DE202018101757U1 - Improved folding mechanism for an electric scooter - Google Patents

Abstract

Scooter, in particular scooter, comprising a handlebar (12), a running board (14), a front suspension (16) for carrying at least one front wheel (20), a rear suspension (18) for carrying at least one rear wheel (22), an electric auxiliary drive (24) for driving the at least one front and / or the at least one rear wheel (20, 22), and a pivoting device (26), wherein the pivoting device (26) the handlebar (12) and the footboard (14) pivotably interconnected so that the handlebar (12) and the footboard (14) are pivotable relative to each other between a driving position (28) and a transport position (30), and wherein the footboard (14) includes a receiving means (54) for receiving the pivoting means (26) with at least one receiving element (56), characterized in that each receiving element (56) has a first and a second wedge-shaped recess (62, 64), wherein the pivoting device (26 ) has a wedge-shaped wedge element (74), and wherein the wedge element (74) in the driving position (28) with the first wedge-shaped recess (62) and in the transport position (30) with the second wedge-shaped recess (64) is engageable ,

Description

The present invention relates to a scooter, in particular scooter, with a handlebar, a footboard, a front suspension for supporting at least one front wheel, a rear suspension for supporting at least one rear wheel, an electric auxiliary drive for driving the at least one front and / or at least one rear wheel, and a pivoting device, wherein the pivoting means pivotably connects the handlebar and the footboard so that the handlebar and the footboard are pivotable relative to each other between a driving position and a transporting position, and wherein the footboard includes a receiving means for receiving the pivoting means Has at least one receiving element. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for folding such a scooter.

Such scooters are already known in the art.

For example, the document shows EP 2 425 989 A1 a scooter having a receiving device attached to the running board and a pivoting device connected to the handlebar. The receiving device and the pivoting device are rotatably connected to each other. The pivoting device has a round bolt and the receiving device has a plurality of recesses complementary to the bolt. The bolt is disposed in the recesses to lock the pivot member and the receptacle with respect to a plurality of positions, in particular a driving position or a transport position. In this case, the bolt is biased in the direction of the receiving element. Furthermore, an actuating element is provided which cooperates with the bolt to move the bolt against the biasing force of the recesses and thus to allow a free rotation between the individual positions.

Furthermore, for example, the document shows DE 10 2013 003 484 A1 a scooter, which also has a receiving element and a pivoting element, which are also connected to each other rotatable. For locking the pivoting element and the receiving element with each other, the pivoting element on a round pin and the receiving element has two complementary thereto formed recesses according to a driving position and a transport position.

Furthermore, for example, the document shows CN 103228897 U another roller, which has a pivoting device and a receiving device, which are rotatably connected to each other and can be locked in individual positions.

The known in the art bolts and recesses are typically made so ex works that the bolt can be arranged without play in the recesses. When driving with such a roller, in particular in the driving position, large forces act on the bolt and the recess, so that wear, in particular abrasion and deformation on bolts and the recesses, occurs. This results in that the bolt and the recesses are no longer formed exactly complementary, so that the bolt in the recesses can not be arranged without play. This leads to an increased wear, since the bolt can move or vibrate in the recess. On the other hand, the handlebar in the driving position is no longer strong and stable connected to the footboard, which significantly reduces the ride comfort and safety feeling for a user of the scooter.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved scooter with electric auxiliary drive which provides an improved folding mechanism.

According to a first aspect of the invention is a scooter, in particular scooter, with a handlebar, a running board, a front suspension for supporting at least one front wheel, a rear suspension for supporting at least one rear wheel, an electric auxiliary drive for driving the at least one front and / or the at least one rear wheel, and a pivoting device provided. The pivoting device pivotally connects the handlebar and the footboard together so that the handlebar and footboard are pivotable relative to each other between a driving position and a transporting position. The footboard has a receiving device for receiving the pivoting device with at least one receiving element. Each receiving element has a first and a second wedge-shaped recess. The pivoting device has a wedge-shaped wedge element. The wedge element is engageable in the driving position with the first wedge-shaped recess and in the transport position with the second wedge-shaped recess.

• - Anordnen der Lenkstange und des Trittbretts relativ zueinander in einer Fahrposition oder in einer Transportposition, wobei das Keilelement in der Fahrposition in Eingriff mit der ersten Ausnehmung und in der Transportposition in Eingriff mit der zweiten Ausnehmung ist;
• - Verschwenken der Lenkstange und des Trittbretts relativ zueinander in die Transportposition oder in die Fahrposition; und
• - in Eingriff Bringen des Keilelements mit der ersten Ausnehmung, wenn die Lenkstange und das Trittbrett relativ zueinander in der Fahrposition angeordnet sind oder in Eingriff Bringen des Keilelements mit der zweiten Ausnehmung, wenn die Lenkstange und das Trittbrett seitlich zueinander in der Transportposition angeordnet sind.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is further provided a method of folding a scooter, in particular a scooter, the scooter comprising a handlebar, a running board, a front suspension for supporting at least one front wheel, a rear suspension for supporting at least one rear wheel, an electric auxiliary drive for driving the at least one front and / or the at least one rear wheel, and a pivoting device, wherein the pivoting device pivotally connects the handlebar and the footboard, wherein the footboard has a receiving device for receiving the pivoting device with at least one receiving element, wherein each receiving element has a first and a second wedge-shaped recess, wherein the pivoting device has a wedge-shaped wedge element, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

• Arranging the handlebar and the footboard relative to one another in a driving position or in a transport position, wherein the wedge element in the driving position in engagement with the first recess and in the transport position in engagement with the second recess;
• - pivoting the handlebar and the footboard relative to each other in the transport position or in the driving position; and
• engaging the wedge member with the first recess when the handlebar and the footboard are disposed relative to each other in the driving position or engaging the wedge member with the second recess when the handlebar and footboard are disposed laterally relative to each other in the transport position.

