FOLDABLE TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compact, foldable two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle, that is easy to store or transport, and whose folding and unfolding operations are facilitated even when loaded on the front or rear of the bicycle. The vehicle can move from a first position in which the front and rear axes of rotation are separated by a first distance to a second position in which the front and rear axes of rotation are separated by a second distance less than the first, by translating the rear axis of rotation towards the bottom bracket. The vehicle includes locking means for preventing the vehicle from moving from the first to the second position, configured to disengage the chain from the rear axis of rotation in the second position, so that in this first folded position, the bottom bracket does not rotate when the rear wheel rotates. [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Folding two-wheeled vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding two-wheeled vehicle, such as a folding bicycle, with reduced bulk, easy to store or transport, and whose folding and unfolding operations are facilitated in particular in the presence of luggage at the front or rear of the latter.

[0002] Folding bicycles such as the one described in document EP2295317 are known. Folding this bicycle is based on the sliding of the rear section towards the front section, resulting in a reduced length structure. More specifically, in this solution, the entire rear section, including the rear wheel, an optional rear luggage rack, the rear frame, the crankset and the drive system for the rear wheel via the crankset, as well as the seat tube, moves translationally towards the front section by sliding along a central connecting tube that links the rear section to the front section, which consists of the front wheel, a front wheel support fork, and handlebars.

[0003] Folding bicycles such as those described in document FR3106807 are also known. Folding this type of bicycle also relies on sliding a portion of the rear of the bicycle towards the front, resulting in a shorter frame. More specifically, in this design, only the rear wheel and the luggage rack slide forward.

[0004] In this solution, the sliding mechanism is activated by a handle located on the luggage rack. Folding is achieved by pulling the handle and applying pressure to the top of the luggage rack to push the entire assembly—comprising the luggage rack, the rear wheel, and a locking / unlocking mechanism—towards the front of the bicycle. Conversely, returning to the riding position requires pulling the same assembly backward by pulling on the handle of the luggage rack.

[0005] This solution offers an efficient method for folding a two-wheeled vehicle, placing the vehicle in an initial folded position, which can be called a semi-folded position. A second folding operation, this time of the front section, places the vehicle in a second folded position offering excellent compactness. However, this solution requires the user to position themselves, most of the time, at the rear of the vehicle to push or pull the sliding assembly in order to fold or unfold it.

[0006] Furthermore, the luggage rack and the locking / unlocking mechanism used result in an increase in the overall weight, a greater number of parts to be manufactured and assembled, which complicates the rear section and increases the time and the Manufacturing cost. The presence of these components also takes up space and, in fact, limits the vehicle's compactness when fully folded. These components also complicate the insertion of the braking mechanism, wider tires, and / or multiple gears on the rear of the vehicle.

[0007] Also, from a more functional point of view, folding, even partially, the vehicle requires unloading all or part of any luggage placed at the front and / or rear of the vehicle and carrying it separately.

[0008] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to solve, in particular, the aforementioned problems. Thus, the invention aims in particular to provide a foldable vehicle, whose folding method is simple to implement, with significant compactness in the first folded position and / or second folded position, whose number and complexity of parts involved in the folding / unfolding mechanism are optimized and whose weight and manufacturing cost are reduced.

[0009] The invention also aims to provide a foldable vehicle, the folding method of which is simple to implement, with significant compactness in the first folded position and / or second folded position, not requiring dismantling the front and / or rear loading systems and elements or systematically unloading their contents during folding.

[0010] The invention thus relates to a folding vehicle comprising a structure having a rear part intended to support a rear wheel along a rear axis of rotation and comprising two rear arms supporting said rear axis of rotation, a front part intended to support a front wheel along a front axis of rotation parallel to the rear axis of rotation and connected to the rear part by a central element, and a pedal assembly configured to drive the rear wheel in rotation around the rear axis of rotation, the pedal assembly being mounted between the front part and the rear part and connected to the rear axis of rotation by a chain.

