Automatically folding scooter

Abstract

The invention relates to a scooter comprising a front portion (1) and a base portion (2) connected by an articulation (3) for moving the scooter from a deployed configuration to a folded configuration in which the base portion (2) is folded toward the front portion (1). It comprises: a motor (17), a locking system capable of switching from a locked position, in which the base portion (2) is immobilized relative to the front portion (1) in the deployed configuration, to an unlocked position, a control system for switching the locking system from the locked position to the unlocked position and then controlling activation of the motor (17) so as to rotate the base portion (2) in order to arrive at the folded configuration.

Description

[0001] Self-folding scooter

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a self-folding scooter. It may be a motorized scooter, that is to say, one in which at least one of the wheels is driven in rotation by a motor, preferably an electric motor powered by a battery.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Mobility, especially in urban areas, has seen a wide range of transport options in recent years. Cars and bicycles are now being replaced by compact vehicles such as scooters.

[0006] The patent publication WO98 / 46475A1 presents an example of such a scooter with a front part carrying a front axle on which at least one front wheel is mounted in rotation, and a basal part, also called chassis, carrying a rear axle on which at least one rear wheel is mounted in rotation.

[0007] One or more wheels on one of the axles can be driven by a motor, typically an electric motor, to propel the user with minimal effort. Another common feature of scooters is the ability to fold for a smaller footprint, for example, when the scooter needs to be stored or moved conveniently from one place to another. To achieve this, a hinge is usually incorporated between the front and lower sections, allowing the scooter to switch from an unfolded position (equivalent to a riding position), as shown in Figure 1 of patent document WO98 / 46475A1, to a folded position as shown in Figure 2 of the same document. In this second position, the lower section is folded towards the front section, so that the longitudinal orientations of these two parts are potentially nearly parallel.

[0008] Patent document W03 / 055737A1 shows a pulley folding system.

[0009] Patent document CN206466101 U describes a folding scooter using automated means including a motor. This document also reveals that the scooter's base can be locked in the unfolded position using two lateral guides, each with a curved opening and a final stop position. A rod of a single actuator moves, without ever exiting, within each of the curved openings and positions itself at the final stop when the scooter is unfolded, as shown in Figure 4.

[0010] Currently, scooters can be folded in a relatively inconvenient way and / or with possible risks of pinching fingers and / or with the involvement of significant effort on the part of the user and / or with a non-optimized locking mechanism and / or imperfect stability.

[0011] There is a need to offer a scooter where the transition from the deployed to the folded position is improved.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a scooter is provided comprising a front part equipped with a steering column and a front axle, and a base part comprising a footrest and a rear axle, the front part and the base part being connected by a joint configured to reversibly move the scooter from a deployed configuration to a folded configuration in which the base part is folded towards the front part, characterized in that it comprises:

[0014] - a motor comprising a body mounted on one of the front and base parts and a drive shaft forming the articulation and driving in rotation the other of the front and base parts,

[0015] - a locking system capable of reversibly switching from a locked position, in which the base is immobilized relative to the front in the deployed configuration, to an unlocked position, in which the base is released relative to the front

[0016] - a control system configured, on command of a user when the scooter is in the deployed position, to move the locking system from the locked position to the unlocked position, and then to command the activation of the motor so as to rotate the lower part relative to the front part to reach the folded configuration.

[0017] Thus, folding the scooter is automated through a two-step process: unlocking followed by motor engagement. This ensures good rigidity of the scooter in the deployed position, as the connection between the front and lower sections is maintained by the joint comprising the motor shaft and the locking system; these two elements work together to guarantee safety in this position. Furthermore, the control applied during folding allows the user to conveniently perform both unlocking and folding with a single command. This ensures ease of use. Another aspect concerns the folding process of a scooter.

