WO2020058582A1

WO2020058582A1 - Motor vehicle of the gyropode type

Info

Publication number: WO2020058582A1
Application number: PCT/FR2018/052276
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hubert Tridon De Rey; Julien DE PANAFIEU
Original assignee: PRÉVOT, Corinne
Priority date: 2018-09-17
Filing date: 2018-09-17
Publication date: 2020-03-26

Abstract

The motor vehicle (1), of the gyropode type, comprises a motorized chassis (3, 4, 5, 6) that is arranged so as to move the vehicle relative to the ground (S), the chassis comprising two lateral wheels (5) and a central platform (4) interposed between the two wheels, a seat (2) that can be occupied by a passenger mounted on the platform and a stabilizing skid (10) mounted beneath the platform, the stabilizing skid being mounted beneath the platform so as to be able to move, at least in vertical (V) translation, between primed and activated positions, and the vehicle further comprising means for implementing emergency movement (40, 41, 43) of the stabilizing skid from its primed position to its activated position.

Description

GYROPODE TYPE MOTOR VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a motor vehicle of the Segway type comprising a motorized chassis.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Currently, Segway type motor vehicles, such as those of the company Segway, include redundancy of their piloting and control systems to deal with possible failures. Thus, the critical elements are duplicated so that when one of the pair of elements fails, the other takes over. This considerably increases the cost of the vehicle thus designed.

Other embodiments of motor vehicles of the Segway type, such as that described in document EP2058216, include a device limiting tilting comprising a pad rigidly fixed to the vehicle and which extends opposite and at a certain distance from the ground of so that when the vehicle tips over a certain threshold with respect to the vertical, the shoe comes to rest on the ground at one of its ends. However, in the event of a breakdown, in particular of the steering and control system, such a rigidly fixed pad does not make it possible to quickly and safely secure the vehicle in a position compatible with a user with reduced mobility.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle of the Segway type comprising an emergency safety device which is simple and robust while being economical and comfortable for a user with reduced mobility.

To this end, there is provided, according to the invention, a motor vehicle, of the Segway type, comprising a motorized chassis arranged so as to move the vehicle relative to the ground, the chassis comprising two lateral wheels and a central platform interposed between the two wheels, a seat which can be occupied by a passenger mounted on the platform and a stabilization pad mounted under the platform, the stabilization pad being mounted movable under the platform, at least in vertical translation between armed and activated positions, and the vehicle further comprising means for implementing an emergency movement of the stabilization pad from its armed position to its activated position.

Advantageously, but optionally, the motor vehicle according to the invention has at least one of the following technical characteristics:

- The means for implementing a displacement of the stabilization pad comprise a source of gas under pressure;

- The source of pressurized gas comprises a compressed gas cartridge;

- The source of pressurized gas comprises a gas generator, in particular a pyrotechnic actuator;

- The vehicle comprises a cylinder fluidly connected to the source of pressurized gas;

- The means for implementing a displacement of the stabilization pad comprise at least one spring;

- the stabilization pad is mounted under the platform via a deformable spider;

- The vehicle further comprises a system for retaining the stabilization pad in the armed position;

the vehicle comprises means for resetting the stabilization pad in the armed position; and,

- the reset means comprise a winch and an associated cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention. In the accompanying drawings: - Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention, the emergency safety device is in the armed position;

- Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the vehicle of Figure 2, the emergency safety device in the activated position;

- Figure 4 is a schematic detail view of the vehicle emergency safety device of Figures 2 and 3;

- Figure 5 is a schematic detail view of an alternative embodiment of the emergency safety device of Figure 4; and,

- Figure 6 is a schematic detail view of the emergency safety device of a third embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

For the sake of clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs in all of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Referring to Figure 1, we will describe a first embodiment of a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 1 according to the invention is of the Segway type and comprises a motorized chassis 3, 4, 5, 6, as well as a seat 2 which can be occupied by a passenger, user of the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention. The motorized chassis comprises two lateral wheels 5 mounted on an axis 6 around which they can have a rotational movement. The motorized chassis further comprises a central platform 4 interposed between the two side wheels 5 and through which the axis 6 passes. The central platform 4 comprises a motorization system of the motor vehicle arranged so as to cause rotation of the side wheels 5 so as to generate a displacement of the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention with respect to the ground S, as well as a control and piloting unit of the motorization system. The motorized chassis also includes a support 3 surmounting the central platform 4 and fixed thereon. The support 3 serves here as an interface for mounting the seat 2 on the central platform 4 of the motorized chassis of the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention.

