EP1858603A1

EP1858603A1 - Roller skate type device equipped with a braking system

Info

Publication number: EP1858603A1
Application number: EP06710473A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Pierre Bauduin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-02-24
Filing date: 2006-02-15
Publication date: 2007-11-28
Also published as: WO2006090267B1; FR2882271A1; WO2006090267A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a roller skate and roller ski type device equipped with a braking system. It consists of two or more rollers (5, 6) fixed on a chassis (1) and aligned along the displacement direction. A pedal (2) articulated on the chassis and inclined by several degrees upwards supports the shoe (8). The movement of the pedal is limited by a vertical stop (13) and controlled by a prestressed spring (12). The backward rotation of the pedal controls a disc brake system (4) on the rear roller (6).

Description

Roller skate type device, equipped with a braking system.

The invention relates to non-motorized vehicles for the movement of people as well as recreational vehicles of the roller-skate type and roller skis. Roller skate or roller ski machines allow people to move with wheels. They consist of a frame fixed under each shoe and supporting two or more rollers, generally aligned in the direction of movement. The movement is done by the "skating step" method by moving the weight of the body from one leg to the other. In the example of the roller ski, an articulation of the shoe on the ski itself, at the front of the shoe, allows to extend each skater step towards the back of the body, pushing on the tip of the foot to cause maximum acceleration. In this case, the position of the user's leg reaches approximately 45 ° backwards from the ski. These achievements, however, do not bring sufficient satisfaction to the practitioners. In particular, they do not allow the user to brake. On roller skates a rubber pad attached to the rear slows down. But the use is difficult and requires experience. In fact, in the presence of an obstacle, only an avoidance maneuver is effective. On skis with wheels, there is no rubber pad. In addition, the length of the skis prevents any possible avoidance maneuver in front of an obstacle. The danger becomes permanent and the accidents numerous. In addition, in both cases, the absence of braking makes it impossible to descend any slope, which limits the use of these machines in flat terrain. The present invention makes it possible to provide a solution to this lack of braking. We find the basic principle of rollers-skates and roller skis consisting of arranging aligned two or more wheels fixed on a frame. The innovation concerns the addition of a braking device, on the way to control it, the addition of an anti-recoil and the possibility of tilting forward. This technological innovation of the invention essentially relates to seven points: The first point consists in adding a braking system of the "disc" type by lateral pads on the rear wheel. For this, the rear wheel is larger diameter than normal used on this type of equipment. The use of a larger diameter wheel allows to add a disk on each side, to have sufficient space to install the braking system and increase the ground contact area. It is also dictated by current technology. This technology and the elements of the trade make it difficult to add a braking system on more than one roulette. In the future, a miniaturization of the braking system would make it possible to use the current standard diameters and to use it on all the wheels of the machine.

The second point is to use the tilting of the foot to the rear to control the braking. To perform this action, a lifter is added to the base frame. This lifter is articulated on the frame about a horizontal axis and perpendicular to the direction of travel. In the freewheel position, the rudder is slightly inclined upwards by a few degrees (6 to 8 ° in the figures), which corresponds to a slight inclination of the body towards the front, ie the normal position of a user who move forward. To brake, the user instinctively tilts backwards to compensate for the effect of inertia during the slowdown. The idea is to recover this movement to control the braking. The rudder can therefore switch from the slightly inclined position forward (freewheel) to an approximately horizontal position corresponding to the maximum braking. Intermediate positions will give the dosage of braking. The shoe is attached to the rudder. For sports use, using roller-skate type high boots, the binding can be final. There is, moreover, a new standard aiming at standardizing the distances of fastenings of the shoes to allow more easily their interchangeability according to the sizes. For use as urban commuter, the shoe can be attached to the rudder by means of quick-release removable attachments similar to those of the ski. This arrangement allows the user to leave the craft quickly and walk normally without changing shoes. This system is already used on skis with wheels using the bindings used in cross-country skiing. However, it is unsuitable for the machine object of the invention, since the attachment is only on the front part of the shoe. The third point is to balance the load due to the weight of the user on the machine. The position of the axis of rotation of the rudder is not chosen at random. It is such that when stopped, the weight of the body is located slightly behind this axis. The prototype tests have shown that the ideal position of this axis corresponds substantially to the level of the joints of the first phalanges on the foot itself. With the rudder slightly inclined upward, this arrangement gives a user position in support on the tip of the feet. But this position can not be maintained naturally. To balance the load, a second fulcrum is needed at the heel. A link between the chassis and the rudder, just after the heel, provides a rear return function. The fourth point concerns the triggering of braking. It is necessary to differentiate freewheel operation, when the operator wants to advance and the moment when this operator wants to trigger braking. In freewheel operation, the user tends to lean forward. As a result, the fulcrum of the rear return system supports a low load. It is even necessary to limit the movement of the rudder upwards by means of a stop. To brake, the user must lean back to compensate for inertia. As a result, the force on the fulcrum of the rear-booster system increases to support almost the entire weight of the body. The rear return system must therefore provide a vertical stop function exerting a vertical force directed from below upwards but whose operation is limited to a certain effort. Beyond this effort, the depression of the stop must be progressive. To ensure this function, a spring system prestressed by a vertical stop requires the user to press a minimum force to trigger the braking. Prototype tests have shown that a vertical force of one hundred Newtons gives sufficient stability.