[0018] According to one embodiment, a scooter is presented comprising a front part having a steering column and a front axle, and a base part comprising a footrest and a rear axle, the front part and the base part being connected by a joint configured to reversibly move the scooter from a deployed configuration to a folded configuration in which the base part is folded towards the front part. It includes: a motor comprising a body mounted on one of the front and base parts and a drive shaft forming the joint and driving in rotation the other of the front and base parts; a locking system capable of reversibly moving from a locked position, in which the base part is immobilized relative to the front part in the deployed configuration, to an unlocked position.in which the lower part is released relative to the front part, a configured control system, at the command of a user when the scooter is in the deployed configuration, to move the locking system from the locked position to the unlocked position, and then to command the activation of the motor so as to rotate the lower part relative to the front part to reach the folded configuration.

[0019] Preferably, the locking system comprises at least one actuator having a body mounted on one of the front and base parts, and a movable rod, the other of the front and base parts comprising an opening through which the rod is inserted in the locking position, the rod being retracted out of the opening in the unlocking position, the front part comprising a connecting portion having an internal compartment in which the motor body and the actuator body are mounted. Preferably, the base part comprises a fork having two flanks configured to frame the connecting portion in the deployed configuration, such that the two flanks and the connecting portion fit together in a connecting area extending from the joint towards the front of the scooter.

[0020] Preferably, the locking system includes two actuators and the fork includes an opening on each side, each opening being configured to cooperate with the rod of one of the actuators.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] The aims, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0023] Figure 1 shows a general view of a scooter of the invention in the deployed position.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a general view of a scooter of the invention in its folded position. Figure 3 shows a perspective detail of the scooter.

[0025] Figure 4 shows another detailed view.

[0026] Figure 5 specifically illustrates the drive linkage between the two parts of the scooter. The drawings are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the invention. They constitute schematic representations of the principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Before proceeding with a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, the following are optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively:

[0029] Depending on one option, the control system includes at least one sensor configured to detect whether the locking system is in the locked position or in the unlocked position, the control system being configured to command the activation of the motor only if an unlocked position is detected.

[0030] In this way, the engine can be conditioned on the release of the locking system. This provides additional security.

[0031] The locking system may include at least one actuator having a body mounted on one of the front and the base part, and a movable rod, the other of the front and the base part having an opening through which the rod is inserted in the locking position, the rod being retracted out of the opening in the unlocking position.

[0032] This results in a simple and reliable locking mechanism achieved by the translation of a rod. Preferably, the actuator is a solenoid. The opening can be a blind hole, not necessarily a through hole.

[0033] Preferably, the sensor is configured to detect the inserted position and the retracted position of the rod.

[0034] In one embodiment, the front part includes a connecting portion having an internal compartment in which the motor body and the actuator body are mounted, and the base part includes a fork having two sides configured to frame the connecting portion in the deployed configuration.

[0035] Thus, the two parts interlock in a connecting zone that can extend forward from the joint. The sides can provide lateral guidance for the connecting portion of the front section. This allows for greater lateral rigidity of the machine, in addition to contributing to the locking function.

[0036] Advantageously, the locking system includes two actuators and in which the fork includes an opening on each side, each opening being configured to cooperate with the moving rod of one of the actuators.

[0037] The scooter may include at least one elastically deformed spring in the deployed configuration, configured to spring back to the folded position. This arrangement facilitates folding and reduces the load on the motor during this phase; the motor can advantageously be less powerful in this case than if it were solely responsible for the folding force.

[0038] Preferably, the spring is a torsion spring positioned at the joint.

[0039] The control system is preferably configured to stop the motor's rotation upon detection of a rise in the motor's supply current beyond a predetermined threshold.

[0040] This allows for the detection of a limit switch when the lower section is fully retracted, the increased current reflecting greater resistance to the motor's rotation. Optionally, it also allows the motor to be stopped if an obstacle prevents the lower section from being raised.

[0041] Depending on one possibility, the motor is electric, the scooter further comprising an electric motor configured to drive at least one wheel mounted on one of the front and rear axles, and a battery configured to power both the motor and the motor.

