EP0303643A1

EP0303643A1 - Drive system, in particular for a small vehicle.

Info

Publication number: EP0303643A1
Application number: EP19880901565
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dirk Graff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-02-20
Filing date: 1988-02-19
Publication date: 1989-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2008-02-19
Also published as: EP0303643B1; WO1988006229A1; DE3872792D1

Abstract

Des systèmes de commande équipés d'un moteur à combustion, comme ceux utilisés dans des petits véhicules et dans des outils, émettent des substances hautement nocives et des bruits désagréables. D'après l'invention, l'émission de bruit est réduite par une chambre d'expansion dans le système d'échappement, qui est reliée à la chambre de combustion via les soupapes pendant l'expulsion des gaz d'échappement, et dans l'atmosphère pendant au moins une partie du temps restant. De plus, un petit véhicule est décrit qui est équipé d'un tel système de commande qui peut être emmené partout avec le véhicule. A cet effet, le petit véhicule est démontable, son châssis comprenant une section avant et une section arrière qui peuvent être repliées ensemble à travers une bordure dans un axe pivotant parallèle aux petites roues. Le levier pivotant peut de la même manière être pivoté et aligné avec un axe pivotant parallèle aux petites roues sur la section avant du châssis.Control systems equipped with a combustion engine, such as those used in small vehicles and in tools, emit highly harmful substances and unpleasant noises. According to the invention, the noise emission is reduced by an expansion chamber in the exhaust system, which is connected to the combustion chamber via the valves during the expulsion of the exhaust gases, and in the atmosphere for at least part of the time remaining. In addition, a small vehicle is described which is equipped with such a control system which can be taken everywhere with the vehicle. To this end, the small vehicle is removable, its chassis comprising a front section and a rear section which can be folded together through a border in a pivoting axis parallel to the small wheels. The pivoting lever can similarly be pivoted and aligned with a pivoting axis parallel to the small wheels on the front section of the chassis.

Description

Drive system / in particular for a very small vehicle, as well as a very small vehicle

The invention relates to a drive system, in particular for a small vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

The increasing demand for built-in motors for small devices, such as lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, chain saws or vehicles, results in an increasing burden on people and the environment in terms of noise and pollutant emissions. The reason for this lies, among other things, in the direct emission of the pollutants, which, for reasons of the highest possible performance, at low Weight is preferred.

The invention is based on the object of improving a drive system in accordance with the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that the noise emission is reduced without the power output decreasing or the weight-performance ratio being deteriorated.

This object is achieved in a drive system according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features specified in the characterizing part.

The invention is based on the consideration that the noise emission in drive systems with an internal combustion engine essentially arises from the fact that the combustion gases, which are still under considerable pressure, reach the atmosphere as exhaust gas and expand in the process within a very short time. This expansion bang can be reduced if the expansion is not carried out in the atmosphere but in a separate expansion vessel. Since the exhaust gases also cooled after the expansion, the exhaust gas, which is now reduced in volume, can enter the engine without significant noise - 5 -

Exceed atmosphere. There is also a considerably longer time available for this process than if this were only done during the exhaust gas emission by the piston from the combustion chamber.

The expansion vessel can be arranged separately on the engine housing or alternatively can be formed by the crankcase.

The latter solution has the advantage that the exhaust gas output is supported by the piston from the underside, no additional volume and material is required for the expansion vessel and the heat can be dissipated by conduction onto the cylinder and thus via the cooling fins.

A further development provides that the exhaust system, including the expansion vessel, is designed and dimensioned as a resonance system for the exhaust gas.

The resonance system brings about a significant increase in performance at certain speeds. At the same time, the exhaust gas output of the piston is reduced, since when the exhaust gas is introduced into the crankcase, it is below the piston Builds up pressure that supports the upward movement of the piston. The resonance wave is considerably amplified by the return of the piston. The increase in performance thus has an effect in both directions of movement.

Furthermore, the valves are designed as two-way rotary valves.

Due to the rotary slide valve control of the valves, only one roller is required, which manages with a rotary drive and is therefore protected against overturning the motor in contrast to the plunger. In addition, no settings are required in the course of maintenance work.

A further development provides that the two-way rotary valve is mounted in a sealing cylinder which can be displaced against the rotary valve under the action of the combustion pressure.

This measure eliminates the sealing problems which may be possible with rotary slide valve controls. The sealing takes place here through the combustion pressure itself, so that the sealing device and thus also the wear acting on the rotary valve only occurs during the time in which a seal is required. During the rest of the time, however, the rotary valve can work with a certain play in the sealing cylinder, which reduces the frictional losses of the entire drive system on average.

The ignition system comprises a non-contact scanning and an electronic control, which delivers an ignition pulse with each revolution.

Due to this design, the ignition system is practically maintenance-free, ensures a strong, even with possibly unfavorable mixing ratios of fuel and air for a safe ignition at the right time and allows simple assembly of the drive system without having to pay attention to the correct position of the The shaft carrying the sample must be observed.

In a practical embodiment, a balancing shaft rotating counter to the crank drive is provided, on which the scanning takes place.

The balance shaft ensures that one through the - o -

Crank drive caused unbalance is compensated. At the same time, due to its relatively large diameter, this shaft enables a very precise determination of the ignition timing in the case of a contactless scanning for determining the ignition timing.

A further development provides that the fuel system comprises an interchangeable energy cassette which is under positive pressure and additionally contains a battery and an air filter.

