Variable Vehicle

Abstract

A variable vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a body portion, an extension portion that can be inserted into the interior of the body portion and moved to the outside of the body portion so as to be exposed in at least a portion, a plurality of wheels disposed on the lower side of the body portion and connected to each other by a link portion, and a driving portion that drives the wheels individually to change their arrangement, wherein the extension portion is connected to the link portion, and the arrangement of the link portion and the extension portion can be changed based on the arrangement of the wheels.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a variable vehicle, and more specifically, to a variable vehicle capable of changing and adjusting its cross-sectional area. Background Technology

[0002] In the case of Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs) designed and manufactured to perform specific purposes or functions, the shape of the vehicle itself needs to be modified to fulfill those purposes or functions. For example, a PBV intended for transporting cargo must feature a large interior space while loading and transporting goods, but must be converted to a smaller interior space for parking and storage once the transport is complete. Even if a vehicle is not a PBV, its size can be adjusted according to the number of passengers.

[0003] As described above, due to the demand to vary the size of vehicles, there is a need for technology that can easily change the size of the vehicle. The problem to be solved

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention is to provide a variable vehicle capable of changing its area depending on the situation.

[0006] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0007] A variable vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a body portion; an extension portion that can be inserted into the interior of the body portion and moved to the outside of the body portion so that at least a portion is exposed; a plurality of wheels disposed on the lower side of the body portion and connected to each other by a link portion; and a driving portion that drives the wheels individually to change their arrangement.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the extension part is connected to the link part, and the arrangement of the link part and the extension part may be changed based on the arrangement of the wheel.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the link portion may be bent in a direction toward the center of the body portion.

[0010] When the gap between adjacent wheels is widened by the driving unit according to some embodiments, the link unit connecting the wheels can be extended.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the extension may be connected to a bending point of the link portion.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the extension may include a first extension that moves in a first direction relative to the center of the body part and a second extension that moves in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the first extension and the second extension may be able to move individually based on the driving of the wheel.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the extension part is connected to the link part through a connecting pin, and the connecting pin is seated inside a guide hole formed on the lower side of the body part, and can slide inside the guide hole depending on the arrangement of the link part.

[0015] A variable vehicle according to some embodiments further includes a brake disposed at the portion where the connecting pin and the guide hole come into contact; and the brake can fix the position of the connecting pin.

[0016] A variable vehicle according to some embodiments further includes a position sensor that detects the position of the connecting pin; and the brake can fix the position of the connecting pin when the connecting pin is placed at a position pre-set by the user.

[0017] According to some embodiments, an actuator is provided on one side of the extension part, and the actuator can provide a driving force in a direction that moves the extension part to the outside of the body part. Effects of the invention

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an extension housed inside a body part is linked to the driving and placement of a wheel and can move to the outside of the body part, and the area of ​​the vehicle can be adjusted by controlling the degree to which the extension part moves to the outside of the body part.

[0019] The various beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above and may be more easily understood in the process of explaining specific embodiments of the invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0020] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 are drawings illustrating the appearance of a variable vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 are drawings illustrating the lower part of a variable vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a variable vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the increase in the area of ​​a variable vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7 to 9 are drawings illustrating the increase in the area of ​​a variable vehicle according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the lower part of the body portion according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an actuator of a variable vehicle according to an embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0021] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the essence of the present invention.

[0022] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0023] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when the term "connected" is used, it does not mean only that two or more components are directly connected, but may also mean that two or more components are indirectly connected through other components, that they are connected not only physically but also electrically, or that they are a single unit although referred to by different names depending on their location or function.

[0025] Furthermore, when described as being formed or placed on the “top or bottom” of each component, “top or bottom” includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or placed between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as “top or bottom,” it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to a single component.

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a variable vehicle according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0027] A variable vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body part (10), an extension part (20) that can be inserted into the interior of the body part (10), a wheel (40) that is positioned on the lower side of the body part (10) and connected to each other by a link part (30), and a driving part (not shown).

[0028] The drive unit can control the steering of the wheel (40) and provide driving force. The wheel (40) and the drive unit can be formed as one module. In the case of a vehicle equipped with four wheels (40), four drive units may be provided, and the drive unit corresponding to each wheel (40) may be provided as a module. That is, one wheel (40) and one drive unit can form a drive module.