On the other hand, the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention comprises a stabilization pad 10 which is here mounted under the central platform 4 so that, when using the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention, the stabilization pad 10 is positioned between the ground S and said central platform 4. The stabilization pad 10 is mounted under the platform 4 movable at least in vertical translation in a direction V between a rest position called "armed", illustrated in Figure 1, and a stabilization position called "activated". In the armed or rest position, the stabilization pad 10 is raised so as to be at a distance from the ground S so as not to accidentally disturb a movement on the ground S of the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention. In the activated or stabilization position, the stabilization pad 10 is supported on the ground S, the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention being immobilized and then being thus kept in the vertical position and prevented by the stabilization pad 10 from tilting.

The stabilization pad 10 is, here illustrated, mounted under the platform via a deformable spider 20. The deformable spider 20 here comprises first 26 and second 27 bars mounted to each other free to rotate around an axis 25. The axis 25 is located, here, at the level of a barycenter of the bars 26, 27. The first bar 26 has a first end 24 mounted on the central platform 4, at least free to rotate, and a second end 23 mounted on the stabilization pad 10, at least free to rotate. Similarly, the second bar 27 comprises a first end 21 mounted on the central platform 4, at least free to rotate, and a second end 22 mounted on the stabilization pad 10, at least free to rotate. To allow deformation of the deformable spider 20, at least one of the first ends 21, 24 and at least one of the second ends 22, 23 are mounted, in addition, free to translate, respectively on the central platform 4 and on the stabilization pad 10, in a direction perpendicular to the direction V of the translational movement of the stabilization pad 10. The motor vehicle 1 according to the invention further comprises means for implementing an emergency movement 40, 41, 43 of the stabilization pad 10 from its armed position to its activated position resting on the ground S. The means for implementing an emergency movement are controlled by the control and steering unit of the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention. The control and piloting unit triggers the means for implementing an emergency movement when it detects a malfunction or a breakdown on the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention endangering the stability of said motor vehicle 1 according to the invention.

The means for implementing an emergency movement comprise, according to one embodiment, a source of pressurized gas 41 located in the central platform 4. The source of pressurized gas is for example a cartridge of compressed gas. Alternatively, the source of pressurized gas is a gas generator such as, for example, a pyrotechnic actuator as used in the airbags. With this source of pressurized gas 41 is associated a jack 43 fluidly connected to this source of pressurized gas. For example, here illustrated, the jack 43 is positioned between the central platform 4 and the stabilization pad 10: it acts directly on the stabilization pad 10. In an alternative embodiment, the jack 43 acts directly on the axis 25 of the spider deformable 20.

On the other hand, the means for implementing an emergency displacement include a retaining system 40 in the armed position of the stabilization pad 10. For example, in a manner known per se, the retaining system 40 is of the hook or strike type, preferably magnetic or electric implementing any instantaneous electrical tripping method.

In order to ensure a supply of the means for implementing an emergency movement 40, 41, 43 and the steering and control unit of the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention, there is provided backup battery 42, here located in the central platform 4.

Referring to Figures 2 to 4, we will describe a second embodiment of a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention. In the illustrations of this second embodiment, the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention is represented in a simplified manner by its seat 2, its wheels 5 and its central platform 4 and support 3 (in the form of a vertical column). On a face opposite the seat, the stabilization pad comprises first 11 and second 12 runners extending parallel to the stabilization pad 10 and slidingly receiving the ends 23 and 22 respectively of the deformable spider 20. In this embodiment, the axis 25 of the cross 20 is fixed relative to the central support / platform 3,4. The means for implementing an emergency movement here comprise a series of tension springs 28, 29. A first tension spring 28 connects the end 22 of the bar 27 of the deformable cross 20 to a point of attachment 13 of the stabilization pad 10. A second tension spring 28 connects, symmetrically to the first tension spring, the end 23 of the bar 26 of the deformable cross 20 at the point of attachment 13 of the stabilization pad 10. On the other hand, a third tension spring 29 connects the end 21 of the bar 27 of the deformable cross 20 to the support 3 or to the central platform 4, and again symmetrically, a fourth tension spring 29 connects the end 24 of the bar 26 of the deformable cross 20 to the support 3 or to the central platform 4. Thus, in the armed position illustrated in Figure 2, the series of tension springs 28,29 are in tension. Once the restraint system 40 has released the stabilization pad 10 from its armed position, under the action of the series of tension springs 28, 29 which return to their rest configuration, the deformable cross 20 deforms so in that the stabilization pad 10 descends and comes into contact with the ground S as illustrated in FIG. 3. The stabilization pad 10 is then in the activated position. This position is maintained by the residual tension exerted by the series of tension springs 28, 29 which are arranged so as not to then reach their rest configuration. Thus a bearing force of the stabilization pad 10 on the ground S is ensured in the activated position.