[0011] The principal plane of the vehicle, when the rear and front axes of rotation are parallel, is the plane perpendicular to these axes of rotation; for example, the plane containing the frame in the case of a bicycle. The rear half-plane is the plane containing, in particular, the rear wheel, and in the case of a bicycle, the central element, the crankset. The front half-plane is the plane containing, in particular, the front wheel and a means of controlling the vehicle.

[0012] In the operating position and in the first folded position, the rear and front half-planes are aligned. In the second folded position, the rear and front half-planes are parallel and not aligned.

[0013] The vehicle control axis is defined as the orientation axis belonging to the front half-plane of the vehicle control means, perpendicular to the wheel's axis of rotation. front, such as the axis defined by the main tubing (or steering shaft) supporting the front wheel fork in the case of a bicycle or scooter.

[0014] Thus the front part of the vehicle consists, in the case of a bicycle or a scooter, of: the front wheel, a tube (or steering shaft) equipped with a fork to support the axis of rotation of the front wheel and a handlebar.

[0015] The vehicle is configured to move from a position of use in which the front and rear rotation axes are spaced a first distance apart to a first folded position in which the front and rear rotation axes are spaced a second distance less than the first distance by translation of the rear rotation axis in the direction of the pedal assembly.

[0016] The vehicle also includes locking means configured to prevent the vehicle from moving from the operating position to the first folded position. These locking means are configured to disengage the chain from the rear rotation axis in the first folded position, so that in this first folded position, the pedal assembly does not rotate when the rear wheel rotates.

[0017] Furthermore, the vehicle is capable of adopting a second folded position in which the front wheel and the rear wheel are arranged parallel to each other, the rear and front half-planes being parallel and not coincident.

[0018] The most preferred variants of the second folded position are characterized in that the front and rear axes of rotation of the front and rear wheels of the vehicle are substantially coincident.

[0019] Preferably, the vehicle is configured to move from the first folded position (in which the locking means disengage the chain from the rear axis of rotation) to a second folded (compact) position, in which, in addition to the characteristics of the first folded position, the front and rear wheels are arranged facing each other, the rear and front half-planes being parallel and distinct, and the front and rear axes of rotation being substantially aligned. Indeed, slight deviations due to mechanical play and movement between the vehicle's components may exist. Preferably, in this second folded (compact) position, the front and rear axes of rotation are aligned.