In this way, the pivoting device and the receiving device are connected to each other with increasing usage time and the associated wear play in the driving position. This is made possible by the fact that the wedge surfaces of the wedge and the complementary inner surfaces of the recess are formed so that when the wear occurs only the wedge slips further into the recess and therefore can continue to be arranged without play in the recess.

Furthermore, the wedge surfaces lie flat on the side surfaces of the recesses, which creates a surface pressure in the first recess, in particular when driving. As a result, the wear is significantly reduced, since the forces now not punctiform but surface act.

The object initially posed is therefore completely solved.

In one embodiment of the scooter can be provided that the pivot means comprises a receptacle for the handlebar, in which the handlebar is rotatably mounted.

The handlebar is mounted in the pivoting device so that during the driving operation of the scooter in the driving position, a steering movement of the scooter is executable. The receptacle is preferably formed as a perforation or as a tube through which the handlebar extends in the longitudinal direction.

In a further embodiment of the scooter can be provided that extends in the transport position, a longitudinal axis of the running board substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handlebar.

As a result, the scooter is folded as compact as possible in the transport position and can thereby be transported in an advantageous manner. Preferably, the handlebar is in the transport position on the rear wheel or the rear suspension.

In a further embodiment of the scooter can be provided that in the driving position, a longitudinal axis of the footboard with a longitudinal axis of the handlebar an angle of 45 ° to 120 °, preferably 60 ° to 90 °, in particular 80 °, 81 °, 82 °, 83rd °, 84 °, 85 °, 86 °, 87 °.

During the driving operation in which the scooter is arranged in the driving position, a user of the scooter stands on a tread of the running board and holds with his hands the handlebar, in particular a handlebar formed or mounted on the upper end of the handlebar. In order for the user to hold the handlebar, the handlebar extends away from the footboard in the direction of the user. The handlebar can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the footboard. It is advantageous in this case if the handlebar is inclined slightly towards the user and encloses an angle of less than 90 ° with the running board, since the user can thereby grasp the handlebar more easily and has better steering control.

In a further embodiment of the scooter can be provided that the pivoting means comprises a shaft on which each receiving element is rotatably mounted.

In other words, the shaft wets the receiving elements and allows pivotal movement of the receiving elements about a longitudinal axis of the shaft. As a result, a pivotal connection between the handlebar and the footboard is made in a simple manner. The shaft preferably extends perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the footboard.

In a further embodiment of the scooter can be provided that each of the receiving elements has a bore through which the shaft extends.

The pivoting device is thereby pivotally mounted on the shaft on each receiving element of the footboard. Preferably, the bore is dimensioned such that an inner diameter of the bore corresponds to an outer diameter of the shaft. As a result, the pivoting device is mounted without play on the receiving elements and allows only a rotational movement about a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

In a further embodiment of the roller can be provided that each of the first and second recess is radially outwardly open and widened radially outward.

Outside in this context means that each receiving element has an outer side, wherein the wedge element is arranged adjacent to the outer side. The wedge member is movable along this outside. The wedge element can then penetrate into each of the recesses and be brought into abutment with the inner contour of the recess. As a result, the wedge element can be brought into engagement with the recess.

In a further embodiment of the scooter can be provided that the pivoting means comprises a spring element, wherein the wedge element is prestressed by means of the spring element in the first recess in the driving position and in the second recess in the transport position.

Thereby, the wedge member is held in both the driving position and in the transport position, in which it is held in the corresponding recess by the biasing force in engagement. This avoids that the wedge element is inadvertently brought out of engagement with the respective recess during driving or during transport of the scooter.

In a further embodiment of the scooter can be provided that the pivoting device further comprises a spring retainer, wherein the spring element is fixed to one of the receiving device side facing the wedge member and the spring holder.

At substantially the same distance between the spring holder and the wedge element and the biasing force is substantially equal, since both components are arranged in the pivoting device. When adjusting the biasing force is generally to ensure that the wedge member is secured in the driving position and the transport position in the corresponding recesses, but also a release of the wedge member by a user of the scooter is possible to the handlebar and the footboard between the driving position and to transfer the transport position. If the pretensioning forces in the driving position and the transporting position are approximately the same, the pretensioning force can be better adapted to the aforementioned points.

In a further embodiment of the roller can be provided that a depth of the first recess is greater than a depth of the second recess.

During driving in the driving position, greater forces act on the folding mechanism of a scooter than during transport in the transport position. Accordingly, the wear of the components of the folding mechanism, in particular of the wedge element and the recesses, in the driving position is greater than in the transport position. Accordingly, it is advantageous if the first recess corresponding to the driving position is deeper than the second recess corresponding to the transport position, since the wedge element penetrates deeper into the first recess with increasing wear than into the second recess.

In a further embodiment of the roller can be provided that a cross-sectional profile of the wedge element is complementary to a cross-sectional profile of the first recess and / or the second recess.

As a result, the wedge element, when it engages with one of the recesses, lies flat against at least one of the side surfaces of this recess. As a result, the wear of the wedge element and the recess is reduced because forces act flat and not punctual. Furthermore, the wedge element is better secured by the two-dimensional recording of the wedge element in the recess, as a result of the flat contact a greater stiction, which must be overcome in addition to or alternatively to the biasing force of a spring, especially if the wedge element is jammed in the recess.

In a further embodiment of the roller can be provided that the first recess and the second recess each have two side surfaces extending from an open end to a closed end, wherein a distance of the respective side surfaces at the open end is greater than a Distance of the respective side surfaces at the closed end.

The wedge member may then penetrate into each of the recesses and be brought into abutment with at least one of the side surfaces of the recess. As a result, the wedge element can be brought into engagement with the recess.

