MOTOR SCOOTER THAT CAN BE FOLDED UP

Abstract

The invention relates to a collapsible vehicle (10), in particular a collapsible motor scooter, having a rear frame part bearing a seat unit (70) and at least one rear wheel (11) and a front frame part (61) bearing a steering unit (19) and at least one front wheel (11). According to the invention, the front frame part (61) and the rear frame part (60) are connected to one another via an acentric pivot joint (80) such that during collapsing of the vehicle (10), at least one frame part (60, 61) is pivotable such that the at least one front wheel (11) and the at least one rear wheel (11) are arranged adjacent to one another, in particular congruently adjacent to one another.

Claims

1. A collapsible vehicle comprising: a rear frame part bearing a seat unit and at least one rear wheel and a front frame part bearing a steering unit and at least one front wheel, wherein; the front frame part and the rear frame part are connected to one another via an acentric pivot joint such that during collapsing of the vehicle, at least one frame part is pivotable such that the at least one front wheel and the at least one rear wheel are arranged adjacent to one another.

2. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by a stand device, which comprises at least two side stands.

3. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least two side stands are arranged asymmetrically in relation to one another and have different lengths and are mechanically coupled to one another, via a linkage.

4. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the stand device is connected to a spring, which can be tensioned upon folding out of the stand device.

5. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that a mechanism locking the front frame part and the rear frame part in the unfolded state comprises a locking hook and can be actuated by a pedal, wherein the pedal is formed as a section of a footrest of the vehicle.

6. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the pedal is unlockable by means of one of the side stands.

7. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking hook is formed on the pedal and a locking pin is formed on the front frame part.

8. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the longer side stand determines the pivot direction of the front frame part in the direction of the rear frame part.

9. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the front wheel and the acentric pivot joint are arranged in relation to one another such that the front wheel is pivotable along a circular path about the acentric pivot joint.

10. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear wheel, the stand device, and at least one section of a footrest, including the pedal are arranged such that and designed for forming the only support points of the vehicle at least in sections during collapsing of the vehicle during a first rotation phase.

11. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the rear wheel, the stand device, and at least one section of the footrest, including the pedal are arranged such that and designed for forming the only support points of the vehicle in a second rotation phase chronologically following the first rotation phase during collapsing.

12. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the stand device is connected to the front frame part via a stand joint.

13. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that an axle of the front wheel is connected or connectable to an axle of the rear wheel by means of a wheel locking unit in the collapsed state of the vehicle.

14. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 13, characterized in that the wheel locking unit is formed like a bayonet fitting and a wheel locking pin is formed on one of the two wheels and a pin receptacle is formed on the remaining wheel.

15. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 14, characterized in that the pin receptacle has a finding contour.

16. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 13, characterized in that the wheel locking unit comprises a suspension shutoff mechanism including a suspension shutoff lever, which, in the collapsed state of the vehicle, effectuates a suspension shutoff of at least one wheel.

17. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 13, characterized in that the wheel locking unit is unlockable by a lever comprising a foot lever, formed on one of the wheels.

18. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 17, characterized in that the wheel locking pin and/or a locking stud and/or a locking contour is rotatable by means of the lever.

19. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the steering unit comprises handlebars having a base, wherein the handlebars comprise: at least one grip support, which is arranged in an articulated manner on the base and is pivotable from a first support position into a second support position, a holding device, which is arranged and/or designed such that the holding device is pivotable in an articulated manner from a first holding position into a second holding position, wherein the holding device locks the grip support to the base in the first holding position, and a blocking device, which is arranged in an articulated manner on the base, and is pivotable from a first blocking position into a second blocking position, wherein the blocking device is arranged and/or designed such that the blocking device blocks the holding device in the first blocking position.

20. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the vehicle is drivable using an electric drive.

21. The collapsible vehicle according to claim 20, characterized in that a power source of the vehicle is a battery of the electric drive and is detachably anchored on the rear frame part.

Description

[0075] In the figures:

[0076] FIG. 1: shows a side view of an unfolded motor scooter;

[0077] FIG. 2: shows a perspective view diagonally from the rear in a parked and/or elevated state of the motor scooter;

[0078] FIG. 3: shows a detail view of the latched foot pedal;

[0079] FIG. 4: shows a bottom view of the stand device in the folded-in-state;

[0080] FIG. 5: shows a detail view of the locked pedal;

[0081] FIGS. 6 and 7: show detail views of the wheel locking unit;

[0082] FIGS. 8 and 9: show detail views of the suspension shutoff mechanism;

[0083] FIG. 10: shows an illustration of the pivot joint;

[0084] FIGS. 11 and 12: show illustrations of the partially-collapsed state of the vehicle;

[0085] FIGS. 13 and 14: show illustrations of the completely collapsed vehicle;

[0086] FIG. 15: shows an illustration of a travel-ready vehicle having a display unit;

[0087] FIGS. 16 and 17: show illustrations of individual mechanical parts of the handlebars; and

[0088] FIG. 18 shows a perspective illustration of a further embodiment of the vehicle with different stand device.

