Small vehicle having a control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a human-powered small vehicle, such as a bicycle, tricycle or scooter in particular, comprising: a steering system (1), which has a head tube (2) and a steering shaft (3) for steering a wheel (4), the steering shaft being pivotably mounted in the head tube; and a control device (5), which has a control contour (6), a spring element (7) and a control element (8) pressed against the control contour (6) by the spring element (7), wherein the control device (5) is coupled to the steering system (1) such that, when the steering shaft (3) is rotated, the control element (8) is moved along the control contour (6) and, according to the profile of the control contour (6), is translated along the direction of action (9) of the spring element (7), and wherein the control contour (6) has at least one recess (10) in which the control element (8) is force-lockingly held against movement by rotation of the steering system (1).

Description

[0001] Woom GmbH, Muthgasse 109a, 1 190 Vienna (AT)

[0002] Small vehicle with a control device

[0003] The invention relates to a muscle-powered small vehicle, such as in particular a bicycle, a tricycle or a kick scooter, according to the features of the independent claim. The small vehicle is preferably a bicycle and particularly preferably a children's bicycle, such as in particular a balance bike.

[0004] Safe handling of a small vehicle with a steerable wheel is not always easy, especially for children. For example, safely mounting the vehicle is particularly difficult for children if the handlebars, and therefore the front wheel, can move freely. On the other hand, the handlebars must, of course, be movable so that the vehicle handles safely when cornering.

[0005] At the same time, especially with children's bicycles, the steering angle should be limited to avoid falls resulting from excessive steering input.

[0006] Even when carrying small vehicles like children's bicycles or scooters, a certain level of safety should be ensured. These vehicles are often gripped at their highest point, the handlebars, to lift and carry them. With conventional vehicles, the frame remains freely pivoting around the steering axis, and it is not uncommon for the frame to strike the wearer's heels, ankles, or lower legs. This also compromises safe handling.

[0007] Similar problems can also arise with small vehicles for adults.

[0008] The object of the invention can therefore be seen as overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art and improving the safety of handling small vehicles.

[0009] These and other problems are solved in particular by the features of the independent claim.

[0010] Disclosure encompasses a small, muscle-powered vehicle, such as a bicycle, tricycle, or kick scooter:

[0011] - a steering system with a steering tube and a steering shaft pivotably mounted in or on the steering tube for steering a wheel,

[0012] - and a control device comprising a control contour, a spring element and a control element pressed against the control contour by the spring element.

[0013] Preferably, the control device is coupled to the steering system in such a way that the control element is moved along the control contour when the steering shaft is rotated and is displaced along the direction of action of the spring element depending on the course of the control contour.

[0014] Preferably, the control contour has at least one recess in which the control element is held securely against movement by twisting the steering mechanism.

[0015] Preferably, a recess is designed as a locking recess. Preferably, the steering is locked in a specific steering position when the control element protrudes into the locking recess. Woom GmbH, Muthgasse 109a, 1190 Vienna (AT)

[0016] Preferably, the steering system includes a handlebar that runs transversely when the small vehicle is traveling straight ahead.

[0017] Preferably, the handlebar has a carrying area for carrying the small vehicle at at least one of its ends.

[0018] It can be advantageous if the handlebar, in the steering position in which the control element protrudes into the locking recess, is pivoted by approximately 90°, in particular by 85° to 95°, relative to the neutral position for straight-ahead driving.

[0019] It can be advantageous if the carrying area of ​​the handlebar, in the steering position in which the control element protrudes into the locking recess, is arranged centrally above the remaining components and, in particular, centrally above their center of gravity when the small vehicle is upright.

[0020] If necessary, a trough is designed to serve as a return trough.

[0021] If necessary, the return recess is provided to have two return flanks.

[0022] If necessary, the return flanks are designed to run diagonally from the lowest point of the recess and against the spring force emanating from the spring element.

[0023] If necessary, the return flanks are designed in such a way that, when the steering is turned from the neutral position for straight-ahead driving, they generate a return torque of the steering to the neutral position.

