CN112839862A

CN112839862A - Folding scooter with foldable handlebar and handlebar

Info

Publication number: CN112839862A
Application number: CN201980067565.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 克里斯蒂安·克洛特曼; 弗罗里安·瓦尔伯格
Original assignee: Valberg City Electric Co ltd
Current assignee: Valberg City Electric Co ltd
Priority date: 2018-08-14
Filing date: 2019-08-19
Publication date: 2021-05-25
Also published as: WO2020035841A1; DE102018119785A1; DE102018119785B4; EP3837155A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding scooter and a handlebar (10). The folding scooter comprises a handlebar (10) comprising a steering rod (12) guided in a steering column, the steering rod having at least one handle (11) projecting laterally therefrom in the unfolded state. At least one handle (11) can be pivoted relative to the steering rod (12) about a folding axis (14) via a folding joint (13) between an unfolded and a folded state, wherein a fixing sleeve (15) which can be rotated perpendicular to the folding axis (14) is provided, which extends over the folding axis (14) of the folding joint (13) and has a lateral recess (17), such that the handle (11) can be pivoted from the unfolded state to the folded state in a first position of the fixing sleeve (13), and the handle (11) is fixed in the unfolded state in at least one second position of the fixing sleeve (15).

Description

Folding scooter with foldable handlebar and handlebar

Technical Field

The invention relates to a folding scooter and a handlebar.

Background

Folding scooters are known from the prior art. Corresponding scooters usually have two axles, each with a bottom roller, between which a pedal is arranged. One of the bottom rollers can be actuated by a handlebar, the steering rod of which is guided by a steering column which projects upwards substantially perpendicularly to the pedals in the ready-to-drive state of the scooter. The handlebars usually extend with their handles to both sides of the steering column and are generally height adjustable.

Such scooters usually have one or more folding and telescopic mechanisms in order to be able to transport and store the scooter in the folded state as space-saving as possible. On the other hand, in the unfolded state, the driving characteristics and driving stability of the non-foldable scooter should be achieved as much as possible.

The first folding mechanism can be used, for example, to pivot the steering column with the handlebars guided therein to a position in which the steering column is substantially parallel to the pedals.

It is also known here to use a height adjustment of the steering column of conventional telescopic design, so that the handlebar does not protrude unnecessarily significantly out of the other parts of the scooter in the folded state.

In addition, in some known designs, the handlebars of the handlebar may be arranged in a position substantially parallel to the steering column, so that the handlebars no longer protrude laterally beyond the pedals in the folded state of the scooter. In one embodiment, the handle is fastened to the handlebar by a locking connection and is secured by a cable to prevent loss. To fold the scooter, the locking connection is eliminated and the handlebar is fixed at the lateral holding device and parallel to the steering rod. In order to prepare the scooter for driving, the handlebars must be inserted and locked in corresponding receptacles at the handlebars.

In the case of corresponding handlebars, folding and running preparation of the scooter is cumbersome.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to propose a folding scooter and a handlebar which no longer have or only to a small extent have the disadvantages known from the prior art.

This object is achieved by a folding scooter according to the independent claims and a handlebar according to the side by side independent claims. Advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a folding scooter comprising: a pedal disposed between two axles, each axle having at least one bottom roller; and a steering column connected to the pedals for a handlebar of one of the two shafts, wherein the handlebar comprises a steering rod guided in the steering column, the steering rod having at least one handle projecting laterally therefrom in the unfolded state, wherein the at least one handle is pivotable relative to the steering rod about a folding axis via a folding joint between the unfolded state and the folded state, and wherein a fixing sleeve is provided which is rotatable perpendicular to the folding axis, which fixing sleeve extends on the folding axis of the folding joint and has a lateral clearance, such that the handle is pivoted from the unfolded state to the folded state in a first position of the fixing sleeve and the handle is fixed in the unfolded state in at least one second position of the fixing sleeve.

The invention further relates to a handlebar with a steering column having at least one handle projecting laterally from the steering column in an unfolded state, wherein the at least one handle can be pivoted relative to the steering column about a folding axis via a folding joint between the unfolded state and a folded state, wherein a fixing sleeve is provided which can be rotated perpendicular to the folding axis, which fixing sleeve extends over the folding axis of the folding joint and has a lateral clearance, such that the handle is pivoted from the unfolded state to the folded state in a first position of the fixing sleeve and the handle is fixed in the unfolded state in at least one second position of the fixing sleeve.

By the combination according to the invention of a folding joint and a fixing sleeve which can be rotated perpendicular to the folding axis, an easy unfolding and folding of the handle of the handlebar can be achieved. The axis for pivoting the handle is defined here by a corresponding folding joint, wherein the fixing sleeve extending over the folding axis fixes the handle in the unfolded state in such a way that the wall of the fixing sleeve bears in a form-fitting manner against the folding joint on both sides of the folding axis in a pivoting plane perpendicular to the folding axis. If the fixing sleeve is rotated from the respective second position into the first position, the gap provided according to the invention is located on one side of the folding joint in the pivot plane, through which gap the folding joint can thus "pivot" to achieve the folded state. After the handle is again deployed, the fixing sleeve must be rotated again from the first position back to the second position to fix the handle in the deployed position.

