Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
  • B62K5/00—Cycles with handlebars, equipped with three or more main road wheels
  • B62K5/02—Tricycles
  • B62K5/05—Tricycles characterised by a single rear wheel
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
  • B62K21/00—Steering devices
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
  • B62K21/00—Steering devices
  • B62K21/12—Handlebars; Handlebar stems
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
  • B62K3/00—Bicycles
  • B62K3/005—Recumbent-type bicycles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
  • B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
  • B62M1/00—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles
  • B62M1/12—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles operated by both hand and foot power

Definitions

• the invention relates to a cable control system which can be used on a directional system for a light vehicle (tricycle, quadricycle, bicycle, nautical, snow) or on a behavioral control system for a fixed product (indoor sport, medical rehabilitation, recreational products. statics for leisure park).
• a drive shaft is disposed on a chassis and is rotated by two drive cranks disposed at the ends thereof.
• Two pedals mounted on the control cranks on either side of the ends of the shaft allow the driver to operate them in phase.
• Two bars of control, or propulsion arms, are pivotally mounted on the tricycle floor, on each side of the seat, so that they can be moved by hand at the same time, back and forth and back and forth, in opposition to phase relative to the pedals.
• Two connecting rods arranged on each side of the pedals and fixed, on the one hand, to these pedals by a first end and, on the other hand, to the control bars by a second end, make it possible to transmit the alternating forces of the control bars to drive wheels, via a large turntable, around which is wound a chain actuating the drive wheel shaft.
• the steering control with which the tricycle is fitted is effected by the combined lateral offset of the two control bars. This affects the reliability of these control bars and goes against ergonomics. In addition, the simultaneous actuation of these control rods for propulsion, while shifting them to steer the tricycle, is somewhat difficult, especially when considering turns with a reduced radius of curvature.
• the main object of the invention is therefore to propose another directional system usable on a tricycle overcoming, among other things, these drawbacks.
• a first object of the invention is a cable control system for a moving part of a device consisting of two separate pivoting levers, each secured to the first end of a first cable, the second ends of each of the first two cables being fixed each on either side of the steering shaft, to control the orientation of the moving part by pivoting a lateral lever, in order to cause the traction of the corresponding cable among the first two cables and get the movement of the moving part.
• it comprises a second cable, a first end of which is fixed to a first lateral lever, opposite to the first end of the first corresponding cable, and the second end of which is fixed to the second lateral lever, opposite to the first end of the corresponding first cable.
• a second object is a directional system for a vehicle having: - at least one steering wheel mounted to rotate about an axis perpendicular to a steering shaft; two separate pivoting side levers each secured to the first end of a first cable, the second ends of each of the first two cables being each fixed on either side of the steering shaft, to control the orientation of the steerable wheel by pivoting a lateral lever, in order to cause the traction of the corresponding cable from the first two cables and obtain the rotation of the steering shaft.
• the invention comprises a second cable, a first end of which is fixed to a first lateral lever, opposite to the first end of the first corresponding cable, and the second end of which is fixed to the second lateral lever, opposite to the first end of the first corresponding cable.
• a second cable is used having a first end secured to a first side handle, oppositely to the first end of the corresponding first cable and the second end is fixed to the second side handle opposite the first end of the first corresponding cable.
• Another main object according to the invention is a tricycle using the system mentioned above, the two lateral levers being mounted on either side of the tricycle, each pivoting around of a substantially horizontal axis and each placed at the upper end of a lateral propulsion arm, itself mounted to pivot about a substantially horizontal axis to oscillate in phase each on one side along the body of a driver.
• the device for transmitting the forces supplied by the driver by his legs and arms to the drive wheels is relatively complicated.
• the force transmission system supplied to the control arms and pedals is central, that is to say that the chainring and the transmission chain are placed between the driver's legs. This was considered in the context of a competition tricycle, but should be avoided in the context of marketing for the general public, especially for children, for safety reasons. Indeed, it is very easy to take a finger, a hand, or even the foot in the central transmission system, and, as a result, to injure or deteriorate the system.
• the tricycle drive arms are coupled to be actuated simultaneously and in the same direction to help propel the tricycle, by operating a system of connecting rod / crank subject to at least one Driving wheel.
• the tricycle then has a single traction pedal placed in the axis of the tricycle, in front of the driver's seat, on a crankshaft engine axis, in order to drive the at least one driving wheel of the tricycle.
