Vertical vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a novel paradigm for a vehicle intended for urban, one-person applications. The vehicle (1) extends mainly in a vertical direction. It has a height (H) greater than its width (W) and its length (L).

Description

Title of the invention: Vertical vehicle Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle system for single-person transport or transfer of freight or loads, mainly urban, usable at all times. Prior art

[0002] It is known, for urban travel, to use walking, cycling, moped, moped, car, public transport and other more recent means such as the E-scooter, scooter, possibly electric, and others.

[0003] Walking and cycling require physical effort and are therefore not accessible to everyone. Mopeds and motorized bicycles are not protected and are less pleasant to use in bad weather. Mopeds, motorized bicycles, cars, and public transport are generally polluting and require significant adaptations.

[0004] In addition, if you have to transport small parcels or mail to addresses close to each other, such as, for example, this could be the case of a fishmonger who wants to deliver orders to several customers living close to each other, or a postman who has to distribute mail or delivery people who have to intervene in a limited area, or other delivery activities, they could use with interest the variants that this vehicle allows to develop, whether autonomously, remotely controlled or towed by one of the single-person vehicles.

[0005] It is an alternative vehicle to operate in the context of near urban mobility, typically the “last mile”.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to a first variant of the present invention, the subject of the invention is a single-person transport vehicle.

[0008] The invention relates to a vehicle comprising a complete bodywork whose height is greater than its width and length. Particular features or embodiments, usable alone or in combination, are: - the height is at least 205 cm, - the width is at most equal to 90 cm and the length at most equal to 170 cm, - the vehicle has three wheels, preferably two fixed side rear wheels and a central front steering wheel, - the vehicle also includes a control device selected from a joystick, visual guidance, voice guidance, remote guidance or automatic guidance, - the vehicle still includes an electric motor, - the vehicle also includes a navigation system and proximity sensors in order to be able to dynamically understand its environment, - the power of the engine is low enough not to require any special authorization or permit, - the vehicle also includes a stair-climbing device, - the vehicle includes a communication system with its counterparts so as to be able to operate like a train, one vehicle being master and guide and the other vehicles being slaves and successive followers of a preceding vehicle, - the vehicle is suitable for accommodating one person and includes: an interior volume or cabin capable of accommodating a person in a standing position, at least one door giving access to this interior volume, transparent windows on the front and at least one of the two sides, and possibly a seat, advantageously retractable, to allow a seated position, - the vehicle comprises a base providing mobility functions, at least one human or modular payload stacked on the base and a roof located on top of the vehicle. According to a second variant of the present invention, the subject of the invention is a vehicle for transporting freight or loads, therefore intended for activities other than the movement of a person.

[0009] According to this variant, the vehicle according to the invention is intended not only for use for the movement of a person over short distances as indicated above, but can also be organized for the transport of freight or loads.

[0010] Figure 5 shows a basic module or trailer assembly intended to serve as the basis for a freight vehicle. The basic modules are likely to contain all the elements (engine and others) allowing the autonomous operation of the vehicle.

[0011] These basic modules are designed to support successive compartments or lockers that overlap and fit one above the other in a vertical direction. In fact, their purpose is the delivery of products to nearby locations, the interventions of craftsmen, the delivery of products to various customers living nearby, and others. applications as indicated above. Stacked drawer sets can replace these sets of compartments or lockers.

[0012] These vehicles can consist of a basic module or trailer unit comprising two or three drawers and whose roof can be used to support a cabin or loads.

[0013] These vehicles may consist of a basic module or trailer assembly comprising two or three drawers and whose roof can serve as a support for cabins thus forming vehicles intended for specific applications or as a support for compartments fitted onto the roof of the vehicle, these drawers or compartments containing freight or loads.

[0014] The assembly formed by the basic module, these compartments or lockers or sets of drawers (Fig. 8; Fig. 9) have a maximum height which is that of the height of the single-person vehicles so that the trains they form appear to consist of similar vehicles. They may be part of a coupling or train of vehicles whether autonomous or remote-controlled or towed. Therefore, the height of the basic module and the compartments which are likely to be carried by the basic module, whether autonomous, towed or remote-controlled, may not exceed the dimensions of the vehicles of the entire train as shown in Figure 10.

[0015] A basic module or trailer unit comprising two or three compartments or drawers and whose roof can be used to support cabins.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle may have only one rear door and, depending on the use for which it is intended, may have numerous superimposed base compartments capable of successively fitting one on top of the other above the base module.

