EP1572525A1 - Three- or four-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicle - Google Patents

Three- or four-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicle

Info

Publication number
EP1572525A1
EP1572525A1 EP03778406A EP03778406A EP1572525A1 EP 1572525 A1 EP1572525 A1 EP 1572525A1 EP 03778406 A EP03778406 A EP 03778406A EP 03778406 A EP03778406 A EP 03778406A EP 1572525 A1 EP1572525 A1 EP 1572525A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vehicle
vehicle according
wheels
arm
frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03778406A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Hugues Escarguel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1572525A1 publication Critical patent/EP1572525A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • B62K5/08—Cycles with handlebars, equipped with three or more main road wheels with steering devices acting on two or more wheels
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pedal vehicle, with three or four wheels.
  • the invention aims to remedy all of these drawbacks.
  • the invention also aims to meet this need.
  • the main objective of the invention is therefore to provide a vehicle with a medium wheelbase, ensuring good protection for the legs of the user and having good handling and stability performance in curves.
  • Another objective of the invention is to provide a vehicle having a chassis structure of good weight / rigidity ratio, of relatively simple manufacture and allowing easy assembly of the various components of the vehicle.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a vehicle in which the user has a comfortable driving position.
  • Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a vehicle having efficient suspensions.
  • the invention also aims to provide a vehicle quickly and easily convertible from tricycle to quadricycle, and vice versa.
  • the chassis of the vehicle comprises a central beam and at least one horizontal frame, fixed on the side of the front of the beam;
  • the beam comprises different parts of the vehicle, in particular the steering column and a bottom bracket located at the axis of the two front wheels, or slightly in front or behind this axis, and mounted so that each pedal is located on a lateral side of the beam, said beam being further connected to the rear wheel or wheels;
  • the frame (s) have dimensions such that the feet and part of the legs of the user are located inside this or these frames during pedaling, this or these frames forming, on each lateral side, two horizontal longitudinal members superimposed, on which is mounted one of the front wheels of the vehicle.
  • the central beam allows rigid mounting of the various organs (steering, bottom bracket, rear wheel (s)) of the vehicle, without discomfort for the pedaling taking into account the position of the pedals on either side of the beam.
  • This beam also allows the mounting of the crankset up to the axis of the two front wheels, or slightly in front of or behind this axis.
  • the positioning of the pedal allows, together with the presence of the frame or frames, to perfectly protect the legs of the user in the event of an accident, so that the vehicle according to the invention is perfectly secure for the user.
  • the frame (s) also allow, thanks to the two superimposed side rails that they form on each lateral side of the vehicle, a resistant mounting of the front wheels of this vehicle.
  • the vehicle comprises a chair mounted on the beam, shaped to receive the user in a substantially seated position, slightly tilted backwards.
  • This chair receives the user in a comfortable driving position, in front of the rear wheel or wheels.
  • the vehicle's wheelbase thus remains limited, with a very favorable weight distribution.
  • each lateral side of a frame comprises a suspension triangle mounted to pivot relative to it around a longitudinal axis, the two triangles located on the same side being connected to a part comprising the wheel, and a damper being placed between this part and one of the side members of the frame (s).
  • the vehicle according to the invention thus comprises a particularly efficient front suspension.
  • the rear wheels are mounted on an arm pivotally connected at the rear end of the beam so that this arm can oscillate in a vertical plane, a damper being placed between this swing arm and the beam.
  • the vehicle thus also includes a high-performance rear suspension.
  • the vehicle comprises a primary transmission formed by a chain extending between at least one bottom bracket and at least one pinion coaxial with the pivot axis of the swing arm, and a secondary transmission formed by a chain extending between at least one pinion integral in rotation with the pinion (s) of the primary transmission and at least one pinion integral in rotation with the rear wheel (s).
  • the rear arm can thus oscillate without affecting the transmission.
  • the beam, or the oscillating rear arm comprises a transverse bore capable of receiving either a short shaft supporting a single rear wheel, or a long shaft capable of receiving two wheels.
  • the vehicle may include at least one disc brake, in particular a disc brake on each front wheel.
  • the vehicle may include an inclined steering column, and advantageously means for adjusting the length and / or the inclination of this steering column.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 are perspective views from two different angles;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of the front part of its chassis, its front wheels and its steering system;
  • Figure 4 is a detail view, in perspective, of one of its front suspensions;
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of its steering system;
  • Figure 6 is an enlarged exploded view of part of this system;
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of a primary transmission which it comprises;
  • Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views, from two different angles and on an enlarged scale, of the rear part of its chassis;
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the mounting of the rear wheel in the case of a tricycle vehicle, and
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of the front part of its chassis, of its front wheels and of its steering system, according to an alternative embodiment.
  • the figures represent a vehicle 1 with pedals having four wheels 2 and comprising a chassis 3, a steering 4, a seat 5, a primary transmission 6 and a secondary transmission 7.
  • the wheels 2 are, in the example shown, spoked and pneumatic; however, they could be of any other type.
  • the chassis 3 comprises a central beam 10, two superimposed horizontal frames 11, 12 and an oscillating rear arm 13.
  • the beam 10 is formed by a box of rectangular section and delimits the upper, lower and lateral faces.
  • the beam 10 essentially comprises, from front to rear, a plate 15 ensuring its closure at the front, front parts 16 for fixing the frames 11, 12 to the beam 10, respectively at the upper and lower faces of this beam, a window 17 for passage of the steering column 45, a bearing 18, a mounting plate 19 for mounting the steering column 45, rear parts 20 for fixing the frames 11, 12 to the beam 10, a roller 21, visible in FIG. 7, for guiding the chain 38 (simply shown diagrammatically) forming part of the primary transmission 6, two chimneys 22 for receiving a seat support column 5, and a bearing 23 for mounting the arm 13.
  • the plate 15 is visible in Figures 5 and 6. It includes six holes for mounting on the beam 10 and forms a part 25a of a spherical seat. The other part 25b of this seat is arranged by pieces 26 forming a collar, engaged on the lower end of the steering column 45.
  • the plate 15 and the parts 26 include holes for mounting the parts 26 on the plate 15, with a spherical portion 51 fitted between them on the steering column 45.
  • the bearing 18 is bolted to the upper wall of the beam 10 and receives a pedal unit 27 of conventional type, with one or more plates, three plates in the example shown as shown in FIG. 7.
  • the upper wall of the beam 10 is pierced with a series of holes allowing the mounting of the bearing 18 according to several positions on the beam 10 and therefore of adjusting the position of the bottom bracket 27 according to the morphology of the user.
  • the plate 19 is also, in the example shown, bolted to the upper wall of the beam 10 (it could be fixed by any other means, for example be welded). It receives a telescopic strut 28 pivotally mounted relative to it.
  • This strut 28 is formed of an outer tube and an inner tube and is adjustable in length by means of a collar 29 clamping the end of the outer element on the inner element.
  • the strut 28 forms a bearing at its upper end in which the steering column 45 is engaged.
  • the chimneys 22 are welded to the upper wall of the beam 10, and the bearing 23 is bolted (or could be welded) to the rear end of this beam thanks to the holes which it comprises, visible in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
  • the frames 11, 12 are positioned relative to the beam 10 so that their median longitudinal axis coincides with the median longitudinal axis of the beam, and have dimensions such that the feet and the lower legs of the user are located inside the perimeter they define when pedaling.
