Vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle (100) includes a first frame (10) extending in a front-rear direction from a front wheel (1) to a rear wheel (2), a second frame (20), a steering portion (23) supported by the second frame (20), a support portion (40) supporting the steering portion (23) so that the steering portion (23) is movable about a rotation axis, and a movement restriction portion (14) provided in the vicinity of the rear wheel (2) and restricting the steering portion (23) from approaching the rear wheel (2) when the vehicle (100) is changed from a traveling attitude to a folding attitude.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a folding vehicle having a front wheel and a rear wheel. BACKGROUND

[0002] As such a vehicle, there has been known an electric three-wheeled vehicle having a single wheel disposed on one side in the front-rear direction and a pair of left and right wheels disposed on the other side in the front-rear direction (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). The vehicle described in Patent Literature 1 has a handlebar support portion that supports a handlebar provided rotatably to a pair of left and right support portions that support the pair of left and right wheels, respectively, and the handlebar support portion is inserted between the pair of left and right support portions, and the vehicle assumes a folded posture.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-59445 (JP 2019-059445 A). SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] However, the vehicle described in Patent Literature 1 above can have the handlebar or the hand soiled by contact with the pair of left and right wheels in the folded posture or when the folding operation is performed.

[0008] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0009] One aspect of the present application is a vehicle configured to change a posture to a running posture and fold from the running posture, and the vehicle includes a front wheel and a rear wheel, a first frame extending in a front-rear direction from the front wheel to the rear wheel, a second frame, a steering portion supported by the second frame, a support portion supporting the steering portion so as to be movable about a rotation axis, such that the steering portion is disposed above the front wheel when the vehicle is in the running posture and the steering portion is disposed above the rear wheel when the vehicle is in the folded posture, and a movement restriction portion provided in the vicinity of the rear wheel and restricting the steering portion from approaching the rear wheel when the vehicle changes from the running posture to the folded posture.

[0010] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to the present application, the handlebar or the hand can be prevented from being soiled by contact with the rear wheel when the vehicle is in the folded posture or when the folding operation is performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the present application, and is a view of the vehicle as viewed from the left oblique front.

[0013] Figure 1Bis a perspective view showing the overall structure of the vehicle of the embodiment of the present application, and is a view of the vehicle as viewed from the left obliquely from the back.

[0014] Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the outline structure of the Nördhoff rubber spring provided at the swing section of the vehicle of the embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 3 is a view showing the outline structure of the rotation support section of the vehicle of the embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the folded posture of the vehicle of the embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the upright posture of the vehicle of the embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 6 is a side view of the rear wheel of the vehicle of the embodiment of the present application as viewed from the inside of the vehicle direction.

[0019] Figure 7 is a rear view of the rear wheel of the vehicle of the embodiment of the present application as viewed from the back.

[0020] Figure 8 is a side view of the vehicle showing the rotation angle of the longitudinal frame when the vehicle changes from the running posture to the folded posture.

[0021] Figure 9A is a view showing a modification example of Figure 6 .

[0022] Figure 9B is a view showing a modification example of Figure 7 .

[0023] Figure 10 is a view showing a modification example of Figure 5 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] An embodiment of the present application will be described below with reference to Figures 1A-10 . The vehicle of the embodiment of the present application is a three-wheeled vehicle having a single front wheel and a pair of left and right rear wheels, and is configured so that a user can ride in a standing posture.

[0025] Figure 1A , Figure 1B are perspective views showing the overall structure of the vehicle 100 of the embodiment of the present application, and show the running posture of the vehicle 100 when the vehicle is used. Hereinafter, the front-rear direction (lengthwise direction), the left-right direction (widthwise direction), and the up-down direction (heightwise direction) of the vehicle 100 are defined as shown in the drawings, and the configuration of each part will be described in accordance with this definition.Figure 1A This is a view of vehicle 100 from the left diagonal front. Figure 1B This is a picture of vehicle 100 viewed from the left rear.

[0026] like Figure 1A , Figure 1B As shown, vehicle 100 has front wheels 1 and rear wheels 2, a frame FL constituting the frame of vehicle 100, and a centerline CL1 passing through the center of vehicle 100 in the left-right direction. Figure 1B The overall configuration is symmetrical, with the front wheel 1 positioned along the centerline CL1, and the left and right rear wheels 2 positioned symmetrically across the centerline CL1. The diameter of the front wheel 1 is the same as that of the rear wheel 2. It should be noted that the diameter of the front wheel 1 can also be smaller or larger than that of the rear wheel 2. The frame FL has a main frame 10 extending from the front wheel 1 to the rear wheel 2 and a longitudinal frame 20 erected above the front wheel 1.

[0027] The main frame 10 has a front frame 11 extending rearward from above the front wheel 1 and a rear frame 12 connected to the front frame 11 and extending to the rear wheel 2. The front frame 11 has an arcuate portion 111 that forms a generally arcuate shape from above the front wheel 1 to the rear along the outer circumference of the front wheel 1 and is wider in the left-right direction than the front wheel 1, and a flat plate portion 112 that extends rearward from the rear end of the arcuate portion 111 in a generally horizontal (strictly speaking, inclined rearward with a gentle downward slope). A generally cylindrical tube support portion 113 that extends through in the vertical direction is provided at the front end of the arcuate portion 111.

