DE19708760A1 - Pedal car especially for use as children's pedal car - Google Patents

Abstract

A pedal car comprises a chassis, steering with rotatable steering column (15), rear wheel(s), front wheels on either side, a track rod connecting them, and a steering box unit. This comprises a linkage (20) pivotally connected at one end to the track rod (8) and having an approximately central vertical pivoting axis fixed to the chassis. The angled termination of the steering column enters a captive bush on the linkage. Turning the steering wheel alters the angle of the termination, and moves the track rod to steer in the appropriate direction.

Description

The invention relates to a pedal car, also Kettcar or called go-kart, which is intended especially for children is.

Pedal cars have been known for a long time. For the drive either moving footrests in combination with a rod drive or becomes a bicycle pedal / chain mechanism second hand. The latter type of drive is especially recorded in the Kettcar, which Kettcars one fairly open in character compared to conventional ones Pedal cars.

Known Kettcars include the so-called "Mammoetkettcars" (registered trademark), which in many Versions are available, such as with two front wheels and two rear wheels, with two rear wheels and a front wheel and with a rear wheel and two front wheels. In case of two sprockets are these together by means of a tie rod connected, which can be moved back and forth in the transverse direction is. There is a plate-shaped one in the middle on the tie rod Welded bracket, in which a pin is inserted, the forms a whole with the handlebar and from there down and runs backwards. If the diagonally forward extending handlebar is rotated, this will Arrange the steering pin against the side of the bracket mentioned and force those sideways, which also causes the tie rod to Transverse direction is offset. As a result, the both wheels will assume an inclined position. The This allows the tie rod to move from the neutral position are offset in the transverse direction when the steering wheel and the Handlebar already turned a quarter turn will. Actually, however, is a smaller twist angle present, because the said bracket is below the  Handlebar is located.

The Kettcars in question are especially for use by children designed, however, while using Kettcars, where they bare their hands or where necessary Put your feet down, not always so carefully and attentively will be. In the known Kettcars the described Control transmission mechanism the risk of jamming of fingers and / or toes.

There is a comparable problem with another usual form of tax transfer mechanism, where a Drive gear rack transmission is applied. Of the sporty, open character of Kettcars causes one Increasing the risk of injury.

An object of the invention is a pedal car or a To provide Kettcar, especially for children's use is determined using a tax transfer mechanism improved control properties and increased safety. According to the invention, this is a pedal car like procured described in claim 1.

Through the indirect way of tax transfer, via a Lever mechanism with a substantially vertical hinge axis is a safe construction of the control transmission mechanism possible without a lot of additives and is also the transmission with a larger steering deflection, like half a turn, possible.

The joint part can be provided with an arm, on which attack both the tie rod and the handlebar. Preferably is, however, from vehicle design considerations, the joint part with two facing each other Arms extending from the hinge axis provided, the first arm engaging the tie rod and the second arm engages around the end of the handlebar.  Preferably said end of the handlebar is through one angularly implemented with respect to the rest of the handlebar End section formed on or in the second arm of the joint part is rotatably supported, the angular or transfer area between the end section and the rest the handlebar is in line with the hinge axis.

It is further preferred if the end section of the Handlebar forms a forward continuation of the handlebar.

The hinge part can be designed in many ways be. The first arm preferably determines a first Chamber with an elongated, essentially in In the longitudinal direction extending sub-opening at least the top section of one from the tie rod cams projecting above are slidably received.

The second arm preferably defines a second chamber for the bearing for the end portion of the handlebar which second chamber is formed such that the bearing therein is vertically tiltable, d. H. around a horizontal axis.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pedal car provide that with an improved coupling option for coupling various types of carts to the pedal car is provided. In known coupling forms a Screw bolt with associated nut used. Especially for children, this will be the coupling of the cart a difficult job for the car.

In another aspect, the invention provides herein Improvement, namely with the measures according to claim 7. Preferred designs are described in claims 8-10.

