Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
  • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
  • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
  • G05G1/30—Controlling members actuated by foot
  • G05G1/40—Controlling members actuated by foot adjustable

Definitions

• Adjustable pedal kart with return means
• the field of the invention is that of recreational vehicles, and more specifically karts.
• the invention relates to the adjustment of such karts, depending on the size of the driver.
• Go-karts are motorized vehicles (for example, thermal engines or electric motors) operated on closed tracks as opposed to road vehicles. These tracks are outdoor (“outdoor”) or covered (“indoor”).
• karts There are two main categories of karts: rental karts and leisure-competition karts.
• the former are operated by professionals who rent them to individuals (rental ticket), or to companies in the context of staff motivation seminars or others.
• the invention can be applied to all categories of karts. However, it applies in particular to rental karts. Indeed, these karts are driven by many different people, who can have very different sizes. It is therefore particularly desirable to adapt the kart to the size of its different drivers.
• a kart usually has two pedals, an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, mounted on a pedal. Each of the pedals is intended to be operated by a driver's foot.
• the crankset In most existing karts, the crankset is fixed, and its position (ie its distance from the seat) is a compromise, ultimately poorly suited to most users.
• the pedals are mounted on a sliding assembly, which can move closer or away at will seat. The pedal can then take a set of discrete positions relative to the seat, defined for example by a set of perforations made in a plate secured to a beam on which slides the pedal, in which is housed a locking pin secured to the pedal board .
• the position of the pedal When a user sits aboard the kart, the position of the pedal must be adjusted, so that it is adapted to the size of his legs, and allows him to press the pedals with sufficient force.
• the pilot can reach himself the joystick, although this is not easy when sitting in the seat of the kart.
• a movement of the pedal is then relatively easy, as the user can push the pedal with his feet to move away from the seat.
• it is much more complex when a small user succeeds on the kart to a larger user: in this case indeed, the user must exert traction on the pedal, foot or the hand, to approach the seat, which is difficult, if not impossible, without outside help.
• patent document WO 2006/051115 discloses an adjustable pedal, in which the spacing between an upper portion and a lower portion of pedal is adjustable, to fit at the size of the pilot's foot.
• the crankset is also sliding along a horizontal central beam, secured to the frame, so as to adapt to the length of the legs of the driver.
• the settings of the distance of the pedal relative to the seat and the size of the pedals are combined, based on the finding that a driver with large legs, usually also has large feet.
• the solution proposed in this document is based on a lower portion of pedal sliding along a horizontal central beam.
• An upper portion of the crankset slides relative to the bottom portion of the bottom bracket by sliding sliders in grooves in the bottom portion of the bottom bracket.
• the sliders are further provided with lugs sliding in a slot in the beam and which rises towards the front of the kart.
• an object of the present invention is to provide a kart that optimizes the comfort and ergonomics of the pedal, regardless of the size of the driver.
• the invention also aims to propose a kart for simply making adjustments of its various elements in a discrete or continuous manner.
• Another objective is to provide such a device, which is simple and inexpensive to implement.
• Yet another objective is to provide such a device, which is easily adjustable by the driver, when installed in the kart, without outside help.
• the invention also aims to provide such a kart, which has increased safety conditions for the driver, especially in case of shock.
• the invention responds to this need by providing a kart comprising a frame, a seat and a pedal including a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal, said pedal being slidably mounted on a beam integral with said frame, so as to allow adjustment the distance of said pedal from said seat.
• such a kart comprises return means associated with said pedal, able to recall said pedal in a position of reduced distance relative to said seat.
• the invention is based on a completely new and inventive approach to setting up a pedal in a kart, whether it is a rental kart or a leisure-competition kart, whether electric or with a thermal engine.
• the invention proposes a pedal sliding along a fixed beam of the chassis, so that the driver of the kart can adapt the position of the pedal to the size of his legs, and also provides the presence of means of reminder that systematically bring the pedal back to the seat.
• the driver wants to adjust the position of the pedal, the latter always returns to a position close enough to the seat, so that it is easily accessible to the driver. He then has only to push, for example with his feet, at a distance from the seat adapted to the size of his legs, if he wishes move it further, or lock it in a position close to the seat, if it is small.
