel fork is designed to be foldable and is not directly and firmly connected to the frame. Due to the corresponding folding construction, as shown, for example, in Figure 8 of the citation, sufficient forces acting on the overall structure during driving cannot be transmitted. As a result, the steering column in the citation does not have a sufficiently strong connection to the frame.
[0025] Based on this state of the art, it is therefore the object of the present invention to further develop such a single-track vehicle in such a way that the stability in ferry operation is significantly increased, so that the vehicle can also be used by tall and heavy people without any concerns.
[0026] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.
[0027] Using slightly different terminology, the invention thus provides a single-track vehicle on which a person can be transported while standing, comprising a steered front wheel with a support in the form of a front wheel fork, a handle with which the person can steer the vehicle, at least one rear wheel with a rear wheel mount, a steering column, a footrest arranged between the front wheel and the rear wheel, and a frame in which the steering column connects the front wheel fork and the handle, the handle is firmly connected to the steering column, the frame is designed to be elongated longitudinally to the direction of travel, the footrest is arranged in the rear lower region of the frame in the direction of travel, the frame comprising a vertical surface made of a rigid material which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and which is arranged longitudinally between the steering column and the footrest above the footrest,and at its lower edge is the front wheel fork, at the upper edge of which the steering column is pivotally mounted, while the footrest is connected to the rear, lower area of the surface. To limit the vehicle's length, shift the center of gravity rearward, and maximize the distance between the footrest attachment points on the frame for stability reasons, the frame preferably covers the footrest, so that the rider's feet are also positioned below the frame.
[0028] The surface can be geometrically dense and the surface structure on this surface so stable that luggage can be secured to it without falling through horizontally. It is also preferred that at least two points on the surface provide fastening options for securing luggage.
[0029] If larger or heavier items of luggage are to be transported, it is preferable that the area is closed off at its lower end by a floor platform running horizontally to the side.
[0030] Preferably, a stand is attached to the rear, lower corner of the surface.
[0031] In order to further reduce the space requirement of the vehicle according to the invention during transport or storage, it is preferred that the footrest is designed to be removable together with the rear wheel, and that fastening means are provided on the surface for vertically attaching the footrest parallel to the lower edge of the surface with the rear wheel facing downwards.
[0032] To further facilitate the transport of the vehicle according to the invention, it is preferred if a horizontally aligned holding device, a stable handle or a holding loop is attached to the upper edge of the surface.
[0033] To further improve the stability of the vehicle according to the invention, it is preferred if cross members are arranged between the outer corners of the floor platform and the upper ends of the front and rear side edges of the surface.
[0034] Preferably, holders for mobile phones or cards or bottle holders can be attached to the upper edge of the surface.
[0035] Lockable compartments can also be arranged on the surface to further increase comfort for users.
[0036] If the vehicle has an electric drive, batteries can be attached to the surface. Furthermore, advertising images and / or advertising slogans can be applied to one or both sides of the surface, which are particularly conspicuous because they are displayed everywhere during the travel of the vehicle according to the invention.
[0037] Short description of the drawings
[0038] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings. They show:
[0039] Figure 1 shows a scooter according to the prior art in solid lines, the additional components according to the invention are shown in dashed lines;
[0040] Figure 2 shows a scooter according to the invention in side view;
[0041] Figure 3 shows the scooter according to the invention in 3D view;
[0042] Figure 4 shows the scooter according to the invention with the luggage rack in 3D view from the rear right;
[0043] Figure 5 shows a variant of the scooter according to the invention with a removable footrest in side view;
[0044] Figure 6 shows a variant of the scooter according to the invention with a removable footrest in 3D view;
[0045] Figure 7 shows the front wheel mount according to the invention in front view;
[0046] Figure 8 shows the front wheel mount according to the invention in 3D view;
[0047] Figure 9 shows the steering column mount according to the invention in 3D view. Description
[0048] The present invention provides a scooter for transporting persons and luggage, for example in the form of a scooter powered by physical force (kick scooter) or electrically powered (e-scooter).
[0049] The invention essentially addresses two problems: Firstly, the scooter should have a universal luggage rack to attach various passenger items such as suitcases or shopping bags, which are difficult or impossible to transport as a backpack on the passenger's back.
[0050] On the other hand, a stable and compact structure with as little dead weight as possible should be created, which also makes the scooter itself as easy to carry as possible and yet can withstand the increased driving dynamic forces, especially longitudinally to the direction of travel.
[0051] This is solved by a spatial frame 1 which is elongated in the direction of travel and which absorbs the forces of the footrest 2, front wheel 3 and steering column 12 and integrates a luggage rack.
[0052] Figure 1 schematically shows the state of the art of a kick scooter or electrically powered e-scooter without a luggage rack or container. The dashed lines indicate components according to the invention that have been projected into Figure 1. Figures 2 ff. show the scooter only in the inventive design.
