Go-kart including an adjustable pedal set

Abstract

Title: Kart comprising an adjustable pedal assembly. The invention relates to a kart (100) comprising a chassis and a pedal assembly movably mounted on the chassis between two extreme positions, namely: - a first position, called the proximal position, in which the pedal assembly is closest to the rear of the kart (100), and - a second position, called the distal position, in which the pedal assembly is furthest from the rear of said kart (100), characterized in that said pedal assembly is carried by a carriage guided along a support and / or guide element integral with the chassis and having at least two guide portions separated by a ridge. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Go-kart comprising an adjustable pedal set Scope of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of recreational vehicles, and more specifically that of go-karts.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to the adjustment of karts, according to the size of the driver.

[0003] Karts are motorized vehicles (powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors, for example) operated on closed tracks, as opposed to vehicles traveling on public roads. These tracks are either outdoor (generally referred to as "outdoor") or indoor (generally referred to as "indoor").

[0004] Two main categories of karts can be distinguished: rental karts and leisure-competition karts.

[0005] The first are operated by professionals who rent them to individuals (ticket rental), or to companies as part of staff motivation seminars or other events.

[0006] The latter are mostly owned by private individuals, who use them for leisure, training and participating in competitions.

[0007] The invention can be applied to all categories of go-karts. However, it is particularly applicable to rental go-karts. Indeed, these go-karts are driven by many different people, who may be of very different heights. It is therefore particularly desirable to adapt the go-kart to the height of its different drivers. Prior art

[0008] A go-kart generally has two pedals, an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, mounted on a pedal assembly. Each pedal is intended to be operated by one of the driver's feet.

[0009] In most existing karts, the pedal assembly is fixed, and its position (i.e. its distance from the seat) is a compromise, ultimately poorly suited to most users.

[0010] There are also go-karts in which the pedals are mounted on a sliding assembly that can be moved closer to or further from the seat at will. The pedal assembly can then assume a set of discrete positions relative to the seat, defined, for example, by a set of perforations made in a plate attached to a beam on which the pedal assembly slides, into which a locking lug attached to the pedal assembly fits.

[0011] When a user takes their place on board the kart, the position of the pedal assembly must be adjusted so that it is adapted to the size of their legs, and allows them to press on the pedals with sufficient force.

[0012] This adjustment proves to be relatively tedious, since it generally requires the intervention of a third party, for example the track operator, who has to unlock the pedal assembly, using a lever provided for this purpose near the pedals, move it to the position adapted to the height of the rider, and then lock it manually in this new position.

[0013] This is time-consuming for the track operator, who has to intervene on all the karts at each session, and ultimately generates a financial loss.

[0014] In some cases, the driver can reach the adjustment lever himself, although this is not easy when he is sitting in the kart seat.

[0015] When a taller user takes over from a shorter user, moving the pedal assembly is relatively easy, as the user can push the pedals away from the seat with their feet. However, it becomes much more complex when a shorter user takes over from a taller user in the kart: in this case, the user must pull on the pedals, either with their feet or hands, to move them closer to the seat, which is difficult, if not impossible, without assistance.

[0016] Finally, despite the possibility of adjusting the distance between the pedals and the seat, the driver's position may be uncomfortable for the drivers.

[0017] To remedy this, it is known to make the seat movable on the chassis, in particular by rotation to lengthen or straighten the pilot.

[0018] This then requires a double adjustment, which further increases the intervention time for the operator.

[0019] For information purposes, the adjustment time may take several minutes and may result in a significant financial loss of operation.

[0020] Objectives of the invention

[0021] The invention aims in particular to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0022] More generally, there is a need for a go-kart whose various elements can adapt to any type of pilot, regardless of their size and build.

[0023] More particularly, an objective of the present invention is to provide a kart that optimizes the comfort and ergonomics of the pedal assembly, regardless of the size of the driver.

[0024] The invention also aims to provide a kart that allows for simple adjustments to the driving position in a discreet or continuous manner.

[0025] The invention also aims to provide such a device, which is simple and inexpensive to implement.

[0026] The invention further aims to provide such a device, which is easily adjustable by the driver, when installed in the kart, without external assistance. Description of the invention

[0027] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a go-kart comprising a chassis and a pedal assembly movably mounted on the chassis between two extreme positions, namely: - a first position, called the proximal position, in which the pedal assembly is closest to the rear of the kart, and - a second position, called the distal position, in which the pedal assembly is furthest from the rear of the kart, characterized in that said pedal assembly is carried by a carriage guided along a support and / or guide element integral with the chassis and having at least two guide portions separated by a ridge: - a first portion connecting said ridge to said proximal position and extending away from the frame towards the ridge, and - a second portion connecting said ridge to said distal position and moving closer to the chassis from the ridge.

