Rapid transit kit that includes a pair of roller-type devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a locomotion system comprising a pair of devices (R), in which each device has a sole (10) comprising front and rear portions and shaped to receive a user's shoe (U), this base (SO) comprising a front wheel or pair of wheels (38) fixed for rotation and a rear wheel or pair of wheels (30) fixed for rotation, and at least one electric motor (24), mechanically connected to one of said wheels (30, 38), as well as an electronic module (22), which is shaped to communicate wirelessly with said at least one electric motor (24) and to control said device (R), characterized in that said electronic modules (22) which equip said devices (R) are configured to control only for a duration of simultaneous contact of the front or rear portion of the sole (10) of each device (R) with said base (SO). Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Rapid movement assembly comprising a pair of roller-type devices

[0001] GENERAL TECHNICAL DOMAIN

[0002] The present invention relates to a rapid movement assembly comprising a pair of roller-type devices. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Following the appearance of electric-powered scooters, electric-powered roller skates are currently being developed.

[0004] For the use of such roller skates, it is necessary for the user to hold in their hand an electronic or similar device forming a wireless remote control, which is designed to communicate with a variable-speed electric motor that equips each of the roller skates. Thus, the user can control the starting and stopping of the motors, as well as their acceleration and deceleration.

[0005] This type of roller generally gives satisfactory results.

[0006] However, the operation of the remote control requires sustained attention from the user, which may be disruptive when travelling, particularly in urban areas where all attention must be focused on the immediate surroundings, for obvious safety reasons.

[0007] There is therefore an unmet need to date for a fast mobility device of the roller type with electric propulsion, whose start-up, stop-down, as well as the acceleration and deceleration phases can be controlled without the user having to manipulate a means of controlling the motors with one hand, and by implementing natural movements, without risk of imbalance which could be a source of falling. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention addresses this need by providing a rapid movement system comprising a pair of roller-type devices, in which each device has a sole, optionally fitted with a shoe, the sole comprising a front and a rear portion and shaped to receive a user's shoe or foot and covering at least part of a base, this base comprising a front wheel or a pair of front wheels fixed together for rotation and a rear wheel or a pair of rear wheels fixed together for rotation, as well as at least one variable-speed electric motor, mechanically connected to one of said wheels or pairs of wheels, and an electronic module, which is shaped to communicate wirelessly with said device must have at least one electric motor and control the starting, stopping, deceleration and acceleration of said device,

[0009] characterized by the fact that said electronic modules which equip said devices are configured to control said start-up, stop, deceleration and acceleration only during a period of simultaneous contact of the front part or the rear part of the sole of each device with said base.

[0010] Thanks to these features, the user of this device no longer has to manage the operation of a remote control. Furthermore, because the control of the motors of the assembly is implemented simultaneously on each device and by the same action, the user can maintain a stable position, thus avoiding any risk of falling.

[0011] Because the start-up, acceleration, deceleration, and braking are controlled via the user's feet, this mode of operating management becomes, in a way, a reflex movement.

[0012] Under these conditions, the user can focus all his attention on his immediate environment.

[0013] According to other advantageous and non-limiting features of the invention, taken alone or according to a technically compatible combination of at least two of them:

[0014] - said sole of each device is provided to pivot relative to said base around a transverse axis which delimits said front and rear parts, and is mobile between a rest position in which it extends horizontally and an active position in which it forms an acute angle with respect to the horizontal, said sole being brought back to a horizontal position by elastic return means.

[0015] Thus, the forward and backward rocking movement is particularly easy to implement.

[0016] - the lower face of the front and rear parts of the sole of each the device includes at least one protrusion, while the front and rear parts of said base include a contact sensor, each sensor being configured to transmit information relating to the contact of said protrusion and said sensor to said electronic module.

[0017] Thus, the use of a contact sensor is particularly simple to implement.

[0018] - one of the electronic modules is provided with a selector switch which is configured to to vary on demand and simultaneously the rotation speed of the electric motors that equip said devices.

[0019] Thus, the speed of movement can be easily adjusted according to the user's choice.

[0020] - each device is equipped with an emergency braking system.

[0021] Thanks to this feature, it is possible to deal with all situations in which an almost immediate stop is necessary.

[0022] - the transmission of the motive force generated by said electric motor to a less One of said wheels is made by a set of sprockets provided with arms, which cooperate with a steel wire having, at regular intervals, steel discs which engage between said arms.

