Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
  • B62K15/00—Collapsible or foldable cycles
  • B62K15/006—Collapsible or foldable cycles the frame being foldable
  • B62K15/008—Collapsible or foldable cycles the frame being foldable foldable about 2 or more axes
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
  • B62K3/00—Bicycles
  • B62K3/002—Bicycles without a seat, i.e. the rider operating the vehicle in a standing position, e.g. non-motorized scooters; non-motorized scooters with skis or runners

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a foldable two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle or a scooter, with reduced bulk when folded, in particular with the aim of reducing its bulk to facilitate storage or transport.
• Folding bicycles such as that described in document EP 2 295317 are known.
• the folding of this bicycle is based on the sliding of the rear part towards the front part, making it possible to obtain a structure of reduced length.
• the whole of the rear part comprising the rear wheel, a possible rear luggage rack, the rear frame, the crankset and the system for driving the rear wheel by the crankset, as well as the tube saddle, moves in translation in the direction of the front part, by sliding at the level of a central connecting tube which connects the rear part to the front part consisting of the front wheel, a front wheel support fork , and a handlebar.
• the movement of the whole of the rear part as explained above requires taking into account the cooperation between the front part and the rear part once in the folded position, that is to say the way in which the elements of this rear part, such as the rear frame, can come into abutment against the elements of the front part, such as the front wheel and the fork for example.
• known foldable bicycles either remain difficult to transport once folded, or still have a relatively large bulk when folded, or even are difficult to fold up, in particular because of the need to have a large space for folding or due to a complicated mechanism to implement.
• Certain known bicycles have several, if not all of the aforementioned drawbacks.
• the object of the invention is in particular to provide a foldable bicycle with a folding system that is simple to use for considerable compactness in the folded position.
• the subject of the invention is thus a foldable two-wheeled vehicle comprising a structure having a rear part supporting a rear wheel according to a rear axis of rotation, a front part supporting a front wheel according to a front rotation axis parallel to the axis of rear rotation, and a crankset configured to drive the rear wheel in rotation about the rear rotation axis, the crankset being mounted between the front part and the rear part and connected to the rear wheel by a chain, the vehicle being configured to move from a position of use in which the front and rear axes of rotation are spaced a first determined distance to a first folded position in which the front and rear axes of rotation are spaced a second determined distance less than the first determined distance.
• the vehicle further comprises first folding means configured to allow the rear wheel to move from the position of use to the first folded position by translation of the rear axis of rotation in the direction of the crankset.
• the term bicycle is used to denote the vehicle according to the invention, for simplicity. But the invention relates just as well to a vehicle of the scooter type, for example.
• the scooter is in all respects identical to the bicycle of the invention, without the presence of the elements allowing the drive of the rear wheel by an action of the user on the crankset, in particular the pinions, a mechanism of drive of the rear wheel by this pedal, of the pedals associated with this pedal.
• the bicycle further comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination: the structure comprises one or more lower rear arms connecting a central upright carrying a saddle tube to the rear axis of rotation of the rear wheel, and the first folding means comprise one or more holding parts integral with the axis of rotation rear of the rear wheel and slidably mounted on the lower rear arms respectively; the lower rear arms each comprise a fastening part integral, in the position of use, with the corresponding holding part, and the first folding means comprise means for disconnecting the fastening part and the corresponding holding part, so as to prevent the sliding of the corresponding holding part on the corresponding lower rear arm in the position of use, and to allow said sliding by actuation of the disconnecting means.
• the structure comprises a rear luggage carrier secured to the holding parts by means of corresponding connecting rods, the uncoupling means comprising, for each holding part, an actuating rod guided in translation along the connecting rod corresponding and an actuating handle capable of triggering the translation of the actuating rod along the corresponding connecting rod, so as to allow the separation of the holding part and the corresponding fastening part;
• the structure comprises one or more upper rear arms extending rearwardly from the central post, the rear luggage carrier is connected to at least one of the upper rear arms and is configured to slide along said at least one rear arm upper from the position of use in which the rear luggage carrier is at a determined distance from the central post to the first folded position in which the rear luggage carrier is at a distance from the central post less than said determined distance;
• the lower rear arms each comprise a sliding stop mounted between the crankset and the rear axis of rotation of the rear wheel and configured to limit the sliding of the corresponding retaining piece along the corresponding lower rear arm in the direction of the crankset;
• the structure comprises blocking means capable
• the bicycle of the invention allows a significant saving of space in the folded position, with identical dimensions compared to known folding systems (in particular size of the wheels and spacing between the wheel axles), with a limitation of the number of projecting parts. .