In a further embodiment of the scooter can be provided that the wedge element two opposite wedge surfaces which extend from a side facing away from the receiving device to a receiving device facing side of the wedge element, and wherein the distance of the wedge surfaces to each other on the side facing away from the receiving device of the wedge member is greater than on the receiving device side facing the wedge member.

The wedge surfaces of the wedge element thus have the same distance profile as the side surfaces of each recess. When the wedge element is brought into engagement in one of the recesses, at least one of the wedge surfaces lies flat against the correspondingly facing side surface of the recess.

In a further embodiment of the roller can be provided that the distance of the side surfaces of the first recess at the closed end is smaller than the distance of the wedge surfaces of the wedge member on the receiving device side facing.

This ensures that the wedge element does not completely penetrate into the first recess until it comes into contact with at least one of the side surfaces of the first recess. When wear on the wedge element and / or the recess use each other, whereby the wedge element can penetrate further into the recess. Since the wedge element previously does not completely penetrate into the first recess, it is ensured even with onset of wear that the wedge element holds flat in the recess.

In a further embodiment of the roller can be provided that the distance of the side surfaces of each recess at the open end is greater than the distance of the wedge surfaces of the wedge member on the receiving device side facing.

This ensures that the wedge element can penetrate into each recess and can be brought into engagement with the respective recess.

In a further embodiment of the scooter can be provided that the pivoting means an actuating element, in particular a lever, which is in operative connection with the wedge element, so that the wedge element from the first recess and out of the second recess can be moved out.

The actuator cooperates with the wedge member such that the wedge member is disengaged from the respective recess and moved out. Thus, the pivoting device can be pivoted after actuation of the actuating element between the driving position and the transport position.

In a further embodiment of the scooter can be provided that the pivot means comprises a motion transmitting member, wherein the wedge member has a recess, wherein the motion transmitting member extends through the recess, and wherein the motion transmitting member is rotatably connected to the actuating element.

A rotational movement of the actuating element about an axis on which the motion transmission element and the actuating element are connected is thus transferable via the recess and the motion transmission element into a relative movement of the wedge element with respect to the receiving device, in particular with respect to the first and second recesses. By this arrangement, an operative connection between the wedge member and the actuating element for disengaging the wedge member from the respective recess is produced in a simple and compact manner.

In a further embodiment of the scooter can be provided that the recess extends through both wedge surfaces of the wedge element.

With this arrangement of the recess, the rotary motion of the actuator displaces the wedge member in a direction parallel to the direction from the narrow end of the wedge to the broad end of the wedge.

In a further embodiment of the scooter can be provided that the pivoting means comprises a securing element which is designed such that it secures the actuating element when the wedge element is brought into engagement with the first recess or the second recess.

By means of the securing element, the actuating element can be secured in the driving position and the transport position, to ensure that during driving or transport of the scooter, the actuating element does not accidentally triggers and brings the wedge element out of engagement with the respective recess. Only by a release of the fuse element by a user of the scooter so that the actuator can be actuated.

In one embodiment of the method can be provided that the pivoting means comprises a spring element, wherein in the step of engaging the wedge member by a biasing force of the spring element in engagement with the first recess or the second recess is brought.

It is thereby achieved that after a pivoting between the driving position and the transport position in one of the respective positions, the wedge element is automatically brought into engagement by the biasing force of the spring element with the corresponding recess.

In a further embodiment of the method it can be provided that the method further comprises the step that the wedge element by means of the spring element in the first recess, when the handlebar and the footboard are arranged relative to each other in the driving position, or in the second recess, when the handlebar and the footboard are arranged relative to each other in the transport position, is biased.

The wedge element is held both in the driving position and in the transport position by the biasing force in the corresponding recess. This avoids that the wedge element is inadvertently brought out of engagement with the respective recess during driving or during transport of the scooter.

In a further embodiment of the method it can be provided that the pivoting device has an actuating element, in particular a lever, which is in operative connection with the wedge element, wherein the method further comprises the step that the actuating element is unlocked to a movement of the actuating element permit.

By securing the actuator, the actuator can be held in the driving position and the transport position to ensure that during driving or transport of the scooter, the actuator does not accidentally triggers and disengages the wedge member from the respective recess. Only by the unlocking of the fuse element by a user of the scooter so that the actuator can be actuated.

In a further embodiment of the method can be provided that the pivoting means an actuating element, in particular a lever, which is in operative connection with the wedge element, wherein the method further comprises the step that the actuating element for moving out of the wedge element from the first recess when the handlebar and the footboard are arranged relative to each other in the driving position, or from the second recess, when the handlebar and the footboard are arranged relative to each other in the transport position, is actuated. Preferably, the actuating element is pivoted for actuation.

The actuating element cooperates with the wedge element in such a way that the wedge element is disengaged from the respective recess and moved out. Thus, the pivoting device can be pivoted after actuation of the actuating element between the driving position and the transport position.

In a further embodiment of the method, it may be provided that the method further comprises the step of securing the actuating element when the wedge element is brought into engagement with the first recess or the second recess.

By securing the actuator, the actuator can be held in the driving position and the transport position to ensure that during driving or transport of the scooter, the actuator does not accidentally triggers and disengages the wedge element out of engagement with the respective recess. Only by a release of the fuse element by a user of the scooter, so that the actuator can be actuated.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination indicated, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

