MODULAR VEHICLE WITH MOBILITY ASSISTANCE

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular motorized vehicle (100), comprising: - a chassis (1), with a load attachment (C), - wheels (3), with drive wheels and steering wheels, - a handlebar (7) located at the rear of the chassis (1), characterized in that: - it comprises a platform (9), the rear wheels (33) being located at the rear end of said platform (9), - the platform (9) is movable in translation between a deployed position, in which it protrudes from the rear of the chassis (1), and a retracted position, in which the platform (9) is located wholly or almost wholly under the chassis (1), - it comprises swivel casters (4), movable vertically between a deployed position resting on the ground, in which they lift the front wheels (31), and a retracted position, in which the front wheels (31) are resting on the ground. Figure for the abstract: [Fig. 3]

Description

Title of the invention: MODULAR VEHICLE WITH MOBILITY ASSISTANCE technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of urban mobility, motorized trolleys, and aids for transporting light loads for private users. Prior Art

[0002] Electric scooters are known to be used for mobility assistance and for transporting light loads such as a user's groceries. These scooters generally have three or four wheels, a seat, and baskets in front of and / or behind the seat.

[0003] These electric scooters allow, in particular, overweight, disabled or mobility-impaired people to get around, for example, to go shopping in supermarkets and city markets.

[0004] These electric scooters have a potentially high travel speed (up to 25 km / h), and are therefore suitable for travel from a home to a place of supply, supermarket or market.

[0005] However, these electric scooters have a turning radius that remains significant, due to steering with handlebars, and generally fixed drive wheels.

[0006] In addition, the storage capacity of shopping in the baskets remains far less than that of a supermarket trolley, and therefore does not allow for large or bulky shopping trips.

[0007] The interest of these electric scooters in stores is therefore limited.

[0008] Document US9669857 describes an assistance module for a shopping cart or supermarket trolley which has a motor, wheels driven by the motor and a connection to the shopping cart or trolley.

[0009] The assistance module of this document does not have a seat, the user remaining standing. This results in a shopping cart and assistance module assembly that is relatively compact, with a small turning radius, allowing it to move around the aisles of a supermarket or in narrow alleys, possibly performing maneuvers such as U-turns, turns, etc.

[0010] The assistance module of US9669857 is therefore intended for use inside a supermarket for shopping. However, since it cannot operate without a shopping cart or trolley and has a speed of less than five kilometers per hour, it cannot be used outside of such supermarkets. The assistance module also features small, freely rotating shopping cart-type wheels. vertical axis, which do not allow it to travel at high speed on rough terrain.

[0011] There is therefore a need for a vehicle that allows these two uses to be combined into one, without compromising the use in either case. Description of the invention

[0012] In order to address this technical problem, the invention proposes a modular motorized mobility assistance vehicle, comprising: - a chassis, having on its upper face a load attachment, - three or four wheels, with front and rear wheels, including drive wheels and steering wheels among the front and / or rear wheels, - a handlebar or control bar for controlling the motorized and steerable wheels, located at the rear of the chassis.

[0013] The vehicle is characterized in that: - it includes a platform, with the rear wheels located at the rear end of said platform, - the platform is mobile in longitudinal translation between a deployed position, in which it protrudes from the rear of the chassis, and a retracted position, in which the platform is located entirely or almost entirely under the chassis, - it has swivel casters, which can pivot around a vertical axis, movable vertically between a deployed position, in which they are in contact with the ground, in which they lift the front wheels, and a retracted position in which they are raised, and in which the front wheels are in contact with the ground.

[0014] The vehicle can thus adopt two configurations, one with the platform deployed and the four wheels in support, allowing high-speed travel, and one configuration with the platform retracted and the wheels in support, allowing maneuvers in a narrow space and therefore shopping in a supermarket.

[0015] The vehicle may have one or more of the following characteristics.

[0016] The rear wheels are motorized, and the front wheels are steerable wheels.

[0017] The vehicle's behavior is then similar to that of a scooter.