• reduced position of distance relative to the seat means either a minimum distance position relative to the seat (pedal at the end of travel along the beam on which it slides), or a position sufficiently close to the seat so that the pilot can easily access the pedal.
• This automated reminder of the crankset in position of reduced distance compared to the seat greatly reduces the time of intervention of the manager of a track on each rental karts, before each start of race, and thus allows a significant economic gain, in reducing downtime, devoted to tedious adjustments to adapt the karts to the morphology of the drivers, between two successive races.
• the return means are associated with damping means able to slow down said pedal at the end of the stroke when it returns to said reduced distance position.
• the return means are "piloted" in speed by means of a jack, which damps the violent movements of the pedal, and prevents the latter from arriving abruptly and quickly on a limit stop arranged on the beam on which it slides.
• such a kart comprises a control element capable of releasing a locking means of said crankset provided for locking the crankset in a determined position along said beam, such a control element being located within range. of a driver of said kart when said driver is seated in said seat.
• the pedal when the pedal is positioned appropriately to the size of the legs of the driver, it can be locked in this position, so as to avoid inadvertent movement of the pedal during use of the kart.
• a control element located within reach of hand (eg near the steering wheel or seat).
• Such a control element unlocks the pedal: the return means can then play their role of reminder of the pedal in a position of reduced distance relative to the seat.
• the pedal locks again automatically in the position in which it is located.
• such a locking means is a locking pin provided with a fuse point capable of breaking in case of impact.
• such a control element is a button (for example a push button), which can take a position locking, which is a rest position, and an unlocking position, corresponding to a depressed position of the button, second return means tending to return said button in said locking position.
• a button for example a push button
• second return means tending to return said button in said locking position.
• such a control element acts on a cable flowing in a sheath and connected to said locking means.
• rollers act as a guide-hose, in order to prevent the brake hose from pinching, getting caught, or taking a bad position when the pedal is moved. along the beam.
• rollers may preferably have the form of reels, placed vis-à-vis, so as to ensure better lateral support of the sheath or tube.
• said beam is adapted so that said pedals move away from the plane defined by said frame, when said pedal is moved away from said seat.
• said beam is inclined relative to said plane defined by said frame, and rises towards the front of the kart.
• the seat comprises a handle for adjusting a position of the seat relative to the frame.
• Such a control handle is preferably positioned on the seat itself, and may be in the form of a simple flexible strap, located on the front part of the seat, for example at the crotch of the driver.
• the adjustment handle is connected by a first end to the seat and by a second end to a cable having at each of its ends a locking lug cooperating with a housing of a plate having a series of housings, this plate being secured to the frame, each housing corresponding to a specific position of the seat relative to the frame, a pull exerted on the adjusting handle releasing the locking lugs of the corresponding housing.
• the mechanism for adjusting the position of the seat is thus very simple to design and use.
• a cable is stretched, under the front part of the seat, between two adjustment plates secured to the frame located respectively to the right and left of the seat.
• Locking lugs are secured to each end of the cable and cooperate with the recesses in the adjustment plates.
• the cable is connected in the middle to the adjustment handle.
• Such a mechanism is therefore particularly simple to implement and use, and inexpensive.
• a rear portion of said plate is raised relative to a front portion of said plate.
• the adjusting plates in which are formed the housings receiving the locking lugs of the seat position are inclined towards the front of the kart.
• the pilot wants to adjust the position of the seat, it is sufficient for him to push on his legs to move the seat back to the position adequate, wherein the locking lugs are housed in the corresponding housing of the adjusting plates.
• Adjusting the seat position is particularly easy and ergonomic.
• a steering column of the kart is connected to the chassis by a connecting rod of variable length, comprising a slider secured to the steering column, slidable in a slider secured to the chassis, and the connecting rod. is adapted to take a locked position in which the slide is supported on the inner walls of the slide.
• the pilot can easily adjust the height of the steering column, and thus the height of the steering wheel.
• the slider and the slideway are each connected by a pivot connection, to the steering column on the one hand, and to the chassis on the other hand. After adjustment by the pilot of the height of the steering column, it maintains a locked position by pressing the slide against the inner walls of the slide, also called mast.
