Scooter comprising a connecting means between the steering mechanism and the rear axle

Abstract

The invention relates to a scooter (1) comprising a chassis (7), a steering mechanism, a front axle and a rear axle (9). The chassis (7) comprises a support plate (8) and the steering mechanism comprises a steering column (3) and a handlebar (2) fixed to a first end of the steering column (3). The front axle comprises at least one front wheel (5) and the rear axle (9) comprises at least two rear wheels (11). The steering column (3) is connected, at its second end, to the front axle for controlling the direction of the front axle and the steering column (3) is in pivot connection (6) with the chassis (7). The rear axle (9) is connected to the support plate (8) via a transmission means (10) capable of transforming the rotation of the support plate (8) about a longitudinal axis into rotation of the rear axle (9) about a vertical axis and vice versa.Furthermore, the scooter (1) comprises a means for connecting the steering mechanism to the rear axle (9) for transmitting the direction of the rear axle (9) from the steering mechanism or vice versa. Figure 1 to be published.

Description

Title of the invention: Scooter comprising a connecting means between the steering mechanism and the rear axle Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a scooter, which may be an electric scooter or a conventional scooter, i.e. without electrical assistance. Prior art

[0002] In recent years, soft mobility solutions for urban travel have been developing, particularly with the aim of reducing air pollution in large cities. Soft mobility solutions include bicycles and scooters.

[0003] Scooters are generally appreciated for their lightness and compactness. They can be transported on public transport more easily than bicycles and therefore, they are more easily used when the user combines transport with part public transport and part soft mobility. Furthermore, they can be parked more easily than a bicycle.

[0004] However, scooters cause a significant number of accidents, particularly in urban environments. Due to their geometry and the size of their small diameter wheels, scooters are particularly unstable. For example, they are very sensitive to small road defects (pots and bumps, for example). In addition, the scooter's small diameter wheels can leave the user with the impression of being unsafe. Some users may therefore turn away from scooters for this reason.

[0005] Patent application WO 2022 / 091095 relates to a scooter with two front wheels and one rear wheel. This solution seeks to tilt the handlebars relative to the vertical axis to steer the front wheels, while keeping the wheels vertical. However, this solution does not allow for maneuvers with very tight curves. In addition, the system of this patent application is complex. Indeed, it requires many parts interacting with each other. All these parts also make the scooter heavier, while one of the main objectives of using the scooter is precisely its lightness.

[0006] The technical problem that the invention seeks to solve consists of improving the stability of the scooter, particularly at low speed, while allowing tight maneuvers, so as to better adapt the scooter to the urban environment.

[0007] The invention also seeks to increase the user's level of confidence on the scooter by reducing their feeling of insecurity. Summary of the invention

[0008] To address the technical problem, the invention relates to a scooter comprising a chassis, a steering mechanism, a front axle and a rear axle, the chassis comprising a support plate, the steering mechanism comprising a steering column and a handlebar fixed to a first end of the steering column. The front axle comprises at least one front wheel and the rear axle comprises at least two rear wheels. The steering column is connected, at its second end, to the front axle for controlling the direction of the front axle, the steering column being in pivot connection with the chassis. Furthermore, the rear axle is connected to the support plate via a transmission means capable of transforming the rotation of the support plate about a longitudinal axis into rotation of the rear axle about a vertical axis and vice versa.In addition, the scooter includes a connecting means between the steering mechanism and the rear axle for steering the rear axle from the steering mechanism of the front axle or vice versa.

[0009] Advantageously, the scooter comprises a braking system on at least one wheel of the front axle and / or the rear axle to slow down or stop the scooter in operation.

[0010] Advantageously, the scooter includes a parking brake to keep the scooter stationary when stopped.

[0011] According to a variant of the invention, at least one of the wheels of the front axle and / or of the rear axle is connected to an electrical system comprising an electric motor and a battery, the electrical system being capable of driving said wheel and / or of recovering energy from said wheel.

[0012] Preferably, the connecting means is offset laterally relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0013] Preferably, the connecting means comprises connecting rods and / or cables.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting means comprises at least three connecting rods connected to each other by ball joint means, a first of the at least three connecting rods being connected by a first ball joint to the steering mechanism, preferably to the steering column, a second of the at least three connecting rods being connected by a second ball joint to the rear axle, a third of the at least three connecting rods being connected by a pivoting system to the chassis.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the connecting means comprises two cables, each of the two cables being connected, preferably fixed, on either side of the steering mechanism, and each cable is fixed to the rear axle on the opposite side on the side on which it is fixed to the steering mechanism, each cable being in sliding connection with respect to the chassis at a point on the chassis,

[0016] Advantageously, the two cables are connected to the steering mechanism by a steering transmission system, the steering transmission system comprising a main rod oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the axis of the steering column, each cable being fixed to one end of the main rod, the main rod being in pivot connection with respect to the chassis and being connected to one end of a secondary rod, the other end of the secondary rod being connected to the steering mechanism.