[0029] On the plane in which the vehicle moves, the drive module can operate in four directions. When described in terms of the up-down and left-right directions, the wheel (40) can be positioned to move in the up-down direction and can be positioned to move in the left-right direction perpendicular to it. The drive unit can individually control the steering of the wheel (40).

[0030] The drive unit can provide driving force to the wheel (40). It can provide driving force to rotate the wheel (40) in a first direction, and can provide driving force to rotate the wheel (40) in a direction opposite to the first direction. The direction of movement of the vehicle can be adjusted according to the direction in which the driving force rotates the wheel (40).

[0031] The variable vehicle according to the present invention can have a variable area through a body part (10) that performs the function of a vehicle body and an extension part (20) inserted inside the body part (10). The area of ​​the vehicle body is varied by adjusting the degree to which the extension part (20) is exposed from the body part (10). When the extension part (20) is fully inserted into the inner side of the body part (10), only the body part (10) may be exposed externally, which corresponds to the minimum area. When the extension part (20) is exposed to the maximum extent to the outer side of the body part (10), the area of ​​the vehicle body increases by the area of ​​the exposed extension part (20).

[0032] The movement of the extension part (20) can be implemented through the wheel (40) and the drive part. The drive part can control the direction of the wheel (40) and apply driving force to the wheel (40) to move the extension part (20) that is linked to the wheel (40). The wheel (40) and the extension part (20) can be connected through a link structure. The detailed structure and operation method will be described later.

[0033] Since the wheel (40) and the drive unit can apply driving force in all directions on the plane on which the vehicle body is placed, it is also possible to implement the exposure of only some of the extensions (20) in a variable vehicle equipped with multiple extensions (20).

[0034] The variable vehicle can move the extension (20) in different ways depending on the environment in which the vehicle is placed and the user's requirements.

[0035] Accordingly, the variable vehicle according to the embodiment may further include a control unit that controls the drive unit. The control unit controls the operation of the drive unit according to the user's operation. The control unit can operate the wheel (40) to be steered in a preset direction, and can change the arrangement of the wheel (40) to a preset arrangement by driving the wheel (40) through the drive unit. That is, the control unit can implement a preset arrangement of the wheel (40) based on the arrangement of the extension unit (20) desired by the user.

[0036] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 are drawings illustrating the appearance of a variable vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that the extension part (20) is exposed in the body part (10). The body part (10) may be provided to form an internal space. The extension part (20) may be stored in the internal space of the body part (10). The extension part (20) may be moved so as to be exposed to the outside from the internal space of the body part (10). Although the shape of the body part (10) is depicted as being rectangular, there are no limitations on the shape of the body part (10).

[0038] In the present embodiment, the extension portion (20) is shown exposed along the edge of the body portion (10). The extension portion (20) may be formed smaller than the body portion (10) and may be housed in the internal space of the body portion (10). Alternatively, the extension portion (20) may be formed to be the same size as the body portion (10), and it is also possible for the area of ​​the extension portion (20) to be larger than that of the body portion (10).

[0039] When the extension part (20) is formed with the same area as the body part (10), the extension part (20) may be exposed to one side of the body part (10), and depending on the movement of the extension part (20), the area of ​​the vehicle body may be formed to be up to twice the area of ​​the body part (10).

[0040] When the extension part (20) is formed with an area larger than that of the body part (10), the body part (10) can cover at least a portion of the area of ​​the extension part (20). The extension part (20) can be moved so that the size of the overlapping area between the body part (10) and the extension part (20) becomes smaller, thereby expanding the vehicle body area.

[0041] In the case where the variable vehicle includes a rectangular body part (10) as in the present embodiment, the extension part (20) can expand the area of ​​the vehicle body by protruding from each side of the body part (10). In this case, a total of four extension parts (20) may be provided. The width of each extension part (20) may correspond to the length of each side of the body part (10).

[0042] The total area of ​​the four extension parts (20) combined can be formed to be larger than the area of ​​the body part (10). In this case, the extension parts (20) and the body part (10) can be stacked and arranged so as to accommodate the extension parts (20) inside the body part (10).

