Modular vehicle with mobility assistance

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular motorized vehicle (100), comprising: - a chassis (1), with an attachment for a load (C), - wheels (3), with drive wheels and steered wheels, - a handlebar (7) located at the rear of the chassis (1), characterized in that: - it comprises a platform (9), the rear wheels (33) being located at the rear end of the platform (9), - the platform (9) is movable in translation between a deployed position, in which it protrudes to the rear of the chassis (1), and a retracted position, in which the platform (9) is located entirely or virtually entirely under the chassis (1), - it comprises pivoting castors (4), which are vertically movable between a deployed position bearing on the ground, in which position they lift the front wheels (31), and a retracted position, in which the front wheels (31) bear on the ground.

Description

[0001] MODULAR VEHICLE WITH MOBILITY ASSISTANCE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of urban mobility, motorized trolleys and aids for transporting light loads for private users.

[0004] Previous Art

[0005] Electric scooters are known for their mobility assistance and for transporting light loads such as groceries. These scooters generally have three or four wheels, a seat, and baskets in front of and / or behind the seat.

[0006] These electric scooters allow people who are overweight, disabled or have reduced mobility to get around, for example to go shopping in supermarkets and city markets.

[0007] These electric scooters have a potentially high speed (up to 25 km / h), and are therefore suitable for travel from home to the place of supply, supermarket or market.

[0008] However, these electric scooters have a turning radius that remains significant, due to steering with handlebars, and generally fixed drive wheels.

[0009] Furthermore, the storage capacity of groceries in the baskets remains far less than that of a supermarket trolley, and therefore does not allow for large or bulky shopping trips.

[0010] The usefulness of these electric scooters in stores is therefore limited.

[0011] The US9669857 document describes an assistance module for a shopping cart or trolley that features a motor, motor-driven wheels, and a connection to the shopping cart or trolley.

[0012] The assistance module described in this document does not have a seat; the user remains standing. This results in a relatively compact shopping cart and assistance module combination with a tight turning radius, allowing it to navigate supermarket aisles or narrow streets, potentially performing maneuvers such as U-turns and turns. The US9669857 assistance module is therefore suitable for use inside a supermarket for shopping. However, as it cannot operate without a shopping cart or trolley and has a speed of less than five kilometers per hour, it cannot be used outside of supermarkets. Furthermore, the assistance module features small, free-rotating wheels similar to those found on shopping carts, which prevent it from traveling at high speeds on uneven surfaces.

[0013] There is therefore a need for a vehicle that can combine these two uses into one, without compromising the use in either case.

[0014] Description of the invention

[0015] To address this technical problem, the invention proposes a modular motorized mobility assistance vehicle, comprising:

[0016] - a chassis, having on its upper face a load-bearing attachment,

[0017] - three or four wheels, with front and rear wheels, including drive wheels and steering wheels among the front and / or rear wheels,

[0018] - a handlebar or control bar for controlling the motorized and steerable wheels, located at the rear of the chassis.

[0019] The vehicle is characterized by the following:

[0020] - it includes a platform, with the rear wheels located at the rear end of said platform,

[0021] - the platform is mobile in longitudinal translation between a deployed position, in which it protrudes from the rear of the chassis, and a retracted position, in which the platform is located entirely or almost entirely under the chassis,

[0022] - it includes swivel casters, which can pivot around a vertical axis, and which move vertically between a deployed position, in which they are in contact with the ground, in which they lift the front wheels, and a retracted position in which they are raised, and in which the front wheels are in contact with the ground.

[0023] The vehicle can therefore adopt two configurations, one with the platform deployed and the four wheels in support, allowing high-speed travel, and a configuration with the platform retracted and the wheels in support, allowing maneuvers in a narrow space and therefore shopping in a supermarket.

[0024] The vehicle may have one or more of the following characteristics.

[0025] The rear wheels are motorized, and the front wheels are steerable.

[0026] The vehicle's behavior is then similar to that of a scooter.

[0027] The front wheels can be vertically mobile relative to the chassis, between a deployed position in which they are in contact with the ground, and a retracted position in which they are raised.

[0028] The vehicle's horizontal position is then maintained between the different configurations.

[0029] The vehicle may have four wheels, located, when the platform is retracted under the chassis, at the corners of said chassis.

[0030] The vehicle is then particularly stable.

[0031] The chassis may include:

[0032] - a longitudinal central rail, and the platform a sliding connection engaged with the central rail.