[0020] According to certain embodiments, the vehicle further comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations: - the vehicle includes, for each rear arm, a slide configured to slide on the corresponding rear arm, from a position close to the rear axis of rotation corresponding to the vehicle's operating position, towards the front axis of rotation, to a position corresponding to the first folded position of the vehicle, the two slides being connected by a rigid, threadlike connecting element; the slides and the rigid connecting element are one piece, for example in the form of a single cast piece; at least one slide includes a plate, preferably in the form of a plate arranged in the main plane of the vehicle, allowing the accommodation of elements such as: slide locking means, accessory, rods for accessory; at least one slide, preferably each slide, includes a slide locking means such as a wing, a pin, a cleat, an opening or a latch; at least one of the slides and / or the connecting element includes at least one spacing means configured to constrain at least one extension means of said tensioning assembly in a retracted position (low retracted position or high retracted position depending on the extension means concerned) in which the disengagement of the chain from the rear wheel cannot occur, when the vehicle is in the operating position; at least one of the slides and / or the rigid connecting element includes a spreading means, preferably oriented along an axis parallel to the rear axis of rotation, such as a rod or a wing, configured to hinder the action of the elastic return means and / or constrain (preferably mechanically) 1 extension means of the upper part of the chain in a low retracted position in which the chain cannot become detached from the rear wheel when the vehicle is in the operating position; the spacing means is configured so that in the position of use, the chain cannot be detached from the rear wheel by the extension means; the connecting element extends from one of the two slides at least partly towards the rear of the vehicle, i.e. in the direction going from the front axis of rotation to the rear axis of rotation, then forms a return configured to go around the rear wheel, before joining the other of the two slides; the vehicle includes a rear protection element, such as a rear mudguard, fixed to at least one of the following: the connecting element, at least one slide; the vehicle includes a rear loading element of the luggage rack type or at least a pannier, fixed to at least one of the following: the connecting element, at least one slide; the vehicle includes at least one rear accessory such as: a rear protection element, a rear loading element, fixed to at least one of the following: the linking element, at least one slide; the vehicle includes a front loading element of the basket or bag type, fixed to the front part, preferably fixed to the handlebars when the vehicle is a bicycle or scooter; the front loading element is configured to maintain its position regardless of the vehicle mode: operating position, first folded position, second folded position; at least one rear arm extends from a mounting piece to the central element, the tensioning assembly being attached to said mounting piece; the locking means and / or the tensioning assembly include an action locking means such as a wing, a pin, a cleat, an opening or a latch; the action locking means and at least one slide locking means are configured to cooperate together in the use position so as to block the return from the use position to the first and / or second folded position; the locking means include at least one chain tensioning assembly, said tensioning means being integral with at least one rear arm; the tensioning assembly includes at least one extension means capable of securing the chain to the rear wheel in the operating position and uncoupling it in the first and / or second folded position; the extension means includes at least one chain tensioner; the means of extension includes the vehicle's derailleur; the energizing assembly includes at least one elastic return means configured to actuate at least one extension means; the extension means includes at least one elastic return means configured to actuate at least one chain tensioner; the extension means includes at one of its ends an extension accessory such as a pinion, a grooved wheel or a simple bent sheet metal; the tensioning assembly is attached to the fixing piece; the vehicle includes a control means oriented along the control axis, fixed to and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the front wheel; the vehicle includes at least one stabilizing means, said stabilizing means being fixed to one of the following: the vehicle frame, at least one of the slides, at least one fixing piece, and is preferably implemented in the first and / or second folded position, such as a crutch. - at least one stabilization means is oriented along a balancing axis which is substantially parallel to the rear half-plane of the vehicle, preferably parallel to the rear half-plane of the vehicle, and which is directed towards the front part of the vehicle; - when the vehicle is in the second folded position, at least one stabilization means oriented along the balance axis and the control means oriented along the control axis of the vehicle are configured to balance and stabilize the vehicle under the action of its own weight along a vertical stabilization axis belonging to a parallel plane located between the rear half-plane and the front half-plane and not confused with them and prevent the passage from the folded position to the operating position; - when the vehicle is in the second folded position, the front loading element is positioned above at least one of the vehicle's wheels; - When the vehicle is in the second folded position, the vertical stabilizing axis passes through the front loading element - the vehicle includes at least one rigid element connecting the fixing part and the central element;

[0021] Thus, the vehicle of the invention offers significant space savings in its folded position, with identical dimensions compared to vehicles with known folding systems. The system of the invention reduces the number of parts or components used, thereby reducing the vehicle's weight and simplifying its manufacture.

[0022] The vehicle of the invention offers great modularity, notably due to the first folded position corresponding to a semi-folded mode, and the possibility of easily adding or removing an accessory on the rear, such as a luggage rack. The advantages provided by the vehicle of the invention are particularly valuable when storage space is limited and / or when folding operations must be carried out in a confined space, as well as when transporting it in cramped conditions (train, subway, etc.).

[0023] This solution is particularly useful when using an elevator, with or without a luggage rack. It eliminates the need to completely fold the vehicle to use an elevator, even a small one. This advantage is especially beneficial when using a bicycle to transport groceries or other loads. In such cases, there is no need to fold the vehicle completely. The transported items can remain on the vehicle without needing to be carried separately.

