FR3065194A3 - VEHICLE WITH VARIABLE GEOMETRY - Google Patents

Abstract

To have a good handling in road configuration while having a very small footprint at low speed and at a standstill, the vehicle has at least three wheels, two of which are located at the front, called side wheels 2a and 2b are motorized electrically and can deviate from the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle to move from a so-called storage configuration to a so-called road configuration in which an elastic return of these wheels down is also a means of suspension, which is independent for each of them. It is devoid of steering mechanism, the latter being determined by the relative speeds of the side wheels, driven by an on-board computer. It comprises a means for reducing its longitudinal size of at least 20%, consisting of bringing the rear axle comprising the two additional wheels 3a and 3b of the front axle comprising the side wheels 2a and 2b. The vehicle can also be dynamically stabilized as a Segway on its side wheels 2a e 2b.

Description

Vehicle with variable geometry

Field of application The invention is a variable geometry vehicle.

Problem posed The objective pursued by the present invention is to provide a vehicle having cumulatively the following advantages: good stability and good road holding at high speed on the road, which imposes an important wheelbase and track; to reduce this way and this wheelbase to sneak into traffic jams and move in crowded places like city streets, shopping centers and trade shows, - that of further reducing the size of the vehicle by using it in Segway mode, dynamically stabilized on two wheels, to benefit from the maneuverability and economy of friction associated with this method, without taking all the risks of falling inherent to the gyropods, - and a very small footprint when stopped, allowing to park between two cars facing the sidewalk, and exit from the front of the vehicle directly on the sidewalk.

Prior art

Document WO2011144574 (A1) of November 24, 2011 discloses a vehicle comprising a front axle with a pair of front wheels having an adjustable track width between a wide track and a narrow track, which makes it possible to limit its width, and whose wheelbase is also adjustable to limit its length.

The documents cited by this patent (US US 6902022, PCT WO9950128 and US4717164) and the documents DE102015202927-A1 of August 18, 2016 and W02014060238-A1 of April 24, 2014 are also known.

There are also numerous documents describing vehicles-wheelbase or variable length including FR2516883A1, FR2643317A1, WO9606768A1, W02004012985A1 - variable track, of which W02004024541 Al published March 25, 2004.

All these documents describe vehicles with variable geometry, but none allows to answer the problem, and in particular to achieve a very stable and efficient vehicle in road configuration, while offering the possibility of limiting the footprint as much as what the present invention proposes, and facilitate the entry and exit of the vehicle from the front, when stored facing the sidewalk.

Brief description of the drawings The invention will be better understood, and other objects, advantages and characteristics thereof will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, which is illustrated by FIGS. vehicles according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows two three-wheeled vehicles according to the invention, seen from the front, the so-called side wheels with variable track 2a and 2b are located at the rear. The one on the left is in the storage configuration, while the one on the right is in the road configuration. On the left, the so-called side wheels 2a and 2b are lower relative to the chassis 1 when they are close together, which has raised the chassis 1 at their end of the vehicle. On the right, the vehicle is in a road configuration, and the side wheels 2a and 2b are farther apart from each other.

Figure 2 shows three vehicles according to the invention, seen in profile. The one on the right is in road configuration, while the middle one is in storage configuration. It occupies less surface storage configuration not only because its side wheels 2a and 2b have moved closer as seen in Figure 1, but also because its longitudinal size has decreased. The vehicle on the left is balanced on its two side wheels 2a and 2b, the front wheel 3 is no longer in contact with the ground. It is then a Segway.

Figures 3 to 10 all show a vehicle according to the invention in a second embodiment, made to carry a single person. Its variable-track side wheels 2a and 2b are located at the front. They have a fixed axis of rotation, but may deviate from each other, and the rear wheels 3a and 3b are fixed spacing, but attached to an arm to lower them relative to the chassis 1 to move from the road configuration to the storage configuration. Figures 3 and 4 are two views respectively in perspective and profile of a vehicle in the road configuration, with the side wheels 2a and 2b before spaced apart and the chassis 1 lowered at the rear.