Preferably, the securing sleeve has, in the folded condition of the handle, a third position disposed between the first position and the second position for securing the handle in the folded condition, the edge of the sleeve defining the gap engaging the stop of the handle in the third position. In the folded state of the handle, the fixing sleeve can no longer be rotated into the second position. However, the fixing sleeve can be rotated from the first position in the direction of the second position until the edge delimiting the gap abuts against the handle or the folding joint. If a stop is provided in this region (for example a step or groove into which the edge of the gap engages or on which the edge rests), the handle can be fixed in the folded state.

A return spring is preferably provided for returning the fixing sleeve from the first position into the second position and/or into the third position. The locking sleeve can be secured by a corresponding restoring spring against inadvertent holding in the first position or against inadvertent rotation into the first position. Whether the fixing sleeve is fully rotated from the first position to the second position or, for example, to the third position, i.e. whether the handle is folded or unfolded, depends on the position of the handle.

The folding axis may be substantially perpendicular to the steering rod, such that the handlebar is preferably substantially parallel to the steering rod in the folded state hand. Alternatively, the folding axis may be substantially parallel to the steering rod. Even in the case where the handlebar cannot be arranged parallel to the steering column, the lateral projection of the handlebar on the pedals can be at least reduced. In particular in folding scooters where the steering column can optionally be oriented parallel to the pedals for folding, the folded handle is directed towards the footboard.

It is particularly preferred if the recess faces the pedal in the second position of the fixing sleeve. In other words, when the folding scooter is normally used, the void in the fixing sleeve is directed downwards in the second position, thereby reducing the risk of dirt entering the folding joint and the fixing sleeve.

Preferably, the fixing sleeve is supported between the steering rod and the folding axis. In this case, the position of the fixing sleeve does not change with the deflection of the handlebar, but remains constant relative to the steering rod.

Preferably, the outer diameter of the fixing sleeve is substantially the same as the diameter of the handlebar. Thus, in an extended actual grip, the fixed sleeve can be used as an additional gripping member.

Preferably, two handles are provided, each having a folding joint and a fixing sleeve.

For the purpose of illustrating the handlebar according to the present invention, reference is made to the above design.

Drawings

The invention is now described by way of example on the basis of an advantageous embodiment with reference to the drawing. The figures show:

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a folding scooter having foldable and unfoldable handlebars according to the present invention;

FIGS. 2a, 2b show a detail view and a cross-sectional view of a foldable and expandable handle of the foldable scooter from FIG. 1; and

fig. 3a to 3e show schematic views of a foldable and unfoldable handle according to fig. 2a, 2 b.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a folding scooter 1 according to the invention. The folding scooter 1 comprises two axles 2 perpendicular to the plane of the board, each axle having a bottom roller 3. One bottom roller 3 is rotatably mounted at one end of a pedal 4, while the other bottom roller 3 is mounted on a handlebar 10, which handlebar 10 has two handles 11 that extend to both sides of a height-adjustable steering rod 12 of the handlebar 10. The steering rod 12 is rotatably guided in the steering column 5, whereby the bottom roller 3 mounted at the steering column can be operated. The steering column 5 is connected to the pedal 4 via a folding joint 6. By means of the folding joint 6, the folding scooter 1 shown in fig. 1 in the ready-to-drive state can be folded such that the steering column 5 is oriented parallel to the pedals 3.

The bottom roller 3 supported at the footplate 4 is driven via an electric hub motor 7, which is supplied with electrical energy from a battery integrated in the footplate 4.

In fig. 2a, one of the two grips 11 of the handlebar 10, which is fixed to the steering column 12, is shown in more detail in the unfolded state. Fig. 2b shows a cross-sectional view through the handle 11. The other grip 11 is correspondingly disposed on the other side of the handlebar 10.

The handle 11 is connected to the steering rod 12 via a folding joint 13. The folding axis 14 of the folding joint 13 extends parallel to the axis 12' of the steering rod 12. One portion 13' of the folding joint 13 is integrally formed at the handlebar 10, and the other portion 13 ″ is connected with the handle 11. However, the other portion 13 ″ may also be formed integrally with the handle 11, for example.

The folding joint 13 comprises a fixing sleeve 15 which is rotatably supported between the steering rod 12 and the folding axis 14 about an axis 16 perpendicular to the folding axis 14. The fixing sleeve 15 has an outer diameter substantially corresponding to the handlebar 11 and has a clearance 17 towards the pedals 4 (see fig. 1) of the folding scooter 1 in the second position of the fixing sleeve 15 shown in fig. 2a, 2b, wherein the second position is defined by a limit screw 18 cooperating with a stop. The fixing sleeve 15 can in principle be rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 90, but the return spring 19 presses the fixing sleeve 15 back essentially in the direction of the second position shown in fig. 2a, 2 b. In this second position, any pivoting of the folding joint 13 is prevented by the fixing sleeve 15.