The fifth point concerns the dosage of braking. Prototype testing has shown that with a disc braking system, a clamping force of 100 to 200 newtons causes proper braking. However, when the user leans back to brake, it transmits a very large torque around the axis of rotation of the rudder, too much to result in a tightening of 100 to 200 newtons. To limit this effort, a set of springs between the rudder and the braking system is required. It also makes it possible to provide the operator with a feeling of dosage of the braking.

The sixth point is to add an anti-recoil system on one or more front wheels. As the object of the invention is to be able to brake, the use of the machine becomes possible downhill. It is therefore logical that this use can also accept climbs. This anti-recoil device is already used on some skis with wheels. It allows a better performance when climbing slopes.

The seventh point is on guiding the front of the machine. Although the previous six points are sufficient to achieve the invention, it is interesting to use the technique of roller skiing consisting of pushing on the back of the ski with the foot inclined forward, to about 45 °, to give maximum acceleration. This technique called alternative step is possible on skis with wheels for two reasons: on the one hand, the shoe is articulated on the ski at its front part to allow this inclination of the foot forward; on the other hand, the ski is always guided in this position by its two wheels in permanent contact with the ground. This technique is difficult usable with rollers-skates. When the user tries to push backwards, by tilting the foot at 45 °, the roller skate only covers a single wheel and is no longer guided longitudinally.

To find this characteristic skis on wheels, we have two front wheels instead of one to ensure straight guidance. To maintain this guidance regardless of the angle of the machine, the two front wheels are secured to two lateral flanges articulated in their middle on the front end of the frame. A torsion spring allows the horizontal return of the two flanges.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. To facilitate understanding, the front of the machine is always shown on the left side of the drawings.

Figures 1 to 9 show the machine in a first technical solution of the braking system.

Figure 1 shows the machine in front perspective in a solution with two front wheels.

Figure 2 shows the machine in rear perspective in a solution with a single front wheel.

Figure 3 shows the machine side view in the freewheel position in a solution with two front wheels. Figure 4 shows the machine in side view in the braking position and in a solution with a single front wheel.

Figure 5 shows the detail of the braking system in rear perspective. The rudder 2 is shown cut longitudinally and the brake system on the right side has been removed. Figure 6 shows the detail of the braking system in frontal section.

FIG. 7 represents the curve of the braking force as a function of the angle of the rudder 2.

Figure 8 shows the detail of the braking system for side and sectional view in the freewheel position. Figure 9 shows the detail of the braking system for side view and section in the maximum braking position.

Figures 10 to 18 show the machine in a second technical solution of the braking system.

Figure 10 shows the rear part of the machine in front perspective. The frame 1 and the spreader 2 are shown cut longitudinally. Figure 11 shows the rear part of the machine in rear perspective. The lifter 2 is removed.

FIG. 12 represents the curve of the braking force as a function of the angle of the rudder 2. FIG. 13 represents the detail of the braking system in view of side and section in the freewheel position.

Figure 14 shows the detail of the braking system for side and sectional view in the maximum braking position.