[0043] The extension part (20) may include a pair of facing first extension parts (20a) and second extension parts (20b). This is described based on the X-axis and Y-axis shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first extension part (20a) may be moved in the X-axis direction of the body part (10), and the second extension part (20b) may be moved in the Y-axis direction of the body part (10).

[0044] A second extension (20b) may be disposed on the upper side of each first extension (20a). The height of the internal space of the body (10) may be formed to correspond to the height of the sum of the heights of the first extension (20a) and the second extension (20b).

[0045] FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 are drawings illustrating the lower part of a variable vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the lower part of the variable vehicle can be seen before and after the area of ​​the variable vehicle is expanded.

[0047] The wheel (40) according to the present invention may be positioned on the lower side of the body portion (10). The wheel (40) may be connected to each other by a link portion (30). At least a portion of the link portion (30) may be bent. Depending on the position of the wheel (40), the bent portion of the link portion (30) may remain bent or be unfolded.

[0048] The extension part (20) can be connected to the link part (30). Since the arrangement of the link part (30) changes according to the arrangement of the wheel (40), the arrangement of the extension part (20) can be changed according to the arrangement of the link part (30). Through this, the wheel (40) can be driven to control whether the extension part (20) is exposed and the degree of exposure.

[0049] In the present invention, each wheel (40) is connected through a link portion (30) that includes one hinge (31). The link portion (30) may include a first link portion (30a) connected to a first extension portion (20a) and a second link portion (30b) connected to a second extension portion (20b). Each extension portion (20) may be connected to the hinge (31) of the link portion (30).

[0050] The wheel (40) serves to support the vehicle body. The wheel (40) is positioned on the lower side of the body part (10), but its position can be changed relative to the body part (10). Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the wheel (40) can be positioned on the lower side of the body part (10) or, alternatively, can be moved to the outer side of the body part (10). Depending on the movement of the wheel (40), the position of the link part (30) can also be changed.

[0051] The arrangement of the wheel (40) shown in FIG. 4 illustrates the wheel (40) being moved to the maximum extent to the outside of the body part (10). The gap between the wheels (40) can be increased, and to achieve this, the link part (30) connecting the wheels (40) can be extended. As the link part (30) extends, the extension part (20) connected to the link part (30) can be moved from the internal space of the body part (10) to the outside of the body part (10).

[0052] The link portion (30) may include one hinge (31). Alternatively, it is also possible to include multiple hinges (31). In this embodiment, the link portion (30) is shown having one hinge (31) and an extension portion (20) is connected to the hinge (31). However, it is also possible for the link portion (30) to include multiple hinges (31) and for an extension portion (20) to be connected to each hinge (31).

[0053] The link portion (30) can be bent toward the center of the body portion (10). The link portion (30) can be bent based on the portion where the hinge (31) is formed. When the link portion (30) is bent, a state in which the gap between the wheels (40) is narrowed can be achieved.

[0054] When the link portion (30) is bent toward the center of the body portion (10), the hinge (31) moves toward the center of the body portion (10). In this arrangement, when the gap between the wheels (40) widens and the link portion (30) unfolds, the hinge (31) moves outward from the center of the body portion (10). The extension portion (20) connected to the hinge (31) can be moved outward from the body portion (10) in conjunction with the arrangement of the link portion (30).

[0055] Since the link portion (30) is bent toward the center of the body portion (10), the link portion (30) may not be exposed to the outside of the body portion (10). That is, when the link portion (30) is bent or unfolded, the body portion (10) can cover the upper side of the link portion (30). Through this, the link portion (30) is not perceived from the user's line of sight, and the high quality of the external design can be secured.

[0056] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate the entire extension (20) moving simultaneously. Alternatively, it is also possible to move only some of the multiple extensions (20) by adjusting the arrangement of the wheels (40).

[0057] A guide hole (12) that guides the movement of the extension part (20) may be formed in the lower part of the variable vehicle. The guide hole (12) may be formed on the lower side of the body part (10).

[0058] The extension part (20) and the link part (30) can be connected through a pin structure. A connecting pin (21) may protrude from the extension part (20). The connecting pin (21) may be rotatably connected to the hinge (31) of the link part (30). The link part (30) may be rotated using the connecting pin (21) as a rotation axis. The connecting pin (21) serves to connect the extension part and the link part (30), and at the same time, can serve as a rotation axis when the link part (30) is bent or unfolded.