[0033] - a longitudinal threaded rod, engaged with a thread attached to the sliding joint, and whose rotation translates the platform,

[0034] - a deployment motor for rotating the threaded rod.

[0035] The deployment of the platform is then electric.

[0036] The drive wheels can be wheel motors, integrating a motor between a fixed hub and a periphery driven by the motor.

[0037] The vehicle may also include a removable box, attachable at the chassis attachment point, forming a load for the transport of goods.

[0038] The trunk can be closed and have an aerodynamic shape. Alternatively, the vehicle can be equipped with a tray, open at the top, which attaches to the chassis mounting point, providing cargo space for transporting goods.

[0039] The handlebar and / or control bar can be removable.

[0040] The open bin can notably have dimensions allowing it, once turned over, to cover the chassis, when the platform is retracted and the handlebar removed, so that the vehicle then forms a piece of furniture like a coffee table.

[0041] The vehicle may include:

[0042] - two threaded rods, located vertically above the casters, attached to a base of the casters and

[0043] - two toothed rings, with a tapped hole that engages with the threads of the threaded rods and the peripheral teeth,

[0044] - a transverse shaft, connected to a wheel deployment motor for its rotation, the transverse shaft having, at its two ends, pinions in contact with the peripheral teeth of the toothed rings, so that the rotation of the transverse shaft raises or lowers the wheels from the retracted position to the deployed position and vice versa.

[0045] The deployment of the casters is then also electrical.

[0046] Brief description of the figs

[0047] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, the details of which are given solely by way of example, and developed in relation to the accompanying figures, in which identical references refer to identical elements:

[0048] - Figure 1 is a schematic profile view of a vehicle chassis according to the invention in a first configuration,

[0049] - Figure 2 is a schematic profile view of the chassis of Figure 1 in a profile view in another configuration, - Figure 3 is a three-quarter front view of a vehicle according to an embodiment in a walker configuration,

[0050] - Figure 4 is a three-quarter front view of the vehicle in Figure 3 in scooter configuration,

[0051] - Figure 5 is a three-quarter rear view of the vehicle in Figure 3 in walker configuration,

[0052] - Figure 6 is a three-quarter rear view of the vehicle in Figure 3 in scooter configuration,

[0053] - Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a vehicle according to an alternative embodiment, shown from the side in scooter configuration.

[0054] - Figure 8 is a schematic side view representation of the vehicle in Figure 5 in walker configuration,

[0055] - Figure 9 is a schematic side view representation of the vehicle in Figure 5 in its furniture configuration,

[0056] - Figures 10 and 11 are schematic representations from below of two wheel configurations for the vehicle according to the invention,

[0057] - Figure 12 is a three-quarter rear perspective representation of another embodiment in a walker configuration of the vehicle,

[0058] - Figure 13 is a side view representation of an embodiment in a "furniture" configuration of the vehicle,

[0059] - Figure 14 is a perspective representation in three-quarter rear lateral view of the platform,

[0060] - Figure 15 is an illustration of an electrically actuated platform deployment mechanism, and

[0061] - Figure 16 is an illustration of an electrically operated caster deployment mechanism, - Figures 17 and 18 illustrate, in the same manner as Figures 7 and 8, an embodiment further equipped with a retractable seat.

[0062] The specific embodiments shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not exhaustive. Some elements are shown schematically and with incorrect proportions.

[0063] Detailed description of the invention

[0064] Figure 1 is a side view representation of chassis 1 of vehicle 100 without load.

[0065] The chassis 1 is supported by wheels 3, comprising steerable front wheels 31 and motorized rear wheels 33. The front wheels 31 pivot, for example, 45° to each side in a synchronized manner to allow the vehicle 100 to turn. The rear wheels 33 are, for example, wheel-motors, integrating a motor between a fixed hub and a periphery driven by the motor.

[0066] With in-wheel motors, the front wheels 31 can also be motorized, in addition to being steerable. By having a motor with reversible operation, for electromagnetic braking, some of the electrical energy injected for acceleration can be recovered during braking.

[0067] The vehicle 100 has swiveling casters 4, which can pivot around a vertical axis and move vertically between a deployed position, in which they rest on the ground and lift the front wheels 31, and a retracted position, in which they are raised and the front wheels 31 rest on the ground. Specifically, the casters 4 are raised in the retracted position shown in Figure 1, and lowered in the deployed position shown in Figure 2.