[0042] Thus, the battery is shared so that the folding system has little impact on the weight and cost of the vehicle.

[0043] In the following description, the term "on" does not necessarily mean "directly on." Thus, when it is stated that a part or component A rests "on" a part or component B, this does not mean that parts or components A and B are necessarily in direct contact with each other. These parts or components A and B may be either in direct contact or supported by one or more other parts. The same applies to other expressions, such as "A acts on B," which can mean "A acts directly on B" or "A acts on B through one or more other parts."

[0044] In this patent application, the term mobile corresponds to a rotational movement or a translational movement or a combination of movements, for example the combination of a rotation and a translation.

[0045] In this patent application, the terms "fixed" and "driven" used to describe the connection between two parts mean that the two parts are bound / fixed to each other in all degrees of freedom, unless explicitly stated otherwise. For example, if it is stated that two parts are fixed in translation along a direction X, this means that the parts can move relative to each other except along the X direction. In other words, if one part is moved along the X direction, the other part moves in the same direction.

[0046] The scooter offered here conventionally comprises a front part 1 extending mostly vertically in a usage position, and a basal part 2 which forms the chassis of the vehicle on which the user can rest their feet.

[0047] Figure 1 shows an example of a configuration of this scooter, in which the front part 1 has a steering column 14, in particular tubular, which terminates at its upper end with a handlebar 11. The height of the front part is typically adjustable by a modification of the length of the column, for example by varying the length of a fitting of two tubes participating in forming said column 14.

[0048] At its lower end, the column 14 provides a link with the front axle 12 in the form of a fork 141. This axle receives a rotating wheel 15, or several wheels if the scooter has pairs of wheels on at least one of the axles.

[0049] The base 2 extends substantially horizontally in a transport position and includes a footrest 21. The rear end of the base 2 has a rear axle 22 which, like the front axle 12, can receive one or more rotating wheels 23. It will be seen later that the base 2 can comprise several articulated parts.

[0050] The front part 1 and the base part 2 meet in a connecting area which, according to the invention, includes a joint 3. This joint provides a folding capacity for the scooter for storage when folded; in the folded configuration, the device occupies less space and the base part 2 is folded down, for example substantially in the same longitudinal direction as the front part 1. This joint 3 ensures a rotational movement between the two parts 1, 2.

[0051] Characteristically, the invention provides for an automation of the phase enabling the transition from the scooter's operating position, here called the deployed position (in which the basal part 2 has a significant angle relative to the front part, for example of the order of 90° to within 10%), to a folded position (in which the basal part 2 is folded towards the front part 1, for example at 180° to within 10%).

[0052] One aspect of this automation lies in the fact that the joint 3 is achieved via a shaft 172 which is driven in that it allows the basal part 2 to be driven relative to the front part 1. For this purpose, the scooter is equipped with an advantageously electric motor 17 whose body 171 is integrated into one of the front part 1 and the basal part 2. In a preferred mode, the shaft 172 is the output shaft of the motor 17 and there is no intermediate power transmission in order to limit the size of the motor 17; however, this arrangement is not limiting and it is quite possible to provide an intermediate power transmission chain, for example by means of gear trains allowing the speed and / or torque to be adapted at the joint 3.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, particularly as seen in Figures 3 to 5, it is the front portion 1 that receives the body 171 of the motor 17. It can be seen that the front portion 1 includes a connecting portion 13, which is the area of ​​interaction with a complementary connecting portion of the base portion 2. Typically, the connecting portion 13 is located at the rear of the front axle 12. It may constitute an area extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the column 14. The portion 13 includes a compartment 131, formed within said portion 13 in the example shown. This compartment receives the body 171 of the motor 17. It may be defined by a base 1311 and two side walls 1312. Advantageously, the compartment 131 is closed by means of a cover, not visible in the figures, which covers the compartment.As the figures show, the shaft 172 is advantageously transverse in that it extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the basal part 2. In this way, it is directed in an articulation direction 3 perpendicular to the basal part 2. Advantageously, the shaft 170 cooperates, to drive it, with the basal part 2, preferably on either side of the internal compartment 131.