[0018] The front wheels can be vertically movable relative to the chassis, between a deployed position in which they are in contact with the ground, and a retracted position in which they are raised.

[0019] The vehicle's horizontal position is then maintained between the different configurations.

[0020] The vehicle may have four wheels, located, when the platform is retracted under the chassis, at the corners of said chassis.

[0021] The vehicle is then particularly stable.

[0022] The chassis may include: - a longitudinal central rail, and the platform a sliding connection engaged with the central rail. - a longitudinal threaded rod, engaged with a thread attached to the sliding joint, and whose rotation translates the platform, - a deployment motor for rotating the threaded rod.

[0023] The deployment of the platform is then electrical.

[0024] The drive wheels can be wheel motors, integrating a motor between a fixed hub and a periphery driven by the motor.

[0025] The vehicle may also include a removable box, attachable at the chassis attachment point, forming a load for the transport of goods.

[0026] The trunk can in particular be closed and have an aerodynamic shape.

[0027] Alternatively, the vehicle may include a container, open at the top, attachable at the chassis attachment point, forming a load for the transport of goods.

[0028] The handlebar and / or control bar can be removable.

[0029] The open container may in particular have dimensions allowing it, once turned over, to cover the chassis, when the platform is retracted and the handlebar removed, so that the vehicle then forms a piece of furniture like a coffee table.

[0030] The vehicle may include: - two threaded rods, located vertically above the casters, attached to a base of the casters and - two toothed rings, with a tapped hole that engages with the threads of the threaded rods and the peripheral teeth, -a transverse shaft, connected to a motor for deploying the casters to set it in rotation, the transverse shaft having, at its two ends, pinions engaging with the peripheral teeth of the toothed rings, so that the rotation of the transverse shaft raises or lowers the wheels from the retracted position to the deployed position and vice versa.

[0031] The deployment of the casters is then also electrical. Brief description of the figures

[0032] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, the details of which are given solely by way of example, and developed in relation to the accompanying figures, in which identical references refer to identical elements:

[0033] [Fig. 1] is a schematic profile view of a vehicle chassis according to the invention in a first configuration,

[0034] [Fig.2] is a schematic side view of the chassis of [Fig.1] in side view in another configuration,

[0035] [Fig.3] is a three-quarter front view of a vehicle according to an embodiment in walker configuration

[0036] [Fig.4] is a three-quarter front view of the vehicle of [Fig.3] in configuration scooter,

[0037] [Fig.5] is a three-quarter rear view of the vehicle of [Fig.3] in configuration walker,

[0038] [Fig.6] is a three-quarter rear view of the vehicle of [Fig.3] in configuration scooter,

[0039] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a vehicle according to a mode of alternative design, side view, in scooter configuration.

[0040] [Fig.8] is a schematic side view representation of the vehicle of [Fig.5] in walker configuration

[0041] [Fig.9] is a schematic side view representation of the vehicle of [Fig.5] in furniture configuration,

[0042] [Fig. 10] and

[0043] [Fig. 11] are schematic representations from below of two wheel configurations for the vehicle according to the invention,

[0044] [Fig. 12] is a three-quarter rear perspective representation of another embodiment in a walker configuration of the vehicle,

[0045] [Fig. 13] is a side view representation of an embodiment in a "furniture" configuration of the vehicle,

[0046] [Fig. 14] is a three-quarter rear lateral perspective representation of the platform,

[0047] [Fig. 15] is an illustration of an electrically actuated platform deployment mechanism,

[0048] [Fig. 16] is an illustration of an electrically operated caster deployment mechanism.

[0049] The specific embodiments shown are given for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Some elements are shown schematically and with incorrect proportions. Detailed description of the invention

[0050] The [Fig.1] is a side view representation of the chassis 1 of the vehicle 100 without load.

[0051] The chassis 1 is supported by wheels 3, comprising steerable front wheels 31 and motorized rear wheels 33. The front wheels 31 pivot, for example, by 45° on each side in a synchronized manner to allow the vehicle 100 to turn. The rear wheels 33 are, for example, wheel motors, integrating a motor between a fixed hub and a periphery driven by the motor.