[0024] The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the following attached figures: - [Fig.l]: schematic representation of an example of a vehicle according to the invention, in the position of use; - [Fig.2A]: partial schematic representation of the vehicle from [Fig.1], in a first folded position, or semi-folded position; - [Fig.2B]: partial schematic representation of details of the vehicle from [Fig.1], in the position of use; - [Fig. 3]: illustration of the vehicle from figures 1 and 2, in a second folded position, or fully folded, compact position; - [Fig. 4]: Schematic representation of the details of the rear part of the vehicle of figures 1 to 3, in operating position; - [Fig. 5]: Schematic representation of the details at the axis of backward rotation, in a first folded position, or semi-folded position, in a particular example of implementation; - [Fig. 6]: illustration of the vehicle in a second folded position, or fully folded, compact position, according to another embodiment.

[0025] The figures listed above illustrate the invention on a particular embodiment of a two-wheeled vehicle corresponding to a bicycle.

[0026] Such a two-wheeled vehicle according to the invention comprises a structure having a rear part 1 and a front part 2.

[0027] The vehicle includes a control means, usually called a steering shaft, oriented along the control axis C, fixed to and perpendicular to the physical axis of rotation of the front wheel of the front part 2.

[0028] Thus the front part 2 of the vehicle consists, in the case of a bicycle or a scooter, of: the front wheel, a tube (or steering shaft) equipped with a fork to support the front axis of rotation of the front wheel and a handlebar.

[0029] The rear part 1 is intended to support a rear wheel along a rear axis of rotation. It comprises two rear arms 5, 6 which support the rear axis of rotation.

[0030] The front part 2 is designed to support a front wheel along a front axis of rotation parallel to the rear axis of rotation. It is connected to the rear part 1, in particular, by a central element 7 and a crankset 3 configured to drive the rear wheel in rotation around the rear axis of rotation. In the case of a bicycle as shown in the figures, the central element 7 is conventionally a tubular upright receiving a seat tube 24 surmounted by a saddle and belonging to the frame of said bicycle. In the case of a scooter, the central element is a central platform, or part of such a platform.

[0031] The crankset 3 is mounted between the front part 2 and the rear part 1. It is connected to the rear rotation axis by a chain 4. The actuation of the crankset 4 thus drives the chain 4 which in turn drives the rear rotation axis, and therefore the rear wheel.

[0032] The vehicle is configured to move from the operating position, shown in [Fig. 1], to the first folded position shown in [Fig. 2A]. In the operating position, the front and rear rotation axes are separated by a first distance. In the first folded position, the front and rear rotation axes are separated by a second distance, which is smaller than the first distance. The transition from the operating position to the first folded position is achieved by translating the rear rotation axis towards the pedal assembly 3.

[0033] The vehicle is also configured to move from the first folded position to a second compact folded position, shown in [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 6]. Details relating to this second folded position and the transition to it are given in document FR3106807.

[0034] In this second folded position illustrated in figures 3 and 6 the front wheel and the rear wheel are arranged face to face, the front and rear axes of rotation being almost coincident, preferably exactly coincident.

[0035] The vehicle includes an assembly 9, 30 forming locking means 9, 30, which are configured to prevent the vehicle from moving from the operating position to the first and / or second folded position. Specifically, these locking means 9, 30 are configured, on the one hand, to disengage the chain 4 from the rear rotation axis in the first and / or second folded position so that, in this first and / or second folded position, the pedal assembly 3 does not rotate when the rear wheel rotates, and on the other hand, to prevent the vehicle from returning from the operating position to the first and / or second folded position. Thus, the vehicle, in the first folded position (as well as in the second compact folded position), can be maneuvered by rolling the rear wheel without being hindered by the rotation of the pedal assembly 3.

[0036] Specifically, these locking means 9, 30 include an action locking means in the form of a latch 30 and a tensioning assembly 9 allowing the chain 4 to be tensioned and the translation of the rear part 1 to the pedal assembly 3 to be blocked. The tensioning assembly 9 includes in this variant of the vehicle said latch 30.