Figure 15 shows the detail of a system of adjustment of the misalignment of the toggle lever in minimum effort position.

Figure 16 shows the adjustment of the misalignment of the toggle lever in maximum effort position.

Figure 17 shows the detail of another system for adjusting the misalignment of the toggle lever, in minimum effort position. Figure 18 shows this adjustment of the misalignment of the toggle lever in maximum effort position.

Figures 19 to 24 show the front part of the machine in a two-wheeled arrangement, valid for the two technical braking solutions mentioned above.

Figure 19 shows, in side view and in section, the front part of the machine. Figure 20 shows the machine in side view and in the tilted position at 45 °.

Figure 21 shows, in rear perspective, the anti-recoil system located at the front of the machine. The frame 1 is shown cut longitudinally and a wheel support flange is removed.

Figure 22 shows, in top view, the detail of the anti-recoil system. 23 shows, in side view and in section, the anti-recoil system in the active position.

Figure 24 shows, in side view and in section, the anti-recoil system in the inactive position.

The vehicle, object of the invention is generally composed of a frame 1, a rudder 2, a rear return system 3 and a braking system 4. The frame 1 supports the wheel or wheels Before 5 and the rear wheel 6. In the practical embodiment of the invention, the frame is U-shaped (Fig. 6). This arrangement allows easy manufacture of folded aluminum sheet, valid for small series. For larger productions, an injection molded plastic frame would be preferable. Roulette rear 6 receives two side disks 7. The rudder 2 supports the boot 8. On the described embodiment, the shoe is fixed to the rudder permanently. For a commercial application, it is interesting to use a temporary fixation allowing a quick disassembly. This solution makes it possible to change the user and also to be able to walk occasionally, to climb a staircase, for example. The spreader 2 is articulated along a horizontal axis 9 perpendicular to the direction of movement by two bearings 10 fixed to the frame 1. The position of the axis 9 is approximately at the level of the articulation of the first phalanges on the foot of the user. A braking system 4 acts on each disc 7 of the rear wheel 6. In a first simple embodiment of the invention, the rear return system 3 has a direct effect. The chassis 1 has a fixed axis 11, almost vertical, inclined forward by an angle corresponding to half that of the inclination of the spreader 2. A spring 12 is disposed about the axis 11. A stop 13 prestressing the spring 12 to a value PO and limit the movement of the rudder 2 upwards, but not downwards. The braking system 4 is composed, on each side of the rear wheel 6, of a stirrup 14 fixed on a horizontal axis 15, free to rotate between two bearings 16 integral with the chassis 1. On each side and symmetrically, a pad 17 equipped with a lining ensures the friction necessary for braking. It is articulated about an axis 18 integral with each yoke 14. A return 19, fixed on the axis 15, receives the braking force transmitted by the rudder 2 with the aid of a limiting spring 20. rod 21 guides the spring 20. In the freewheeling position, a slight prestressing of a few millimeters of the spring 20 makes it possible to keep a slight clearance between the shoe 17 and the disc 7. A self-locking nut 22, screwed towards the rod 21, This set of the invention is suitable for small series applications, using parts that are easy to manufacture. Its defects are that it has no adjustment of the spring 12 to adjust to the weight of the user and is characterized by a linear relationship between the angle A of the rudder 2 and the braking force. The curve fig. 7 gives, in hatched form, the value of the braking force according to the angle A of the rudder on the abscissa, and the force F on the yoke in the ordinate. Indeed, the relationship between the braking force and the rudder angle results from the subtraction of the forces of the spring 12 and the springs 20 which gives a linear curve. The value of the braking force must be between the prestressing PO of the spring 12 at rest and the maximum load Fu corresponding to the weight of the user. As the prestressing PO is important, this resultant gives a relatively low braking force suitable for slowing down more than effective and powerful braking. In a second, more advanced embodiment of the invention, the rear return system 3 and the braking system 4 have a differential effect. The technique uses the principle of "three points" also called "knee". It consists in aligning approximately the three points of articulation of two connected rods. In the case where these three points are aligned, the effort at the end of the knee to tilt it is theoretically infinite. In the embodiment of the invention, these three points are not quite aligned, which allows a tilting of the toggle under a significant effort. Figure 13 shows the shift D between the three points of articulation. In this second embodiment of the invention, the mounting of the spreader 