• the engine crankshaft is the axis of the at least one drive wheel.
• the engine crankshaft drives a first toothed wheel, itself driving a second toothed wheel secured to the axis of the drive wheels, by means of a drive chain.
• the wheels are provided in a lenticular shape.
• FIG. 1 the tricycle according to the invention
• FIG. 2 the diagram of the principle of the directional system according to the invention
• Figure 3 a joystick used __ in this directional system according to the invention
• - Figure 4 an alternative embodiment of the tricycle according to the invention. Description of two embodiments of the invention
• control system according to the invention is described in its application to a tricycle.
• Figure 1 shows a side view of a tricycle according to the invention, that is to say being equipped with a directional system according to the invention.
• a chassis 1 On the chassis 1 is mounted a seat, at the level of the rear directional wheel 3.
• the propulsion of the tricycle is obtained by the combined efforts of a driver placed on the seat 4, pedaling on a single propulsion pedal 5 and actuating two lateral propulsion arms 6. Since the propulsion pedal 5 is central and unique, the driver's feet and legs therefore produce a combined movement. It is the same for the driver's arms, since the propulsion arms 6 of the tricycle are coupled synchronously and in phase. This type of propulsion is a bit like that of the cyclo-rower.
• the propulsion pedal 5 is mounted on a crankshaft-shaped engine shaft 7, directly driving the drive wheel 2.
• the two lateral propulsion arms 6 are pivotally mounted around a fixed horizontal axis of the chassis 1 and connected to the drive wheels 2 by means of a connecting rod 16.
• the steering towards the tricycle according to the invention is carried out by two levers 8 pivotally mounted each at the end of a lateral propulsion arm 6.
• the driver can, by acting on the levers 8, steer the tricycle on which it is installed.
• These levers 8 can also be equipped with additional controls, such as the brake controls, a gear change, with or without indexing, or an audible warning.
• the different movements of the levers 8, controlling the direction of the tricycle, are transmitted to the directional rear wheel 3 by two first cables symbolized by their respective sheaths 10 and each of which is fixed by a first end to one of the two levers 8 and whose the other end is fixed to a steering shaft 9 on which the rear steering wheel 3 is rotatably mounted.
• This steering shaft 9 is mounted substantially vertical on the chassis so as to be able to rotate and pivot the rear steering wheel 3.
• the propulsion system with a single central pedal 5 frees up the space at the crotch of the driver. In addition, it allows it to be fitted with any type of shoe. Indeed, in the device described in patent FR-2,651,742, the proximity of the control cranks at the level of the pedals required the use of safety shoes. In addition, the pedal 5 is significantly more spacious and will allow the attachment of specific systems to medical rehabilitation products, in particular for the attachment of the feet of the user, and even attachments of the racing bike type.
• FIG. 2 therefore represents the block diagram of the directional system according to the invention.
• the two levers 8 placed at the ends of the two propulsion arms 6, both lateral and secured to each other.
• three cables are shown, including two first cables 12D and 12G and a second cable 13.
• three pulleys 14D, 14G and 15 complete this system.
• the two levers 8B, 8G are each secured to one of the first two pulleys, respectively 14D and 14G.
• the first right cable 12D has its first end fixed to the first right pulley 14D and its second end fixed to the second pulley 15.
• the first left cable 12G has its first end fixed to the first left pulley 14G and its second end fixed to the second pulley 15, opposite the end of the first right cable 12D which is hooked there.
• first two cables 12D and 12G are fixed on their respective pulleys 14D and 14G in opposite directions.
• one of the two pulleys 14D or 14G will pull the first cable 12D or 12G which is fixed to it and which will force the second pulley 15 to rotate in the direction of traction of this first cable thus actuated.
• the other first cable which will not be pulled will not exert any action on the second pulley 15.
• the first cable 12D or 12G which would have carried out a traction in the case of the orientation of one of the two levers 8D and 8G in the opposite direction will not be pulled nor put in traction. It is the other cable which will be and which will itself exert traction on the second pulley 15, in the opposite direction to the direction in which the other first cable exerts traction if the levers 8D and 8G are increased in the direction opposite. It is easy to understand that the second pulley 15 can then be oriented in one direction or another by the simple simultaneous actuation of the two levers 8D and 8G. Recall that this second pulley 15 is integral with the steering shaft 9 of Figure 1 and acts on the rear wheel 3 which is directional.
• a very important characteristic of the invention is constituted by the presence of a second cable 13 which connects the first two pulleys 14D and 14G and this opposite to the point of attachment of the first two cables 12D and 12G on these first pulleys 14D and 14G.
• the two controllers 8D and 8G are connected directly to each other. This has the effect of making the operator feel, by a first of the two joysticks 8D and 8G the traction exerted on the second joystick, when the latter is actuated so as to bring in its first cable 12G and 12D in traction.
