EP0098851A1

EP0098851A1 - Electric motor toy vehicle.

Info

Publication number: EP0098851A1
Application number: EP83900349A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Camille Diebold; Frederic Rubach
Original assignee: JOUSTRA SA
Current assignee: JOUSTRA SA
Priority date: 1982-01-19
Filing date: 1983-01-18
Publication date: 1984-01-25
Also published as: EP0098851B1; DE3360851D1; US4595381A; WO1983002400A1; IT8319175A0; IT1163045B

Abstract

Ce véhicule comporte un module d'entraînement (110) logé dans un boîtier (111). A l'intérieur de ce boîtier sont montés un moteur électrique (116) portant un pignon (118), une masse à inertie (114) portant un pignon (115) et une roue de couplage (125, 126) montée sur une pièce pivotante (128). Dans une première position de la pièce pivotante, le moteur (116) lance la masse à inertie (114). Dans une seconde position de cette pièce, l'énergie emmagasinée par la masse à inertie se transmet à la roue (124) solidaire de l'axe des roues motrices.This vehicle comprises a drive module (110) housed in a housing (111). Inside this box are mounted an electric motor (116) carrying a pinion (118), an inertia mass (114) carrying a pinion (115) and a coupling wheel (125, 126) mounted on a pivoting part (128). In a first position of the pivoting part, the motor (116) launches the inertia mass (114). In a second position of this part, the energy stored by the inertia mass is transmitted to the wheel (124) integral with the axle of the drive wheels.

Description

_ i _

TOY VEHICLE WITH ELECTRIC MOTOR

The present invention relates to a toy vehicle comprising an electric motor, drive wheels and a drive mechanism for these drive wheels.

In the toy car field, essentially three main categories of vehicles are known: vehicles without a drive mechanism, vehicles driven by an electric motor and vehicles with inertia drive. These cars are the result of different concepts, often correspond to different prices and sometimes appeal to children of different ages.

The present invention proposes to produce a toy vehicle which combines two of the designs set out by bringing together, on the same car, an electric drive and an inertia drive.

For this purpose, the toy vehicle, comprising an electric motor, drive wheels and a drive mechanism for these drive wheels according to the invention, is characterized in that it also comprises an inertial mass coupled to the electric motor , and in that the drive wheel drive mechanism comprises means for uncoupling said drive wheels and their drive mechanism.

According to a first embodiment, the drive wheels are mounted at the ends of a rigid axis, and the means for uncoupling said drive wheels and their drive mechanism comprise .guiding members allowing, at said rigid axis, to occupy a first position in which the drive wheels are coupled to the drive mechanism, and a second position in which the drive wheels are uncoupled from their drive mechanism.

By this means, it is possible to launch the inertial mass by means of the electric motor, the drive wheels being uncoupled from their drive mechanism, and then to launch the vehicle by means of the kinetic energy accumulated by the inertial mass, by coupling the drive wheels with their drive mechanism.

O PI _ The guide members comprise at least one oblong slot, the width of which corresponds substantially to the diameter of the rigid axis, the ends of the slot constituting stops which define the first and second positions of said axis.

According to this embodiment, this vehicle comprises spring members, which urge said rigid axis in the first position, that is to say that in which the drive wheels are coupled with their drive mechanism.

It also comprises electrical contact members arranged to close the supply circuit of the electric motor, when the axis ri¬ gide is in said second position.

In this way, when the operator acts on the vehicle so as to bring the rigid axis into the second position, the supply circuit of the electric motor closes, launches the inertial mass which accumulates a certain kinetic energy, up to when the vehicle is released and when the spring members urge the rigid axis-in its first position, which causes the coupling of the drive wheels and the drive mechanism having accumulated sufficient kinetic energy to pro¬ pulse the vehicle.

The electric motor, the drive mechanism and the drive wheels carried by a rigid axis are preferably mounted in a sup¬ port housing secured to the vehicle body, and comprising two parallel plane walls provided with two αblong slots through which said axis rigid. The spring members, which urge this axis in its first position, comprise a moving part articulated to said housing and urged by a spring, so that this moving part pushes the axis back into its first position.