The overpressure in the energy cassette ensures a secure supply of fuel to the carburetor without the need for a fuel pump. This has a weight-saving effect. At the same time it is avoided that the user himself carries out refueling with the fuel system. This prevents fuel from being spilled on the one hand, on the other hand it makes operation safer and also prevents the use of a wrong, less pollutant-free fuel. In the presence of a battery and an air filter, the otherwise necessary maintenance work is also avoided or on the supplier of the energy cassette relocated, and when the reusable energy cassettes are exchanged, the prerequisites for proper operation of the drive system were created.

In a practical embodiment, the internal combustion engine forms a central part consisting of cylinder, cylinder head, combustion chamber, piston, crank mechanism, valves, crankcase, carburetor and ignition system, a side part which comprises the valve drive, possibly the drive of the counter-rotating balancer shaft accommodates several output shafts, a carburettor linkage as well as supply and disposal lines and a side part which serves as a closure on the opposite side.

The parts of the internal combustion engine are designed to be pluggable, the part receiving the shafts and lines forming a supply module, the middle part forming a power module and the other side part forming an end plate.

This configuration combines functional units of the drive system that can be combined with one another. So the performance of the drive system can be increased in that several - Ö -

Power modules are cascaded. Only one supply module and one end plate are required for the side closure.

The standardization of the modules means that drive systems in different performance classes can be put together individually and, because of the small number of variants, manufactured and stored inexpensively. In the event of a repair, it is possible to temporarily remove a defective power module and to operate the drive system without this power module or to replace it with another reserve power module.

Regardless of the number of power modules, the supply lines and the output shafts can be connected and the supply of the other power modules takes place automatically when they are plugged together. A mutual sealing is not necessary, only the shafts in the supply module must be provided with appropriate seals. In contrast, no moving parts protrude from the end plate, so that rotary seals can be omitted here.

The output shafts in the supply module are preferably mounted both axially and radially. Thereby - Q _

there is no need for devices which exert strong axial or radial loads on the output shaft to support these shafts an additional time.

It is particularly advantageous that the supply module can be mounted on both sides.

This configuration enables the same drive system to be used for both directions of rotation without changes to the ignition and valve control.

In a practical embodiment, the shaft ends of the supply module and the power modules are provided with cross-shaped recesses. These are coupled for non-positive connection via loosely inserted driver crosses and the carburetor linkages are equipped with intermeshing claw drivers.

This measure enables the shaft ends to be coupled in steps of 90 °. The coupling takes place automatically when assembling and the driver crosses are fixed by the opposite ends of the shaft.

Since no offset is necessary for the carburettor lengths, only claw drivers are provided here, but they also interlock automatically when the modules are assembled and cause the carburetor linkage to be coupled.

The power modules provide fuel lines, electrical lines, and exhaust gas and air ducts, which extend in the axial direction of the shafts and are also connected to one another when the modules are plugged together.

In this way, even when several power modules are plugged together, a passage is created from the supply module to the last power module, that is to say the power module that is the most distant from the supply module, without having to take any special measures for the line routing when the modules are plugged together.

If several power modules are cascaded, the shaft ends can be offset by 1/4 - 1/2 turn, so that a uniform torque curve can be achieved with low balancing.

When cascading the modules, the shaft enders can be moved so that the cheapest possible kung is found out. In addition, there are also possibilities to carry out the offset depending on the number of cascaded modules, this being possible using a table supplied to the user and reproduced in the data description.

In a practical embodiment, the modules carry guide elements on the connecting surfaces and have detachable snap connections.

These guide elements allow the modules to be simply pushed together and bring the elements of the snap connections into the correct position in which they can snap in after they have been completely pushed together. The correct position of the connecting lines and shaft ends is also facilitated by this configuration.

The invention further relates to a micro vehicle according to the preamble of claim 20.

There are very small vehicles that are sized so that they fit into the trunk of a car and in downtown areas where there is no parking space for cars to get around can be used. However, these known small vehicles are not handy enough to be taken anywhere.

The object of the invention is to design a small vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that it can be carried as a handy vehicle with the smallest dimensions and weight and can be transferred from the transport operation to the operation and vice versa in a simple manner .

This object is achieved in a Klei stfahrzeug according to the preamble of claim 20 by the features specified in the characterizing part.

The arrangement of the hinge and the alignment of its swivel axis ensure that the miniature vehicle does not need any locking elements for the alignment of the frame while driving, so that it can be put into operation immediately after being unfolded. The driving position of the frame is generated by the body weight of the user or by the weight of objects that are to be transported. When the clamping vehicle is folded, a very compact unit results, in which the front part and the rear part has a shorter length than the steering lever so that the unit can be carried on the steering lever. If the steering lever is folded onto the front part of the frame, the folded unit only extends essentially in the direction of the steering lever.

In a further development, the steering lever is equipped with a locking device which can be unlocked via an actuating button, into which a locking pin arranged on the rear part of the frame can be locked.

This measure makes it possible to automatically unfold the folded unit by pressing the actuating button, so that the small vehicle can be entered and put into operation without further manipulations. To fold up, the front part and the rear part must be folded in and the steering lever must be folded onto the front part until the locking pin engages in the locking device. In this case, all three parts, including the front part of the frame, which itself does not have a locking pin, are snapped into place. - 1 - -

A practical embodiment of the locking device consists of a guide tube arranged in the steering lever, within which a locking body which is displaceable against the pressure of a spring is arranged. The bolt body is connected to the actuation button and has a bolt shaft with a nose, the locking pin having an undercut conical tip behind which the nose engages.

