CONVERTIBLE WHEEL WITH CONTINUOUS TREAD
The transformable wheel with a continuous tread and articulated sectors addresses the volume and ergonomic issues of existing designs by ensuring smooth transitions and reduced volume in folded configurations.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2019009059
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2019-08-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2039-08-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing transformable wheels face issues with increased volume in folded configurations due to the presence of wheels, especially when they have a significant diameter, and folding solutions create discontinuities leading to noise and ergonomic challenges in rolling and compacting configurations.
A transformable wheel design with a continuous tread and articulated sectors that maintain a consistent curvature, using a locking device with levers and bond bars to manage sector distance and orientation, allowing for compact configurations without disrupting the rolling functionality.
The design achieves reduced volume in folded configurations while maintaining smooth rolling and compacting transitions, minimizing noise and enhancing ergonomic handling.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: TRANSFORMABLE WHEEL WITH CONTINUOUS TREAD
[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES
[0002] The field concerns wheels which can usually be transformed by folding, the unfolded wheel being the configuration for use in rolling mode, the folded wheel being the compaction configuration outside of rolling, in particular for storage.
[0003] The invention relates in particular to wheels which are used in certain transformable equipment (or systems or even devices) to allow the equipment simply to roll.
[0004] It will be noted that the invention relates to numerous pieces of equipment, systems or devices which can be transformed in order to be able to be stored or deposited, and in particular transport trolleys, strollers, luggage, foldable medical equipment, foldable furniture, occasional furniture, garden furniture, and camping equipment.
[0005] Here, the term "transport trolley" means a transformable system (or device), comprising at least one pair of legs substantially parallel to each other, capable of rolling when pulled or pushed and capable of supporting at least one load. Consequently, it could be a hand truck, a handling trolley, a shopping trolley, a stretcher, or a trolley for loading / unloading loads from a vehicle, for example. Prior art
[0006] In these devices having wheels, it is not usual to fold the wheels.
[0007] However, it is common in transformable equipment that if the wheel(s) are preserved, the volume of the folded equipment is penalized by the presence of the wheels, in particular when the wheels have a large diameter.
[0008] A first solution is to make the wheels removable to store them separately. It is conventional for strollers or shopping trolleys that the wheels are thus made removable. It is conventional for the axle of the wheel to have a groove and for the wheel to have a means of locking the positioning of the wheel along the axle of the wheel by a circlip. To make it manipulable, the circlip is replaced by a sort of elastic clip which is housed in the groove and which must be moved manually to release the wheel, often using a gripping element.
[0009] There are also folding wheel solutions. In the prior art, the folding solution consists of partitioning the perimeter of the wheel into sectors and to articulate these sectors together. Such a foldable wheel solution is described in patent WO2014021480.
[0010] In fact, the wheel in unfolded mode is a circle which fits into a square whose side dimension is equal to the diameter of the wheel. In folded mode, the wheel takes an elongated shape which fits into a rectangle whose width becomes smaller than the diameter of the wheel and whose length is, on the other hand, greater than the diameter. Indeed, this is the consequence that the circumference of the wheel equal to 2 PI multiplied by the radius is generally preserved even when distributed over several sectors.
[0011] It can be considered that this is a gain in compactness insofar as the surface area of the wheel in the compact configuration where it is folded is reduced compared to the surface area of the normal wheel.
[0012] In this type of transformable wheel solution, the folding of the sectors creates discontinuities at each articulation which are poorly suited to wheels fitted with a tread. Furthermore, on a smooth surface, in rolling mode, the transition from one sector to the next can generate noise and jolts which are perceived as undesirable.
[0013] Furthermore, the solutions for locking and switching from the rolling configuration to the compact configuration and vice versa are not the most ergonomic.
[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] To overcome these drawbacks, the transformable wheel according to the invention is compatible with a continuous tread although comprising a set of sectors.
[0016] The transformable wheel (1) according to the invention comprises a set of sectors (S) which in the compact configuration arranges the sectors so as to be compatible with the radii of curvature and counter-curvature of the flexible circumference (C).
[0017] For this purpose, this transformable wheel comprising a set of sectors articulated together in the plane of the wheel is such that between the rolling configuration and the compacting configuration, the distance to the periphery of at least two consecutive mobile sectors is reduced in the case of a salient angle or increased in the case of a re-entrant angle.