[0059] The connecting pin (21) can be seated inside the guide hole (12) formed in the body part (10). The connecting pin (21) can slide along the guide hole (12) inside the guide hole (12). When the link is unfolded or bent according to the arrangement of the wheel (40), the connecting pin (21) that is linked thereto slides inside the guide hole (12). The guide hole (12) can serve to fix the connecting pin (21) so that the connecting pin (21) and the extension part (20) can move smoothly.

[0060] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a variable vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 5, the arrangement relationship of the body part (10), link part (30), and extension part (20) can be confirmed. An internal space may be formed in the body part (10). An extension part (20) may be inserted into the internal space. The internal space may correspond to a space surrounded by a pair of body parts (10a, 10b). In the case of the present embodiment, the body part (10) is formed by a pair of plates (10a, 10b) forming upper and lower boundaries.

[0062] Multiple extension parts (20) may be provided, and the extension parts (20) may be stacked and inserted into an internal space. The height of the internal space of the body part (10) may correspond to the height of the stacked extension parts (20). In this case, even if the interior of the body part (10) is empty, the body part (10) can be supported by the extension parts (20). That is, when a user is positioned on the upper side of the body part (10) or a heavy load is placed thereon, the internal space of the body part (10) can be supported by the extension parts (20).

[0063] A connecting pin (21) may protrude from the extension part (20). The connecting pin (21) may extend to the link part (30) to which the extension part (20) is connected. The connecting pin (21) and the link part (30) are connected at the hinge (31) of the link part (30). The link part (30) may be connected so as to be rotatable with respect to the connecting pin (21). A guide hole (12) is formed in the lower part of the body part (10) to allow the connecting pin (21) to move. In the case of this embodiment, the connecting pin (21) is formed to protrude from the lower side of the extension part (20) toward the direction in which the link part (30) is positioned. The connecting pin (21) is positioned to pass through the body part (10) and the link part (30).

[0064] A chassis (11) may be formed at the lower part of the body portion (10). A guide hole (12) may be formed in the chassis (11), and a connecting pin (21) may be seated inside the guide hole (12). The chassis (11) may be formed from a material separate from the body portion (10). Since the connecting pin (21), which moves in conjunction with the movement of the wheel (40) and the link portion (30), is seated thereon, it may be formed from a material with low friction. In the case of this embodiment, the chassis (11) is formed in a cross shape, and a guide hole (12) is formed in at least a portion of the end of the chassis (11). The width of the guide hole (12) may correspond to the width of the connecting pin (21).

[0065] This embodiment illustrates that each wheel (40) is connected to an adjacent wheel (40) through a link portion (30). Thus, two link portions (30) are connected to each wheel (40). Each link portion (30) may be arranged with a step difference from each other.

[0066] In the present embodiment, a second link portion (30b) is shown being positioned on the upper part of a first link portion (30a).

[0067] Alternatively, each link portion (30) may be formed with at least some of the thicknesses differently. For example, a link constituting each link portion (30) may include a first region (A1) formed with a first thickness and a second region (A2) formed with a second thickness thicker than the first thickness. The first region (A1) and the second region (A2) may each be formed sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the link.

[0068] In the present embodiment, a first region (A1) is formed on both sides of the second region (A2) based on the second region (A2). Each first region (A1) extends from the upper and lower sides of the second region (A2), respectively. That is, the link is formed in a point-symmetric shape with respect to the center of the link.

[0069] The parts where the links are connected to each other can be arranged so that the first region (A1) of each link overlaps. This allows the entire link section (30) to be placed on the same plane. Since the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) are formed with a predetermined step difference, the link section (30) can move without interference with each other. The second region (A2) can be formed with a thickness twice that of the first region (A1).

[0070] Hereinafter, a specific method for changing the area of ​​a variable vehicle including the above-described configuration is explained. The variable vehicle may include a step of controlling the direction of the wheel (40), a step of providing driving force to the wheel (40), a step of moving the extension part (20), and a step of readjusting the direction of the wheel (40).