[0023] Thanks to this feature, the transmission of the driving force is particularly efficient. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which will now be given, with reference to the attached drawings, which represent, by way of example but not limitation, different possible embodiments.

[0025] On these drawings:

[0026] The [Fig. 1] is a side view of a device forming an integral part of the assembly according to the invention, with partial tear-off;

[0027] Fig. 2 is a simplified bottom and partial sectional view of the device of Fig. 1;

[0028] Fig. 3A is a vertical and lateral cross-sectional view of part of the device of Fig. 1, more particularly intended to show the braking means available to a user by action on a drive pinion of drive wheels;

[0029] [Fig.3B] is a view analogous to [Fig.3A], showing more specifically drive sprockets for the drive wheels;

[0030] Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the device, specifically intended to illustrate the means of pivoting the sole relative to the shell thereof;

[0031] Fig. 5A is a partial side view, with enlargement and partial tear-off, of the device, which shows the mechanical link between the motor output shaft and the drive wheel carrier shaft;

[0032] Fig. 5B is a diagram illustrating, in an enlarged manner, the pinion which equips the device;

[0033] Fig. 5C is another view of this pinion;

[0034] Fig. 5D is an additional view of this pinion;

[0035] Fig. A is a first diagram intended to illustrate the resting position of a base of the device, in relation to its base;

[0036] [Fig.6B] is a view analogous to [Fig.0A], showing in addition the first and second mechanical organs which cooperate, while the sole is in a first active position;

[0037] [Fig.6C] is a view analogous to [Fig.6A], showing in addition the first and second mechanical parts which cooperate, while the sole is in another active position;

[0038] Figure 7 is a diagram showing, in lateral section, a dependent system upper and lower shells of the device, which is intended to position and fix the motor in the roller and also showing the snap-fit ​​system of these two shells;

[0039] Fig. 8 represents a possible example of a ratchet-operated rotary slider electronic module that can be used in the context of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] For convenience, in the entire description that follows, the roller-type movement device will simply be referred to as "roller".

[0041] The roller skates R shown in the accompanying figures are roller skates intended to equip both feet of a user U. Since these roller skates are identical, they can be attached to either the right or left foot of user U.

[0042] Unless otherwise stated, what is described below for the right foot roller also applies to the left foot.

[0043] In the accompanying figures, AV designates the front of the roller skate while AR designates the rear. Unless otherwise stated, when describing the movement of a user U with their roller skates, they will be considered to be moving forward, in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] Throughout this document, the term "transverse" and its derivatives refer to a direction generally perpendicular to that of forward movement.

[0045] A roller R forming part of the assembly according to the invention, as seen in the attached figures and more particularly in [Fig.1], is made of metal and / or plastic.

[0046] It essentially comprises a sole 10 which rests on an upper shell 14 forming an integral part of a base SO.

[0047] The sole 10 is designed to accommodate the shoe or foot of a user U. It naturally has a shape adapted to this purpose. In the example shown here, it has a contour similar to that of a shoe sole.

[0048] In its rear part, its upper face is delimited by a wall 11 which extends vertically upwards, that is to say perpendicular to the plane of the sole 10. This wall 10 serves to wedge the heel of the foot of the user U, as particularly shown in [Fig.1].

[0049] The sole 10 is also provided at its periphery with organs 13 which allow the placement of straps 12 around the foot of the user U, for the maintenance of the latter on the roller R.

[0050] In an unrepresented variant, the sole 1 could be permanently fitted with a sock in which the user U would place his foot before moving with the roller R.

[0051] As particularly shown in figures 1 and 3, the lower face of the sole 10 is provided with a transverse set of substantially equidistant sleeves 16 which receive a transverse axis 15 which extends over the entire width of the aforementioned upper shell 14.

[0052] Similarly, the upper shell of the roller 14 is provided with sleeves 17, also equidistant, which are inserted between the sleeves 16 and which are crossed by the same transverse axis 15.

[0053] The latter is fixed by screwing into the sleeve 17 which is located on the outermost side.

[0054] Referring to [Fig. 4], it can be seen that axis 15 is equipped with means of elastic return. In this case, it consists of two leaf springs 18 and 19 whose central part encircles the axis 15, while their opposite wings are directed respectively forward and backward, one against the lower face of the sole 10 and the other against the lower face of the shell 14, and vice versa.

