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(11) | EP 4 585 201 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | MOBILITY SCOOTER |
| (57) A mobility scooter (10), including: a frame (11); a joint assembly (15) including
a first joint (151) and a second joint (152); a handlebar assembly (12), fixed to
the first joint, where the handlebar assembly serves as a backrest when rotated in
a first direction and as a stroller armrest when rotated in a second direction; a
brake assembly (14), where an upper end of the brake assembly is fixed to the handlebar
assembly, and a lower end of the brake assembly is arranged on the frame and disposed
above a wheel of the mobility scooter. The brake assembly is configured to apply a
brake to the wheel by moving toward the wheel when the handlebar assembly is rotated
in the first direction. Therefore, the present disclosure can realize the functions
of reclining and parking by operating the handlebar assembly, which is simple and
convenient to operate.
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TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of mobility scooters, and in particular to a mobility scooter.
BACKGROUND
[0002] With the trend of aging population in China, many elderly people with mobility problems need to travel through mobility scooters. The elderly can hold on to the handle of the mobility scooter to walk. When the elderly stop walking, the handle can be flipped as a backrest, which is convenient for the elderly to rest. In order to improve the stability of the mobility scooter when resting, the mobility scooter is usually braked by a brake assembly. However, the brake assembly of the current mobility scooter is independently designed, the elderly, after flipping the handle, have to additionally operate the brake assembly to achieve the function of parking. That is, the operation is complex, especially for the elderly people with mobility problems, and the usage experience is poor.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Based on this, it is necessary to provide, in response to the above technical problems, a mobility scooter that may achieve the function of braking by rotating the handlebar assembly, which is simple and convenient to operate.
[0004] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a mobility scooter, including:
a frame;
a joint assembly, including a first joint and a second joint, wherein the first joint is articulated with the second joint, and the second joint is fixed to the frame;
a handlebar assembly, fixed to the first joint, wherein the handlebar assembly is rotatable relative to the frame by a rotation of the first joint and the second joint, and the handlebar assembly serves as a backrest for the mobility scooter when rotated in a first direction and as a stroller armrest for the mobility scooter when rotated in a second direction; wherein the first direction is a forward direction of the mobility scooter, the first direction being opposite to the second direction; and
a brake assembly, wherein an upper end of the brake assembly is fixed to the handlebar assembly, and a lower end of the brake assembly is arranged on the frame of the mobility scooter and disposed above a wheel of the mobility scooter; wherein the brake assembly is configured to apply a brake to the wheel by moving toward the wheel in condition of the handlebar assembly being rotated in the first direction.
[0005] In some embodiments, the brake assembly includes:
a brake connector, fixed to the frame and disposed above the wheel; wherein the brake connector defines a holding cavity inside;
a brake member, arranged within the holding cavity; wherein the brake member is movably connected to the brake connector;
a brake line, wherein a lower end of the brake line is fixed to the brake connector, and an upper end of the brake line is fixed to the handlebar assembly; and
a brake line sleeve, sleeved on the brake line; wherein a lower end of the brake line sleeve is fixed to the brake member, and an upper end of the brake line sleeve is confined to the frame; the brake line and brake line sleeve are movable relative to each other under a predetermined force;
wherein in condition of the handlebar assembly being rotated in the first direction and thereby the upper end of the brake line being pulled, the lower end of the brake line sleeve provides a downward force at the brake member, and the brake member is caused to move downwardly relative to the brake connector, so as to act on the wheel.
[0006] In some embodiments, the brake assembly further includes:
a first brake elastic member, sleeved on the brake line sleeve; and
an elastic member limiting block, fixed to the frame and abutting against an upper end of the first brake elastic member;
wherein the brake line sleeve is sleeved by a bolt connector, and a lower end of the first brake elastic member is fixed to the bolt connector;
wherein in condition of the handlebar assembly being rotated in the first direction and the upper end of the brake line being pulled, the first brake elastic member is compressed, the lower end of the first brake elastic member provides a downward force to the brake line sleeve, and the brake line sleeve is caused to move downwardly, so as to perform a downward force to the brake member.
[0007] In some embodiments, the brake assembly further includes a second brake elastic member arranged in the holding cavity; a lower end of the second brake elastic member abuts against the brake connector, and an upper end of the second brake elastic member abuts against the brake member; wherein in condition of the upper end of the brake line being pulled, causing the brake member to move downwardly relative to the brake connector, the second brake elastic member is in a compressed state; in condition of the upper end of the brake line being stopped to be pulled, the brake member is reset by a restoring force of the second brake elastic member.
[0008] In some embodiments, two the second brake elastic members are arranged; one of the two second brake elastic members is disposed on a first side of the brake member, and the other of the two second brake elastic members is disposed on a second side of the brake member, the first side being opposite to the second side.
[0009] In some embodiments, the holding cavity includes a first holding cavity and a second holding cavity that are disposed on both opposing sides of the holding cavity, and a third holding cavity disposed between the first holding cavity and the second holding cavity; a lower end of one of the two second brake elastic members is arranged in the first holding cavity, and a lower end of the other of the two second brake elastic members is arranged in the second holding cavity; the brake member is arranged in the third holding cavity.
[0010] In some embodiments, the brake connector is arranged with a raised first fixing portion in the third holding cavity, and the brake line is fixed to the first fixing portion.