This configuration has the effect that when the small vehicle is folded the locking pin automatically moves the locking body until it engages behind the nose. On the other hand, unlocking can be done by pressing the actuation button, whereupon the small vehicle unfolds automatically due to gravity.

A further development provides that the front part has a longitudinal recess into which the steering lever is sunk in the folded state.

With this measure, the center of gravity is distributed around the steering lever so that when the small vehicle is carried it then serves as a handle Steering lever is not pulled into an agonically unfavorable position. On the other hand, the distance between the steering lever and the rear part of the frame is smaller, so that the locking pin which has to penetrate the front part of the frame to engage in the latch body, manages with ^'of a smaller length.

A practical embodiment enables the steering lever to be designed as a transport handle as well as a driving and braking lever. The steering lever is gimbal-mounted at a distance from the frame and is provided at its frame end with a locking device for power transmission to a combined steering, driving and braking linkage.

This configuration enables the very small vehicle to be operated very simply. Steering of the vehicle as well as control of the acceleration or actuation of the brake is possible with one hand, while with the other hand e.g. Luggage can be held. It is also possible to use your hands at any time to indicate the intended direction of travel.

The cardanic bearing allows multiple freedom especially when the steering lever is moved, which makes it possible, for example, to steer the wheels by swiveling left or right and to control the driving speed or braking by swiveling forwards or backwards. In order to be able to fold in the same steering lever in the transport position, it is necessary to detach it from a steering, driving and braking linkage for this purpose, or to reconnect it after folding it apart.

In a practical embodiment of the locking device mentioned above, the steering lever comprises an upper outer telescopic tube and a lower, inner telescopic tube. These are pushed into one another in the transport mode and moved apart during the driving mode, the locking device being engaged in the driving mode and disengaged in the transport mode due to the position of the telescopic tubes.

The length-variable property of the steering lever is thus used to actuate the locking device, thereby ensuring that the locking device is actually brought into engagement during driving operation, since only in the extended position of the telescopic tube is it convenient Operation of the small vehicle is possible. In the collapsed state, on the other hand, there is only a slight length extension for the folded-up small vehicle as a transport unit, so that it can also be carried with the arm extended. is possible in an ergonomic posture.

A specific embodiment of the locking device consists of a driving rod which can be displaced in a guide body as an extension of the lower telescopic tube against the force of a spring and which engages in a driving body connected to the combined steering, driving and braking linkage. A deflection lever is arranged in the lower telescopic tube, which engages with one end in a lifting shaft of the driving rod and projects outwards with the other end and is actuated by the upper telescopic tube when pushed together in such a way that the driving rod comes out of the driving body backs away.

When the steering lever is pushed together, the driving rod is removed from the driving body by means of the deflection lever by means of the telescopic rotor. The steering lever can then be folded onto the front part. When leaving pushing the telescopic tube together can engage the driving rod in the driving body, this being done by the force of the spring. The spring also compensates for the depth of engagement of the driver rod in the driver body which varies due to the pivoting movement.

A further development provides that a further direction reversal is provided between the steering linkage and the steering lever.

This measure makes it possible for a steering movement to the right to be initiated when the swivel lever is swiveled to the right and to the left when the swivel lever is swiveled to the left.

In a practical embodiment, a steering lever with a wheel is arranged on the front part of the frame and the front part accommodates an energy cassette of the drive system. A swiveling axle holder with two wheels is arranged on the rear part of the frame and the rear part accommodates an internal combustion engine with a transmission, a generator and a starting device of the drive system. The distribution of the drive system and the wheels on the front part and the rear part of the frame enable a 'weight distribution of the small vehicle which is favorable for the driving properties. In addition, the parts of the drive system are accessible when the frame is folded, and when the frame is unfolded it is protected against external influences while driving. The weight distribution between the front part and the rear part is dimensioned such that the rear part is somewhat heavier than the front part, which makes it easier to fold apart independently into the driving position when the latching device is unlocked.

The steering stool comprises upper and lower, mutually parallel mounting parts, between which three or four guide rollers are arranged. The longitudinal bolster is rotatably mounted within a profile bore of the front part of the frame by means of the guide rollers about an axis inclined rearward to the vertical.

The storage of the steering stool according to this embodiment offers a very stable, tipping-resistant guide of the steering stool relative to the frame. The bearing assumes the function of both an axial and a radial bearing. The front part of the The frame is used, material being saved through the profile bore and thus the weight of the entire small vehicle being reduced. The axis inclined backwards to the vertical causes the frame to incline when driving through the curves, so that on the one hand the centrifugal forces when driving through tight curves can be counteracted more easily and on the other hand a return of the steering stool to the straight-ahead position after driving through the curve is facilitated.

A further development provides that a swing arm is articulated in one of the assembly parts, which receives the wheel axle of the front wheel at its other end and is supported by a spring with a shock absorber on the assembly part.

This measure ensures a small resilient mass, so that the suspension and the shock absorber are loaded less and can therefore also be dimensioned lighter in weight. The suspension as such contributes to driving comfort and to the care of the vehicle and its units in the event of uneven floors. Furthermore, it is provided that the axle holder is mounted in a receiving body of the rear part of the frame so that it can pivot about a diagna nut.

This measure also causes the axle holder to be pivoted when driving through the curve due to an inclination of the frame, so that the rear wheels can also steer and the steering angle can be reduced.

