WO2009027597A1

WO2009027597A1 - Ground vehicle with controlled inclination

Info

Publication number: WO2009027597A1
Application number: PCT/FR2008/000990
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacques Quemere
Original assignee: Veleance
Priority date: 2007-07-09
Filing date: 2008-07-08
Publication date: 2009-03-05
Also published as: FR2918634B1; EP2173606A1; FR2918634A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle provided with at least three wheels and including: an axle (100) at the ends of which are provided two wheels (131, 132), an inclinable frame (200) on which is attached at least one additional wheel (264), a coupling member (300) provided between the axle (100) and the frame (200) for allowing a relative rotation of the latter. In addition, the coupling member (300) includes a rubber angular damping means (300).

Description

Land vehicle with controlled inclination

The present invention relates to a land vehicle with controlled inclination.

The vehicles targeted are mainly tricycles that have a two-wheel axle connected to a vertical frame on which is fixed the third wheel.

The axle may appear either at the front of the vehicle, in which case it is steering, or at the rear.

A fundamental problem with this type of vehicle is its cornering stability when the speed of movement is significant. Thus, document FR 2 085 428 has proposed a tilting tricycle on which the axle takes the form of a deformable parallelogram. The frame as well as the wheels can then tilt when a bend is negotiated, thereby considerably reinforcing the stability of the vehicle. However, it appears that this arrangement which has certain advantages and which has given rise to numerous evolutions presents a great mechanical complexity. This complexity is not desirable when it comes to making an economical vehicle.

Document GB 2 382 334 is also known, which proposes a tricycle comprising a tilting frame supporting a rear wheel, this frame being articulated in rotation on the steering front axle by means of a coupling member. This coupling member is constituted by a set of ball bearings disposed between a fixed ring fixed to the axle and a cylindrical sleeve integral with the frame.

It is thus possible to separate the angular position of the frame from that of the axle, which allows the frame to tilt independently of the position of the axle. This coupling member has a zero angular mechanical impedance since the frame is completely free to rotate.

Indeed, the inclination of the frame is here controlled by a rudder type system operated by the driver's legs. Thus, the inclination is directly related to the position of the rudder. This arrangement studied for experienced pilots can prove very penalizing, even dangerous, for the man of the street who ignores the laws of mechanics and who has not been trained in the handling of this kind of gear.

It therefore appears that a vehicle whose inclination is controlled by its driver is unsuitable for the general public. For such a public, it is preferable that the inclination of the frame is natural as on a traditional two-wheeled vehicle. It is therefore appropriate to remove the inclination system controlled in the tricycle described above.

However, the total freedom of the rotational coupling member is undesirable since it can lead to undesired angular frame displacements which can sometimes even be detrimental to safety.

Thus, the documents FR 2 280 539, US Pat. No. 3,583,727 and US Pat. No. 4,132,435 all teach a tricycle comprising an axle, an inclinable frame and a coupling member arranged between the axle and the frame to allow relative rotation of this axle. latest. These coupling members each comprise an angular return means.

However, if the frame is sloped sharply, it may be subject to oscillations around the inclination axis. These oscillations will be reflected by the driver on the handlebars, which will cause a change in the trajectory. The vehicle may then zigzag.

The present invention thus relates to a vehicle that behaves intuitively, thereby providing good security, vehicle which also has a high stability.

According to the invention, a vehicle provided with at least three wheels comprises - an axle at the ends of which are two wheels,

- a tilting frame on which is fixed at least one additional wheel,

- A coupling member disposed between the axle and the frame to allow relative rotation of the latter; in addition, this vehicle comprises an angular damping means. It is indeed desirable for the inclination of the frame to be slowed down by any means:

- we limit the erratic movements,

- we improve comfort,

- we reassure the driver. Preferably, the coupling member comprises an angular return means.

This arrangement keeps the vertical frame when the vehicle is stopped, regardless of the position of its center of gravity. It also makes it possible to avoid a steep inclination at the curve input and it favors the return to the vertical position at the end of the curve. As a result, the angular rate of inclination is limited. According to a preferred feature of the invention, at least one of the angular means is adjustable.