[0053] The scooter shown in Fig. 1 according to the state of the art comprises the following components:
[0054] A front wheel fork 6, which is rotatably mounted at the front of a frame 1 by means of a substantially vertically oriented tube 3a, together with a steering column 8, which extends in the direction of travel and supports the footrest 12 and the rear wheel 9 one behind the other. The front wheel fork 6, which vertically supports the front wheel at the bottom and is closed off on the upper side by a guide tube, is supported from below by a vertically oriented tube 3a as an externally enclosing, sleeve-shaped guide bearing in conventional scooters, which is also connected to the steering column 12 at the top.
[0055] This guide bearing is usually connected to the footrest 2 via a cross member 5, whereby the connections 7a of the cross member 5 to the front wheel and steering column mount 3a and to the footrest 2 are usually cranked and welded.
[0056] In human-powered scooters, the cross member 5 is often interrupted by a pivot bearing between points 7a and 7b. This pivot allows the steering column 12 with the front wheel 6 and the footrest 2 with the rear wheel 9 to pivot relative to each other, thus making the scooter easier to carry and store when folded. To fix the pivot angle, which results from the end points 8 and 9, in the driving state and in the folded state, movable parts such as locking bolts are used, which have a certain amount of play.
[0057] This play is particularly noticeable to the driver due to the relatively long lever of the steering column.
[0058] This is due to the upright position of the driver, which also requires a certain length for the footrest or the wheelbase in order to ensure tipping stability around the axis transverse to the direction of travel.
[0059] Due to the rider's weight (the vertical arrow indicates the main force direction) and the pulling and pushing away of the steering column 12 for acceleration and braking (the horizontal arrow in Figure 1 indicates the main force direction), relatively large forces occur at points 7b and 7a and in between, particularly for taller and heavier people. These leverage forces are dynamically amplified by uneven ground and act as buckling forces and shear forces on the material, requiring high material thicknesses and stable, complex-to-manufacture connections (welds). Any pivot bearings with fixing bolts and their sockets must also be of a robust construction. All of this increases the cost and weight of the scooter.
[0060] In the frame 1 according to the invention, the area of the plane spanned by the points 8, 6, 9 between the force-absorbing points 4 and 10b is supported by a filling, flat structure, which is also referred to as support 13, on which the shear and tensile forces (oblique arrow) thus act to a large extent.
[0061] Furthermore, the lever lengths are shortened, thus reducing the lever forces. Thus, on a steering column mount 4 according to the invention, the force acting horizontally with and against the direction of travel via the steering column 12 acts only on the lever travel 8-4. In contrast, in the prior art, the same force acts on the lever travel 8-11.
[0062] According to the invention, the vertical force components act on the section 10b - 9, and according to the state of the art on the section 7b - 9.
[0063] In addition, the counter-levers that counteract the lever forces are extended. According to the current state of the art, this is limited to the width of cross member 5 at points 7a and 7b.
[0064] According to the invention, the counter lever acting on the steering column 12 (horizontal force) is the distance 3b - 4, that acting on the footrest 2 and rear wheel 9 (vertical force) is the distance 10a - 10b.
[0065] Both the shortening of the lever lengths and the lengthening of the counter levers relieves the load on the mounts and frame parts, which can therefore be made lighter.
[0066] DE 11 2016 006 507 T5 and CN108791621A also propose filling the angle with a hollow body, but the driver's feet are positioned to the side of the hollow body and not behind it, which means that no luggage support on the hollow body is possible or advantageous.
[0067] In the DE20018919U1, the steering column is accommodated in a spatial container, but the sensitive cross member 5 is retained.
[0068] Scooter devices that are built around a case (e.g. DE000010204478A1 , DE202019103766U1 , DE000008128047U1 ) also benefit from this as a lever-shortening central frame, but are aligned transversely to the direction of travel, while the strongest driving dynamic forces act longitudinally to the direction of travel.
[0069] The frame 1 can be designed as a tubular space frame or as a monocoque.
[0070] One possible design is an elongated tubular frame, similar to a bicycle frame. The hollow spaces between the tubes can be covered with a fabric, for example, to transport small items of luggage.
[0071] According to the invention, a flat, three-dimensional solid body is used as frame 1, which is preferably reinforced at the lower edge and in the area of the receptacles 3b, 10a, 10b, 4, and is closed on at least one side. The top and bottom can have slots or compartments for storing valuables or, in the case of e-scooters, for accommodating the batteries.
[0072] The frame 1 comprises the support 13 made of a rigid material, which has a vertical surface and can also be referred to as “surface” for short, and which on at least one side also serves as a vertical luggage surface with the most flexible fastening options - compared to the tubular frame - e.g. in the form of permanently mounted hooks 17, eyelets or recesses for the insertion of various holders.