• 1 eine isometrische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform eines Tretrollers, der in einer Fahrposition angeordnet ist;
• 2 eine Seitenansicht des Tretrollers aus 1;
• 3 eine Seitenansicht des Tretrollers aus 1, wobei der Tretroller in einer Transportposition angeordnet ist;
• 4 eine isometrische Ansicht eines Klappmechanismus des Tretrollers aus 1 in der Fahrposition;
• 5 eine Detailansicht des Klappmechanismus aus 4;
• 6a eine Draufsicht auf ein Keilelement des Klappmechanismus aus 4;
• 6b eine isometrische Ansicht des Keilelement des Klappmechanismus aus 4;
• 6c eine Draufsicht auf ein Aufnahmeelement des Klappmechanismus aus 4;
• 7 eine isometrische Ansicht des Klappmechanismus aus 4 in der Transportposition;
• 8 eine Detailansicht des Klappmechanismus aus 7;
• 9 eine isometrische Ansicht des Klappmechanismus aus 4 zwischen der Fahrposition und der Transportposition;
• 10 eine Detailansicht des Klappmechanismus aus 9;
• 11 eine Seitenansicht des Klappmechanismus aus 9;
• 12 eine erste Ausführungsform eines Verfahren zum Klappen eines Rollers; und
• 13 eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Verfahrens zum Klappen eines Rollers.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

• 1 an isometric view of an embodiment of a scooter, which is arranged in a driving position;
• 2 a side view of the scooter from 1 ;
• 3 a side view of the scooter from 1 wherein the scooter is arranged in a transport position;
• 4 an isometric view of a folding mechanism of scooter from 1 in the driving position;
• 5 a detailed view of the folding mechanism 4 ;
• 6a a plan view of a wedge element of the folding mechanism 4 ;
• 6b an isometric view of the wedge element of the folding mechanism 4 ;
• 6c a plan view of a receiving element of the folding mechanism 4 ;
• 7 an isometric view of the folding mechanism 4 in the transport position;
• 8th a detailed view of the folding mechanism 7 ;
• 9 an isometric view of the folding mechanism 4 between the driving position and the transport position;
• 10 a detailed view of the folding mechanism 9 ;
• 11 a side view of the folding mechanism 9 ;
• 12 a first embodiment of a method for folding a scooter; and
• 13 another embodiment of a method for folding a scooter.

The 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a scooter 10 who is in a driving position 28 is arranged. The scooter 10 has a handlebar 12 , a running board 14 , a front suspension 16 and a rear suspension 18 on. The handlebar 12 has an upper and a lower end 32 . 34 on. The footboard has a front 36 and a backside 38 on. The footboard 14 also has a tread 15 for carrying a user of the scooter 10 on. The tread 15 extends at least partially from the front 36 to the back 38 of the running board 14 ,

The front suspension 16 is at the bottom 34 the handlebar 12 arranged. In other words, the bottom end 34 the handlebar 12 the front suspension 16 facing and the upper end 32 the handlebar 12 the front suspension 16 away. The front suspension 16 is non-rotatable with the handlebar 12 connected. Preferably, the handlebar forms 12 the front suspension 16 out.

The rear suspension 18 is at the back 38 of the running board 14 arranged. In other words, the front is 36 of the running board 14 the front suspension 16 and the handlebar 12 facing and the rear suspension 18 away. The backside 38 of the running board 14 is the rear suspension 18 facing and the front suspension 16 and the handlebar 12 away. The footboard 14 is preferably substantially between the front and the rear suspension 16 . 18 arranged. Preferably, the footboard forms 14 the rear suspension 18 out.

The scooter preferably has a front wheel 20 which is also called front wheel, and a rear wheel 22 , which is also called rear wheel, on. The front suspension 16 forms a holder for the front wheel 20 out. An axle of the front wheel 20 is stored in the bracket so that the front suspension 16 the front wheel 20 wearing. The rear suspension 18 forms a holder for the rear wheel 22 out. An axle of the rear wheel 22 is stored in the bracket so that the rear suspension 18 the rear wheel 22 wearing.

The front wheel 20 and the rear wheel 22 each preferably have a diameter of 15 cm to 35 cm, in particular 25.4 cm, on. The footboard 14 is essentially between the front wheel 20 and the rear wheel 22 arranged. The front wheel 20 and the rear wheel 22 preferably have an axis distance of 55 cm to 115 cm, in particular 85 cm.

Preferably, the scooter 10 also have a plurality of front wheels and / or rear wheels, wherein the brackets of the front suspension 16 and the rear suspension 18 are designed such that they can carry the multiple front wheels and / or rear wheels.

The footboard 14 of the scooter 10 has a thickness which is preferably 2 cm to 10 cm, preferably 3 cm to 8 cm, in particular 5 cm. The thickness of the running board 14 extends perpendicular to the tread 15 of the running board 14 , The footboard 14 has a length extending longitudinally from the rear 38 to the front 36 of the running board 14 extends. The length of the running board 14 is smaller than the axis distance in a driving position 28 of the scooter 10 , The tread 15 has a length that is less than or equal to the length of the running board 14 and is preferably 30 cm to 60 cm, preferably 40 cm to 50 cm, in particular 45 cm. The footboard 14 furthermore has a width which is preferably 10 cm to 20 cm, preferably 13 cm to 18 cm, in particular 16 cm. The width of the running board 14 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the tread surface 15 , The width of the running board 14 is greater than or equal to a width of the tread 15 ,

The scooter 10 is in the driving position 28 on a floor 31 arranged. Here are the front wheel 20 and the rear wheel 22 on the ground 31 on. The footboard 14 has a ground clearance, the distance of a bottom of the footboard 14 to the ground 31 and is preferably 4 cm to 15 cm, preferably 5.5 cm to 10 cm, in particular 7 cm. This results in that the distance between the tread surface 15 and the floor 31 preferably 6 cm to 25 cm, preferably 8.5 cm to 18 cm, in particular 12 cm.

The scooter 10 also has an electric auxiliary drive 24 on. The electric auxiliary drive 24 is designed to be the front wheel 20 and / or the rear wheel 22 drive. The electric auxiliary drive 24 is preferably in the front wheel 20 and / or in the rear wheel 22 arranged. Alternatively, the electric auxiliary drive 24 also in the front suspension 16 and / or in the rear suspension 18 be arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the electric auxiliary drive 24 in the rear wheel 22 arranged.