It is therefore possible to adjust the mechanical impedance to the load of the vehicle.

However, the adjustment of the coupling member can sometimes be difficult, if only for reasons of accessibility.

Thus, possibly, the vehicle further comprises a connecting member for connecting the axle and the frame at distinct points, this connecting member having a non-zero linear mobility and mechanical impedance.

This distributes the forces between the coupling member and the or the connecting members.

Again, preferably, the connecting member comprises a linear return means.

Similarly, the connecting member comprises a linear damping means. As mentioned above, preferably at least one of the linear means is adjustable.

Moreover, the coupling member being attached to a tilt tube forming an integral part of the frame, this tilt tube rests on at least one elastic stud fixed on the axle. According to a preferred embodiment, the axle being disposed at the front, it is director.

In this case, the driver feels more secure, he may even feel like driving a small car.

According to a first alternative embodiment, the axle is disposed at the rear.

In this case, the driver has the impression of driving a two-wheel drive.

According to a second alternative embodiment, an additional axle is fixed on the frame. Having a four-wheeled vehicle can lead to greater safety.

According to a first option, the vehicle comprises a propulsion mechanism intended to be driven by muscular energy.

One can possibly provide assistance to the muscular effort, by means of an electric motor for example.

According to a second option, the vehicle comprises a motor. Here the propulsion is fully motorized.

The present invention will now appear in more detail in the context of the following description of an exemplary embodiment given by way of illustration with reference to the appended figures which represent: FIG. 1, a diagram of a tricycle viewed on the left side without the left rocket carrier or the left wheel,

- Figure 2, a diagram of this tricycle seen from above,

FIG. 3, an enlarged view of a first variant of the steering mechanism, more specifically: FIG. 3a, a view from below of this system,

FIG. 3b, a side view of this same system,

- Figure 4, a sectional view of a second variant of the steering mechanism,

- Figure 5, a diagram of the mounting of the coupling member, more specifically:

FIG. 5a, a view of a fixing lug,

FIG. 5b, a view of this coupling member,

FIG. 5c, a view of a mounting plate, and

- Figure 6, a cross-sectional diagram showing two connecting members.

The elements present in several figures are assigned a single reference.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a tricycle essentially comprises a steering front axle 100, a tilting frame 200 and a coupling member 300 which allows rotation of the frame relative to the axle.

The axle 100 is in the form of a rectangular frame 110 having a median cross-bar 120 connecting its two short sides. This crossbar which is parallel to the long side of the frame 110 is further aligned with the axis which joins the left front wheel 131 and the front right wheel 132. The left and right 133 knuckle carriers 134 are therefore fixed on the chassis 110 to right of the cross 120.

The chassis extends towards the front of the tricycle, in its horizontal plane, by a support 140. This support 140 is provided at its end with a vertical fixing lug 141 on which the coupling member 300 is fixed. The frame 200 is similar to that of a bicycle. It comprises an upper horizontal tube 210 on which is fixed a seat or a saddle 211. This tube upper 210 is extended by a first oblique tube 220 and a first vertical tube 230 both facing downwards. A second oblique tube 240 connects the front end of the first oblique tube 220 and the base of the vertical tube 230. A third oblique tube 250 connects the base of the vertical tube 230 to the rear of the upper tube 210. The rear fork or base 260 on which is fixed the rear wheel 264 is anchored to the base of the vertical tube 230. The stays 265 connect the upper tube 210 to the base 260.

The stays 265 may possibly be replaced by a suspension of the combined spring-damper type, in which case the anchoring of the base 260 on the rigid frame must allow the pivoting of this base.

The steering tube 270 is arranged at the junction point of the first 220 and third 240 oblique tubes. It supports the steering column 271 at the top of which is disposed the handlebar 272 and at the base of which is fixed a distribution plate 273 on which are connected the steering rods left 274 and right 275. The steering mechanism is explained further .