A further development provides that the energy cassette also contains a starter and ignition battery and an air filter in addition to a fuel tank.

This configuration enables _; to be able to do without maintenance work from the smallest vehicle practically entirely, since the parts requiring maintenance are also exchanged each time the energy cassette is replaced. These are reusable parts that can be checked by the fuel manufacturer or supplier of the energy cassette and exchanged if necessary. The user of the vehicle is thus certain that he has done everything possible to ensure that his vehicle works properly.

The energy cassette preferably consists of two parts, which are accommodated on both sides of the longitudinal recess in the front part of the frame and have a shape which permits insertion in only one orientation.

In this embodiment, one part of the energy cassette serves to supply the drive system, while the other part is carried as a reserve. It is thus possible to replace the energy cassette or a part thereof at regular intervals without having to resort to the reserve. If, however, an exchange is forgotten or a longer route has to be covered, the trip can be continued after switching to the reserve energy cassette. The shape ensures that an automatic connection between the connecting piece of the energy cassette and supply lines of the drive unit is possible.

Preferably, the front part and the rear part of the frame have separating points for fuel, air, brake and electrical lines and actuating linkages, which automatically separate when opened and close automatically after folding and that the ends of the fuel and brake lines with valves are provided.

The separation points provided ensure that the folding and unfolding of the small vehicle can be carried out in a few seconds, without having to spend time connecting supply lines or actuating rods. This considerably improves the functionality and ease of use.

One embodiment provides that stainless steel is used as material for the frame, steering lever and wheels for use in italics.

Such an application is e.g. conceivable on ships, where in some cases considerable distances have to be covered on deck in order to get from the foredeck to the stern or vice versa. Due to the spray, the small vehicle can also come into contact with sea water, which then exerts strong italic effects on conventional steel. The higher price can be represented for commercial use by the longer lifespan achieved with it.

When used for sporting purposes, the material -. "- -

rial provided for frame, steering lever and wheels Kevlar or Karbon¬ fibers.

This material is characterized by very high strength and low weight and is therefore able to withstand the particularly high bending and stretching stresses and, due to the low weight, enables a very quick reaction when driving on courses, accelerating and braking.

In a practical design of the small vehicle, the drive system is suspended elastically, encapsulated and soundproofed.

As a result of this configuration, the noise caused by the drive system is so strongly decoupled and insulated from the rest of the frame that the noise of the drive is practically no longer perceived. The small vehicle would thus also be able to be used in the inner city area and also in pedestrian zones if the legal requirements were created for this. Otherwise, when using low-polluting fuels, there is also the possibility of using the small vehicle indoors, for example for locomotion within larger halls. The braking system of the small vehicle is expediently equipped with self-centering drum brakes that can be actuated mechanically or hydraulically. This creates a reliable brake system which is insensitive to environmental influences such as splashing water or icing and which requires little effort to operate due to the self-reinforcing effect of the drum brakes.

Further developments and advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the further claims, the description and the drawing, which illustrate exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows:

1 - 6 longitudinal sections through a drive system according to the invention in different working phases,

7 as a single part, a bearing of a rotary valve,

Fig. 8 is a side view of a

Drive system according to the invention, 9 shows a side view to illustrate the pluggability of modules of the drive system according to the invention,

10 is a table to illustrate the alignment of the shaft ends when several modules are plugged together,

11 shows a shaft end in a perspective view,

12 - 21 a micro vehicle in side view in different swivel phases,

22 shows a cross section through the front part of the small vehicle,

23 shows a longitudinal section through a latching device,

Fiσ. 24 shows a longitudinal section through a Locking device,

25 a universal joint for mounting a steering lever,

Fig. 26 is a partial longitudinal section through a steering stool, and

27 shows a partial longitudinal section through an axle holder.

1-6, an internal combustion engine 10 of the drive system is shown in longitudinal section. The engine comprises an engine housing with a cylinder 12, a cylinder head 14, and a crankcase 26. In the cylinder 12 there is a piston 18 which is connected to a crank mechanism comprising a connecting rod 22 and a crankshaft 20. A combustion chamber 16 is formed between the piston 18 and the interior of the cylinder 12 and the cylinder head 14. In the upper area, the cylinder head 14 is equipped with valves 24, which are designed as white-way slide valves.

Further components of the internal combustion engine 10 form a carburetor 28, an ignition system 30, of which only the ignition candles are shown, a fuel system not shown here 32 and an exhaust system 34th

The fuel-air mixture is generated in the carburetor 28, which can be controlled by means of the carburetor linkage 50. The carburetor contains fuel via a supply line 52 and air via an air duct 66. The exhaust gas is finally discharged into the atmosphere 38 via an exhaust duct 64.

The design of the drive system according to the invention prevents the exhaust gas from reaching the atmosphere immediately after the exhaust. Instead, an expansion vessel 36 in the form of the crankcase 26 is provided, into which the exhaust gas first arrives and is only then passed on to the atmosphere 38 after relaxation and cooling.

To clarify the mode of operation of the combustion engine 10, the operating phases or cycles shown in FIGS. 1-4 are discussed in succession.

In Fig. 1, the rotary valve 24 is in a position which opens a path from the carburetor 28 via an intake pipe 70 into the interior of the cylinder 12. The When the piston 12 is lowered, the vacuum that is produced can thus suck in the fuel-air mixture.