The scooter 10 further includes a pivoting device 26 on. The pivoting device 26 connects the handlebar 12 and the running board 14 pivotable with each other, leaving the handlebar 12 and the running board 14 relative to each other between the driving position 28 and a transport position 30 are pivotable. The pivoting device 26 is between the handlebars 12 and the running board 14 arranged. The pivoting device 26 points to a front, the handlebar 12 facing side a shot 40 for the handlebar 12 on, in the handlebar 12 around a longitudinal axis 42 the handlebar 12 is rotatably mounted. The longitudinal axis 42 The handlebar runs centrally in the handlebar 12 from the lower end 34 to the upper end 32 , The recording 40 may preferably be formed as a through hole, wherein the handlebar 12 extends through the through hole.

Preferably, the handlebar 12 Locked on the pivoting device, so that a rotational movement of the handlebar 12 around the longitudinal axis 42 the handlebar 12 in the recording 40 the pivoting device 26 can be locked or lockable when the scooter 10 in the transport position 30 is arranged, and can be released or is releasable when the scooter 10 in the driving position 28 is arranged.

The pivoting device 26 is on the back, the running board 14 facing side with the footboard 14 pivotally connected. The rear side of the pivoting device 26 is so schenkbar on the front 36 of the running board 14 stored that handlebar 12 and the running board 14 relative to each other between the driving position 28 and a transport position 30 are pivotable.

In 1 and 2 is the scooter 10 in the driving position 28 shown. In the driving position are handlebar 12 and the running board 14 arranged relative to one another such that a longitudinal axis 44 of the running board 14 in the middle of the running board 14 from the front 36 to the back 38 of the running board 14 runs, with the longitudinal axis 42 the handlebar 12 an angle α of 45 ° to 120 °, preferably 60 ° to 90 °, in particular 80 °, 81 °, 82 °, 83 °, 84 °, 85 °, 86 °, 87 °.

3 shows the scooter 10 from the 1 and 2 , where the scooter in the transport position 30 is arranged. In the transport position 30 are the handlebar 12 and the running board 14 arranged so relative to each other that the longitudinal axis 44 of the running board 14 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 the handlebar 12 runs. Preferably, the longitudinal axis closes 44 of the running board 14 with the longitudinal axis 42 the handlebar 12 an angle α between 0 ° and 10 °, in particular 5 °, a.

In the 4 to 11 becomes a folding mechanism 52 of the scooter 10 out 1 describe in more detail.

The 4 and 5 show the folding mechanism 52 of the scooter 10 out 1 , where the folding mechanism 52 in the driving position 28 is arranged. The folding mechanism has elements of the pivoting device 26 and the running board 14 on that interact so that the scooter 10 between the driving position 28 and the transport position 30 is pivotable.

The footboard 14 has a recording device 54 on. The recording device 54 is at the pivoting device facing front 36 of the running board 14 arranged. The recording device 54 has two receiving elements 56 on. The recording elements 56 are on the front of the pivoting device facing 36 of the running board 14 arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 44 of the running board 14 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42 the handlebar 12 runs. The recording elements 56 essentially extend from a bottom of the running board 14 up to the tread 15 of the running board 14 , The recording elements 56 each have a hole 58 on. The holes 58 the receiving elements 56 are at the same height between the underside of the running board 14 and the tread 15 of the running board 14 arranged. Alternatively, only one receiving element 56 with a hole 58 be provided.

Furthermore, the pivoting device forms 26 a cavity 46 off, extending from one of the handlebars 12 facing handlebar side 48 the pivoting device 26 to a footboard 14 facing footboard side 50 the pivoting device 26 extends. In the cavity 46 are pivoting device-side elements of the folding mechanism 52 arranged. The pivoting device 26 points in the cavity 46 a wave 60 on. The wave 60 extends through the cavity 46 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 44 of the running board 14 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42 the handlebar 12 arranged. The recording elements 56 are on the wave 60 rotatably mounted. The wave 60 extends through the holes 58 the receiving elements 56 , By means of this rotatable bearing are the handlebar 12 and the running board 14 pivotable relative to each other.

The folding mechanism 52 also has elements on the side of the swivel device and on the side of the footboard, through which the scooter can pass 10 in the driving position 28 and in the transport position 30 can be fixed. Each receiving element 56 has for this purpose a first wedge-shaped recess 62 and a second wedge-shaped recess 64 on. The pivoting device 26 has a wedge element 74 on. The wedge element 74 is in the driving position 28 with the first recess 62 and in the transport position 30 with the second recess 64 engageable. Preferably, this is a cross-sectional profile of the wedge element 74 complementary to a cross-sectional profile of each of the first and second recesses 62 . 64 educated. Each of the first and second recesses 62 . 64 is radially open towards the outside and widens radially outward.

As long as the wedge element 74 with the first recess 62 or the second recess 64 is engaged, is the scooter 10 fixed in the driving position or the transport position. So the scooter 10 between the driving position 28 and the transport position 30 is pivotable, the wedge element is disengaged from the respective recess 62 . 64 bring to.

In the in the 4 and 5 illustrated embodiment is the wedge element 74 in engagement with the first recess 62 so the scooter 10 in the driving position 28 is fixed. A detailed illustration of the wedge element 74 and the receiving element 56 is the 6A to 6C refer to.

The pivoting device 26 further includes a spring element 84 and a spring holder 86 on. The spring retainer is in the cavity 46 on the running board side 50 the pivoting device 26 arranged. The spring element 84 is with the wedge element 74 and the spring holder 86 connected. The spring element preferably has an eyelet or throughbore, at one end of the spring element 84 can be attached. The other end of the spring element 84 is at one of the receiving device 54 facing side 82 of the wedge element 74 attached. Preferably, the wedge member 74 also an eyelet 85 or puncture on, at the receiving device 54 facing side 82 of the wedge element 74 is arranged.