Figures 5 and 6 are two views respectively in perspective and profile of a vehicle in the storage configuration, with the side wheels 2a and 2b forward close together and the frame 1 raised at the rear.

Figures 7 and 8 are two views respectively in perspective and in profile of a vehicle in the intermediate configuration between the road configuration and the storage configuration.

Figures 9 and 10 are two views respectively in perspective and profile of a vehicle in a particular configuration, in which it is based only on its front wheels 2a and 2b. Its balance is then dynamically assured like that of a Segway.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to a third embodiment, which show the mechanical elements for the geometric deformation of the vehicle, and its suspensions front and rear trains.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to the invention in road configuration, inclined during a turn. We see in the background an identical vehicle in storage configuration.

Figures 13 to 17 are views of a vehicle according to the invention in a particular version, characterized in that it comprises a secondary frame 30 supporting a rear wheel 3a.

Figure 13 shows the vehicle in four different configurations. Top, left in a road configuration, and right in a storage configuration. At the bottom, in intermediate configurations, on the left the front wheels are spread out for a better stability and on the right they are close together to be able to sneak between the lines of cars or to enter the buildings.

Figure 14 is a perspective view is a side view of the vehicle in these two intermediate configurations, and Figure 5 is a longitudinal section of the vehicles of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of two identical vehicles, seen from three quarter back. Figure 17 shows a variant in which the rear portion 30 is provided with a ball joint for towing a trailer. The set then offers all the advantages of semi-trailers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is a vehicle comprising - a chassis 1 - two so-called lateral wheels 2a and 2b, whose spacing can be reduced to change from a so-called road configuration to a so-called storage configuration, their approximation reducing the lateral bulk of the vehicle by at least 20%, - at least one additional rear wheel 3a, whose axis of rotation can rotate freely about a substantially vertical axis of rotation or slightly inclined relative to vertically, in order to allow said vehicle to roll on more than two wheels while moving away from a straight path, characterized in that: - it is provided with means for varying the respective rotational speeds of at least two of its wheels to determine the orientation of its displacement, - the two lateral wheels 2a and 2b have the following characteristics: - they are located at the front of the vehicle, - the means n which allows them to move apart from each other also makes them move downwards - this means comprises an elastic return downwards, so that this means is also a means of suspension of these wheels, when they are not blocked voluntarily in their storage configuration, - the spacing means of each of them is independent of that of the other wheel, so that the vehicle can be inclined relative to the ground surface, their motorization is electric and controlled by an on-board computer so as to be able to steer the vehicle by varying the speed of one of these two wheels relative to the other, the vehicle comprises a means of reducing its longitudinal space requirement; at least 20%, of bringing the rear axle comprising the two additional wheels 3a and 3b of the front axle comprising the side wheels 2a and 2b together.