[0028] The pedal adjustment allows the kart to be adapted easily and quickly to the user.

[0029] More specifically, the presence of the first portion and the second portion separated from each other by the ridge offers an optimal, or almost optimal, piloting position to pilots regardless of their size, without requiring seat adjustment as is generally the case.

[0030] Indeed, on the first portion, the pedal assembly moves away from the chassis as it approaches the crest, while on the second portion, the pedal assembly moves closer to the chassis as it moves away from the crest.

[0031] Thus, the first and second portions make it possible to do without the need to adjust the position of the seat since the absence of seat tilt adjustment is compensated by the sole adjustment of the pedal assembly.

[0032] This ease of adjusting the pedal position directly benefits operating costs since the kart's downtime is reduced each time a user changes. In other words, the operator can quickly and comfortably adjust each kart for each user, and thus get the karts back on track faster than with existing karts.

[0033] According to an advantageous aspect, the kart includes a secondary support and / or guide element of said trolley extending parallel to said support and / or guide element.

[0034] The secondary support and / or guide element improves the guidance of the crankset during its movement between two positions. This limits, or even eliminates, the risk of the crankset jamming, which would make adjusting its position difficult, or impossible in the worst-case scenario.

[0035] This results in a significant reduction in the risk of premature damage to the trolley, as the user or operator does not have to force the pedal assembly into position.

[0036] According to an advantageous aspect, said first portion has a first slope and said second portion has a second slope, higher than the first slope.

[0037] The presence of these two slopes offers a comfortable piloting position without requiring adjustment of the seat position.

[0038] The benefit is then significant in terms of adjustment time, which is greatly reduced, in terms of ease of adjustment since the user or operator only has to adjust the position of the pedal assembly, and in terms of operating costs since the karts can be used for longer periods (less downtime for adjustment).

[0039] However, seat adjustment remains possible to further improve the piloting position, and / or facilitate maintenance.

[0040] According to an advantageous aspect, said carriage carries at least one guide roller rolling along the support and / or guide element and / or the secondary support and / or guide element.

[0041] The use of a guide roller makes it possible to avoid the rotation of the crankset on the support and / or guide element and / or the secondary support and / or guide element when adjusting it into position.

[0042] According to an advantageous aspect, at least one of the support and / or guide element and the secondary support and / or guide element carries indexing means for said carriage, capable of locking said carriage in a plurality of predefined positions along the support and / or guide element and / or the secondary support and / or guide element.

[0043] The indexing means offer a plurality of safe positions for the carriage.

[0044] According to an advantageous aspect, said indexing means comprise a plurality of housings made on the support and / or guide element and / or the secondary support and / or guide element, a locking member integral with the carriage being intended to cooperate with said housings.

[0045] The cooperation between the locking mechanism and the plurality of housings makes it possible to create the plurality of safe positions mentioned above.

[0046] Indeed, each housing defines a position corresponding to a range of user sizes. Thus, for several different sizes, the same position can be used to guarantee piloting comfort for the pilot.

[0047] Furthermore, the reception of the locking element in the housings ensures that the trolley, and therefore the pedal assembly, remains in position.

[0048] Thus, despite the roughness of the track, the position of the pedal assembly remains stable when using the kart.

[0049] According to an advantageous aspect, the indexing means also include a remote unlocking control device, including an actuator and linkage means connecting said actuator to the locking means of said carriage.

[0050] The remote control device ensures easy adjustment of the pedal position for the operator who does not have to adopt a constraining position.

[0051] For example, by placing the remote control device on the steering column, the operator can, with one hand, manipulate the remote control device and rest on said steering column, and with the other hand manipulate the carriage to adjust the position of the pedal assembly.

[0052] This same configuration can even allow the user to adjust their kart themselves while seated. To do this, the user, i.e., the driver, manipulates the remote control device and then uses their legs to position the pedals at the distance they consider optimal for driving.

[0053] According to an advantageous aspect, the kart includes a mechanism for returning the cart to its proximal position.

[0054] Thus, when a user succeeds a taller user and has to adjust the position of the pedal assembly itself, the return mechanism allows the pedal assembly to be brought closer to the user's feet, which facilitates the adjustment for the latter.

[0055] According to an advantageous aspect, the return member comprises a constant force type spring.

[0056] Such a spring avoids jolts and allows a smooth movement of the pedal assembly when moving towards the proximal position.