[0011] In some embodiments, the brake member includes a second fixing portion and an insertion portion, the insertion portion being at least partially inserted into the third holding cavity; the insertion portion defines a sliding groove, and the first fixing portion is inserted in the sliding groove; the second fixing portion is arranged above the insertion portion; the second fixing portion defines a fourth holding cavity and a fifth holding cavity on both opposing sides of the second fixing portion; an upper end of one of the two second brake elastic members is arranged in the fourth holding cavity, and an upper end of the other of the two second brake elastic members is arranged in the fifth holding cavity.
[0012] In some embodiments, the second fixing portion defines a fixing groove and a line groove at a central position; the fixing groove is configured to fix the brake line sleeve, and the line groove is configured to receive the brake line.
[0013] In some embodiments, the first fixing portion includes a sixth holding cavity configured to receive a fixing head of the brake line; the sixth holding cavity is arranged with a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being aligned with the line groove, and the second opening being in communication with the first opening; a dimension of the fixing head is larger than a dimension of the first opening.
[0014] In some embodiments, the first joint includes a holding groove, and the handlebar assembly further includes:
an armrest tube, fixed to the first joint and configured for a user to provide a rotation to the handlebar assembly;
a brake handle, movably assembled to the first joint from an opening of the holding groove; wherein the holding groove gradually expands in a direction toward the opening; the brake handle is slidable upwardly along an upper groove wall of the holding groove under an upward lifting force or downwardly along a lower groove wall of the holding groove under a downward pressing force; and
a handle elastic member, wherein an end of the handle elastic member is connected to the brake handle, and the other end of the handle elastic member is connected to the first joint; the handle elastic member is in a stretched state in condition of the brake handle sliding upwardly or downwardly; upon release of the lifting force or the pressing force, the handle elastic member resets the brake handle.
[0015] In some embodiments, the brake handle includes:
a handle body, configured for the user to operate; and
a fixing portion, connected to the handle body and movably assembled in the holding groove; wherein the fixing portion is tangent to the upper groove wall and the lower groove wall of the holding groove.
[0016] In some embodiments, the joint assembly further includes:
a knob, including a knob body and a locking portion; wherein the locking portion passes through the first joint and the second joint; the knob body is disposed on an outside of the second joint and configured for a user to rotate;
wherein the locking portion is configured to lock or unlock the first joint and the second joint in response to the user rotating the knob body.
[0017] In some embodiments, the joint assembly further includes:
a joint elastic member, disposed between the first joint and the second joint; wherein the locking portion passes through the second joint, the joint elastic member, and the first joint sequentially;
wherein in condition of the knob locking the first joint and the second joint, the joint elastic member is in a compressed state; in condition of the knob unlocking the first joint and the second joint, the joint elastic member returns to an original state.
[0018] In some embodiments, each of the first joint and the second joint is arranged with engagement teeth.
[0019] In summary, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mobility scooter, including: a frame; a joint assembly including a first joint and a second joint, the first joint being articulated with the second joint, and the second joint being fixed to the frame; a handlebar assembly, fixed to the first joint, where the handlebar assembly is rotatable relative to the frame by a rotation of the first joint and the second joint, and the handlebar assembly serves as a backrest for the mobility scooter when rotated in a first direction and as a stroller armrest for the mobility scooter when rotated in a second direction; the first direction is a forward direction of the mobility scooter, the first direction being opposite to the second direction; a brake assembly, where an upper end of the brake assembly is fixed to the handlebar assembly, and a lower end of the brake assembly is arranged on the frame of the mobility scooter and disposed above a wheel of the mobility scooter; the brake assembly is configured to apply a brake to the wheel by moving toward the wheel when the handlebar assembly is rotated in the first direction. Therefore, the present disclosure can realize the functions of reclining and parking at the same time by operating the handlebar assembly, which is simple and convenient to operate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a structural schematic view of a mobility scooter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a structural schematic view of a mobility scooter in a disassembled state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a partial structure of a mobility scooter.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic view of area A in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a brake assembly and a frame of a mobility scooter in a disassembled state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a schematic structural view of the brake assembly in a disassembled state.
FIG. 7 is a schematic structural view of a brake connector.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a brake line and a brake line sleeve.
FIG. 9 is a structural schematic view of a fixing portion assembled with a brake line according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Reference numerals:
[0021] mobility scooter 10, frame 11, handlebar assembly 12, seat assembly 13, brake assembly 14, joint assembly 15, front frame 111, rear frame 112, front wheel 113, rear wheel 114, cross tubes 115 and 119, first joint 151, second joint 152, brake connector 141, brake member 142, brake line 143, brake line sleeve 144, holding cavity 1410, line body 1431, fixing heads 1432 and 1433, bolt connector 147, fixing member 1434, brake elastic member 148, first holding cavity 1411, second holding cavity 1412, third holding cavity 1413, first fixing portion 1414, second fixing portion 1421, insertion portion 1422, sliding groove 1423, fixing groove 1426, line groove 1427 , sixth holding cavity 1415, first opening 1416, second opening 1417, brake elastic member 145, elastic member limiting block 146, armrest tube 1211, tube sleeve 1212, brake handle 1213, fixing pin 1200, holding groove 1511, opening 1512, handle body 1214, fixing portion 1215, cover 1201, fixing screw 1202, line groove 1216, fixing groove 1217, handle elastic member 123, protrusions 1218 and 1515, upper groove wall 1513, lower groove wall 1514, first joint 151, second joint 152, knob 153, knob body 1531, locking portion 1532, joint elastic member 154, engagement teeth 155, line groove 1229, frame tube 117, pipe plug 118, positioning hole 1171, snap-in portion 1181.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the present disclosure more clearly understood, the following is a further detailed description of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for the purpose of explaining the present disclosure only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.