[0068] The vehicle 100 further comprises a platform 9, at the rear end of the chassis 1, carrying, at the rear of said platform, the rear wheels 33. The platform 9 is movable in longitudinal translation between a deployed position, in which it protrudes at the rear of the chassis 1, and a retracted position, in which the platform 9 is located entirely or almost entirely under the chassis 1.

[0069] The chassis 1 has one or more attachments 11, configured to securely attach the load of the vehicle 100 to the chassis 1. In Figure 1, the vehicle 100 rests on its four wheels 3, front 31 and rear 33, with the chassis 1 upright on a flat surface, and the platform 9 in the deployed position, extending beyond the rear of the chassis 1, corresponding to a "scooter" configuration. In Figure 2, the front wheels 31 are raised, the chassis 1 being inclined, and the platform 9 is retracted and located entirely under the chassis 1, corresponding to a "walker" configuration, giving it behavior similar to a motorized shopping cart or supermarket trolley.

[0070] Platform 9 notably carries batteries 5 for powering the various electrical systems, including the motors of the motorized wheels 33 for setting the vehicle 100 in motion.

[0071] Figure 3 is a three-quarter front view of a modular motorized vehicle 100 for mobility assistance. The vehicle 100 is shown here in a "walker" configuration.

[0072] Figure 5 is a three-quarter rear view of vehicle 100 in this configuration.

[0073] Vehicle 100 comprises a chassis 1 to which a payload C is attached, in this case a closed trunk for, for example, transporting a user's groceries. Alternatively, payload C can include an open trunk, a seat or container for transporting an additional person or a disabled person, a cage for transporting an animal, one or more child or baby seats, etc. These different forms of payload C can be interchanged as needed.

[0074] The vehicle 100 has at the rear of the load C or at the rear of the chassis 1, a handlebar or a control bar 7 for controlling the direction of the vehicle 100. The handlebar 7 is in particular removable, and interchangeable depending on the configuration with the control bar.

[0075] In particular for its "walker" configuration, vehicle 100 has a control bar 7, which is substantially horizontal, with two handles 71 allowing separate control of the acceleration of one of the two drive wheels 33.

[0076] The control bar 7 then allows control of the direction and speed of rotation of each of the drive wheels 33. The vehicle 100 can then pivot around a vertical axis located between the two rear drive wheels 33 and thus be able to maneuver in a confined space.

[0077] In "scooter" configuration, handlebar 7 is preferable. Rotating handlebar 7 allows the steering wheels 31 to be tilted, and the handlebar includes an accelerator control, for example a rotating handle 71, and a brake control, for example the other rotating handle 71.

[0078] In the configuration shown in figure 3, platform 9 is retracted under chassis 1.

[0079] The front and rear wheels 31, 33 are then located at the front and rear corners of the chassis 1 underneath it, giving a particularly compact configuration, which can notably fit into most private residential elevators.

[0080] The user can then use vehicle 100 in this configuration to, for example, do their shopping in a supermarket or market with narrow aisles, without having to push.

[0081] Figure 4 is a three-quarter rear view of the motorized vehicle 100 shown in "scooter" configuration, giving it behavior close to that of an electric scooter.

[0082] Figure 6 is a three-quarter rear view of vehicle 100 in this configuration.

[0083] In the "scooter" configuration, the front wheels 31 are in contact with the ground, the casters 4 are raised. The platform 9 is deployed, and the user can place their feet on it.

[0084] In particular, the handlebar 7 has been replaced, in the embodiment of figures 4 and 6, by a rotating handlebar with a single post, the rotation of which around a vertical axis turns the steering wheels 31.

[0085] The single-post handlebar 7 is in particular inserted into a base 73 which becomes accessible when the platform 9 is deployed.

[0086] Compared to the "walker" configuration, vehicle 100 has the following differences: - platform 9 is deployed,

[0087] - all 4 wheels are raised,

[0088] - the front wheels 31 are in contact with the ground,

[0089] - the single-post handlebar 7 is inserted into the base 73.

[0090] The user can then stand on platform 9, and be carried by vehicle 100, like an electric scooter, while being able to carry goods, for example, purchases made in a market or supermarket.

[0091] The 100 vehicle thus allows a user to travel within a radius of several kilometers at a speed of around fifteen to twenty-five kilometers per hour in "scooter" configuration, then to do their shopping by switching to "walker" mode and finally to return home by switching back to "scooter" configuration, all without having to carry or push their shopping thanks to the motorization.