[0057] In other words, there is no risk that the speed of the pedals will injure the rider by hitting his feet when adjusting the pedal position.

[0058] According to an advantageous aspect, the support and / or guide element extends, beyond the proximal position, by a portion of junction to the chassis carrying means for adjusting the inclination of a steering column.

[0059] This architecture thus offers compactness to the kart's control elements.

[0060] Furthermore, this makes it possible to reinforce a central portion of the kart chassis, which benefits its balance and the optimal positioning of the center of gravity.

[0061] According to an advantageous aspect, the support and / or guide element and / or the secondary support and / or guide element has a circular cross-section.

[0062] Such a section offers a good compromise between guidance and mechanical resistance while limiting the mass of the kart.

[0063] Furthermore, the use of tubes with a circular cross-section makes it easier to manufacture the kart, for example by folding, rolling or bending the tubes.

[0064] According to an advantageous aspect, the kart includes a seat mounted fixed relative to the chassis.

[0065] Because the seat is fixed to the chassis, the center of gravity of the kart is improved and does not change, or hardly changes, depending on the driver.

[0066] This then benefits the kart driving which is then more enjoyable for the drivers, which increases the sensations felt by the driver. Figures

[0067] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings described below.

[0068] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a schematic perspective top view representation of a go-kart comprising an adjustable pedal assembly according to the invention.

[0069] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic top perspective representation of a part of the kart chassis of [Fig.1].

[0070] [Fig. 3] [Fig. 3] is a schematic side view representation of a part of the chassis and the adjustable pedal assembly according to the invention.

[0071] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic top perspective representation of the pedal assembly according to the invention, this view including a detailed medallion at an enlarged scale. Detailed description of the invention

[0072] Figure 1 illustrates a kart 100 comprising a chassis 200 on which are mounted: - a 300 seat; - motor means to drive the wheels in rotation and move the kart 100; - a 400 crankset, and - 500 steering control means.

[0073] The seat 300 is advantageously fixed on the chassis 200. Also, when adjusting the kart following a change of driver, the position of the seat 300 does not change.

[0074] However, to facilitate maintenance of the kart 100, the seat 300 could be movable over a small range of motion to avoid its temporary removal to allow access to components located under the seat 300. In other words, the seat 300 is not movable to adjust the driver's position but only to facilitate maintenance of the kart 100 when it is not in use. However, a slight A 300mm seat travel could be provided in order to further optimize the adjustment of the piloting position.

[0075] As will be described below, the steering control means 400 and the pedal assembly 500 are mounted movably on the chassis 200.

[0076] More specifically, the pedal assembly 400 is mounted movably on the chassis 200 between two extreme positions, namely: - a first position, called the proximal position, in which the 400 pedal assembly is closest to the rear of the 100 kart, and - a second position, called the distal position, in which the 400 pedal assembly is furthest from the rear of said kart 100.

[0077] The rear and front of the kart 100 are defined according to a general direction of forward movement of the kart 100, illustrated by the arrow F on the [Fig.1].

[0078] To ensure its mobility on the chassis 200, the pedal assembly 400 is carried by a carriage 410 guided along a support and / or guide element 210.

[0079] The carriage 410 has a general U-shape having a base 411 and two side walls extending from the base 411. More particularly, the carriage has a first side wall 412 carrying an accelerator pedal 413, and a second side wall 414 carrying a brake pedal 415.

[0080] The carriage 410 carries at an upper end opposite to the base 411, rollers 416 intended to cooperate with the support and / or guide element 210 as will be described later.

[0081] Each roller 416 is a U-type roller, that is to say, it has a convex running track opening outwards.

[0082] With reference to [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4], each carriage 410 carries a plurality of rollers 416 arranged in pairs so as to be able to cooperate with an upper and / or lower portion of the support and / or guide element 210. The rollers 416 of the same pair are grouped together by means of two connecting rods 417. This makes it possible to keep the rollers 416 spaced apart at a constant rate while ensuring that at least one of the rollers 416 of the same pair remains in contact with the support and / or guide element 210.

[0083] The support and / or guide element 210 is made by a tube with a circular cross-section which is folded, rolled or bent to define at least two guide portions, as explained below.

[0084] With reference to [Fig.3], the two guide portions are separated by a ridge 211.

[0085] In more detail, the support and / or guide element 210 has: - a first portion 212 connecting said ridge 211 to said proximal position and extending away from the frame 200 towards ridge 211, and - a second portion 213 connecting said ridge 211 to said distal position and moving closer to the chassis 200 from ridge 211.

