Kickboard and connecting frame for kickboard

Abstract

To provide a kickboard that can be changed into a compact form when not in traveling, and that is stable for transportation and storage in such a compact form.SOLUTION: A kickboard has a pedestal frame (10) on which a rider rides, a connecting frame (30) fixed to the front end of the pedestal frame (10), and a handle frame (20) fixed to the connecting frame (30) and standing up when in the traveling form. A front wheel (25) is fixed to the lower end of the handle frame (20), a handle (23) is fixed to the upper end of the handle frame (20), and the connecting frame (30) has a folding pivoting axis (33) at the end on the front wheel (25) side. The handle (23) is rotated in conjunction with the steering direction of the front wheel (25), and the handle frame (20) can be formed into a folded form by rotating the same around the folding pivoting axis (33) toward the pedestal frame (10).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to technology for a kick scooter that can be transformed into a compact form when not in use, allowing it to be stably transported and stored. [Background technology]

[0002] Kick scooters are popular as simple vehicles that run on rotating wheels without using chains. A typical kick scooter has a base that supports the front and rear wheels and a handle that extends upward from the base and allows steering of the front wheel. There are also three-wheeled types with two rear wheels to increase stability when driving or stopping, and three-wheeled types with two front wheels.

[0003] Due to recent advances in battery and motor technology, electric kick scooters in which either the front or rear wheels are motor-driven are becoming more popular.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a foldable electric scooter. Although it is called a "scooter," it is synonymous with the "kickboard" referred to in this application. A brief explanation will be given below with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0005] As shown in FIG. 1(a), the electric scooter 1 is equipped with a step floor 91 on which the rider places both feet, a rear wheel 93 axially supported at the rear of the step floor 91, a folding mechanism 2 fixed to the end opposite the rear wheel 93, an operating lever 9 axially supported by the folding mechanism 2, a front wheel 92 axially supported at the lower end of the operating lever 9, and a handle for steering the front wheel 92.

[0006] When folding the electric scooter 1, as shown in Fig. 1(b), the folding mechanism 2 rotates around the pivot 34. This causes the handle, the operating lever 9 and the front wheel 92 to rotate, changing the shape so that the handle approaches the rear wheel 93. Roughly speaking, the electric scooter 1, which was approximately L-shaped, becomes approximately "J"-shaped, making it easier to store the scooter 1.

[0007] 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the details of the folding mechanism 2, but detailed description thereof will be omitted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-51547 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The electric scooter 1 disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be folded to save space, but it is believed that the design did not anticipate easy transportation. Hereinafter, transportation of the electric scooter 1 will be described.

[0010] To lift the electric scooter 1 in the state shown in Fig. 1(b), it is assumed that the general practice is to grasp the center of the control lever 9 and lift and carry it. Even a fairly light electric scooter weighs more than 10 kilograms, making it difficult for anyone other than an adult male to lift it with one hand.

[0011] Alternatively, if the operating lever 9 and step floor 91 are erected with the front wheels 92 or rear wheels 93 in contact with the ground, the wheels can be used to roll, making it easier to carry than lifting it up. However, since the vehicle is moved with only the front wheels 92 or rear wheels 93 in contact with the ground, it is unstable. If the movement is stopped, it becomes even more unstable, and the transporter must continue to support it.

[0012] Once transportation is completed, the scooter must be laid down as shown in Fig. 1(b) in order to be stable. In this case, the length along the direction of travel is almost the same as before folding. Therefore, when storing the electric scooter 1, the operating lever 9 and step floor 91 can be erected to reduce the area projected onto the ground, but this would make the scooter unstable, so another member or other component would be required to stabilize it.

[0013] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a kick scooter that can be transformed into a compact form when not in use and that can be stably transported and stored in that compact form. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a kick scooter and a connecting frame, which is a main component used therein, are provided.

[0015] (First Invention) The first invention is a kick scooter that is generally L-shaped when in a riding mode (see FIG. 6) and generally I-shaped when folded (see FIG. 7), A base frame (10) on which an operator sits; A connection frame (30) fixed to a front end of the base frame (10); a handle frame (20) supported by the connection frame (30), supporting a front wheel (25) at its lower end, and having a handle (23) disposed at its upper end; The connection frame (30) includes a folding pivot shaft (33) that transitions the handle frame (20) between an upright position and a folded position, This kickboard is configured so that the handle (23) rotates in conjunction with the steering direction of the front wheel (25), and the handle frame (20) can be rotated toward the base frame (10) around the folding rotation axis (33) to assume a folded shape (see Figure 4).