According to other characteristics: the vehicle comprises two additional wheels 3a and 3b located at the rear which have the following characteristics: they have a substantially common axis of rotation; they have a track close to or slightly smaller than the track of said wheels; 2a and 2b when the latter are in storage configuration, - their axes of rotation can rotate freely about a substantially vertical axis of rotation or slightly inclined relative to the vertical, - and the height of each of them may vary from that of the other. said means of reducing its longitudinal dimensions comprises means for inclining its frame 1 forwardly by at least 20 °. - The vehicle can drive in the storage configuration, as well as in several intermediate configurations between the storage configuration and the road configuration. - The maximum approximation of said side wheels 2a and 2b is automatically accompanied by the reduction of its longitudinal dimensions. the vehicle is provided with side impact bumpers that deviate from its median longitudinal plane when said side wheels 2a and 2b move from their so-called storage configuration to their so-called road configuration; - The vehicle is equipped with a movable seat, - the geometry of the movable seat is variable according to the so-called intermediate configuration of the vehicle. - This mobile seat can move to the front of the vehicle in storage configuration, to facilitate the entry and exit of the passenger. the vehicle is equipped with an on-board computer equipped with means for analyzing its position and its acceleration; said computer controls the engines of said lateral wheels and enables it to be dynamically stabilized on its variable-gauge lateral wheels 2a and 2b; and therefore to rest only on these two wheels only - in the so-called storage configuration, the center of gravity of the vehicle is located at the rear of its front axle, and the two additional wheels 3a and 3b no longer touch the ground when the vehicle is dynamically stabilized on its side wheels 2a and 2b; the vehicle is provided with means for moving its center of gravity longitudinally so that it can move from a configuration in which it is in equilibrium on its side wheels 2a and 2b to another configuration in which it is in equilibrium at least on three points or in dynamic equilibrium on two other wheels 3a and 3b; - The displacement of the center of gravity is effected by moving one or more wheels relative to the frame 1; the two additional wheels 3a and 3b are also driving, and it is provided with a computer-controlled means enabling it to also maintain its balance on these two wheels 3a and 3b; the vehicle is provided with a computer programmed so that it allows it to operate at the user's choice in one of the two following modes: a first mode in which it progressively passes from its storage configuration when it is at a standstill or at a very low speed of travel, at its so-called road configuration when the speed increases, and a second mode in which it progressively moves from its storage configuration when is at a standstill or at a very low speed of travel, at a configuration in which it is in dynamic equilibrium on its two lateral wheels 2a and 2b, in the manner of a gyropod; one or more electric motors also controlled by said on-board computer ensure the modification of the track of the lateral wheels 2a and 2b and / or the modification of the altitude of the additional wheels 3a and 3b with respect to the chassis, the mechanical means allowing to vary the distance of the additional wheels 3a and 3b relative to the side wheels 2a and 2b is an articulated arm for varying their altitude relative to the frame 1, and thus the inclination of said chassis back and forth, - the vehicle comprises a secondary chassis 30 supporting a rear wheel 3a; the secondary chassis 30 comprises a box; the secondary chassis 30 comprises a means for attaching a trailer.

Detailed description of the invention

A vehicle according to the invention comprises a chassis 1, two lateral drive wheels 2a and 2b whose spacing and variable, and a third support point 3 which can be a wheel 3a, a set of wheels 3a and 3b, a ball rotatable in all directions within a sphere portion, or a pad.

The side wheels 2a and 2b, arranged to the left and right of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, are driving to do without a steering mechanism that would necessarily be heavy, bulky and expensive. The vehicle is provided with a means of varying their respective rotational speeds to ensure the direction of its movement, as exists for example on a track. Their motorization is electric and driven by an on-board computer so as to be able to steer the vehicle by varying the speed of one of these two wheels relative to each other.

These two wheels 2a and 2b are connected to the frame 1 by a device for varying their spacing (the track of the running gear) which is lower in a so-called storage configuration in a so-called road configuration. The approximation of the wheels 2a and 2b has the effect that the vehicle is narrower in this configuration, which allows to park like a motorcycle but also to move between two lines of cars like a two-wheeler.

The first innovation is that the approximation of the side wheels 2a and 2b can be accompanied by a reduction in the longitudinal size of the vehicle, by a mechanical means for bringing the rear train comprising the two additional wheels 3a and 3b of the front axle. comprising the two lateral wheels 2a and 2b. It is recommended that this decrease in width be at least 20% but it can advantageously be greater, the width of the vehicle in storage configuration may for example be less than 80 cm while it can reach 1.25 m in configuration of road.

Advantageously, the two side wheels 2a and 2b are located at the front of the vehicle, to be located on either side of the entrance and the exit of the passenger or passengers from the front.

The means which makes it possible to separate them from one another comprises an elastic return downwards, so that this means is also a means of suspension of these wheels, when they are not blocked voluntarily in their so-called configuration. storage.

The spacing means of each of the two lateral wheels 2a and 2b is independent of that of the other wheel, so that the vehicle can be inclined relative to the ground surface by modifying the adjustment of this spacer means, either manually by a motor controlled by a computer. The stabilization of the vehicle is then called dynamic, and when the ground is horizontal, it allows the vehicle to tilt towards the inside of the turns to compensate in real time the centrifugal force, but it also allows the vehicle to remain horizontal in line right even when the ground is tilted, in real time as well.