[0018] This transformable wheel also comprises at least two sectors which retain the same location in the compaction configuration and in the rolling configuration.
[0019] In the compaction configuration, at least two consecutive sectors are articulated at a salient angle and are several millimeters apart.
[0020] In a compact configuration, at least two consecutive sectors are articulated at a re-entrant angle and are separated by one to a few millimeters.
[0021] In the case of a re-entrant angle, the trajectory of the ends of two consecutive moving sectors are substantially involutes of a circle.
[0022] According to one embodiment, the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors is directly obtained by the curvature of the circumference.
[0023] According to another embodiment, the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors is obtained by an articulation comprising several pivots.
[0024] The transformable wheel comprises a central part with a diameter and two mobile elements moving on this central part with two radii.
[0025] The transformable wheel comprises a set of pivot connecting bars between the two moving elements and the moving sectors.
[0026] The transformable wheel includes a means for moving the two moving elements apart or closer together.
[0027] In simple terms, the transformable wheel comprises as a means a locking device based on levers.
[0028] In fact, the locking device in the rolling configuration comprises a lever.
[0029] This locking device in the rolling configuration also comprises a means of fixing to the wheel axle.
[0030] The transformable wheel also includes a locking device in compaction configuration which extends the mobile elements.
[0031] This locking device in compaction configuration also includes a lever supplemented if necessary with a means of fixing on the wheel axle.
[0032] It is advantageous that this locking device in compaction configuration also comprises a means for orienting the wheel relative to the axis.
[0033] It is also advantageous for the same device to perform locking in both rolling mode and compaction mode.
[0034] In terms of manufacturing, it is advantageous if the tread is manufactured with the outer part turned inwards.
[0035] In terms of use, it seems unprecedented to use a transformable wheel as a retractable wheel.
[0036] In this case, the means for moving the two moving elements apart or closer together can be used to lift the equipment from the ground.
[0037] Depending on the uses, the transformable wheel can be used with at least one second wheel placed in front or behind.
[0038] It is possible to design the equipment so that the second wheel is fixed and still allows the equipment to be used in rolling mode. Brief description of the drawings
[0039] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference will be made to the attached drawings.
[0040] [Fig. 1][Fig. 1] shows in side view the transformable wheel according to the invention in the rolling configuration.
[0041] [Fig.2][Fig.2] shows a side view of the transformable wheel according to the invention in the compaction configuration.
[0042] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows in perspective view the transformable wheel according to the invention in the rolling configuration.
[0043] [Fig.4][Fig.4] shows in perspective view the transformable wheel according to the invention in the compaction configuration.
[0044] [Fig.5][Fig.5] illustrates in compaction mode, the articulation between two sectors consecutive mobiles within a salient angle.
[0045] [Fig.6][Fig.6] illustrates in compaction mode, the articulation between two sectors consecutive mobiles within the framework of a re-entrant angle.
[0046] [Fig.7][Fig.7] illustrates in the compaction configuration, the case where the circumference has a tread approximately one centimeter thick.
[0047] [Fig.8][Fig.8] shows the manufacture of the tread, external part turned inwards.
[0048] [Fig.9][Fig.9] shows an embodiment, in which the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors is directly obtained by the curvature of the circumference.
[0049] [Fig. 10][Fig. 10] illustrates another embodiment, in which the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors an articulation is obtained comprising several pivots in rolling configuration.
[0050] [Fig. 11][Fig. 11] illustrates this other embodiment, in which the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors an articulation is obtained comprising several pivots in compaction configuration
[0051] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] shows an example of reinforcement in the rolling position of the articulation between two mobile sectors in the form of a clip.
[0052] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] shows an example of reinforcement in the rolling position of the articulation between two mobile sectors in the form of a lock.
[0053] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] shows in side view an example of reinforcement with additional connecting bars of the transformable wheel according to the invention in the rolling configuration.
[0054] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] shows in side view an example of reinforcement with additional connecting bars of the transformable wheel according to the invention in the compaction configuration.
[0055] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] shows in perspective view an example of reinforcement with additional connecting bars of the transformable wheel according to the invention in the rolling configuration.
[0056] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] shows in perspective view an example of reinforcement with additional connecting bars of the transformable wheel according to the invention in the compaction configuration.