[0024] If necessary, the locking recess may have a limiting flank on one side that prevents the steering from turning beyond the locking recess. 65221

[0025] Woom GmbH, Muthgasse 109a, 1 190 Vienna (AT)

[0026] If necessary, the return recess is provided to have limiting flanks at the end of its return flanks, which limit the steering angle and prevent further rotation of the steering beyond the return recess.

[0027] If necessary, it is provided that at least one of the boundary edges, preferably all boundary edges, can be overcome by overcoming a moment.

[0028] If necessary, the boundary slope is designed to have a steeper gradient than the adjacent trough slope.

[0029] If necessary, the limiting flank is provided to have a steeper slope than the adjacent trough flank of the locking trough and / or than the adjacent reset flank.

[0030] If necessary, the control contour is provided for to be the surface of a rotary cam that is or is scanned by the control element.

[0031] If necessary, the control contour is provided for to be rotatably connected to the steering shaft.

[0032] It is preferably provided that the bicycle fork of the steered wheel, in particular the bicycle fork of the front wheel, is rotatably connected to the steering shaft and preferably is rotatably connected in such a way that the bicycle fork has the same axis of rotation as the steering shaft.

[0033] If necessary, the control element is designed to protrude from the frame of the small vehicle to the control contour.

[0034] The steering contour may be located inside the steering tube. Woom GmbH, Muthgasse 109a, 1190 Vienna (AT)

[0035] If necessary, the control element is provided to be a guided mounted element that is spring-loaded and pressed against the control contour via the spring element.

[0036] If necessary, the control element is designed to be linearly guided and pin-shaped.

[0037] The control device comprises a control contour that is in operative contact with a control element. In particular, the position of the control element is changed by the control contour when the steering is rotated, and the control element is displaced.

[0038] Preferably, a spring element is provided that presses the control element against the control contour. The spring force emanating from the spring element acts via the control element on the control contour and thus also on the steering. If the control element presses against an inclined surface, in particular on a flank of the control contour, a steering torque can be generated. The steering torque is thus generated by the spring force of the spring element and the control element pressing against the control contour.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, the control element can engage in a locking recess of the control contour. In particular, the control element is pressed into the locking recess by the spring element. Preferably, the locking recess is designed such that the steering can be released from the lock by an operator applying a specific steering torque. The torque opposing this steering movement is generated by friction between the control element and the control contour and / or by the spring force exerted by the spring element. To release the control element from the locking recess, the spring element must be pushed back against the spring force.

[0040] These simple physical properties allow for the creation of a steering contour with different sections, each fulfilling a different function. For example, one section can be configured to return the steering to a neutral position for straight-ahead driving. Another section can be configured to lock the steering in a specific position. A third section can be configured to limit the steering angle.

[0041] The control contour and its recess are designed in such a way that the control element is held securely against movement by rotation of the steering mechanism. In this context, "securely" means that the control element can be moved out of the recess by rotation of the steering mechanism and by overcoming a holding torque or force. In other words, "securely" means that the hold in the recess can be overcome and, in particular, released by actuating the steering mechanism with a specific force or torque.

[0042] The invention will subsequently be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures.

[0043] Fig. 1a shows a side view of a possible embodiment of a small vehicle.

[0044] Fig. 1b shows a detail, in particular from figure 1a, in a schematic sectional view.

[0045] Figures 2a - 2d show different positions of the control device in a schematic sectional view.

[0046] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of a possible embodiment of a control contour.

[0047] Unless otherwise specified, the reference numerals correspond to the following components: steering 1, steering tube 2, steering shaft 3, wheel 4, control device 5, control contour 6, spring element 7, control element 8, direction of action (of the spring element) 9, recess 10, locking recess 11, link 12, bearing area 13, center of gravity 14, return recess 15, return flanks 16, spring force 17, limiting flank 18.

[0048] Fig. 1a shows a schematic side view of a possible embodiment of a small vehicle. This small vehicle is designed as a bicycle, specifically as a children's balance bike. However, the control device 5 can be used for any Woom GmbH, Muthgasse 109a, 1190 Vienna (AT)

[0049] Small vehicles, such as bicycles, tricycles or kick scooters, can be used.

[0050] The small vehicle has a steering system 1, which includes a steering tube 2 and a pivotable steering shaft 3 mounted in the steering tube and therefore not visible in this view, for steering a wheel 4.