• the result obtained is particularly appreciable in the event of low storage and / or folding space, and in cramped transport conditions (train, metro, etc.).
• FIG. IA schematic representation of a bicycle according to the invention in the position of use
• fig. IB schematic representation of a bicycle according to the invention in an intermediate position between the position of use and the first folded position
• fig. IC schematic representation of a bicycle according to the invention in the first folded position
• - fig. 1D schematic representation of a bicycle according to the invention in a possible second folded position
• fig. 1E schematic representation of a bicycle according to the invention in the another possible second folded position
• fig. 3A schematic representation of the rear part at the level of the rear luggage rack of a bicycle according to the invention in the position of use, and in top view
• fig. 3B schematic representation of the rear part at the rear luggage rack of a bicycle according to the invention in the position of use in solid lines, and in an intermediate position between the position of use and the first folded position, and in side view
• fig. 4 schematic representation of details of the rear part of a bicycle according to the invention, at the level of the axis of rotation of the rear wheel
• FIG. 9A schematic representation of a detail of the locking means of the rear wheel brought back to the front of the structure of a bicycle of the invention, according to a first view
• fig. 9B schematic representation of a detail of the locking means of the rear wheel brought back to the front of the structure of a bicycle of the invention, according to a second view
• fig. 9C schematic representation of a detail of the locking means of the rear wheel brought back towards the front of the structure of a bicycle of the invention, according to a third view
• fig. 10 schematic representation of another detail of the locking means of the rear wheel brought back to the front of the structure of a bicycle of the invention, at the level of the holding part 7
• FIG. 11 detailed schematic representation at the level of the sliding connection means 2 of the structure of a bicycle according to the invention
• FIG. 12A schematic representation of a detail of the means for maintaining the chain 13 in tension during folding, of the structure of a bicycle of the invention, according to a first view
• FIG 12B schematic representation of a detail of the means for maintaining the chain 13 in tension during folding, of the structure of a bicycle of the invention, according to a second view
• fig. 13 schematic representation of an embodiment detail at the rear part of the structure of a bicycle according to the invention
• fig. 14 detailed schematic representation of another example of sliding connection means 2 of the structure of a bicycle according to the invention
• fig. 15 schematic representation of an example of a part intended to facilitate the offset of the front part relative to the rear part, as illustrated for example in FIG. 1D
• fig. 16A to 16C schematic representation of the details of the locking means of FIG. 8.
• the bicycle therefore comprises a structure having a rear part and a front part.
• the rear part supports a rear wheel 23 along a rear axis of rotation.
• the front part for its part supports a front wheel 24 along a front axis of rotation parallel to the rear axis of rotation,
• the structure also comprises a crankset 12 configured to drive the rear wheel 23 in rotation about the rear axis of rotation.
• This crankset 12 is mounted between the front part and the rear part and connected to the rear wheel 23 by a chain 13.
• the bicycle In the position illustrated for example in FIG. 1A, the bicycle is in a so-called use position, in which a user can use it to stand. move. In this position of use, the front and rear axes of rotation are spaced apart by a first determined distance.
• the bicycle In the position illustrated in Figure IC, the bicycle is in a first folded position, in which its size is reduced, in particular to allow its storage or transport. In this first folded position, the front and rear axes of rotation are spaced apart by a second determined distance less than the first determined distance.
• FIG. 1C illustrates an intermediate folded position of the bicycle, during the passage from the position of use to the first folded position.
• first folding means 7, 10, 37 which will be presented in detail later, and which are configured to allow the rear wheel 23 to move. from the position of use to the first position folded by translation of the rear axis of rotation in the direction of the crankset 12.
• the bicycle is also configured to pass from the position of use illustrated in FIG. 1A, passing through the first folded position illustrated in FIG. IC, or to switch from this first folded position, to a second folded position illustrated in FIG. 1D.
• the front and rear axes of rotation are spaced apart by a third determined distance less than the second, and therefore also at the first, determined distance.