[0057] [Fig. 18][Fig. 18] shows the transformable wheel with the addition of a locking device in the rolling configuration.
[0058] [Fig. 19][Fig. 19] shows the locking device seen from above in the rolling configuration.
[0059] [Fig.2O][Fig.2O] shows the locking device seen from above in the compaction configuration.
[0060] [Fig.21][Fig.21] shows a side view of the locking device in the rolling configuration.
[0061] [Fig.22][Fig.22] shows in side view the locking device in the intermediate configuration.
[0062] [Fig.23][Fig.23] shows a side view of the locking device in the compaction configuration.
[0063] [Fig.24][Fig.24] shows the detail of the wheel axle adapted to the locking means.
[0064] [Fig.25][Fig.25] shows the locking device having a plate to accommodate the axle in the rolling configuration.
[0065] [Fig.26][Fig.26] shows the locking device having a plate to accommodate the axis in the compaction configuration.
[0066] [Fig.27][Fig.27] illustrates a use of transformable wheels as retractable wheels of equipment in rolling configuration.
[0067] [Fig.28][Fig.28] illustrates a use of transformable wheels as retractable wheels of equipment in compaction configuration.
[0068] [Fig.29][Fig.29] illustrates a use of a transformable wheel as a retractable wheel of equipment in combination with a fixed wheel in rolling configuration.
[0069] [Fig.30][Fig.30] illustrates a use of a transformable wheel as a retractable wheel of equipment in combination with a fixed wheel in compaction configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0070] To overcome these drawbacks, the transformable wheel according to the invention is compatible at its periphery with a continuous tread although comprising a set of sectors.
[0071] This transformable wheel comprises a set of sectors (S) articulated together in the plane of the wheel (1).
[0072] In the rolling configuration, the set of sectors (S) forms the equivalent of the rim of a wheel (1).
[0073] Of course, it is possible to drive directly on the sectors (2). However, it is preferable to be able to add to its periphery a continuous circumference (C) which can fulfill the function of a tread.
[0074] Conventionally, the sectors can be articulated between them by a single pivot ensuring the rotation of two consecutive sectors (S).
[0075] In doing so, two problems arise at the junction of the joints.
[0076] In the case of a salient angle, to move into compaction configuration, the circumference is locally subjected to an extension which can be destructive.
[0077] In the case of a re-entrant angle, to switch to compaction mode, the circumference is locally subjected to strong compression which can also be damaging.
[0078] The transformable wheel (1) according to the invention comprises a set of sectors (S) which in the compact configuration arranges the sectors so as to be compatible with the radii of curvature and counter-curvature of the flexible circumference (C).
[0079] [Fig.l] and [Fig.3] illustrate a transformable wheel according to the invention in rolling configuration, respectively in side view and in perspective view.
[0080] It is composed of a set of sectors (S), some of which are mobile sectors (SM) in a conventional manner, but also of two fixed sectors (SF), that is to say which retain the same location in the compaction configuration as in the rolling configuration.
[0081] These two fixed sectors (SF1, SF2) represent a portion of wheel of approximately 10 to 20° angle.
[0082] The other sectors (S) are mobile and in the example illustrated, there are six of them (SMI, SM2, SM3, SM4, SM5, SM6) representing a portion of wheel of approximately 50 to 60°. This number is not limiting and can be adapted to the chosen application.
[0083] [Fig.2] and [Fig.4] illustrate a transformable wheel according to the invention in confi compaction figure, respectively in side view and in perspective view.
[0084] In the compaction configuration, all of the mobile sectors (MS) flatten and give an elongated shape to the transformable wheel.
[0085] The two fixed sectors (SF1, SF2) are positioned inside the mobile sectors (SM) which represents an advantage.
[0086] In fact, the circumference in the flattened position is reduced by the length of the two fixed sectors, which reduces the length accordingly and represents a gain in compactness.
[0087] The wheel comprises a central part (PC) along a diameter and two mobile elements (RI) (R2) moving on this central part along two radii.
[0088] A set of pivoting connecting bars (B, BX) connect the two mobile elements (RI) and (R2) to a part of the mobile sectors (SM).
[0089] In rolling mode, the moving elements are close together. In compaction mode, they are far apart.
[0090] At the ends, sectors SM 1 and SM2 as well as SM3 and SM4 are articulated at a salient angle.