[0051] The small vehicle comprises a handlebar 12. According to this embodiment, the handlebar 12 forms a carrying area 13 at one of its ends. In the present position of the small vehicle, the handlebar 12 is pivoted by approximately 90°, such that the carrying area 13 of the handlebar 12 is located substantially in the region of the longitudinal axis or longitudinal midplane of the small vehicle. According to a preferred embodiment, the center of gravity 14 of the small vehicle is located substantially below the carrying area 13 in this position. This configuration prevents the small vehicle from swinging out, or only minimally, when it is lifted by the carrying area 13 of the handlebar 12. This configuration allows for comfortable and safe carrying of the small vehicle.

[0052] The illustrated embodiment of the small vehicle features a single-sided bicycle fork for mounting the steered wheel 4. However, the fork can also be designed with two sides or in a conventional style. For clarity, the direction of travel 19 of the steered wheel 4 is indicated by an arrow. In the position shown in Figure 1a, the direction of travel 19 of the steered wheel 4 is projecting.

[0053] Safety is improved in particular by the control device 5, which is shown in a schematic sectional view in Fig. 1b.

[0054] Fig. 1b shows a schematic sectional view of the steering device 5, as it may be provided, for example, in the small vehicle according to Fig. 1a. The steering system 1 comprises a steering tube 2 and a pivotable steering shaft 3 mounted in the steering tube for steering the wheel 4. 65221

[0055] Woom GmbH, Muthgasse 109a, 1 190 Vienna (AT)

[0056] The control device 5 comprises a control contour 6, a spring element 7 and a control element 8 pressed against the control contour by the spring element 7.

[0057] In the preferred embodiment according to Fig. 1b, the control contour 6 is designed as a rotary cam which is scanned by the control element 8 when the steering 1 is rotated. In particular, in all embodiments, the control element can be a guided element that is pressed against the control contour 6 with a spring bias via the spring element 7. When the steering 1 is rotated, the control element 8 is displaced by the control contour 6 along the guided movement of the control element 8, and the spring element 7 is thereby compressed or relaxed. The spring element 7 acts along a direction of action 9, which in this case is linear. In principle, the direction of action 9 can also be arc-shaped, which would be the case, for example, with a torsion spring and a rotatably mounted control element. In the present embodiment, however, the control element 6 is linearly guided and pin-shaped.

[0058] Preferably, the control contour 6 is rotationally connected to the steering shaft 3, so that the control contour 6 rotates with the steering shaft 3. The control element 8 is preferably mounted on the frame of the small vehicle, so that when the steering 1 is turned, a relative movement occurs between the control contour 6 and the control element 8. Alternatively, for such a relative movement, the control element 8 can also be mounted in the steering shaft 3 and the control contour 6 can be rigidly attached to the frame.

[0059] Figures 2a-2d show different positions of the steering device 5 in schematic sectional views, with the axis of rotation of the steering shaft 3 essentially projecting. The wheel 4 is omitted in Figures 2a-2d for clarity, but the direction of travel 19 of the wheel 4 is indicated. The steering mechanism 1, as already shown in Figures 1a and 1b, is a steering mechanism with a single-sided fork or a single-sided rocker arm.

[0060] The steering systems 1 according to Figures 2a-2d each comprise a steering tube 2 and a steering shaft 3 mounted on the steering tube 2. The steering devices according to DIN 65221

[0061] Woom GmbH, Muthgasse 109a, 1 190 Vienna (AT)

[0062] Figures 2a-2d each comprise a control contour 6, a spring element 7 and a control element 8. The spring element 7 acts on the control element 8 along a direction of action 9. The control element 8 is pressed against the control contour 6 by the spring element 7.

[0063] The control devices 5 described in Figures 2a-2d can be used in the embodiments according to Figures 1a and 1b.

[0064] Fig. 2a shows the small vehicle in a position where the steering 1 is in the neutral position for straight-ahead travel. The direction of travel 19 runs essentially along the longitudinal axis of the small vehicle.

