Stand-up vehicle

Abstract

------ Standing Vehicle The invention relates to a standing vehicle (1), comprising a chassis (2) mounted on wheels (3) configured to receive at least one foot of a user, characterized in that the chassis (2) comprises a receiving portion (21) forming a receiving surface (21a) for receiving at least one foot of the user, and a support portion (22) made of composite material functionally connected to the wheels (3) of the standing vehicle (1) and attached to the receiving portion (21) so as to support the receiving portion (21) and the user. Figure to be published: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Stand-up vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of personal mobility devices, and more particularly to a standing-station vehicle.

[0002] In recent years, personal mobility devices (PMDs), both motorized and non-motorized, have become increasingly popular, for example for urban mobility or leisure activities. Among these devices, stand-up vehicles are particularly appreciated by users. However, due to their design, existing stand-up vehicles transmit a significant amount of vibration to the user's feet, especially on uneven or damaged road surfaces, and are quite heavy, especially relative to their size, which negatively impacts the user experience.

[0003] Consequently, the prior art solutions proposed for standing vehicles still have drawbacks, and improvements are possible. The present invention aims in particular to solve the problems indicated above.

[0004] The present invention thus relates to a standing vehicle, comprising a chassis mounted on wheels configured to receive at least one foot of a user, characterized in that the chassis includes a receiving part forming a receiving surface to receive at least one foot of the user, and a support part made of composite material functionally connected to the wheels of the standing vehicle and attached to the receiving part so as to support the receiving part and the user.

[0005] The joining can be achieved by any means, for example by interlocking, screwing, gluing, riveting, clipping or a combination thereof.

[0006] This configuration, particularly through the use of a composite material support section, allows for optimized chassis dimensions to reduce weight and improve user comfort in a stand-up position. Thus, the chassis stiffness can be chosen to dampen vibrations, especially on uneven or damaged road surfaces, and fatigue resistance can be better controlled than with the use of metal, such as aluminum, in existing stand-up vehicles.

[0007] According to a particular embodiment, the composite material of the support part is a fiber-reinforced polymer.

[0008] The use of a fiber-reinforced polymer makes it possible in particular to obtain an anisotropic material whose rigidity and flexibility can be locally adjusted according to the needs during manufacturing, in particular depending on the orientation of the reinforcing fibers and the quantity of reinforcing fibers incorporated.

[0009] However, depending on variants, the composite material used for the support part can be of a different nature, for example wood or a wood laminate.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment, the fiber content of the composite material of the support part is between 20 and 40% by mass.

[0011] This range of fiber content makes it possible to obtain the desired vibration damping, weight and fatigue resistance characteristics for the composite material of the support part.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, the composite material of the support part is composed of polycaprolactam, PA6, reinforced with glass fibers, the glass fiber content of the composite material being between 25 and 35% by mass.

[0013] The combination of a polycaprolactam matrix, or polyamide 6 (PA6), or nylon 6, and glass reinforcing fibers is advantageous for obtaining a composite material, for the support part, sufficiently rigid to withstand use in a vehicle in an upright position and sufficiently flexible to dampen vibrations.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the fiber content and a layering of fiber layers of the composite material of the support part are chosen to allow maximum elastic deformation, in a top-to-bottom direction and between two opposite longitudinal ends of the support part, of between 0.1 and 15 mm.

[0015] This elastic deformation range makes it possible in particular to improve user comfort by damping vibrations, while ensuring the vehicle's solidity when standing and its resistance to fatigue.

[0016] The fibers are injected at an angle of 0 degrees and are oriented along the longitudinal direction of the roller ski.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the receiving part is also made of composite material, preferably the same composite material as the support part.

[0018] When the receiving part is also made of composite material, the fiber content of the composite material in the receiving part is preferably higher than the fiber content of the composite material in the supporting part, so that the receiving part is more rigid than the supporting part, in particular to distribute the user's weight over a length and width of the supporting part so as to limit a stress concentration that could lead to premature failure of the supporting part.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the receiving part is in the form of a metal plate, preferably made of aluminum.