[0091] In the other joints, the mobile sectors SMI and SM2, SM2 and SM3, SM4 and SM5 as well as SM5 and SM6 are articulated at a re-entrant angle.
[0092] [Fig.5] illustrates the articulation according to the invention of two consecutive mobile sectors, in this case SM3 and SM4, within the framework of a salient angle.
[0093] The circumference is locally subject to an increase in curvature.
[0094] For example, the wheel is a 10-inch wheel with a diameter of 254 mm and a radius of 127 mm.
[0095] Locally, the part of the circumference corresponding to the fixed sector (SF) must make an angle (AC) of approximately 120° instead of an angle of, for example, 20°, which induces a division by 6 of the radius of curvature, i.e. approximately 20 mm.
[0096] The reduction in the radius of curvature induces at the periphery, the need to bring the ends closer to the periphery of the two mobile sectors. The distance (D) can be calculated by simple trigonometry since it is the chord of an arc of a circle. Its value is the radius of curvature multiplied by twice the sine of half the apex angle (AC). In the example given, this gives a reduction in the distance (D, DS) of approximately 7 mm.
[0097] To allow this rapprochement, the sector (SF) remains fixed, which creates the necessary space between the consecutive mobile sectors (SM), a space which does not exist in classic single-pivot solutions.
[0098] [Fig.6] illustrates the articulation according to the invention of two consecutive mobile sectors, in this case SMI and SM2, within the framework of a re-entrant angle.
[0099] Due to the re-entrant angle, the circumference (C) locally detaches from the sectors SMI and SM2 due to its curvature called in this case counter-curvature.
[0100] For example, the counter-curvature radius can be of the order of 20 mm, which induces a counter-curvature angle (ACC) of approximately 50°.
[0101] When the moving sector (SMI) moves away from the circumference (C), this is achieved by remaining tangent to the circumference at the point of contact (PI) which moves on the circumference (C). The end (El) of the sector (SMI) then follows a trajectory of an involute of a circle (DC1).
[0102] Similarly, when the moving sector (SM2) moves away from the circumference (C), this is achieved by remaining tangent to the circumference at the point of contact (P2) which moves on the circumference (C). The end (E2) of the sector (SM2) then follows a trajectory of an involute of a circle (DC2).
[0103] The two mobile sectors (SMI) and (SM2) have distinct rotations according to two rotation axes positioned on the circumference (C) at (PI) and (P2), which is impossible in the classic single-pivot configuration.
[0104] The distance between points (PI) and (P2) can be calculated by simple trigonometry since it is the chord of an arc of a circle. Its value is the radius of curvature multiplied by twice the sine of half the vertex angle (ACC).
[0105] The distance (D, DR) between points (El) and (E2) can also be calculated by simple trigonometry since it is the difference in the previous distance between (PI) and (P2) and the length of the arc of the countercurvature multiplied by the cosine of half the angle (ACC). In the example taken this corresponds to a distance (D, DR) of approximately 1 mm.
[0106] The values actually depend on the radii of curvature and counter-curvature admissible by the circumference (C).
[0107] In one embodiment, the circumference (C) is obtained by the equivalent of a flat belt typically 2 millimeters thick which effectively allows radii of curvature and counter-curvature of the order of 20 mm. It is also very little extensible. It can of course, depending on the applications, be used directly as a tread.
[0108] [Fig.7] illustrates an embodiment where the circumference is made up of two components (Cl) and (C2).
[0109] The first component (Cl) is flexible but not very extensible, like the equivalent of a flat belt.
[0110] The second component (C2) is thicker, for example of the order of one cm, very extensible and not very compressible. This could be rubber or a synthetic product such as EPDM capable of producing a comfortable tread (BR).
[0111] Because the component (C2) is very extensible, the radius of curvature does not pose any difficulty and the circumference (C) in a salient angle remains identical.
[0112] On the other hand, because the component (C2) is not very compressible, the counter-curvature radius may increase or even become incompatible with the expected use.
[0113] In [Fig.7] is illustrated the example where at least the radius of countercurvature is equal to the radius of the wheel in rolling mode.
[0114] One way to guarantee this is to manufacture the circumference (C), at least the component (C2) acting as the tread (BR) is manufactured with the external part turned inwards as shown [Fig.8].
