FR2705903A1 - Method and device for manufacturing totally foldable electronic vehicles for golf and leisure pursuits - Google Patents

Abstract

Electronic golf vehicle. It includes a triangulated chassis (1) which supports the drive batteries (2), the motor and the electronic module (3), the foldable bodywork (4), which can be deformed after impacts and recycled, as well as the various elements for connecting with the ground, particularly a front rolling carriage device (5) including several independent wheels with solid cellular tyres (7) placed side by side (6), as well as a rear suspension mechanism made from prestressed rubber (9) which does not require additional shock absorbers.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for the implementation of this method, for the construction of electronic leisure vehicles, with electric motorization, completely foldable on themselves and therefore easily transportable (in a car trunk by example), generating no gaseous pollution, particularly silent, requiring little maintenance, made of recyclable materials.

The reduced dimensions of these light vehicles with three or four wheels give them a maneuverability particularly suitable for golf courses, forest walks and more sporting activities - such as crossing dunes, gymkhanas, polo-cars, etc.

Vehicles of this kind currently known are exclusively intended for golf, are notoriously polluting: gaseous emissions discharged into the atmosphere (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, lead, solid particles ...), very excessive noise from heat engines: petrol, gas, fuel.

Some of these vehicles are however starting to be fitted with electric motors. Absolutely not originally designed for this motorization system, they are generally heavy and overloaded with an excessive weight of batteries.

In most - these types of storage batteries, there is a release of gas which must be evacuated without allowing oxygen from outside air to enter via valves, the sealing of which allows desire, as well as their fixing on the cover which is not satisfactory.

 Mainly equipped with wheels and tires designed for transport on hard floors, they tend to skate on the grass. In addition, they exert a strong pressure on the lawn and deteriorate it.

In the case of uneven terrain, bumps, stones, clods of earth, they sometimes find it difficult to overcome the obstacle that presents itself and give the vehicle a bumpy appearance.

Difficult to handle, they do not present a particular pleasure of use and do not integrate in the most harmonious way in our environment.

Designed to transport two or four people originally, these electric cars are bulky, have only a small autonomy and their transport is difficult to envisage ... in a car trunk for example, to get from one golf course to another, from one place to another.

There is also a small remote-controlled device on the courses intended to transport only the player's equipment (putters, balls ...). It will be readily understood that this is only a gadget which cannot be compared to the "real" vehicle which is the subject of this patent.

We immediately see the limits of such polluting devices, heavy, which have only a small autonomy, do not allow a significant recovery of energy in use and more, tend to deteriorate the lawn, are difficult to handle and integrate poorly into the environment.

The following devices are intended to overcome these drawbacks,
The present invention is a concept of vehicle rethinking around leisure activities, advantageously for playing golf, walking in the forest, playing games. Designed specifically for an electric motor driven by high-performance electronics, they are light, with three or four wheels and integrate in the most harmonious way with the environment they respect. They generate no gas pollution and of course are perfectly silent.

In addition, these vehicles are easily transported from one golf course to another, from one site to another since they fold completely on themselves to fit in a car trunk.

Equipped with a fully automatic electronic transmission, they are pleasant to drive, flexible, cannot stall.

Equipped with powerful electronic brakes, a simple push on the brake pedal allows you to stop instantly when going uphill or downhill, automatically stopping the engine. Then just press the accelerator pedal to start again.

The front axle with unidirectional drive movement with multiple servo tires and the rear suspension in pre-stressed rubber with progressive effect give it an amazing handling, as well as perfect driving safety in all circumstances.

Modular cellular plastic wheels and tires with increasing density exert a low pressure on the ground and are deformed enough to follow hollows and bumps without damaging the lawn.