[0055] These springs are designed to maintain the user U in a horizontal balance position on his two roller skates R. More specifically, spring 18 is responsible for preventing the sole 10 of the roller from tilting forward, while spring 19 is responsible for preventing the sole 10 of the roller from tilting backward.

[0056] Reference can be made to figures 6A to 6C to observe the positioning of these springs, as well as their respective actions.

[0057] It should be noted that the position of the axis 15 in the longitudinal direction, as shown in the figures, is only indicative.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the base SO of the roller R consists of the aforementioned upper shell 14 and a lower shell 41. These two shells are advantageously snapped into each other and secured by screws. Of course, other means of mutual cooperation could be provided.

[0059] As can be seen in [Fig. 1], a bumper 43 integral with the upper shell 14 allows the lower shell 41 to come abut against it. Furthermore, partition elements 44, integral with the upper shell 14, serve to position and fix an electric motor 24. Similarly, partition elements 42, integral with the lower shell 41, also serve to position and fix the motor 24. The rotating output shaft of this motor is directed rearward and is referenced 25.

[0060] Consultation of figures 1 and 2 shows that the upper shell 14 has two inclined walls which converge towards each other to form a transverse gutter in which the sleeves 16 and 17 and the associated shaft 15 are received.

[0061] In the example of figures 1 and 2, the roller R is provided with four wheels, including a pair of rear wheels 30, unidirectional, which means that their axis of rotation is invariable and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the roller R.

[0062] In the embodiment shown here, these two rear wheels 30 are mounted on the same rotation shaft 26, which cooperates with ball bearings 28 mounted in flanges 29 attached to the upper shell 14.

[0063] In the embodiment of figures 1 and 2, the shaft 26 is a steel shaft in which a notch 27 has been provided.

[0064] In [Fig.2], it can be observed that filling this notch 27 on the one hand with a pinion 45 allows it to be secured to the shaft 26 and, on the other hand, with the wheel 30 allows it to be secured to the shaft 26.

[0065] Furthermore, in order to transversely secure the pinion 45 to the shaft 26, a spring-mounted clip 52, as seen in [Fig.3A], can advantageously be used.

[0066] Between the shaft 25 at the output of the motor 24 and the output shaft 26 mechanically connected to the said pair of rear wheels, it is possible to consider several possibilities of mechanical links.

[0067] Thus in [Fig.5A], on the shaft 25, at the output of motor 24 (direction of rotation to the left) is fixed a pinion 48 equipped with arms 51, which is responsible for driving a connection by steel wire, or braided steel wire 49 attached, at regular intervals, to steel discs 490, these discs fitting between two successive arms.

[0068] To avoid metal-on-metal friction, rubber discs 50 are preferably glued against each opposite face of the discs 490.

[0069] A relay pinion 46, advantageously fixed to a ball bearing or mounted on a ball bearing using a suitable part not shown, is responsible for assisting the traction of the drive pinion 45 of the drive wheels 30 by the steel wire 49 / steel discs 490 connection.

[0070] Another relay pinion 47, advantageously fixed to a ball bearing or mounted on a ball bearing using a suitable part not shown, is located on the return of the steel wire 49 / steel disc 490 link to the pinion 45. Preferably, it is configured to be able to slide on a vertical slide equipped with a spring (not shown), allowing to obtain a permanent tension of the link 49 / 490 on the four pinions 45, to 48.

[0071] Another possible connection is a cardan joint (not shown) connecting the output shaft 25 of the motor 24 to the output shaft 26 connected to the rear wheel pair.

[0072] One or two front wheels 38, free, multidirectional, fixed under the upper shell 14 of the roller, have the same characteristics as the rear wheels 30, especially with inflatable tires, with or without inner tube.

[0073] It is possible to replace these inflatable wheels with a semi-rigid material.

[0074] In the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the roller R is equipped with a braking system, notably visible in figures 1 and 3.

[0075] This system 32 is articulated on the lower face of the sole 10, at the rear of it and vertically, by a pivot joint 31.

[0076] As will be seen later, although the deceleration of the roller can be achieved by other means, the user U can accentuate the braking by exerting more or less pressure of the heel on the rear of the sole 10. In doing so, the rear of the sole bends slightly, allowing the brake pads 33 of the system 32 to come into contact with the sprocket 45 (see figures 1 and 3).