  • These frames 11, 12 form longitudinal sides parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1 and comprise, as shown in particular in Figure 4, pairs of mounting parts 30 forming yokes, for the pivoting mounting of suspension triangles 31 of each front wheel 2.
  • the upper frame 11 further comprises, between each pair of parts 30, a mounting part 32 forming a yoke, for the pivoting mounting of the end of a shock absorber 33, the other end of this shock absorber 33 being pivotally mounted at a clevis 34 secured to the projecting angle of the lower triangle 31, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the upper frame 11 is also interrupted at the right of the passage of the chain 38 that comprises the primary transmission 6, and receives a tubular part 35 delimiting a passage for the upper strand of this chain 38.
  • FIG. 4 shows in detail one of the front suspensions of the vehicle 1.
  • the two triangles 31 include ball joints 40 at their salient angles, delimiting coaxial holes in which a wheel support 41 is pivotally mounted.
  • Each wheel support 41 comprises a disc brake 42 and comprises a rod 43 projecting towards the front of the vehicle 1,. on the end of which is articulated one end of a steering rod 46.
  • FIG. 5 shows the entire steering system, which comprises, in addition to the steering column 45, the strut 28 and two steering rods 46 as mentioned above, a U-shaped handlebar 47 equipped with brake controls 48 and gear change 49, of known types.
  • the steering column 45 is formed by two telescopic tubes, which can be immobilized in a given position by means of a collar 50 which clamps the end of the outer tube on the inner tube.
  • the end of the outer tube forms the spherical portion 51 above and comprises a square 52 terminal.
  • the spherical portion 51 is intended to be trapped, with the possibility of pivoting, between the surfaces 25a, 25b forming the seat of the plate 15 and of the parts 26, to allow the pivoting of the steering column 45 to be guided while allowing the adjustment of the inclination thereof by means of the strut 28.
  • the square 52 is for its part intended to be connected, by means of a screw (not shown) engaged in a washer 53, to a part 54 forming a lever , with setting in rotation.
  • This part 54 receives two pivots 55 integral with the ends of the two steering rods 46, the other ends of these rods 46 being articulated on the end of the rods 43, as described above.
  • FIGS. 7 to 9 show that the primary transmission 6 comprises, in addition to the crankset 27, the chain 38 and the roller 21, a series of pinions 56 of different diameters and a derailleur 57 of the conventional type, carried by a support piece 58.
  • This support piece 58 is fixed on the upper face of the bearing 23.
  • the pinions 56 are wedged on the end of the shaft ensuring the mounting of the arm 13 pivotally on the bearing 23, this shaft comprising on its other end a pinion 60 wedged on it, forming part of the secondary transmission 7, visible in FIG. 9.
  • the arm 13 is formed by a box beam 61, receiving two parts 62, 63 at its ends.
  • the part 62 intended to be assembled with the bearing 23 forms a yoke for its mounting on this bearing 23, while the part 63 forms, as shown in FIG. 10, a bore 64.
  • This bore 64 can receive either a long shaft 65 carrying two rear wheels 2, or a short shaft 66 carrying a single rear wheel.
  • the arm 13 On its upper face, the arm 13 receives a bolted mounting part 70, forming a yoke, on which the end of a shock absorber 71 is pivotally mounted.
  • the other end of the shock absorber 71 is pivotally mounted in a yoke that forms a mounting part 72 fixed on a square inclined base formed by the bearing 23.
  • the upper wall of the beam 61 is pierced with a series of holes allowing the mounting of the part 70 according to several positions on the beam 61 and therefore of adjust the inclination of the shock absorber 71 and consequently the stiffness of the rear suspension formed by the parts 70 and 72 and the shock absorber 71, as well as the height of the rear of the vehicle.
  • the shaft 65 or 66 comprises, wedged on it, a pinion 75 forming part of the secondary transmission 7, this pinion 75 and the pinion 60 meshing with a chain 76 (simply shown).
  • the shaft 65 or 66 also receives a brake disc 80, the caliper 81 of the brake being mounted on the part 63.
  • the seat is mounted on a plate 85 itself carried by a tube 86 adapted to be slidably engaged in one or the other of the chimneys 22 and to be immobilized, relative to this chimney 22 by means of a clamp 87.
  • This tube 86 is itself slidably connected to the plate 85, in the front-rear direction of this, and with the possibility of locking in a determined position.
  • FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the vehicle 1.
  • the elements already described which are found in this alternative are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described again.
  • the vehicle 1 comprises a single frame 110 to replace the frames 11 and 12 described above, and each lateral side of this frame 110 forms two superimposed horizontal longitudinal members 111, 112 allowing, in the same manner as described above, the mounting the triangles 31 and the shock absorber 33.
  • the invention provides a pedal vehicle, with three or four wheels, having many advantages compared to homologous vehicles of the prior art.
  • this vehicle has a medium wheelbase, provides good protection for the user's legs and has good handling and stability performance in curves.
  • This vehicle also has high-performance suspensions, allows a comfortable driving position, and has a chassis structure 3 of good weight / rigidity ratio, relatively simple to manufacture, and allowing easy assembly of the various components of the vehicle. It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above by way of example but that it extends to all the embodiments covered by the claims appended hereto.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a three- or four-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicle. According to the invention, the chassis (3) of the vehicle comprises a central beam (10) and at least one horizontal frame (11, 12) which is fixed to the front of the beam (10). Moreover, the aforementioned beam (10) comprises different elements of the vehicle, in particular the steering column (45) and a crankset (27) support (18) which is disposed level with, or slightly in front of or behind, the axle for the two front wheels (2) and which is mounted such that each pedal is located on one side of the beam (10). Said beam (10) is also connected to the rear wheel(s) (2). The frame(s) (11, 12) are dimensioned such that the user's feet and part of his/her legs are positioned inside the frame(s) during pedalling, said frame(s) forming on either side two stacked horizontal side members, to which one of the front wheels(s) (2) of the vehicle is mounted.

Description

VEHICULE A PEDALES, A TROIS OU QUATRE ROUES VEHICLE WITH PEDALS, THREE OR FOUR WHEELS
La présente invention concerne un véhicule à pédales, à trois ou quatre roues.The present invention relates to a pedal vehicle, with three or four wheels.
De nombreux modèles de véhicules à pédales à trois ou quatre roues ont été envisagés. Les documents DE-A-29 22 691 , US 4 993 733, FR 910 287 et US 4 674 762 illustrent certains de ces modèles.Many models of pedal vehicles with three or four wheels have been considered. Documents DE-A-29 22 691, US 4 993 733, FR 910 287 and US 4 674 762 illustrate some of these models.
Les véhicules existants ne donnent toutefois pas parfaitement satisfaction.Existing vehicles are however not entirely satisfactory.
Certains ont en effet des empattements très longs, imposés par le souhait de positionner le pédalier en arrière de l'axe de la ou des roues avant et de positionner le siège du conducteur devant l'axe de la ou des roues arrières. Cet empattement conduit à un véhicule peu maniable et dont l'encombrement est pénalisant.Some indeed have very long wheelbases, imposed by the desire to position the crankset behind the axis of the front wheel or wheels and to position the driver's seat in front of the axis of the rear wheel or wheels. This wheelbase leads to a vehicle which is not very manoeuvrable and whose size is penalizing.