Firstly, the invention relates to an implementation device for the construction of recreational vehicles - advantageously three wheels for the practice of golf -, electronic, with electric motorization and structure entirely foldable on itself to facilitate the transport, generating no gaseous pollution, particularly silent, requiring little maintenance, made of recyclable materials, and the device is characterized in that the vehicle comprises a triangulated chassis which supports the traction batteries, the motor and the module electronic command and control, the foldable bodywork in deformable and recyclable synthetic materials, as well as the various ground connection elements, in particular - a unidirectional front undercarriage device made up of several wheels with tires placed side by side, which allows to lift independently from each other in order to match the reliefs of the ground on which they are based, by individual interaction of elastic elements of the supports, all this while perfectly respecting the lawns of golf courses; - a rear suspension mechanism in prestressed rubber which does not require additional shock absorbers.

According to a first characteristic, the triangular chassis ensures the passive safety of the rolling assembly and gives it rigidity and resistance, particularly in the case of frontal impacts.

According to another characteristic, the battery + electronic unit is removable and can therefore be transported separately, in a leather bag for example;
Advantageously, the wheels are "clipable" on their axis, which makes it possible to dismantle them;
These two arrangements can make transportation easier. The wheels can be placed in covers, especially if they have been soiled due to splashing mud on the course.

Secondly, the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing gel-tight accumulator valves constructed according to the original principle of the recombination of gases in sealed batteries and the method is characterized in that a hollow rod has at its lower end open a thread as well as a flange provided with a circular housing disposed around the threaded rod, and at its upper closed end a circular groove provided with an elastic ring (O-ring) and comprising at its bottom a circular channel and at minus a channel connecting this channel to the interior of the hollow rod.

Advantageously, the circular channel is located substantially in the middle of the bottom of the circular groove.

Preferably, the collar is located substantially in the middle of the hollow rod.

According to a second characteristic of the device, the height of the O-ring is at most equal to the width of the circular groove. The hollow rod has two diametrically opposite channels opening into the channel in order to evacuate the gas emissions.

Advantageously, between the groove and the collar is located a shoulder having the shape of a regular polygon such as a hexagon, for the adaptation of a screwing means.

Thirdly, the invention relates to a device comprising a permanent magnet motor between 600W and 1500W for a voltage between 24 and 36V, controlled by an electronic module.

Proceeding from the high frequency CMOS technique, this module controls in real time the internal and external parts which can influence the behavior of the engine and the vehicle with a self-diagnosis of the control circuits.

It also controls a recorded program machine where the physical part (Hardware) is completely separate from the functions to be performed. The program is configured in such a way as to allow user intervention for possible internal technological updates. The communication protocol will, conversely, have an evolution on future lives offering ever more possibilities for interactions.
Access to the logic and to the power mounted in a waterproof enclosure classified IP54 in order to guarantee maximum protection against projections (water, dust ...), remains simple in order to facilitate a possible change or simply a few adjustments.

In terms of performance, the electronic module controls the speed and recovers energy during the deceleration phases. Advantageously, the braking is with energy recovery with control of the current on release or on inversion.

According to a second characteristic, the parameters are adjusted using a console. The programmable parameters are - acceleration, reverse braking, 1st and 2nd speed reduction, maximum speed, maximum current, maximum speed forward, maximum speed reverse, braking on release, compensation.

A third characteristic makes it possible to control the automation of the module and the electronic brakes, namely - a handle for advancing, reversing; - a brake pedal to stop instantly by switching off the engine even when going uphill or downhill; - a pedal (acceleration) to restart the engine and start, accelerate or slow down.

Fourthly, the device relates to the implementation of the camber which is supported on the triangulated chassis and offers the particularity of being completely foldable on itself so as to form only a "rolling baggage" easy to place in the interior of a car trunk.

Fifth, according to another form and a particular embodiment, the various bodywork elements are made of deformable synthetic materials capable of resuming their initial shape and also being recyclable by their ease of dismantling and the use of marked plastic parts. and recyclable.

Under these conditions, it is easy to understand that this vehicle, respectful of the environment throughout its career, is also at the end of its life.