[0077] It can be noted that to prevent any longitudinal movement of the system 32 during braking, two slides 34 attached to the upper shell 14 of the roller accompany the ascent and descent of the latter.

[0078] In order to prevent any projection of mud or other debris by the drive wheels 30 into the braking system 32 and towards the motor 24, these rear drive wheels 30 will be covered by the upper shell 14 of the roller (see [Fig.2]).

[0079] More particularly in the case where the roller does not have emergency braking, it can be envisaged that it has front drive wheels, as well as multidirectional free rear wheels.

[0080] Other variants of the roller described herein may include:

[0081] - two rear drive wheels and a front multidirectional freewheel;

[0082] - a rear drive wheel and a front multidirectional freewheel;

[0083] - a rear drive wheel and two front multidirectional free wheels.

[0084] The motor 24 that equips each roller skate is a speed-variable motor that can be controlled remotely, for example via a wireless Bluetooth connection. Preferably, this motor 24 is in permanent connection with a rechargeable battery 37, located at the rear of the upper shell 14 of the roller skate.

[0085] As can be seen in [Fig. 1], the positioning of this battery 37 in the upper shell 14 of the roller puts it in electrical wire connection 36 with the motor 24.

[0086] An electronic module 22, positioned inside the upper shell 14, is responsible for receiving information transmitted by the user's foot U.

[0087] The types of information transmitted and their follow-up are detailed below.

[0088] The rapid proliferation of scooters in large cities has prompted them to limit The speed of rental scooters is limited to 15 km / h. This will likely be the case as motorized rollerblades become more widespread.

[0089] Despite this limitation, it may prove useful to have at least two types of programming, namely at a minimum a programming intended for beginners and users wishing to travel at reduced speed, particularly in town, as well as a programming intended for experienced users and making long-distance journeys, for example of the town / home type, at high speed.

[0090] In these circumstances, it may prove very useful for user U to have easy access to the programming of the electronic module 22.

[0091] To do this, one of the two electronic modules 22 which equips the rollers can for example be equipped with a rotary ratchet selector 23, as shown in [Fig.8].

[0092] This selector is advantageously accessible by the user U via one of the faces of the electronic module 22. Thus, he can choose a program by bringing the arrow of the selector 23 to the chosen program which he will validate by bringing the arrow back to the rear stop on the validation station V.

[0093] "Station 1" corresponds, for example, to the "low-speed city drive" programming.

[0094] The "position 2" corresponds, for example, to the programming "experienced user U making "long distance at high speed city / home" journeys".

[0095] "Station 3" corresponds, for example, to the maximum speed programming of 15 km / h.

[0096] "Positions 4, 5, 6, 7" may be left vacant, with a view to later more refined and / or more selective programming.

[0097] All these stations correspond to programs entered or to be entered into the electronic module 22.

[0098] Possible applications of the pair of roller skates are described below.

[0099] User U has for example chosen programming 1 on selector 23 of electronic module 22 which corresponds to the low speed city driving programming, and has validated this programming.

[0100] This electronic module 22 is configured to wirelessly transmit this information to the electronic module 22 which equips the second roller and which, in turn, is without a selector.

[0101] What is described below is valid for each foot, which means that the actions detailed below are carried out simultaneously, for each foot.

[0102] User U is standing on his roller skates, straps 12 tightened. The stiffness of the return means 18 and 19, which consist of springs, is sufficient to prevent him from tipping forwards or backwards.

[0103] The user U can then exert sufficient pressure with the front of the sole 10 to overcome the resistance of the spring 18 and make it bend.

[0104] Thus, it manages to tilt the front of the sole 10 downwards until a small protrusion (forming a projection) 21 present under it comes into contact with an all or nothing contact sensor 20 located in the upper shell 14 of the roller.

[0105] The sensor 20 immediately transmits the information to the electronic module 22 relating to the contact with the sole 10.

[0106] Simultaneously, the electronic module 22 of each roller causes each motor 24 to start. It is therefore only under this condition of simultaneous contact and duration of simultaneous contact that the motor of each roller is started.

[0107] In order to avoid any abnormal risk of starting the motor, for example in the event that luggage containing roller skates receives a shock on the front part of the sole 10 of one of the roller skates which brings it into contact with the upper shell 14 of the roller skate, it is possible to condition the start-up on the reception of at least two close contacts of the front sole 10 on the front upper shell of the roller skate 14.