[0092] Specifically, the vehicle 100 may include, for safe operation, lights 101, turn signals 103, and other safety and visibility features. Additional batteries 5 may be provided at the front of the vehicle 100, which can also be used to power dedicated functions of the load C (motorized opening / closing, interior lighting, etc.), as well as to deploy the casters 4 and the platform 9.

[0093] In addition, with a C load of the correct dimensions, the vehicle 100 will be able to fit in a standard elevator, and be used to bring the user's purchases right into their home.

[0094] Once inside, the user can then remove the handlebar or control bar 7, fold down the wheels 4 and retract the platform 9, so that the vehicle 100 is then particularly compact.

[0095] Figures 7, 8, and 9 illustrate the three configurations discussed previously. Vehicle 100 is shown schematically in a side view. In the embodiment shown, the load C is further replaced by a container open on one upper face. In Figure 7, vehicle 100 is shown in its "scooter" configuration. The platform 9 is deployed, the casters 4 are raised, and the four front and rear wheels 31, 33 are in contact with the ground.

[0096] Arrows illustrate the possible movements of the different elements allowing switching between different configurations.

[0097] In this embodiment, the front wheels 31 are vertically movable so that they can be raised when the casters 4 are in contact with the ground. The horizontal position of the vehicle 100 and its load C is thus ensured in all configurations.

[0098] The casters 4 are, as previously mentioned, vertically mobile, and the platform 9 is horizontally mobile.

[0099] In figure 8, vehicle 6 is in "walker" configuration. The platform 9 is retracted under the chassis 1 and the load C, the front wheels 31 are raised, and the casters 4 are lowered and resting on the ground.

[0100] In figure 9, the vehicle is in compact configuration for storage in the user's home or a garage.

[0101] Platform 9 is retracted beneath chassis 1 and load C, and the front wheels 31 are lowered while the casters 4 are raised. The vehicle 100 is then supported on all four wheels. The handlebar 7 is also removed and stored.

[0102] The container forming charge C is further reversed, and sized so as to cover the rest of vehicle 100 by forming a bell into which the rest of vehicle 100 is inserted.

[0103] The vehicle 100 is then compact, with the front wheels 31 and rear wheels 33 located under the chassis 1 and the load-forming container C. The load-forming container C also has a flat surface, located at the top when turned over, in order to possibly form a piece of furniture such as a coffee table, while protecting the lower part of the covered vehicle 100.

[0104] Figures 10 and 11 show four-wheel and three-wheel configurations respectively, in schematic bottom view, with only wheels 3 and casters 4 represented. In Figure 10, the four wheels as described in relation to the embodiments of the preceding figures are shown.

[0105] They have four wheels, with two front wheels 31 and two rear wheels 33.

[0106] The rear wheels 33 are motorized and the front wheels 31 are steerable. The casters 4 are located between the front wheels 31, slightly recessed.

[0107] Figure 11 shows a three-wheeled embodiment 3.

[0108] In this embodiment, the vehicle 100 has a single steerable front wheel 31 and two motorized rear wheels 33. The casters 4 are located on either side of the front wheel 31, slightly recessed.

[0109] Other embodiments with, for example, motorized front wheels 31 and steerable rear wheels 33, are of course possible.

[0110] Figure 12 illustrates, in three-quarter rear view, an embodiment with load C in the form of an open tray, in a "walker" configuration.

[0111] The container forming the load C has side walls, and its dimensions are slightly larger than those of the chassis 1 in the "walker" configuration. The container C also has two insertion points for the two-post control bar 7, each insertion point connecting to the lower end of one of the posts.

[0112] Vehicle 100 is thus similar to a classic shopping cart or "caddie", both in dimensions and behavior, but motorized by the rear wheels 31.

[0113] Figure 13 is a side view representation of the vehicle in Figure 12, in "furniture" configuration.

[0114] The chassis 1 is in "walker" configuration with platform 9 retracted, while the container forming load C is turned over on said chassis 1 so as to cover it for the most part.

[0115] Only the lower portions of the front wheels 31, rear wheels 33 and casters 4 are visible. Since the chassis 1 is inclined because the casters 4 raise its front part, the container forming the load C is also inclined.

[0116] A platform P, having a flat upper surface and an inclined base allowing it to compensate for the inclination of the container forming charge C, is then placed on said container C. The vehicle 100 then forms a piece of furniture of the coffee table type, the user being able to place objects or decorations on the platform P between uses of the vehicle 100.