[0073] As Figure 4 illustrates, the loading capacity of the frame 1 according to the invention, with the vertical luggage area of the support 13, corresponds to a scaled-down truck bed rotated 90 degrees. Analogous to this truck bed, which becomes a container with the help of a tarpaulin frame and tarpaulin, the invention can be converted into a closed container for luggage in a further embodiment with various attachments and a cover, e.g., by means of clampable frame parts and fabric parts.
[0074] The luggage area can also be permanently attached to a piece of luggage, e.g. a suitcase.
[0075] To secure the luggage, fastening elements can be used which are clamped to the outer edges of the luggage surface, e.g. expanders, or fittings can be hooked into recesses in the surface, for example to fasten fixed luggage or to attach cross compartments or to attach bags or suitcases to a hook 17 using loops.
[0076] According to the invention, the lower region of the vertical luggage surface of the carrier 13 is provided with a horizontal floor platform 14, preferably with a floor board or sheet, in order to secure luggage downwards.
[0077] In addition, the center of gravity of the entire vehicle moves downward when the load is placed on it. The lower center of gravity makes it easier to balance while driving and increases side-to-side stability.
[0078] This means that the scooter can be parked upright even with luggage thanks to the feet.
[0079] The horizontal floor platform 14 is preferably firmly integrated into the frame 1.
[0080] If the scooter is to be built rather narrow or if the size of the load is very variable, the horizontal floor platform 14 can be extended in several stages into the frame 1 for transport or folded onto the vertical luggage surface of the carrier 13 and unfolded for transport.
[0081] Additional removable or foldable horizontal loading surfaces can be installed above the horizontal floor platform 14, parallel to the horizontal floor platform. For additional stability, the vertical luggage area of the carrier 13 and the horizontal floor platform 14 are connected, according to the invention, at least at the outer edges at the front and rear with cross members 15, which are preferably permanently mounted.
[0082] However, these can also be designed to be removable, especially in the case of a movable floor platform.
[0083] According to the invention, a horizontally oriented holding device, such as a sturdy handle or a strap 16, is attached to the top of the frame 1 to allow the scooter to be lifted with one hand, for example, to carry it up stairs. The horizontal arrangement of the holding device, as close as possible to the center of gravity of the base, makes it easier to keep the scooter in as horizontal a position as possible.
[0084] A common problem with scooters, especially e-scooters that cannot be folded, is the space they require when parking.
[0085] In a variant of the invention (Figure 6), the footrest 2 can be removed from the frame 1 together with the rear wheel 9 and attached to the rear of the frame 1 with the rear wheel 9 facing downwards.
[0086] This significantly reduces the footprint when parked, and road debris stays on the ground with the wheels. Despite this, the scooter can still be pushed and maneuvered even when folded.
[0087] For this purpose, the support struts 10a, 10b of the footrest 2 on the frame 1 are provided with extraction bolts 18a, 18b, which connect the underside of the support struts 10a, 10b with the footrest 2, which receives them via drilled cylindrical hollow sockets 19a, 19b.
[0088] The footrest 2 is fixed to the frame 1 by means of fittings or, according to the invention, by means of magnetic surfaces on the underside of the footrest 2 and the outside of the rear cross member 15. The underside of the frame 1 in the embodiment according to the invention is suitable for attaching fold-out stands, which can also be used when the footrest 2 is folded up.
[0089] Figures 7 and 8 show the front wheel mount 3b according to the invention. The front wheel fork 6 terminates in a rotatable vertical tube, which is enclosed by a stationary mounting block 22 (also referred to as a "holder" 22) via a pivot bearing 21, which is preferably installed as a separate part on the underside of the frame 1 or is an integral part thereof.
[0090] Figure 9 shows the steering column mount 4 according to the invention. The steering column 12 is preferably arranged concentrically above the front wheel fork 6 and is frictionally coupled to it. Alternatively, the steering column 12 can be arranged offset from the front wheel fork 6 and connected to it via a drive device, for example, a chain drive.
[0091] The steering column support 4 is rotatably mounted via a pivot bearing 21a by a stationary support block 23, which is preferably installed as a separate part on the top side of the frame 1 or is an integral part thereof.