Sixthly, a mechanism device concerns the front undercarriage consisting of two or more wheels with tires, the independent rims of which are placed side by side.

They are connected by mechanical elements to elastic prestressed rubber elements which, from the rest position enter the active position as soon as uneven terrain occurs. The wheels are then raised, independently of each other to match the terrain reliefs on which they rest.

Seventh, the device relates to a rear suspension mechanism.

This device serves as an independent suspension with four special pre-stressed rubber bodies allowing to obtain exactly the progressive characteristic of stress and elongation giving the possibility of suspending a vehicle optimally, without additional shock absorbers.

Eighth, the device relates to the use of castellated tires on demand, with low rolling resistance, which exert a low pressure on the ground, deform sufficiently to match hollows and bumps in the ground and preserve the lawn without damage it.

The purpose of the device is to restore the advantage inherent in the use of a solid tire, while retaining the advantages of the air chamber inflated and protected by an envelope, however remaining much lighter in all cases.

This tire for light vehicle wheels comprises a single O-ring intended to be mounted directly on the rim, having a radial elasticity capable of ensuring the comfort of the ride by partial elastic crushing, made of a cellular plastic material of increasing density from the center towards its periphery.

According to a particular characteristic, said toric part is made of a copolymer of ethylene and of cellular vinyl acetate with a density of between 0.15 and 0.30.

The principle will be better understood and the invention will be better understood with the aid of the descriptions which will follow, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which - FIG. 1 shows the various components of the vehicle; - fig. 2 shows a valve for a sealed battery; - fig. 3 is a diagram of the electronic module; - fig. 4, 5, 6 illustrate the articulated principle of the folding body; - fig. 7, 8, 9 show the operation of a front axle with four independent unidirectional wheels; - fig. 10, 11, 12 are diagrams showing the rear suspension mechanism of the vehicle; - Figure 13 is a cross section of a wheel with a solid O-ring made of cellular material, without an envelope.

FIG. 1 shows a three-wheeled golf vehicle comprising a triangulated chassis (1) which supports the traction batteries (2), the engine and the electronic command and control module (3), the folding body (4), made of synthetic materials deformable as a result of impact and recyclable, as well as the various ground connection elements, in particular - a device which concerns the front undercarriage (5) comprising several independent wheels with solid cellular tires (7) placed side by side (6) perfectly respecting the golf turf; - a rear suspension mechanism in prestressed rubber (8) which does not require additional shock absorbers.

FIG. 2 represents a valve for a sealed battery consisting of a hollow rod designated as a whole by the reference (9).

At its lower end which is open, this rod (9) has a thread making it possible to screw this valve into the wall of a tank constituting a sealed battery element.

Significantly in the middle, this hollow rod (9) has a flange (11) provided in its lower part, that is to say that directed towards the thread (10), with a circular housing (12). In this housing, is located an O-ring (13) to ensure a perfect seal between the valve and the wall in which it is screwed.

At its upper end which is closed, this valve has a circular groove (14) in the bottom of which is located, substantially halfway up, a circular channel (10). In this channel open two channels (15) which are diametrically opposed allowing to put in communication the interior of the hollow rod (9) with the interior of the battery and the external atmosphere. The gases present in the battery can thus escape.

So that the ambient air cannot penetrate into the hollow rod (9), this groove (14) is provided with an elastic ring (16) whose height is at most equal to the width of the groove (14).

When a gas evolution occurs inside a sealed battery comprising the valve as described, the gases escape through the interior of the hollow rod and the channels (15) to accumulate in the circular channel (20). These gases create a uniform overpressure tending to repel the elastic ring (16) and can thus escape into the atmosphere.

When the overpressure has disappeared following the evacuation of the gas release, the elastic ring (16) resumes its rest position in which it delimits the circular channel (20).

Between the groove (14) and the flange (11), is located a shoulder (17) having the shape of a regular polygon such as a hexagon. This shoulder (17) allows the adaptation of a means for screwing this valve with a socket wrench.