[0017] Advantageously, the transmission means comprises a base fixed to the support plate, a bridge and a connecting shaft, the bridge comprising three ends: - a first end of the bridge being connected to the base by a ball joint, - a second end of the bridge comprising a ring, the connecting shaft being mounted in the ring while being connected to the ring and to the base, - a third end on which the rear axle is mounted, the connecting shaft forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis and with the vertical axis and the connecting shaft being connected to the base and / or to the ring by damping means. List of figures

[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the scooter according to the invention will appear on reading the following description of non-limiting examples of embodiments, with reference to the figures appended and described below. [Fig 1]

[0019] [Fig.l] represents a first embodiment of a scooter according to the invention. [Fig 2]

[0020] [Fig.2] shows a transmission means for transmitting the direction to the rear axle from the rotation of the support plate (or vice versa) of a scooter according to the invention. [Fig 3]

[0021] [Fig.3] represents a second embodiment of a scooter according to the invention. [Fig 4]

[0022] [Fig.4] represents a third embodiment of a scooter according to the invention. [Fig 5]

[0023] [Fig.5] shows an example of a transmission means for transmitting the direction to the rear axle from the rotation of the support plate (or vice versa) of a scooter according to the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0024] The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower" are understood to mean the scooter of the invention in an operating situation on horizontal ground. In this situation, the different wheels of the scooter are in contact with the ground.

[0025] The terms "front" and "rear" are understood to mean the scooter in an operating situation with the user facing the handlebars (looking towards the handlebars), the front then being in front of the user and the rear behind him.

[0026] The terms "advance" and "reverse" refer to the forward and backward directions respectively. Advance means forward movement and reverse means backward movement.

[0027] The “longitudinal” direction is the main direction of the scooter which goes from back to front. The longitudinal direction corresponds substantially to the direction of movement of the scooter.

[0028] The “lateral” direction is that which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the vertical direction (when the scooter is operating on horizontal ground).

[0029] The terms “left” and “right” are understood laterally in an operating situation with the user facing the handlebars (looking towards the handlebars).

[0030] The invention relates to a scooter.

[0031] The scooter comprises a chassis, a steering mechanism, a front axle and a rear axle. The scooter may also advantageously comprise a braking system.

[0032] The chassis comprises a support plate that can support a user or a load. The support plate extends mainly in a longitudinal direction that goes from the rear axle to the front axle. The support plate can also be called a "step" or "support plate". It can be, for example, a plate that is sufficiently rigid to support the weight of the user or the load to be transported.

[0033] In addition, the steering mechanism comprises a steering column (or steering rod) and a handlebar attached to a first end (the upper end) of the steering column. By positioning the handlebar at the upper end of the steering column, the handlebar is positioned at a position suitable for the user to position their hands on the handlebar and thus steer the scooter. The steering column can be oriented vertically (when the scooter is in the operation with its wheels in contact with the ground, on horizontal ground) or be oriented along an axis forming a non-zero angle with respect to the vertical axis.

[0034] According to the invention, the front axle comprises at least one front wheel and the rear axle comprises at least two rear wheels. The scooter preferably has three wheels but can also alternatively comprise, for example, four wheels (two front wheels and two rear wheels). With at least three wheels, the scooter can be stable when stationary without requiring a stand due to the presence of stiffening elements (rubbers or springs).

[0035] The steering column is connected, at its second end (at the lower end) to the front axle for controlling the direction of the front axle. To do this, the steering column may comprise a fork in its lower part for its connection with the front axle. Thus, the direction given by the user on the handlebar is transmitted to the front axle to steer the front wheel(s).

[0036] The steering column is in pivot connection with the chassis, and the rear axle is connected to the support plate by means of a transmission means capable of transforming the rotation of the support plate around a longitudinal axis into rotation of the rear axle around a vertical axis and vice versa (for example by means of a pivot axis of the transmission means, the pivot axis forming a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis and with respect to the vertical axis). As a result, it is possible, for example, to orient the wheels of the rear axle in the direction desired by the user. Thus, the user can orient both the front wheels and the rear wheels of the scooter, which increases its maneuverability.