[0020] The use of a receiving part in the form of a metal plate makes it possible in particular to distribute the user's weight over a length and width of the support part in order to limit a concentration of stress which could lead to a premature breakage of the support part.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment, the receiving part has a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 mm.

[0022] This thickness range makes it possible in particular to obtain the desired rigidity for the receiving part when the receiving part is in the form of a metal plate.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, the standing vehicle is a battery-powered vehicle, and the support part comprises a housing having an upper opening closed by the receiving part, the housing receiving at least one battery, such that, in use, at least one battery is positioned under the user's foot. The at least one battery may be integrated into a sealed housing.

[0024] At least one battery can, for example, be used to power a motor located in a wheel of the upright vehicle, a front light, a rear light or a steering motor configured to rotate a fork of the upright vehicle.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment, the receiving part applies itself to a peripheral edge of the upper opening of the box to distribute the user's weight on the peripheral edge of the upper opening of the box.

[0026] This configuration makes it possible in particular to limit a concentration of stress which could lead to a premature rupture of the support part.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment, the at least one battery includes a first connector, the upright vehicle further includes a second connector opening into the box and configured to establish an electrical connection with the first connector when the at least one battery is disposed in the box, and the receiving part is attached to the at least one battery, such that a removal of the receiving part results in a simultaneous removal of the at least one battery and a disconnection of the first and second connectors.

[0028] The joining can be achieved by any means, for example by interlocking, screwing, gluing, riveting, clipping or a combination thereof.

[0029] This configuration makes it easier to connect and disconnect at least one battery and to improve the comfort of using the vehicle when standing.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment, the standing vehicle is one of a roller ski and a scooter.

[0031] We will now describe a particular embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] On these drawings:

[0033] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a stand-up vehicle, of the roller-ski type, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0034] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the standing vehicle of [Fig.1].

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, one can see that a vehicle is shown there with standing station 1, comprising a chassis 2 mounted on wheels 3.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle is standing 1 is a roller ski comprising one front wheel 3 and one rear wheel 3. It should be understood, however, that the stand-up vehicle 1 could have a different number of wheels 3, and could, for example, have two front wheels 3 or two rear wheels 3. It should also be understood that the stand-up vehicle 1 could be of another type, for example, a scooter comprising two or more wheels 3.

[0037] As is known, the chassis 2 of the stand-up vehicle 1 is configured to accommodate at least one foot of a user. It will be understood that a stand-up vehicle 1 of the ski-wheel type, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is configured to accommodate only one foot of the user, such that the user uses one stand-up vehicle 1 for each foot. In the case of a stand-up vehicle 1 of the scooter type, it will be understood that the chassis 2 is preferably configured to accommodate both of the user's feet simultaneously.

[0038] In a novel and inventive manner, the chassis 2 comprises a receiving portion 21 forming a receiving surface 21a for receiving at least one foot of the user, and a support portion 22 made of composite material functionally connected to the wheels 3 of the standing vehicle 1 and attached to the receiving portion 21 so as to support the receiving portion 21 and the user. The attachment can be achieved by any means, for example by interlocking, screwing, gluing, riveting, clipping, or a combination thereof, and is reversible to allow access to the interior of the receiving portion 21. The use of a support portion 22 made of composite material makes it possible, in particular, to reduce the weight of the standing vehicle 1.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support portion 22 comprises two opposing longitudinal ends 221, 222, namely a front longitudinal end 221, connected to the front wheel 3, and a rear longitudinal end 222, connected to the rear wheel 3. The rear longitudinal end 222 comprises two arms 222a extending on either side of the rear wheel 3 and connected to a hub of the rear wheel 3. In some variations, the rear end 222 may comprise a single arm 222a, or single arm. The front longitudinal end 221 is connected to a A riser 23 pivotally supports a fork 24, which is itself connected to the front wheel 3. In some variations, the fork 24 may include shock absorbers. In the case of a stand-up vehicle 1 of the scooter type, it will be understood that the frame 2 may have a structure similar to that described above for a roller ski, with handlebars connected to the fork 24 to allow the user to turn the front wheel 3. It will also be understood that, in some variations, the front longitudinal end 221 of the support portion 22 of a stand-up vehicle 1 of the roller ski type could have a configuration similar to that of the rear longitudinal end 222, that is to say, it may include two arms extending on either side of the front wheel 3 and connected to a hub of the front wheel 3.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the composite material of the support portion 22 is a fiber-reinforced polymer. According to variants, the composite material used for the support portion 22 may be of another nature, for example wood, which is a "natural composite," or a wood laminate.