With the coupling means according to the invention is one simple coupling that is easy to use for children,  being just a little bit for coupling the stirrups needs to be canceled until the space between the coupling parts is free for receiving the complementary Dome part of the cart. The lifting gear prevent the bracket from loosening completely can. Each leg of the bracket is hereby actually limited, so that the bracket is not can get lost. If for whatever reason Always want to replace the bracket can do so the guide means for the other leg deformable or be adjustable.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved connection between the tie rod and the steering knuckle arms in a pedal car. To achieve, that the steering knuckle center line and the cutting line of the vertical central partial surface and the longitudinal symmetry surface of the wheel on each other in the center of the wheel support surface overlap a base, each steering knuckle bush and thus the axis of the steering knuckle with regard to of the vertical in the camber angle can. As a result, the knuckle arm will not be in one Swivel (horizontal) surface where along the tie rod end is probably moved. This will make the bolt connection between the steering knuckle arm and the tie rod end must be set up to such to allow mutual rotation. For this are however, additional, expensive measures are necessary. The Temptation is there too, the necessary freedom of movement as a result of permanent wear and tear let what is the cheapest solution. The disadvantage of that is that control is in the early stages of use of the pedal car is prohibited especially for children will be heavy, while there is also a risk that components come loose, with accidents as possible Episode.  

A solution could be a ball joint that consists of a a ball-provided pen and one with a matching one Trough provided pin. The ball will here with the help of additional means, such as a spring and wedges, held in the trough. This means are subject to wear, and can, from which Whatever the reason, come loose, with the result that can permanently disconnect. Another disadvantage is that when choosing materials for one or for both parts of this connection with the materials for Tie rod and steering knuckle arm must count.

Through the measures of claim 11 provides the Invention, according to another aspect, an improvement therefor. Preferred designs are the subject of Claims 12 to 16.

Due to the construction according to the invention Get the shape of a ball joint, in which one in the Choice of material for the inventory components is free. Preferably the hollow and spherical parts are made of plastic, and made with even more preference from nylon. The Arrangement of the ball parts against and around the tie rod allow a ball bearing surface with such a Beam coming in from everyone for that connection the tie rod provided measure is independent, in particular a through hole for a connecting bolt. The bolt connection is easy to inspect accessible and easy to adjust.

The invention is described below with reference to some of the Exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings explained. It is shown in:

Figure 1 shows a pedal car or Kettcar with a control transmission mechanism according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a detail of the example embodiment of the control transmission mechanism according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is a disassembled side view of part of the control transmission mechanism of Fig. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of a coupling according to the invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of the trailer hitch of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 shows a detail of a tie rod knuckle arm connection according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows the connection of Figure 6 in a disassembled configuration. and

Fig. 8A-D are plan views and cross-sections of individual together sites of parts of the compound of Fig. 6.

In Fig. 1 is shown the Kettcar, without a motor, according to the invention, which has a chassis 2 , a chair 3 fastened thereon, with a rear beam 4 , and rear wheels 5 , which are mounted on a rear axle 40 , by chain / gear arrangement 11 are rotatably driven, which arrangement 11 is driven by pedals 10 . There is a front beam 12 at the front, at the ends of which steering knuckle bushes 7 are fastened, in which steering knuckle pins 29 (see FIG. 2) are rotatably received, which are provided on their lower end with a hub for the relevant front wheel. At the upper end, the steering knuckle pins are connected to a tie rod 8 , on which an articulated lever part 20 engages according to the invention. The tie rod 15 extends obliquely backwards and upwards from the articulated lever part 20 in order to end in a steering wheel 16 . Except in the joint part 20 , the handlebar 15 is held in its place by the bent rod 13 , which is releasably but securely clamped on the side member 9 of the chassis 2 . At the upper end, the curved rod 13 is provided with a bearing sleeve 14 , in which the tie rod 15 can be rotated about its longitudinal axis.