[0071] The drive unit can first control the direction of the wheel (40) so that the moving wheel (40) is positioned to face the direction in which it is to be moved. After the direction of the wheel (40) is adjusted, the drive unit can provide driving force to the wheel (40). Based on the driving force, the wheel (40) can be moved a predetermined distance in the direction in which the wheel (40) is facing. When the wheel (40) is moved, the link portion (30) can be unfolded or bent accordingly. Depending on the arrangement of the link portion (30), the extension portion (20) connected to the link portion (30) can be moved. Subsequently, the direction of the wheel (40) can be readjusted to fix the arrangement of the moved extension portion (20). The wheel (40) can be positioned to face a direction that intersects the existing direction of travel so that the area of ​​the extension portion (20) is no longer changed.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the increase in the area of ​​a variable vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figures 6 (a) to (c) sequentially illustrate the appearance when the area of ​​the variable vehicle increases.

[0074] The change in the area of ​​the variable vehicle includes the steps of controlling the direction of the wheel (40), providing driving force to the wheel (40), moving the extension part (20), and readjusting the direction of the wheel (40).

[0075] FIG. 6(a) shows the state before the area of ​​the variable vehicle is increased. The link portion (30) is arranged in a bent state, and the extension portion (20) is arranged in a state inserted into the inner side of the body portion (10).

[0076] FIG. 6(b) illustrates steering the wheel (40) to increase the area of ​​the variable vehicle. In the present embodiment, the extension part (20) extends from the body part (10) in a first direction and a second direction. In the case of the body part (10) formed in a rectangular shape, the extension part (20) is exposed along all sides of the body part (10).

[0077] The wheel (40) can be positioned adjacent to the four vertices of the body part (10). The wheel (40) can be steered by a drive unit. The movement of the extension part (20) is determined by the arrangement of the wheel (40) and the spacing between the wheels (40). The drive unit can set the steering of the wheel (40) according to the pre-set arrangement of the extension part (20).

[0078] As in the present embodiment, in order to expose both the extension portion (20) in the first direction and the second direction, the wheel (40) can be steered in a direction away from the center of the body portion (10). When the wheel (40) moves in the steered direction, the gap between the wheel (40) and the adjacent wheel (40) can be widened. When the gap between the wheels (40) widens, the bent portion of the link portion (30) connecting the wheels (40) can be unfolded.

[0079] Figure 6(c) illustrates how the wheel (40) is driven and its arrangement is changed, and how the arrangement of the link portion (30) connecting the wheel (40) and the extension portion (20) connected to the link portion (30) is changed accordingly.

[0080] In this embodiment, the wheel (40) moves outward from the center of the body part (10). The wheel (40) located near the four vertices of the body part (10) moves away from the center of the body part (10), and the gap between adjacent wheels (40) increases.

[0081] The wheel (40) is connected by a link portion (30). At least a portion of the link portion (30) may be bent. In this embodiment, the link portion (30) is formed by connecting two links. The two links can be bent by using the connected portion as a hinge (31) to rotate.

[0082] When driving force is provided to the wheel (40) by the drive unit, the wheel (40) moves in the steering direction. As the wheel (40) moves, the gap between the wheels (40) widens. As shown in (c), the gap between adjacent wheels (40) can increase overall. The link portion (30) unfolds in correspondence with the gap between the wheels (40). The link portion (30) is initially bent in a direction toward the center of the body portion (10). As the wheel (40) moves to the outside of the body portion (10) and the gap between the wheels (40) widens, the link portion (30) can unfold.

[0083] The link section (30) is a structure in which two links are connected around a hinge (31). The links rotate around the hinge (31), and the bent link section (30) unfolds. The hinge (31) moves from the center of the body section (10) to the outside of the body section (10) according to the arrangement of the wheel (40).

[0084] The extension part (20) is connected to the link part (30). The extension part (20) can be connected to the hinge (31) of the link part (30). As the hinge (31) moves to the outside of the body part (10), the extension part (20) also moves to the outside of the body part (10) in correspondence and can be exposed to the outside from the internal space of the body part (10).

[0085] The extension part (20) includes a first extension part (20a) and a second extension part (20b), and the first extension part (20a) and the second extension part (20b) can be moved in different directions. In the case of the present embodiment, the illustrated X-axis and Y-axis correspond to the first direction and the second direction.