The vehicle comprises means for reducing its longitudinal size of at least 20%, and consists of bringing the rear axle comprising the two additional wheels 3a and 3b of the front axle comprising the side wheels 2a and 2b. It advantageously has a long wheelbase in road configuration to promote good handling, but its length is advantageously reduced to not exceed 1.65m in storage configuration, which is the width of an average car. It is then possible to park it perpendicularly to the sidewalk.

Advantageously, the vehicle comprises not one but two additional wheels 3a and 3b located at the rear and whose axis of rotation is substantially common. The track of the rear train they constitute is close to or slightly less than the path of said side wheels 2a and 2b when the latter are in storage configuration. The presence of a wide rear axle increases the stability of the vehicle, which allows to move back its center of gravity. This retreat, which is an essential factor to be able to brake suddenly, can be obtained by providing a retracted position for the passenger to protect him from the front shocks, which constitutes an additional advantage. The width of the vehicle at the rear, however, must not be greater than its width at the front, otherwise it may affect its lateral dimensions in storage configuration. This limitation of the lateral size is all the more important that the storage configuration is also that used to move slowly between lines of cars in traffic jams.

The axes of rotation of these additional wheels 3a and 3b can rotate freely about a substantially vertical axis of rotation or slightly inclined relative to the vertical, to allow said vehicle to ride on more than two wheels while moving away from a rectilinear trajectory, and the height of each of them may vary from that of the other to remain both in contact with the ground when the vehicle is inclined relative to the ground surface.

The reduction of the longitudinal space advantageously comprises a means of tilting its chassis 1 forward of at least 20 °. This makes it possible to freely determine the height of the passenger and the master torque as needed, and to move from a road configuration in which the passenger has a longer position so that the low torque master generates only a low aerodynamic drag. a storage configuration in which the passenger can virtually stand virtually to get out of the vehicle. It is particularly advantageous that the vehicle can roll in a large number of intermediate positions so that the passenger can be at a height freely chosen by him depending on the height of the neighboring vehicles.

The maximum approximation of said side wheels 2a and 2b is advantageously accompanied automatically by reducing its longitudinal dimensions. This reduction can be done gradually or in successive stages. The objective of the present invention being to make a vehicle that is as easy to park and maneuver in traffic jams as a two wheel but which also brings the comfort and safety of a real car in a more conventional driving, it is advantageous of the provided with side bumpers which deviate from its median longitudinal plane when said side wheels 2a and 2b go from their so-called storage configuration to their so-called road configuration. This can be achieved by a mechanical connection between the means which allows to separate the side wheels 2a and 2b or by that which allows to vary the longitudinal size of the vehicle.

In an improved version, the vehicle according to the invention is provided with a mobile seat, to give a comfortable position to the passenger in all configurations of the vehicle, from storage to road, but also to facilitate entry and the exit of the vehicle from the front. The geometry of the mobile seat is thus advantageously variable depending on the so-called intermediate configuration of the vehicle. This mobile seat can advantageously move towards the front of the vehicle in storage configuration, to facilitate the entry and exit of the passenger.

Figure 1 shows that the inclination of the vehicle can become very important. It should be noted that the vehicle can be perfectly driven when the side wheels 2a and 2b are in storage configuration, but its lateral stability is then less for two reasons, on the one hand because the width of the lift polygon is more weak, and secondly because the center of gravity is higher. In contrast, when the vehicle is in road configuration, the wheels are at the maximum distance of the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle, and the center of gravity is lowered to the maximum.

The steering control can be summarized as an electric joystick, or a smartphone connected by radio waves to the on-board computer of the vehicle. This characteristic also makes it possible to use the vehicle in gyropod mode, as illustrated by the vehicle on the left of FIG. 2 and by that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The vehicle is then equipped with a computer-controlled means enabling it to conserve its balance on the two so-called side wheels 2a and 2b or two other wheels. It can then run on two wheels only, which reduces friction and limits its energy consumption, while remaining stable when stopped when it is placed on more than two wheels. It can also find a very high stability, on several wheels in case of sudden braking for example.