The spring element 84 is arranged so that it is the wedge element in the direction of the receiving device 54 biases. Is the wedge element 74 in a recesses 62 . 64 arranged, becomes the wedge element 74 via the biasing force of the spring element 84 in the direction of engagement with the respective recess 62 . 64 biased. The spring element 84 and the spring holder 86 are further between the two receiving elements 56 arranged.

The pivoting device 26 further includes an actuator 88 , a transmission wave 90 and a motion transmitting member 92 on. The wedge element 74 also has a recess 94 on.

The actuator 88 is on an outside of the pivoting device 26 arranged. The actuator 88 is preferably designed as a lever. The transmission wave 90 extends through the cavity 46 the pivoting device 26 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 44 of the running board 14 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42 the handlebar 12 arranged. The transmission wave 90 is parallel to the wave 60 arranged. The transmission wave 90 is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the transmission shaft 90 in the cavity 46 the pivoting device stored. The actuator 88 is perpendicular to the transmission shaft 90 arranged. The actuator 88 is non-rotatable with the transmission shaft 90 connected. This allows a rotational movement of the actuating element 88 about a longitudinal axis of the transmission shaft 90 on the transmission shaft 90 be transmitted.

The motion transmission element 92 is spoon-shaped and extends perpendicular to the transmission shaft 90 from the transmission shaft 90 path. The motion transmission element 92 is also non-rotatable with the transmission shaft 90 connected. This can cause a rotational movement of the transmission shaft 90 about a longitudinal axis of the transmission shaft 90 on the motion transmission element 92 be transmitted. The motion transmission element 92 extends through the recess 94 of the wedge element 74 therethrough. By a rotational movement of the motion transmission element 92 around the longitudinal axis of the transmission shaft 90 is the wedge element 74 in its relative position with respect to the receiving device 54 movable and displaceable.

The actuator 88 thus stands over the transmission wave 90 and the motion transmitting member 92 with the wedge element 74 Operative connection, so that the wedge element 74 by a rotational movement of the actuating element 88 against the biasing force of the spring element 84 from the first and the second recess 62 . 64 is moved out. Conversely, if the wedge element 74 by the biasing force of the spring element 84 in the first or the second recess 62 . 64 is moved in, the actuating element 88 turned.

In other words, the actuator is 88 in between an engagement position 102 in which the wedge element 74 in engagement with one of the recesses 62 . 64 is, and a transfer position 104 in which the wedge element 74 out of engagement with one of the recesses 62 . 64 is rotatable.

In the in the 4 and 5 illustrated embodiment is the actuating element 88 in the engaged position 102 arranged.

The pivoting device 26 furthermore has at least one guide element 96 on. The guide element 96 has a recess 98 on. The recess 98 has a first guide surface 99 ' and a second guide surface 99 " which extend from a closed end to an open end and between which the wedge element 74 is arranged. A distance of the guide surfaces 99 ' . 99 " the recess 98 is constant from the closed end to the open end. The distance between the guide surfaces 99 ' . 99 " the recess 98 is greater than or equal to a distance of the wedge surfaces 76 . 78 of the wedge element 74 , The guide element 96 is between the two recording elements 56 arranged. The recess 98 extends radially outward from the receiving device 54 path. The recess 98 thus represents the wedge element 74 a guide ready along the wedge element 74 is movable. The guide direction is radially to the receiving device 54 , In other words, the wedge element 74 along the guide direction relative to the receiving device 54 movable, so that the wedge element 74 either with one of the recesses 62 . 64 engageable or disengageable. The recess 98 Further, it has a depth corresponding to the distance from the closed end to the open end. The depth is at least so great that the wedge element 74 completely disengaged.

Preferably, the pivoting device 26 two such guide elements 96 , The guide elements 96 are preferably between the receiving elements 56 arranged. Preferably, the spring element 84 and the spring holder 86 between the two guide elements 96 arranged.

The pivoting device 26 further includes a fuse element 100 on. The fuse element 100 secures the actuator 88 if the wedge element 74 in engagement with one of the first or the second recess 62 . 64 brought is. The fuse element 100 is designed so that it by a force perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the actuator 88 acts, from a secured to an unlocked state is feasible, the fuse element 100 is biased in the secured state. In the locked state, the security element blocks 100 a rotational movement of the actuating element 88 , In the unlocked state gives the fuse element 100 a rotational movement of the actuating element 88 free. The securing element is between the engagement position 102 and the transfer position 104 of the actuating element 88 arranged.

Preferably, the securing element 100 a locking side and an opposite sliding side, wherein the locking side perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the actuating element 88 and the sliding side transverse to the direction of rotation of the actuating element 88 runs. The actuator 88 is in the engaged position 102 on the blocking side of the securing element 100 when the fuse element 100 in the secured state, causing the fuse element 100 the rotational movement of the actuating element 88 blocked. Is the actuator 88 in the transfer position 104 arranged, is the actuating element 88 adjacent to the sliding side of the securing element 100 arranged. Will the actuator 88 by a rotational movement against the sliding side of the securing element 100 moves, slides the actuator 88 along the sliding side, thereby transferring the securing element 100 against the biasing force from the prestressed secured state in the unlocked state, so that the actuating element 88 from the transfer position 104 in the engaged position 102 is movable. Will the actuator 88 in the engaged position 102 moves, the fuse element becomes 100 transferred from the unlocked to the secured state as soon as the actuator 88 the engaged position 102 has reached.

In the in the 4 and 5 illustrated embodiment, the folding mechanism is arranged in the driving position and the wedge element 74 is in engagement with the first recess 62 , The actuator 88 is therefore by means of the fuse element 100 secured.