[0089] In the following description, the same reference signs are used for identical and identically acting parts.

[0090] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 10 according to the invention in the unfolded state. The vehicle 10 shown is a two-wheeled vehicle, in particular a motor scooter. The motor scooter 10 has a rear frame part 60 and a front frame part 61. The rear frame part 60 bears the rear wheel 11 and the seat unit 70. The front frame part 61 bears the steering unit 19 including the front wheel 11.

[0091] The steering unit 19 comprises handlebars 21, a steering column 20, and a rocker arm 26 connected to the steering column 20. Operating elements, for example, a horn and also the handles 14 can be arranged on the handlebars 21. Furthermore, the handlebars 21 can have a display unit 23, which displays, for example, the travel speed or the charge state of a battery. The display 23 is folded in in the example illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0092] The seat unit 70 comprises a saddle 71, a battery box 72, an extendable and/or telescoping grip 73, and rollers 74. The seat unit 70 accordingly comprises a battery 180, which is used for the electrical supply of the drive unit 12, inside the battery box 72. The seat unit 70 can be detached from the rear frame part 60, so that the seat unit 70, including the battery 180 located therein, can be separately pushed or pulled with the aid of the grip 73. Furthermore, the collapsible motor scooter 10 comprises a stand device 89. However, in the illustrated example, the stand device 89 is not actuated.

[0093] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the stand device 89 comprises two side stands 90 and 91. The left side stand 90 is shorter than the right side stand 91 in this case. The left side stand 90 has a lever section 93. The two side stands 90 and 91 are preferably mechanically coupled to one another, so that an actuation of the left side stand 90 on the lever section 93 effectuates an actuation of the right side stand at the same time. In FIG. 2, the footrest 115 can furthermore be seen. The footrest 115 also consists of a left and a right section, so that both feet of the driver can be placed comfortably on the motor scooter 10. A pedal 110 in a partially actuated state can also be seen. The interaction of the pedal 110 with the stand device 89, in particular with the left side stand 90, is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0094] The left side stand 90 is folded up and/or not actuated in FIG. 3. Accordingly, as a result of the mechanical coupling of the two side stands 90 and 91, the right side stand 91 (not shown) is also folded up. As a result of a stop element 95 formed on the left side stand 90, a force acts from below on the pedal 110. The pedal 110 cannot be actuated in this state. The stop element 95 blocks the pedal 110. The pedal 110 is fastened on the rear frame part 60 and causes a connection of the rear frame part 60 to the front frame part 61. The partition region 65 between the rear frame part 60 and the front frame part 61 can also be seen. The partition region 65 is formed both in the footrest 115 and also in the center strut 68.

[0095] The pedal 110 is part of a mechanism 100, which can lock the front frame part 60 and the rear frame part 61 with one another. The mechanism 100 comprises a locking hook 105 and a locking pin 120. The locking hook 105 is formed as part of the pedal 110. The locking hook 105 has a locking contour. The locking pin 120, in contrast, is formed on the front frame part 61. Upon an actuation of an unlocked pedal 110, the lug 106 of the locking hook 105 can slide along the contour 121 of the locking pin 120 until the locking hook 105 is completely free.

[0096] The stand device 89 is shown in a bottom view in FIG. 4. The left side stand 90 and the right side stand 91 can be seen. The left side stand 90 is connected to the right side stand 91 via a linkage 96. Moreover, a spring 92 can be seen. The side stand 90, which is shorter in comparison to the side stand 91, can be tensioned upon folding out with the aid of this spring 92. Furthermore, the pivot joint 80 can be seen in FIG. 4. In conjunction with the longitudinal axis L of the motor scooter 10, the relationship results with respect to the side stands 90 and 91 that the two side stands 90 and 91 are arranged asymmetrically in relation to one another. The right side stand 91 is not only longer than the left side stand 90 but rather also has a different shape and a different fastening angle. The pivot joint 80 is formed on the right side in relation to the longitudinal axis L of the vehicle. An acentric arrangement of the pivot joint 80 results. The pivot joint 80 is not formed on the longitudinal axis L, but rather spaced apart from the longitudinal axis L.