[0115] Indeed, in this case, at rest the circumference (C) thus manufactured has an assured counter-curvature radius equal in value to the radius of the circumference in rolling configuration.
[0116] In its use in rolling and compacting configuration, the circumference thus manufactured is always in extension on the component (C2). The component keeps its low compressibility qualities like a classic solid tire to support the load while being comfortable.
[0117] As illustrated [Fig.9], according to the embodiment, the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors (SM) is directly obtained by the curvature and counter-curvature of the circumference (C).
[0118] In the case of a circumference produced by the equivalent of a flat belt, the circumference (C) can be secured, for example glued to the mobile sectors (SM) except locally at the ends at the location of the articulations of the mobile sectors (SM) between them.
[0119] In [Fig.9], the circumference and the sectors can be manufactured jointly in a single material such as polypropylene or by overmolding one material onto another.
[0120] Depending on the applications, it may be preferred depending on the load to relieve the circumference (C) locally at the joints, or even to do without it.
[0121] According to another embodiment, the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors is obtained by a mechanical articulation independently of the circumference (C) at the re-entrant angles.
[0122] This involves using mechanisms which guarantee that in the rolling configuration the mobile sectors are contiguous and that in the compaction configuration there is a distance (D, DR).
[0123] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate such a mechanism respectively in rolling configuration and compaction configuration.
[0124] In this case, it is a mechanism with several pivots (P). The two pivots (PI) and (P2) are secured respectively to the mobile sectors (SMI) and (SM2). The central pivot (PC) is independent of the mobile sectors (SM). There are also two slides (J, Jl) and (J, J2).
[0125] Other mechanisms are possible but they require several pivots (P), single pivot solutions not being suitable.
[0126] It may also be necessary to reinforce the transformable wheel (1) so that in the rolling configuration it can support greater loads. These are the articulations at re-entrant angles.
[0127] [Fig. 12] illustrates a first embodiment of such reinforcement. It consists of a flexible blade (CL) integral with the mobile sector in the example (SM2) which clips onto a tab (L) of the neighboring mobile sector (SMI).
[0128] Alternatively, [Fig. 13] illustrates another embodiment of such reinforcement. It is a curved lock (V) which rotates and positions itself between the two mobile sectors. Potentially, it clips using the notch (E) with the flexible blade (CL) of the neighboring mobile sector (SM2) as previously in [Fig. 12]. lock is to be operated by the user using the button (B) and moving it into the slot (FB).
[0129] These two types of reinforcement require handling that is not necessarily ergonomic.
[0130] A third embodiment of such reinforcement consists of adding connecting bars (B, BX) between the mobile elements (RI) and (R2) and the mobile sectors (SM2) and (SM5). These connecting bars will automatically position themselves in the rolling position without any manipulation by the user.
[0131] [Fig. 14] and [Fig. 16] illustrate this reinforcement with additional connecting bars (B, BX) in rolling configuration respectively in side view and in perspective view.
[0132] [Fig. 15] and [Fig. 17] show how its additional connecting bars (B, BX) automatically fold into compaction configuration respectively in side view and perspective view.
[0133] These additional connecting bars (B, BX) have other advantages than simple reinforcement. The X-shaped crossed structure ensures during the manipulation of the transformable wheel (1) that the movable sectors (SM2) and (SM5) move in parallel with the central part (PC) and therefore with the fixed diameter of the wheel, and therefore similarly with each other as well.
[0134] It is therefore possible from the rolling configuration to fold the transformable wheel (1) by holding the mobile sectors (SM2) and (SM5) in each hand then bringing them together until the compacting configuration is obtained.
[0135] It is therefore possible from the compaction configuration to unfold the transformable wheel (1) by holding the mobile sectors (SM2) and (SM5) in each hand then moving them apart until the rolling configuration is obtained.
[0136] Locking in the rolling position nevertheless remains necessary, for example by a removable pin.
[0137] Alternatively, it is possible from the rolling configuration to fold the transformable wheel (1) by moving the mobile elements (RI) and (R2) apart until the compacting configuration is obtained and from the compacting configuration to unfold the transformable wheel (1) by moving the mobile elements (RI) and (R2) together until the rolling configuration is obtained.
[0138] It is therefore possible to automatically transform the transformable wheel by using a means (M) to move the two mobile elements (RI) and (R2) apart or closer together.