[0023] Referring together to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5, FIG. 1 is a structural schematic view of a mobility scooter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a structural schematic view of a mobility scooter in a disassembled state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and IG. 5 is a schematic view of a brake assembly and a frame of a mobility scooter in a disassembled state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the mobility scooter 10 includes a frame 11, a handlebar assembly 12, a seat assembly 13, a brake assembly 14, and a joint assembly 15.
[0024] The frame 11 includes a front frame 111, a rear frame 112, a front wheel 113 corresponding to the front frame 111, and a rear wheel 114 corresponding to the rear frame 112. The front frame 111 is arranged with a cross tube 119, and the rear frame 112 is arranged with a cross tube 115, and the cross tubes 119 and 115 are configured to carry the seat assembly 13.
[0025] The joint assembly 15 includes a first joint 151 and a second joint 152, the first joint 151 being articulated with the second joint 152, and the second joint 152 being fixed to the frame 11. That is, the first joint 151 and the second joint 152 are rotatable relative to each other.
[0026] The handlebar assembly 12 is configured to provide a rotational operation to the user. The handlebar assembly 12 is assembled to and fixed to the first joint 151. The handlebar assembly 12 is rotatable relative to the frame 11 through the rotation of the first joint 151 and the second joint 152. The handlebar assembly 12 serves as a backrest for the mobility scooter 10 when rotated in a first direction and as a stroller armrest for the mobility scooter 10 when rotated in a second direction, where the first direction is a forward direction of the mobility scooter 10 and the second direction is a rearward direction of the mobility scooter 10, the first direction being opposite to the second direction.
[0027] An upper end of the brake assembly 14 is fixed to the handlebar assembly 12, and a lower end of the brake assembly 14 is arranged on the frame 11 of the mobility scooter 10 and is disposed above a corresponding wheel of the mobility scooter 10. The brake assembly 14 is configured to apply a brake to a corresponding wheel by moving toward the wheel when the handlebar assembly 12 is rotated in the first direction. In some embodiments, the brake assembly 14 may be arranged on the rear frame 112 and disposed above the rear wheel 114, i.e. the brake assembly 14 can apply a brake to the rear wheel 114, for stopping the rear wheel 114 from turning when the handlebar assembly 12 is turned in the first direction. The described upper and lower ends are upper and lower positions on the spatial structure of the mobility scooter 10 when it is positively placed in the orientation shown in FIG. 1, and the upper and lower ends described below have the same meaning.
[0028] Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the functions of reclining and parking may be realized at the same time by operating the rotation of the handlebar assembly 12, for example, in the first direction, which is easy and convenient to operate.
[0029] Referring together to FIGS. 6 and 7, FIG. 6 is a schematic structural view of the brake assembly in a disassembled state, and FIG. 7 is a schematic structural view of a brake connector. The brake assembly 14 includes a brake connector 141, a brake member 142, a brake line 143, and a brake line sleeve 144.
[0030] The brake connector 141 is fixed to the frame 11 and disposed above the wheel, specifically fixed to the rear frame 112 and disposed above the rear wheel 114, and the brake connector 141 defines a holding cavity 1410 inside.
[0031] The brake member 142 is arranged within the holding cavity 1410. The brake member 142 is movably connected to the brake connector 141, i.e. the brake member 142 is movable relative to the brake connector 141. As the brake member 142 is arranged in the holding cavity 1410, the brake assembly 14 may be more compact and aesthetically pleasing.
[0032] A lower end of the brake line 143 is fixed to the brake connector 141, and an upper end of the brake line 143 is fixed to the handlebar assembly 12. The brake line sleeve 144 is sleeved on the brake line 143, where a lower end of the brake line sleeve 144 is fixed to the brake member 142, and an upper end of the brake line sleeve 144 is confined to the frame 11. The brake line 143 and brake line sleeve 144 are movable relative to each other under a predetermined force. That is, the socketed relationship of the brake line 143 and the brake line sleeve 144 is not fully fixed and can be moved relative to each other under a predetermined force. Therefore, when the brake line 143 moves, the brake line sleeve 144 follows to move, but when the brake line sleeve 144 is fixed, the brake line 143 may still move relative to the brake line sleeve 144.
[0033] In practice, when the user rotates the handlebar assembly 12 in the first direction and thereby pulls on the upper end of the brake line 143, the brake line 143 is pulled outwardly, and the brake line sleeve 144, because its upper end is confined to the frame 11, provides a reverse force, i.e., a downward force, from its lower end at the brake member 142, causing the brake member 142 to move toward an outside of the brake connector 141, i.e. downwardly relative to the brake connector 141, so as to act on the wheel to stop the rotation of the wheel, e.g. the rear wheel 114, for the purpose of braking. It is noted that the length of the brake line sleeve 144 between a position where it is confined by the rear frame 112 and a position where it is fixed on the brake member 142 is not less than a distance that the brake member 142 moves towards the outside of the brake connector 141. That is, the brake line sleeve 144 is curved between the position where it is confined by the rear frame 112 and the position where it is fixed on the brake member 142, and by the same token, the brake line 143 inside the brake line sleeve 144 is similarly curved. When the upper end of the brake line 143 is pulled by the user, the brake line sleeve 144 provides a downward reverse force due to the restriction of the upper end, whereby the lower end of the brake line sleeve 144 pushes the brake member 142 downwardly relative to the brake connector 141.