• the passage to the second folded position is made possible by second folding means 2, 20, 32, which will be presented in detail later, and which are configured to allow the front wheel 24 to move from the position of use. up to the second folded position by translation of the front rotation axis in the direction of the crankset 12.
• the bicycle is also configured to pass from the second folded position illustrated in Figure 1D to a third folded position illustrated in Figure 1E.
• the front and rear axes of rotation are spaced apart by a third determined distance less than the second determined distance.
• third folding means 2, 15, 45 which will be described in detail later, and which are configured to allow the front wheel 24 to move from the second folded position to 'in the third folded position by offsetting the plane of the front wheel 24 with respect to the plane of the rear wheel 23 then translating the front axis of rotation of the front wheel 24 in the direction of the rear axis of rotation of the wheel rear 23.
• this latter translation makes it possible to bring the front axis of rotation to substantially the same level as the rear axis of rotation, that is to say to make the third determined distance substantially zero.
• the third folding means 2, 15, 45 are configured to allow the front and rear axes of rotation to be substantially coincident in the third folded position.
• the structure of the bicycle comprises one or more lower rear arms 1 connecting a central upright 40 carrying a saddle tube 4 to the rear axis of rotation of the rear wheel 23.
• the structure comprises two lower rear arms 1 connecting the central upright 40 to the rear axis of rotation.
• the central upright 40 extends from the seat tube 4 towards the lower rear arms 1, ending with two lower rods which each come to connect respectively with one and the other of the two lower rear arms. 1.
• the first folding means 7, 10, 37 presented above comprise in particular one or more holding parts 7, integral with the rear axis of rotation of the rear wheel 23, and mounted to slide respectively on the lower rear arms 1.
• two holding parts 7 are used slidably mounted on these two lower rear arms 1 respectively.
• the lower rear arms 1 each comprise a fastening part 9 integral, in the position of use, with the corresponding holding part 7.
• the lower rear arms 1 have a non-cylindrical profile, in order to avoid the rotation of the corresponding holding parts 7 around the longitudinal axis of the corresponding lower rear arm 1.
• the first folding means 7, 10, 37 comprise separation means 10, 37 from the fixing part 9 and from the corresponding holding part 7. These disconnection means 10, 37 make it possible to prevent the sliding of the corresponding holding part 7 on the corresponding lower rear arm 1 in the position of use, and to allow this sliding by actuation of the disconnection means 10, 37.
• the structure of the bicycle comprises a rear luggage rack 5.
• the latter is secured to the holding parts 7 by means of corresponding connecting rods 46.
• the uncoupling means 10, 37 for their part comprise, for each holding part 7, an actuating rod 10 and an actuating handle 37.
• This actuating rod 10 is guided in translation along the connecting rod. 46 corresponding, for example by means of guide elements 29.
• the actuating handle 37 is able to trigger the translation of the actuating rod 10 along the corresponding connecting rod 46, so as to allow the separation of the retaining part 7 and the corresponding fixing part 9.
• a mechanism can be provided for blocking the translation of the rear wheel 23 in the direction of the crankset 12, for example via an indexing finger mechanism which blocks the sliding of the holding part 7 on the rear arm. lower 1.
• the structure of the bicycle also comprises one or more upper rear arms 41 extending rearwardly from the central post 40.
• the rear luggage carrier 5 is then connected to at least one of the upper rear arms 4. It is configured to. slide along this upper rear arm 41 from the position of use, illustrated in FIG. 1A for example, in which this rear luggage carrier 5 is located at a determined distance from the central upright 40, towards the first folded position, illustrated in FIG. 1C for example, in which the rear luggage carrier 5 is located at a distance from the central upright 40 less than the aforementioned determined distance.
• the lower rear arms 1 each comprise a sliding stop 34 mounted between the bottom bracket 12 and the rear axis of rotation of the rear wheel 23.
• This sliding stop 34 is configured to limit the sliding of the corresponding holding part 7. along the corresponding lower rear arm 1 in the direction of the crank 12.
• the lower rear arms 1 extend beyond the crankset 12 in a part 1a which can act as a crutch once the second and / or the third folded position of FIGS. 1D and / or 1E has been reached. .