In Fig. 2, the rotary valve 24 is in a position that closes the combustion chamber 16. When the piston 18 goes up, the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder 12 is compressed.

In Fig. 3 the compressed fuel-air mixture is ignited, approximately at the moment when the piston 18 reaches its top dead center. The exact ignition timing is optimized on the basis of the fuel used and is specified by the ignition system (not shown here).

4, the ignition of the fuel-air mixture has taken place and the combustion gases drive the piston 18 downwards. At the same time, exhaust gas which has collected in the crankcase 26 is also emitted in this phase. This process is shown in Fig. 5, which shows a different section plane. This will be discussed later.

6, the exhaust gas is expelled from the combustion chamber 16. in the - 0-

In contrast to conventional internal combustion engines, however, the discharge does not take place into the atmosphere, but into an expansion vessel in the form of the crankcase 26. The path belonging to the exhaust system 34 via the rotary valve 24 down into the crankcase is illustrated here by arrows.

During the next three phases, the connection between the crankcase 26 and the exhaust duct 64 is opened by the rotary valve 24 as shown in FIG. 5, so that the exhaust gas from the crankcase 26 can reach the atmosphere 38 via the exhaust duct 64.

The described exhaust gas routing through the expansion vessel creates a resonance system which reduces the power required to expel the exhaust gas and also the intake of the new fuel-air mixture by the reso ¬ nanzwelle intensifies this process, so that a considerable increase in performance occurs.

FIG. 7 shows the structural design of the mounting of the two-way rotary valve 24 in the cylinder head 14 as a detail. To improve the -? -

A sealing cylinder 40, which can be displaced in the direction of the arrow under the influence of the combustion pressure, serves to slide critical seals. This results in an effective seal only when it is really needed. During the remaining time, the rotary slide valve 24 can rotate with little play of the sealing cylinder 40, so that its wear and the friction losses of the drive system are reduced overall.

8 shows a side view of the internal combustion engine 10 and, in particular, reveals a counter-rotating balancer shaft 44, which serves to eliminate any imbalance. A contactless scanning 42 of the ignition system 30, which comprises an electronic tyristor control, is arranged on the compensation shaft 44. In this case, an ignition pulse is delivered with each revolution, so that ignition of the fuel-air mixture always takes place in the exhaust gas. This does not result in any disadvantages in the combustion, but it is easier with the assembly of the modules to carry out the assembly without taking into account the position of the counter-rotating balancing shaft 44 which effects the scanning for the ignition. The crankshaft 20, the counterrotating balance shaft 44 and the rotary slide valve 24 can be coupled to one another by a gearbox which is connected between the shaft ends. The gear ratio of the transmission is to be selected so that the rotary valve 24 rotates at half the speed of the crankshaft 20.

The gear for the valve drive and the drive of the counter-rotating balancer shaft, the output shafts as well as the linkage and supply lines can be accommodated in a separate side part. Assembly with such side parts is facilitated by guide elements ^' e 68. Markings 72 on cross-shaped recesses 60 of the shaft ends 58 serve to make the basic positions of the shafts 20, 44 and the rotary valve 24.

FIG. 9 illustrates the modular construction possible through the design of the drive system. A part of the internal combustion engine, which includes cylinder 12, cylinder head 14, combustion chamber 16, piston 18_, crank mechanism 20, 22, valves 24, crankcase 26, carburetor 28 and ignition system 30, forms a power module 46, a side part which the valve drive, if necessary the drives the counter-rotating balancer shaft, one or more output shafts 48, a carburettor linkage 50 as well as supply and disposal lines 52, a supply module 54. Finally, a closing plate 56 is provided as a conclusion on the opposite side.

Depending on the desired output, a plurality of power modules 46 can be placed next to one another, which only require a single supply module 54 and an end plate 56 for lateral closure. The force-fit connection between the shaft ends of the force modules 46 takes place via driver crosses 62, which are loosely inserted into cross-shaped recesses 60 of the shaft ends. Interlocking claw drivers are provided in the carburetor linkage 50. The other lines, that is to say fuel lines 52, electrical lines, and exhaust gas ducts 64 and air ducts 66, are also automatically connected to one another and to the supply module 54 when the power modules 46 are plugged together. The assembly is facilitated by guide elements 68. In the assembled state, releasable snap connections ensure a secure connection.

If several power modules are cascaded, it is for one Even torque curve and reduction of imbalance are advisable to offset the shaft ends by a quarter to a half turn. This takes place in that the markings 72 of the different force modules 46 are brought into different positions before the driver crosses 62 are placed in the cross-shaped recesses 60, as illustrated in FIG. 11. The setting of the markings of the individual force modules 46 results from a table shown in FIG. 10. The information in the table relates to the positions of the markings 72 in relation to the cardinal points N, E, S, W, which are also arranged next to the waves.

The configuration of the supply module 54 means that the output shaft 48, a carburetor linkage 50, a fuel line to a fuel system 32 and an exhaust pipe 74 need only be connected once. The connection to the other power modules is then made automatically when plugged together.

FIGS. 12-21 show a small vehicle in side view, which comprises a frame 110 with wheels 112 and 114 and a steering lever 122. Furthermore, the small vehicle, which is only shown in FIG. - 55 -

reference numbers provided drive system that is provided with at least one of the wheels in engagement ^', a brake system 118 and a steering 120th

The frame 110 consists of a front part 124 and a rear part 126, which can be folded and opened via a hinge 128 about a pivot axis running parallel to the wheel axes. The steering lever 122 can also be folded and opened on the front part 124 of the frame about a pivot axis running parallel to the wheel axes. In the folded state, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 20, the small vehicle forms a compact unit which can be transported on the steering lever 122 as a carrying handle. The front part 124 and the rear part 126 are held on the steering lever 122 by means of a locking device 132.