Advantageously, the vehicle according to the invention also comprises blocking means arranged to maintain said rigid axis in its first position. In this way, the child can use the vehicle as if it were a conventional inertia drive vehicle, in particular when the batteries supplying the electric motor are discharged.

In this first embodiment, the inertial mass is mounted on the motor shaft. During the launch phase, the engine drives the inertial mass. During the restitution phase of the energy stored by the inertial mass, this mass coupled to the axis of the motri¬ wheels drives the latter as well as the electric motor, the supply of electricity of which is interrupted. In this way, part of the stored kinetic energy is used in pure loss to run the engine when empty.

This constitutes a drawback which can be remedied by a second embodiment, according to which the toy vehicle is characterized in that said means for uncoupling the driving wheels comprise a pivoting part carrying at least one coupling wheel arranged for couple a wheel secured to the output shaft of the electric motor and a wheel secured to the axis of the inertial mass when the pivoting part is in a first position, and to couple a wheel secured to the axis driving wheels, and the solid wheel of the axis of the inertia mass when the pivoting part is in a second position-

The coupling wheel consists of two adjoining wheels, of different diameters, one of which ensures the coupling of the wheel secured to the drive shaft to the wheel secured to the inertial mass, and the other of which ensures the coupling of the wheel secured to the axis of the drive wheels to the wheel secured to the inertial mass, these two wheels being alternately engaged and disengaged when the pivoting part is in its first or second position.

The inertial mass is no longer, here, integral with the shaft of the electric motor and the coupling wheel can, depending on the position of the pivoting part, engage or disengage the motor and disengage or engage the drive wheels . In this way, the electric motor is never driven empty and the energy stored by the inertial mass is fully, to the nearest loss, returned to the drive wheels.

O PI __ According to a particular embodiment, at least the coupling wheel is a friction wheel coated with a material with a high coefficient of friction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the wheels carried respectively by the axis of the inertial mass and the drive shaft, as well as the coupling wheel, are toothed wheels.

To ensure the power supply to the electric motor, the pivoting part comprises a spout arranged to touch a contact blade when it is brought into its first position, this contact blade being connected to one of the poles of the energy source of the electric motor, so that closing the contact between said spout and said contact blade ensures the supply of energy to the electric motor ”

The pivoting part is manipulated by means of a control lever connected to this part, this lever being moreover equipped with a return spring, so that the pivoting part is ^' biased in its second position , corresponding to the coupling of the inertial mass to the drive wheels.

This vehicle is modular in design. The drive module includes a box inside of which are mounted: the electric motor, the inertial mass and the drive mechanism of the drive wheels and which carries the axis of. drive wheels, this module being arranged to be mounted on a chassis carrying the power source of the electric motor as well as the vehicle body.

The present invention will be better understood with reference to the description of an exemplary embodiment and the attached drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 represents a top view of a part of the vehicle according to the invention, illustrating in particular the electric motor, the driving wheels and the drive device,

Figure 2 shows a side view of the drive mechanism

OMP Figure 1,

FIG. 3 schematically represents the electrical circuit according to the invention,

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the drive module of the vehicle according to the invention, mounted on the chassis of this vehicle,

FIG. 5 represents an elevation view of this module, essentially illustrating the pivoting part,

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating the kinematic chain when the pivoting part is in its second position, and

Figure 7 is a schematic view illustrating the kinematic chain, when the pivoting part is in its first position.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the vehicle described comprises a body 10, the rear part of which is shown very schematically in FIG. 2, two drive wheels 11 mounted at the ends of a rigid shaft 12, an electric motor 13 which drives the drive wheels 11 via a drive mechanism which will be described in more detail below.