[0086] In other words, the first portion 212 connects the ridge 211 to a portion of the chassis located near the seat 300, and the second portion 213 connects said ridge 211 to a portion of the chassis located at a distance from the seat 300.

[0087] Thus, when the carriage 410 is located on the first portion 212, it is closer to the seat 300 than when it is located on the second portion 213 of the support and / or guide element 210.

[0088] As illustrated by [Fig.2], the support and / or guide element 210 is integral with the chassis 200.

[0089] The support and / or guide element 210 is attached to cross members of the chassis 200. More specifically, the support and / or guide element 210 is attached to a central cross member 201 by its first portion 212, and to a front cross member 202 by its second portion 213.

[0090] The front crossmember 202 allows, for example, the attachment of a front bumper for the kart 100.

[0091] With further reference to [Fig. 3], the first portion 212 has a first slope and the second portion 213 has a second slope, greater than the first slope. The slopes are defined, for example, by a percentage or, as in the present case, an angle.

[0092] A horizontal plane P is defined as a general extension plane of the chassis 200.

[0093] The first portion 212 forms a first angle Al with the plane P between 9° and 13°. The second portion 213 forms a second angle A2 with the plane P between 12.5° and 16.5°.

[0094] To obtain an optimal angle between the tibia and the foot of the pilots, for all positions of the 400 pedal set, or almost, the first angle Al is preferably 11° and the second angle A2 is preferably 14.5°.

[0095] Thus, regardless of their size, each pilot will find a comfortable position for piloting.

[0096] As illustrated by [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], the kart 100 includes a secondary support and / or guide element 220 of said trolley 410.

[0097] The secondary support and / or guide element 220 extends parallel to said support and / or guide element 210.

[0098] With reference to [Fig. 2], the secondary support and / or guide element 220 comprises two parallel tubes defining a space between them in which at least one guide roller 418 carried by the carriage 410 is housed. The or each roller 418 is intended to roll the rope of the secondary support and / or guide element 220.

[0099] More specifically, the carriage 410 carries two rollers 418 mounted freely to rotate on the base 411.

[0100] The rollers 418 thus prevent the rotation of the carriage 410, and therefore of the pedal assembly 400 around the support and / or guide element 210.

[0101] The tubes forming the secondary support and / or guide element 220 have a circular cross-section and are bent or curved to follow the guide portions of the support and / or guide element 210.

[0102] As illustrated by [Fig.2], and like the support and / or guide element 210, the secondary support and / or guide element 220 is attached to the central cross member 201 at one end, and to the front cross member 202 at a second end.

[0103] Thus, the secondary support and / or guide element 220 is positioned between the chassis 200 and the support and / or guide element 210. The carriage 410 is then suspended on the support and / or guide element 210 by means of the rollers 416.

[0104] According to an unillustrated variant, the support and / or guide element 210 is positioned between the chassis 200 and the secondary support and / or guide element 220. In this case, the position of the U forming the carriage 410 is then reversed, and the carriage is supported on the support and / or guide element 210 by means of the rollers 416.

[0105] Furthermore, the carriage 410 could also carry a guide roller 418 rolling along the support and / or guide element 210, in which case it would be mounted upstream or downstream of the carriage 410.

[0106] With reference to [Fig.2] and the enlarged scale detail medallion of [Fig.4], the kart 100 carries indexing means for said trolley 410.

[0107] More particularly, the indexing means are carried in part by at least one of the support and / or guide element 210 and the secondary support and / or guide element 220.

[0108] The indexing means are capable of locking said carriage 410 in a plurality of predefined positions along the support and / or guide element 210, and / or the secondary support and / or guide element 220.

[0109] For this purpose, the indexing means include a plurality of housings 420 made on the support and / or guide element 210 and / or the secondary support and / or guide element 220.

[0110] According to the embodiment illustrated by [Fig.2], the housings 420 are made on the support and / or guide element 210 only.

[0111] The indexing means also include a locking member 430 integral with the carriage 410, to ensure the indexing of the carriage 410 in a position defined by one of the housings 420.

[0112] Indexing unit 430 is thus intended to cooperate with housing units 420.

[0113] The indexing means also include a remote unlocking control device.

[0114] This remote control device includes an actuator 440 (for example a button as schematically illustrated in [Fig.1]) and connecting means 450 linking said actuator to the locking member 430 of said carriage 410. The connecting means 450 are partially shown in the detail inset of [Fig.4].

[0115] The connecting means 450 include stop means 451 for limiting the sinking of the indexing member 430 into the housings 420.