[0041] Advantageously, the fiber content of the composite material of the support part 22 is between 20 and 40% by mass.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the composite material of the support portion 22 is composed of polycaprolactam, PA6, reinforced with glass fibers, the glass fiber content of the composite material being between 25 and 35% by mass. According to variants, the composite material may comprise another polymer matrix, for example an epoxy resin or a polyurethane resin, or other reinforcing fibers, for example carbon fibers or plant fibers, for example flax or hemp fibers.

[0043] Preferably, the fiber content and a layering of fiber layers of the composite material of the support part 22 are chosen to allow maximum elastic deformation, in an up-down direction and between the two opposite longitudinal ends 221, 222 of the support part 22, of between 0.1 and 15 mm.

[0044] According to the invention, the elastic deformation of the support part 22 makes it possible in particular to absorb vibrations, so that the support part 22 acts as a shock absorber for the upright vehicle 1 and improves user comfort, especially when the road surface is uneven or degraded.

[0045] The shape of the support part 22, and the fiber content and lamination of the composite material can, for example, be chosen so that the majority of the elastic deformation of the support part 22 is localized at the arms 222a of the rear longitudinal end 222. This configuration makes it possible in particular to improve the damping of vibrations from the rear wheel 3.

[0046] The fibers are injected and layered at an angle of 0 degrees, oriented in the direction of the longitudinal direction of the roller ski.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the receiving portion 21 is in the form of an aluminum plate. Aluminum makes it possible to obtain a lightweight receiving portion 21. According to less preferred variants, the plate may be made of another metal, for example steel or titanium, and may optionally be perforated to reduce its mass.

[0048] Advantageously, when the receiving part 22 is made of metal, it has a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 mm.

[0049] According to other variants, the receiving part 21 can also be made of composite material, preferably the same composite material as the support part 22. Preferably, the fiber content of the composite material in the receiving part 21 is higher than the fiber content of the composite material in the support part 22, so that the receiving part 21 is more rigid than the support part 22.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the standing vehicle 1 is a battery-powered vehicle 4. The standing vehicle 1 comprises a motor 3a housed in the front wheel 3 and a motor 3a housed in the rear wheel 3, both powered by the battery 4 and configured to move the standing vehicle 1. The standing vehicle 1 further comprises a front light 23a located in the riser 23 and powered by the battery 4. In some variants, the standing vehicle 1 may comprise a single motor 3a. In other variants, the battery 4 may be configured to power other components, either in addition to or instead of the wheel motors 3a and the front light 23a, for example, a rear light or a steering motor configured to drive the fork 24 in rotation.

[0051] As can be seen more clearly in [Fig. 2], the support portion 22 includes a housing 22a having a top opening 22b closed by the receiving portion 21. The housing 22a receives the battery 4, optionally in a waterproof case, such that, in use, the battery 4 is positioned under the user's foot. In some embodiments, the housing 22a can be configured to receive several batteries 4, such that the batteries 4 are positioned under the user's foot. Each battery 4 may comprise one or more battery cells 4.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, a control device 5 for the standing vehicle 1 is located in the riser 23. It will be understood that this configuration notably provides more space for housing the battery 4 in the casing 22a. However, according to variations, the casing 22a can also be configured to accommodate all or part of the control device 5 for the standing vehicle 1.

[0053] The control device 5 may in particular take the form of an electronic board, comprising memory, wireless communication means (such as Bluetooth® or Wifi® or others) and a computing means, for example a microprocessor, a processor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), associated with the memory and comprising a program to operate the standing vehicle 1. It may advantageously be provided with input means on the electronic board to change the program controlling the standing vehicle 1.