[0016] (Terminology) The term "kick scooter" includes electric kick scooters equipped with an electric power mechanism, as well as (original) kick scooters that do not have a power mechanism and are powered by the operator riding the scooter and kicking the road surface with one foot.

[0017] (action) A connection frame (30) is fixed to the front end of the base frame (10), and a handle frame (20) is supported on the connection frame (30). When the vehicle is in a traveling mode, the handle frame (20) stands upright. The operator of the kickboard stands on the base frame (10) and holds the handlebars (23) with both hands. When the operator turns the handlebars with both hands, the front wheel (25) turns left and right in the direction of travel relative to the connecting frame (30) and the base frame (10).

[0018] When the operator wishes to fold the kick scooter, he or she rotates the handle frame (20) rearward, i.e., toward the base frame (10), around the folding rotation shaft (33). Because the connection frame (30) is located at the front end of the base frame (10) and the folding rotation shaft (33) is also located at the front end of the base frame (10), the base frame (10) and the handle frame (20) can be rotated until they are nearly parallel (approximately I-shaped). In other words, the scooter can be folded very compactly. If the base frame (10) and the handle frame (20) are set upright in this state, the projection area onto the ground becomes very small, making it easier to use public transportation and reducing the inconvenience to other passengers in the elevator.

[0019] In the folded form, the operator stands on the opposite side of the handle frame (20) from the base frame (10), holds the handle (23), tilts the kick scooter toward his or her body, and pushes the scooter; the front wheel (25), which is in contact with the ground, rotates, making it extremely easy to move the scooter (see Figure 9).

[0020] (Variation 1 of the first invention) The first aspect of the invention may be formed as follows. That is, the bicycle is provided with a rotating stand (35) that is grounded at two or more points so that the handle frame (20) can be held upright with the front wheel (25) grounded when in the folded state, The rotating stand (35) is formed so that it can be rotated relative to the connection frame (30) to a position where it does not contact the ground when in a traveling mode.

[0021] (Terminology) Regarding the rotating stand (35), the phrase "two or more points on the ground" means that, when combined with the front wheel (25), at least three points on the ground are in contact with the ground.

[0022] When the kickboard is folded and the rotating stand (35) is placed on the ground, at least three points are on the ground, with the front wheel (25) and the rotating stand (35) touching the ground when the handle frame (20) is in an upright position (see Figures 7 and 8). Therefore, the handle frame (20) can be maintained in an upright position, and the projection area onto the ground with the base frame (10) and the handle frame (20) in an upright position is extremely small.

[0023] (Variation 2 of the first invention) The handle frame in the first aspect of the invention may be provided with a rear wheel space capable of storing a part of the rear wheel when in the folded state (see Figs. 7 and 8).

[0024] (action) When folded, part of the rear wheel is stored in the rear wheel space, resulting in a more compact folded shape.Also, it becomes possible to select a larger size for the rear wheel, which contributes to improving driving performance.

[0025] (Variation 3 of the first invention) It is more preferable that the above-mentioned variation 2 in the first invention is formed as follows. That is, the rotating stand (35) can be rotated from a position where it does not contact the ground to a position where it does contact the ground when the vehicle is in the traveling mode, thereby enabling the handle frame (20) to be erected while the vehicle is in the traveling mode.

[0026] (action) When the vehicle is traveling, the rotating stand (35) is positioned so as not to touch the ground, in order to avoid any hindrance to the vehicle's traveling. When the scooter stops during travel and the operator gets off the scooter, the rotating stand (35) is in a position where it touches the ground, so that the scooter can stand on its own when stopped.

[0027] (Variation 4 of the first invention) The front wheel in the first aspect of the invention may be formed so as to be drivable by a motor, i.e., the vehicle may be provided as an electric kick scooter.

[0028] (action) Electric kick scooters are heavier than those without an electric mechanism. This is because they need to be equipped with a motor and a battery to drive that motor. In the case of electric kick scooters, where the weight is heavy near the front wheel, the kick scooter of the present application can be changed from a traveling form to a folded form with the front wheel still on the ground, so the folding operation can be carried out easily (and safely). This is because there is no need to move important parts.

[0029] (Variation 5 of the first invention) The rear wheels (15) in the first aspect of the invention may be two wheels arranged in parallel, i.e., a three-wheeled kick scooter may be provided.

[0030] (action) Three-wheeled scooters have disadvantages such as increased weight and reduced maneuverability. However, because they are supported on the ground at three points, they are more stable when stopped or traveling at low speeds. This increases the possibility that even elderly people or people with limited mobility can operate them.