The control transmission mechanism is illustrated in FIG . You can see the preliminary crossbar 12 , on the ends of which the kingpin bushings 7 are fastened. The steering knuckle pin 29 is inserted through the steering knuckle bushing 7 and is implemented at the lower end in the hub 30 for the wheel 6 . At the upper end, the steering knuckle pin 29 is rigidly connected to the steering knuckle arm 31 , which arm is connected to the end of the tie rod 8 by means of joint pin connection 28 . The tie rod 8 rests in a displaceable manner on double longitudinal beams 9 which are rigidly attached to the cross member of the chassis 2 . A hinge pin connection 24 , 25 , 26 is fixed in the cross member 9 , whereby the hinge part 29 according to the invention is fixed on the chassis in a manner rotatable about the hinge axis S.

Now, Fig. 2 and 3 are considered linked. The handlebar 15 is implemented at the lower end at the location of the corner 17 in a tapered steering pin 18 , so that the steering pin 18 in the neutral position of the handlebar 15 and thus the control will extend substantially horizontally or transversely to the hinge axis S. The steering pin 18 is received in the bearing 31 , which offers a suitable storage in the shape of the steering pin 18 , in which it can rotate. The outside of the bearing 31 can be square in order to fit closely into the receiving space of the joint part 20 intended for this purpose.

The joint part 20 , as is clearly shown in FIG. 3, is provided with a forearm 22 and a rear arm 21 , which extend on the front and on the back of the central joint part 23 . The front arm 22 includes a chamber 33 which is accessible from below and accessible from the center. The bearing 31 fits tightly in the horizontal direction in the chamber 33 , but can edge somewhat downwards until it stops against the cross pin 27 .

The central joint part 23 is provided with a vertical, round passage 34 for the suitable, rotatable reception of the joint bolt 24 , 26 . The rear arm 21 of the joint part 20 has a chamber 32 which is elongated in the longitudinal direction and is accessible from below for the cam 50 which is fixedly attached to the tie rod 8 and is suitably received between the longitudinal walls of the chamber 32 .

The corner 17 between the steering pin 18 and handlebar 15 is on the upper of the pivot pin 24 - 26, almost in line with the hinge axis. 8

As I said, the steering pin 18 is almost horizontally in the neutral control position. As a result, the bearing 31 will be located almost horizontally, as shown with 31 'in Fig. 2. If the handlebar is now turned to the left in direction A, the steering pin 18 will want to be inclined to the left. The steering pin 18 rotates here within the bearing 31 , the bearing being able to stand somewhat obliquely forwards and downwards, as shown in FIG. 2. When the steering pin 18 is moved, the front arm 22 of a joint part 20 will also be forced to the left, the joint part 20 being rotated in a direction B about the hinge axis S. The lever arm in the joint part 20 will force the rear arm 21 to the right, and due to the displaceable limitation of the cam 50 in the chamber 32 , the tie rod 8 will be forced to the right in the C direction. As a result, the steering knuckle plate 31 is also forced to the left, as a result of which the steering knuckle pin 29 is rotated to the left and the wheel 6 is thereby aligned to the left for a curve.

The dimensions in the control device can be chosen such that a maximum control deflection is obtained with half a turn of the handlebar 15 . The turning of the handlebar 15 can be prevented with the help of the cross pin 27 , whereas, with a maximum control deflection, the bearing 31 abuts.

The solution shown is very easy to put together and contains no ingredients for children's fingers could become dangerous.

Another advantage is the possibility of easy assembly and disassembly. The steering rod 15 only needs to be received with a steering pin 18 in the bearing 31 and more to the rear in the bearing sleeve 14 . By loosening the curved rod 13 from the chassis, the entire steering housing can be easily removed.

In FIG. 4, an embodiment of a feedback is given according to the invention. A crossbar 100 of the chassis is shown schematically, from which two elongated dome plates 101 and 102 extend in the middle in the back. The dome plates 101 and 102 are provided with holes 110 and 111 , through which the first leg 104 of a dome bracket 103 extends. The other leg 105 of the bracket 103 is longer and at the lower end converted into the transverse part 106 . The leg 105 (see FIG. 5) is delimited in a leading manner by bracket plates 107 , one of which is welded to the side edges of the plates 101 and 102 . These bracket plates 107 limit the bracket leg 105 in the state shown in FIGS . 4 and 5, but are to be bent open at their rear end in order to remove the bracket 103 if desired.