According to an alternative embodiment, between the top of the thread (15) and the underside of the flange (11) is formed a circular groove (18) in the hollow rod (9). In this circular groove (18) is disposed an O-ring (19) contributing to the sealing of the wall in which is arranged this valve.

Note that the O-rings (13) and (19) can be replaced by lines of glue, sealing will always be guaranteed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the high frequency microprocessor CMOS electronic module. It is coupled to a permanent magnet motor (44), advantageously 1200
W for a voltage of 24 volts. The maximum current is 220 A for 5 minutes, the working frequency of 18
Khz, the voltage drop on MOS in total conduction is 350mV for 100A.

The electronic module is energy recovery.

(20) represents the positive serial reception and (21) is the negative serial reception.

(22) represents the positive serial transmission and (23) is the negative serial transmission.

(24) represents the console power supply negative and (25) is the console power supply positive.

(26) is the channel for economical console and (27) is the open / closed channel.

(28) is the central potentiometer connected to the cursor.

For speed regulation, the useful signal goes from OV (minimum speed) to 5V (maximum speed).

(29) is the potentiometer negative and the battery negative.

(30) is the positive potentiometer and 12V output, and it is important not to apply a resistance load less than 500ohms.

(31) is connected to the ignition key return. (32) is the safety activation signal with the microphone open or so. the applied voltage is less than 12V.

(33) is the control of the reverse gear switch; when activated, it provides a maximum negative battery 5A.

(34) is an entry for enabling the RV2 speed reduction (43). If it is connected to a potential greater than 12V, the reduction is inhibited. If it is left free or if it is connected to the - battery, it returns to function.

(35) is an entry for enabling speed reduction RV1 (42). If it is connected to a potential greater than 12V, the reduction is inhibited. If it is left free or if it is connected to the - battery, it returns to function.

(36) is the reverse gear selector. It is connected to the reverse microphone and activates the control when it is connected to the positive of the battery.

(37) is the forward gear selector. It is connected to the forward microphone and activates the control when it is connected to the battery positive. (38) is the pilot of the forward contactor. When activated, it provides a negative battery (max. 5A).

(39) is a positive for the contactors. It provides a positive battery + CH, maximum current 3A.

(40) is the positive power supply. It is connected to the positive terminal of the battery. (41) is the negative power supply. It is connected to the negative terminal of the battery.

(42) = speed reduction (RV1), programmable value on console. (43) = speed reduction (RV2), value programmable on console.

(45) is a devor; (46) is the horn microphone, (47) the mounted microphone, (48) the brake micro, (49) the downhill microphone, (50) the reverse micro, (51) the neutral microphone, (52) the microphone forward, (53), the key (ignition), (54) the drawbar.

Figure 4 shows how the cart folds up: the rocking (55) and sliding (56) direction; the front wheels, including mudguards and suspension lines, fold down (57); the rear unit slides forward (58); the seat back, then the seat itself folds down (59) to form only a rolling "baggage" (fig.6).

Figure 5 is a detail of the previous figure which shows the slides (60) along which the rear axle enters. This figure also shows battery pack + electronics (61) which is removable and can be transported separately.

We see in Figure 6 all of the equipment after it has been completely folded over and appearing as a "hand luggage" can roll by being pulled by its handle (62).

Figures 7, 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the mechanism of the undercarriage.

Figure 7 shows the mechanism of a front axle consisting of four wheels with tires, the independent rims of which are placed side by side (63,64,65,66) and connected by mechanical elements with a single offset support (67) of square section.

The wheels are lifted independently of each other to match the terrain reliefs (68) by the individual action of elastic elements (63 ', 64', 65 'and 66') sliding in the support (67).

Figure 8 shows elastic elements, one in the rest position (69), the other in the active position (70).