The commissioning phases are explained using the movement sequence shown in the drawing.

The latching device 132 is triggered by pressing an actuation button 130. The frame 110 then falls out of the center of gravity with the steering lever 122 at the articulation point and folds due to the greater proportion by weight of the rear part 126 according to the illustration - r> -

13 on. Finally, the miniature vehicle assumes the position shown in FIG. 14, the wheel 114 having already been placed on the ground and the front part 124 forming a continuous platform with the rear part 126.

The small vehicle can now be placed on the ground according to FIG. 15 and locked by pulling out a telescopic tube on the steering lever 122 with a combined steering, braking and driving linkage. Since when the front part 124 and the rear part 126 are unfolded, all the line and linkage connections have been automatically closed at the same time, the vehicle is now ready to start. As soon as the frame 110 is entered, the drive system starts and the vehicle can now be started by pushing the steering lever 122 forward. Braking occurs by pulling the steering lever 122 towards the body. The vehicle is steered by tilting the steering lever 122 to the right or left in accordance with the desired direction of travel.

If the smallest vehicle is to be returned to the transport position after use, the steering lever 122 must first be pushed together again so that the locking device 150 disengages. When the steering lever 122 is raised, the rear part 126 remains _ 7- 1 -

with its wheels 114 on the ground and the front part 124 opens over the hinge 128. During this process, the separation points of fuel, air, brake and electrical lines and of actuation linkages also open. In order to avoid leaking fuel or brake fluid, the separation points are provided with valves.

From the position shown in FIG. 16, the vehicle is brought over into the state shown in FIG. In the further course, the steering lever 122 is now pressed to the ground, whereby after taking the position shown in FIG. 18, the position shown in FIG. 19 is finally reached and the latching device 132 engages.

If the small vehicle is now raised on the steering lever 122, it can be transported again as a compact unit, as shown in FIG. 20, which in turn illustrates the same starting position as FIG. 12.

In the transport position, the steering lever 122 is sunk in a longitudinal recess 148 in the front part 124. The configuration of the front part 124 with the longitudinal recess 148 results from that shown in FIG. 22 Cross-sectional drawing. By lowering the steering lever 122, the weight of the small vehicle is better distributed around the steering lever 122, so that it is more comfortable to carry.

As can be seen in FIG. 21, an energy cassette 172, which can be inserted into the front part 124, is provided for supplying the drive system 116, which is accommodated in the rear part 126. In addition to a fuel tank, the energy cassette 172 also contains a starter and ignition battery and an air filter. The energy cassette 172 consists of two parts which are accommodated on both sides of the longitudinal recess 148 in the front part 124 of the frame 110. The shape of the energy cassette 172 allows the insertion only in one orientation, so that it is ensured that the fuel lines are automatically closed when the small vehicle is brought into the operating state.

In the other figures, constructive configurations of the locking device 132, the locking device 150, a universal joint 196, a steering arm 170 and an axle holder 174 are shown.

The latching device 132 shown in FIG. 23 holds in the folded state, ie for the purpose of transport, the rear part 126, the front part 124 and the steering lever 122 together. In detail, it consists of a guide tube 136, within which a displaceable locking body 140 is arranged against the pressure of a spring 138. The locking body 140 is connected to the actuation button 130 and has a locking shaft 142 with a nose 144. A locking pin 134 arranged on the rear part 126 has an undercut conical tip 146 which engages behind the nose 144.

When the operating button 130 is pressed down, the nose 144 is pushed behind the cone tip 146, so that the locking pin 134 emerges from the locking shaft 142 and the small vehicle can unfold.

To engage, the cone tip 146 pushes the nose 144 and thus the locking body 144 back against the force of the springs 138 until the nose engages behind the undercut cone tip 146 and the transport position is thus secured.

The locking device 150 shown in FIG. 24 comprises an upper, outer telescopic tube 154 and a lower, inner telescopic tube 156. These are pushed into one another during transport and pushed apart during driving. The lower telescopic tube 156 has, as an extension, a guide body T58, in which a driver rod 162 which is displaceable against the force of a spring 160 is arranged. This engages in a driver body 164 connected to the combined steering, driving and braking linkage 152.

A deflection lever 166 is arranged on the lower telescopic tube 156 and engages with one end in a lifting shaft 168 of the driving rod 162. At the other end, the bellcrank 166 projects outward and can be actuated by the upper, outer telescopic tube 154. When the telescopic tube 154 is pushed together, the entraining rod 162 is pressed upward by the deflection lever 166 against the force of the spring 160 and withdraws from the entraining body 164.

When pushed apart, the driver rod 162 enters the driver body 164, the change in length or depth of penetration of the driver rod 162 into the driver body 164 which is caused by the pivoting movement being compensated for by the spring 160. In order to be able to exercise a pivoting movement, the steering lever 122 is mounted in a pivot point D. Here is a universal joint 196, which is shown in Fig. 25.

26 shows an embodiment of the steering bolster 170 to which the front wheel 112 is attached.