[0086] The first extension part (20a) and the first link part (30a) are moved in the X-axis direction. The first extension part (20a) and the first link part (30a) may be formed as a pair. One side of the first extension part (20a) and the first link part (30a) may be moved in the positive X-axis direction, and the other side of the first extension part (20a) and the first link part (30a) may be moved in the negative X-axis direction.

[0087] The second extension part (20b) and the second link part (30b) are moved in the Y-axis direction. The second extension part (20b) and the second link part (30b) may be formed as a pair. One side of the second extension part (20b) and the second link part (30b) may be moved in the positive Y-axis direction, and the other side of the second extension part (20b) and the second link part (30b) may be moved in the negative Y-axis direction.

[0088] This embodiment corresponds to an embodiment based on a body part (10) formed in a rectangular shape. There are no limitations on the shape of the body part (10), and the shape of the extension part (20), which is inserted into the inside of the body part (10) and moved to the outside of the body part (10), can also be changed and applied.

[0089] The body portion (10) may be formed in a polygonal shape, and it may also be formed to include a curved surface. The extension portion (20) protrudes from the edge side of the body portion (10) and can perform the function of expanding the area of ​​the body portion (10).

[0090] FIGS. 7 to 9 are drawings illustrating the increase in the area of ​​a variable vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0091] Since the wheel (40) and the drive unit can operate independently, the extension unit (20) that moves can be controlled through the control of the wheel (40) and the drive unit. That is, the arrangement of the extension unit (20) can be set in various modes.

[0092] FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 illustrate a mode in which either the first extension part (20a) or the second extension part (20b) of the extension part (20) is moved.

[0093] In order for the first extension part (20a) to move, the first link part (30a) is unfolded, and in order for the second extension part (20b) to move, the second link part (30b) is unfolded. At the same time as the first extension part (20a) moves, in order for the second extension part (20b) to maintain a fixed position, only the first link part (30a) is unfolded and the second link part (30b) must remain in a bent state.

[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a mode is described in which the first extension (20a) is exposed to the outside of the body (10) and the second extension (20b) maintains a fixed position. To implement this mode, the drive unit can steer the wheel (40) in a specific direction.

[0095] The first extension part (20a) is moved in the first direction. In this case, the hinge (31a) of the first link part (30a) is moved in the first direction. The hinge (31b) of the second link part (30b) maintains a fixed position, and the second extension part (20b) can also maintain a fixed position.

[0096] To implement this, the gap between the wheels (40) connected by the first link section (30a) can be widened. The wheels (40) can move in the direction in which the gap between the wheels (40) connected by the first link section (30a) widens, and can move along a circular path based on the hinge (31) of the second link section (30b). Each wheel (40) can move along the circumference of a circle with the hinge (31b) of the second link section (30b) as the center of the circle and the link of the second link section (30b) corresponding to the radius.

[0097] The drive unit can control the wheel (40) to steer in a direction tangent to the circle on the circumference of the circle. Then, when the drive unit provides driving force to the wheel (40), the wheel (40) travels along a circular path based on the hinge (31b) of the second link unit (30b).

[0098] The wheels (40) connected by the second link section (30b) can travel along a circular path and move closer to each other. The wheels (40) connected by the first link section (30a) can travel along a circular path and move further apart from each other. The first link section (30a) has a bent portion that unfolds, and the hinge (31a) can move outward from the center of the body section (10). The second link section (30b) allows the two links to rotate around the hinge (31b) and maintain a fixed position of the hinge (31b).

[0099] FIG. 8 corresponds to a mode in which the second extension (20b) is exposed to the outside of the body (10), and the first extension (20a) maintains a fixed position.

[0100] In this case, the hinge (31a) of the first link part (30a) maintains a fixed position, and the hinge (31b) of the second link part (30b) moves in the second direction.

[0101] To implement this, the gap between the wheels (40) connected by the second link section (30b) may be widened. The wheels (40) may move in the direction in which the gap between the wheels (40) connected by the second link section (30b) widens, and may move along a circular path based on the hinge (31a) of the first link section (30a). Each wheel (40) may move along the circumference of a circle with the hinge (31a) of the first link section (30a) as the center of the circle and the link of the first link section (30a) as the radius.