According to an alternative embodiment, illustrated in Figure 4, the stabilization pad 10 comprises a base body 14 below which is arranged a sole 15 of rubber conforming to a shape of the base body 14. From preferably, the stabilization pad 10 has a ski shape with raised ends.

So as to be able to return the stabilization pad 10 to the armed position, the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention comprises rearming means 30, 31, one embodiment of which is illustrated in FIG. 5. Here, the rearming means comprises a winch 30 located in a housing of the central platform 4 or in the support 3 and a cable driven by the winch 30, one free end of which is fixed to the stabilization pad 10, for example at the point of attachment 13. In the armed position of the stabilization pad 10, the cable 31 is loosely wound so that upon triggering the implementation of an emergency movement the inertia of the winch does not come to oppose moving the stabilization pad 10 to its activated position. For this, once the stabilization pad 10 in the armed position, the retaining system 40 engaged, the winch 30 unrolls somewhat the cable 31 which remains loose within the housing of the winch 30. A slicing system is provided for the correct winding of the cable 31 on the winch 30.

Referring to Figure 6, we will now briefly describe a third embodiment of a motor vehicle 100 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 100 according to the invention differs from the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention by the fact that the means for implementing an emergency movement include, in place of the deformable spider 20, at least one pair of links 126,127 located here on either side of the central platform 4. A first link 126 is fixed freely to rotate on the central platform 4 at an upper end 124 while a lower end 123 is received at sliding in the slide 11 of the stabilization pad 10. On the other hand, the lower end 123 is connected to the central platform 4 by means of a first tension spring 129. Symmetrically, a second link 127 is fixed free to rotate on the central platform 4 at an upper end 121 while a lower end 122 is slidably received in the slide 12 of the stabilizer pad tion 10. On the other hand, the lower end 122 is connected to the central platform 4 by means of a second tension spring 129. In operation, the tension springs 129 operate in the same way as the tension springs 28 previously described. According to an alternative embodiment, the links 126, 127 are of fixed length. According to another alternative embodiment, the links 126, 127 are gas cylinders fluidly associated with a source of pressurized gas such as a compressed gas cartridge. Alternatively, the source of pressurized gas is a gas generator such as, for example, a pyrotechnic actuator as used in the airbags. According to yet another variant, the links 126, 127 are telescopic and each comprise a compression spring allowing their deployment. In other alternative embodiments of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the latter further comprises additional and independent means for parking said motor vehicle according to the invention. These parking means allow the passenger to move the stabilization pad between its rest and stabilization positions independently of the means of implementing an emergency movement previously mentioned.

Of course, it is possible to make numerous modifications to the invention without going beyond the ambit of the latter.

Claims

1. Motor vehicle (1; 100), of the Segway type, comprising a motorized chassis (3, 4, 5, 6) arranged so as to move the vehicle relative to the ground (S), the chassis comprising two lateral wheels (5 ) and a central platform (4) interposed between the two wheels, a seat (2) occupied by a passenger mounted on the platform and a stabilization pad (10) mounted under the platform, characterized in that the stabilization pad is mounted movable under the platform, at least in vertical translation (V) between armed and activated positions, and in that the vehicle also comprises means for implementing an emergency movement (40,41, 43; 28 , 29; 129) of the stabilization pad from its armed position to its activated position.

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for implementing a displacement of the stabilization pad comprise a source of pressurized gas (41).

3. Vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the source of pressurized gas comprises a cartridge of compressed gas.

4. Vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the source of pressurized gas comprises a gas generator, in particular a pyrotechnic actuator.

5. Vehicle according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a jack (43) fluidly connected to the source of pressurized gas.

6. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the means for implementing a displacement of the stabilization pad comprise at least one spring (28,29; 129).

7. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the stabilization pad is mounted under the platform via a deformable spider (20).

8. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises a retaining system (40) of the stabilization pad in the armed position.

9. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises rearming means (30,31) of the stabilization pad in the armed position.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the resetting means comprise a winch (30) and an associated cable (31).