[0017] The base module is intended to contain the motor, batteries and other elements enabling the base module to operate autonomously when the vehicle is in the hands of a driver or is remote-controlled. Above the base module, the compartments are stacked successively on top of each other, the base module and compartment assembly thus formed having to reach the total height of the vehicles. They may be part of a coupling or train of vehicles, whether autonomous or remote-controlled. Therefore, the height of the base module and the compartments that may be carried by the base module, whether autonomous, towed or remote-controlled, may not exceed the dimensions of the entire train and the height of the vehicles forming part of the train as shown in Figure 10.

[0018] Brief description of the drawings

[0019] The invention will be better understood from reading the following description and the attached figures, given solely by way of example, in which:

[0020] [Fig. l] shows, in front perspective view, an embodiment of the single-person vehicle according to the invention,

[0021] [Fig. 2] shows, in rear perspective view, the vehicle of Figure 1,

[0022] [Fig. 3] shows, in rear perspective view, rear door open, the vehicle of Figure 1, including a ramp allowing the entry and exit of a wheelchair as well as its storage means at the base of a towing vehicle.

[0023] [Fig. 4] shows in high perspective view, another embodiment of the vehicle of figure 1 with its solar sensor.

[0024] [Fig. 5] shows, in perspective view; an embodiment of the base module or trailer assembly of the present invention for a freight vehicle.

[0025] [Fig. 6] shows, in perspective view, another embodiment of the basic module or trailer module of the present invention used to form a freight vehicle on the roof of which compartments or a cabin can be stacked and nested to serve specific uses.

[0026] [Fig. 7] shows, in perspective view, another trailer vehicle configuration.

[0027] [Fig. 8] and [Fig. 9] show, in rear perspective view, modes of use of the basic module or trailer assembly of figures 5 and 6, namely a vehicle formed of a basic assembly, autonomous or remote-controlled, and compartments, platforms or others, the module not having to exceed the dimensions indicated in the present patent application.

[0028] [Fig. 10] shows, in perspective view, a train of vehicles.

[0029] [Fig. 11] shows, in front view, the dashboard located inside the vehicle.

[0030] Description of the embodiments

[0031] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the invention relates to a new vehicle paradigm 1. Such a vehicle 1 is more particularly intended for local transport, in urban switching. It is more particularly intended for the transport of people and is designed to accommodate one person.

[0032] According to a characteristic its height H is its largest dimension. Its height H is greater than its width W and is greater than its length L.

[0033] The dimensions: height H, length L and width W are overall dimensions.

[0034] According to another characteristic, this height H is at least equal to 205 cm.

[0035] Thus, vehicle 1 can, and is designed to, accommodate a standing person. This particular configuration also has the advantage of a vertical main extension and consequently a relatively satisfactory footprint per passenger, compared to other means of urban transport. This is evident when compared to other means of single-person transport, such as bicycles or mopeds, and remains true for a quarter or fifth of a motor vehicle.

[0036] According to another characteristic, more particularly illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the width W is at most equal to 90 cm and the length L is at most equal to 170 cm.

[0037] The reception is primarily intended for a standing person. The standing position is advantageous in that it mobilizes the person being transported. In addition, positioning the person's head at a height is favorable for a better perception of the environment and therefore for steering.

[0038] The surface area of ​​the vehicle base is larger than the surface area of ​​the roof.

[0039] Vehicle 1 may also include a seat. It can be used for a seated person that the length L of vehicle 1 allows to accommodate. This seat is adjustable to possibly support a person standing, sitting or in a sitting-standing position.

[0040] The seat is advantageously supplemented by a seat belt and / or an airbag to guarantee the safety of the person being transported.

[0041] Vehicle 1 may also include a retractable table to provide an office-like workspace. This can be used when stationary or in autonomous navigation mode. This allows the vehicle to be transformed into a spare and / or mobile office, for a teleworker or even for a representative on the move.

[0042] Figure 5 shows in this description the part called “basic module”.

[0043] The vehicle 1 is designed to be used in all weather conditions. Also, the vehicle 1 includes a complete body 2. It is also equipped with temperature control equipment: heating and / or air conditioning and advantageously includes at least one windshield wiper and / or window defrosting devices.