In a particularly advantageous mode, the vehicle is equipped with a computer enabling it to operate at the user's choice in one of the following two modes: a first mode in which it progressively passes from its configuration of storage when it is at a stop or at a very low speed of travel, at its road configuration when the speed increases, and a second mode in which it progressively moves from its storage configuration when it is at stopping or has a very low speed of movement, to a configuration in which it is in dynamic equilibrium on its two side wheels 2a and 2b, in the manner of a Segway.

In an even more advanced mode (not shown), it can also be provided with both a computer-controlled means allowing it to maintain its balance on its side wheels 2a and 2b, and a second computer-controlled means to maintain balance on two other wheels. It can then roll like a Segway on its pair of front wheels or on its rear wheel pair, but also on all four, depending on the terrain configuration and acceleration or braking,

The vehicle may be provided with a means of moving its center of gravity along its longitudinal axis, such that it can move from a configuration in which it is in equilibrium on two of its wheels to another configuration in which it is either balanced on two other wheels or on three or more wheels (not shown). This provides new opportunities for obstacle clearance and in particular allows it to go up and down stairs.

This displacement of the center of gravity can be effected by any known means, such as the displacement of the load along the frame 1 for example, or simply by changing the geometry of the vehicle. An advantageous solution is to place on the wheel or wheels that are not variable-track side wheels the heavy elements of the vehicle such as its batteries if it is an electric vehicle. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 10, these heavy elements are advantageously placed at the end of the arm supporting additional wheels 3a and 3b. Thus, in the event of the need for sudden braking when the vehicle is in Segway mode, dynamically stabilized on its side wheels 2a and 2b, a sudden movement of this arm towards the rear causes the vehicle to tilt backwards, which allows energetic braking.

To change the height of one or more wheels relative to the chassis 1 so as to vary the longitudinal attitude of the vehicle, a wheel or a pair of wheels can also be mounted on a telescopic arm.

It has been described above that the motorization of the side wheels 2a and 2b is electric and driven by an on-board computer, but this does not prevent the other wheel or wheels 3a and 3b can also be motorized.

The vehicle advantageously comprises means for analyzing its position in space and its acceleration allowing it to adapt its longitudinal and lateral attitude so that the force to which its load is subjected (passenger (s) and or luggage ) can be continuously optimized, for example to remain perpendicular to the frame and if necessary to the seat of a passenger. These analysis means may also allow it to be dynamically stabilized on its side wheels 2a and 2b (and optionally on its other wheels 3a and 3b).

The reduction in the longitudinal size of the vehicle can be obtained by connecting the two additional wheels 3a and 3b to the frame 1 by an articulated arm to vary their altitude relative to the frame 1, and thus the inclination of forward in rear of said chassis. The geometry of this arm is for example a parallelogram (not shown), so that the inclination relative to the vertical axis of rotation of the axis of the additional wheel or wheels (3a and optionally 3b) remains substantially constant .

In an improved version, one or more electric motors, which can also be controlled by the on-board computer ensure both the modification of the lateral wheels lane 2a and 2b and the modification of the position of the additional wheel or wheels 3a and 3b.

Many means can be implemented to vary the spacing of the side wheels 2a and 2b, the inclination of the vehicle forwards or backwards, and those skilled in the art has many known ways to achieve this, as for example those described in the documents already cited, and in particular WO2011144574 (A1) and WO2004024541A1. The synchronization between the approximation of the lateral wheels 2a and 2b on the one hand, and inclination of the vehicle towards the front or the rear can for example be done using a threaded rod like that described in WO2004024541A1 but again, there is a very many means already known.