[0139] It is advantageous in the rolling position that the two mobile elements (RI) and (R2) are then energized and retransmit this voltage to the mobile sectors by the connecting bars (B, BY) and translated into extension for the connecting bars (B,BX).
[0140] It is advantageous in the compaction position that the two mobile elements (RI) and (R2) are then in extension and retransmit this extension to the mobile sectors by the connecting bars (B, BY) and translated into tension for the connecting bars (B, BX).
[0141] For heavy loads, this means (M) could even be a jack or a mechanical device similar to a spare wheel jack. The X-shaped structure of the additional connecting bars (B, BX) allows, if necessary, the equipment (E) having such convertible wheels (1) to be lifted at the same time.
[0142] More simply, the transformable wheel (1) comprises as means (M) a locking device (DV) on the basis of levers (L1) and (L2) as shown in [Fig. 18],
[0143] This locking device (DV) is shown in rolling configuration (DC) [Fig. 19] in top view and [Fig.21] in side view.
[0144] In this embodiment, the locking device (D) is composed of a rectangular ring (L1) secured in rotation to the mobile element (RI), articulated in rotation to a lever (L2) also secured in rotation to the mobile element (R2).
[0145] The difference in the center distance length between the rectangular ring (L1) and the lever (L2) is defined to create a tension between the two mobile elements (RI, R2) and in particular to ensure the locking of the central part (PC) which includes the location of the axis (A) of the transformable wheel (1).
[0146] The locking device (DR) in the rolling configuration may also comprise a means of fixing on the axis (A).
[0147] It is also advantageous that the transformable wheel (1) comprises a locking device (DC) in compaction configuration which extends the mobile elements (RI) and (R2).
[0148] Still for ergonomic reasons, the locking device (DV) in compaction configuration (DC) can include a lever (L2).
[0149] This is shown [Fig.20] with the detail in side view [Fig.23].
[0150] In this embodiment, the locking device is composed of a ring rectangular secured in rotation to a mobile element (RI), articulated in rotation to a lever (L2) also secured in rotation to a mobile element (R2).
[0151] The sum of the center distance lengths of the lever (L2) and the rectangular ring (L1) is defined to create an extension between the two mobile elements (RI, R2) and in particular to achieve the maximum elongated circumference (CC) in the compaction configuration.
[0152] The locking device (DC) in compaction configuration may also comprise a means of fixing on the axis (A).
[0153] In addition, the locking device in compaction configuration (DC) can also include a means for orienting the wheel relative to the axis in the compaction configuration.
[0154] It is also advantageous for the same device (DV) to perform both rolling mode (DR) and compaction mode (DC) locking.
[0155] For this, the center distance lengths of the lever (L2) and the rectangular ring (L1) must be calculated so that their difference corresponds to the configuration in rolling mode and their sum corresponds to the configuration in compaction mode as shown in Figures 19 and 20.
[0156] [Fig.24] shows the detail of the axis (A) in a preferred embodiment.
[0157] The axle (A) firstly comprises a groove (G) similar to that which is used to hold the wheel on its axle in a conventional manner.
[0158] It also has at its end a non-cylindrical geometric shape (ME).
[0159] The retractable wheel (1) can of course be held on its axle (A) by conventional way by a groove and a circlip or a staple at the level of the central element (PC).
[0160] The same device can be used with the groove (G) to block the rectangular ring (Ll) on the axis (A) in rolling configuration. For this, it is necessary to integrate as illustrated [Fig.25], a plate (PR) with the clip sliding in the groove (G).
[0161] The same device can also be used with the groove (G) to block the rectangular ring (Ll) on the axis (A) in compaction configuration. For this, it is necessary to integrate as illustrated [Fig.26] a plate (PC) with the clip sliding in the groove (G).
[0162] It is also possible to block the rotation of the transformable wheel (1) in the compaction configuration by using the geometric shape (ME) positioned in a space (F) provided for this purpose on the plate (PC). This shape (ME) can be a flat surface allowing two 180° positions of the transformable wheel (1) in the compaction position.
[0163] Optionally, it is possible not to use any support for the transformable wheel (1) on its axis (A) at the level of the central element (PC).
[0164] In this case, in the intermediate position as illustrated [Fig.22], the transformable wheel (1) is not held on the axis (A) either by the plate (PR) or by the plate (PC) and the transformable wheel (1) can be removed from the equipment (E) as a removable wheel.