[0037] This transmission means may in particular be a "truck" such as those used on skateboards. These trucks make it possible to steer skateboards, without handlebars, by tilting the skateboard relative to the longitudinal axis, the tilt resulting from the displacement of the user's weight to one side or the other of the skateboard, relative to the longitudinal axis, i.e. laterally. On the scooter, this transmission means may also allow the rear axle to be oriented in one direction, when the user moves his weight to one side or the other of the support plate, laterally, relative to the longitudinal axis. Indeed, the displacement of the user's weight causes the support plate to rotate relative to the longitudinal axis.The transmission means then transforms this rotation into a rotation of the rear axle around a vertical axis to orient the wheels in the desired direction (for example using a pivot axis of the transmission means, the pivot axis forming a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis and with respect to the vertical axis).

[0038] According to the invention, the scooter comprises a connecting means between the steering mechanism and the rear axle for transmitting the direction of the rear axle from of the steering mechanism or vice versa, that is to say to steer the rear axle from the steering mechanism or vice versa. Thanks to this connecting means, the orientation of the at least one front wheel is linked to the orientation of the rear wheels and the inclination of the support plate is linked to the rotation of the rear wheels. This makes it possible in particular to be able to turn on very tight curves, which is particularly useful in an urban environment. In addition, this connecting means makes it possible to provide additional stability to the scooter. In addition, and surprisingly, this connecting means facilitates the maneuverability of the scooter and the control of the direction. This makes it possible to improve safety, for example by limiting falls and accidents. Thus, the scooter according to the invention can convince certain users who are reluctant to use the scooter to use it.

[0039] Advantageously, the scooter may comprise a braking system on at least one wheel of the front axle and / or the rear axle to slow down or stop the scooter in operation. This braking system may be a pad system which rubs on the wheel when the user activates the braking system (by cables for example, the cables being able to be connected to a lever advantageously positioned on the handlebars). The friction generated makes it possible to slow down the wheel, until it stops if necessary. Alternatively, the braking system may be a brake disc which can also be activated by the user by cables to slow down the wheel until it stops if necessary.

[0040] Preferably, the scooter may include a parking brake to keep the scooter stationary when stopped. Indeed, the scooter according to the invention includes at least three wheels. It is therefore stable to maintain a substantially vertical position when it is in the "stop" position with the wheels in contact with the substantially horizontal ground. However, if the ground is not horizontal but sloping, the scooter can be driven into motion by the slope of the ground. The parking brake then makes it possible to keep the scooter stationary on such sloping ground. The parking brake includes two positions: a "free" position where the scooter can be used freely and a "locked" position where at least one wheel of the scooter is locked without the user having to maintain pressure on the parking brake, unlike the braking system.Indeed, the use of the braking system requires the actuation of a mechanism (a lever on the handlebar for example) to maintain the braking. Thanks to the parking brake, the scooter can be parked in a parking lot with the parking brake in the locked position and the user can move away from the scooter while the scooter remains stationary even when the ground is sloping.

[0041] According to a configuration of the invention, at least one of the wheels of the front axle and / or of the rear axle can be connected to an electrical system comprising an electric motor and a battery, the electrical system being capable of driving said wheel and / or to recover energy from said wheel. In this case, the scooter is an electric scooter. The electrical system can then serve as a braking system in operation and the energy can be recovered during braking, in the battery.

[0042] Alternatively, when no wheel of the front axle and the rear axle is connected to an electrical system, the scooter is a conventional scooter without electrical assistance.

[0043] Advantageously, the connecting means can be offset laterally relative to the longitudinal axis. This offset serves as a lever arm to facilitate the transmission of the orientation of the rear wheels to the front wheels or vice versa. This offset can be greater or lesser depending on the user's preferences and the mode of use of the scooter.

[0044] Advantageously, the connecting means may comprise connecting rods and / or cables. This allows a simple and lightweight mechanical transmission between the front axle and the rear axle without requiring an electrical or electronic system between the two. This connecting means does not require electrical or electronic control means, nor sensors or other measuring means.

[0045] According to a first variant of the invention, the connecting means may comprise at least three connecting rods connected to each other by pivot means (also called "ball joint means" or "swivel means"). In this way, the angle formed between the connecting rods may vary depending on the relative positions of the connecting rods around the pivot means of said connecting rods: in other words, the connecting rods may be in relative rotation with each other at the pivot means. The connecting rods may advantageously be connected to each other at their ends. The lengths of the connecting rods depend on the desired transmission movement between the front axle and the rear axle.