[0065] The control contour 6 includes a return recess 15. The return recess has two return flanks 16 that extend from the central and / or lowest point of the return recess 15 and rise from there against the direction of the spring force 17. In the present embodiment, the control contour 6 is a pivot cam, causing the return flanks to rise obliquely in a radial direction outwards. The diameter of the return recess 15 at its lowest point is therefore smaller than the diameter along the course of the return flanks 16. By rotating the steering 1 from the neutral position shown, the control element 8 is displaced against the spring force 17 of the spring element 7. The spring force may increase during this movement. In the kinematic reversal, the spring element 7 pushes the control element 8 against the control contour 6, which results in a steering torque in the region of the return flanks 16 that returns the steering 1 to its neutral position.These positions are shown, for example, in figures 2b and 2c.

[0066] In the neutral position, the control element 8 is preferably located at the lowest point of the return recess 15 in a stable equilibrium. This configuration allows the steering 1 to automatically return to its neutral position for straight-ahead driving if the steering is not operated. This facilitates safe boarding and starting. 65221

[0067] Woom GmbH, Muthgasse 109a, 1 190 Vienna (AT)

[0068] Once the small vehicle is moving, the steering system 1 remains steerable because the steering shaft 3 can be pivoted in the steering wheel 2, thereby pushing the control element 8 back against the spring force 17 of the spring element 7. However, the spring force 17 and the shape of the control contour 6 are chosen to allow for smooth driving and steering.

[0069] However, the control contour 6 may be designed such that the spring force 17 increases with increasing steering angle. This allows for smooth and agile steering in the neutral position and with slight steering inputs, while generating a reliable restoring torque in case of excessive steering input.

[0070] For this purpose, a shallow depression can be provided at the neutral position, and the slope of the return flanks increases as the movement progresses.

[0071] To limit the steering angle, a limiting flank 18 can be provided on each side of the recess 10. The limiting flank 18 shown in Fig. 2a is part of the return recess 15, where the slope is greater than, for example, in the area of ​​the return flanks. This design creates a noticeable resistance or stop when steering, at which the counter-torque against a steering movement increases. Preferably, however, the limiting flanks 18 are designed such that they can be overcome by exerting a certain force or steering torque. While this allows for a limitation of the steering angle during normal operation, in the event of an accident, safety can be increased because the steering wheel can be turned further under heavy load. The positions at the stop are shown in Figures 2b and 2c.

[0072] Figure 2d shows an embodiment in which the control contour 6 includes a locking recess 11. If the steering mechanism 1 is rotated so that the control element 8 is inserted into the locking recess 11, the steering mechanism 1 is locked in this position.

[0073] This locking mechanism can, for example, be engaged in a position as shown in Fig. 1a. This makes it easier to move the small vehicle to the 65221 when the steering is locked.

[0074] Woom GmbH, Muthgasse 109a, 1 190 Vienna (AT)

[0075] Handlebar 12 must be carried because the steering 1 is locked and the small vehicle cannot swing out.

[0076] Preferably, the locking recess 11 is designed such that the steering mechanism 1 can be rotated by overcoming a locking force or a locking torque, so that the small vehicle is brought back into a position in which driving is possible.

[0077] Fig. 3 shows a detailed representation of a possible design of a control contour 6.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the control contour 6 comprises two recesses 10, namely a locking recess 11 and a return recess 15.

[0079] However, if necessary, only one of the two recesses 10 may be provided, or two locking recesses 11 may be provided, so that the handlebar 12 can be turned and locked in both directions.

[0080] The return recess 15 comprises two return flanks 16 that rise outwards from the central or lowest point of the return recess 15. In the end region of the return flanks 16, the return recess 15 is bounded on both sides by limiting flanks 18. In these limiting flanks 18, the control contour 6 has a steeper slope than in the region of the return flanks 18, thus generating an increased counterforce against rotation of the steering 1.

[0081] If the limiting flank 18 is overcome in one direction, the control element 8 reaches a locking recess 11. The locking recess 11 preferably has a limiting flank 18 on one side. This is intended to prevent the steering mechanism 1 from being turned further in the wrong direction. However, the limiting flank 18 is preferably designed such that further turning of the steering mechanism 1 is permitted under high force or torque, for example, to prevent injuries. 65221

[0082] Woom GmbH, Muthgasse 109a, 1 190 Vienna (AT)

[0083] On the other side of the locking recess 11, a transition can be provided instead of a limiting flank 18. This transition can be rounded and generate a smaller counterforce against rotation of the steering 1 than the limiting flank 18. This allows the control device 5 to provide haptic feedback as to which direction the steering 1 can be rotated more easily and therefore correctly.