[0097] The folded-out side stand 90 is shown in FIG. 5. As can be seen, the stop element 95 is pivoted such that the pedal 110 can be moved. By pressing the rear section 111 of the pedal 110 in the direction of the stop element 95 and/or downward, the locking hook 105 can be released such that the locking pin 120 is no longer connected to the locking hook 105. The locking pin 120 located on the front frame part 61 is released, so that the front frame part 61 can be separated at least in sections from the rear frame part 60.

[0098] If the locking mechanism 100 is disengaged, the front frame part 60 can be folded in the direction of the rear frame part 61. To be able to guide the two wheels, namely the front wheel 11 and the rear wheel 11, comfortably adjacent to one another, the vehicle, in particular the motor scooter 10, has a wheel locking unit 130. The individual parts of the wheel locking unit 130 are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0099] The rear wheel 11 and the rear frame part 60 are shown in FIG. 6.

[0100] In contrast, the front wheel 11 and the element of the wheel locking unit 130 associated therewith are shown in FIG. 7. The wheel locking unit 130 effectuates a connection of the axle 62 of the front wheel 11 to the axle 63 of the rear wheel 11.

[0101] The wheel locking unit 130 is formed like a bayonet fitting. A wheel locking pin 131 is formed on the rear wheel 11 and a pin receptacle 132 is formed on the front wheel 11. The wheel locking pin 131 is formed as a double cylinder and has a locking contour 133 in the interior. The wheel locking pin 131 is guided into the pin receptacle 132 of the front wheel 11 upon pivoting back of the front wheel 11 and/or the front frame part 61. For this purpose, the pin receptacle 132 has a finding contour 135. The finding contour 135 is preferably specially coated, so that the wheel locking pin 131 can slide along the finding contour 135 in the direction of the center 136 of the pin receptacle 132.

[0102] The finding contour 135 is formed like a funnel. The funnel is preferably sufficiently large that the wheel locking pin 131 can slide comfortably in the direction of the center 136. The pin receptacle 132 moreover has a stud 137, which can engage in the locking contour 133 of the wheel locking pin 131. If the wheel locking unit 130 is completely locked, the two wheels 11 and 11 can be pushed together and/or pulled together comfortably adjacent to one another.

[0103] The wheel locking unit 130 furthermore comprises a suspension shutoff mechanism, in particular a suspension shutoff lever 138, which effectuates a suspension shutoff of at least one wheel, in particular the rear wheel 11, in the collapsed state of the vehicle 10. The suspension shutoff lever 138 can be formed as a simple push lever. Upon application of a corresponding pressure to the suspension shutoff lever 138, the suspension shutoff of the wheel 11 is effectuated. For this purpose, the counterpart of the wheel locking unit 130, i.e., the front part of the wheel locking unit 130, has a suspension shutoff lever receptacle 139. Upon snapping of the suspension shutoff lever 138 into the suspension shutoff lever receptacle 139, a corresponding pressure can be applied to the suspension shutoff lever 138, so that a suspension shutoff is effectuated. The suspension shutoff lever receptacle 139 also has an indicated finding contour, so that the suspension shutoff lever 138 can slide easily into the suspension shutoff lever receptacle 139.

[0104] Various positions of the suspension shutoff lever 138 are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In the state shown in FIG. 9, the suspension shutoff lever 138 is snapped completely into the suspension shutoff lever receptacle 139. FIG. 8 shows that the suspension shutoff lever 138 can slide out along the finding contour of the suspension shutoff [lever] receptacle 139.

[0105] The pivot joint 80 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 10. The pivot joint 80 is formed in the travel direction F on the right side of the footrest 115 and/or on the right of the center strut 68. The pivot joint 80 is formed in the nature of a hinge joint, wherein a hinge pin 81 connects a plate section 82 of the front frame part 61 and plate sections 83 and 84 of the rear frame part 60 to one another so they are rotatable. If the stand device 89 is folded out, it is apparent that the longer side stand 91 determines the pivot direction SR of the front frame part 61 in the direction of the rear frame part 60. The axis of rotation DA of the pivot joint 80 extends substantially or approximately perpendicularly in relation to the parking surface of the vehicle 10.

[0106] The vehicle, in particular the motor scooter 10, is shown in the partially collapsed state in FIGS. 11 and 12. The mechanism 100 is unlocked, so that the front frame part 61 can be pivoted in the direction of the rear frame part 60 in the pivot direction SR about the axis of rotation DA of the pivot joint 80. It can also be seen in the figures that multiple tenon connections are formed in the partition region 65. The rear frame part 60 has a first conical tenon 191 and a second approximately cuboid tenon 192 for this purpose. Mortises 195 and 196 are formed complementary thereto in the front frame part 61. The tenon connections have a stiffening effect in the unfolded and locked state of the motor scooter 10. If the tenon connections were not formed, only a fastening via the partition plane 65 through the pedal 110 would be provided.