One element is made up of 4 elastic blocks (71,72,73,74) in pre-stressed rubber. They are inserted between the part (75) and the part (76), movable relative to each other. When one of them rotates, the other remaining fixed, the blocks (71,72,73,74) are compressed and deform in a progressive way as the load increases. As soon as the pressure ceases, the movable part is returned to its initial position.

FIG. 9 proposes a connection between an elastic element (69.70) and a wheel ring (75).

Figures 10, 11 and 12 show a rear suspension mechanism in pre-stressed rubber that does not require additional shock absorbers.

In Figure 10, we see an axle (76) at the end of which is placed a swing arm (77). A rubber element (78) serves as an independent suspension with four special pre-stressed rubber bodies (79, 80, 81 and '82) making it possible to obtain exactly the progressive characteristic of stress and elongation giving the possibility of suspending a vehicle from optimally, without additional shock absorbers.

Figure 11 is an elasticity diagram where we clearly see the large damping value specific to the system -hysteresis- (83) which guarantees an extremely short oscillation time, (84) being the load and (85) the discharge .

It is interesting to note that the rubber elements used to suspend the axles (79, 80, 81, 82) require absolutely no maintenance and are practically wear-free.

Figure 12 shows the swing arm in the normal position, or in the down position. If we take for example, for an axle load of 500 kg, we have (86) = 140, (87) = 160, (88) = 190, (89) unloaded = 12 kg, (90) = 41, 91 = 53
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a wheel on the rim (91) from which is mounted a single O-ring piece (92) of bearing comprising designs and moldings on demand (93).

This toric piece (92) is made of a copolymer of ethylene and of vinyl acetate crosslinked on the surface, by a formulation of apparent density adjustable between 0.15 and 0.50 g / cm
According to a first characteristic, the device is puncture-proof, but capable of ensuring a radial elasticity capable of ensuring the comfort of the bearing by elastic crushing, the grip of which on the ground comparable to that of inflatable wheels.

It is also characterized by its micro-cellular structure with closed cells with skin effect having a density gradient of the heart on the surface of the part avoiding the use of any protective and rolling envelope is completely useless.

The finished product has a specific weight of 0.15 to 0.30 g / cm depending on the desired result, an exceptional hardness of 30 to 80 shores depending on the adjustable density of the formulation for a weight much lower than that of traditional tires with rubber tire (heavy) or elastomer (hard and noisy).

It offers excellent resistance to aging and to usual chemical agents, good elasticity reminiscent of that of a rubber and good resistance to abrasion.

By way of nonlimiting example, the method and the devices according to the invention are particularly intended to make it possible to use, in particularly simple, reliable and efficient conditions, the electrical energy applied to small leisure vehicles (less than 1m, 50 long, very short turning radius) intended for sports (golf), forest walks, sports activities, crossing sand dunes, gymkhanas, polo / car races, etc ...

Lightweight, foldable, easily transportable in a car trunk, they allow you to reach all kinds of activities and leisure disciplines in the most diverse places.

Equipped with a permanent magnet electric motor with a nominal power of 1,200 watts, these nervous but completely silent vehicles have sufficient autonomy for several 36-hole golf courses at a speed of 12/15 km / hour, or a morning of national walk without recharging.

Claims (12)