[0034] Referring together to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the brake line 143 and the brake line sleeve 144, specifically along their lengths. The brake line 143 includes a line body 1431 and fixing heads 1432 and 1433 disposed at both ends of the line body 1431. Each of the fixing heads 1432 and 1433 has a dimension that is larger than the dimension of the line body 1431. The brake line 143 is fixed to the handlebar assembly 12 and the brake connector 141 by the fixing heads 1432 and 1433, respectively. The brake line sleeve 144 is sleeved on the brake line 143. The brake line sleeve 144 is further sleeved by a bolt connector 147. The brake assembly 14 further includes a fixing member 1434, disposed at the lower end of the brake line sleeve 144 near the fixing head 1433, and the fixing member 1434 may be a sleeve. The state shown in FIG. 8 is that the brake line 143 is moved upwardly relative to the brake line sleeve 144, such that the fixing head 1433 of the brake line 143 abuts against the fixing member 1434, and it is to be understood that the fixing heads at both ends of the brake line 143 may be pulled according to actual situations in order to facilitate the corresponding assembly.
[0035] Referring again to FIG. 6, the brake assembly 14 further includes a brake elastic member 148 arranged in the holding cavity 1410. A lower end of the brake elastic member 148 abuts against the brake connector 141, and an upper end of the brake elastic member 148 abuts against the brake member 142. When the user pulls on the upper end of the brake line 143 such that the brake member 142 moves downwardly relative to the brake connector 141, the brake elastic member 148 is in a compressed state. When the user cancels pulling on the upper end of the brake line 143, the brake member 142 is reset by the restoring force of the brake elastic member 148.
[0036] In some embodiments, two the brake elastic members 148 are arranged and disposed on both sides of the brake member 142. The use of the two brake elastic members 148 on both sides of the brake member 142 allows for a smoother movement of the brake member 142, such as movement during braking or movement during resetting. The brake elastic member 148 may be a spring.
[0037] In some embodiments, the holding cavity 1410 includes a first holding cavity 1411 and a second holding cavity 1412 that are disposed on both sides, and a third holding cavity 1413 disposed in the middle. An end of one of the two brake elastic members 148 is arranged in the first holding cavity 1411, and an end of the other of the two brake elastic members 148 is arranged in the second holding cavity 1412. The brake member 142 is arranged in the third holding cavity 1413.
[0038] The brake connector 141 is arranged with a raised first fixing portion 1414 in the third holding cavity 1413, and the brake line 143 is fixed to the first fixing portion 1414. Specifically, the brake member 142 includes a second fixing portion 1421 and an insertion portion 1422, the insertion portion 1422 being at least partially inserted into the third holding cavity 1413. The insertion portion 1422 defines a sliding groove 1423, and the first fixing portion 1414 is inserted in the sliding groove 1423. The first fixing portion 1414 in the sliding groove 1423 positionally limits the brake member 142 when the brake member 142 moves downwardly relative to the brake connector 141 or when the brake member 142 moves upwardly relative to the brake connector 141 under the action of the elastic restoring force of the brake elastic member 148. The second fixing portion 1421 is arranged above the insertion portion 1422, and the second fixing portion 1421 and the insertion portion 1422 may be in a one-piece structure. The second fixing portion 1421 defines a fourth holding cavity 1424 and a fifth holding cavity 1425 on both sides of the second fixing portion 1421, and upper ends of the two brake elastic members 148 are arranged in the fourth holding cavity 1424 and the fifth holding cavity 1425, respectively.
[0039] The second fixing portion 1421 defines a fixing groove 1426 and a line groove 1427 at a central position. The fixing groove 1426 is configured to fix the brake line sleeve 144, specifically, the brake line sleeve 144 may be fixed in the fixing groove 1426 by means of the fixing member 1434 as a copper bushing. The line groove 1427 is configured to receive the brake line 143.
[0040] The first fixing portion 1414 includes a sixth holding cavity 1415, the sixth holding cavity 1415 being configured to receive the fixing head 1433 of the brake line 143. The sixth holding cavity 1415 is arranged with a first opening 1416 and a second opening 1417, the first opening 1416 being aligned with the line groove 1427, and the second opening 1417 being in communication with the first opening 1416. The fixing head 1433 of the brake line 143 is disposed in the sixth holding cavity 1415 from the second opening 1417, and the line body 1431 of the brake line 143 extends from the first opening 1416 and is received in the line groove 1427. A dimension of the fixing head 1433 is larger than a dimension of the first opening 1416, such that the fixing head 1433 can be retained in the sixth holding cavity 1415.