[0046] A first of the at least three connecting rods may, for example, be connected by a first ball joint to the steering mechanism (preferably to the steering column). As a result, a change in the orientation of the steering mechanism causes a movement of the first connecting rod (or vice versa) via the first ball joint.

[0047] A second of the at least three connecting rods may be connected by a second ball joint to the rear axle. As a result, a change in the orientation of the rear axle causes a movement of the second connecting rod (or vice versa) via the second ball joint.

[0048] A third of the at least three connecting rods may be connected by a pivoting system to the chassis. This pivoting system may advantageously be located at a point positioned between the two ends of the third connecting rod, for example substantially in the middle of the third connecting rod, one of the two ends of this connecting rod being connected to the first link and the other end being connected to the second link. Thus, the third link can swing around the pivoting system. The combination of these links, the pivot means, the first and second ball joints and the pivoting system allows for transmission of orientation between the two axles, in a simple and pleasant way in terms of use for the user.

[0049] For this variant, the entire connecting means is located on one and the same side of the scooter, laterally.

[0050] According to a second variant of the invention, the connecting means may comprise two cables, each of the two cables being connected (preferably fixed) on either side of the steering mechanism laterally, and each cable may be fixed to the rear axle on the side opposite to the side on which it is connected to the steering mechanism, each cable being in sliding connection at a point on the chassis with the chassis, this point being located on the longitudinal axis. Thus, these two cables can transmit the steering from the front axle to the rear axle or vice versa. This cable system also makes it very light.

[0051] When the steering mechanism steers the front wheel to the left side, for example, the cable connected to the steering mechanism on the other side (right) is then tensioned. By means of this cable, at the point of the sliding connection of the chassis on the longitudinal axis and the attachment of the cable to the rear axle on the opposite side (left), this tension of this cable drives the left side of the rear axle forward. As the left side of the rear axle moves forward, the right side of the rear axle moves back and tightens the second cable which is connected to this side (right) of the rear axle. By means of this second cable, at the point of sliding connection of the chassis on the longitudinal axis and the attachment of this second cable to the steering mechanism on the left side, this tension of this second cable drives the left side of the steering mechanism backward.

[0052] Obviously, the cable connection means being symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis, if the steering mechanism steers the wheel to the right, the whole system operates in reverse.

[0053] According to an advantageous configuration of this second variant of the invention, the two cables can be connected to the steering mechanism by a steering transmission system and the steering transmission system can then comprise a main link and a secondary link. The main link can for example be oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the axis of the steering column and each cable can then be connected (fixed for example) to one end of the main link. In addition, the main link can be pivotally connected relative to the chassis around an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the steering column. In addition, the main link can be connected to one end of a secondary link, the other end of the secondary link being connected to the steering mechanism. This solution allows a good compromise between the maneuverability of the scooter, the simplicity of the system and the ease of installation of the system on the scooter. Indeed, with the linkages, by the kinematics of the returns, a non-linearity is obtained between the rotation of the handlebars and that of the steering mechanism. This non-linearity is interesting to facilitate the maneuverability of the scooter. The use of cables allows to simplify the system, to lighten it and to make its installation on the scooter easier compared to a solution with only linkages.

[0054] Preferably, the transmission means may comprise a base plate (called a “Base Plate” in English) fixed to the support plate, for example on the lower face of the support plate facing the ground when the scooter is in the operating position. The transmission means may also comprise a bridge and a connecting axle). The bridge (called a “hanger” in English) may comprise three ends: - a first end of the bridge being connected to the base by a ball joint, - a second end of the bridge comprising a ring, - a third end on which the rear axle is mounted. The kingpin can be mounted in the ring by being connected to the ring. The kingpin can also be connected to the base. The kingpin forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis and with the vertical axis.

[0055] This transmission means makes it possible to transform the rotation of the support plate around the longitudinal axis into rotation of the rear axle around a vertical axis and therefore to orient the rear wheels (for example by means of a pivot axis of the transmission means, the pivot axis forming a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis and relative to the vertical axis).

[0056] The connecting pin may be connected to the base and / or to the ring by damping means (called “Bushing” in English). The damping means may be, for example, substantially annular parts made of elastomer or rubber which may deform slightly to allow a certain degree of freedom so that the connecting pin can move slightly. These parts may in particular be mounted between the connecting pin and the ring and / or between the connecting pin and the base.