The 6A and 6B show the wedge element 74 from the 4 and 5 in a side view and in an isometric view. The wedge element 74 has a first and a second wedge surface 76 . 78 on. The wedge surfaces 76 . 78 extend from a first, the receiving device 54 opposite side 80 to a second, the receiving device 54 facing side 82 , A distance from the wedge surfaces 76 . 78 each other is on the first page 80 bigger than on the second page 82 of the wedge element 74 , The wedge surfaces 76 . 78 thus run to recording device 54 at an angle γ towards each other. The wedge element 74 also has the recess 94 on, extending through the two wedge surfaces 76 . 78 extends. The wedge element 74 further indicates the eyelet 85 on that on the second page 82 of the wedge element 74 is arranged.

The 6C shows a receiving element 56 from the 4 and 5 in a side view. Every recess 62 . 64 of the receiving element 56 has a first side surface 66 and a second side surface 68 on. The side surfaces 66 . 68 extend from an open, the pivoting end facing 70 to a closed, the pivoting end facing away 72 , A distance of the side surfaces 66 . 68 each other is at the open end 70 larger than at the closed end 72 , The side surfaces 66 . 68 thus converge towards each other at an angle δ. Preferably, the angle δ at the first recess 62 and the second recess 64 identical. Preferably, the angle δ corresponds to the angle γ, below which the wedge surfaces 76 . 78 to run towards each other.

A distance of the side surfaces 66 . 68 every recess 62 . 64 is at the closed end 72 less than or equal to a distance of the wedge surfaces 76 . 78 of the wedge element 74 on the second page 82 , Preferably, at least the distance of the first recess 62 at the closed end 72 smaller than a distance of the wedge surfaces 76 . 78 of the wedge element 74 on the second page 82 , A distance of the side surfaces 66 . 68 every recess 62 . 64 is at the open end 70 greater than a distance of the wedge surfaces 76 . 78 of the wedge element 74 on the second page 82 ,

Each of the recesses 62 . 64 has a depth equal to the distance between the open and closed ends 70 . 72 equivalent. The depth of the first recess 62 is greater than the depth of the second recess 64 , Alternatively, the depth of the first recess 62 also equal to the depth of the second recess 64 be.

The open ends 70 every recess 62 . 64 are essentially equidistant from a center of the hole 58 spaced. Alternatively, a distance of the open end 70 the first recess 62 to the middle of the hole 58 greater than a distance of the open end 70 the second recess 64 to the middle of the hole 58 be.

The first side surface 66 the first recess 62 is the second recess 64 facing and the second side surface 68 the first recess 62 is the second recess 64 away. The second side surface 68 the second recess 64 is the first recess 62 facing and the first side surface 66 the second recess 64 is the first recess 62 away.

In the 4 and 5 is the wedge element 74 from the 6A and 6B in engagement with the first recess 62 of the respective receiving element 56 out 6C brought. This is the first wedge surface 76 flat on the first side surface 66 at. The second wedge surface 78 lies flat on the second guide surface 99 " flat on. The wedge element 74 is in the driving position 28 between the first side surface 68 and the second guide surface 99 " clamped. As a result, the pivoting device 26 in the direction of rotation from the driving position 28 to the transport position 30 around the shaft 60 over the wedge surface 76 at the receiving device 54 of the running board 14 supported.

Furthermore, the pivoting device is located 26 in the driving position 28 with the footboard side 50 on the front side 36 of the running board 14 at. This is the pivoting device 26 in the opposite direction of rotation from the transport position 30 to the driving position 28 around the shaft 60 on the running board 14 supported.

By supporting the pivoting device 26 on the running board 14 in both directions around the shaft 60 are the pivoting device 26 and the running board 14 in the driving position 28 connected without play.

Alternatively, the wedge element 74 also in the driving position 28 on both sides 66 . 68 the first recess 62 of the respective receiving element 56 lie flat. The wedge element 74 is on both sides 66 . 68 in both directions around the shaft 60 supported. The pivoting device 26 is thus also backlash in the driving position 28 on the running board 14 arranged.

The 7 and 8th show the same folding mechanism 52 of the scooter 10 out 1 in the 4 and 5 has been described, the folding mechanism 52 in the transport position 30 is arranged. The wedge element 74 is in engagement with the second recess 64 so the scooter 10 in the transport position 30 is fixed. The actuator 88 is in the engaged position 102 arranged and is through the fuse element 100 secured.

The 9 to 11 show the same folding mechanism 52 of the scooter 10 out 1 in the 4 and 5 has been described, the folding mechanism 52 between the driving position and the transport position 30 is arranged. The wedge element 74 is out of engagement with the first and second recess 62 . 64 so that the scooter 10 between the driving position 28 and the transport position 30 is pivotable. The actuator 88 is in the transfer position 104 arranged and is through the fuse element 100 not safe.

The 12 shows a first embodiment of a method 200 for folding a scooter. The scooter is as a scooter 10 according to the 1 to 11 educated.

In a first step 202 of the procedure 200 be the handlebar 12 and the running board 14 relative to each other in a driving position 28 or in a transport position 30 arranged, wherein the wedge element 74 in the driving position 28 in engagement with the first recess 62 and in the transport position 30 in engagement with the second recess 64 is.

In a further step 204 of the procedure 200 be the handlebar 12 and the running board 14 relative to each other in the transport position 30 or in the driving position 28 pivoted.

In a further step 206 of the procedure 200 becomes the wedge element 74 with the first recess 62 engaged when the handlebar 12 and the running board 14 relative to each other in the driving position 28 are arranged.

In a further step 208 of the procedure 200 becomes the wedge element 74 with the second recess 64 engaged when the handlebar 12 and the running board 14 relative to each other in the transport position 30 are arranged.

The 13 shows a further embodiment of a method 200 ' for folding a scooter. The scooter is also a scooter 10 according to the 1 to 11 educated. The procedure 200 ' rejects all steps 202 . 204 . 206 . 208 of the procedure 200 on.

Preferably, in the steps 206 and 208 engaging the wedge member 74 by a biasing force of the spring element 84 in engagement with the first and second recesses, respectively 62 . 64 brought.