D'autres véhicules ont au contraire des empattements très courts, rendus possibles par le positionnement du pédalier en avant de l'axe de la ou des roues avant. Ces véhicules ont toutefois pour inconvénient important de ne pas offrir une très bonne sécurité à l'utilisateur ou aux tiers, compte tenu de la proéminence du pédalier sur l'avant du véhicule et de l'exposition des jambes de l'utilisateur en cas d'accident. De plus, ces véhicules n'offrent pas une très bonne stabilité dans les courbes serrées. Certains véhicules existants imposent à l'utilisateur une position de conduite plus ou moins allongée, guère confortable.Other vehicles, on the contrary, have very short wheelbases, made possible by positioning the pedals forward of the axis of the front wheel or wheels. However, these vehicles have the significant disadvantage of not offering very good security to the user or to third parties, taking into account the prominence of the pedals on the front of the vehicle and the exposure of the legs of the user in the event of 'accident. In addition, these vehicles do not offer very good stability in tight curves. Certain existing vehicles impose on the user a more or less elongated, not very comfortable driving position.
De plus, les véhicules existants ont des structures de châssis ne donnant pas parfaitement satisfaction en terme de rapport poids/rigidité, impliquant une fabrication relativement complexe, et ne permettant pas un montage facile des différents organes du véhicule.In addition, existing vehicles have chassis structures which are not entirely satisfactory in terms of weight / stiffness ratio, implying relatively complex manufacturing, and which do not allow easy assembly of the various components of the vehicle.
Les véhicules existants sont en outre soit dépourvus de suspension, ce qui les rend guère agréables à utiliser, soit pourvus de suspensions peu performantes.Existing vehicles are also either devoid of suspension, which makes them not very pleasant to use, or provided with inefficient suspensions.
L'invention vise à remédier à l'ensemble de ces inconvénients.The invention aims to remedy all of these drawbacks.
Par ailleurs, les acheteurs potentiels de ce type de véhicule peuvent désirer acheter soit un véhicule tricycle soit un véhicule quadricycle, et les véhicules existants sont soit d'un type soit de l'autre, sans possibilité d'adaptation facile. Il pourrait donc être intéressant de disposer d'un véhicule aisément transformable de tricycle en quadricycle, ou inversement, à partir des mêmes éléments de base. L'invention a également pour objectif de répondre à ce besoin. L'objectif principal de l'invention est donc de fournir un véhicule à empattement moyen, assurant une bonne protection des jambes de l'utilisateur et ayant de bonnes performances de maniabilité et de stabilité dans les courbes.Furthermore, potential buyers of this type of vehicle may wish to purchase either a tricycle or a quadricycle vehicle, and the vehicles existing are either of one type or the other, without the possibility of easy adaptation. It could therefore be advantageous to have a vehicle easily convertible from a tricycle to a quadricycle, or vice versa, from the same basic elements. The invention also aims to meet this need. The main objective of the invention is therefore to provide a vehicle with a medium wheelbase, ensuring good protection for the legs of the user and having good handling and stability performance in curves.
Un autre objectif de l'invention est de fournir un véhicule ayant une structure de châssis de bon rapport poids/rigidité, de fabrication relativement simple et permettant un montage facile des différents organes du véhicule.Another objective of the invention is to provide a vehicle having a chassis structure of good weight / rigidity ratio, of relatively simple manufacture and allowing easy assembly of the various components of the vehicle.
Un objectif supplémentaire de l'invention est de fournir un véhicule dans lequel l'utilisateur a une position de conduite confortable.A further object of the invention is to provide a vehicle in which the user has a comfortable driving position.
Un autre objectif encore de l'invention est de fournir un véhicule ayant des suspensions performantes. L'invention a également pour objectif de fournir à véhicule rapidement et facilement transformable de tricycle en quadricycle, et inversement.Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a vehicle having efficient suspensions. The invention also aims to provide a vehicle quickly and easily convertible from tricycle to quadricycle, and vice versa.
Pour atteindre au moins l'objectif principal cité ci-dessus, le châssis du véhicule selon l'invention comprend une poutre centrale et au moins un cadre horizontal, fixé du côté de l'avant de la poutre ; la poutre comporte différents organes du véhicule, en particulier la colonne de direction et un support de pédalier situé à hauteur de l'axe des deux roues avant, ou légèrement en avant ou en arrière de cet axe, et monté de telle sorte que chaque pédale soit située d'un côté latéral de la poutre, ladite poutre étant en outre reliée à la ou aux roues arrières ; le ou les cadres ont des dimensions telles que les pieds et une partie des jambes de l'utilisateur sont situés à l'intérieur de ce ou ces cadres au cours du pédalage, ce ou ces cadres formant, sur chaque côté latéral, deux longerons horizontaux superposés, sur lesquels est montée l'une des roues avant du véhicule.To achieve at least the main objective mentioned above, the chassis of the vehicle according to the invention comprises a central beam and at least one horizontal frame, fixed on the side of the front of the beam; the beam comprises different parts of the vehicle, in particular the steering column and a bottom bracket located at the axis of the two front wheels, or slightly in front or behind this axis, and mounted so that each pedal is located on a lateral side of the beam, said beam being further connected to the rear wheel or wheels; the frame (s) have dimensions such that the feet and part of the legs of the user are located inside this or these frames during pedaling, this or these frames forming, on each lateral side, two horizontal longitudinal members superimposed, on which is mounted one of the front wheels of the vehicle.
La poutre centrale permet un montage rigide des différents organes (direction, support de pédalier, roue(s) arrière(s)) du véhicule, sans gêne pour le pédalage compte tenu de la position des pédales de part et d'autre de la poutre. Cette poutre permet également le montage du pédalier à hauteur de l'axe des deux roues avant, ou légèrement en avant ou en arrière de cet axe.The central beam allows rigid mounting of the various organs (steering, bottom bracket, rear wheel (s)) of the vehicle, without discomfort for the pedaling taking into account the position of the pedals on either side of the beam. This beam also allows the mounting of the crankset up to the axis of the two front wheels, or slightly in front of or behind this axis.
Le positionnement du pédalier permet, conjointement à la présence du ou des cadres, de parfaitement protéger les jambes de l'utilisateur en cas d'accident, de sorte que le véhicule selon l'invention est parfaitement sécurisant pour l'utilisateur.The positioning of the pedal allows, together with the presence of the frame or frames, to perfectly protect the legs of the user in the event of an accident, so that the vehicle according to the invention is perfectly secure for the user.
Le ou les cadres permettent en outre, grâce aux deux longerons superposés qu'ils forment sur chaque côté latéral du véhicule, un montage résistant des roues avant de ce véhicule.The frame (s) also allow, thanks to the two superimposed side rails that they form on each lateral side of the vehicle, a resistant mounting of the front wheels of this vehicle.
De préférence, le véhicule comprend un fauteuil monté sur la poutre, conformé pour recevoir l'utilisateur dans une position substantiellement assise, légèrement basculée vers l'arrière.Preferably, the vehicle comprises a chair mounted on the beam, shaped to receive the user in a substantially seated position, slightly tilted backwards.