[0102] The drive unit can control the wheel (40) to steer in a direction tangent to the circle on the circumference of the circle. Then, when the drive unit provides driving force to the wheel (40), the wheel (40) travels along a circular path based on the hinge (31a) of the first link unit (30a).

[0103] The wheels (40) connected by the first link section (30a) can travel along a circular path and move closer to each other. The wheels (40) connected by the second link section (30b) can travel along a circular path and move further apart from each other. The second link section (30b) has a folded portion that unfolds, and the hinge (31b) can move outward from the center of the body section (10). The first link section (30a) allows the two links to rotate around the hinge (31a) and maintain a fixed position of the hinge (31).

[0104] FIG. 9 illustrates a mode in which one side of a first connecting part and a second connecting part provided as a pair is simultaneously extended. That is, in a body part (10) formed in a rectangular shape, the extension part (20) near a specific vertex of the body part (10) is moved.

[0105] Starting from the wheel (40) positioned at the top right, the wheels can be referred to as the first wheel (41), second wheel (42), third wheel (43), and fourth wheel (44) in a clockwise direction. This embodiment describes the movement of the extension (20) adjacent to the vertex where the fourth wheel (44) is positioned.

[0106] The drive unit controls the direction in which the wheel (40) moves by steering each wheel (40). The fourth wheel (44) is steered toward the outer direction of the body part (10), extending from the center of the body part (10) toward the fourth wheel (44).

[0107] The first wheel (41) and the third wheel (43) are oriented to move in a circular motion based on the hinge (31) of the link portion (30) connecting the first wheel (41), the third wheel (43), and the second wheel (42). The first wheel (41) and the third wheel (43) steer to the lower right side based on the drawing.

[0108] Subsequently, the drive unit provides driving force to the wheel (40) to drive the wheel (40). The wheel (40) moves in the steering direction, but the direction of movement can be set by the arrangement of the link unit (30). The fourth wheel (44) moves to the outside of the body unit (10). In this embodiment, the fourth wheel (44) moves to the upper left side based on the drawing.

[0109] The first wheel (41) rotates around the hinge (31a) of the first link part (30a) connecting the first wheel (41) and the second wheel (42). The third wheel (43) rotates around the hinge (31b) of the second link part (30b) connecting the third wheel (43) and the second wheel (42). Depending on the movement of the wheel (40), the link part (30) connecting the first wheel (41), the third wheel (43), and the fourth wheel (44) can be unfolded. As the link part (30) unfolds, the extension part (20) connected to the link part (30) moves accordingly.

[0110] After the movement of the extension part (20) is finished, the drive unit can steer the wheel (40) at a specific angle. In the case of the present embodiment, the steering direction of the wheel (40) can be set so that the wheel (40) can stably support the vehicle body in the position where the extension part (20) has moved.

[0111] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the lower part of the body portion according to an embodiment.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 10, the connection structure of the link portion (30) and the extension portion (20) can be seen.

[0113] In the present embodiment, a chassis (11) is formed on the lower side of a rectangular body part (10), and a guide hole (12) is formed in the chassis (11). The chassis (11) is formed in a cross shape, and its end extends to the boundary of the body part (10). A guide hole (12) is formed in the chassis (11), and a connecting pin (21) protruding from an extension part (20) is seated inside the guide hole (12). The connecting pin (21) passes through the guide hole (12) and is connected to a link part (30). The link part (30) has a structure in which two links are connected. Each link is connected so as to be rotatable around the connecting pin (21) as a rotation axis. The connecting pin (21) acts as a hinge (31) of the link part (30).

[0114] The connecting pin (21) passes through the link, and the link is rotatable while in contact with the circumferential surface of the connecting pin (21). An insertion hole may be formed in the link for inserting the connecting pin (21). The link of FIG. 10 includes a first region (A1) and a second region (A2). The first region (A1) is formed to be thinner than the first region (A1). The first region (A1) may be formed at both ends of the second region (A2). That is, the link may be formed such that the thickness of at least some regions along the longitudinal direction is thicker than that of other regions. The first region (A1) of each link corresponds to a joint portion.

[0115] In the case of this embodiment, the first region (A1) is stacked and fastened to the part connected to the wheel (40) and the part connected to the connecting pin (21).