• this part 1a can be shifted downwards, as an extension of the central upright 40 and no longer as an extension of the lower rear arms 1.
• part 1a is therefore no longer in the plane formed by the two rear arms. lower 1 but in another plane, parallel to this plane formed by the two lower rear arms 1, offset downwards at the level of the end of the central upright 40 (it will be noted in passing that this central upright 40 can, in all case, include two tubes connected at the top, forming a fork).
• this part allows it to avoid having the assembly rest on the crankset 12, in the second and / or the third folded position of FIGS. 1D and / or 1E.
• this part offers a third fulcrum on the ground, in addition to the rear wheel and the front wheel, so that in In these positions, the bicycle can rest stably on flat or gently sloping ground.
• This part 1a can also act as a footrest, or as an attachment point for a footrest.
• crankshaft 11 is configured to bypass the end of the tire of the rear wheel 23 when the latter. ci is translated to maximum in the direction of crank 12, when folding.
• a sleeve is provided which is positioned around the part of the crankshaft 11 potentially in contact with the tire of the rear wheel 23. This sleeve or cylinder can rotate freely around the relevant part of the crankshaft 11, thus making it possible not to block the movement of the bicycle.
• Blocking means 31 are provided capable of allowing the temporary blocking of each holding part 7 in the abutment position against or on the corresponding sliding stop 34.
• the holding part 7 comprises an orifice in which the locking means 31, in the form of a lug 31, can be inserted and held, for example by screwing. .
• This lug 31 protrudes from the part 7 and, during the sliding of the latter along the corresponding lower rear arm 1 in the direction of the crankset 12, abuts against the sliding stop 34 and is inserted into a housing provided for this purpose. in this sliding stop 34.
• the respective shapes, dimensions and materials of the lug 31 and of the housing in the sliding stop 34 are such that the insertion and disinsertion takes place by force.
• a chain tensioner 8 configured to maintain sufficient tension of the chain 13, in particular in the first folded position.
• the tensioner 8 is fixed to the lower rear arms 1 by means of a fastening piece 27.
• the structure further comprises a guide wheel 30. fixed to the fixing part 27 by means of an arm 28.
• This arm 28 is in turn connected to the fixing part 27 by return means 26.
• the structure comprises at least one central connecting tube 3 connecting the front part to the seat tube 4.
• This seat tube 4 is slidably mounted in the central upright 40.
• the second folding means 2, 20, 32 presented above comprise means for locking and unlocking 32 of the sliding of the seat tube 4 in the central upright 40, articulated connecting means 20 connecting the central connecting tube
• the sliding connecting means 2 allow the sliding of the central connecting tube 3 towards the rear part of the structure to obtain the passage from the position d 'use, or from the first folded position, to the second folded position, as presented above.
• the sliding connection means 2 comprise a first connection element 22 and a second connection element 42.
• first connection element 22 is inserted a first one. end of a link post 43, a second end of which is linked to the central post 40.
• the central connecting tube 3 is provided with a guide 51 allowing the guiding of the translation of the central connecting tube 3 in the second connecting element 42 of the sliding connecting means 2, and preventing the rotation of the connecting means 2 with respect to to the central connecting tube 3.
• the guide 51 takes the form of a longitudinal rail formed on the surface of the central connecting tube 3, which cooperates with a housing of complementary shape formed inside the second locking element. connection
• the guide 51 extends over the length of the central connecting tube 3, from its end penetrating into the sliding connecting means 2 in the direction of its opposite end, but stops before said said opposite end, so as to 'allow the rotation of the central connection tube 3 relative to the sliding connection means 2, at the end of the sliding of this central connection tube 3 in these sliding connection means 2.
• this guide 51 can take the form of a slideway extending along the central connecting tube 3.
• the second connecting element 42 of the sliding connecting means 2 is then equipped with an element which is intended to be guided. in this slide.
• first means for locking and unlocking in translation 21, 50 capable of preventing the sliding of the central connecting tube 3 with respect to the sliding connecting means 2.
• a lug 50 which can be actuated by a push button 21, is configured to be able to cooperate with the central connecting tube 3 through the second connecting element 42 to prevent the sliding of this tube. central connection 3 with respect to the sliding connection means 2.
• Second means for blocking and unblocking in translation 19, 33 capable of preventing the sliding of the central connecting tube 3 relative to the sliding connecting means 2 are also provided.