[0054] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the receiving portion 21 is applied to a peripheral edge 22c of the upper opening 22b of the casing 22a to distribute the user's weight onto the peripheral edge 22c of the upper opening 22b of the casing 22a. Thus, the user's weight is distributed over the length and width of the support portion 22 by the receiving portion 21, such that the support portion 22 is less susceptible to cracking induced by a local stress concentration.

[0055] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the battery 4 includes a first connector 4a, and the upright vehicle 1 includes a second connector leading into the box 22a and configured to establish an electrical connection with the first connector 4a when the battery 4 is placed in the box 22a.

[0056] Advantageously, the receiving portion 21 is secured to the battery 4, such that removing the receiving portion 21 results in the simultaneous removal of the battery 4 and the disconnection of the first and second connectors 4a, la. The securing can be achieved by any means, for example, by interlocking, screwing, gluing, riveting, clipping, or a combination thereof. According to less preferred embodiments, the first and second connectors 4a, la can be respectively connected to electrical connecting wires such that the user can manually connect and disconnect the first and second connectors 4a, la from each other, for example, when the battery 4 is outside the housing 22a.

[0057] Preferably, when the upright vehicle 1 comprises several batteries 4, each battery 4 comprises a first connector 1a and the upright vehicle 1 comprises as many second connectors 1a as there are first connectors 4a, the first and second connectors 4a, 1a being configured to be connected to each other in a one-to-one manner when the batteries 4 are arranged in the housing 22a. Preferably, the receiving part 21 is then attached to each battery 4, such that removing the receiving part 21 results in the simultaneous removal of the batteries 4 and a disconnection of the first and second connectors 4a, 1a. joining can be achieved by any means, for example by interlocking, screwing, gluing, riveting, clipping or a combination thereof.

[0058] It is understood that the particular embodiment just described has been given by way of example and not limitation, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. - A standing vehicle (1), comprising a chassis (2) mounted on wheels (3) configured to receive at least one foot of a user, characterized in that: the chassis (2) includes a receiving part (21) forming a receiving surface (21a) to receive at least one foot of the user, and a support part (22) made of composite material functionally connected to the wheels (3) of the standing vehicle (1) and attached to the receiving part (21) so as to support the receiving part (21) and the user.

2. - Upright vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the composite material of the support part (22) is a fiber-reinforced polymer.

3. - Upright vehicle (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fiber content of the composite material of the support part (22) is between 20 and 40% by mass.

4. - Standing vehicle (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the composite material of the support part (22) is composed of polycaprolactam, PA6, reinforced with glass fibers, the glass fiber content of the composite material being between 25 and 35% by mass.

5. - Upright vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the fiber content and a layering of fiber layers of the composite material of the support part (22) are chosen to permit maximum elastic deformation, in an up-down direction and between two opposite longitudinal ends (221, 222) of the support part (22), of between 0.1 and 15 mm.

6. - Upright vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receiving part (21) is also made of composite material, preferably the same composite material as the support part (22).

7. - Upright vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receiving part (21) is in the form of a metal plate, preferably made of aluminum.

8. - Upright vehicle (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the receiving part (21) has a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 mm.

9. - Stand-up vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the stand-up vehicle (1) is a battery-powered vehicle, and the support part (22) comprises a box (22a) having a top opening (22b) closed by the receiving part (21), the box (22a) receiving at least one battery (4), such that, in use, at least one battery (4) is disposed under the user's foot.

10. - Stand-up vehicle (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the receiving part (21) applies to a peripheral rim (22c) of the upper opening (22b) of the box (22a) to distribute the user's weight on the peripheral rim (22c) of the upper opening (22b) of the box (22a).

11. - A standing vehicle (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one battery (4) comprises a first connector (4a), the standing vehicle (1) further comprises a second connector (la) opening into the box (22a) and configured to establish an electrical connection with the first connector (4a) when at least one battery (4) is disposed in the box (22a), and the receiving part (21) is attached to at least one battery (4), such that a removal of the receiving part (21) results in a simultaneous removal of at least one battery (4) and a disconnection of the first and second connectors (4a, la).

12. - Stand-up vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the stand-up vehicle (1) is one of a roller ski and a scooter.

Images