• the rod is also able to take an unlocked position in which the slide slides in the slide.
• the locking of the steering column therefore operates by friction between the slide and the slide.
• the friction between the slide and the slider is adjusted so that it is sufficient to maintain the column in the locked position under all the normal circumstances of use of the kart, but for the column to pass. automatically in the unlocked position when the kart undergoes a frontal impact.
• the steering column is raised, and leaves room for ejection of the driver.
• the ejection of the driver is in a trajectory passing over the steering wheel. The safety of the driver in case of impact is thus increased.
• the slider is formed of two parts facing each other with variable spacing, each of the two parts being integral with a nut cooperating with a moving screw in rotation, so as to convey the rod from the locked position to the unlocked position, and vice versa.
• the height adjustment of the steering column can be made by acting directly on this screw.
• such a kart comprises return means for recalling the rod in the locked position.
• the steering column As soon as the steering column is placed at the desired height, it automatically locks in this position, under the action of the return means.
• Such automatic locking of the steering column is an important safety element. Even if you forget the driver, it ensures that the kart does not run with an unlocked steering column.
• the steering column is of variable length.
• FIG. overall perspective of a kart according to the invention
• Figures 2A and 2B show a perspective view of the adjustable pedal of the invention in two distinct positions
• Figures 3A and 3B show a side view of the pedal of Figures 2A and 2B;
• Figure 4 provides a perspective view of the rear part of the pedal of Figures 2 and 3;
• FIGS 5A and 5B illustrate the adjustment mechanism of the seat according to the invention
• Figure 6 is a perspective view of a front portion of the kart of the invention, and in particular of the adjustable steering column;
• Figs. 7A to 7C are side views of the adjustable steering column of Fig. 6 in three separate locked positions;
• Figure 8 shows the steering column of Figure 7B in the unlocked position
• FIGS 9A and 9B illustrate in detail the adjustment mechanism of the steering column, in perspective on the one hand, and in section on the other hand.
• the general principle of the invention is based on a kart in which the distance of the pedal relative to the seat is easily adjustable, by the pilot himself and whatever the size of the latter, and all the more so as biasing means tend to recall the pedalboard near the seat, as soon as that it is in the unlocked position.
• Other adjustments, including the seat and the steering column are also provided on a secondary basis.
• FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a kart according to the invention.
• a kart is for example an electric rental kart. It comprises a frame, or frame, 1, four wheels 2, a seat 3, in which takes place the pilot.
• a pedal assembly 4 described in more detail in the following figures, carries a brake pedal 21 and an accelerator pedal 22. This pedal 4 is slidably mounted on a central beam 5, which is integral with the frame 1.
• the kart is directed by the steering wheel 6, mounted on the steering column 7, the adjustment mechanism will be described in more detail in the following figures.
• the length adjustment of the pedals i.e. the adjustment of the distance of the pedals from the seat 3, is done by sliding the pedal 4 along the beam 5.
• This length adjustment can be done and locked by means of a length adjustment device such as that shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 3A, 3B.
• a length adjustment device such as that shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 3A, 3B.
• the crankset is in a position of maximum distance relative to the seat 3 (not shown in the figure).
• the crankset is in a position of reduced distance relative to the seat 3.
• the crankset 4 consists of a base 20, which slides on the central beam 5.
• the base 20 of the crankset also serves as support for two footrests 23 for supporting the heels of the driver.
• Each pedal 21, 22 thus comprises a footrest 23 and an upper bar or portion on which the front end of the pilot's foot is supported. In operation, the upper bar of the pedal pivots about the axis of the footrest 23.
• Other forms of pedals, for example full or with a flat upper portion, are of course possible.
• a set of perforations is made in the upper part of the beam 5, which define as many discrete positions of the pedal relative to the seat.
• the crankset is locked in one of these positions by means of a pin 24, which engages in one of the perforations of the beam.
• the driver When it wishes to adjust the position of the pedal 4, the driver actuates a control button 25, connected by a sheathed cable 26 to the locking pin 24. The actuation of this control button 25 causes a retraction of the sheathed cable 26 , which releases the lock pin 24 of the perforation in which it is housed.