The distance h1 between the upper side of the cross part 106 and the lower end of the first leg 104 is at most the same as the distance h2 between the lower sides of the plates 101 and 102 . As a result, it is possible that the bracket 103 is lifted to such an extent that the lower end of the leg 104 is just still in the hole 110 , but that the transverse part 106 will lie against the lower surface of the plate 101 so that the bracket 103 is not removed can or can be lost.

In FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the tie rod-Achsschenkelarmverbindung is reproduced according to the invention. The connection 200 between tie rod 208 and steering knuckle arm 231 essentially consists of a bolt 228 and double nut 242 , which, viewed from below upwards, hold the end of the steering knuckle arm 231 , a hollow part 241 , tie rod 208 and a hollow part 240 between them , the hollow parts 240 , 241 keep the ball parts shown in FIGS . 7 and 8A-B between themselves and the tie rod 208 limited.

In Fig. 7, the components of connection 200 are shown more clearly. From top to bottom these are the bolts 228 , at the lower end of which a thread is provided, on which the double nut 242 (only one is shown) can be screwed on. The upper hollow part 240 has a flat surface 251 and a hollow lower surface 252 . The hollow surface 252 fits the spherical surface 253 of the spherical part 243 . The spherical part 243 has a spherical upper surface 253 and is provided on the underside with a projection 254 with a square circumference. This square perimeter fits hole 249 in tie rod 208 . At the bottom there is an identically formed, lowest ball part 244 with a spherical lower surface 258 , which is also provided on the top (seen in the drawing) with a projection 255 with a square circumference, which also fits exactly in the square bore 249 .

At the bottom there is again a lower hollow part 241 , which is provided with a flat lower surface 258 and a hollow surface 257 . The knuckle arm 231 is located there again. The hollow part 240 , the ball part 243 , the ball part 244, the hollow part 241 or the steering knuckle arm 231 are provided with bores 245, 246, 247, 248, 249 for the passage of the shaft 250 of the screw bolt 228 .

When the parts are assembled and the bolt is tightened with the nuts 242 to hold the hollow and ball parts together and on the tie rod, surfaces 252, 253 and 256 and 257 together will form a ball bearing surface. The tapered shape of the truncated conical bores 246 and 247 of the spherical parts 243 and 244 makes it possible for the hollow parts to rotate over that ball bearing surface with respect to the spherical parts, with the shaft 250 of the bolt 228 taking an oblique position with respect to the tie rod 208 can, and in that the steering knuckle arm 231 lies flat against the hollow part 241 , a mutual edging between the steering knuckle arm and the tie rod is possible.

The tie rod 208 will usually be made of steel and the same applies to the knuckle arm 231 . The hollow and spherical parts can, however, be made of an optimal material for their function and under the given circumstances, which in this case can be nylon (PA preferably PA 6.6). This guarantees a reliable effect for a long time.

In FIGS. 8A and 8B, a ball of the parts is more represented in detail. The square projection can be clearly seen, which can be accommodated exactly in the hole in the tie rod 208 , which counteracts rotation of the ball part. In FIGS. 8C and 8D an the corresponding hollow parts is reproduced. In the embodiment shown, the hole in the tie rod can have a dimension of 20 by 20 mm, and the same applies to the circumferential dimension of the projections on the ball parts, while the radius of the ball bearing surface can be 14 mm, with a diameter of the hollow parts of 26 mm and with a diameter of the spherical parts of 28 mm. The conical shape of the bores 246 and 247 is preferably 15 °, measured between the descriptive of the casing and the center line of the bore.

The connection 200 is simple to produce by means of injection molding, for example, and is easy to assemble, as well as quick and easy to inspect and readjust if necessary. The ball parts 243, 244 form a ball in the connection shown, which moves with the tie rod, while the hollow parts 240 , 241 form a cave, which moves with the steering knuckle arm. It is to be understood that both spherical parts can form a whole with one another and can then be fastened in a different way, for example with a pin protruding therefrom, to a tie rod end which is provided with complementary fastening means.