[0057] The damping means may also (additionally and / or alternatively) comprise one or more springs. Springs may for example be positioned between the base and the bridge on either side of the connecting axis. The choice of the type of damping means and / or the material of the damping means (elastomer for example) and the greater or lesser tightening The connection axis with the bridge and the base determine the rigidity or flexibility of the assembly. Thus, it is possible to adjust this rigidity according to the user's preferences and the mode of use of the scooter (urban travel mode or sports use for example).

[0058] Furthermore, the greater the angle of the connecting axis relative to the longitudinal axis, the greater the steering angle of the rear axle for the same inclination of the support plate relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0059] Such a means of transmission can thus constitute a “truck”.

[0060] Other types of transmission means may be used. They may in particular comprise a pivot axis inclined at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis and relative to the vertical axis to enable the transformation of the rotation of the rear axle into rotation of the support plate or vice versa.

[0061] [Fig. 1] illustrates, in a schematic and non-limiting manner, a first embodiment of a scooter according to the invention.

[0062] In this figure, diagrams a) and b) represent the scooter 1 in a plane passing through the vertical axis and through the longitudinal axis of the scooter, respectively with the wheels of the scooter oriented in the longitudinal axis for diagram a) and with the front wheel oriented to the right for diagram b).

[0063] Diagrams c) and d) are views of the scooter from above (in a plane orthogonal to the vertical axis), respectively diagrams a) and b).

[0064] The scooter 1 comprises a steering mechanism with a steering column 3 and a handlebar 2 positioned and fixed in the upper part of the steering column 3.

[0065] The steering column 3 is in pivot connection 6 with the chassis 7.

[0066] In the lower part of the steering column 3, there is a fork 4 which allows the steering mechanism to be connected to the front axle on which the front wheel 5 is mounted.

[0067] The scooter 1 also includes the chassis 7 which includes a support plate 8 for supporting the user. In other words, the support plate 8 acts as a footboard.

[0068] The support plate 8 is connected to the rear axle 9 by a transmission means 10. The transmission means 10 comprises a pivot axis oriented in a direction BB which forms a non-zero angle r with respect to the longitudinal axis AA of the support plate 8 and with respect to the vertical axis, in a vertical plane. This non-zero angle r makes it possible to transform the inclination of the support plate 8 with respect to the longitudinal axis AA into rotation of the rear axle 9 with respect to the vertical direction (or conversely to transform the rotation of the rear axle 9 with respect to the vertical direction into inclination of the support plate 8 with respect to the axis longitudinal AA) to orient the rear wheels 11, mounted on the rear axle 9, so as to facilitate steering.

[0069] Furthermore, the scooter 1 comprises a connecting means with connecting rods.

[0070] This connecting means comprises a first connecting rod 12 connected on the one hand to the steering column 3 (to the fork 4 of the steering column 3 for example) by a first ball joint 15 and on the other hand to a third connecting rod 13 by another ball joint.

[0071] The connecting means comprises a second connecting rod 14 connected on the one hand to the rear axle 9 by a second ball joint 17 and on the other hand to the third connecting rod 13 by another ball joint. In other words, the connecting means here comprises three connecting rods (other connecting rods could be used) and the third connecting rod 13 serves as a connection between the first and second connecting rods 12 and 14. The connecting rods are connected to each other by ball joints 18 and 19 which allow relative rotation of the connecting rods between them.

[0072] In addition, the third link 13 is connected by a pivoting system 16 to the chassis 7 at a point located between the ends of the third link 13, so that the third link 13 can tilt around this pivoting system 16.

[0073] Thus, when the handlebar 2 is turned to the right (as in diagrams b) and d) ), the front wheel 5 is steered to the right by the steering mechanism and the fork 4. As the first link 12 is fixed on the left side (but could alternatively be fixed on the right side of the scooter), the end of the first link 12 connected to the steering mechanism is moved forward. Consequently, the end of the first link 12 connected to the third link 13 moves forward and the third link 13 tilts around the pivoting system 16. As a result, the other end of this third link 13 moves backward (relative to the direction of use of the scooter). As this end is connected to the second link 14, itself connected to the rear axle 9, the second link 14 moves the left side of the rear axle 9 backward (see diagram d) ).Thus, the connecting means allows the rear axle 9 to be oriented from the steering mechanism. The orientation of the rear axle 9 (by its rotation relative to the vertical axis) causes the support plate 8 to be tilted by the transmission means 10.

[0074] Of course, if the steering mechanism is oriented to the left, the system is similar, except that the parts which moved forward when the steering mechanism was oriented to the right, move back and those which moved back when the steering mechanism was oriented to the right, move forward.