[0116] The chassis (11) may be equipped with a brake (not shown) capable of fixing the placement of the connecting pin (21). The brake may be positioned along the guide hole (12) of the chassis (11). When the connecting pin (21) is positioned at a target location, the brake performs the function of restraining the connecting pin (21). The brake may be electrically operated. The brake may move from the outside of the guide hole (12) toward the connecting pin (21) to restrain the connecting pin (21).

[0117] The chassis (11) may be equipped with a sensor (not shown) for detecting the placement of a connecting pin (21). The sensor can detect the position of the connecting pin (21) and determine whether the connecting pin (21) is placed at a target position. The sensor may be an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, etc. The sensor may be placed inside the guide hole (12).

[0118] The position of the extension part (20) can be fixed by fixing the position of the connecting pin (21) through a sensor and a brake. The position of the extension part (20) can be adjusted linearly. When the extension part (20) is positioned in a desired position, the user can fix the position of the extension part (20) by operating the brake.

[0119] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an actuator of a variable vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0120] The actuator (50) can be positioned inside the body part (10). The actuator (50) can provide driving force to the connecting pin (21) and the link part (30).

[0121] Basically, the link portion (30) and the extension portion (20) are moved through the driving force of the wheel (40). When the driving portion provides driving force to the wheel (40) and the wheel (40) moves, the link portion (30) and the extension portion (20) move accordingly. The actuator (50) can provide driving force to the connecting pin (21) and the link portion (30) to assist the driving force of the wheel (40).

[0122] The actuator (50) can be connected to the connecting pin (21). The actuator (50) can provide driving force to move the connecting pin (21) in the longitudinal direction of the guide hole (12) inside the guide hole (12). When the wheel (40) moves and the link portion (30) is bent or unfolded, the actuator (50) can also provide driving force to the connecting pin (21). The extension portion (20) can be moved stably by the driving force of the actuator (50).

[0123] The actuator (50) can operate in conjunction with the drive of the wheel (40). Alternatively, it is also possible to provide driving force independently of the wheel (40). In a situation where no separate driving force is provided to the wheel (40), the movement of the extension part (20) can be achieved by moving the connecting pin (21) inside the guide hole (12).

[0124] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0125] 10 : Body part 11 : Chassis 12 : Guide hole 20: Extension part 21 : Extension pin 30 : Link section 31 : Hinge 40 : Wheel 50 : Actuator

Claims

Claim 1 A variable vehicle comprising: a body portion; an extension portion that can be inserted into the interior of the body portion and moved to the exterior of the body portion so as to be exposed in at least a portion; a plurality of wheels disposed on the lower side of the body portion and connected to each other by a link portion; and a driving portion that drives the wheels individually to change their arrangement, wherein the extension portion is connected to the link portion, and the arrangement of the link portion and the extension portion is changed based on the arrangement of the wheels. Claim 2 A variable vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the link portion is bent in a direction toward the center of the body portion. Claim 3 A variable vehicle according to paragraph 2, wherein when the gap between adjacent wheels is widened by the driving unit, the link unit connecting the wheels unfolds. Claim 4 In paragraph 2, the variable vehicle, wherein the extension part is connected to the bending point of the link part. Claim 5 A variable vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the extension part comprises a first extension part that moves in a first direction relative to the center of the body part and a second extension part that moves in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the first extension and the second extension are individually movable based on the driving of the wheel, forming a variable vehicle. Claim 7 A variable vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the extension portion is connected to the link portion through a connecting pin, and the connecting pin is seated inside a guide hole formed on the lower side of the body portion, and slides inside the guide hole according to the arrangement of the link portion. Claim 8 A variable vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising a brake disposed at the portion where the connecting pin and the guide hole contact each other, wherein the brake fixes the position of the connecting pin. Claim 9 A variable vehicle according to claim 8, further comprising a position sensor for detecting the position of the connecting pin; wherein the brake fixes the position of the connecting pin when the connecting pin is placed at a position preset by the user. Claim 10 A variable vehicle according to claim 1, wherein an actuator is provided on one side of the extension part, and the actuator provides a driving force in a direction that moves the extension part to the outside of the body part.

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