Ce fauteuil reçoit l'utilisateur dans une position de conduite confortable, en avant de la ou des roues arrières. L'empattement du véhicule reste ainsi limité, avec une répartition des masses très favorable.This chair receives the user in a comfortable driving position, in front of the rear wheel or wheels. The vehicle's wheelbase thus remains limited, with a very favorable weight distribution.
Avantageusement, chaque côté latéral d'un cadre comprend un triangle de suspension monté pivotant par rapport à lui autour d'un axe longitudinal, les deux triangles situées d'un même côté étant reliés à une pièce comportant la roue, et un amortisseur étant placé entre cette pièce et l'un des longerons du ou des cadres.Advantageously, each lateral side of a frame comprises a suspension triangle mounted to pivot relative to it around a longitudinal axis, the two triangles located on the same side being connected to a part comprising the wheel, and a damper being placed between this part and one of the side members of the frame (s).
Le véhicule selon l'invention comprend ainsi une suspension avant particulièrement performante.The vehicle according to the invention thus comprises a particularly efficient front suspension.
De préférence, les roues arrière sont montées sur un bras relié de manière pivotante au niveau de l'extrémité arrière de la poutre de telle sorte que ce bras puisse osciller dans un plan vertical, un amortisseur étant placé entre ce bras oscillant et la poutre.Preferably, the rear wheels are mounted on an arm pivotally connected at the rear end of the beam so that this arm can oscillate in a vertical plane, a damper being placed between this swing arm and the beam.
Le véhicule comprend ainsi également une suspension arrière performante.The vehicle thus also includes a high-performance rear suspension.
Avantageusement, dans ce cas, le véhicule comprend une transmission primaire formée par une chaîne s'étendant entre au moins un plateau du pédalier et au moins un pignon coaxial à l'axe de pivotement du bras oscillant, et une transmission secondaire formée par une chaîne s'étendant entre au moins un pignon solidaire en rotation du ou des pignons de la transmission primaire et au moins un pignon solidaire en rotation de la ou des roues arrières.Advantageously, in this case, the vehicle comprises a primary transmission formed by a chain extending between at least one bottom bracket and at least one pinion coaxial with the pivot axis of the swing arm, and a secondary transmission formed by a chain extending between at least one pinion integral in rotation with the pinion (s) of the primary transmission and at least one pinion integral in rotation with the rear wheel (s).
Le bras arrière peut ainsi osciller sans incidence sur la transmission. De préférence, la poutre, ou le bras arrière oscillant, comprend un alésage transversal pouvant recevoir soit un arbre court de support d'une roue arrière unique, soit un arbre long pouvant recevoir deux roues.The rear arm can thus oscillate without affecting the transmission. Preferably, the beam, or the oscillating rear arm, comprises a transverse bore capable of receiving either a short shaft supporting a single rear wheel, or a long shaft capable of receiving two wheels.
Il est ainsi possible de réaliser soit un véhicule tricycle, soit un véhicule quadricycle simplement en mettant en place sur la poutre ou le bras arrière soit ledit arbre court soit ledit arbre long.It is thus possible to produce either a tricycle vehicle or a quadricycle vehicle simply by placing on said beam or rear arm either said short shaft or said long shaft.
Le véhicule peut comprendre au moins un frein à disque, en particulier un frein à disque sur chaque roue avant.The vehicle may include at least one disc brake, in particular a disc brake on each front wheel.
Le véhicule peut comprendre une colonne de direction inclinée, et, avantageusement des moyens de réglage de la longueur et/ou de l'inclinaison de cette colonne de direction.The vehicle may include an inclined steering column, and advantageously means for adjusting the length and / or the inclination of this steering column.
L'invention sera bien comprise, et d'autres caractéristiques et avantages de celle-ci apparaîtront, en référence au dessin schématique annexé, lequel représente, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, une forme de réalisation préférée du véhicule qu'elle concerne. Les figures 1 et 2 en sont des vues en perspective, sous deux angles différents ; la figure 3 est une vue en perspective, à échelle agrandie, de la partie avant de son châssis, de ses roues avant et de son système de direction ; la figure 4 est une vue de détail, en perspective, de l'une de ses suspensions avant ; la figure 5 est une vue en perspective de son système de direction ; la figure 6 est une vue agrandie, en éclaté, d'une partie de ce système ; la figure 7 est une vue en perspective, à échelle agrandie, d'une transmission primaire qu'il comprend ; les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues en perspective, sous deux angles différents et à échelle agrandie, de la partie arrière de son châssis ; la figure 10 est une vue en perspective du montage de la roue arrière dans le cas d'un véhicule tricycle, et la figure 11 est une vue en perspective, à échelle agrandie, de la partie avant de son châssis, de ses roues avant et de son système de direction, selon une variante de réalisation.The invention will be clearly understood, and other characteristics and advantages thereof will appear, with reference to the appended schematic drawing, which represents, by way of nonlimiting example, a preferred embodiment of the vehicle which it relates to. Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views from two different angles; Figure 3 is a perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of the front part of its chassis, its front wheels and its steering system; Figure 4 is a detail view, in perspective, of one of its front suspensions; Figure 5 is a perspective view of its steering system; Figure 6 is an enlarged exploded view of part of this system; Figure 7 is a perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of a primary transmission which it comprises; Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views, from two different angles and on an enlarged scale, of the rear part of its chassis; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the mounting of the rear wheel in the case of a tricycle vehicle, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of the front part of its chassis, of its front wheels and of its steering system, according to an alternative embodiment.
Les figures représentent un véhicule 1 à pédales ayant quatre roues 2 et comprenant un châssis 3, une direction 4, un siège 5, une transmission primaire 6 et une transmission secondaire 7.The figures represent a vehicle 1 with pedals having four wheels 2 and comprising a chassis 3, a steering 4, a seat 5, a primary transmission 6 and a secondary transmission 7.
Les roues 2 sont, dans l'exemple représenté, à rayons et à pneumatiques ; elles pourraient toutefois être de toute autre type.The wheels 2 are, in the example shown, spoked and pneumatic; however, they could be of any other type.
Le châssis 3 comprend une poutre centrale 10, deux cadres horizontaux superposés 11 , 12 et un bras arrière oscillant 13. La poutre 10 est formée par un caisson de section rectangulaire et délimite des faces supérieure, inférieure et latérales.The chassis 3 comprises a central beam 10, two superimposed horizontal frames 11, 12 and an oscillating rear arm 13. The beam 10 is formed by a box of rectangular section and delimits the upper, lower and lateral faces.
Comme le montrent plus particulièrement les figures 3 et 6, la poutre 10 comprend essentiellement, de l'avant vers l'arrière, une plaque 15 assurant sa fermeture à l'avant, des pièces avant 16 de fixation des cadres 11 , 12 à la poutre 10, respectivement au niveau des faces supérieure et inférieure de ce poutre, une fenêtre 17 de passage de la colonne de direction 45, un palier 18, une platine 19 de montage de la colonne de direction 45, des pièces arrière 20 de fixation des cadres 11 , 12 à la poutre 10, un galet 21 , visible sur la figure 7, de guidage de la chaîne 38 (simplement schématisée) faisant partie de la transmission primaire 6, deux cheminées 22 de réception d'une colonne de support du siège 5, et un palier 23 de montage du bras 13.As shown more particularly in FIGS. 3 and 6, the beam 10 essentially comprises, from front to rear, a plate 15 ensuring its closure at the front, front parts 16 for fixing the frames 11, 12 to the beam 10, respectively at the upper and lower faces of this beam, a window 17 for passage of the steering column 45, a bearing 18, a mounting plate 19 for mounting the steering column 45, rear parts 20 for fixing the frames 11, 12 to the beam 10, a roller 21, visible in FIG. 7, for guiding the chain 38 (simply shown diagrammatically) forming part of the primary transmission 6, two chimneys 22 for receiving a seat support column 5, and a bearing 23 for mounting the arm 13.