[0075] Of course also, in [Fig.l], the connecting means is positioned on the left of the scooter but could be positioned on the right. The use of connecting rods makes it possible to have a system that works equally well when the steering mechanism is oriented to the left or to the right.

[0076] The connecting means is offset by a distance d relative to the longitudinal axis, so as to generate a lever arm. Of course, this distance d can be adjusted according to the user and the function of the scooter: in fact, the greater the distance d, the greater the lever arm and the less it is possible to make tight curves.

[0077] [Fig. 2] illustrates, in a schematic and non-limiting manner, an example of a transmission means between the support plate 8 and the rear axle 9 of a scooter according to the invention.

[0078] The scooter comprises a steering mechanism (not shown), a front axle (not shown), a chassis 7 and a rear axle 9.

[0079] The chassis 7 comprises a support plate 8.

[0080] The figure illustrates the scooter in a vertical plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the chassis 7.

[0081] The support plate 8 is connected by a transmission means 10 to the rear axle 9 which comprises two rear wheels 11.

[0082] The transmission means 10 is such that, when the support plate 8 is inclined relative to the horizontal (it has a rotation around the longitudinal axis) as shown in the figure, the rear wheels 11 are oriented in a direction forming a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the chassis 7, as shown.

[0083] [Fig. 3] illustrates, in a schematic and non-limiting manner, a second embodiment of a scooter according to the invention.

[0084] In this figure, diagrams a) and b) represent the scooter 1 in a plane passing through the vertical axis and through the longitudinal axis of the scooter, respectively with the wheels of the scooter oriented in the longitudinal axis for diagram a) and with the front wheel oriented to the right for diagram b).

[0085] Diagrams c) and d) are views of the scooter from above (in a plane orthogonal to the vertical axis), respectively diagrams a) and b).

[0086] The scooter 1 comprises a steering mechanism with a steering column 3 and a handlebar 2 positioned and fixed in the upper part of the steering column 3.

[0087] The steering column 3 is in pivot connection 6 with the chassis 7.

[0088] In the lower part of the steering column 3, there is a fork 4 which allows the steering mechanism to be connected to the front axle on which the front wheel 5 is mounted.

[0089] The scooter 1 also includes the chassis 7 which includes a support plate 8 for supporting the user. In other words, the support plate 8 acts as a footboard.

[0090] The support plate 8 is connected to the rear axle 9 by a transmission means 10. The transmission means 10 comprises a pivot axis oriented in a direction BB which forms a non-zero angle r with respect to the longitudinal axis AA of the support plate 8 and with respect to the vertical axis, in a vertical plane. This non-zero angle r makes it possible to transform the inclination of the support plate 8 with respect to the longitudinal axis AA into rotation of the rear axle 9 with respect to the vertical direction (or conversely to transform the rotation of the rear axle 9 with respect to the vertical direction into inclination of the support plate 8 with respect to the longitudinal axis AA) to orient the rear wheels 11, mounted on the rear axle 9, so as to facilitate steering.

[0091] Furthermore, the scooter 1 comprises a means of connection with cables.

[0092] This connecting means comprises two cables 20. The cables can be placed in cable sheaths 21 which allow the cables 20 to be guided and in which the cables 20 can slide.

[0093] Each cable 20 is connected on one side of the steering mechanism by a steering mechanism cable connection 23 and on the opposite side to the rear axle 9 by a rear axle cable connection 22. In addition, the cables 20 are mounted symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support plate.

[0094] The cables 20 are in sliding connection 24 relative to the chassis at a point of the chassis located on the longitudinal axis.

[0095] Thus, when the handlebar 2 is turned to the right (as in diagrams b) and d) ), the front wheel 5 is steered to the right by the steering mechanism and the fork 4. As one of the cables 20 is connected on the left lateral side, the end of this cable 20 connected to the steering mechanism is advanced in the longitudinal direction forward: the cable 20 becomes taut. Consequently, the other end of this cable 20 connected to the right side of the rear axle 9 advances (in the longitudinal direction). As the rear axle 9 advances to the right, it moves back on the left side (in the longitudinal direction). As the end of the other cable 20 is connected to the left side of the rear axle 9 which moves back, this causes the cable to be taut, which causes the end of this cable connected to the right of the steering mechanism to move back on the right side. Thus, the connecting means allows orientation of the rear axle 9 from the steering mechanism.The orientation of the rear axle 9 (by its rotation relative to the vertical axis) causes the support plate 8 to be tilted by the transmission means 10.

[0096] Of course, if the steering mechanism is oriented to the left, the operation is reversed due to the symmetry of the system.