In a further step 210 of the procedure 200 ' becomes the wedge element 74 by means of the spring element 84 in the first recess 62 pretensioned when the handlebar 12 and the running board 14 relative to each other in the driving position 28 are arranged, or in the second recess 64 pretensioned when the handlebar 12 and the running board 14 relative to each other in the transport position 30 are arranged.

In a further step 212 of the procedure 200 ' becomes the actuator 88 when passing through the fuse element 100 is secured, unlocked to allow movement of the actuator.

In a further step 214 of the procedure 200 ' becomes the actuator 88 for moving out, in particular for disengaging, the wedge element 74 from the first recess 62 or the second recess 64 operated, in particular, pivoted when the handlebar 12 and the running board 14 relative to each other in the driving position 28 or in the transport position 30 are arranged.

In a further step 216 of the procedure 200 ' becomes the actuator 88 through the fuse element 100 secured when the wedge element 74 in engagement with the first recess 62 or with the second recess 64 brought is.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2425989 A1 [0003]
• DE 102013003484 A1 [0004]
• CN 103228897 U [0005]

Claims (19)

Scooter, in particular scooter, comprising a handlebar (12), a running board (14), a front suspension (16) for carrying at least one front wheel (20), a rear suspension (18) for carrying at least one rear wheel (22), an electric auxiliary drive (24) for driving the at least one front and / or the at least one rear wheel (20, 22), and a pivoting device (26), wherein the pivoting device (26) the handlebar (12) and the footboard (14) pivotably interconnected so that the handlebar (12) and the footboard (14) are pivotable relative to each other between a driving position (28) and a transport position (30), and wherein the footboard (14) includes a receiving means (54) for receiving the pivoting means (26) with at least one receiving element (56), characterized in that each receiving element (56) has a first and a second wedge-shaped recess (62, 64), wherein the pivoting device (2 6) has a wedge-shaped wedge element (74), and wherein the wedge element (74) in the driving position (28) with the first wedge-shaped recess (62) and in the transport position (30) with the second wedge-shaped recess (64) engageable is. Scooter after Claim 1 , characterized in that the pivoting device (26) has a receptacle (40) for the handlebar (12) in which the handlebar (12) is rotatably mounted. Scooter after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that in the transport position (30) a longitudinal axis (44) of the footboard (14) extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (42) of the handlebar (12). Scooter after one of the Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that in the driving position (28) has a longitudinal axis (44) of the running board (14) with a longitudinal axis (42) of the handlebar (12) an angle α of 45 ° to 120 °, preferably 60 ° to 90 °, in particular 80 °, 81 °, 82 °, 83 °, 84 °, 85 °, 86 °, 87 °. Scooter after one of the Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the pivoting device (26) has a shaft (60) on which each receiving element (56) is rotatably mounted. Scooter after Claim 5 , characterized in that each receiving element (56) has a bore (58) through which the shaft (60) extends. Scooter after one of the Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that each of the first and second recesses (62, 64) is radially outwardly open and widened radially outwardly. Scooter after one of the Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the pivoting device (26) further comprises a spring element (84), wherein the wedge element (74) by means of the spring element (84) in the first recess (62) in the driving position (28) and in the second recess ( 64) in the transport position (30) can be prestressed. Scooter after Claim 8 characterized in that the pivot means (26) further comprises a spring retainer (86), wherein the spring member (84) on one of the receiving means (54) facing side (82) of the wedge member (74) and attached to the spring holder (86) is. Scooter after one of the Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that a depth of the first recess (62) is greater than a depth of the second recess (64). Scooter after one of the Claims 1 to 10 , characterized in that a cross-sectional profile of the wedge element (74) complementary to a cross-sectional profile of the first recess (62) and / or the second recess (64) is formed. Scooter after one of the Claims 1 to 10 characterized in that the first recess (62) and the second recess (64) each have two side surfaces (66, 68) extending from an open end (70) to a closed end (72), a distance the respective side surfaces (66, 68) at the open end (70) is greater than a distance of the respective side surfaces (66, 68) at the closed end (72). Scooter after Claim 12 , characterized in that the wedge element (74) has two opposite wedge surfaces (76, 78) extending from a side (80) facing away from the receiving device (54) to a side (82) of the wedge element (74) facing the receiving device (54) ), and wherein the spacing of the wedge surfaces (76, 78) from each other on the side (80) of the wedge element (74) facing away from the receiving device (54) is greater than at the side (82) of the wedge element (74) facing the receiving device (54) ). Scooter after one of the Claims 13 , characterized in that the distance of the side surfaces (66, 68) of the first recess (62) at the closed end (72) is smaller than the distance of the wedge surfaces (76, 78) of the wedge element (74) on the receiving device (54) facing side (82). Scooter after Claim 13 or 14 characterized in that the spacing of the side surfaces (66, 68) of each recess (62, 64) at the open end (70) is greater than the spacing of the wedge surfaces (76, 78) of the wedge member (74) on the receiving means (74). 54) facing side (82). Scooter after one of the Claims 1 to 15 characterized in that the pivoting means (26) further comprises an actuating element (88), in particular a lever, which is in operative connection with the wedge element (74), so that the wedge element (74) from the first recess (62) and from the second recess (64) is moved out. Scooter after Claim 16 characterized in that said pivot means (26) further comprises a motion transmitting member (92), said wedge member (74) further comprising a recess (94), said motion transmitting member (92) extending through said recess (94), and wherein the motion transmitting member (92) is rotatably connected to the actuating member (88). Scooter after one of the Claims 13 to 15 and after Claim 17 , characterized in that the recess (94) extends through both wedge surfaces (76, 78) of the wedge element (74). Scooter after one of the Claims 16 to 18 characterized in that the pivot means (26) further comprises a securing member (100) adapted to secure the operating member (88) when the wedge member (74) engages the first recess (62) or the first second recess (64) is brought.

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