La plaque 15 est visible sur les figures 5 et 6. Elle comprend six trous pour son montage sur la poutre 10 et forme une partie 25a d'un siège sphérique. L'autre partie 25b de ce siège est aménagée par des pièces 26 formant un collier, engagées sur l'extrémité inférieure de la colonne de direction 45. La plaque 15 et les pièces 26 comprennent des trous pour le montage des pièces 26 sur la plaque 15, avec emprisonnement entre elles d'une portion sphérique 51 aménagée sur la colonne de direction 45.The plate 15 is visible in Figures 5 and 6. It includes six holes for mounting on the beam 10 and forms a part 25a of a spherical seat. The other part 25b of this seat is arranged by pieces 26 forming a collar, engaged on the lower end of the steering column 45. The plate 15 and the parts 26 include holes for mounting the parts 26 on the plate 15, with a spherical portion 51 fitted between them on the steering column 45.
Le palier 18 est boulonné sur la paroi supérieure de la poutre 10 et reçoit un pédalier 27 de type classique, à un ou plusieurs plateaux, trois plateaux dans l'exemple représenté comme le montre la figure 7. La paroi supérieure de la poutre 10 est percée d'une série de trous permettant le montage du palier 18 selon plusieurs positions sur la poutre 10 et donc de régler la position du pédalier 27 selon la morphologie de l'utilisateur. La platine 19 est également, dans l'exemple représenté, boulonnée à la paroi supérieure de la poutre 10 (elle pourrait être fixée par tout autre moyen, par exemple être soudée). Elle reçoit une jambe de force téléscopique 28 montée pivotante par rapport à elle. Cette jambe de force 28 est formée d'un tube extérieur et d'un tube intérieur et est réglable en longueur au moyen d'un collier 29 venant serrer l'extrémité de l'élément extérieur sur l'élément intérieur. La jambe de force 28 forme un palier à son extrémité supérieure dans lequel est engagée la colonne de direction 45.The bearing 18 is bolted to the upper wall of the beam 10 and receives a pedal unit 27 of conventional type, with one or more plates, three plates in the example shown as shown in FIG. 7. The upper wall of the beam 10 is pierced with a series of holes allowing the mounting of the bearing 18 according to several positions on the beam 10 and therefore of adjusting the position of the bottom bracket 27 according to the morphology of the user. The plate 19 is also, in the example shown, bolted to the upper wall of the beam 10 (it could be fixed by any other means, for example be welded). It receives a telescopic strut 28 pivotally mounted relative to it. This strut 28 is formed of an outer tube and an inner tube and is adjustable in length by means of a collar 29 clamping the end of the outer element on the inner element. The strut 28 forms a bearing at its upper end in which the steering column 45 is engaged.
Les cheminées 22 sont soudées à la paroi supérieure de la poutre 10, et le palier 23 est boulonné (ou pourrait être soudé) à l'extrémité arrière de cette poutre grâce à des trous qu'il comprend, visibles sur les figures 8 et 9.The chimneys 22 are welded to the upper wall of the beam 10, and the bearing 23 is bolted (or could be welded) to the rear end of this beam thanks to the holes which it comprises, visible in FIGS. 8 and 9 .
Les cadres 11 , 12 sont positionnés par rapport à la poutre 10 de telle sorte que leur axe longitudinal médian coïncide avec l'axe longitudinal médian de la poutre, et ont des dimensions telles que les pieds et le bas des jambes de l'utilisateur soient situés à l'intérieur du périmètre qu'ils délimitent lors du pédalage. Ces cadres 11 , 12 forment des côtés longitudinaux parallèles à l'axe longitudinal du véhicule 1 et comprennent, ainsi que le montre particulièrement la figure 4, des paires de pièces de montage 30 formant des chapes, pour le montage pivotant de triangles de suspension 31 de chaque roue avant 2.The frames 11, 12 are positioned relative to the beam 10 so that their median longitudinal axis coincides with the median longitudinal axis of the beam, and have dimensions such that the feet and the lower legs of the user are located inside the perimeter they define when pedaling. These frames 11, 12 form longitudinal sides parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1 and comprise, as shown in particular in Figure 4, pairs of mounting parts 30 forming yokes, for the pivoting mounting of suspension triangles 31 of each front wheel 2.
Le cadre 11 supérieur comprend de plus, entre chaque paire de pièces 30, une pièce de montage 32 formant une chape, pour le montage pivotant de l'extrémité d'un amortisseur 33, l'autre extrémité de cet amortisseur 33 étant montée pivotante au niveau d'une chape 34 solidaire de l'angle saillant du triangle 31 inférieur, comme le montre la figure 4.The upper frame 11 further comprises, between each pair of parts 30, a mounting part 32 forming a yoke, for the pivoting mounting of the end of a shock absorber 33, the other end of this shock absorber 33 being pivotally mounted at a clevis 34 secured to the projecting angle of the lower triangle 31, as shown in FIG. 4.
Le cadre 11 supérieur est en outre interrompu au droit du passage de la chaîne 38 que comprend la transmission primaire 6, et reçoit une pièce tubulaire 35 délimitant un passage pour le brin supérieur de cette chaîne 38.The upper frame 11 is also interrupted at the right of the passage of the chain 38 that comprises the primary transmission 6, and receives a tubular part 35 delimiting a passage for the upper strand of this chain 38.
La figure 4 montre en détail l'une des suspensions avant du véhicule 1. Les deux triangles 31 comprennent des rotules 40 au niveau de leurs angles saillants, délimitant des trous coaxiaux dans lesquels est montée pivotant un support de roue 41. Chaque support de roue 41 comprend un frein à disque 42 et comporte une tige 43 faisant saillie vers l'avant du véhicule 1 ,. sur l'extrémité de laquelle s'articule une extrémité d'une tige de direction 46.FIG. 4 shows in detail one of the front suspensions of the vehicle 1. The two triangles 31 include ball joints 40 at their salient angles, delimiting coaxial holes in which a wheel support 41 is pivotally mounted. Each wheel support 41 comprises a disc brake 42 and comprises a rod 43 projecting towards the front of the vehicle 1,. on the end of which is articulated one end of a steering rod 46.
La figure 5 montre l'ensemble du système de direction, lequel comprend, outre la colonne de direction 45, la jambe de force 28 et deux tiges de direction 46 telles que précitées, un guidon en U 47 équipé de commandes de frein 48 et de changement de vitesses 49, de types connus.FIG. 5 shows the entire steering system, which comprises, in addition to the steering column 45, the strut 28 and two steering rods 46 as mentioned above, a U-shaped handlebar 47 equipped with brake controls 48 and gear change 49, of known types.