[0054] As shown, the shaft 172 has two ends with a profile configured to ensure coupling with two portions of the base 2, so as to transmit the torque from the motor 17 to the base 2. In the illustrated example, the two ends of the shaft 172 have a splined profile. Each of them cooperates with an equivalent female profile at the base 2.

[0055] More specifically, one embodiment provides that the basal part 2 includes a connecting zone complementary to the connecting portion 13 of the front part 1, such that it defines two sides 25a, 25b, each provided with an opening 251 forming the aforementioned female profile. The two sides 25a, 25b can be joined by a base so as to form a connecting fork shape 24.

[0056] Preferably, the two sides 25a, 25b frame the connecting portion 13 in the deployed configuration of the scooter. In particular, the side walls 1312 of compartment 131 can then be covered by the two sides 25a, 25b.

[0057] In one possible configuration, a spring 31 assists in raising the lower section 2, in that an elastic element is used to relieve the motor during the transition from the deployed to the folded position. In the non-limiting case illustrated in Figure 5, at least one torsion spring is provided at the joint 3 such that the spring is elastically loaded when the scooter is in the deployed configuration, and this load tends to fold the lower section 2 towards the front section 1 when the spring 31 returns to its elastic resting position. The spring(s) are therefore mounted to act on both the front section 1 and the lower section 2 to constrain them.Preferably, two springs 31, like the torsion springs illustrated, are arranged, each at one end of the shaft 172 so as to provide balanced lifting assistance on both sides of the shaft 172.

[0058] It is understood that the previously given description of the motor 17 on the front part 1 is not limiting and that it is quite possible to reverse the assembly in such a way that the motor 17 could be arranged on the basal part 2 with the practical drive modifications that this entails mutatis mutandis.

[0059] Another separable aspect of the invention relates to a locking system ensuring the immobilization of the scooter in the deployed configuration.

[0060] Indeed, in this configuration, it is necessary to have a reliable and stable connection between the front part 1 and the base part 2. To achieve this, a locking system is provided which can move from a locking position ensuring the immobilization of the base part 2 relative to the front part 1 to an unlocking position in which the actuation of the motor 17 determines the position and the change in relative position of the two parts 1,2.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the locking system is provided by at least one actuator, and preferably by two actuators 18a, 18b, as in the case shown. Each actuator is fixed to one of the front part 1 and the base part 2, and includes a rod 181 adapted to form an obstacle element capable of cooperating with the other of these parts 1, 2.

[0062] For example, an actuator 18a, 18b can be formed by a solenoid which can receive an electrical command to deploy or retract a rod 181; in the deployed position, the rod 181 forms an obstacle to the relative movement of the two parts 1, 2.

[0063] Figures 4 and 5 show that this obstacle can be created at an opening 251 located some distance from the joint 3, into which the rod 181 can be inserted. Specifically, the opening 251 can have a shape and dimensions relatively equivalent to those of the rod 181 so as to form a sliding male-female coupling with limited play; in the extended position of the rod 181, the perimeter of the opening 251 resists any potential folding torque of the basal part towards the front part. For example, a rod with a rectangular (or square) cross-section and an opening of equivalent shape can be used. Alternatively, the end of the rod can be angled to limit the risk of jamming during the translational movement of the rod 181.

[0064] As with the motor linkage, it is advantageous to balance the locking on both sides of the scooter by providing a locking system with pairs of actuators 18a, 18b. It is also advantageous to use the sides 25a, 25b to make the openings 251.