The steering bolster 170 comprises upper and lower, mutually parallel mounting parts 176 and 178. Three or four guide rollers 180 are arranged between the mounting parts 176 and 178. The steering stool 170 is mounted within a profile bore 182 of the front part 124 of the frame 110 by means of the guide rollers 180. The pivot axis 184 is inclined to the vertical backwards. The design of the guide rollers 130 and the profile bore 182 can be made prismatic in addition to the circular design shown.

A swing arm 186 is articulated to the upper mounting part 176 and this receives the wheel axis 188 of the front wheel 112 at its other end. Furthermore, it is supported by a spring with a shock absorber 190 in the mounting part 176. _ _p _

The bearing shown forms an axial and radial bearing at the same time and is very stable against torsion. Through the ^'inclination of the axis 184 when turning an inclination of the frame 110 is reached which facilitates the über¬ overcome the centrifugal force and by the curve Durch¬ drive the return of the steering guide in the starting position favored.

The suspension brings about a more comfortable driving behavior of the small vehicle and protects the components from material-wearing vibrations.

27 finally shows the wheel suspension of the rear wheels 114. This wheel suspension is taken over by an axle holder 174 which is pivotally mounted about a diagonal axis 192 in a receiving body 194 of the rear part 126 of the frame 110. When the frame 110 is inclined due to the aforementioned rotation of the steering arm, the receiving body 194 is also inclined. The axle holder 174 mounted in the diagonal axis 192 is rotated at an angle during this movement, so that the wheel axis 198 changes its angle to the longitudinal center line of the vehicle and the rear wheels 114 are also steered. This leads to a safe and comfortable driving behavior, whereby the steering angle of the front wheels can be less due to the steering.

Claims

- 5-patent claims

1. Drive system, in particular for a very small vehicle, with an internal combustion engine (10), which has a motor housing with at least one cylinder (12), cylinder head (14), combustion chamber (16), piston (18), crank mechanism (20, 22) , Valves (24), crankcase (26), at least one carburetor (28), an ignition system (30), a fuel system (32) and an exhaust system (34), characterized in that the exhaust system (34) comprises an expansion vessel ( 36), which during the exhaust gas emission via the valves (24) with the combustion chamber (16) and during at least one Part of the remaining time is connected to the atmosphere (38).

2. Drive system according to claim 1, characterized ge indicates that the expansion vessel (36) is arranged separately on the motor housing.

3. Drive system according to claim 1, characterized ge indicates that the expansion vessel (36) is formed by the crankcase (26).

4. Drive system according to one or more of claims 1-3, characterized in that the exhaust system (34) including the expansion vessel (36, 26) is designed and dimensioned as a resonance system for the exhaust gas.

5. Drive system according to one or more of claims 1-4, characterized in that the Ven¬ tile are designed as two-way rotary valve (24),

6. Drive system according to claim 5, characterized in that the two-way rotary valve (24) is mounted in a sealing cylinder (40), which is acted upon by the combustion pressure _ 4 = -

is displaceable against the rotary valve (24).

7. Drive system according to one or more of claims 1-6, characterized in that the Zünd¬ system (30) comprises a contactless scanning (42) and an electronic thyristor control, which delivers an ignition pulse at each revolution.

8. Drive system according to one or more of claims 1-7, characterized in that a counter-rotating to the crank mechanism (20, 22) compensation shaft (44) is provided, on which the scanning (42) takes place.

9. Drive system according to one or more of claims 1-8, characterized in that the fuel layer (32) comprises a pressurized interchangeable energy cassette which optionally includes a battery and an air filter.

10. Drive system according to one or more of claims 1-9, characterized in that the internal combustion engine (10) from cylinder (12), cylinder head (14), combustion chamber (16), piston (18), crank drive (20, 22), valves (24), crankcase (26), -% -

Carburetor (28) and ignition system (30) forming the central part (46), a valve drive, possibly the drive of the counter-rotating balancer shaft (44), one or more drive shafts (48), a carburetor rod (50) and supply and disposal lines ( 52) receiving side part (54) and a side part (56) serving as a closure on the opposite side.

11. Drive system according to claim 10, characterized in that the housing parts (46, 54, 56) are designed to be pluggable, the part receiving the shafts and lines forming a supply module (54), the central part a power module (46) bil¬ det, _which is similar to several cascaded and the other side part forms a closing plate (56).

12. Drive system according to claim 10 or 12, characterized in that the output shafts (48) mounted in the supply module (54) are mounted both axially and radially.

13. Drive system according to one or more of claims 10 - 12, characterized in that the _ 47 -

Supply module (54) comprises a transmission which is switched on between the crankshaft (20), the rotary slide valve (24) and, if appropriate, the counter-rotating shaft (44).

14. Drive system according to claim 13, characterized in that each of the shafts of the transmission is designed to receive drive shafts (48).

15. Drive system according to one or more of claims 10-14, characterized in that the supply module (54) can be mounted on both sides.

16. Drive system according to one or more of claims 10-15, characterized in that the shaft ends (58) of the supply module (54) and the power modules (46) have cross-shaped recesses (60) which for non-positive connection via loosely inserted driver crosses (62) are coupled and that the carburetor linkage (50) are designed with intermeshing claw drivers.

17. Drive system according to one or more of claims 10-16, characterized in that the power modules (46) fuel lines (52), electrical Include lines as well as exhaust gas (64) and air ducts (66) which extend in the axial direction of the shafts and are also interconnected when the modules are plugged together.

18. Drive system according to one or more of claims 11 - 17, characterized in that the shaft ends (58) of the power modules (46) are offset from one another by a 1/4 - 1/2 turn in cascading, such that a uniform torque ver¬ run with low imbalance can be achieved.