[0052] With wheel motors, the front wheels 31 can also be motorized, in addition to being steerable. By having a motor with reversible operation, for electromagnetic braking, some of the electrical energy injected for acceleration can be recovered during braking.

[0053] The vehicle 100 has swiveling casters 4, which can pivot about a vertical axis and are vertically movable between a deployed position, in which they rest on the ground and lift the front wheels 31, and a retracted position in which they are raised and the front wheels 31 rest on the ground. In particular, the casters 4 are raised in the configuration of [Fig. 1] in the retracted position and lowered in [Fig. 2] in the deployed position.

[0054] The vehicle 100 further comprises a platform 9, at the rear end of the chassis 1, carrying, at the rear of said platform, the rear wheels 33. The platform 9 is movable in longitudinal translation between a deployed position, in which it protrudes at the rear of the chassis 1, and a retracted position, in which the platform 9 is located entirely or almost entirely under the chassis 1.

[0055] The chassis 1 has one or more fasteners 11, configured to be able to securely attach the load of the vehicle 100 to the chassis 1.

[0056] In [Fig. 1], the vehicle 100 rests on its four wheels 3, front 31 and rear 33, the chassis 1 being upright on a flat surface, and the platform 9 is in the deployed position and extends beyond the chassis 1 at the rear, corresponding to a "scooter" configuration. In [Fig. 2], the front wheels 31 are raised, the chassis 1 being inclined, and the platform 9 is in the retracted position and located entirely under the chassis 1, corresponding to a "walker" configuration, giving it behavior similar to a motorized shopping cart or supermarket trolley.

[0057] The platform 9 notably carries batteries 5 for powering the various electrical systems, including the motors of the motorized wheels 33 for setting the vehicle 100 in motion.

[0058] Figure 3 is a three-quarter front view of a modular motorized vehicle 100 for mobility assistance. The vehicle 100 is shown here in a "walker" configuration.

[0059] Fig. 5 is a three-quarter rear view of vehicle 100 in this configuration.

[0060] The vehicle 100 comprises a chassis 1 to which a payload C is attached, here a closed trunk for, for example, transporting a user's groceries. Alternatively, the load C may comprise an open trunk, a seat, or a bin for the transport of an additional person or a disabled person, a cage for transporting an animal, one or more child or baby seats etc. These different forms of C load can be interchanged as needed.

[0061] The vehicle 100 has at the rear of the load C or at the rear of the chassis 1, a handlebar or a control bar 7 for controlling the direction of the vehicle 100. The handlebar 7 is in particular removable, and interchangeable depending on the configuration with the control bar.

[0062] In particular for its "walker" configuration, the vehicle 100 includes a control bar 7, which is substantially horizontal, with two handles 71 allowing separate control of the acceleration of one of the two drive wheels 33.

[0063] The control bar 7 then allows control of the direction and speed of rotation of each of the drive wheels 33. The vehicle 100 can then pivot around a vertical axis located between the two rear drive wheels 33 and thus be able to maneuver in a small space.

[0064] In "scooter" configuration, the handlebar 7 is preferable. Rotating the handlebar 7 allows the steering wheels 31 to be tilted, and the handlebar includes an accelerator control, for example a rotating handle 71, and a brake control, for example the other rotating handle 71.

[0065] In the configuration shown in [Fig.3], the platform 9 is retracted under the chassis 1.

[0066] The front and rear wheels 31, 33 are then located at the front and rear corners of the chassis 1 under it, giving a particularly compact configuration, which can notably fit into most private residential elevators.

[0067] The user can then use the vehicle 100 in this configuration to, for example, do their shopping in a supermarket or market with narrow aisles, without having to push.

[0068] Figure 4 is a three-quarter rear view of the motor vehicle 100 shown in "scooter" configuration giving it a behavior close to that of an electric scooter.