[0044] The vehicle 1 being fully bodied, it advantageously comprises at least one door 5 to allow the entry and exit of the person being transported or of the freight. It also advantageously comprises at least one window 6 to allow the person on board to see their surroundings. According to a possible and illustrated embodiment, a front window or windshield is supplemented by one or two side windows. It is also possible to have a rear window. Alternatively, the rear window can be replaced by a sheet metal window. In this case, the rear view can be replaced by a rearview mirror or a camera returning to a display screen located in the vehicle 1.

[0045] Such a sheet metal configuration can advantageously be used as a support for a display, such as an advertising insert. This also applies to other sheet metal spaces. The windows 6 preferably cover the upper part of the vehicle 1, the lower part being sheet metal.

[0046] The complete closure by a body 2 provides mechanical security against impacts, mechanical security against theft and also health security preventing any incoming or outgoing contamination, for example in the case of transporting a patient or transporting a healthy person in a contaminated environment. In this case to avoid any contamination, a train of 2 vehicles will be created, one for the driver, the other for the sick person and the vehicles are coupled master / slave.

[0047] In order to be mobile, the vehicle 1 comprises at least three wheels 3, 4. Three is a minimum to ensure stable support, more is possible. For a tricycle architecture, the vehicle 1 preferably comprises two rear wheels 3 and one front wheel 4, as illustrated. The rear wheels 3 are preferably arranged laterally, each at the edge of the footprint. The rear wheels 3 are advantageously fixed. The front wheel 4 is preferably central. The front wheel 4 is advantageously steered in order to allow extended mobility of the vehicle 1.

[0048] It is still possible to adapt the train to give it mobility properties on water, sand or snow.

[0049] The aim is to make the piloting intuitive and accessible to everyone, without any special skills or prior training. It is also hoped that piloting will be accessible to people with disabilities, whether the disability is motor, visual or hearing.

[0050] For this purpose, the vehicle 1, according to another characteristic, comprises a control member. This control member is preferably intended for the person on board and is preferably arranged in the passenger compartment. It may be a joystick. A joystick can be used intuitively by a person having at least one arm / one hand. It may also, alternatively or additionally, be a control member by visual guidance. It may also, alternatively or additionally, be a control member by voice guidance accessible to visually impaired people.

[0051] Figure 6 illustrates an example of a cockpit. This cockpit comprises a joystick 16. This cockpit also advantageously comprises a head-up display 17, projecting onto the window 6 information useful for piloting, such as speed.

[0052] For disabled or incapacitated people, or for freight, vehicle 1 can be remotely operated by remote guidance.

[0053] Finally, vehicle 1 can be driven by automatic guidance. This autonomous mode can be controlled from vehicle 1 by its passenger or remotely.

[0054] For ecological reasons and to use the latest mobility technologies, vehicle 1 is powered by an electric motor.

[0055] The electric motor(s) are advantageously arranged at the bottom of the vehicle 1, between the wheels 3, 4, in order to lower the center of gravity of the vehicle 1.

[0056] A base module or trailer assembly is intended to constitute a freight vehicle, the freight or load being contained in drawers with which the base module is equipped or the drawers are superimposed on top of the module.

[0057] These vehicles can consist of a basic module or trailer unit comprising two or three drawers and whose roof can be used to support cabins or loads.

[0058] The battery or battery pack is advantageously located at the bottom of the vehicle 1, on or under the engine(s).

[0059] The battery pack is advantageously accessible through a hatch located at the rear of the vehicle 1. The battery pack is advantageously designed to be easily connected and / or disconnected by the user of the vehicle 1, preferably without tools. The battery pack can be recharged in situ in the vehicle 1. This method has the disadvantage of immobilizing the vehicle 1. Preferably, the recharging is done offline in a charging station and the energy supply is carried out by exchanging the battery pack. A battery pack delivery / exchange service is provided to support the vehicle 1. The exchange can also be done between users.

[0060] According to another feature, the vehicle 1 includes a navigation system and proximity sensors in order to be able to dynamically understand its environment.

[0061] These two components can be used to assist an on-board driver in his maneuvers, for example by providing monitoring and assistance with trajectory management, parking assistance or even automatic anti-collision, so as to enhance the safety of both the user and other users, cyclists, pedestrians or others. This safety allows the vehicle 1 to be used even in areas usually reserved for pedestrians: shopping centers, pedestrian zones.