[0041] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial structure of the mobility scooter 10. The brake assembly 14 further includes a brake elastic member 145 and an elastic member limiting block 146. The brake elastic member 145 is sleeved on the brake line sleeve 144, specifically sleeved on the upper end of the brake line sleeve 144. The elastic member limiting block 146 is fixed to the frame 11 and abuts against an upper end of the brake elastic member 145. A lower end of the brake elastic member 145 is fixed to the bolt connector 147. When the user rotates the handlebar assembly 12 in the first direction so as to pull the upper end of the brake line 143, causing the brake line 143 to move upwardly, the brake elastic member 145, which is sleeved on the brake line sleeve 144, is compressed, thereby generating a downward elastic restoring force, which is applied to the brake line sleeve 144. That is, the lower end of the brake elastic member 145 provides a downward reserve force to the brake line sleeve 144, causing the brake line sleeve 144 to move downwardly, and the lower end of the brake line sleeve 144 acts on the brake member 142, causing the brake member 142 to move downwardly, thereby preventing the rotation of the rear wheels 114 and realizing the purpose of braking or stopping the scooter. That is, the brake elastic member 145 provides a reverse force to the brake line sleeve 144, limiting the brake line sleeve 144 from following the brake line 143 upwardly, thereby positionally limiting the brake line sleeve 144. The brake elastic member 145 may be a spring.
[0042] In other embodiments, the brake elastic member 145 may be omitted, and the upper end of the brake line sleeve 144 may directly abut against the elastic member limiting block 146. In this way, when the user rotates the handlebar assembly 12 so as to drive the brake line 143 upwardly, as the elastic member limiting block 146 positionally limits the upper end of the brake line sleeve 144, the lower end of the brake line sleeve 144 likewise provides a downward reverse force to push the brake member 142 to move downwardly to engage the rear wheel 114, thereby achieving the purpose of braking.
[0043] Referring again to FIG. 2, the handlebar assembly 12 includes an armrest tube 1211, a tube sleeve 1212, and a brake handle 1213. The tube sleeve 1212 is sleeved on an outer surface of the armrest tube 1211. The armrest tube 1211 may be made of a hard material to improve the connecting stability of the armrest tube 1211, and the tube sleeve 1212 may be made of a soft material, such as a plastic, etc., to enhance the handgrip experience of the user. After the tube sleeve 1212 is sleeved on the outer surface of the handrail tube 1211, it is assembled and combined with the first joint 151 and connected and fixed thereto through a fixing pin 1200.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 4 together, the first joint 151 includes a holding groove 1511, which gradually expands in a direction toward an opening 1512. The brake handle 1213 is movably assembled to the first joint 151 from the opening 1512 of the holding groove 1511, and the brake handle 1213 is slidable upwardly along an upper groove wall 1513 of the holding groove 1511 under an upward lifting force or downwardly along a lower groove wall 1514 of the holding groove 1511 under a downward pressing force.
[0045] The handlebar assembly 12 further includes a handle elastic member 123. An end of the handle elastic member 123 is connected to the brake handle 1213, and the other end of the handle elastic member 123 is connected to the first joint 151. The handle elastic member 123 is in a stretched state when the brake handle 1213 slides upwardly or downwardly. Upon release of the lifting force or the pressing force, the handle elastic member 123 resets the brake handle 1213. The handle elastic member 123 may be a spring.
[0046] The brake handle 1213 includes a handle body 1214 and a fixing portion 1215. The handle body 1214 is provided for user operation such as lifting upwardly or pressing downwardly. The fixing portion 1215 is connected to the handle body 1214 and movably assembled in the holding groove 1511. The brake handle 1213 is further arranged with a protrusion 1218 on the fixing portion 1215 and a protrusion 1515 on the first joint 151, and the two ends of the handle elastic member 123 are fixed to the protrusions 1218 and 1515, respectively. The fixing portion 1215 is tangent to the upper groove wall 1513 and the lower groove wall 1514 of the holding groove 1511, so as to be able to slide relative to the upper groove wall 1513 and the lower groove wall 1514. Further, the cover is closed by means of a cover plate 1201 as well as a fixing screw 1202. The fixing portion 1215 is configured to fix the brake line 143. Specifically, the brake line 143 is fixed in the fixing portion 1215, which may be by means of snap-fit. Specifically, referring to FIG. 9 together, FIG. 9 is a structural schematic view of the fixing portion 1215 assembled with the brake line 143 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The fixing portion 1215 defines a line groove 1216 and a fixing groove 1217, where the line body 1431 of the brake line 143 is received in the line groove 1216, and the fixing head 1432 of the brake line 143 is received in the fixing groove 1217. A dimension of the fixing head 1432 is larger than a dimension of the line groove 1216, so as to enable the fixing head 1432 to be stably fixed in the fixing groove 1217. The first joint 151 is fixed to the armrest tube 1211 and the tube sleeve 1212 of the handlebar assembly 12, and when the user rotates the armrest tube 1211 and the tube sleeve 1212 of the handlebar assembly 12, the first joint 151 follows to rotate, thereby pulling on the brake line 143.
[0047] Referring again to FIG. 2, the joint assembly 15 further includes a knob 153. The knob 153 includes a knob body 1531 and a locking portion 1532. The locking portion 1532 passes through the first joint 151 and the second joint 152. The knob body 1531 is disposed on an outside of the second joint 152, provided to be rotated by the user. The locking portion 1532 is a stud for fixing the first joint 151 and the second joint 152. The user can cause the knob 153 to lock or unlock the first joint 151 and the second joint 152 by rotating the knob body 1531.