An inertial mass 14 in the shape of a bell, of axial symmetry, is mounted on the motor shaft 15 which also carries a drive pinion 16. This drive pinion 16 is indirectly coupled to the den¬ ted wheel 17 , by means of a reduction mechanism composed for example by two toothed wheels 18 and 19. The toothed wheel 17 is integral with the drive axis 12 of the drive wheels 11. All of these elements are mounted on the side walls of a housing 20, itself re¬ linked, by means known per se, to the chassis or to the body of the vehicle.

The side walls of the housing 20 each have an oblong slot 21, the axis of which preferably forms an angle of thirty to forty-five degrees relative to the vertical. These slots 21 are crossed by the axis 12 which can, therefore, adopt a first position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2, and a second position 12 'shown in broken lines. When the axis 12 is in its first posi¬ tion, the toothed wheel 17 meshes with the toothed wheel 19 secured to the wheel 18, itself engaged with the pinion 16 mounted on the drive shaft 15 of the electric motor 13. In this position, the motri¬ wheels are coupled to the electric motor via their drive mechanism.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 2, when the axis 12 is in the high position indicated by the reference 12 ′, the toothed wheel 17, which is integral with this axis, is offset upwards and occupies a position designated by the reference 17 ′, in which it no longer meshes with the toothed wheel 19. In this case, the drive wheels 11 are uncoupled from their drive mechanism.

The device described above and illustrated in particular in FIG. 1 com¬ carries an electrical contact member 22 consisting essentially of two contact blades 23 and 24 separated by an insulating pad 25 (see fig. 3), the lower blade of which is supported on an insulating cylindrical counterweight 26 mounted coaxially on the drive axis 12. When the drive axis 12 is in the low position, the contact blades 23 and 24 are separated, and the circuit, which connects a current source 26 comprising for example two batteries 27 and 28 to the electric motor 13, is open.

On the other hand, when the drive axis is in position 12 ′ the stud 26 presses the lower contact blade 24 against the upper contact blade 23, and closes the supply circuit of the electric motor 13. The latter sets in motion, driving the inertial mass 14, as well as the pinion 16 and the gears 18 and 19 As the drive wheels 11 are not coupled to the drive mechanism in this position, those -this remain stationary and the vehicle is not in motion.

This high position 12 ′ of the drive axis is obtained when the child presses on the body, the vehicle being placed on a

GP rigid face. The low position, which is the rest position, is held in the absence of other constraints by means of a moving part 29, ticulated on a pivot 30 and urged by a spring 31 fixed one by one with a pin 32 integral with the part 29, and on the other hand with a pin 33 integral with the housing 20. The part 29 is preferably a part folded in the shape of a U, the two lateral branches of which each have a segment 34 bearing on the drive axis 12.

A cam 35, mounted on a pivoting pin 36, makes it possible to block the part 29 in its rest position, that is to say to keep the drive shaft 12 in its low position.

To play with the toy car according to the invention, the child presses on the body 10 of the vehicle at its rear drive wheels 11. This has the effect of moving the drive axis 12 from its low position to its position high 12 ", to join the contact blades 23 and 24", to close the supply circuit of the electric motor 13 which starts to drive the inertial mass 14. This mass accumulates a certain kinetic energy, which can be transmitted to the drive mechanism when the child releases its pressure on the body 10, which has the effect of returning the drive shaft to its initial position under the effect of the traction spring 31. Consequently, after a first launch phase, - during which a certain amount of kinetic energy is accumulated by the inertial mass 14, the second phase consists in restoring this kinetic energy and in transmitting it brutally to the driving wheels thanks to u n automatic coupling of these drive wheels with their drive mechanism, thus providing the vehicle with spectacular acceleration.

When the batteries are empty, the vehicle can be conventionally used as a vehicle with an inertia launcher. For this purpose, it suffices to turn the cam 35 around its axis 36 to block the part 29 in its position shown in FIG. 2, corresponding to the first position known as the lower position of the drive axis 12. The inertial mass 14 is rotated by the drive wheels 11 coupled to the drive mechanism, and either through the electric motor 13.