• the user of this system can very well use only one of the two handles 8D and 8G to turn the second pulley 15, while maintaining the parallelism between the two levers 8D and 8G.
• this characteristic facilitates the coordination of the movements of the operator, when using this system for guiding a tricycle or a light vehicle.
• Another advantage of coordinating the movements of the two joysticks 8D and 8C is to avoid making excessive pull-ups appear in the first two cables 12B and 12G, when the simultaneous movements of the two joysticks 8D and 8G are not identical. Thus, premature wear of the first two cables 12B and 12G can be avoided. It is specified that it is possible to provide different diameters for the second pulley 15 relative to those of the first two pulleys 14D and 14G, so as to show a direction ratio between the amplitude of the pivoting of the two levers 8D and 8G .and that of the pivoting of the steering shaft to which the second pulley is secured 15.
• first pulleys 14D and 14G have a diameter of 60 mm and the second pulley 15 has a diameter of 45 mm, a ratio * direction appears. This allows the second pulley 15 to be rotated by 120 ° when the two levers 8D and 8G are only rotated by 90 °. This offers great maneuverability for vehicles fitted with this steering system.
• a single lever 8 has been shown. It is pivotally mounted around an axis of rotation 18 fixed relative to the lateral propulsion arms 6. Two flanges 17 are used for this purpose rigidly fixed to the end of a lateral propulsion arm 6. This assembly is carried out by means of the first corresponding pulley 14, to which the lever is rigidly fixed. We can even provide that these two elements are made in one piece.
• On the pulley 14 are fixed one end 22 of one of the first two cables 12 and, opposite, one end 23 of the second cable 13. It is noted that the first cable 12 and the second cable 13 may each be surrounded by a sheath 10, the end of which abuts on a sheath stop 19 integral with the two flanges 17 and the propulsion arm 6 lateral. The fixing of these cables 12 and 13 on the pulley 14 can be done by means of injected end pieces.
• a rubber bellows can advantageously protect the assembly, thus integrating the normative and safety aspect against trapping of the operator's fingers.
• levers 8 are equipped with additional controls for actuating the brakes, a gear change with or without indexing and possibly an audible warning.
• Such an engine crankshaft drives a first toothed wheel 32, itself driving a transmission chain 33.
• the latter is wound on a second toothed wheel 34 secured to the axle 35 of the two, or the, drive wheels 2
• the first toothed wheel 32 is a multifunction member since it also makes it possible to receive the connecting rod 36 pivotally mounted on one of the propulsion arms 6, the engine crankshaft 31 and the first toothed wheel 32 being, in this case, at beyond the driving wheels 2 by report to the driver's seat. This eliminates any risk of the hand being trapped in the transmission and movement coordination system, in particular at the connecting rod 36.
• the transmission chain 33 could be replaced by a belt or any other transmission means, the two toothed wheels 32 and 34 then replaced by the belt wheels.
• the drive wheels 2 have been shown with a lenticular shape. This makes it possible to prevent a hand or fingers from being caught between its driving wheels 2 and the propulsion rod 16 or 36, because the lenticular shape will tend so that these fingers or this hand will only slide on the flange of this lenticular form.
• a judicious phase shift of the dead centers of each movement then makes it possible to optimize the complete performance of the device.
• the tricycle according to the invention can have its steering wheel both at the front and at the rear. Likewise, it is also possible to envisage a single drive wheel and two directional wheels. It should be noted that this type of propulsion can also be adapted on other vehicles, not only quadricycles and bicycles, but also on vehicles having to operate on water, snow or ice.
• the control system can also be fitted to other fixed devices, such as physical training devices, installed in gymnasiums for practicing indoor sport. It is also envisaged to adapt the control system according to the invention on behavioral control and medical rehabilitation devices. Finally, static play facilities can also benefit from such a control system, in particular in amusement park facilities intended for children. In these latter cases, the system according to the invention is generalized to a system for controlling a moving part of any device of the installation.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
• Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)
• Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=8865217

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (7)

Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (16)

Family Cites Families (14)

• 2001
  • 2001-07-06 FR FR0109014A patent/FR2826924B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2002
  • 2002-07-04 EP EP02762531A patent/EP1420999A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2002-07-04 US US10/482,817 patent/US7066480B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2002-07-04 WO PCT/FR2002/002348 patent/WO2003004346A1/fr not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2002-07-04 CA CA002452658A patent/CA2452658A1/fr not_active Abandoned
  • 2002-07-04 JP JP2003510330A patent/JP2004521024A/ja active Pending
  • 2002-07-04 CN CNA028174518A patent/CN1551848A/zh active Pending

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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