• Such a locking pin 24 may be provided with a fuse point, so that when the kart is subjected to a violent impact, the locking pin breaks, and is therefore released from the perforation in which it is housed.
• the crankset 4 can then back away from the seat, under the pressure exerted by the legs of the driver, which limits the injuries caused by the shock to the feet and ankles of the driver.
• the end stop located on the front portion of the central beam 5 is also provided with such a fuse.
• the adjustment can implement a rack, the cable driving a lug cooperating with the teeth of the rack.
• Continuous adjustment is also possible, for example with a mechanism of the type described later, for the adjustment of the steering column.
• a spring 27 is connected at one of its ends to a notch 271 formed in the beam 5, and at the other end thereof to a notch 272 formed in the base 20 of the pedal. When the locking pin 24 is released, the spring 27 tends to return the pedal 4 from the maximum position of removal in which it is shown in Figure 2A to a position of reduced distance as shown in Figure 2B.
• the spring 27 can be replaced by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, which remembers the pedal to the seat, while slowing the pedal at the end of the race, to dampen the return movement of the pedal, and avoid violent movements.
• the beam 5 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, or more precisely to the plane defined by the frame 1, and rises towards the front of the kart.
• the distance between the footrest 23 and the floor (not shown) of the kart increases, when the pedal is away from the seat, assuming a horizontal floor, that is to say parallel to the plane of the frame.
• the height position of the crankset also adapts to the size of the driver (considering that the size of the feet is substantially proportional to the size of the driver), and it has a comfortable driving position, the heel resting on the floor.
• the pilot can move into the driving position, and press the control button 25 located at hand (for example, near the base of the steering column, as shown in Figure 1).
• the pedal then moves automatically to the seat, thanks to the return means 27. It suffices for the driver to release the control button when the pedal is in the desired position so that it locks automatically again.
• the pilot can simply push the pedal with his feet, until he reaches the position of his choice.
• the commands resulting from the movement of the brake pedals 21 and accelerator 22 are transmitted to the control members of the kart by means of a brake hose and a sheath. acceleration control.
• two sets of facing rollers 42i, 43i and 42 2 , 43 2 for example located side by side, are provided.
• rollers 42, 43 are preferably in the form of a drum, so as to avoid any lateral displacement of the sheath or the tube relative to the rollers.
• the kart of the invention also has means for adjusting the position of the seat 3 relative to the chassis 1.
• the seat 3 is supported by a tubular frame comprising a first element 50 of substantially rectangular shape framing the seat, and two support lugs 51, located on the rear part of the seat 3.
• the support lugs 51 are secured to the frame 1 by a pivot connection.
• the tubular element 50 has in its front part two sliders 52 located under the front part of the seat, respectively to the right and left. These sliders 52 each slide along a plate 53 secured to the frame 1.
• a control handle 54 which is for example in the form of a flexible strap, is accessible via a slot in the seat 3 itself, for example in its front part, substantially at the crotch of the driver .
• This adjustment handle is engaged at its other end, with a cable 55 stretched between the two plates 53. More specifically, the cable 55 has at each of its ends a locking pin 56 which cooperates with a housing (notch, slot , etc.) formed in the plate 53, so as to lock the position of the sliders 52 relative to the chassis 1.
• the sliders 52 can then slide freely along the plates 53, to position the seat 3 in a position adapted to the comfort of the pilot.
• springs 57 push the locking lugs 56 into the housing of the plate 53 opposite which they are. The seat 3 is then immediately in the locked position.
• the plates 53 are inclined towards the front of the kart, their rear end being higher than their front end. Thus, when the driver wants to adjust the seat, he simply push with his legs to find the appropriate position.
• FIG. 6 firstly shows a perspective view of the front part of the kart of FIG. 1 (the pedal and the beam carrying it not being shown), on which the steering wheel 6 appears at the end of an axis. direction 7, also called steering column.
• the steering column 7 transmits the rotational movement of the wheel 6 to the wheels 2 by means of rods.