The improvement shown in Figures 11 and 12 is to vary the inclination to the right or to the left when the vehicle rotates. The geometry of the train of the adjustable track side wheels allows a variation of the lateral inclination of the chassis because the spacing of a lateral wheel 2a or 2b from the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle is accompanied by the lowering of the vehicle to the vehicle. 'before the side considered. The large flush of two wheels 3a and 3b paired at the rear favors during a turn a tilt of the vehicle towards the inside of the turn. The lowering of a side wheel 2a or 2b is mechanically driven here by its spacing from the longitudinal vertical axis of the vehicle, so that the outer side wheel moves away from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle during a turn; which improves handling. Numerous variants can be studied, a vehicle according to the invention can be as well an electric bicycle, a moped, a quad, a vehicle carrying loads and / or one or more people. It may or may not have a bodywork. This body may be movable relative to the chassis or integral with it, and be moved fully towards the front of the vehicle when the rear wheels 3a and 3b are close to the front wheels 2a and 2b, and optionally inclined forwardly

The simplest of the gyropodes, whose wheels are variable gauge and which is provided with an arm supporting an additional wheel is already a vehicle according to the invention.

In a particular version illustrated in Figures 13 to 17, a vehicle according to the invention comprises a secondary frame 30 supporting a rear wheel 3a. In this mode of implementation, the vehicle occupies a very small place in storage configuration (about 1.6m) while having storage configuration a large width and a large wheelbase ensuring good handling. The advantage of this configuration is also the presence of a trunk associated with the secondary chassis 30. This secondary chassis 30 also supports a trailer, the assembly then offering all the advantages, maneuverability and stability in particular, semi -trailers.

Main advantages of the invention over the prior art

The first advantage is the reduction of the vehicle's footprint in the storage configuration, but the variable geometry proposed also makes it possible to propose other configurations that may be more pleasant or more fun for the passenger.

A second advantage is the absence of a steering mechanism, which reduces the weight, bulk and cost of manufacture.

The third advantage is the ability to switch from a passive stability mode to a dynamic stability mode, like a Segway. The invention can also be understood as an improvement of the gyropodes, allowing them to regain passive stability when needed.

A fourth advantage is the inclination of the vehicle towards the inside of the bends, which promotes good road holding.

A fifth advantage is the limitation to the minimum of the master torque and therefore the aerodynamic drag in road position.

A sixth advantage is the ability to enter and exit the vehicle from the front, especially when parked perpendicular to the sidewalk.

Applications The invention applies to all vehicles and all terrestrial drones, and in particular to vehicles for the disabled.

An important application is the rental of electric vehicles on demand, tenants can book their vehicle remotely and then leave it anywhere on the street at authorized locations for motorcycles, easier to find, batteries are regularly recharged or replaced by maintenance teams.

Claims (3)

claims 1. Vehicle comprising - a chassis (1), - two so-called lateral wheels (2a and 2b) whose spacing can be reduced to move from a so-called road configuration to a so-called storage configuration, their approximation decreasing the the lateral dimensions of the vehicle by at least 20%, - at least one additional rear wheel (3a) whose axis of rotation can rotate freely about a substantially vertical or slightly inclined axis of rotation relative to the vertical, to allow said vehicle to roll on more than two wheels while moving away from a straight path, characterized in that: - it is provided with a means of varying the respective speeds of rotation of least two of its wheels to determine the orientation of its displacement, - the two lateral wheels (2a and 2b) have the following characteristics: - they are located at the front of the vehicle, - the means which allows them to spread one of the other also makes them move downwards, - this means comprises an elastic return downwards, so that this means is also a means of suspension of these wheels, when they are not blocked voluntarily in their storage configuration, - the spacing means of each of them is independent of that of the other wheel, so that the vehicle can be inclined relative to the ground surface, - their motorization is electric and driven by an on-board computer so as to be able to steer the vehicle by varying the speed of one of these two wheels relative to the other, - it comprises a means of reducing its longitudinal bulk of at least 20%, consisting of approaching the rear axle comprising the two additional wheels (3a and 3b) of the front axle comprising the side wheels (2a and 2b) - it comprises a secondary chassis 30 supporting a rear wheel (3a). 2. Vehicle according to claim 1 characterized in that said subframe (30) comprises a trunk. 3. Vehicle according to claim 1 characterized in that said subframe (30) comprises a means for fixing a trailer.