[0084] Preferably, the limiting flank 18 of the locking recess 11 is designed such that a noticeable stop for the steering 1 is provided, but the limiting flank 18 can be overcome under greater force in order to avoid injuries, for example.

[0085] In particular, the steering mechanism 1 can be rotated by 360°, whereby a different counter-torque is generated at different positions of the control device 5.

Claims

Woom GmbH, Muthgasse 109a, 1 190 Vienna (AT) Patent claims 1. Muscle-powered small vehicle, such as in particular bicycle, tricycle or kick scooter, including: - a steering system (1 ) with a steering tube (2) and a steering shaft (3) pivotably mounted in the steering tube for steering a wheel (4), - and a control device (5) with a control contour (6), a spring element (7) and a control element (8) pressed against the control contour (6) by the spring element (7), - wherein the control device (5) is coupled to the steering (1) in such a way that the control element (8) is moved along the control contour (6) when the steering shaft (3) is rotated and is displaced along the direction of action (9) of the spring element (7) depending on the course of the control contour (6), characterized in that the control contour (6) has at least one recess (10) in which the control element (8) is held force-fit against movement by rotation of the steering (1).

2. Small vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, - that a recess (10) is designed as a locking recess (11), - and that the steering (1 ) is locked in a certain steering position when the control element (8) protrudes into the locking recess (11 ).

3. Small vehicle according to claim 2, - wherein the steering (1) comprises a control arm (12) which extends transversely when the small vehicle is traveling straight ahead, - wherein the handlebar (12) has a carrying area (13) for carrying the small vehicle in the area of ​​at least one of its ends, characterized in that - that the handlebar (12) is pivoted by approximately 90°, in particular by 85° to 95°, relative to the neutral position for straight-ahead driving in the steering position in which the control element (8) protrudes into the locking recess (11), Woom GmbH, Muthgasse 109a, 1 190 Vienna (AT) - and / or that the carrying area of ​​the handlebar (12) in the steering position in which the control element protrudes into the locking recess (11) is arranged centrally above the remaining components and in particular centrally above their center of gravity (14) when the small vehicle is upright.

4. Small vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, - that a trough (10) is designed as a return trough (15), - that the return recess (15) has two return flanks (16), - that the restoring flanks (16), starting from the lowest point of the recess, run obliquely and against the spring force (17) emanating from the spring element (7) - and that the return flanks (16) are designed such that, when the steering (1) is turned from the neutral position for straight-ahead driving, they generate a return torque of the steering (1) to the neutral position.

5. Small vehicle according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the locking recess (11 ) has a limiting flank (18) on one side which prevents further rotation of the steering (1 ) beyond the locking recess (11 ).

6. Small vehicle according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the return recess (15) has limiting flanks (18) at the end of its return flanks (16) which limit the steering angle and which prevent further rotation of the steering (1) beyond the return recess (15).

7. Small vehicle according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that at least one of the limiting flanks (18), preferably all limiting flanks (18), can be overcome by overcoming a moment.

8. Small vehicle according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, - that the boundary slope (18) has a steeper gradient than the adjacent trough slope, - in particular that the limiting flank (18) has a greater slope than the adjacent trough flank of the locking trough (11) and / or than the adjacent reset flank (16). Woom GmbH, Muthgasse 109a, 1 190 Vienna (AT) 9. Small vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control contour (6) is the surface of a rotary cam which is scanned or is scanned by the control element (8).

10. Small vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, - that the control contour (6) is rotationally connected to the steering shaft (3), - and that the control element (8) extends from the frame of the small vehicle to the control contour (6).

11. Small vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control contour (6) is arranged inside the control tube (2).

12. Small vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the control element (8) is a guided mounted element which is pressed against the control contour (6) by means of the spring element (7) with spring bias.

13. Small vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the control element (6) is linearly guided and pin-shaped.

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