La colonne de direction 45 est formée par deux tubes téléscopiques, pouvant être immobilisés dans une position donnée au moyen d'un collier 50 venant serrer l'extrémité du tube extérieur sur le tube intérieur. Comme le montre plus particulièrement la figure 6, l'extrémité du tube extérieur forme la portion sphérique 51 précitée et comprend un carré 52 terminal. La portion sphérique 51 est destinée à être emprisonnée, avec possibilité de pivotement, entre les surfaces 25a, 25b formant siège de la plaque 15 et des pièces 26, pour permettre de guider le pivotement de la colonne de direction 45 tout en autorisant le réglage de l'inclinaison de celle-ci au moyen de la jambe de force 28. Le carré 52 est quant à lui destiné à être relié, au moyen d'une vis (non représentée) engagée dans une rondelle 53, à une pièce 54 formant levier, avec calage en rotation. Cette pièce 54 reçoit deux pivots 55 solidaires des extrémités des deux tiges de direction 46, les autres extrémités de ces tiges 46 étant articulées sur l'extrémité des tiges 43, comme décrit précédemment. Les figures 7 à 9 montrent que la transmission primaire 6 comprend, outre le pédalier 27, la chaîne 38 et le galet 21 , une série de pignons 56 de différents diamètres et un dérailleur 57 de type classique, porté par une pièce de support 58. Cette pièce de support 58 est fixée sur la face supérieure du palier 23. Les pignons 56 sont calés sur l'extrémité de l'arbre assurant le montage du bras 13 à pivotement sur le palier 23, cet arbre comprenant sur son autre extrémité un pignon 60 calé sur lui, faisant partie de la transmission secondaire 7, visible sur la figure 9.The steering column 45 is formed by two telescopic tubes, which can be immobilized in a given position by means of a collar 50 which clamps the end of the outer tube on the inner tube. As shown more particularly in Figure 6, the end of the outer tube forms the spherical portion 51 above and comprises a square 52 terminal. The spherical portion 51 is intended to be trapped, with the possibility of pivoting, between the surfaces 25a, 25b forming the seat of the plate 15 and of the parts 26, to allow the pivoting of the steering column 45 to be guided while allowing the adjustment of the inclination thereof by means of the strut 28. The square 52 is for its part intended to be connected, by means of a screw (not shown) engaged in a washer 53, to a part 54 forming a lever , with setting in rotation. This part 54 receives two pivots 55 integral with the ends of the two steering rods 46, the other ends of these rods 46 being articulated on the end of the rods 43, as described above. FIGS. 7 to 9 show that the primary transmission 6 comprises, in addition to the crankset 27, the chain 38 and the roller 21, a series of pinions 56 of different diameters and a derailleur 57 of the conventional type, carried by a support piece 58. This support piece 58 is fixed on the upper face of the bearing 23. The pinions 56 are wedged on the end of the shaft ensuring the mounting of the arm 13 pivotally on the bearing 23, this shaft comprising on its other end a pinion 60 wedged on it, forming part of the secondary transmission 7, visible in FIG. 9.
Le bras 13 est formé par une poutre en caisson 61 , recevant deux pièces 62, 63 à ses extrémités.The arm 13 is formed by a box beam 61, receiving two parts 62, 63 at its ends.
Comme le montre la figure 9, la pièce 62 destinée à être assemblée au palier 23 forme une chape pour son montage sur ce palier 23, tandis que la pièce 63 forme, comme le montre la figure 10, un alésage 64. Cet alésage 64 peut recevoir soit un arbre long 65 portant deux roues 2 arrières, soit un arbre court 66 portant une seule roue arrière.As shown in FIG. 9, the part 62 intended to be assembled with the bearing 23 forms a yoke for its mounting on this bearing 23, while the part 63 forms, as shown in FIG. 10, a bore 64. This bore 64 can receive either a long shaft 65 carrying two rear wheels 2, or a short shaft 66 carrying a single rear wheel.
Sur sa face supérieure, le bras 13 reçoit une pièce de montage boulonnée 70, formant une chape, sur laquelle est montée pivotante l'extrémité d'un amortisseur 71. L'autre extrémité de l'amortisseur 71 est montée pivotante dans une chape que forme une pièce de montage 72 fixée sur une embase carrée inclinée que forme le palier 23. La paroi supérieure de la poutre 61 est percée d'une série de trous permettant le montage de la pièce 70 selon plusieurs positions sur la poutre 61 et donc de régler l'inclinaison de l'amortisseur 71 et par conséquent la raideur de la suspension arrière que forment les pièces 70 et 72 et l'amortisseur 71 , ainsi que la hauteur de l'arrière du véhicule. L'arbre 65 ou 66 comprend, calé sur lui, un pignon 75 faisant partie de la transmission secondaire 7, ce pignon 75 et le pignon 60 engrenant avec une chaîne 76 (simplement schématisée). L'arbre 65 ou 66 reçoit également un disque de frein 80, l'étrier 81 du frein étant monté sur la pièce 63.On its upper face, the arm 13 receives a bolted mounting part 70, forming a yoke, on which the end of a shock absorber 71 is pivotally mounted. The other end of the shock absorber 71 is pivotally mounted in a yoke that forms a mounting part 72 fixed on a square inclined base formed by the bearing 23. The upper wall of the beam 61 is pierced with a series of holes allowing the mounting of the part 70 according to several positions on the beam 61 and therefore of adjust the inclination of the shock absorber 71 and consequently the stiffness of the rear suspension formed by the parts 70 and 72 and the shock absorber 71, as well as the height of the rear of the vehicle. The shaft 65 or 66 comprises, wedged on it, a pinion 75 forming part of the secondary transmission 7, this pinion 75 and the pinion 60 meshing with a chain 76 (simply shown). The shaft 65 or 66 also receives a brake disc 80, the caliper 81 of the brake being mounted on the part 63.
Comme cela est visible sur la figure 7, le siège est monté sur une platine 85 elle-même portée par un tube 86 apte à être engagé à coulissement dans l'une ou l'autre des cheminées 22 et à être immobilisé, par rapport à cette cheminée 22 au moyen d'un collier de serrage 87. Ce tube 86 est lui-même relié de manière coulissante à la platine 85, selon la direction avant-arrière de celle-ci, et avec possibilité de blocage dans une position déterminée. Ces dispositions forment des moyens qui permettent de régler la hauteur du siège 5 selon la position du tube 86 dans la cheminée 22 dans laquelle ce tube est engagé, ainsi que la position longitudinale de ce siège 5, selon la cheminée 22 utilisée et selon la position relative du tube 86 et de la platine 85.As can be seen in Figure 7, the seat is mounted on a plate 85 itself carried by a tube 86 adapted to be slidably engaged in one or the other of the chimneys 22 and to be immobilized, relative to this chimney 22 by means of a clamp 87. This tube 86 is itself slidably connected to the plate 85, in the front-rear direction of this, and with the possibility of locking in a determined position. These arrangements form means which make it possible to adjust the height of the seat 5 according to the position of the tube 86 in the chimney 22 in which this tube is engaged, as well as the longitudinal position of this seat 5, according to the chimney 22 used and according to the position. relative of tube 86 and plate 85.