[0037] Preferably the latch 30 includes an elastic return means allowing its automatic locking and thereby blocking the translation of the rear part 1 towards the pedal assembly 3.

[0038] Blocking the translation of the rear part 1 towards the pedal assembly 3 is achieved by blocking the sliding of the slides 11, 12 (therefore blocking the movement of the rear wheel forward, that of the translation of the linking element 13 and of the possible rear accessory 17). In variants, some of which are illustrated in particular in figures 1 to 4, the cooperation between the latch 30 and the sliding locking means in the form of a rectangular opening 301 in the triangular portion acting as a plate of the sliding 11 allows such a locking.

[0039] The connecting element 13 extends from one of the two slides 11, 12 at least partly towards the rear of the vehicle, i.e. in the direction from the front axis of rotation to the rear axis of rotation, then forms a return configured to go around the rear wheel, before joining the other of the two slides 11, 12.

[0040] As shown in document FR3106807, the tensioning assembly 9 may include a tensioner fixed to the rear arm by means of a mounting piece, and a guide wheel or pinion attached to this mounting piece by means of an arm. This arm is connected to the mounting piece by means of return means.

[0041] The tensioning assembly 9 is configured to obtain sufficient tension on the chain 4, particularly in the first folded position.

[0042] For each rear arm 5, 6, there is a slide 11, 12 configured to slide on the corresponding rear arm 5, 6. Thus, the slide 11 slides on the rear arm 5 and the slide 11 slides on the rear arm 6.

[0043] Specifically, each slide 11,12 slides from a position close to the rear axis of rotation, a position which corresponds to the vehicle's operating position (see [Fig. 1]), in the direction of the front axis of rotation, to a position corresponding to the vehicle's first folded position (see [Fig. 2A]).

[0044] Thus, among other things, in [Fig. 1], figures 2A and 2B, and [Fig. 4], the tensioning assembly 9 includes extension means 91, 92 suitable for securing the chain to the rear wheel in the operating position and for disengaging it in the folded position, in the form of: - on the one hand, a chain tensioner 91 at the upper part of the chain 4 comprising an elastic return means in the form of a spring 31 and at its free end an extension accessory 95 in the form of a sprocket, and - on the other hand, the derailleur 92 of the vehicle at the level of the lower part of the chain 4.

[0045] In [Fig. 5], the power-up assembly 9 includes extension means adapted to secure the chain to the rear wheel in the operating position and to detach it from the folded position in the form of: - on the one hand, a chain tensioner 91 at the upper part of the chain 4 comprising an elastic return means in the form of a spring 31 and at its free end an extension accessory 95 in the form of a pinion, and - on the other hand, a chain tensioner 91a at the lower part of the chain 4, equipped at its free end with an extension accessory 95 in the form of a sprocket.

[0046] The sliding of the guides 11, 12 along the respective rear arms 5, 6 towards the crankset 3 causes the chain to be tensioned by the action of the return means 31, and the chain 4 to be disengaged from the rear axis of rotation, and therefore from the rear wheel. In this way, when the rear wheel rotates, the crankset 3 no longer rotates.

[0047] Figure 5 gives another example of the tensioning assembly 9 in which return means 31 and extension means 91, 91a are associated and illustrates a latch 30 which locks the slide 11 in translation, by hooking via a notch 300 on a pin 32 which is fixed on said slide 11. In other variants not illustrated, a latch 30 can lock the slide 11 in translation by hooking on the connecting element 13.