2 on the chassis 1 is identical, with the same point of articulation 9. But the rear part of the assembly differs, by grouping the braking system 4 and the system 3. The frame 1 supports a rocker 23 hinged about a horizontal axis 24 perpendicular to the direction of movement and secured to the frame 1. Two symmetrical torsion springs 25 cause a return of the rocker clockwise. An elastic plastic plate 26 bonded to the bottom of the frame 1 provides two stops in rotation of the rocker 23: Bl in the clockwise direction and B2 in the trigonometrical direction. With an axis 27 moving on a spoke, this rocker acts as first connecting rod of the toggle. A set of two rods 28 provide the connection between the spreader 2 with an axis 29 and the rocker with the axis 27. The set of rods 28 serves as second connecting rod of the toggle. The sensitive alignment of the three axes 24, 27 and 29 associated with the force of the spring 25 ensures the function of the rear fulcrum by communicating, at rest, a preload PO to the rudder 2. Two cams 30 articulated on the frame 1 about an axis 31, adjust the tension of the return springs 25 and adjust the force of the rear fulcrum to the weight of the user. Two brackets 32, right and left, are articulated each around a vertical axis 33 integral with the frame 1. Each stirrup 32 receives a pad 34 equipped with a brake lining. The two stirrups 32 are connected by a small return spring 35 to ensure a play of operation between the pads 34 and the discs 7. The braking force is transmitted from each connecting rod 28 to each stirrup 32 by a limiting spring when the lifter 2 passes from the freewheel position (inclined upwards) to the horizontal position of the maximum braking the restoring force of the rear fulcrum, transmitted by the springs 25 of the rocker 23 to the rods 28 , decreases sinusoidally. The force of the braking springs 36 is linear. The curve fig. 12 cross hatches the value of the braking force according to the angle A of the rudder on the abscissa, and the force F on the yoke in the ordinate. The braking force always results from the subtraction of the forces springs 25 and springs 36. But as the force of the spring 25 is decreasing, the braking force is greater for the same weight of the user Fu. This second embodiment of the invention therefore operates with a greater braking force than the first. In this latter embodiment of the invention, the adjustment of the return force of the rear fulcrum is by two springs 25. The modification of the calibration of these springs with the aid of the eccentric 30 modifies the effort necessary to apply on the connecting rod 28 to unlock the toggle joint, so the allowable load. Another solution consists in modifying the slight misalignment D of the three axes 24, 27 and 29. Because of its solidarity with the frame 1, it is not possible to modify the position of the axis 24. By against the axes 27 or 29 can be moved using a control system. The axis 27, which is cylindrical in the example, can be modified by the addition of an eccentric 37. By turning the eccentric 37 by 180 ° or less, the value of the offset D is modified (FIGS. ). This solution allows a small adjustment of a few millimeters on the misalignment D. To have a larger adjustment range, the movement of the axis 29 is preferable. It is possible, for example, to provide on the crossbar 2 a series of three holes for positioning the axis 29, or an oblong slot 38 for positioning the axis 29. The displacement of the position of the axis 29 towards the rear of the light 38 increases the offset D and decreases the return force of the rear fulcrum (Fig. 18). The front part of the machine has one or two wheels 5. As the object of the invention is to be able to brake, the use of the machine becomes possible downhill. It is therefore logical that she can also accept the climbs. The use of an anti-recoil system is therefore essential on the front wheel or wheels. There are commercially available casters equipped with ball bearing integrated systems and allowing only one direction of rotation. These wheels are unfortunately expensive.

In one embodiment of the invention (FIG 19), the front portion is composed of two rollers 5 connected by two flanges 39. These two flanges 39 are articulated on the frame 1 by a central axis 40 integral with the frame. Two symmetrical springs 41 recall the two flanges 39 in a horizontal position while allowing an inclination of 45 ° upwards. A machined rectangular tube element 42 provides the anti-recoil function (FIG 21). Articulated on the axis 40, it acts on both rollers at a time. Its shape is such that it is the sides of the tube that bear directly on the bandage of each wheel 5 with a self-locking on the bandage. This arrangement makes it possible to avoid contact with the active part of the tread of the wheel 5 and not to be dependent on the wear of this tread. To act on both wheels at the same time, the shape of the element 42 is symmetrical with respect to a point symbolized by the axis of rotation 40. A torsion spring 43 ensures a permanent contact of the element 42 on the tire of each wheel 5.