[0069] Figure 6 is a three-quarter rear view of vehicle 100 in this configuration.

[0070] In the "scooter" configuration, the front wheels 31 are in contact with the ground, the casters 4 are raised. The platform 9 is deployed, and the user can place their feet on it.

[0071] In particular, the handlebar 7 has been replaced, in the embodiment of figures 4 and 6, by a rotating handlebar with a single post, the rotation of which around a vertical axis rotates the steering wheels 31.

[0072] The single-post handlebar 7 is in particular inserted into a base 73 which becomes accessible when the platform 9 is deployed.

[0073] Compared to the "walker" configuration, vehicle 100 has the following differences: - Platform 9 is deployed, - all 4 wheels are raised, - the front wheels 31 are in contact with the ground, - the single-post handlebar 7 is inserted into the base 73.

[0074] The user can then stand on the platform 9, and be carried by the vehicle 100, in the manner of an electric scooter, while being able to carry goods, for example his purchases made in a market or supermarket.

[0075] The vehicle 100 thus allows a user to travel within a radius of several kilometers at a speed of around fifteen to twenty-five kilometers per hour in "scooter" configuration, then to do their shopping by switching to "walker" mode and finally to return home by switching back to "scooter" configuration, all without having to carry or push their shopping thanks to the motorization.

[0076] In particular, the vehicle 100 may include, for safe operation, lights 101, turn signals 103 and other safety and visibility features. Additional batteries 5 may be provided at the front of the vehicle 100, which may also be used to power dedicated functions of the load C (motorized opening / closing, interior lighting, etc.), as well as to deploy the casters 4 and the platform 9.

[0077] In addition, with a load C of the correct dimensions, the vehicle 100 will be able to fit into a standard elevator, and be used to bring the user's purchases right into his home.

[0078] Once inside, the user can then remove the handlebar or control bar 7, fold the wheels 4 and retract the platform 9, so that the vehicle 100 is then particularly compact.

[0079] Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate the three configurations discussed above. The vehicle 100 is shown schematically in a side view. In the embodiment shown, the load C is further replaced by a container open on one upper face.

[0080] In [Fig.7], the vehicle 100 is shown in "scooter" configuration. The platform 9 is deployed, the casters 4 are raised and the four front and rear wheels 31, 33 are in contact with the ground.

[0081] Arrows illustrate the possible movements of the different elements allowing switching between the different configurations.

[0082] In this embodiment, the front wheels 31 are vertically movable so that they can be raised when the casters 4 are in contact with the ground. The horizontal position of the vehicle 100 and its load C is thus ensured in all configurations.

[0083] The casters 4 are, as previously mentioned, vertically mobile, and the platform 9 is horizontally mobile.

[0084] In [Fig.8], the vehicle 6 is in "walker" configuration. The platform 9 is retracted under the chassis 1 and the load C, the front wheels 31 are raised, and the casters 4 are lowered and resting on the ground.

[0085] In [Fig.9], the vehicle is in a compact configuration for storage in the user's home or a garage.

[0086] The platform 9 is retracted under the chassis 1 and the load C, and the front wheels 31 are lowered while the casters 4 are raised. The vehicle 100 is then supported on its four wheels. The handlebar 7 is also removed and stored.

[0087] The container forming charge C is further reversed, and dimensioned so as to cover the rest of the vehicle 100 by forming a bell into which the rest of the vehicle 100 is inserted.

[0088] The vehicle 100 is then compact, the front wheels 31 and rear wheels 33 being located under the chassis 1 and the container forming a load C. The container forming a load C also has a flat surface, located at the top when turned over, in order to possibly form a piece of furniture such as a coffee table, while protecting the lower part of the covered vehicle 100.

[0089] Figures 10 and 11 show four-wheel and three-wheel configurations 3 respectively, in schematic bottom view, with only the wheels 3 and the casters 4 being shown.

[0090] In [Fig. 10], the four wheels as described in relation to the embodiments of the preceding figures are shown.