1 - Device for the implementation of this process for the construction of city and / or leisure vehicles, electronic, advantageously with three wheels for golf, with electric motorization and structure entirely foldable on itself to facilitate transport, generating no gas pollution, particularly silent, requiring little maintenance, made of recyclable materials, and the device is characterized in that the vehicle comprises a triangulated chassis (1) which supports the batteries of traction (2), the motor and the electronic coin and control module (3), the foldable body (4), deformable following impacts and recyclable as well as the various elements of connection to the ground, particularly a device which relates the front axle (5) comprising several independent wheels with solid cellular tires (7) placed side by side (6), as well as a suspension mechanism rear in prestressed rubber (9) not requiring additional shock absorbers. 2 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the triangulation chassis provides passive safety of the rolling platform and gives the whole rigidity and resistance, particularly in the event of frontal impact. 3 - Device for implementing a method for manufacturing gel-tight accumulator valves constructed according to the original principle of the recombination of gases in sealed batteries and the method is characterized in that a hollow rod ( 9) comprising firstly, at its open end, a thread (10), secondly a flange (11) provided with a circular housing (12) on its lower face opposite the thread (10) and, thirdly, at its upper end which is closed, a circular groove (14) provided with an elastic ring (16) and comprising at its bottom a circular channel (20), at least one channel (15) connecting said channel ( 20) and the interior of the hollow rod. 4 - Device according to claim 3 characterized in that between the groove (18) and the flange (11) is located a shoulder (17) having the shape of a regular polygon as a hexagon, for the adaptation of 'a screwing means. 5 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in that a high frequency CMOS electronic module is coupled to a permanent magnet motor (44) to ensure the automatic transmission of all of the command transmissions: contact (31), forward ( 37) and rear (36), speed control (42,43) downhill (49), reverse (50), economy (27), as well as braking. 6 - Device according to claims 1 and 5 characterized in that the module includes electronic braking (48) for stopping at any time, uphill or downhill by stopping the engine, and in that it is sufficient to press the accelerator pedal to restart the engine and start again. 7 - Device according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the electronic module has a programmable microprocessor logic on console (43) which manages and regulates the speed (27), optimizes operation, controls all braking devices and recovers energy which is then reinjected into the traction batteries. 8 - Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the camber of the vehicle which is supported on the triangulated chassis is completely foldable on itself: the rocking direction (55) and slide (56), the front wheels and the suspension fold down (57), the rear unit slides forward (58, 60), the battery and electronic module assembly is removable (61), the seat back, then the seat itself folds down (59) to only form rolling luggage (62). 9 - Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the various bodywork elements are made of deformable synthetic materials capable of resuming their initial shape and also being recyclable by their ease of dismantling and the use of marked parts . 10 - Device according to claims 1, 2 and 8 characterized in that the mechanism of the front undercarriage consists of two or more wheels with tires whose rims (independent) are placed side by side (63, 64, 65, 66) and attached by mechanical elements to a single offset support (67) which allows them to lift independently from each other in order to be able to match the terrain reliefs (68) on which they are based, by individual interaction of the elements elastic (63 ', 64', 65 ', 66') sliding in the square section support (67).  ll - Device according to claims 1, 2, and 8 characterized in that a rear suspension mechanism is composed of 4 elastic blocks (71,72,73,74) are made of prestressed rubber, that they are inserted between the part (75) and the part (76) movable relative to each other, so that one rotating and the other remaining fixed, the blocks (71,72,73,74) are compressed and are gradually deform as the load increases and vice versa: when the pressure ceases, the mobile part is returned to its initial position. 12 - Device according to claims 1, 2, 8, 9, 10 and 11 characterized in that a wheel on the rim (920) which is mounted a single toric piece (93) of rolling (bandage) comprising drawings and molded sculptures on demand (94) is made of a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate crosslinked on the surface, with a formulation of apparent density adjustable between 0.15 and 0.50 g / cm, the micro-cellular structure of closed cells with effect of skin having a density gradient of the core on the surface of the part eliminates the use of any protective and rolling envelope. 13 - Device according to claims 1,2,7 and 10 characterized in that the device is puncture-proof, has an exceptional hardness (between 30 and 80 shores depending on the adjustable density of the formulation) for a weight much less than that of traditional tires with a rubber tire (heavy) or elastomer (hard and noisy), a finished product has a specific weight of 0.15 to 0.30 g / cm depending on the desired result, a good elasticity reminiscent of that of a rubber suitable for ensuring excellent radial elasticity by elastic crushing, ground grip comparable to that of inflatable wheels, as well as good abrasion resistance, perfect resistance to aging and to chemical agents.