[0117] In the "furniture" configuration, a particular embodiment provides that the tray C also has connectors for the control bar 7 when it is inverted, allowing the control bar 7 to be connected to the vehicle 100 forming the furniture. The vehicle 100 then forms a motorized trolley.

[0118] Alternatively, the "furniture" configuration can be achieved by retracting platform 9, while the casters 4 remain raised, with the front wheels 31 remaining in contact with the ground. The chassis 1 is then upright and horizontal on a flat, level surface, eliminating the need for a platform P to compensate for the inclination of chassis 1.

[0119] Figure 14 separately illustrates platform 9 and rear wheels 33.

[0120] The platform 9 includes a platform on which the user stands, between the rear drive wheels 33. These wheels 33 are connected to the batteries 5 contained within the platform 9, and controlled by a control unit 51 which can, for example, communicate with the handlebars 7 via a transmitting / receiving antenna.

[0121] The platform 9 is connected by a column at its front end to a trolley 92, having a nut 93 provided with an internal thread and wheels.

[0122] Figure 15 illustrates platform 9, as well as its deployment mechanism 90.

[0123] The deployment mechanism 90 comprises a longitudinal central rail 91, part of the chassis 1. This central rail 91 forms a translational guide for the movement of the platform 9.

[0124] Platform 9 is connected to rail 91 by carriage 92, which has a nut 93. Carriage 92 engages with the central rail 91 via wheels that roll along two horizontal surfaces of its cross-section within the central rail 91. A threaded rod 95 is located within the central rail 91 and engages with the nut 93 of carriage 92; it is rotated by a deployment motor 97.

[0125] The rotation of the threaded rod 95 moves the carriage 92 forward or backward via the helical connection between the nut of the carriage 92 and the threaded rod 95, and translates the platform 9 attached to said carriage 92. The wheels of the carriage 92 inserted in the rail 91 ensure frictionless translation of the carriage 92, which reduces wear.

[0126] Again, the deployment of platform 9 can be done in this way by electrical actuation.

[0127] Figure 16 illustrates the casters 4 and their deployment mechanism 40.

[0128] The deployment mechanism 40 comprises two threaded rods 41, substantially vertical and located above the rollers 4. The threaded rods 41 are integral with a base 42 of the rollers 4.

[0129] Two toothed rings 43 provided with a tapped hole engage with the thread of the threaded rods 41. The toothed rings 43 also have peripheral teeth.

[0130] A transverse shaft 45, connected to a deployment motor 47 of the wheels 4 for its rotation, has, at its two ends, gears in contact with the threaded rods 41.

[0131] The rotation of the transverse shaft 45 by actuation of the deployment motor 47 raises or lowers the rollers 4 from the retracted position to the deployed position and vice versa.

[0132] The deployment of the 4 casters is then done by electrical actuation.

[0133] With the deployment mechanisms 40, 90 of the casters 4 and the platform 9, no actuation other than electrical is required, for example hydraulic actuation.

[0134] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate, in the same manner as Figures 7 and 8, an embodiment of vehicle 100 further equipped with a retractable seat 60, located on the platform 9. The vehicle 100 is represented in "scooter" configuration in Figure 17, and in "walker" configuration in Figure 18.

[0135] The seat 60 comprises a seat 61, supported by a mast 63. The mast 63 is articulated to the platform 9, and the seat 61 is articulated to the platform 9.

[0136] Seat 60 is mobile between two configurations: deployed (figure 17) and retracted (figure 18).

[0137] The seat 60 can be deployed when the vehicle 100 is used in "scooter" mode. The seat 60 then allows the user U to sit behind the handlebars 7, enabling them to ride with less effort, particularly if they have a disability.

[0138] Seat 60 is put into retracted configuration before the retraction of platform 9 under chassis 1, and is also in "walker" configuration under chassis 1.

[0139] The mast 63 is notably telescopic, to allow height adjustment of the seat 61. Other embodiments not shown may also provide that the seat 60 has a backrest, or that it is fully retracted into the platform 9, and forms a support surface for the feet when retracted.

[0140] Vehicle 100 according to the invention therefore makes it possible to offer an alternative to the car for shopping within a radius of several kilometers around the user's home, while allowing him to avoid transferring his shopping or carrying it inside.

[0141] Stored like a piece of furniture, the 100 vehicle takes up little space and retains its usefulness between uses.

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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