[0091] They comprise four wheels, with two front wheels 31 and two rear wheels 33.

[0092] The rear wheels 33 are motorized and the front wheels 31 are steerable. The 4 casters are located between the front wheels 31, slightly recessed.

[0093] In [Fig. 11], a three-wheeled embodiment 3 is shown.

[0094] In this embodiment, the vehicle 100 has a single steerable front wheel 31 and two motorized rear wheels 33. The casters 4 are located on either side of the front wheel 31, slightly recessed.

[0095] Other embodiments with, for example, motorized front wheels 31 and steerable rear wheels 33, are of course possible.

[0096] Figure 12 illustrates, in a three-quarter rear view, an embodiment with a C-load in the form of an open container, in a "walker" configuration.

[0097] The container forming the load C has side walls, and its dimensions are slightly larger than those of the chassis 1 in the "walker" configuration. The container C also has two insertion points for the two-post control bar 7, each insertion point connecting to the lower end of one of the posts.

[0098] The vehicle 100 is thus similar to a classic shopping cart or "caddie", both in dimensions and behavior, but motorized by the rear wheels 31.

[0099] Fig. 13 is a side view representation of the vehicle of Fig. 12, in "furniture" configuration.

[0100] The chassis 1 is in "walker" configuration with the platform 9 retracted, while the container forming the load C is turned over on said chassis 1 so as to cover it for the most part.

[0101] Only lower portions of the front wheels 31, rear wheels 33 and the casters 4 are visible.

[0102] Since the chassis 1 is inclined because the wheels 4 raise its front part, the container forming the load C is also inclined.

[0103] A platform P, having a flat upper surface and an inclined base enabling it to compensate for the inclination of the container forming a load C, is then placed on said container C. The vehicle 100 then forms a piece of furniture of the coffee table type, the user being able to place objects or decorations on the platform P between uses of the vehicle 100.

[0104] In the "furniture" configuration, a particular embodiment provides that the tray C also has connectors for the control bar 7 when it is turned over, allowing the control bar 7 to be connected to the vehicle 100 forming the furniture. The vehicle 100 then forms a motorized trolley.

[0105] Alternatively, the "furniture" configuration can be achieved by retracting the platform 9, while the casters 4 remain raised, with the front wheels 31 remaining in contact with the ground. The chassis 1 is then straight and horizontal on a flat, horizontal floor, eliminating the need for a platform P to compensate for the inclination of the chassis 1.

[0106] Fig. 14 illustrates separately the platform 9 and the rear wheels 33.

[0107] The platform 9 includes a platform on which the user stands, between the rear drive wheels 33. Said wheels 33 are connected to the batteries 5 contained in the platform 9, and controlled by a control unit 51 which can, for example, communicate via a transmitting / receiving antenna with the handlebar 7.

[0108] The platform 9 is connected by a column at its front end to a carriage 92, having a nut 93 provided with an internal thread and wheels.

[0109] Fig. 15 illustrates platform 9, as well as its deployment mechanism 90.

[0110] Said deployment mechanism 90 comprises a longitudinal central rail 91, part of the chassis 1. This central rail 91 forms a translational guide for the movement of the platform 9.

[0111] The platform 9 is connected to the rail 91 by the carriage 92 having the nut 93. The carriage 92 engages with the central rail 91 via wheels that roll in the central rail 91 along two horizontal surfaces of its cross-section. A threaded rod 95 is located in the central rail 91 and engages with the nut 93 of the carriage 92, and is rotated by a deployment motor 97.

[0112] The rotation of the threaded rod 95 moves the carriage 92 forward or backward via the helical connection between the nut of the carriage 92 and the threaded rod 95, and translates the platform 9 attached to said carriage 92. The wheels of the carriage 92 inserted in the rail 91 ensure frictionless translation of the carriage 92, which reduces wear.

[0113] Again, the deployment of platform 9 can be done in this way by electrical actuation.

[0114] Fig. 16 illustrates the wheels 4 and their deployment mechanism 40.