[0065] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, one part, for example the front part 1, carries the motor and actuators, and the other part, for example the base part 2, carries the openings 251 and the driven areas 252. As previously indicated with regard to the possible mounting of the motor on the base part 2 rather than on the front part 1, the same applies to the actuators 18a, 18b. The invention also does not preclude the actuators 18a, 18b on the one hand and the motor 17 on the other hand from being mounted on different parts.

[0066] Following an advantageous aspect, a particular cooperation is proposed with the fork system of the base of the scooter which frames the motor compartment at the front of the motor joint 172, as shown in figure 3. This particularly reflects that the cooperation between the bottom of the fork and the base of the scooter is carried out with an overlap towards the front of the scooter relative to the joint.

[0067] Furthermore, each side panel has an opening for inserting or removing the rod of a separate actuator for each side panel. The locking system may include or consist of a lateral movement between a retracted position outside the hole (which prevents any jamming during folding or unfolding) and a position inserted through the hole. According to other advantageous features, the two articulated elements cooperate with the fork system of the base, which frames the motor compartment in front of the motor joint, providing high rigidity around the joint when the scooter is deployed. In this configuration, the fork therefore has a dual function, serving both to stabilize the joint area and to provide effective locking. In the deployed, riding position, the scooter is more rigid and therefore more stable.And its folding is more reliable because there is no risk of jamming thanks to the two actuators whose rods retract outside the openings when the scooter is to be unfolded.

[0068] Advantageously, the scooter offered here includes a control system for managing the motor and the locking mechanism. Typically, the control system can be implemented as electronic means, possibly combined with computer program components. The control system may include a component in the form of an electronic board equipped with processing means (specifically a processor), data storage means (non-transient, for example, in the form of at least one memory), and a connection circuit (wired and / or wireless) to the motor and the locking mechanism, at least for providing input and output data.Preferably, the control system is also connected to a button 16 serving as a user control, for example located on the handlebar or battery 19 as illustrated in Figure 1; such a button can preferably initiate a command to move to the folded position of the scooter.

[0069] The rest of the control system, apart from any potential wired connections, can be housed in compartment 131.

[0070] In one operating mode, the control system receives a folding command from the user and initiates an unlocking action, causing the locking system to move from a locked position, in which the base 2 is immobilized, to an unlocked position, in which the base 2 is released. Either through a separate command, but preferably through a sequence based on a single user command, the control system then drives the motor 17 to move the base 2 towards the front section 1 (this movement is obviously relative; therefore, it is a relative movement of these two sections that is involved).

[0071] Preferably, the control system also includes at least one sensor to determine whether the locking system is in the locked or unlocked position. This allows verification that the scooter is correctly positioned in the deployed configuration or that the motor can be activated to move it to the folded position. One possibility is to use a sensor for each actuator, for example, a sensor configured to determine the position of the rod 181 of each actuator. These could be Hall effect sensors sensitive to the perturbation of a field by the movement of the rod 181. In the case shown, the actuators 18a and 18b are arranged on either side of the board forming the control system. The sensors can therefore be located on the board itself, so as to directly detect the movements of the rods 181.

[0072] It is understood that the control system conditions the activation of motor 17 on the position of the locking system. The control system can also stop motor 17 in the event of an incident or when an extreme position, corresponding to the deployed and retracted configurations, is reached. In particular, the control system is advantageously configured to monitor the motor's electrical supply signal so as to detect an increase in the motor's supply current beyond a predetermined value; this situation typically corresponds to a significant increase in resistance to motor torque, and therefore to a state of retraction or deployment.

[0073] The electric components of the scooter offered here can be powered by one or more batteries. In a preferred mode, the scooter features an electric motor to drive one or more of its wheels, and this motor and the 17 motor share at least one battery in common.

[0074] It should be noted that the base itself may have at least one secondary joint 26 between several of its component parts, particularly to further reduce the size of the folded scooter. A locking mechanism for the joint can be provided, at least in the deployed position, so as to immobilize the two parts of the base 2.