La figure 11 montre une variante de réalisation du véhicule 1. Les éléments déjà décrits qui se retrouvent dans cette variante sont désignés par les mêmes références numériques et ne sont pas à nouveau décrits.FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the vehicle 1. The elements already described which are found in this alternative are designated by the same reference numerals and are not described again.
Dans ce cas, le véhicule 1 comprend un cadre 110 unique en remplacement des cadres 11 et 12 décrits plus haut, et chaque côté latéral de ce cadre 110 forme deux longerons horizontaux superposés 111 , 112 permettant, de la même manière que décrit précédemment, le montage des triangles 31 et de l'amortisseur 33.In this case, the vehicle 1 comprises a single frame 110 to replace the frames 11 and 12 described above, and each lateral side of this frame 110 forms two superimposed horizontal longitudinal members 111, 112 allowing, in the same manner as described above, the mounting the triangles 31 and the shock absorber 33.
Comme cela apparaît de ce qui précède, l'invention fournit un véhicule à pédales, à trois ou quatre roues, présentant de nombreux avantages par rapport aux véhicules homologues de la technique antérieure. En particulier, ce véhicule a un empattement moyen, assure une bonne protection des jambes de l'utilisateur et a de bonnes performances de maniabilité et de stabilité dans les courbes. Ce véhicule a de plus des suspensions performantes, permet une position de conduite confortable, et a une structure de châssis 3 de bon rapport poids/rigidité, relativement simple à fabriquer, et permettant un montage facile des différents organes du véhicule. II va de soi que l'invention n'est pas limitée à la forme de réalisation décrite ci- dessus à titre d'exemple mais qu'elle s'étend à toutes les formes de réalisations couvertes par les revendications ci-annexées. As appears from the above, the invention provides a pedal vehicle, with three or four wheels, having many advantages compared to homologous vehicles of the prior art. In particular, this vehicle has a medium wheelbase, provides good protection for the user's legs and has good handling and stability performance in curves. This vehicle also has high-performance suspensions, allows a comfortable driving position, and has a chassis structure 3 of good weight / rigidity ratio, relatively simple to manufacture, and allowing easy assembly of the various components of the vehicle. It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above by way of example but that it extends to all the embodiments covered by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1 - Véhicule à pédales, à trois ou quatre roues, caractérisé en ce que son châssis (3) comprend une poutre centrale (10) et au moins un cadre horizontal (11 , 12), fixé du côté de l'avant de la poutre (10) ; la poutre (10) comporte différents organes du véhicule, en particulier la colonne de direction (45) et un support (18) de pédalier (27) situé à hauteur de l'axe des deux roues (2) avant, ou légèrement en avant ou en arrière de cet axe, et monté de telle sorte que chaque pédale soit située d'un côté latéral de la poutre (10), ladite poutre (10) étant en outre reliée à la ou aux roues (2) arrières ; le ou les cadres (11 , 12) ont des dimensions telles que les pieds et une partie des jambes de l'utilisateur sont situés à l'intérieur de ce ou ces cadres au cours du pédalage, ce ou ces cadres formant, sur chaque côté latéral, deux longerons horizontaux superposés, sur lesquels est montée l'une des roues (2) avant du véhicule.1 - Pedal vehicle, with three or four wheels, characterized in that its chassis (3) comprises a central beam (10) and at least one horizontal frame (11, 12), fixed on the front side of the beam (10); the beam (10) comprises various components of the vehicle, in particular the steering column (45) and a support (18) for the bottom bracket (27) situated at the height of the axis of the two front wheels (2), or slightly forward or behind this axis, and mounted so that each pedal is located on a lateral side of the beam (10), said beam (10) being further connected to the rear wheel or wheels (2); the frame (s) (11, 12) have dimensions such that the feet and part of the legs of the user are situated inside this or these frames during pedaling, this or these frames forming, on each side side, two superimposed horizontal beams, on which is mounted one of the front wheels (2) of the vehicle.
2 - Véhicule selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un fauteuil (5) monté sur la poutre (10), conformé pour recevoir l'utilisateur dans une position substantiellement assise, légèrement basculée vers l'arrière.2 - Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an armchair (5) mounted on the beam (10), shaped to receive the user in a substantially seated position, slightly tilted backwards.
3 - Véhicule selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que chaque côté latéral d'un cadre (11, 12) comprend un triangle de suspension (31) monté pivotant par rapport à lui autour d'un axe longitudinal, les deux triangles (31) situées d'un même côté d'un cadre étant reliés à une pièce (41) comportant la roue (2), et un amortisseur (33) étant placé entre cette pièce (41) et l'un des longerons du ou des cadres (11 , 12).3 - Vehicle according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that each lateral side of a frame (11, 12) comprises a suspension triangle (31) pivotally mounted relative to it around a longitudinal axis, the two triangles (31) located on the same side of a frame being connected to a part (41) comprising the wheel (2), and a shock absorber (33) being placed between this part (41) and one of the side members or frames (11, 12).
4 - Véhicule selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que les roues (2) arrière sont montées sur un bras (13) relié de manière pivotante au niveau de l'extrémité arrière de la poutre (10) de telle sorte que ce bras (13) puisse osciller dans un plan vertical, un amortisseur (71) étant placé entre ce bras oscillant et la poutre (10).4 - Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rear wheels (2) are mounted on an arm (13) pivotally connected at the rear end of the beam (10) such so that this arm (13) can oscillate in a vertical plane, a damper (71) being placed between this oscillating arm and the beam (10).
5 - Véhicule selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une transmission primaire (6) formée par une chaîne (38) s'étendant entre au moins un plateau du pédalier (27) et au moins un pignon (56) coaxial à l'axe de pivotement du bras oscillant (13), et une transmission secondaire (7) formée par une chaîne (76) s'étendant entre au moins un pignon (60) solidaire en rotation du ou des pignons (56) de la transmission primaire (6) et au moins un pignon (75) solidaire en rotation de la ou des roues (2) arrières. 6 - Véhicule selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que la poutre (10), ou le bras arrière oscillant (13), comprend un alésage transversal (64) pouvant recevoir soit un arbre court (66) de support d'une roue arrière (2) unique, soit un arbre long (65) pouvant recevoir deux roues (2).5 - Vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a primary transmission (6) formed by a chain (38) extending between at least one chainwheel (27) and at least one pinion (56) coaxial to the pivot axis of the swinging arm (13), and a secondary transmission (7) formed by a chain (76) extending between at least one pinion (60) integral in rotation with the pinion (s) (56) of the primary transmission (6) and at least one pinion (75) integral in rotation with the rear wheel or wheels (2). 6 - Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the beam (10), or the oscillating rear arm (13), comprises a transverse bore (64) which can receive either a short shaft (66) of support a single rear wheel (2), ie a long shaft (65) capable of receiving two wheels (2).
7 - Véhicule selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une colonne de direction (45) inclinée7 - Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises an inclined steering column (45)
8 - Véhicule selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens (28, 29, 50) de réglage de la longueur et/ou de l'inclinaison de la colonne de direction (45).8 - Vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises means (28, 29, 50) for adjusting the length and / or the inclination of the steering column (45).