At the front of the steering tube 270 is fixed a substantially horizontal inclination tube 280, whose axis is in the plane of the frame 200. A mounting plate 281 is mounted at the front end of the inclination tube 280 to be fixed to the coupling member 300. This inclination tube 280 is additionally based on the axle 100 via a first 282 and a second 283 resilient blocks of the silentbloc type on which it is advantageously fixed although this fastener is not shown.

With reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b, a first embodiment of the steering mechanism is explained. The distribution plate 273 has a first section which is rigidly fixed to the base of the steering column 271 by means of a screw 285. It pivots in synchronism with this column. This first section is extended towards the rear by a second section which is substantially horizontal and this plate thus has an angle between its two sections which compensate for the angle made by the steering column 271 with the vertical. Nevertheless, if this plate were flattened, it would appear as an isosceles triangle whose base constitutes its rear flank. At the top that joins the two equal sides is the opening for the screw 185 and two other holes are formed at the other two peaks. The first orifice is provided with a first ball 286 on which is articulated the left steering rod 274. The second orifice is provided with a second ball 287 on which is articulated the right steering rod 275. The left link 274, respectively right 275 is also connected by a third 288, respectively a fourth 289 ball joint, the left rocket 133 respectively right 134, this so quite classic. This embodiment has the advantage of offering great mechanical simplicity. It allows to operate the rods 274, 275 by turning the handlebar 272 for maneuvering at low speed. It also allows to operate these links by tilting the frame 200 without using the handlebars 272 in the curves taken at higher speed. It still allows to operate these rods by turning the handlebars and tilting the frame simultaneously.

With reference to FIG. 4, a second more conventional embodiment is proposed.

Here, the inclination tube 280 is hollow and it is similar to a cylinder of revolution along the axis of which is disposed a deflection axis 420. The steering tube 270 is somewhat modified since it incorporates a return of angle 410 or cardan-type constant velocity joint for transmitting the rotation of the steering column 271 to this deflection axis 420. The column 271 is held in the steering tube 270 by means of two ball bearings 411, 412. It is moreover blocked in translation by a system well known to those skilled in the art which is not shown so as not to overload the figure.

Since the inclination tube 280 is hollow, it is now fixed to the second elastic stud 283 via a ring 430 or a collar.

The end of the deflection axis 420 opposite that which is joined to the bevel gear 410 is equipped with a matching member 440 which transmits the rotational movement to a conventional steering box 450. By way of example, it is possible to envisage a toothed wheel secured to the deflection axis 420 which engages on a rack which is itself integral with the steering gearbox 450. With reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c, one embodiment preferential of the coupling member 300 is detailed. In FIG. 5a, the fixing lug 141 has three holes 310 intended for its attachment to the support 140 integral with the axle 100. It also comprises a first 321, a second 322 and a third 323 orifices arranged at 120 ° by reference. in the center of the circle on which they appear.

In FIG. 5b, the fixing plate 281 which is mounted at the end of the inclination tube 280 has a fourth 324, a fifth 325 and a sixth 326 orifices arranged at 120 ° with reference to the center of the circle on which they appear, this circle having the same diameter as the circle on which appear the three orifices 321, 322, 323 of the fixing lug 141.

In Figure 5c, the coupling member 300 is a resilient rubber member having two substantially parallel faces. It is here hollowed out at its center to increase its radial elasticity. It comprises successively a first 331, a second 332, a third 333, a fourth 334, a fifth 335 and a sixth 336 openings which open on each of the faces and whose axes are perpendicular to these same faces.

These six cylindrical openings are arranged at 60 ° with reference to the center of the circle on which they appear, this circle having the same diameter as those on which the openings 321, 322, 323 of the fixing lug 141 and the orifices 324, 325, 326 of the mounting plate 281. By way of example, one can retain as coupling member 300 an elastic coupling marketed under the trademark JUBOFLEX by the company PAULSTRA domiciled 61 rue Marius Aufan, 92305 Levallois-Perret, France.