[0062] These two components can still allow, within the framework of an autonomous driving mode, to dynamically model the environment of vehicle 1 in order to manage proximity driving, including the attitude of vehicle 1 and anti-collision and navigation according to a final objective to be reached.

[0063] The aim is to make vehicle 1 usable by a large segment of the population. It is also sought to remain administratively in conditions that do not require any special authorization or permit. Another characteristic is that the engine power is low enough to not require any age or license restrictions in the target countries.

[0064] In order to be better adapted to the obstacles possibly encountered in an urban environment, according to another characteristic, the vehicle 1 includes a stair climbing device, making the vehicle 1 capable of crossing a sidewalk or even a staircase.

[0065] According to another characteristic, the vehicle 1 further comprises at least one communication system. A communication system is provided to the user in that it provides him with audio and / or video communication capabilities with other networks: GSM, IP, etc. This thus allows a user to use his vehicle 1 to follow a video conference, listen to the radio or even connect to the internet.

[0066] According to another characteristic, a communication system is dedicated to communication with one or more information servers: navigation, traffic status, reservation center, etc.

[0067] According to another characteristic, a communication system is dedicated to communication between vehicles 1. This may concern homologous vehicles 1 or other fleets of vehicles 1.

[0068] An example of application of such a communication system between peer vehicles 1 is the setting up of a train, virtual in that it is without coupling, comprising several vehicles 1. In this mode of operation, a vehicle 1 is the master vehicle 10. It defines the trajectory in that it is piloted. A master vehicle 10 guides the other vehicles 1. The following vehicles are slave vehicles 11 and follow, either the master vehicle 10 for the second vehicle, or a following slave vehicle 11 for the successive slave vehicles 11. This is more particularly illustrated in Figure 3. A communication system makes it possible to define the roles, master 10, or slave 11 of rank n. Then the navigation systems use their detectors to find and follow the previous vehicle 10, 11, in an adaptive manner. A communication system also makes it possible to synchronize and to maintain the virtual link between a vehicle and its previous / next one, for example by exchanging relative or absolute position.

[0069] On this vehicle base, it is possible to build two large families of vehicles.

[0070] According to a first family, the vehicle 1 is more particularly adapted to accommodate a person. For this, as illustrated in figures 1-8, this vehicle 1 comprises a freed interior volume, so as to be able to accommodate a person in a standing position, i.e. an interior volume or cabin having sufficient height. It also comprises a door 13, preferably full height, giving access to this interior volume.

[0071] This door 13 can be lateral as illustrated more particularly in figures 1 and 2. Alternatively, this door 13 can be rear as illustrated more particularly in figures 5, 6, 8.

[0072] Figure 8 shows an advantageous configuration, possible with a door 13 opening towards the rear. This configuration includes a ramp 18 allowing entry or exit from the interior volume with a wheelchair.

[0073] According to another advantageous characteristic, the cabin is equipped with windows 6 which are preferably transparent, at least on the front (windshield) and advantageously on one or both sides.

[0074] According to another optional feature, the vehicle 1 also includes a seat 14. This seat allows a choice between a standing position or a sitting position. This seat 14 is advantageously retractable, to free up space when used in a standing position or in a wheelchair.

[0075] According to another characteristic, the vehicle 1, 12 advantageously carries at least one solar sensor 15. This solar sensor 15 can be affixed to the bodywork 2 of the vehicle 1, 12, for example on the roof 20. Alternatively, as more particularly illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 13, this solar sensor 15 can also, like an awning, be deployed from the vehicle 1, 12 substantially horizontally.

[0076] According to a second family, vehicle 12 is more particularly suited to carrying freight.

[0077] The mobility of such a freight vehicle 12 can be autonomous. It can also preferably be slaved to the mobility of another vehicle 1. Thus the movement of a freight vehicle 12 can be slaved to the movement of a vehicle 1 which it follows like a trailer. Towing can be mechanical by means of a drawbar connecting the vehicle 1 to the vehicle 12. Alternatively and preferably, towing is carried out without contact, vehicle 1 being master vehicle 10 and towing vehicle 12 being follower / slave vehicle.

[0078] As illustrated in Figures 9-11, this vehicle 12 is advantageously modular. It includes a rolling base 19 providing all mobility functions and certain signaling functions. It also includes a roof 20 providing coverage and other signaling functions. The surface area of ​​the base is larger than that of the roof.