9 - Véhicule selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que la poutre (10) comprend une série de trous permettant de régler la position du pédalier (27) selon la morphologie de l'utilisateur.9 - Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the beam (10) comprises a series of holes for adjusting the position of the pedal (27) according to the morphology of the user.
10 - Véhicule selon l'une des revendications 4 à 9, caractérisé en ce que le bras (13) comprend une série de trous permettant de régler l'inclinaison de l'amortisseur (71) et par conséquent la raideur de la suspension arrière que forme cet amortisseur, ainsi que la hauteur de l'arrière du véhicule.10 - Vehicle according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the arm (13) comprises a series of holes for adjusting the inclination of the shock absorber (71) and therefore the stiffness of the rear suspension that forms this shock absorber, as well as the height of the rear of the vehicle.
11 -Véhicule selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens (85 à 87) permettant de régler la hauteur du siège (5) ainsi que la position longitudinale de ce siège (5). 11 -Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises means (85 to 87) for adjusting the height of the seat (5) as well as the longitudinal position of this seat (5).
EP03778406A 2002-12-10 2003-10-20 Three- or four-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicle Withdrawn EP1572525A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0215594 2002-12-10
FR0215594A FR2848152B1 (en) 2002-12-10 2002-12-10 PEDAL VEHICLE WITH THREE OR FOUR WHEELS
PCT/FR2003/003092 WO2004062994A1 (en) 2002-12-10 2003-10-20 Three- or four-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicle

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1572525A1 true EP1572525A1 (en) 2005-09-14

Family

ID=32320155

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03778406A Withdrawn EP1572525A1 (en) 2002-12-10 2003-10-20 Three- or four-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicle

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20070018416A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1572525A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003285409A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2507228A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2848152B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004062994A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1034356C2 (en) * 2007-09-10 2009-03-11 Berg Beheer B V Chassis for three- or multi-wheeled vehicle i.e. go-cart, has hanging construction with rotatably suspended bush driven by drive unit, extending wheel axle with end in bush and fixable with fastening unit without damaging drive unit
US9067632B2 (en) * 2013-02-13 2015-06-30 Albert Edward Mroz Vehicle with rhomboid wheel arrangement and rear wheel and side wheel steering
EP2994374A4 (en) * 2013-05-10 2017-02-01 Martinez, Rafael Jimenez Urban quadracycle
DE102015120275A1 (en) * 2015-11-23 2017-05-24 Werner Kremer Multi-track bike
US10501139B2 (en) 2016-08-25 2019-12-10 Ryan Flyer Wheelchair accessible cycle

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR910287A (en) * 1944-11-10 1946-06-03 Tricycle with combined side steering and soft top
US3227436A (en) * 1962-08-02 1966-01-04 Angelo F Paioletti Auxiliary spring construction
US3913929A (en) * 1973-02-26 1975-10-21 Matsura Hideji Low center of gravity cycle
DE2922691A1 (en) * 1979-06-02 1980-12-11 Josef Mueller Tricycle with driven rear wheel - has steerable front wheels on parallelogram linkages permitting steering and inclination from vertical
US4392536A (en) * 1980-02-14 1983-07-12 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle
US4494622A (en) * 1981-01-05 1985-01-22 Thompson David L Motorcycle power transmission and brake assembly
US4534575A (en) * 1982-10-18 1985-08-13 Jlg Industries, Inc. Vehicle suspension and steerage system
US4657270A (en) * 1984-04-25 1987-04-14 Huffy Corporation Convertible tricycle
US4674762A (en) * 1985-02-07 1987-06-23 Nelson Terrence L Four-wheel, reclining position cycle
US4611818A (en) * 1985-04-04 1986-09-16 Quasar S.R.L. Collapsible vehicle, particularly of the two-wheeled type
US4700962A (en) * 1986-06-06 1987-10-20 Rowcycle Rowing type vehicle
US4993733A (en) * 1989-02-21 1991-02-19 Keith Eilers Three wheeled recumbent cycle
US4966381A (en) * 1989-06-22 1990-10-30 Feikema Roger H Adult tricycle
US5551719A (en) * 1994-12-28 1996-09-03 Rettger, Jr.; Harry C. Pedal-propelled tricycle vehicle having two modes of steering
FR2740092B1 (en) * 1995-10-23 1998-01-02 Thuliez Jean Luc ULTRA-LIGHT ROAD VEHICLE
WO1998045162A1 (en) * 1997-04-09 1998-10-15 Happijac Company Cycling apparatus
US6203043B1 (en) * 1999-01-22 2001-03-20 James A. Lehman Four-wheel, human powered cycle
US6588785B2 (en) * 2001-05-14 2003-07-08 C & A Products, Inc. Pedal powered vehicle
US6726438B2 (en) * 2001-08-23 2004-04-27 General Motors Corporation Chassis stacking

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2004062994A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20070018416A1 (en) 2007-01-25
WO2004062994A1 (en) 2004-07-29
FR2848152B1 (en) 2005-02-18
CA2507228A1 (en) 2004-07-29
FR2848152A1 (en) 2004-06-11
AU2003285409A1 (en) 2004-08-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1049618B1 (en) Suspended front fork for mountain bike and motorcycle
FR2723561A1 (en) Bicycle or motorcycle incorporating bifurcated frame
FR2884218A1 (en) Chassis structure for scooter type vehicle, has pair of right and left rear underframes attached to two side chassis, and pivot bolt supported by pivot plates provided between two side chassis and underframes
FR2825674A3 (en) FOLDING BICYCLE
FR2818608A1 (en) Kit system for converting a scooter into a vehicle with a seat propelled by the feet or a motor
EP1572525A1 (en) Three- or four-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicle
FR2961746A1 (en) Suspension for use on two front/back wheels of tricycle, has rod-operated linkage pivotally fixing coupling element between upper and lower supports on same side, and elongated damper unit comprising two ends fixed to upper supports
FR2533877A1 (en)
FR2675703A1 (en) SKATEBOARD.
EP1881926A2 (en) Motorcycle steering device and method for production of a motorcycle steering device
FR3084047A1 (en) VEHICLE WITH FRONT PADS FOR SNOW SLIDING
EP3587230B1 (en) Bicycle frame
EP3210869B1 (en) Flexible frame cycle
FR2770820A1 (en) Tubular articulated frame for covered three wheel vehicle
FR2563993A1 (en) Collapsible and foldable wheelchair
WO2014053753A1 (en) Scooter with a steerable rear wheel
FR3096649A1 (en) Pendulum type vehicle
WO2023186602A1 (en) Adjustable saddle for a mountable light vehicle
EP3374253A1 (en) Bicycle frame comprising a single upper bar and a single lower bar
FR3014076A1 (en) REAR SUSPENSION OF A TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE SUCH AS A BICYCLE, A MOTORCYCLE OR THE LIKE
FR2821050A1 (en) FRAME FOR TRICYCLE AND TRICYCLE
FR2739605A1 (en) Multipurpose frame for light sand or ice yacht
FR3113277A1 (en) Quadricycle with pedals and four independent wheels
FR2802823A3 (en) Multi-axle suspension for model load carrying vehicle has two pairs of wheels on swing arms on either side of vehicle centerline
EP1389578A1 (en) Front fork of a bicycle including an apparatus to adapt its geometry to a threewheeled tandem application

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20050701

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20090701