[0116] In order to facilitate the movement of the carriage 410 during its adjustment into position, the kart 100 includes a return element 600 of the carriage 410 towards its proximal position.

[0117] The return member 600 includes in particular a constant force type spring.

[0118] Thus, when a user acts on the actuator 440, the return member 600 causes the pedal assembly 400 to move towards its proximal position.

[0119] The use of a constant force type spring makes it possible to make the movement of the carriage 410 smooth, i.e. without sudden jerks.

[0120] The risks of injury to the pilot installed in seat 300 are thus avoided since the trolley 410 is not likely to hit the pilot's legs too abruptly.

[0121] With reference to figures 2 and 3, the support and / or guide element extends, beyond the proximal position, by a junction portion 460 to the chassis 200.

[0122] The junction portion 460 thus forms a link between the first portion 212 of the support and / or guide element 210 and the central cross member 201 of the chassis 200.

[0123] The junction portion 460 carries means for adjusting the inclination 465 of a steering column forming part of the steering control means 500.

[0124] This makes it easier for a pilot to adjust the driving position.

[0125] In addition, the remote control means, and in particular the actuator 440, can also act on the tilt adjustment means of the steering column.

[0126] In use, the activation of the actuator 440 causes the locking member 430 to be withdrawn from the housing 420 in which it is located.

[0127] The return member 600 then causes the pedal assembly 400 to move towards its proximal position.

[0128] The pilot, who is then in the seat 300, can press with his legs on the pedals, against the return member 600 to move the pedal assembly 400 towards its distal position, up to the desired piloting position.

[0129] The release of the actuator 440 then allows the locking member 430 to be inserted into a housing 420, which ensures that the pedal assembly 400 is locked in position.

[0130] When the rider is small, the pedal assembly 410 remains on the first portion 212 of the support and / or guide element 210, whereas when the rider is tall, the pedal assembly 410 crosses the ridge 211 to travel on the second portion 213 of the support and / or guide element 210.

[0131] Furthermore, thanks to the presence of the junction portion 460, the pilot can adjust the position of the steering column (and therefore the steering wheel) simultaneously with the adjustment in position of the pedal assembly 400.

[0132] The adjustment of the kart 100 according to the height of the driver can thus be carried out simply and quickly by the driver himself without requiring the presence of the operator.

[0133] This results in a reduction in setup time and an increase in the usage time of the 100 karts.

Claims

Demands

1. A go-kart (100) comprising a chassis (200) and a pedal assembly (400) movably mounted on the chassis (200) between two extreme positions, namely: - a first position, called the proximal position, in which the pedal assembly (400) is closest to the rear of the go-kart (100), and - a second position, called the distal position, in which the pedal assembly (400) is furthest from the rear of said go-kart (100), characterized in that said pedal assembly (400) is carried by a carriage (410) guided along a support and / or guide element (210) integral with the chassis (200) and having at least two guide portions separated by a ridge (211): - a first portion (212) connecting said ridge (211) to said proximal position and extending away from the chassis (200) towards the ridge (211), and - a second portion (213) connecting said ridge (211) to said distal position and moving closer to the frame (200) from the ridge (211).

2. Kart (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a secondary support and / or guide element (220) of said cart (410) extending parallel to said support and / or guide element (210).

3. Kart (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first portion (212) has a first slope and said second portion (213) has a second slope, greater than the first slope.

4. Kart (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that said cart (410) carries at least one guide roller (418) rolling along the support and / or guide element (210) and / or the secondary support and / or guide element (220).

5. Kart (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the support and / or guide element (210) and of the secondary support and / or guide element (220) carries indexing means for said carriage (410), capable of locking said carriage (410) in a plurality of predefined positions along the support and / or guide element (210) and / or of the secondary support and / or guide element (220).

6. Kart (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said indexing means comprise a plurality of housings (420) made on the support and / or guide element (210) and / or the secondary support and / or guide element (220), a locking member (430) integral with the carriage (410) being intended to cooperate with said housings (420).

7. Kart (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the indexing means also include a remote unlocking control device, including an actuator (440) and linkage means (450) connecting said actuator (440) to the locking means of said cart (410).

8. Kart (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a return member (600) of the cart (410) to its proximal position.

9. Kart (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the return member (600) comprises a constant force type spring.

10. Kart (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support and / or guide element (210) extends, beyond the proximal position, by a connecting portion (460) to the chassis (200) carrying means for adjusting (465) the inclination of a steering column.

11. Kart (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the support and / or guide element (210) and / or the secondary support and / or guide element (220) has a circular cross-section.

12. Kart (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a seat (300) mounted fixed relative to the chassis (200).

Images