[0092] In a single-track vehicle with a frame (1) on which at least one rear wheel (9) is mounted by means of a rear wheel mount of the frame (1), as well as a steering column (12) and a front wheel fork (6) with a front wheel mount (3b) for a front wheel (20) steered by means of the steering column (12) by means of at least one mount (4; 22) having at least one pivot bearing, and whose frame has a footrest (2), wherein a handle (8) with which the person steers the vehicle is attached to the steering column (12), and the steering column (12) and the front wheel fork (6) are directly or indirectly coupled to one another, wherein the handle (8) is firmly connected to the steering column (12), and the frame (1) is designed to be stretched longitudinally to the direction of travel, the frame (1) has at least one support (13) made of a rigid material having a vertical surface, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle,and which is arranged in the area of the steering column (12) or between the steering column (12) and the footrest (2) above the footrest (2). A front fork mount (22) for the front wheel fork (6) is provided in the area of a lower edge of the support (13), and a steering column mount (4) for the steering column (12) is provided in the area of an upper edge of the support (13). The footrest (2) extends further rearward than the support (13) in relation to the direction of travel, and the front fork mount (22) and the steering column mount (4) only allow rotational movements of the front wheel fork (6) and the steering column (12) with respect to the frame (1). The support (13) absorbs forces acting horizontally on the front wheel fork (6) and the steering column (12). The footrest (2) is connected to a rear, lower area of the support (13).
[0093] List of reference symbols
[0094] 1 frame
[0095] 2 footrests
[0096] 3a Front wheel mount and steering column mount state of the art
[0097] 3b Front wheel mount according to the invention
[0098] 4 Steering column mount according to the invention
[0099] 5 Connecting cross member front wheel with steering column and footrest to
[0100] State of the art
[0101] 6 front fork
[0102] 7a Connection point of 5 and 3a State of the art
[0103] 7b Connection point of 5 and 2 State of the art
[0104] 8 Handle part
[0105] 9 Rear wheel
[0106] 10a Inventive front support struts of the footrest on the frame
[0107] 10b Inventive rear support struts of the footrest on the frame
[0108] 11 State-of-the-art steering column mount
[0109] 12 Steering column
[0110] 13 carriers with vertical luggage area
[0111] 14 horizontal floor platform
[0112] 15 trusses
[0113] 16 Holding strap
[0114] 17 hooks
[0115] 18a front pull bolt
[0116] 18b rear pull bolt
[0117] 19a Socket for front pull bolt
[0118] 19b Socket for rear pull bolt
[0119] 20 front wheel
[0120] 21 , 21a pivot bearing
[0121] 22 Connecting block front fork mount
[0122] 23 Steering column mounting connection block
Claims
Claims Single-track vehicle with a frame (1 ) to which at least one rear wheel (9) is mounted by means of a rear wheel mount of the frame (1 ) and a steering column (12) and a front wheel fork (6) with a front wheel mount (3b) for a front wheel (20) steered by means of the steering column (12) by means of at least one mount (4; 22) having at least one pivot bearing; wherein a person can be transported standing on a footrest (2) of the frame (1) arranged between the front wheel (20) and the rear wheel (9), wherein a handle part (8) with which the person steers the vehicle is attached to the steering column (12), wherein the steering column (12) and the front wheel fork (6) are directly or indirectly coupled to one another, the handle part (8) is firmly connected to the steering column (12), and the frame (1) is designed to be stretched longitudinally to the direction of travel, characterized in that the frame (1) has at least one support having a vertical surface (13) made of a rigid material, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and which is arranged in the region of the steering column (12) or between the steering column (12) and the footrest (2) above the footrest (2), a front fork mount (22) for the front wheel fork (6) is realized in the region of a lower edge of the support (13), and a steering column mount (4) for the steering column (12) is realized in the region of an upper edge of the support (13), and the footrest (2) extends further rearward than the support (13) in relation to the direction of travel, and the front fork mount (22) and the steering column mount (4) only allow rotational movements of the front wheel fork (6) and the steering column (12) in relation to the frame (1), and the support (13) absorbs forces acting horizontally on the front wheel fork (6) and the steering column (12), and the footrest (2) is provided with a rear, lower area of the support (13).
2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the front fork mount (22) and the steering column mount (4) are each designed as a pivot bearing 3. Vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support (13) is geometrically designed so dense and stable that items of luggage can be attached to it without falling through in the horizontal direction.
4. Vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the carrier (13) provides, for example on its surface, at least two fixing options (17) with which items of luggage can be secured.
5. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the surface of the support (13) is closed off at its lower end by at least one horizontally extending floor platform (14) on which luggage can be supported.
6. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a stand is mounted near the rear, lower corner of the support (13).
7. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the footrest (2) is designed to be removable together with the rear wheel (9), and fastening means are provided on the support (13) for vertically attaching the footrest (2) parallel to the rear edge on the outside of the surface with the rear wheel facing downwards.
8. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a horizontally oriented holding device, a stable handle or a holding loop (16) is attached to the upper edge of the carrier (13).
9. Vehicle according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that cross members (15) are arranged between the outer corners of the floor platform and the upper ends of the front and rear side edges of the support (13).
10. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that holders for mobile phones or cards or bottle holders are attached to the upper edge of the carrier (13).
11. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that lockable compartments are arranged on the carrier (13).
12. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the vehicle has an electric drive and accumulators are attached to the carrier (13).
13. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that advertising images and / or advertising inscriptions are applied to one or both side surfaces of the carrier (13).