[0075] In this case, at least the portion of the basal part connected to the joint is folded by means of the invention. Similarly, the frontal part can even potentially fold back on itself, for example, into two sections of its column around a pivot joint.

[0076] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the invention.

[0077] DIGITAL REFERENCES

[0078] 1. Front section

[0079] 11. Handlebar

[0080] 12. Front axle

[0081] 13. Connecting Portion

[0082] 131. Internal compartment

[0083] 1311. Fund

[0084] 1312. Side wall

[0085] 14. Steering column

[0086] 141. Fork

[0087] 15. Front wheel

[0088] 16. Control button

[0089] 17. Engine

[0090] 171. Body

[0091] 172. Drive shaft

[0092] 1721. Training portion

[0093] 18a, 18b. Actuator

[0094] 181. Stem

[0095] 19. Battery

[0096] 2. Basal part

[0097] 21. Footrest

[0098] 22. Rear axle

[0099] 23. Rear wheel

[0100] 24. Connecting fork

[0101] 25a, 25b. Flank

[0102] 251. Opening

[0103] 252. Trained Zone

[0104] 26. Secondary joint

[0105] 3. Articulation

[0106] 31. Spring

Claims

Demands 1. Scooter comprising a front part (1) having a steering column (14) and a front axle (12), and a base part (2) comprising a footrest (21) and a rear axle (22), the front part (1) and the base part (2) being connected by a joint (3) configured to reversibly move the scooter from a deployed configuration to a folded configuration in which the base part (2) is folded towards the front part (1), scooter which further comprises: - a motor (17) comprising a body (171) mounted on one of the front part (1) and the base part (2) and a motor shaft (172) forming the joint (3) and driving in rotation the other of the front part (1) and the base part (2), - a locking system capable of reversibly switching from a locked position, in which the basal part (2) is immobilized relative to the front part (1) in the deployed configuration, to an unlocked position, in which the basal part (2) is released relative to the front part (1), - a control system configured, at the command of a user when the scooter is in the deployed configuration, to move the locking system from the locked position to the unlocked position, and then to command the activation of the motor (17) so as to rotate the base part (2) relative to the front part (1) to reach the folded configuration, scooter in which: the locking system comprises at least one actuator (18a, 18b) having a body mounted on one of the front and base parts, and a movable rod (181), the other of the front part (1) and the base part (2) comprising an opening (251) through which the rod (181) is inserted in the locked position, the rod (181) being retracted out of the opening (251) in the unlocked position,the front part (1) comprising a connecting portion (13) having an internal compartment (131) in which the body (171) of the motor (17) and the body of the actuator (18a, 18b) are mounted, and in which the basal part (2) comprises a fork (24) having two flanks (25a, 25b) configured to frame the connecting portion in the deployed configuration, such that the two flanks (25a, 25b) and the connecting portion fit into a connecting area extending from the joint (3) towards the front of the scooter, and in which the locking system comprises two actuators (18a, 18b) and in which the fork (24) comprises an opening (251) on each flank (25a, 25b), each opening (251) being configured to cooperate with the rod (181) of one of the actuators (18a, 18b)., 2. Scooter according to the preceding claim, wherein the control system includes at least one sensor configured to detect whether the locking system is in the locked position or in the unlocked position, the control system being configured to command the activation of the motor (17) only if an unlocked position is detected.

3. Scooter according to the preceding claim, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the inserted position and the retracted position of the stem (181).

4. Scooter according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one spring (31) elastically deformed in the deployed configuration and configured to split to move the scooter into the folded configuration.

5. Scooter according to the preceding claim, wherein the spring (31) is a torsion spring disposed at the joint (3).

6. Scooter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system is configured to stop the rotation of the motor (17) upon detection of a rise in the motor supply current (17) beyond a predetermined threshold.

7. Scooter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor (17) is electric, the scooter further comprising an electric motor configured to drive at least one wheel mounted on one of the front axle (12) and the rear axle (22), and a battery (19) configured to power both the motor and the motor (17).

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