[0031] (Second Invention) The second invention in this application relates to the connection frame used in the first invention. That is, the connecting frame (30) in a kickboard comprises a base frame (10) on which the operator sits, a connecting frame (30) fixed to the front end of the base frame (10), and a handle frame (20) supported by the connecting frame (30), which has a front wheel (25) fixedly supported at its lower end and has a handle (23) disposed at its upper end, thereby forming a roughly L-shape when in a traveling mode and a roughly I-shape when in a folded mode. The connecting frame (30) is provided with a folding pivot shaft at the end on the front wheel (25) side, A handle (23) arranged at the upper end of the handle frame (20) rotates in conjunction with the steering direction of the front wheel (25), and the handle frame (20) is configured so that it can be rotated around the folding rotation axis toward the base frame (10) to assume a folded shape.

[0032] (Variation 1 of the second invention) The kick scooter connection frame according to the second aspect of the present invention is provided with a rotating stand that is grounded so that the front wheel can be grounded and the handle frame can be held upright when the kick scooter is folded up. It is more preferable that the rotating stand is formed so that it can be rotated relative to the connection frame to a position where it does not contact the ground when in the traveling mode.

[0033] (Variation 2 of the second invention) In the second invention, it is more preferable that the connecting frame for a kick scooter relating to variation 1 be such that the rotating stand can be rotated from a position where it is not in contact with the ground when the scooter is being ridden to a position where it is in contact with the ground, thereby enabling the handle frame to be erected while the scooter is being ridden. Effect of the Invention

[0034] According to the first invention, it is possible to provide a kick scooter that can be transformed into a compact form when not in use and that can be stably transported and stored in that compact form. According to the second invention, it is possible to provide a connecting frame for a kick scooter that can be transformed into a compact form when not in use and that can be stably transported and stored in that compact form. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a scooter disclosed in JP 2012-51547 A. [Diagram 2] This is a main part of the scooter disclosed in JP 2012-51547 A. [Diagram 3] This is a main part of the scooter disclosed in JP 2012-51547 A. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing an entire kickboard according to the present application. [Diagram 5] 1 is a perspective view (from below) showing the entire kickboard according to the present application. [Figure 6] 1 is a side view showing an entire kickboard according to the present application. [Figure 7] 1 is a side view showing the entire kick scooter according to the present application in a folded state. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view showing an entire kickboard according to the present application in a folded state. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the kick scooter according to the present application in a folded state, and shown to be carried by a user. [Figure 10] 1 is a side view showing an entire kick scooter according to the present application, in a state where it is supported by a rotating stand. [Figure 11] 1 is a view showing the position of a connecting frame used in a kick scooter according to the present application, and an enlarged view focusing on the connecting frame. [Figure 12] 1 shows a state in which a folding pivot shaft used in a kickboard according to the present application is being assembled. [Figure 13] 1 shows a state in which a rotating stand for use with a kickboard according to the present application is being assembled. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 4 to 13). The present invention is not limited to the embodiment, but is a form for interpreting the present invention.

[0037] (Figure 4) Fig. 4 shows a kick scooter that is generally L-shaped when viewed from the side when in a riding mode. As will be described later, when folded (see Fig. 7), it is generally I-shaped. In the following description, the substantially L-shaped state is referred to as the "traveling position," and the substantially I-shaped state is referred to as the "folded position."

[0038] This kickboard comprises a base frame (10) on which an operator stands, for example, with both feet shifted forward and backward, a connection frame (30) fixed to the front end of the base frame (10), and a handle frame (20) supported by the connection frame (30) and standing upright when in a traveling mode.

[0039] The handle frame (20) supports a front wheel (25) at its lower end, and a handle (23) is disposed via a handle stem (21) at the upper end of the handle frame (20). It also houses a drive mechanism for driving the front wheel (25), a battery for operating the drive mechanism, etc.

[0040] The handle stems (21) are located at both axial ends of the handle (23), and the middle portion is a space that serves as a rear wheel space (22) for accommodating part of the rear wheel (15) when folded.

[0041] The connecting frame (30) is provided with a folding pivot shaft (33) at the end on the front wheel (25) side, and is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the frame in each of the states when traveling and when folded up.

[0042] The handle (23) rotates in conjunction with the steering direction of the front wheel (25), and the handle frame (20) can be rotated toward the base frame (10) around the folding rotation axis (33) to assume a folded shape.