Claims (16)

1. Pedal car with a chassis, a steering wheel and at least one rear wheel and at least two, on both sides pre-applied front wheels, the wheels being rotatable arranged in a horizontal surface on the chassis are and by means of a reciprocating tie rod are interconnected, the handlebar for the Implementation of a rotation of the tax to a transverse adjustment the tie rod via a control transmission mechanism is connected to the tie rod, the control transmission mechanism has a hinge part that is one essentially vertical hinge axis on the chassis is articulated and with at least one from the Joint axis projecting arm is provided, the attacks at least one arm on the tie rod and the attacks at least one arm around the end of the handlebar, this is such that rotation of the handlebar rotation of the joint part and thus adjustment of the tie rod. 2. Pedal car according to claim 1, wherein the joint part with two, facing each other from the hinge axis extending arms is provided, the first arm attacks on the tie rod and the second arm around the end the handlebar attacks. 3. pedal car according to claim 2, wherein said end of the Handlebar by one with respect to the rest of the handlebar angularly implemented end portion is formed mounted rotatably on or in the second arm of the joint part is, the angular or translational area between the End section and the rest of the handlebar in a line with the hinge axis. 4. pedal car according to claim 3, wherein the end portion of the  Handlebar forms a forward continuation of the handlebar. 5. pedal car according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the first arm a first chamber with an elongated, substantially in Determined longitudinally extending sub-opening, in which is at least the top section of one of the tie rod upwardly projecting cams slidably received is. 6. Pedal car according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second arm for the bearing for the end section of the Handlebar a second chamber determines which second Chamber is formed such that the bearing is vertical therein is tiltable, preferably sling means in the Chamber are provided to counter the bearing to thus preventing the steering wheel from spinning. 7. pedal car with a number of wheels and a chassis, the rear chassis with coupling means for coupling a trailer or the like is provided, the Coupling means two superimposed, rearward projecting coupling parts have fixed to the chassis and vertical Holes are provided, as well as a bracket that two vertical Thighs and with one the two thighs together has connecting cross part, the one leg is intended to extend through the holes and also through a dome hole of the trailer or the like, the other leg secured in guide means is guided on the chassis or on the dome parts and with slinging devices for hitting the underside one of the dome parts is provided when the lower end of one leg from below to near the Hole in the upper part of the dome is pulled up. 8. pedal car according to claim 7, wherein the stop means on the other leg by an at least approximately rectangular implemented lower end of that leg formed  will. 9. pedal car according to claim 8, wherein the converted lower end of the other leg at a distance below that The lower end of one leg is located, which is something is greater than or the vertical distance between the Bottom ends of the two holes in the dome parts corresponds. 10. pedal car according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the Guide means between one leg leading but securing position and one to the other Leg releasing position deformable or displaceable are. 11. Connection for a tie rod end of the steering device of a pedal car with a knuckle arm of it, the via a kingpin with a wheel of the pedal car is connected, the connection being a ball hinge has a spherical component and a hollow component, the ball component at the tie rod end is attached and the hollow component on Knuckle arm is attached, the hollow component has two hollow parts that complement each other with their hollow surfaces to the surface of the sphere component thereon are with means to form a ball bearing for connecting the hollow component and the spherical component with the tie rod end and with means for fastening of the steering knuckle arm on at least one of the hollow components. 12. The compound of claim 11, wherein the ball component has two spherical parts, the one with the spherical surfaces of each other facing away, on both sides of the tie rod end on it are set. 13. The compound of claim 11 or 12, wherein the spherical  and the hollow parts with holes lying in a line are provided and the means for connecting the ball and the hollow parts with the tie rod end as well as the means to attach the steering knuckle arm to at least one of the Hollow parts through the same bolt-nut connection be formed. 14. The connection according to claim 13, wherein the bores in the spherical parts conical and tapering towards each other are formed. 15. The compound of claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the opposite sides of the spherical parts an increase with an out-of-round extent that fit in a complementary hole in the tie rod end was added is. 16. A compound according to any one of claims 11-15, wherein the Hollow and ball parts made of plastic, preferably Nylon.