However, if the fixing sleeve 15 is rotated in the direction of arrow 90 into the first position, i.e. the gap 17 extends parallel to the folding axis 14, the handle 11 can be pivoted about the folding axis 14 in the direction of arrow 90 from the unfolded state shown in fig. 2a, 2b into the folded state.

Reference is now made to fig. 3a to 3e for a more detailed explanation.

In the initial state shown in fig. 3a, the handlebar 11 is in a fully extended state of the handlebar 10, which is also shown in fig. 2a, 2 b. Therefore, reference is made to the above description.

In a first step, the fixing sleeve 15 is pivoted about the axis 16 in the direction of the arrow 90 and against the return spring 19 into a first position in which the interspace 17 extends substantially parallel to the folding axis 14. This position is shown in fig. 3 b. The fixing sleeve 15 must be held in the first position shown so that it does not jump back into the second position (see fig. 3a) in which the handle is fixed in the extended position, due to the restoring spring 19.

As long as the fixing sleeve 15 is held in the first position, the handle 11 can be pivoted about the folding axis 14 into the folded state, i.e. in the direction of the gap 17. This state is shown in fig. 3 c.

Finally, the fixing sleeve 15 is released, so that it is pushed back essentially into the second position (see fig. 3a) by the return spring 19. Since the handle 11 is now pivoted into the folded state, the fixing sleeve 15 is not moved into the second position, but is held in the third position, as shown in fig. 3d, by the handle 11 or the part 13 ″ of the folding joint 13 assigned to the handle 11.

In this third position, the edge 17' delimiting the gap 17 of the fixing sleeve 15 engages in the stop 20 of the portion 13 ″ of the folding joint 13 associated with the handle 11. In the embodiment shown, the stop 20 is formed by a step 21, one side of which extends parallel to the folding axis 14 and the axis 16 in the folded state of the handle. The handle 11 is secured in the folded state shown in fig. 3d by engaging or abutting the edge 17' of the fixing sleeve at the step 21.

In order to be able to transfer the handle 11 from the folded state shown in fig. 3d, 3e to the unfolded state shown in fig. 3a again, the fixing sleeve 15 must first be brought into its first position (see fig. 3c) again before the handle 11 can subsequently be pivoted into the desired unfolded position (see fig. 3 b). If the fixing sleeve 15 is subsequently released, the fixing sleeve is moved into the second position according to fig. 3a by the return spring 19, thereby subsequently fixing the handle 1 in the extended position.

Claims

1. A folding scooter (1) comprising: a pedal arranged between two shafts (2) each having at least one bottom roller (3); and a steering column (5) connected to the pedals (4) for a handlebar (10) of one of the two shafts (2), wherein the handlebar (10) comprises a steering rod (12) guided in the steering column (5) with at least one handle (11) projecting laterally therefrom in the deployed state,

it is characterized in that

At least one of the handles (11) can be pivoted relative to the steering rod (12) about a folding axis (14) via a folding joint (13) between an unfolded state and a folded state, wherein a fixing sleeve (15) which can be rotated perpendicular to the folding axis (14) is provided, which extends over the folding axis (14) of the folding joint (13) and has a lateral recess (17), such that the handle (11) is pivoted from the unfolded state to the folded state in a first position of the fixing sleeve (13) and the handle (11) is fixed in the unfolded state in at least one second position of the fixing sleeve (15).

2. The folding scooter of claim 1, characterized in that in the folded state of the handlebar (11), the fixing sleeve (15) has a third position arranged between the first position and the second position for fixing the handlebar (11) in the folded state, an edge (17') of the sleeve delimiting the gap (17) engaging at a stop (20) of the handlebar (11) in the third position.

3. The folding scooter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a return spring (19) is provided for returning the fixing sleeve (15) from the first position to the second position and/or third position.

4. The folding scooter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folding axis (14) is substantially parallel to the steering column (12).

5. The folding scooter of claim 4, characterized in that the void (17) is directed towards the pedal (4) in the second position of the fixing sleeve (15).

6. The folding scooter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing sleeve (15) is supported between the steering rod (12) and the folding axis (14).

7. The folding scooter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer diameter of the fixing sleeve (15) substantially corresponds to the diameter of the handlebar (11).

8. The folding scooter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two handles (11) are provided, each having a folding joint (13) and a fixing sleeve (15).

9. A handlebar (10) with a steering stem (12) having at least one handle (11) projecting laterally from the steering stem in a deployed state,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

10. The handlebar of claim 9 wherein the handlebar is designed according to any one of claims 2 to 8.