[0097] [Fig.4] illustrates, in a schematic and non-limiting manner, a third embodiment of a scooter according to the invention.

[0098] In this figure, diagrams a) and b) represent the scooter 1 in a plane passing through the vertical axis and through the longitudinal axis of the scooter, respectively with the scooter wheels oriented in the longitudinal axis for diagram a) and with the front wheel oriented to the right for diagram b).

[0099] Diagrams c) and d) are views of the scooter from above (in a plane orthogonal to the vertical axis), respectively diagrams a) and b).

[0100] The scooter 1 comprises a steering mechanism with a steering column 3 and a handlebar 2 positioned and fixed in the upper part of the steering column 3.

[0101] The steering column 3 is in pivot connection 6 with the chassis 7.

[0102] In the lower part of the steering column 3, there is a fork 4 which allows the connection of the steering mechanism to the front axle on which the front wheel 5 is mounted.

[0103] The scooter 1 also includes the chassis 7 which includes a support plate 8 for supporting the user. In other words, the support plate 8 acts as a footboard.

[0104] The support plate 8 is connected to the rear axle 9 by a transmission means 10. The transmission means 10 comprises a pivot axis oriented in a direction BB which forms a non-zero angle r with respect to the longitudinal axis AA of the support plate 8 and with respect to the vertical axis. This non-zero angle r makes it possible to transform the inclination of the support plate 8 with respect to the longitudinal axis AA into rotation of the rear axle 9 with respect to the vertical direction to orient the rear wheels 11, mounted on the rear axle 9, so as to facilitate steering.

[0105] Furthermore, the scooter 1 comprises a connecting means with cables and connecting rods.

[0106] This connecting means comprises two cables 20. The cables can be placed in cable sheaths 21 which allow the cables 20 to be guided and in which the cables 20 can slide.

[0107] Each cable 20 is connected on one side of the steering mechanism by a steering transmission system and on the opposite side to the rear axle 9 by a rear axle cable connection 22 and the cables 20 are mounted symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support plate 8.

[0108] The cables 20 are in sliding connection 24, relative to the chassis, at a point of the chassis located on the longitudinal axis.

[0109] The steering transmission system comprises a main rod 25 oriented substantially horizontally and substantially parallel to the front axle when the front wheel is oriented in the longitudinal direction (diagrams a) and c)). As a result, the main rod 25 is substantially orthogonal both to the steering column and to the longitudinal direction (when the front wheel is oriented longitudinally).

[0110] The main connecting rod 25 is connected to the chassis 7 by a pivot link 28 with an axis substantially parallel to the steering column 3.

[0111] Each of the two cables 20 is connected to a separate end of the main rod 25 by a main rod / cable connection 26.

[0112] Furthermore, the main link 25 is also connected by a pivot connection 29 with one end of a secondary link 27. The other end of this secondary link 27 is connected to the steering mechanism by a pivot 30.

[0113] Thus, when the handlebar 2 is turned to the right (as in diagrams b) and d) ), the front wheel 5 is steered to the right by the steering mechanism and the fork 4. The steering transmission system steers the main link 25 slightly to the right, by rotating this link around the pivot connection 28 relative to the chassis 7. This rotation of the main link 25 has the effect of tensioning the cable 20 which is located to the left of the steering column 3. Consequently, the other end of this cable 20 connected to the right side of the rear axle 9 moves forward (in the longitudinal direction). As the rear axle 9 moves forward to the right, it moves back on the left side (in the longitudinal direction).As the end of the other cable 20 is connected to the left side of the rear axle 9 which is moving backward, this causes the cable to be tensioned, which causes the end of this cable connected to the right side of the steering transmission system (by the main link 25) to move backward. The secondary link 27 serves to control the rotation of the main link 25 about its pivot connection 28 relative to the chassis 7. Thus, the connection means allows the rear axle 9 to be steered from the steering mechanism.

[0114] Of course, if the steering mechanism is oriented to the left, the operation is reversed.

[0115] [Fig.5] illustrates, in a schematic and non-limiting manner, an example of a means of transmission of the rear axle of a scooter according to the invention.

[0116] In this figure, the scooter comprises a support plate 8. On the lower face of the support plate 8, the transmission means 10 is fixed.

[0117] The transmission means 10 comprises a base (“Base plate” in English) 31 fixed on the support plate 8.

[0118] The transmission means 10 also comprises a connecting shaft 36 (between the bridge and the base) and a bridge 32. The bridge 32 (“hanger” in English) comprises at least three ends. A first end 33 of the bridge 32 is connected to the base by a ball joint.