[0115] Said deployment mechanism 40 comprises two threaded rods 41, substantially vertical and located above the casters 4. The threaded rods 41 are integral with a base 42 of the casters 4.

[0116] Two toothed rings 43 provided with a tapping engage with the thread of the threaded rods 4L The toothed rings 43 also have peripheral teeth.

[0117] A transverse shaft 45, connected to a deployment motor 47 for the wheels 4 to set it in rotation, has, at its two ends, pinions that mesh with the threaded rods 4L

[0118] The rotation of the transverse shaft 45 by actuation of the deployment motor 47 raises or lowers the rollers 4 from the retracted position to the deployed position and vice versa.

[0119] The deployment of the casters 4 is then done by electrical actuation.

[0120] With the deployment mechanisms 40, 90 of the casters 4 and of the platform 9, no actuation other than electrical is required, for example hydraulic actuation.

[0121] The vehicle 100 according to the invention therefore makes it possible to offer an alternative to the car for carrying out shopping within a radius of several kilometers around the user's home, while allowing him to avoid transferring his shopping or carrying it inside.

[0122] Stored like a piece of furniture, vehicle 100 takes up little space and retains its usefulness between uses.

Claims

Demands

1. Modular motorized mobility assistance vehicle (100) comprising: - a chassis (1), having on its upper face a load attachment (C), - three or four wheels (3), with front wheels (31) and rear wheels (33), with drive wheels and steer wheels among the front (31) and / or rear (33) wheels, - a handlebar or control bar (7) for controlling the drive wheels (33) and steer wheels (31), located at the rear of the chassis (1), characterized in that: - it comprises a platform (9), the rear wheels (33) being located at the rear end of said platform (9), - the platform (9) is movable in longitudinal translation between a deployed position, in which it protrudes from the rear of the chassis (1), and a retracted position, in which the platform (9) is located wholly or almost wholly under the chassis (1), - it features swivel casters (4),capable of pivoting around a vertical axis, movable vertically between a deployed position, in which they are in contact with the ground, in which they raise the front wheels (31), and a retracted position in which they are raised, and in which the front wheels (31) are in contact with the ground.

2. Motorized vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear wheels (33) are motorized, and the front wheels (31) are steerable wheels.

3. Vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the front wheels (31) are vertically movable relative to the chassis (1), between a deployed position in which they are in contact with the ground, and a retracted position in which they are raised.

4. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises four wheels (31, 33), located, when the platform (9) is retracted under the chassis (1), at the corners of said chassis (1).

5. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chassis (1) comprises: - a longitudinal central rail (91), and the platform (9) a sliding link (93) in contact with the central rail (91), - a longitudinal threaded rod (95), in contact with a thread attached to the sliding link (93), and whose rotation translates the platform (9), - a deployment motor (97) for rotating the threaded rod (95).

6. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive wheels (33) are wheel motors, integrating a motor between a fixed hub and a periphery driven by the motor.

7. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a removable trunk, attachable at the chassis attachment point, forming a load (C) for the transport of goods.

8. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a tray open on top, attachable at the chassis attachment point, forming a load (C) for the transport of goods.

9. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handlebar and / or control bar (7) is removable.

10. Vehicle according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the open tray (C) has dimensions enabling it, once turned over, to cover the chassis (9) when the platform (9) is retracted, and a flat surface or a tray (P), so that the vehicle (100) then forms a piece of furniture of the coffee table type.

11. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: - two threaded rods (41), located vertically from the wheels (4), attached to a base (42) of the wheels (4) and - two toothed rings (43), with a tapping engaging with the thread of the threaded rods (41), and peripheral teeth, - a transverse shaft (45), connected to a deployment motor (47) of the wheels (4) for its rotation, the transverse shaft (45) having, at its two ends, pinions engaging with the peripheral teeth of the toothed rings (43), so that the rotation of the transverse shaft (45) raises or lowers the wheels (4) from the retracted position to the deployed position and vice versa.

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