WIPO The description of a particular embodiment of the invention makes it possible to understand that this invention in fact combines, in the same concept, two known means of propulsion. Furthermore, the prior launching of the inertial mass makes it possible to communicate spectacular accelerations to the vehicle, by means of a relatively simple mechanism and therefore at a relatively modest manufacturing cost.

This mechanism adapts as well to a passenger car as to a truck, an airplane equipped with wheels, a motorcycle, a prototype racing car, etc. It is sufficient that the vehicle is provided with a chassis provided with wheels.

Referring to Figures 4 to 7 and in particular to Figure 4, the drive module 110 comprises a housing 111 composed of four sides of a rectangular parallelepiped, and mounted in a suitable cavity mé¬ swam in the chassis 112 of the vehicle. This housing carries the axis 113 of the inertial mass ^' 114 as well as a toothed wheel 115, preferably produced in one piece, by molding, with the inertial mass 114. It also carries the electric motor 116 whose the output shaft 117 carries a toothed wheel 118 rigidly mounted on this shaft. The body of the motor 116 is provided with a protrusion 119 engaged in an appropriate cutout on one of the sides of the housing 111, which makes it possible to support and maintain in position one side of the motor 116 - toothed wheel 118 assembly. The other side of this assembly is carried by a bearing 120 housed in a suitable recess in another side wall of the housing 111. The axis 121 of the drive wheels 122 and 123 crosses the housing 111 from side to side and is sup¬ carried by two opposite side walls of the latter. This axis carries a toothed wheel 124 rigidly connected to this axis.

The means for uncoupling the driving wheels 122 and 123 of the vehicle comprise the coupling wheel composed, in the example illustrated, of two toothed wheels 125 and 126 joined together, whose axis 127 is mounted at one of the ends of the part pivoting 128, perpendicular to. his plan. The axis 127 passes through an oblong slot made in the corresponding side wall of the housing 111. The pivoting part 128 rocks on the end 129 of the axis 113 of the inertial mass 114.

O PI A control lever 130 movable along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, is connected to a tubular end piece 131 containing a compression spring (not shown), which tends to push the lever 130 upwards (position illustrated in FIG. 5) .

The chassis 112 carries the energy source of the motor 116, constituted for example by two dry cells 132 and 133 connected in series. The positive terminal 134 of the source is connected to one of the poles of the motor 116 by means of a wire 135. The negative terminal 136 of the source is connected to a conductive strip 137 carried by the frame 112.

The pivoting part 128 has a spout 138 intended to contact the blade

137, the corresponding end of which is slightly curved towards the top and is retained by a flange 139 secured to the chassis and disposed over the stacks 132 and 133.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pivoting part 128 comprises a renfle¬ ment 140 produced for example by stamping, on which are mounted the axis 127 of the coupling wheel and a stud 141 connected to the tubular end piece 13 connected to the lever 130. As mentioned above, the pivoting part 128 rocks around the end 129 of the axis 113 of the inertial mass 114. For this purpose, it carries a bearing 142 serving as a support for said axis end .

At rest, the control lever 130 is pushed upwards under the effect of the thrust of the spring housed in the tubular end piece 131. The pivoting part 128 is in its high position shown? by figure 5. The beak

138 is not in abutment against the contact blade 137. The toothed wheels are in their position illustrated in FIG. 6. The wheel 124 meshes with the wheel 126 and the wheel 125 meshes with the toothed pinion 115 secured to the inertial mass 114. The electric motor is not supplied and the toothed wheel 118 is not coupled to the other toothed wheels.

When the user wants to launch the vehicle, he presses the control lever 130. This has the effect of tilting the pivoting part 128 so that the contact between the spout 138 and the conductive blade 137 closes. The motor is then powered by the energy source

ΕUfLI E - O PI electric. Simultaneously, the coupling wheel rocks, which has the effect of uncoupling the wheels 124 and 126 and meshing the wheels 125 and 118. The motor drives the pinion 118, the wheels 125 and 126 and the pinion 115. The mass to inertia is launched by the motor and stores a certain kinetic energy.