[0119] A second end 34 of the bridge 32 comprises a ring and the rear axle 9 is mounted on a third end 35 of the bridge 32.

[0120] The connecting axis 36, oriented in a direction DI which forms a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the support plate 8 and with respect to the vertical axis, is connected on the one hand to the base 31 and on the other hand to the ring of the second end 34 of the bridge 32. The connecting axis 36 is connected to these parts by damping means 37 so as to allow a slight possible displacement in translation or in rotation of the connecting axis 36 relative to the direction D1.

[0121] Thus, when the support plate 8 is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis, for example by moving the user's weight to one side or the other, laterally, relative to the longitudinal axis, this rotation is transformed by a rotation around the vertical axis for the rear axle 9 by the transmission means 10, around a pivot axis D2, passing substantially through the first end 33 and the second end 34. Thus, the transformation of the rotation around the vertical axis of the rear axle into rotation around the longitudinal axis of the support plate (and vice versa) is possible thanks to the pivot axis D2 which also forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis and with the vertical axis to allow this transformation.This pivot axis D2 is generated by the structure described but of course, this pivot axis inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis and with respect to the vertical axis could be obtained by other embodiments of transmission means.

[0122] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated and on the contrary embraces all variants.

Claims

1. Claims Scooter (1) comprising a chassis (7), a steering mechanism, a front axle and a rear axle (9), the chassis (7) comprising a support plate (8), the steering mechanism comprising a steering column (3) and a handlebar (2) fixed to a first end of the steering column (3), the front axle comprising at least one front wheel (5) and the rear axle (9) comprising at least two rear wheels (11), the steering column (3) being connected, at its second end, to the front axle for controlling the direction of the front axle, the steering column (3) being in pivot connection (6) with the chassis (7), and the rear axle (9) being connected to the support plate (8) via a transmission means (10) capable of transforming the rotation of the support plate (8) about a longitudinal axis into rotation of the rear axle (9) about a vertical axis and vice versa,characterized in that the scooter (1) comprises a connecting means between the steering mechanism and the rear axle (9) for steering the rear axle (9) from the steering mechanism of the front axle or vice versa and in that the connecting means comprises connecting rods and / or cables (20):, - either, the connecting means comprises at least three connecting rods (12, 13, 14) connected to each other by ball joint means (18, 19), a first (12) of the at least three connecting rods being connected by a first ball joint (15) to the steering mechanism, preferably to the steering column (3), a second (14) of the at least three connecting rods being connected by a second ball joint (17) to the rear axle (9), a third (13) of the at least three connecting rods being connected by a pivoting system (16) to the chassis (7); - either the connecting means comprises two cables (20), each of the two cables (20) being connected, preferably fixed, on either side of the steering mechanism, and each cable (20) is fixed to the rear axle (9) on the side opposite to the side on which it is fixed to the steering mechanism, each cable (20) being in sliding connection (24) relative to the chassis at a point on the chassis, the two cables (20) being connected to the steering mechanism by a steering transmission system, the steering transmission system comprising a main connecting rod (25) oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the axis of the steering column, each cable (20) being fixed to one end of the main link (25), the main link (25) being in pivot connection (28) relative to the chassis (7) and being connected to one end of a secondary link (27), the other end of the secondary link (27) being connected to the steering mechanism

2. Scooter according to claim 1, comprising a braking system on at least one wheel of the front axle and / or the rear axle for slowing down or stopping the scooter (1) in operation.

3. Scooter according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a parking brake for keeping the scooter (1) stationary when stopped.

4. Scooter according to one of the preceding claims, for which at least one of the wheels of the front axle and / or of the rear axle (9) is connected to an electrical system comprising an electric motor and a battery, the electrical system being capable of driving said wheel and / or of recovering energy from said wheel.

5. Scooter according to one of the preceding claims, for which the connecting means is offset laterally relative to the longitudinal axis.

6. Scooter according to one of the preceding claims, for which the transmission means (10) comprises a base (31) fixed to the support plate (8), a bridge (32) and a connecting shaft (36), the bridge (32) comprising three ends: - a first end (33) of the bridge (32) being connected to the base (31) by a ball joint, - a second end (34) of the bridge (32) comprising a ring, the connecting shaft (36) being mounted in the ring while being connected to the ring and to the base (31), - a third end (34) on which the rear axle (9) is mounted, the connecting shaft (36) forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis and with the vertical axis and the connecting shaft (36) being connected to the base (31) and / or to the ring by damping means (37).

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