[0043] A license plate (19) is fixed to the rear of the rear wheel. A rearview mirror (29) is fixed to the right side of the handlebars. A brake lever (24) is fixed to the handlebars (23).

[0044] (Figure 5) FIG. 5 is a perspective view seen from below so as to show the rotating stand (35) which was not shown in FIG.

[0045] The rotating stand (35) is a plate material shaped like a "concave" and is axially supported on the connecting frame (30) by a rotating shaft that passes through the fork. A locking mechanism (not shown) is provided on the connecting frame (30) or the base frame (10) to maintain the rotating stand (35) parallel to the base frame (10) as shown in Fig. 5 during travel. The locking mechanism is a well-known structure that prevents, engages, and fixes the rotation of the rotating shaft, and a well-known structure can be applied, so a detailed description of the structure will be omitted. To place the scooter in a riding position and allow it to stand on its own when parked and not actually being ridden, rotate the rotating stand (35) so that it is perpendicular to the base frame (10) (see Figure 10). This position can also be maintained by the locking mechanism mentioned above.

[0046] (Figure 6) Figure 6 is a side view of the kickboard in a riding position when the kickboard is actually being ridden. The rotating stand (35) is held parallel to the base frame (10) and does not get in the way of the front wheel (25) and rear wheel (15) when the scooter is being ridden.

[0047] (Figure 7) Figure 7 shows the folded position as seen from the side. The rotating stand (35) is rotated to the position shown in Figure 10. By doing so, the entire kick scooter can stand on its own even in the folded position. As mentioned above, the rotating stand (35) is a "concave" shaped plate material and has appropriate dimensions in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel (perpendicular to the page), so that in combination with the front wheel (25) it provides three-point support.

[0048] Although the front wheels (25) are rotatable, the rear wheels (15) are positioned closer to the rotating stand (35), so the weight is placed on the rotating stand (35) and the whole is stable. The projected area on the ground during storage is also small, so storage space is small.

[0049] (Figure 8) Figure 8 shows the folded position as seen from the front right and diagonally above. The rear wheel (15) fits into the rear wheel space (22) (see Figure 4) between the handlebar stems (21). This way of fitting the rear wheel (15) contributes to reducing the depth dimension in the folded position.

[0050] (Fig. 9) 9 is a side view showing a user carrying a kick scooter in the folded position. The user stands on the opposite side of the kick scooter from the pivot stand (35) when the scooter is in the folded position. The user holds the handle (23), tilts the scooter so that the pivot stand (35) is away from the ground, and carries the scooter by pushing it toward the pivot stand (35).

[0051] When the user wishes to travel in places where the kick scooter cannot be ridden, such as on a sidewalk, the user can easily move around by folding the kick scooter and walking.

[0052] (Figure 10) FIG. 10 shows the vehicle in a traveling position, supported by a rotating stand (35). The kick scooter cannot stand on its own with only the front wheel (25) and rear wheel (15) because they are supported at two points. However, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotating stand (35) has a wide shape in the horizontal direction, so the kick scooter can stand on its own.

[0053] As explained above, the rotating stand (35) can take two positions. The first is the riding position, which is adopted when the scooter is parked and not actually being driven. In this case, the rotating stand (35) is rotated to a position perpendicular to the base frame (10) (see FIG. 10). By taking the position in which the rotating stand (35) is perpendicular to the base frame (10), the scooter can stand on its own in the position. In this free-standing position, when the handle frame (20) is rotated toward the base frame (10), the state shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 is reached, and the scooter can stand on its own when folded.

[0054] The second is when the scooter is in a riding position and is actually being ridden. In this riding position, the rotating stand (35) is rotated to be parallel to the base frame (10) (see Figures 5 and 6).

[0055] (Fig. 11) Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining the connection frame 30. Figure 11(a) shows where the connection frame 30 is located in a perspective view of the entire kickboard. Fig. 11(b) is an enlarged view showing the positional relationship of the connection frame (30) with the adjacent parts. The connection frame (30) has a roughly triangular side and a protrusion (30A) that supports the handle frame shaft on the upper part. The handle frame shaft is supported by passing through a through hole (31) (see Fig. 12(b)) formed in the protrusion (30A).

[0056] (Fig. 12) Figure 12 shows the relationship between the folding pivot shaft (33) and the connection frame (30) and the base frame (10). Figure 12(a) is a side view of the assembled state, and Figure 12(b) is a perspective view of the assembled state. As shown in FIG. 12(b), a pair of arms (10A) are formed at the front of the base frame (10) extending forward from the side. The connection frame (30) is held in a space defined inside the arms. Through holes (32, 12) are formed in the connection frame (30) and the arms (10A), and folding rotation shafts (33) are inserted into the through holes (32, 12) on the left and right. The folding rotation shafts (33) are used as the center of rotation for the handle frame (20) to transition between the upright position and the folded position.