[0048] In certain embodiments, one of which is illustrated in detail in [Fig. 2B], the rigid connecting element 13 includes a spreading means 130 oriented along an axis parallel to the rear axis of rotation in the form of a rod. In these embodiments, when the vehicle is in the operating position and the latch 30 is engaged with the locking means in the form of an opening 301 in the slide 11, the spreading means 130 hinders the action of the elastic return means in the form of a spring 31, by mechanically constraining the extension means in the form of a chain tensioner 91 in a lower position in which the chain cannot detach from the rear wheel. The spreading means 130 ensures that said extension means 91 cannot rise under the action of the elastic return means in the form of a spring 31 and detach the chain 4 from the rear wheel.

[0049] As illustrated in particular in [Fig.1], [Fig.2B], and [Fig.4], by locking (manually or automatically in variants where the latch includes an elastic return means such as a spring) or manually unlocking the latch 30 of the slide 11, the user can respectively move the vehicle from the operating position to the folded position.

[0050] As can be seen in the figures, the two slides 11, 12 are connected by a rigid, thread-like connecting element 13. This connecting element 13 extends from one of the two slides 11, 12, at least partially towards the rear of the vehicle, that is, in the direction from the front axis of rotation to the rear axis of rotation, then forms a return configured to bypass the rear wheel, before rejoining the other of the two slides 11, 12. Specifically, in the example shown, the connecting element 13 initially extends significantly upwards, notably to move away from the level of the rear arms 5, 6. It then forms a return 16 configured to bypass the rear wheel. Finally, it joins the other of the two slides 11, 12, here symmetrically.

[0051] Reinforcing elements can be provided in the connecting element 13, not referenced in the figures.

[0052] The rear wheel, when present, already provides rigidity to the structure and thus contributes to the synchronization of the sliding motion of the two slides 11, 12, reducing the risk of one of the two slides sliding out of parallel to the other. The connecting element 13 reinforces this rigidity, and therefore the proper synchronization of the sliding motion of these two slides 11, 12.

[0053] Furthermore, in certain situations, for example during vehicle assembly, the rear wheel may not be present. The connecting element 13 then facilitates the mounting of the rear wheel, and also allows testing the proper sliding of the rear part 1 towards the front part 2. The two slides 11, 12 then move parallel to each other, which maintains parallelism along the main plane of the bicycle for these slides 11, 12, but also maintains parallelism on plates arranged under these slides 11, 12 and on which the rear rotation axis is fixed.

[0054] As can be seen in the example shown in the figures, the vehicle structure is provided, at its rear, with an accessory fixed to the slides 11, 12, for example by one or more rods 22 on one side of the rear wheel, and one or more rods 23 on the other side of the rear wheel. These rods 22, 23 are attached to the accessory at one end, and their respective opposite ends connect to the slides 11, 12 to which they are preferably fixed temporarily (e.g., by removable clips).

[0055] In other variants not illustrated, the rear accessory can be fixed on the connecting element 13.

[0056] The rear accessory can be a mudguard 17, as shown in the figures, or a luggage rack.

[0057] Thus, an accessory such as a luggage rack can be clipped onto the rear part 1 of the vehicle structure, becoming removable. This results in weight savings, a reduction in size, and an improvement in design.

[0058] Optionally, this luggage rack has a sliding part which translates at the same time as the connecting element 13 and the slides 11,12 (as well as the rear wheel).

[0059] It is therefore also important to maintain the synchronization of the accessory's movement with the connecting element 13 and the slides 11, 12 (as well as the rear wheel) to avoid additional operations and a possible tipping problem of the bicycle towards the rear. This tilting could occur if the rear wheel is folded before the luggage rack is moved.

[0060] As can also be seen in the figures, at least one of the two rear arms 5, 6 (both rear arms 5, 6 in the example shown) extends from a mounting piece 18, 19 to the central element 7. Thus, in the example shown, the rear arm 5 extends from the mounting piece 18 to the central element 7, and the rear arm 6 extends from the mounting piece 19 to this central element 7. The tensioning assembly 9 is attached to at least one of the two mounting pieces 18, 19.

[0061] It can also be seen that the rear part of the vehicle structure includes a rigid element 20, 21 connecting the fixing part(s) 18, 19 and the central element 7.