[0048] The joint assembly 15 further includes a joint elastic member 154 disposed between the first joint 151 and the second joint 152. The locking portion 1532 passes through the second joint 152, the joint elastic member 154, and the first joint 151 sequentially. When the knob 153 locks the first joint 151 and the second joint 152, the joint elastic member 154 is in a compressed state. When the knob 153 unlocks the first joint 151 and the second joint 152, the joint elastic member 154 returns to an original state. The knob 153 is an actuating member for locking or unlocking the joint assembly 15.
[0049] Each of the first joint 151 and the second joint 152 is arranged with engagement teeth 155. The first joint 151 and the second joint 152 can be rotated 180 degrees relative to each other, and in practice, the second joint 152 may be held stationary, then the first joint 151 may be rotated 180 degrees. The first joint 151 may be rotated in the second direction (i.e., a rearward direction) of the mobility scooter 10 or in the first direction (i.e., a forward direction) of the mobility scooter 10 when the user operates the handlebar assembly 12. The engagement teeth 155 of the first joint 151 and the second joint 152 may be set such that the first joint 151 achieves an angular rotation of 9 degrees for a rotation of each engagement tooth 155. That is, the first joint 151 is rotated in a range of 180 degrees as 9 degrees per unit, and each unit may be held in place. Upon rotation of 180 degrees in the forward direction, the brake assembly 14 automatically enters a braking state.
[0050] The first joint 151 further defines a line groove 1516, and the brake line sleeve 144 is received in the line groove 1516.
[0051] The frame 11 includes a frame tube 117 and a pipe plug 118. The frame tube 117 defines multiple positioning holes 1171, and a lower end of the frame tube 117 is fixed to the wheel. The tube plug 118 is fixed to the second joint 152. The tube plug 118 is arranged with a raised snap-fit portion 1181, the snap-fit portion 1181 being capable of cooperating with different positioning holes 1171 to adjust the height of the mobility scooter 10 within a predetermined range.
[0052] The brake line sleeve 144 extends from the line groove 1516 and is fixed to the brake member 142 after passing through the second joint 152, the pipe plug 118, and the rack pipe 117 sequentially.
[0053] Based on the above structure of the mobility scooter 10, the following describes the actual use of the mobility scooter 10.
[0054] When a user uses the brake function of the handlebar assembly 12, the knob 153 is first rotated in one direction, such as the second direction (i.e., the rearward direction of the mobility scooter 10), such that the engagement teeth 155 of the first joint 151 and the second joint 152 are in a loosened and unlocked state, and when the engagement teeth 155 are in the loosened and unlocked state, the first joint 151 may be rotated at will within 180 degrees, and each rotation of 1 unit is 9 degrees. When the handlebar assembly 12 is rotated 180 degrees in the forward direction of the mobility scooter 10, the handlebar assembly 12 is used as a backrest. The first joint 151 is rotated 180 degrees relative to the second joint 152. The fixing portion 1215 of the brake handle 1213 in the handlebar assembly 12 drives the brake line 143 to rotate along the line groove 1516 of the first joint 151. In this case, the elastic member limiting block 146 pushes against the brake elastic member 145 causing the brake elastic member 145 to compress, and the compressed brake elastic member 145 gives a reverse force to the brake line sleeve 144 to make the brake line sleeve 144 move downwardly to act on the brake member 142, and jam the rear wheel 114 through the downward movement of the brake member 142, thereby blocking the rotation of the rear wheel 114. The above is equivalent to pulling the brake line 143 upward to achieve the automatic parking function.
[0055] When the handlebar assembly 12 is rotated and reset, the brake elastic member 145, which has been compressed, is being reset (i.e., rebounded) at the same time, and a rebound force will be generated to push the brake line 143 to bring the handlebar assembly 12 back to reset, realizing an automatic reset function. In addition, when the brake elastic member 145 is resetting the handlebar assembly 12, a downward pushing force exists against the fixing portion 1215 due to the elastic force, which acts on the brake line 143 on the fixing portion 1215, pulling the brake line 143 downwardly, thereby preventing the brake line 143 from getting stuck in the line groove 1216 of the first joint 151.
[0056] When the handlebar assembly 12 is adjusted, the first joint 151 is put in a engaged and locked state relative to the engagement teeth 155 of the second joint 152 by rotating the knob 153 in the forward direction of the mobility scooter 10, and the first joint 151 cannot be rotated in the engaged and locked state of the engagement teeth 155.
[0057] In summary, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mobility scooter, including: a frame; a joint assembly including a first joint and a second joint, the first joint being articulated with the second joint, and the second joint being fixed to the frame; a handlebar assembly, fixed to the first joint, where the handlebar assembly is rotatable relative to the frame by a rotation of the first joint and the second joint, and the handlebar assembly serves as a backrest for the mobility scooter when rotated in a first direction and as a stroller armrest for the mobility scooter when rotated in a second direction; the first direction is a forward direction of the mobility scooter, the first direction being opposite to the second direction; a brake assembly, where an upper end of the brake assembly is fixed to the handlebar assembly, and a lower end of the brake assembly is arranged on the frame of the mobility scooter and disposed above a wheel of the mobility scooter; the brake assembly is configured to apply a brake to the wheel by moving toward the wheel when the handlebar assembly is rotated in the first direction. Therefore, the present disclosure can realize the functions of reclining and parking at the same time by operating the handlebar assembly, which is simple and convenient to operate.