[0107] Furthermore, a grip 150 can be seen, which is formed in the region of the stand device 89. The grip 150 can form a storage option in the completely collapsed state of the vehicle, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0108] The stand device 89 is folded in in FIGS. 13 and 14. The stand device 89 can be folded in because of the spring 92 (see FIG. 4 in this regard). Lifting up the collapsed vehicle 10 results in automatic folding in of the stand device 89. To nonetheless form a storage surface, the grip 150 is formed in the region of the stand device 89. In the state shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the handles 14 are not yet folded in. These can also be folded in.

[0109] Parts of the steering unit 19 can also be formed as a grip. The section 151 is formed for this purpose. A grip is formed with the aid of the section 151, so that the collapsed vehicle can be pulled with the wheels 11 and 11 arranged adjacent to one another. By connecting the axles 62 and 63 of the front wheel 11 and the rear wheel 11, the two wheels 11 and 11 are formed parallel and congruent in relation to one another. The collapsed scooter 10 can be pushed and/or pulled in a simple manner.

[0110] If the motor scooter is to be unfolded, firstly the wheel locking unit 130 is to be disengaged. This is preferably performed by actuating the foot lever 140 (see FIG. 12). The foot lever 140 effectuates a pivot of a part of the wheel locking unit 130. The bayonet-fitting-type wheel locking unit 130 can then be separated, so that the front wheel 11 can be pivoted away from the rear wheel 11 about the axis of rotation DA.

[0111] A completely travel-ready motor scooter 10 is shown in FIG. 15. The display unit 23 is folded up in this case. A connection to the drive unit 12 can be produced by folding up the display unit 23. It is possible that the power supply of the drive unit 12 is interrupted by folding down the display unit 23. In this case, the folding down of the display unit 23 results in the actuation of a switch, which is arranged between the display unit 23 and an operating panel located underneath. The switch transmits a signal to a control device upon actuation, which in reaction thereupon interrupts the power flow from the battery 180 to the drive unit 12. Another signal is transmitted to the control device by folding up the display unit 23. This signal causes a power flow to be established from the battery 180 to the drive unit 12 in the folded-up state of the display unit 23.

[0112] The handlebars 21 are shown in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 15, 16, and 17. The handlebars 21 are fixedly installed on the steering column 20, which can be pivoted about a pivot axis S, and the handlebars 21 comprise a base 22 and handles 14. The handles 14 are arranged on grip supports 30, 30 on the base 22. The driver of the motor scooter 10 can control various functions of the motor scooter 10 via the handles 14, for example, horn, turn signals, braking, or acceleration. The handle supports 30, 30 are each alternately articulated with the base 22. An actuating opening 13 is provided in the front region of the motor scooter 10 on the handlebars 21, so that the handle 151 can be formed. The driver can reach into the actuating opening 13, so that the actuating opening 13 and/or the grip 151 can be used for pulling the motor scooter 10 in the collapsed state. The driver can reach an actuating lever 56 by reaching through the actuating opening 13 and disengage a locking of the handles 14 and thus collapse the handlebars 21.

[0113] FIGS. 16 and 17 are detail views of important mechanical parts of the handlebars 21, wherein paneling parts and the base 22 are not shown for the illustration of the functionality of the locking.

[0114] The display unit 23 is shown in the folded-up position, wherein a blocking device 40 is arranged laterally on the display unit 23. The display unit 23 and the blocking device 40 are both mounted so they are rotatable on a shaft about the display axis of rotation B. The display unit 23 and the blocking device 40 can thus only be pivoted together in this exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, FIG. 16 shows two grip supports 30, 30, which are each arranged laterally below the display unit 23. The grip supports 30, 30 are pivotably connected to the base 22 so they are rotatable on support joints 31. The grip supports 30, 30 are locked by a holding device 50. The holding device 50 is connected to the base 22 via a holding joint 51 so it is pivotable. The grip supports 30, 30 can be produced from a plurality of materials and a plurality of configurations. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the grip supports 30, 30 are formed as hollow tubes made of fiber composite material. In further exemplary embodiments, the grip supports 30, 30 are formed, for example, as hollow aluminum or magnesium tubes. Light construction materials are preferably used, in order to reduce the weight and thus have a positive effect on the power consumption of the motor scooter 10.