19. Drive system according to one or more of claims 10-18, characterized in that the modules (46, 54, 56) carry guide elements (63) on the connecting surfaces and have detachable snap connections.

20. Small vehicle, comprising a frame (110) with wheels (112, 114), a drive system (116) which engages with at least one of the wheels (114), a brake system (118) and a steering (120), which comprises a steering lever (122), characterized in that the frame (110) consists of a front part (124) and a rear part (126), which can be folded and unfolded via a hinge (128) about a pivot axis running parallel to the wheel axles and that the steering lever (122) can also be folded onto the front part (124) of the frame (110) about a pivot axis running parallel to the wheel axles and can be opened.

21. Small vehicle according to claim 20, characterized in that the steering lever (122) comprises a locking device (132) which can be unlocked via an actuating button (130) and into which a locking pin is arranged on the rear part (126) of the frame (110) ( 134) can be snapped into place.

22. Small vehicle according to claim 21, characterized in that the latching device (132) consists of a guide tube (136) arranged in the steering lever (122), within which a locking body (140) which is displaceable against the pressure of a spring (138) is arranged, wherein the locking body (140) is connected to the actuating button (130) and has a locking shaft (142) with a nose (144) and the locking pin (134) has an undercut conical tip (146) behind which the nose (144) snaps into place. - ~ ^< J -

23. Small vehicle according to one or more of claims 20 - 22, characterized in that the front part (124) has a longitudinal recess (148) in which the steering lever (122) is sunk in the folded state.

24. Small vehicle according to one or more of claims 20 - 23, characterized in that the steering lever (122) is also designed as a transport carrying handle and as a driving and braking lever, is mounted gimbally at a distance from the frame (110) and at its end on the frame side Has locking device (15Ö) for power transmission to a combined steering, driving and braking linkage (152).

25. Small vehicle according to claim 24, characterized in that the steering lever (122) comprises an upper, outer telescopic tube (154) and a lower, inner telescopic tube (156), which are pushed into one another during transport operation and apart during driving, and that due to the position of the telescopic tubes (154, 156) the locking device (150) is locked in the driving mode and disengaged in the transport mode.

26. Small vehicle according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the locking device (150) consists of a in a guide body

(158) as an extension of the lower telescopic tube (156) against the force of a spring (160) displaceable driving rod (162), which is connected to the combined steering, driving and braking linkage (152) driving body (164) engages, and that in the lower telescopic tube (156) a deflection lever (166) is arranged, which engages with one end in a lifting shaft (168) of the driving rod (162) and projects outwards with the other end and is actuated by the upper telescopic tube (154) when pushed together in such a way that the driving rod (162) withdraws from the driving body (164).

27. Small vehicle according to one or more of claims 24-26, characterized in that a further directional deflection is provided between the steering linkage and the steering lever.

28. Small vehicle according to one or more of claims 20-27, characterized in that on the front part (124) of the frame (110) is a steering stool

(170) is arranged with a wheel (112), and that Front part (124) receives an energy cassette (172) of the drive system (116) that a pivotable axle holder (174) with two wheels (114) is arranged on the rear part (126) of the frame (110) and the rear part (126 ) accommodates an internal combustion engine with a transmission, a generator and a starting device of the drive system (116).

29. Small vehicle according to claim 28, characterized in that the steering bolster (170) comprises upper and lower, mutually parallel mounting parts (176, 178), between which three or four guide rollers

(180) are arranged, and the steering bolster (170) is mounted within a profile bore (182) of the front part (124) of the frame (110) by means of the guide rollers (180) so as to be rotatable about an axis (184) which is inclined rearwards.

30. Small vehicle according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that a swing arm (186) is articulated on one of the mounting parts (76), which on its other. At the end, the lawn axle (188) of the front wheel (112) receives and is supported on the mounting part (176) by a spring with a shock absorber (190). - 55 -

31. Small vehicle according to one or more of claims 28-30, characterized in that the axle holder (174) about a diagonal axis (192) is pivotally mounted in a receptacle body (194) of the rear part (126) of the frame (110).

32. Small vehicle according to one or more of claims 28-31, characterized in that the energy cassette (172) also contains a starter and ignition battery and an air filter in addition to a fuel tank.

33. Small vehicle according to one or more of claims 28-32, characterized in that the energy cassette (172) consists of two parts which are accommodated on both sides of the longitudinal recess (148) in the front part (124) of the frame (110) ' are and have a shape that allows the insertion only in one orientation.

34. Small vehicle according to one or more of claims 28-33, characterized in that the front part (124) and the rear part (126) have separation points of fuel, air, brake and electrical lines and of actuating linkages, which before automatically separating when unfolding and automatically closing after folding and that the ends of the fuel and brake lines are provided with valves.

35. Small vehicle according to one or more of claims 20 - 34, characterized in that stainless steel is used as material for the frame, steering lever and wheels for use in a corrosive environment.

36. micro vehicle according to one or more of claims 20 - 34, characterized in that for use for sporting purposes, serve as material for the frame, steering lever and wheels Kevlar and carbon fibers.

37. micro vehicle according to one or more of claims 20 - 36, characterized in that the drive system is elastically suspended, encapsulated and soundproofed.

38. micro vehicle according to one or more of claims 20 - 37, characterized in that the braking system comprises self-centering drum brakes which can be actuated mechanically or hydraulically.