[0058] The various technical features of the above embodiments may be combined arbitrarily, and all possible combinations of the various technical features of the above embodiments have not been described for the sake of conciseness of description. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combinations of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of the present specification as recorded herein.
[0059] The above embodiments express only several embodiments of the present disclosure, which are described in a more specific and detailed manner, but are not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure. It should be pointed out that, for those skilled in the art, several deformations and improvements can be made without departing from the conception of the present disclosure, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure shall be subject to the attached claims.
a frame (11);
a joint assembly (15), comprising a first joint (151) and a second joint (152), wherein the first joint (151) is articulated with the second joint (152), and the second joint (152) is fixed to the frame (11);
a handlebar assembly (12), fixed to the first joint (151), wherein the handlebar assembly (12) is rotatable relative to the frame (11) by a rotation of the first joint (151) and the second joint (152), and the handlebar assembly (12) serves as a backrest for the mobility scooter (10) when rotated in a first direction and as a stroller armrest for the mobility scooter (10) when rotated in a second direction; wherein the first direction is a forward direction of the mobility scooter (10), the first direction being opposite to the second direction; and
a brake assembly (14), wherein an upper end of the brake assembly (14) is fixed to the handlebar assembly (12), and a lower end of the brake assembly (14) is arranged on the frame (11) of the mobility scooter (10) and disposed above a wheel of the mobility scooter (10); wherein the brake assembly (14) is configured to apply a brake to the wheel by moving toward the wheel in condition of the handlebar assembly (12) being rotated in the first direction.
a brake connector (141), fixed to the frame (11) and disposed above the wheel; wherein the brake connector (141) defines a holding cavity (1410) inside;
a brake member (142), arranged within the holding cavity (1410); wherein the brake member (142) is movably connected to the brake connector (141);
a brake line (143), wherein a lower end of the brake line (143) is fixed to the brake connector (141), and an upper end of the brake line (143) is fixed to the handlebar assembly (12); and
a brake line sleeve (144), sleeved on the brake line (143); wherein a lower end of the brake line sleeve (144) is fixed to the brake member (142), and an upper end of the brake line sleeve (144) is confined to the frame (11); the brake line (143) and brake line sleeve (144) are movable relative to each other under a predetermined force;
wherein in condition of the handlebar assembly (12) being rotated in the first direction and thereby the upper end of the brake line (143) being pulled, the lower end of the brake line sleeve (144) provides a downward force at the brake member (142), and the brake member (142) is caused to move downwardly relative to the brake connector (141), so as to act on the wheel.
a first brake elastic member (145), sleeved on the brake line sleeve (144); and
an elastic member limiting block (146), fixed to the frame (11) and abutting against an upper end of the first brake elastic member (145);
wherein the brake line sleeve (144) is sleeved by a bolt connector (147), and a lower end of the first brake elastic member (145) is fixed to the bolt connector (147);
wherein in condition of the handlebar assembly (12) being rotated in the first direction and thereby the upper end of the brake line (143) being pulled, the first brake elastic member (145) is compressed, the lower end of the first brake elastic member (145) provides a downward force to the brake line sleeve (144), and the brake line sleeve (144) is caused to move downwardly, so as to perform a downward force to the brake member (142).
wherein in condition of the upper end of the brake line (143) being pulled, causing the brake member (142) to move downwardly relative to the brake connector (141), the second brake elastic member (148) is in a compressed state; in condition of the upper end of the brake line (143) being stopped to be pulled, the brake member (142) is reset by a restoring force of the second brake elastic member (148).
an armrest tube (1211), fixed to the first joint (151) and configured for a user to provide a rotation to the handlebar assembly (12);
a brake handle (1213), movably assembled to the first joint (151) from an opening (1512) of the holding groove (1511); wherein the holding groove (1511) gradually expands in a direction toward the opening (1512); the brake handle (1213) is slidable upwardly along an upper groove wall (1513) of the holding groove (1511) under an upward lifting force or downwardly along a lower groove wall (1514) of the holding groove (1511) under a downward pressing force; and
a handle elastic member (123), wherein an end of the handle elastic member (123) is connected to the brake handle (1213), and the other end of the handle elastic member (123) is connected to the first joint (151); the handle elastic member (123) is in a stretched state in condition of the brake handle (1213) sliding upwardly or downwardly; upon release of the lifting force or the pressing force, the handle elastic member (123) resets the brake handle (1213).
a handle body (1214), configured for the user to operate; and
a fixing portion (1215), connected to the handle body (1214) and movably assembled in the holding groove (1511); wherein the fixing portion (1215) is tangent to the upper groove wall (1513) and the lower groove wall (1514) of the holding groove (1511).
a knob (153), comprising a knob body (1531) and a locking portion (1532); wherein the locking portion (1532) passes through the first joint (151) and the second joint (152); the knob body (1531) is disposed on an outside of the second joint (152) and configured for a user to rotate;
wherein the locking portion (1532) is configured to lock or unlock the first joint (151) and the second joint (152) in response to the user rotating the knob body (1531).
a joint elastic member (154), disposed between the first joint (151) and the second joint (152); wherein the locking portion (1532) passes through the second joint (152), the joint elastic member (154), and the first joint (151) sequentially;
wherein in condition of the knob (153) locking the first joint (151) and the second joint (152), the joint elastic member (154) is in a compressed state; in condition of the knob (153) unlocking the first joint (151) and the second joint (152), the joint elastic member (154) returns to an original state.
Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
a frame (11);
a handlebar assembly (12);
a joint assembly (15), connected between the frame (11) and the handlebar assembly (12); wherein the joint assembly (15) comprises a first joint (151) and a second joint (152), wherein the first joint (151) is articulated with the second joint (152); the second joint (152) is fixed to the frame (11), while the handlebar assembly (12) is fixed to the first joint (151), wherein the handlebar assembly (12) is rotatable relative to the frame (11) by a rotation of the first joint (151) and the second joint (152); the handlebar assembly (12) serves as a backrest for the rollator (10) when rotated in a first direction and as a stroller armrest for the rollator (10) when rotated in a second direction; wherein the first direction is a forward direction of the rollator (10), and the first direction is opposite to the second direction; and
a brake assembly (14), arranged on the frame (11), connected to the handlebar assembly (12), and located above a wheel (113) of the rollator (10); wherein the brake assembly (14) is configured to apply a brake to the wheel in condition of the handlebar assembly (12) being rotated in the first direction; wherein the brake assembly (14) comprises:
a brake connector (141), fixed to the frame (11) and located above the wheel; wherein the brake connector (141) defines a holding cavity (1410) inside;
a brake member (142), arranged within the holding cavity (1410); wherein the brake member (142) is movably connected to the brake connector (141);
a brake line (143), wherein a lower end of the brake line (143) is fixed to the brake connector (141), and an upper end of the brake line (143) is fixed to the handlebar assembly (12); and
a brake line sleeve (144), sleeved on the brake line (143); wherein a lower end of the brake line sleeve (144) is fixed to the brake member (142), and an upper end of the brake line sleeve (144) is confined to the frame (11); the brake line (143) and brake line sleeve (144) are movable relative to each other under a predetermined force;
wherein in condition of the handlebar assembly (12) being rotated in the first direction and thereby the upper end of the brake line (143) being pulled by the handlebar assembly (12), causing the lower end of the brake line sleeve (144) to provide a downward force to the brake member (142), thereby causing the brake member (142) to move downwardly relative to the brake connector (141) and act on the wheel, thereby braking the wheel.
the brake assembly (14) further comprises a fixing member (1434) arranged at the lower end of the brake line sleeve (144) near the fixing head (1433); wherein the fixing member (1434) is configured to abut against the fixing head (1433) of the brake line (143) when the brake line (143) is moved upwardly relative to the brake line sleeve (144).
a first brake elastic member (145), sleeved on the brake line sleeve (144); and
an elastic member limiting block (146), fixed to the frame (11) and abutting against an upper end of the first brake elastic member (145);
wherein the brake line sleeve (144) is sleeved by a bolt connector (147), and a lower end of the first brake elastic member (145) is fixed to the bolt connector (147);
wherein in condition of the handlebar assembly (12) being rotated in the first direction and thereby the upper end of the brake line (143) being pulled, the first brake elastic member (145) is compressed, the lower end of the first brake elastic member (145) provides a downward force to the brake line sleeve (144), and the brake line sleeve (144) is caused to move downwardly, so as to perform a downward force to the brake member (142).
wherein in condition of the upper end of the brake line (143) being pulled, causing the brake member (142) to move downwardly relative to the brake connector (141), the second brake elastic member (148) is in a compressed state; in condition of the upper end of the brake line (143) being stopped to be pulled, the brake member (142) is reset by a restoring force of the second brake elastic member (148).
an armrest tube (1211), fixed to the first joint (151) and configured for a user to provide a rotation to the handlebar assembly (12);
a brake handle (1213), movably assembled to the first joint (151) from an opening (1512) of the holding groove (1511); wherein the holding groove (1511) gradually expands in a direction toward the opening (1512); the brake handle (1213) is slidable upwardly along an upper groove wall (1513) of the holding groove (1511) under an upward lifting force or downwardly along a lower groove wall (1514) of the holding groove (1511) under a downward pressing force; and
a handle elastic member (123), wherein an end of the handle elastic member (123) is connected to the brake handle (1213), and the other end of the handle elastic member (123) is connected to the first joint (151); the handle elastic member (123) is in a stretched state in condition of the brake handle (1213) sliding upwardly or downwardly; upon release of the lifting force or the pressing force, the handle elastic member (123) resets the brake handle (1213).
a handle body (1214), configured for the user to operate; and
a fixing portion (1215), connected to the handle body (1214) and movably assembled in the holding groove (1511); wherein the fixing portion (1215) is tangent to the upper groove wall (1513) and the lower groove wall (1514) of the holding groove (1511).
a knob (153), comprising a knob body (1531) and a locking portion (1532); wherein the locking portion (1532) passes through the first joint (151) and the second joint (152); the knob body (1531) is disposed on an outside of the second joint (152) and configured for a user to rotate;
wherein the locking portion (1532) is configured to lock or unlock the first joint (151) and the second joint (152) in response to the user rotating the knob body (1531).
a joint elastic member (154), disposed between the first joint (151) and the second joint (152); wherein the locking portion (1532) passes through the second joint (152), the joint elastic member (154), and the first joint (151) sequentially;
wherein in condition of the knob (153) locking the first joint (151) and the second joint (152), the joint elastic member (154) is in a compressed state; in condition of the knob (153) unlocking the first joint (151) and the second joint (152), the joint elastic member (154) returns to an original state.