[0062] In the example shown, the rigid element 20, 21 is formed of two tubes which extend respectively from the fixing pieces 18, 19 and join in a connecting piece with the central element 7.

[0063] Following the sliding of the rear part 1, the rear wheel is disengaged from the chain 4 (or belt or universal joint). Consequently, the rotation of the rear wheel when the vehicle is moved in the first folded position (see [Fig. 2A]), or semi-folded mode, or even in the second folded position (see [Fig. 3]), or fully folded mode, no longer causes the rotation of the pedal assembly 3 and therefore, at the same time, of the cranks and pedals attached to this pedal assembly 3. This makes it possible to move the vehicle by rolling it forwards or backwards, by pushing or pulling it, without this assembly consisting of the pedal assembly 3, the cranks and the pedals, starting to move.

[0064] Furthermore, in these folded positions, the vehicle's center of gravity is lowered due to the rear wheel being closer to the crankset 3 in this mode of transporting the bicycle. Movement is therefore easier because the vehicle does not tend to tip over. This mode of transport is similar to transporting a rolling suitcase but with the advantage of having large wheels.

[0065] To fold the vehicle and bring it into the first folded position:

[0066] - the latch 30 is manually unlocked;

[0067] - the rear part 1 is pushed towards the front part 2 using the connecting element 13.

[0068] Advantageously, elastomer-type parts are arranged at the ends of the lower arms 5, 6 and slides 11, 12, in order to facilitate folding, limit play, and also dampen noise during impacts of the different components during the folding phase.

[0069] The vehicle includes at least one stabilization means 40, 41 in the form of a support leg, attached to a mounting part 18, 19, oriented along a balancing axis E parallel to the rear half-plane of the vehicle and directed towards the front part 2, preferably implemented in the first and / or second folded position like a crutch.

[0070] Advantageously, when the vehicle is in the second folded position, at least one stabilization means 40, 41 along the balancing axis E and the control means along the control axis C of the vehicle are configured to balance and stabilize the vehicle under the action of its own weight along a vertical stabilization axis S as illustrated in [Fig.3] and [Fig.6] and prevent the passage from the folded position to the operating position, for example by creating a chair effect (four stabilizing feet) or a tripod effect (three stabilizing feet).

[0071] Advantageously, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], the vehicle may include a front loading element 60 of the basket type, fixed to the front part 2 at the handlebar. The front loading element 60 is configured to maintain its position regardless of the vehicle mode, and particularly in the second folded position. In this second folded position, the front loading element 60 is positioned above at least one of the vehicle's wheels, and the stabilizing axis S passes through this front loading element 60. This is particularly advantageous since it is no longer necessary to systematically disassemble or unload the front loading element 60 and / or its contents, especially when folding into the second folded position. Furthermore, the front loading element 60, by its positioning above at least one of the wheels and relative to the stabilizing axis S, enhances the vehicle's stability in the second folded position.

[0072] For unfolding, that is, returning from the first folded position to the position of use:

[0073] - the rear part 1 is pulled backwards;

[0074] - the latch 30 is locked either manually or automatically in the variants where the latch 30 includes an elastic return means.

[0075] In the locked position, the extension accessory 95, here in the form of a sprocket, of the tensioning assembly 9 is no longer in contact with the chain 4 or belt. This prevents premature wear and allows the use of a rear wheel with multiple sprockets (in the case of using a grooved wheel) in addition to the use of a derailleur for the lower tensioner.

[0076] The applicant has observed that the folding and unfolding methods presented above can each be carried out in less than 2 seconds, without any particular effort.

[0077] It is noted that the present description is given by way of example and is not limiting of the invention.

[0078] In particular, the invention is not limited to a two-wheeled vehicle of the bicycle type, but also relates to other types of vehicles, such as a scooter for example, or even a moped.