The use of the machine is as follows:

To advance, the user leans forward and uses the craft as a normal roller skateboard or a normal roller skate. D switches the body successively to the right and to the left by advancing the corresponding foot (no skater). The user can accelerate as much as possible by pressing on the end of the rear foot by tilting it at 45 ° as in FIG. 20. The anti-recoil system then takes the position of FIG. 24. In this case, with the use of two front wheels, the rectilinear guidance of the machine remains assured.

To brake, the operator naturally switches the body back to compensate for the effect of inertia. By tilting the weight of the body backward, he presses on the heels and causes the tiller to tilt backwards and controls the braking of the machine as shown in Figures 4, 9 and 14. The operator can control the braking force by varying the angle of the rudder.

As shown in the drawings, the invention is a practical embodiment intended for a commercial application for leisure and movement of people.

Claims

Apply. Device for the circulation of persons using rollers 5 and 6 arranged under the shoes, moved by the operator, characterized by the following points:

- The device is composed of a main frame 1, a rudder 2, a rear return system 3, and a braking system 4.

- The chassis 1 supports a rear wheel 6 and the front caster (s) 5.

- The lifter 2 supports the shoe 8 permanently or by a quick disassembly system.

- The spreader 2 is articulated on the main frame 1 along a horizontal axis 9 perpendicular to the direction of movement.

- The hinge axis 9 is located approximately at the articulation of the first phalanges and the foot. - The rudder 2 is, in the freewheel position, inclined a few degrees upwards relative to the horizontal.

- The rudder 2 is, in the maximum braking position, approximately horizontal.

- The rear return system 3 exerts a vertical effort upwardly between the frame 1 and the rudder 2, at the heel of the user.

- The return system 3 is prestressed by a stop so as to exert, in the freewheel position, a force at the heel of the user and adapted to the weight of the user.

- The braking device 4 is controlled by the tilting of the lifter 2, the freewheel position, inclined upwards, to the maximum horizontal brake position.

- The control of the braking device 4 is via one or two springs 20 or 36 to limit the braking force.

R2. Device according to R1 characterized by the fact that the rear return system 3 is composed of a prestressed spring 12 arranged vertically or slightly inclined and a stop 13 limiting the upward stroke and that the vertical force of the rear return system 3 increases when the rudder 2 passes from the freewheel position, inclined a few degrees upwards, to the maximum horizontal brake position. R3. Device according to R1 characterized:

- On the one hand, by the fact that the rear return system 3 is composed:

- A rocker 23 hinged to the frame 1 along a horizontal axis 24 secured to the frame 1 and having an axis 27, said rocker rotatable between two stops B1 and B2.

- One or two return springs 25 tending to bring the rocker in the vertical position and against the stop Bl.

- One or two connecting rods 28 articulated, on one side, on the spreader 2 with the aid of the axis 29 and, on the other side, on the rocker 23 with the aid of the axis 27.

- And secondly, by the fact that the axes 24, 27 and 29 are at rest, almost aligned vertically, so that the effort to be provided on the spreader 2 to rotate the rocker 23 of the position Bl in the B2 position is important at rest, but decreasing as the rocker 23 is rotated.

R4. Device according to R3, characterized in that an eccentric 30 allows, according to its position in rotation about an axis 31, to change the setting of the spring 25 and the value of the return of the rocker 23.

R5. Device according to R3, characterized in that the value of the misalignment of the axes 24, 27 and 29 is adjustable by a lateral displacement of one of the axes 27 or 29.

R6. Device according to R1, characterized in that the front part of the machine is composed of two wheels 5 connected by two flanges 39 and that these flanges are articulated by a central axis 40 integral with the frame 1.

R7. Device according to R1, characterized by the fact that the front caster (s) 5 are equipped with an anti-recoil mechanism allowing their rotation only in one direction.

R8. Device according to R6 and R7, characterized in that the anti-recoil system is unique and common to both front wheels 5.