[0057] (Fig. 13) FIG. 13 is an assembly diagram showing the relationship of the pivot stand (35) to the connecting frame (30).

[0058] The rotating stand (35) has a through hole that passes through the upper end portion of the concave shape. Also, a spring fixing portion (35C) is provided on one side of the concave shape for hooking an end of a coil spring (37) for the stand. The spring (37) for the stand may be provided on both sides of the rotating stand (35) or on one side.

[0059] The lower end of the connection frame (30) is provided with a stand fixing portion (30A) that serves as a female thread for screwing in a stand fixing bolt (36) that passes through the concave upper end portion of the rotating stand 35. In addition, a spring fixing portion (30B) for hooking an end of a stand spring (37) is provided adjacent to the stand fixing portion (30A).

[0060] By appropriately designing the length of the stand spring (37) and the relative positions of the spring fixing parts (30C, 35C), the stand spring (37) is extended whether the rotating stand (35) is in the traveling position or the self-supporting position. Therefore, the stand spring (37) tries to maintain two positions by the force of contraction and a locking mechanism (not shown).

[0061] According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a kick scooter that can be transformed into a compact form when not in use, and that can be stably transported and stored in that compact form. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The present invention has applicability in the scooter manufacturing industry, the scooter rental industry, the scooter repair and other maintenance industries, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10 ; Base frame 10A ; Arm 12 ;Through hole 15 ; Rear wheel 19 ; Number plate 20 ;Handle frame 21 ;Handle stem 22 ;Rear wheel space 23 ;Handle 25 ; Front wheel 29 ; Rearview mirror 30 ; Connection frame 30A; Protrusion 30B; Spring fixing part 30C; Spring fixing part 31 ;Through hole 33 ; Folding pivot shaft 35 ; Rotating stand 35A ; Through hole 35B: Through hole 35C: Spring fixing part 36 ; Stand fixing bolt 37 ;Stand spring

Claims

1. A kick scooter that is generally L-shaped when in a running mode and generally I-shaped when folded, A base frame on which an operator sits; a connection frame fixed to a front end of the base frame; a handle frame supported by the connection frame, supporting a front wheel at a lower end and having a handle disposed at an upper end; Equipped with The connecting frame includes a folding pivot shaft for transitioning the handle frame between an upright position and a folded position, The kickboard is configured so that the handle rotates in conjunction with the steering direction of the front wheel, and the handle frame can be rotated toward the base frame around the folding rotation axis to assume a folded shape.

2. a rotating stand that is grounded at two or more points so that the front wheel can be grounded and the handle frame can be held upright in the folded state; The rotating stand is formed so that it can be rotated relative to the connection frame to a position where it does not touch the ground when in a running mode. The kickboard according to claim 1.

3. The handle frame is provided with a rear wheel space capable of storing a part of the rear wheel when in a folded state.

3. The kickboard according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The rotating stand can be rotated from a non-grounding position to a grounding position during running, allowing the handle frame to be erected while in the running mode. The kickboard according to claim 2.

5. The front wheels can be driven by a motor. The kickboard according to claim 1.

6. The rear wheels are two wheels arranged in parallel. The kickboard according to claim 1.

7. A base frame on which an operator sits; a connection frame fixed to a front end of the base frame; A handle frame is supported by the connection frame, supports a front wheel at its lower end, and has a handle disposed at its upper end. The connection frame of a kick scooter that is substantially L-shaped when in a traveling mode and substantially I-shaped when in a folded mode, A folding pivot shaft is provided at the end portion on the front wheel side, The handle fixed to the upper end of the handle frame rotates in conjunction with the steering direction of the front wheel, and the handle frame can be rotated around the folding rotation axis toward the base frame to assume a folded shape. Connecting frame for foldable kick scooters.

8. a rotating stand that is adapted to be grounded so as to be capable of holding a front wheel in a grounded and handle frame in an upright position when in a folded form; The rotating stand is formed so that it can be rotated relative to the connection frame to a position where it does not touch the ground when in a running mode. The connecting frame for a kick scooter according to claim 7.

9. The rotating stand can be rotated from a non-grounding position to a grounding position during running, allowing the handle frame to be erected while in the running mode. The connecting frame for a kick scooter according to claim 8.

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