Claims

1. Demands Folding vehicle comprising a structure having a rear part (1) intended to support a rear wheel about a rear axis of rotation and comprising two rear arms (5, 6) supporting said rear axis of rotation, a front part (2) intended to support a front wheel about a front axis of rotation parallel to the rear axis of rotation and connected to the rear part (1) by a central element (7), and a pedal assembly (3) configured to drive the rear wheel in rotation about the rear axis of rotation, the pedal assembly (3) being mounted between the front part (2) and the rear part (1) and connected to the rear axis of rotation by a chain (4),the vehicle being configured to move from an operating position in which the front and rear rotation axes are spaced a first distance apart to a first folded position in which the front and rear rotation axes are spaced a second distance less than the first distance by translation of the rear rotation axis in the direction of the pedal assembly (3), the vehicle comprising locking means (9, 30) configured to lock and unlock the passage of the vehicle from the operating position to the first folded position, in which the locking means (9, 30) are configured to disengage the chain (4) from the rear rotation axis in the first folded position so that in this first folded position, the pedal assembly (3) does not rotate when the rear wheel rotates, said vehicle being characterized in that it comprises, for each rear arm (5, 6), a slide (11, 12) configured to slide on the rear arm (5,6) corresponding, from a position close to the rear axis of rotation corresponding to the vehicle's operating position, in the direction of the front axis of rotation, to a position corresponding to the vehicle's first folded position, the two slides (11, 12) being connected by a rigid, thread-like connecting element (13), and in that the connecting element (13) extends from one of the two slides (11, 12) at least partially towards the rear of the vehicle, i.e. in the direction from the front axis of rotation to the rear axis of rotation, then forms a return (16) configured to bypass the rear wheel, before joining the other of the two slides (11, 12).

2. Vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking means (9, 30) comprise at least one chain tensioning assembly (9) for the chain (4), said tensioning assembly (9) being integral with at least one rear arm (5, 6).

3. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one rear arm (5, 6) extends from a fixing piece (18, 19) to the central element (7), the tensioning assembly (9) being fixed to said fixing piece (18, 19).

4. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to move from the first folded position to a second folded position in which the front wheel and the rear wheel are arranged face to face, the front and rear axes of rotation being substantially coincident.

5. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one slide (11, 12) comprises a slide locking means (301, 32) and in that the locking means (9, 30) comprise an action locking means (30, 300), said action locking means (30, 300) and the at least one slide locking means (301, 32) being configured to cooperate together in the use position so as to block the return from the use position to the first and / or second folded position.

6. Vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the tensioning assembly (9) includes at least one extension means (91, 92) capable of securing in the operating position and unsealing in the first and / or second folded position the chain (4) from the rear wheel.

7. Vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the power-up assembly (9) includes at least one elastic return means (31) configured to actuate at least one extension means (91, 92).

8. Vehicle according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that at least one of the slides (11, 12) and / or the connecting element (13) comprises at least one spreading means (130) configured to constrain at least one extension means (91, 92) in a retracted position in which the disengagement of the chain (4) from the rear wheel cannot occur when the vehicle is in the operating position.

9. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a rear accessory (17) fixed to at least one of: the connecting element (13), at least one slide (11, 12).

10. Vehicle according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a control means oriented along a control axis (C) of the vehicle, fixed to and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the front wheel, and in that it comprises at least one stabilization means (40, 41), fixed to one of: the vehicle frame, at least one of the slides (11, 12), at least one fixing piece (18, 19), the at least one stabilization means (40, 41) and the control means being configured to balance and stabilize the vehicle under the action of its own weight along a vertical stabilization axis (S) and prevent the vehicle from moving from the folded position to the operating position when it is in the folded position.

11. Vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a front loading element (60) fixed on the front part (2), configured such that said front loading element (60) is disposed above at least one of the wheels of the vehicle and that the stabilizing axis (S) passes through this front loading element (60) in the second folded position.

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