• the steering column 7 is connected to the frame 1 via a connecting rod 60 of variable length.
• This rod comprises a slider 61 secured to the steering column 7 by a pivot connection, and a slide, or mast, 62 secured to the frame 1 by a pivot connection.
• Side reinforcements 63, 64 may be arranged on either side of the slide 62, so as to form a triangle structure, and are also pivotally mounted relative to the frame 1.
• An anti-torque piece 65 of substantially triangular shape, can be arranged between the base of the steering column 7 and the base of the mast 62, in order to support the steering column and to prevent any forward-rearward tilting of this column. last.
• FIGS. 7A to 7B show three locked positions distinct from the steering column 7:
• the height of the steering column 7 is adjusted by acting on an adjustment lever 66, which makes it possible to lock or unlock the movement of the slide 61 relative to the slideway 62, in accordance with the adjustment mechanism of FIGS. 9B.
• an adjustment lever 66 which makes it possible to lock or unlock the movement of the slide 61 relative to the slideway 62, in accordance with the adjustment mechanism of FIGS. 9B.
• the pilot wishes to adjust the height of the steering column 7, he pulls on the control lever 8, to place it in the unlocked position, as shown in Figure 8.
• the steering column is placed at the same height relative to the frame 1 as in Figure 7B (same relative position of the slide 61 and the slide 62).
• slideway 62 is in the form of a hollow square tube.
• the slide 61 comprises two U-section pieces 611, 612 placed facing each other in the slideway 62. When these two pieces 611, 612 are spaced apart from each other, they bear on each other. the inner walls of the tube of the slideway 62, and prevent any sliding of the slide 61: the steering column is then in the locked position. Conversely, when they come closer to one another, they move away from the inner walls of the slideway 62 and allow the slide 61 to slide freely in the slideway 62, and thus a height adjustment of the steering column 7.
• Each of the two U-shaped pieces 611, 612 forming the slide is secured to a nut 671, 672, one with a step to the right, and the other with a step to the left.
• These nuts 671, 672 cooperate with a screw 68.
• the lever 69 When pulling on the adjusting lever 66, the lever 69 is pivoted about the axis of the screw 68. The screw rotates, causing the nuts 671, 672 to move, and thus bringing the parts 611, 612 together the slide.
• the connecting rod 60 is then in the unlocked position, allowing the pilot to adjust the steering column 7 to the desired height.
• a spring 70 exerts a restoring force which tends to turn the screw 68 in the opposite direction, to move apart again the nuts 671, 672 and thus the U-shaped pieces 611, 612 forming slide
• This spring 70 is connected by its upper end to a hook 701 secured to the lever 69, and its lower end to a hook 702 secured to the lower part. of the adjustment knob 66. It will be noted that, as a variant, the height of the steering column 7 could be adjusted by direct action on the screw 68, without the provision of a return system comprising the lever 69 and the control lever 66. However, the return system is more ergonomic. Other modes of adjustment acting on the spacing of the wings of the slider, are also possible.
• a screw 71 passes right through the tightening mechanism comprising the screw 68 and the nuts 671, 672.
• the head of the screw 71 is supported on the outer wall of the slide 62, by the intermediate of a washer 711. It is held in position by a nut 72, which bears on the opposite outer wall of the slideway 62, by means of a washer 721.
• Such a screw 71-nut 72 allows to limit the deformation of the hollow tube forming the slide 62, due to the force exerted from the inside to the outside by the nuts 671, 672.
• Such a system also makes it possible, by means of a torque wrench, to adjust the tightening force of the screw, and thus adjust the sliding.
• the screw 71-nut 72 could for example be replaced by a rivet-type axis to maintain a constant separation of the walls of the slide tube, opposing the force exerted by the nuts 671 , 672.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
• Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
• Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

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• 2013
  • 2013-04-17 FR FR1353496A patent/FR3004822B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2014
  • 2014-04-17 ES ES14727408.8T patent/ES2641757T3/es active Active
  • 2014-04-17 EP EP14727408.8A patent/EP2987047B1/de active Active
  • 2014-04-17 WO PCT/EP2014/057934 patent/WO2014170449A1/fr active Application Filing

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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