[0115] FIG. 17 shows parts of the handlebars 21 of FIG. 16 in a schematic front view. In particular, FIG. 17 shows that the holding device 50 can be pivoted via actuating lever 56. In this case, the actuating lever 56 represents the element which the driver has to actuate to collapse the handlebars 21. As can be seen clearly from FIGS. 16 and 17, however, it is not possible for the driver to actuate this lever while the display unit 23 is located in a folded-up position. In the mentioned case, the blocking device 50 blocks blocking levers 41, which are connected to the holding device 50.

[0116] FIG. 18 shows a detail of a further exemplary embodiment of the motor scooter 10 in a bottom view. FIG. 18 shows that the stand device has a side stand 90, which is fastened so it is pivotable on the front frame part 61 via a stand joint 97. To park the motor scooter 10, the side stand 90 can be folded out, so that the front wheel 11, the rear wheel 11, and the side stand 90 form support points which hold the motor scooter 10 stably.

[0117] To collapse the motor scooter 10 of FIG. 18, the locking between rear frame part 60 and the front frame part 61 is disengaged as described by actuating the foot lever 110. The handlebars 21 and/or the steering column 20 are subsequently pivoted such that the front wheel 11 assumes an angle of more than 90? with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis. The front wheel 11 can now be pivoted about the pivot joint 80.

[0118] Up to an angle of 90?, preferably 100?, between front frame part 61 and rear frame part 60 (first rotation phase), the motor scooter 10, as described, is held stably by the front wheel 11, the rear wheel 11, and the side stand 90.

[0119] From an angle of greater than 90?, preferably 110?, between front frame part 61 and rear frame part 60, the front wheel 11 loses contact with the ground and the motor scooter 10 is held stably by the rear wheel 11, the side stand 90, and a support point 85 on the foot pedal 110. Because the front wheel 11 now hangs freely movable in the air, the handlebars 21 and/or steering column 20 are freely movable. The front wheel 11 can now be aligned on the longitudinal axis of the front frame part 61. The front wheel 11 and the rear wheel 11 are then arranged at least substantially parallel to one another, so that they can be locked to one another as described.

[0120] To unfold the motor scooter 10, the method described with reference to FIG. 18 is executed in reverse, wherein the handlebars 21 and/or the steering column are pivoted in the opposite direction.

[0121] Alternatively, embodiments are conceivable in which the blocking device 40 is formed as a blocking disk. A blocking disk is not formed rotationally-symmetrical, but rather has a region which has a protrusion. The region of the protrusion is formed reinforced in this case, to take into consideration an elevated load on the protrusion. A blocking disk can block a pivot of the blocking lever 41 and thus also a pivot of the holding device 50.

[0122] It is to be noted at this point that all above-described parts are claimed as essential to the invention considered alone and in any combination, in particular the details illustrated in the drawings. Modifications thereof are routine for a person skilled in the art.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0123] 10 motor scooter [0124] 11 front wheel [0125] 11 rear wheel [0126] 12 drive unit/electric motor [0127] 13 actuating opening [0128] 14 handle [0129] 19 steering unit [0130] 20 steering column [0131] 21 handlebars [0132] 22 base [0133] 23 display unit [0134] 26 rocker arm [0135] 30, 30 grip support [0136] 31 support joint [0137] 40 blocking device [0138] 41 blocking lever [0139] 50 holding device [0140] 51 holding joint [0141] 56 actuating lever [0142] 60 rear frame part [0143] 61 front frame part [0144] 62 axle of front wheel [0145] 63 axle of rear wheel [0146] 65 partition region [0147] 68 center strut [0148] 70 seat unit [0149] 71 saddle [0150] 72 battery box [0151] 73 handle [0152] 74 roller [0153] 80 pivot joint [0154] 81 tenon [0155] 82, 83, 84 plate section [0156] 85 support point [0157] 89 stand device [0158] 90 left side stand [0159] 91 right side stand [0160] 92 spring [0161] 93 lever section [0162] 95 stop element [0163] 96 linkage [0164] 97 stand joint [0165] 100 locking mechanism [0166] 105 locking hook [0167] 106 lug [0168] 110 pedal [0169] 111 rear section [0170] 115 footrest [0171] 120 locking pin [0172] 121 contour [0173] 130 wheel locking unit [0174] 131 wheel locking pin [0175] 132 pin receptacle [0176] 133 locking contour [0177] 135 finding contour [0178] 136 center [0179] 137 pin [0180] 138 suspension shutoff lever [0181] 139 suspension shutoff lever receptacle [0182] 140 foot lever [0183] 150 grip [0184] 151 grip [0185] 180 battery [0186] 191, 192 tenon [0187] 195, 196 mortise [0188] B display axis of rotation [0189] DA axis of rotation [0190] L longitudinal axis of vehicle [0191] S pivot axis [0192] SR pivot direction