The coupling member 300 is fixed to the fixing lug 141 by means of three bolts which pass through one, the first orifice 321 and the first opening 331, the second, the second orifice 322 and the third opening 333, and the third, the third port 323 and the fifth opening 335. Similarly, a fourth bolt through the fourth port 324 and the second opening 332, a fifth bolt through the fifth port 325 and the fourth opening 334, while a sixth bolt through the sixth hole 326 and the sixth opening 336.

One can imagine many other types of coupling devices. For example, an elastic joint may consist of an inner tube and an outer tube, these two concentric tubes being connected by a ring of elastomer or other elastic material. The two elements to be coupled are secured one to the inner tube and the other to the outer tube.

The important point is that the coupling member opposes a relative resistance to the relative rotation of the two elements that it connects. Otherwise, said, this member must have a non-zero angular impedance. The impedance here is of the spring type, that is to say that it has a resistance to rotation whose amplitude is substantially proportional to the angular displacement. Although it is not shown, this coupling member may comprise, in addition to or instead of the spring, an angular damper. In this case, it presents a resistance to rotation whose amplitude is substantially proportional to the angular velocity.

Thus, with reference to FIG. 6, a left connecting member 352 is provided which is fixed by means of articulations (not shown) on the one hand at the periphery of the frame 110 of the axle 100 and on the other hand to a vertical stop 351 protruding from the inclination tube 280 at its upper part.

This connecting member 352 which, unlike the coupling member 300 works in translation, has a mobility and a non-zero mechanical impedance. He also opposes the rotation of the inclination tube 280 about its longitudinal axis. It consists of a spring, a damper or a suspension module designed to perform both functions. Again, it is preferably adjustable.

Although only one connecting member can perform the required function or functions, for reasons of symmetry and balance of the masses, it is preferable to arrange a right connecting member 353 symmetrically to the left member with reference to the plane. vertical which contains the longitudinal axis of the inclination tube 280.

The vehicle presented so far is a tricycle with a steering axle. The person skilled in the art understands that the invention also applies to a tricycle provided with a single front steering wheel and a rear axle because the modifications to be made are minor: it is even a matter of simplification since the steering system is substantially simplified. The tilt tube is here arranged at the back of the frame instead of being at the front.

The invention also applies to a four-wheeled vehicle having a tilting frame connected by a first coupling member to a steering front axle and a second coupling member to a rear axle.

Moreover, the propulsion system of the vehicle has not been detailed because it is not the heart of the invention. Indeed all known systems can easily adapt to this vehicle: - muscle propulsion using a chain connecting a pedal to a pinion,

- motor propulsion assisted by an electric motor, or

- only motorized propulsion using electrical or thermal energy. The embodiments of the invention presented above have been chosen in view of their concrete nature. It would not be possible, however, to list exhaustively all the embodiments covered by this invention. In particular, any means described may be replaced by equivalent means without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1) Vehicle with at least three wheels comprising:

- an axle (100) at the ends of which are two wheels (131, 132), - a frame (200) tiltable on which is fixed at least one additional wheel (264),

- A coupling member (300) disposed between said axle (100) and said frame (200) to allow relative rotation thereof, characterized in that it comprises an angular damping means.

2) Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that said coupling member (300) comprises an angular return means.

3) Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of said angular means is adjustable.

4) Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one connecting member (352, 353) for connecting said axle (100) and said frame (200) at distinct points, this connecting member having non-zero linear mobility and mechanical impedance.

5) Vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that said connecting member (352, 353) comprises a linear return means.

6) Vehicle according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that said connecting member (352, 353) comprises a linear damping means.

7) Vehicle according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that at least one of said linear means is adjustable.

8) A vehicle according to any preceding claim characterized in that, said coupling member (300) being attached to a tilt tube (280) integral with said frame (200), this tube inclination rests on at least one elastic stud (282, 283) fixed on said axle (100).

9) A vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that, said axle (100) being arranged at the front, it is director.

10) Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said axle (100) is disposed at the rear.

11) Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an additional axle is fixed on said frame.

12) Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a propulsion mechanism intended to be driven by the muscular energy.

13) Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a motor.