When the user releases the control lever 130, the pivoting part returns to its initial position, which cuts off the power supply to the motor, the disengagement of the wheels 118 and 125 and the coupling of the wheels 126 and 124. The kinematic chain comprises the pinion 115, the wheel 125, the integral wheels 126 and 125 and the wheel 124. That is to say that the energy stored by the inertial mass is transmitted to the drive wheels.

It is understood that the present invention may have different variants obvious to those skilled in the art. By way of example, the toothed wheels and in particular the toothed coupling wheel could be replaced by a friction wheel.

WIPO

Claims

claims

1. Toy vehicle comprising an electric motor, drive wheels and a drive mechanism for these drive wheels, characterized in that it also comprises an inertial mass (14, 114) coupled to the electric motor (13, 116 ), and in that the drive wheel drive mechanism (11, 122, 123) comprises means for uncoupling said drive wheels and their drive mechanism.

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive wheels (11) are mounted at the ends of a rigid axle (12), and in that the means for uncoupling said drive wheels and their drive mechanism include guide members (21) allowing said rigid axis (12) to occupy a first position in which the drive wheels are coupled to the drive mechanism, and a second position (12 ′) in which the wheels power cars are uncoupled from their drive mechanism.

3. Vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that said guide or¬ ganes comprise at least one oblong slot (21), the width of which corresponds substantially to the diameter of the rigid axis (12), the ends of the slot constituting stops which define said first and second positions of said axis.

4. Vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises spring members (31) which urge said rigid axis in said first position.

5. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises electrical contact members (22), arranged to close the supply circuit of the electric motor (13) when the rigid axis (12) is in said second position.

6. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, ca¬ characterized in that the electric motor (13), the driving mechanism and the drive wheels (11) carried by the rigid axle are mounted in a housing support (20) integral with the bodywork (10) of the vehicle

WIPO cule, and comprising two parallel flat walls provided with two oblong fen¬ your (21) crossed by said rigid axis, and in that the spring members (31), which bias this axis in its first posi¬ tion, are connected to a moving part (29) articulated to said housing and urged by a tension spring, so that this moving part pushes said axis back into its first position.

7. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, ca¬ characterized in that it comprises locking means (35) arranged to maintain said axis in said first position.

8. Toy vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that said means for uncoupling the driving wheels (122, 123) comprise a pivoting part carrying at least one coupling wheel arranged to couple a wheel (118) integral with the output shaft of the electric motor (116) and a wheel (115) secured to the axis of the inertial mass (114) when the pivoting part (128) is in a first position, and to couple a wheel (124) secured to the axis (121) of the drive wheels (122 and 123) and the wheel (115) secured to the axis of the inertial mass (114) when the pivoting part (128) is in a second position.

9. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the coupling wheel consists of two wheels (125) and (126) joined, of different diameters, one of which (125) ensures the coupling of the integral wheel of the motor shaft to the wheel secured to the inertial mass, and the other (126) of which couples the wheel secured to the axis of the drive wheels to the wheel secured to the inertial mass, these two wheels (125 ) and (126) being alternately engaged and disengaged when the pivoting part (128) is in its first or second position.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that said rou ^'coupling is a friction wheel having a coating of high friction coeffi¬ cient.

11. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that said wheels (118), (115), (124), (125), (126) are .wheels.

WIPO

12. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the pivoting part (128) has a spout (138) arranged to touch a contact blade (137) when it is brought into its first position, this contact blade being connected at one of the poles of the electric motor power source, so that closing the contact between said spout (138) and said contact blade (137) ensures the power supply to the electric motor.

13. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that said means for ^' decoupling the driving wheels comprise a control lever connected to the pivoting part, this lever being equipped with a return spell, so that the part swivel is biased towards its second position.

14. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a drive module comprising a housing inside which are mounted: the electric motor, the inertial mass and the drive wheel drive mechanism, and which carries the axis of the motri¬ these wheels, this module being arranged to be mounted on a chassis carrying the source of energy of the electric motor as well as the body of the vehicle.