[0108] When the speed reached is suitable for the user U, he straightens his foot so that the protrusion 21 leaves the contact of his sole 10 with the sensor 20 and repositions the sole 10 horizontally.

[0109] This loss of contact between the sole 10 and the sensor 20 located in the upper shell 14 of the roller is immediately transmitted to the electronic module 22 by the sensor 20.

[0110] Simultaneously, the electronic module 22 stops the programming of the motorization power increase on the two motors 24. Thus, the acquired speed persists.

[0111] It is conceivable that the front and rear sensors 20 could be replaced by electrical wired connections between the battery 37 and the electronic module 22, which are positive (passage of electric current) only when the sole 10 comes into contact with the upper shell 14 of the roller and are negative (no passage of current) when the sole 10 is no longer in contact with the upper shell 14 of the roller.

[0112] If user U wishes to increase the speed of their roller skates again, they proceed in the same way as for starting. But unlike starting, only one contact is required.

[0113] The "programming 2" reserved for confirmed U users making long-distance journeys (city / home in particular) is identical to the "programming 1" but with a much shorter time of transition from zero speed to maximum speed, allowing much faster acceleration.

[0114] Deceleration is carried out according to the same principle as acceleration, but by bringing the rear part of the sole 10 into contact with the upper shell 14 of the roller.

[0115] The deceleration lasts for the entire time of contact between an outgrowth 21 similar to that which equips the front part of the sole 10 and a second rear sensor 20 (analogous to that which equips the front part) located in the upper shell 14 of the roller.

[0116] When the acquired speed is suitable for the user U, it leaves the contact between the rear part of the sole 10 and the rear sensor 20, which immediately transmits the information to the electronic module 22 which stops the progression of the deceleration.

[0117] Unlike acceleration, deceleration preferentially has a very short time of transition from maximum speed to zero speed, allowing it to handle most situations.

[0118] If the deceleration obtained is not sufficient, the user U can increase the braking by applying more or less pressure with their heel on the rear of the sole 10. By doing so, the rear of the sole bends slightly, bringing the brake pads 33 into contact with the pinion 45 (see figures 1 and 3).

[0119] During this emergency braking, the rear of the sole 10 remains in contact with the sensor 20, causing the deceleration of both motors 24.

[0120] It should be noted that the continuous friction of the sleeves 16 on the transverse axis 15 is likely to cause rapid wear of the sole. To remedy this, it is possible to force metal shells 55 into the opening of the sleeves 16.

Claims

Demands

1. A rapid movement assembly comprising a pair of roller-type devices (R), in which each device has a sole (10), optionally fitted with a boot, the sole comprising a front and a rear portion and shaped to receive the shoe or foot of a user (U) and covering at least part of a base (SO), said base (SO) having a front wheel or a pair of front wheels (38) fixed in rotation and a rear wheel or a pair of rear wheels (30) fixed in rotation, as well as at least one variable-speed electric motor (24), mechanically connected to one of said wheels or pairs of wheels (30, 38), as well as an electronic module (22), which is shaped to communicate wirelessly with said at least one electric motor (24) and to control the starting, stopping, deceleration and acceleration of said device (R),characterized by the fact that said electronic modules (22) which equip said devices (R) are configured to control said start-up, stop-down, deceleration and acceleration only during a period of simultaneous contact of the front part or the rear part of the sole (10) of each device (R) with said base (SO).

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said sole (10) of each device (R) is provided to pivot relative to said base (SO) around a transverse axis which delimits said front and rear part, and is mobile between a rest position in which it extends horizontally and an active position in which it forms an acute angle with respect to the horizontal, said sole (10) being brought back to the horizontal position by elastic return means (18,19).

3. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the lower face of the front and rear parts of the sole (10) of each device has at least one protrusion (21), while the front and rear parts of said base (SO) have a contact sensor (20), each sensor (20) being configured to transmit information relating to the contact of said protrusion (21) and said sensor (20) to said electronic module (22).

4. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the electronic modules (22) is provided with a selector (23) which is configured to vary on demand and simultaneously the rotational speed of the electric motors (24) which equip said devices (R).

5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each device (R) is equipped with an emergency braking system (32).

6. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission of the motive force generated by said electric motor (24) to at least one of said wheels (30,38) is carried out by an assembly of sprockets (45-48) provided with arms (51), which cooperate with a steel wire (49) comprising, at regular intervals, steel discs (490) which engage between said arms.

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