[0165] In terms of use, it seems unprecedented to use a transformable wheel as a retractable wheel.
[0166] Depending on the uses, the transformable wheel can be used with at least one second wheel placed in front or behind.
[0167] This is illustrated [Fig.27] in rolling configuration and [Fig.28] in retracting configuration.
[0168] In this example the equipment (E) is equipped with a first transformable wheel (1) and a second transformable wheel (2) placed in front of or behind the first.
[0169] In the rolling configuration, the axes of the wheels (1, 2) are positioned at a distance from the ground (SO) equal to the radius, defined so that the equipment (E) has sufficient ground clearance to roll.
[0170] In the retractable configuration, the axles of the wheels (1, 2) remain positioned in the same location on the equipment (C) unlike conventional wheel retractable solutions. On the contrary, it is the shapes of the transformable wheels (1) which adapt to allow the equipment (E) to rest on the ground (SO).
[0171] In this case, the locking device (DR) can be used to lift the equipment (E) from the ground (SO).
[0172] As illustrated [Fig.29] in rolling configuration and [Fig.30] in retracted configuration, it is also possible to design the equipment (E) so that the second wheel (2) is fixed and still allows the equipment to be used in rolling mode with a minimum ground clearance value.
[0173] These retraction solutions have the advantage of being external to the equipment (E) and therefore not penalizing its useful volume by the presence of internal mechanisms. Industrial application
[0174] In terms of industrial application, the transformable wheel concerns numerous transformable equipment such as a stroller or not such as a vehicle as a spare wheel.
[0175] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and shown, but those skilled in the art will be able to provide any variation in accordance with its spirit for a range of products in different fields.
Claims
Claims
1. Transformable wheel (1) comprising a set of sectors (S) articulated together in the plane of the wheel, characterized in that between the rolling configuration and the compacting configuration, the distance (D) at the periphery of at least two consecutive mobile sectors (SM) is reduced in the case of a salient angle or increased in the case of a re-entrant angle.
2. Wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two sectors (SF) which retain the same location in the compaction configuration and in the rolling configuration.
3. Wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 2 characterized in that in compaction configuration, at least two consecutive mobile sectors (SM) are articulated at a re-entrant angle.
4. Wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that in the case of a re-entrant angle, a trajectory of the ends of two consecutive mobile sectors (SM) is substantially an involute of a circle (DC).
5. Wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized by the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors (SM) being obtained by the curvature of the circumference (C).
6. Wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized by the articulation between the two consecutive mobile sectors (SM) an articulation is obtained comprising several pivots (P).
7. Wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that it comprises a central part (PC) along a diameter and two mobile elements (RI) and (R2) moving on this central part along two radii.
8. Wheel according to claim 7 characterized in that it comprises a set of connecting bars (B) with pivots between the two mobile elements (RI) and R2) and the mobile sectors (SM).
9. Wheel according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that it comprises means (M) for moving the two mobile elements (RI) and (R2) apart or closer together.
10. Wheel according to any one of claims 7 to 8 characterized in that it comprises a locking device (DR) in the rolling configuration using a lever (L2).
11. Wheel according to claim 10 characterized in that the device
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20. locking (DR) comprises a means of fixing on the axle (A) of the wheel (1) in rolling configuration. Wheel according to any one of claims 7 to 8 characterized in that it comprises a locking device (DC) in compaction configuration which extends the mobile elements (RI) (R2). Wheel according to claim 12 characterized in that the locking device (DC) in compaction configuration comprises a lever (L2). Wheel according to claim 12 characterized in that the locking device (DC) in compaction configuration comprises a means of fixing on the axis (A) of the wheel (1). Wheel according to claim 12 characterized in that the locking device (DC) in the compaction configuration comprises a means for orienting the wheel (1) relative to the axis (A) of the wheel (1). Method of manufacturing a transformable wheel characterized in that the tread (BR) is manufactured with the external part turned inwards. Use of a transformable wheel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it is used as a retractable wheel. Use according to claim 17 characterized in that a means (M) is used to lift equipment (E) from the ground (SO). Use according to any one of claims 17 to 18, characterized in that the transformable wheel (1) is used with at least one second wheel (2). Use according to claim 19 characterized in that the second wheel (2) is fixed.