[0079] The base 19, more particularly illustrated in figure 11, advantageously comprises a running gear, preferably with three wheels, preferably two fixed rear wheels 3 and one front steering wheel 4. The base 19 also comprises a motor and at least one battery pack. The base 19 is generally bodied.

[0080] In the case of freight or load transfer, at least one payload 21 is inserted between the base 19 and the roof 20. The payloads interface with the base 19, with each other and with the roof 20 by stacking vertically. The content of each payload 21 can be varied according to the need.

[0081] Several non-limiting examples of payload 21 are presented.

[0082] Figure 9 shows a “universal” embodiment comprising two identical useful cargo areas 21. Each payload 21 comprises a receiving drawer, more particularly illustrated in Figure 12. Such a drawer can be equipped with a heating element or a cooling element depending on its use.

[0083] Figure 8 shows another embodiment with a freight vehicle 12 carrying a “vending machine” type payload.

[0084] Figure 9 shows another embodiment with a freight vehicle 12 carrying a payload 21 of the “battery dispenser” type. The payload is a shelf more particularly adapted to housing battery packs 9, here 6 in number. These batteries are advantageously batteries adapted to the vehicles 1, 12 according to the invention.

[0085] The freight or payloads 21 are infinitely variable in number and type. The base 19 and the roof 20 advantageously remain universal for all freight vehicles 21. Figure 17 illustrates this diversity with four embodiments.

[0086] The invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description. The foregoing description should be considered illustrative and given by way of example and not as limiting the invention to this description alone. Numerous alternative embodiments are possible. List of reference signs 1: vehicle, 2: bodywork, 3: rear wheel, 4: front wheel, 5: door, 6: window / glass, 10: master vehicle, 11: slave vehicle, 12: trailer vehicle, 13: door, 14: seat raised, 15: solar sensor, 16: joystick, 18: ramp 19: base, 20: roof, 21: payload.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on April 11, 2025 (11.04.2025) CLAIMS

1. Single-person transport or freight transfer vehicle (1), for use in all climatic conditions, comprising: - a height (H) greater than its width (W) and its length (L), - has a height (H) of at least 205 cm, - wheels, - at least one door (5) to allow the entry and exit of the person being transported or the freight, - at least one window (6), preferably a front window supplemented by one or two side windows, - a base surface of the vehicle greater than the top surface, - an electric motorization of the wheels, characterized in that this vehicle: - has a width (W) of at most 90 cm and a length (L) of at most 170 cm, includes a navigation system and proximity sensors in order to be able to dynamically understand its environment, has a height (H) of at least 215 cm, includes at least three wheels (3, 4), preferably two fixed lateral rear wheels (3) and one central steerable front wheel (4), includes a complete body (2) and includes - windows (6) preferably covering the upper part of the vehicle (1), at least on the front (windshield) and advantageously on one or both sides, - lower parts of the vehicle (1) are sheet metal, - possibly a rear window, which can be replaced by a sheet metal, - temperature control equipment (heating and / or air conditioning), at least one windscreen wiper and / or window defrosting devices, - a communication system with its counterparts so as to be able to form a virtual train, one vehicle being master (10) and guide and the other vehicles being slaves (11) and successive followers of a preceding vehicle (1).

2. Vehicle (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a control member among a joystick (16) and / or visual guidance and / or voice guidance and / or remote guidance and / or automatic guidance.

3. Vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the power of the engine is sufficiently low not to require any special authorization or permit.

4. Vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a stair climbing device.

5. Vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, suitable for accommodating a person, in that it comprises an interior volume or cabin capable of accommodating a person in a standing position, a door (13) giving access to this interior volume or cabin, transparent windows (6) on the front and both sides and possibly a seat (14), advantageously retractable, to allow a seated position.

6. Vehicle (12) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, formed from a basic module or trailer assembly comprising two or three drawers and the roof (20) of which can serve as a support for parts of cabins or compartments fitting together, located on the roof, these drawers or compartments containing freight or loads.

7. Vehicle (12) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, adapted for the transport of freight and consisting of a base module or trailer assembly.

8. Vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 7, comprising a base (19) providing mobility functions, at least one modular payload (21) stacked on the base (19) and a roof (20).

9. Vehicle (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a ramp allowing the entry and exit of a wheelchair as well as its storage means.

10. A vehicle (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a solar collector.

11. Vehicle (12) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, on the roof of which compartments or a cabin can be stacked and nested to be used for specific purposes.

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