• a device of the spring latch type 19 is housed inside the second connecting element 42, and a locking element 33 housed in the central connecting tube 3.
• this locking element 33 is housed at the end of the central connecting tube 3 which connects the front part of the structure to the seat tube 4.
• the locking element 33 and the spring latch-type device 19 are configured to cooperate and thus ensure the locking or unlocking of the sliding of the central connecting tube 3 with respect to the sliding connection means.
• first connecting element 22 and the second connecting element 42 are connected by means 52, 53.
• These connecting means 52, 53 have a part intended to allow the guiding of the tube saddle 4, for example in the first folded position of Figure IC.
• these guide means formed in the connecting means 52, 53 take the form of one or more cylinders connected on the one hand to the first connecting element 22 by one or more connecting lugs, and on the other hand part to the second connecting element 42 also by one or more connecting lugs.
• the front part of the structure comprises a front fork 44 supporting the front axis of rotation of the front wheel 24.
• This front fork 44 receives a front fork. handlebar tube 14, and is connected to the central connecting tube 3 at a connecting point.
• the third folding means 2, 15, 45, presented above, comprise a sleeve 45 and articulated connection means 15.
• the sleeve 45 is connected to the front fork 44 and receives the handlebar tube 14.
• the articulated connection means 15, for their part are configured to allow the rotation of the assembly formed of the front wheel 24, the front fork 44, the sleeve 45 and the handlebar tube 14, relative to the central connecting tube 3, around the point of connection. This rotation causes the translation of the front axis of rotation of the front wheel 24 towards the rear axis of rotation of the rear wheel 23.
• the articulated connection means 15 provide a pivot connection between the rear part and the front part of the structure.
• Indexing means 65, 66, 67 are provided between the position of use, or the first folded position, or the second folded position, and the third folded position.
• pressing the push button 65 enables the connection between the parts 66 and 67 to be released.
• the passage to the third folded position is obtained by guiding the relative movement of the part 67 in the part 66. by a key 68 in a sliding rail 69.
• This rail 69 is provided with a notch 70, 71 at each of its ends, making it possible to replace the mechanism in the locked position, in the position of use or in the third folded position. .
• Return means 72 such as a spring 72, are arranged at the end of the push button 65 to make it possible to manage the passage of the push button 65 to the unlocking position and its return to the locking position.
• the third folding means 2, 15, 45 also comprise the sliding connection means 2, previously described.
• the first connecting element 22 of the sliding connection means 2 allows the rotation of these sliding connection means 2 around the axis of the connecting post 43 between an initial position and an offset position.
• the rear and front wheels 23, 34 are arranged substantially in the same plane.
• the front wheel 24 is arranged in an offset plane parallel to the plane of the rear wheel 23.
• this mechanism comprises a central part 61, a first movable part 60 relative to the central part 61, and a second movable part 62 relative to the central part 61.
• the first movable part 60 is connected to the central part 61 by a first end thereof, and is intended to be housed in the first connecting element 22 of the sliding connecting means 2.
• the second movable part 62 is connected to the central part 62 by a second end thereof opposite to its first end, and is intended to be housed in the central connecting tube 3.
• the first movable part 60 is movable in complete rotation around the central axis of the central part 61.
• the second movable part 62 is movable in rotation up to 90 degrees around an axis perpendicular to the central axis of the central part 61 and passing through the second end of this central part 61.
• the present description is given by way of example and is not limiting of the invention.
• the invention is not limited to a bicycle type vehicle, but also relates to other types of vehicles, such as a scooter for example.
• the scooter is in all respects identical to the bicycle described and claimed, without the presence of the elements allowing the drive of the rear wheel by an action of the user on the crankset, in particular the pinions, a mechanism of drive of the rear wheel by this pedal, of the pedals associated with this pedal.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=72178597

Family Applications (1)

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Family Cites Families (3)

• 2020
  • 2020-02-03 FR FR2001029A patent/FR3106807A1/fr active Pending
• 2021
  • 2021-02-03 WO PCT/EP2021/052497 patent/WO2021156281A1/fr unknown
  • 2021-02-03 EP EP21704719.0A patent/EP4100306A1/de not_active Withdrawn

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