[0028] The longitudinal frame 20 is positioned such that the upper end is located further back than the lower end along the axis CL2. Figure 1A A longitudinal tube 21, which extends at an angle and is roughly cylindrical in shape, is supported at the front end of the main frame 10 by a through-tube support 113, which allows the tube to rotate about the axis CL2. A handlebar 23 is mounted at the upper end of the longitudinal tube 21, and a front fork 24 is fixed at the lower end.

[0029] The axle 1a of the front wheel 1 is supported by a pair of left and right front forks 24, allowing it to rotate. The front wheel 1 is steered by the rotation operation (steering) of the handlebars 23. The handlebars 23 are horizontal handlebars extending in a generally straight line in the left-right direction, with resin or rubber handlebars 23a for the user to hold at both ends of the handlebars 23. A generally arc-shaped front fender (also simply called a mudguard) 25 is arranged inside the pair of left and right front forks 24, extending from above the front wheel 1 to the rear, covering the perimeter of the front wheel 1. The mudguard 25 is supported by the lower end of the longitudinal tube 21 or the front forks 24.

[0030] Although detailed illustration is omitted, a traveling motor 4 (a wheel hub motor) and a brake unit 5 are housed in the inner side of the front wheel 1. For example, the traveling motor 4 is arranged on the left side, and the brake unit 5 is arranged on the right side, respectively. The vehicle 100 is configured as an electric vehicle that travels by driving of the traveling motor 4. The brake unit 5 is configured as, for example, a drum brake unit that constitutes a drum brake. Note that the brake unit 5 is also provided on the rear wheel 2 as well. These brake units 5 operate in accordance with operation of a brake operation lever 23b provided in front of a handle 23a of a handlebar 23, and impart a braking force to the front wheel 1 and the rear wheel 2. Note that the traveling motor 4 as an electric motor can also be provided in the rear wheel 2 or both of the front wheel 1 and the rear wheel 2, instead of being provided in the front wheel 1. Thereby, it is possible to improve the traction ability and the climbing ability of the vehicle 100.

[0031] The battery 6 of an elongated shape is supported on the rear surface of the longitudinal pipe 21 via a support member. The battery 6 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery that stores electric power supplied to the traveling motor 4, and the battery 6 is connected to the traveling motor 4 via an electric wire inside the longitudinal frame 20. The electric power supplied from the battery 6 to the traveling motor 4 is controlled by a power control unit not shown. Note that the battery 6 can also be arranged inside the longitudinal pipe 21, or can be arranged in the periphery of other structural members such as the main frame 10.

[0032] Although illustration is omitted, a start switch that indicates an on-off switch of a main power source, a turn signal switch that notifies of a left turn or a right turn, an accelerator lever that inputs a travel instruction, and the like are provided in the handlebar 23 in a manner operable by a user. A display portion that displays vehicle information such as a battery remaining capacity, a set vehicle speed, and the like can also be provided. A pair of left and right turn signals 26 that blink in accordance with operation of the turn signal switch are provided below the handlebar 23. A headlamp 27 is provided at the upper end portion of the longitudinal pipe 21.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 includes a main frame 10, a longitudinal frame 20, a rear frame 12, a front frame 13, a front wheel 1, and a rear wheel 2. The main frame 10 is a substantially plate-shaped member that extends in the front-rear direction and is arranged in the vicinity of the center of the vehicle 100 in the vehicle width direction. The longitudinal frame 20 is a substantially cylindrical member that extends in the front-rear direction and is arranged in the vicinity of the center of the main frame 10 in the up-down direction. The rear frame 12 is a substantially plate-shaped member that extends in the front-rear direction and is arranged in the vicinity of the rear end of the longitudinal frame 20 in the vehicle width direction. The front frame 13 is a substantially plate-shaped member that extends in the front-rear direction and is arranged in the vicinity of the front end of the longitudinal frame 20 in the vehicle width direction. The front wheel 1 is a wheel that is arranged in the vicinity of the front end of the main frame 10 in the front-rear direction. The rear wheel 2 is a wheel that is arranged in the vicinity of the rear end of the main frame 10 in the front-rear direction. Figure 1B As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 includes a main frame 10, a longitudinal frame 20, a rear frame 12, a front frame 13, a front wheel 1, and a rear wheel 2. The main frame 10 is a substantially plate-shaped member that extends in the front-rear direction and is arranged in the vicinity of the center of the vehicle 100 in the vehicle width direction. The longitudinal frame 20 is a substantially cylindrical member that extends in the front-rear direction and is arranged in the vicinity of the center of the main frame 10 in the up-down direction. The rear frame 12 is a substantially plate-shaped member that extends in the front-rear direction and is arranged in the vicinity of the rear end of the longitudinal frame 20 in the vehicle width direction. The front frame 13 is a substantially plate-shaped member that extends in the front-rear direction and is arranged in the vicinity of the front end of the longitudinal frame 20 in the vehicle width direction. The front wheel 1 is a wheel that is arranged in the vicinity of the front end of the main frame 10 in the front-rear direction. The rear wheel 2 is a wheel that is arranged in the vicinity of the rear end of the main frame 10 in the front-rear direction.

[0034] The right rear wheel 2 is arranged between the right inner side frame 123 and the right outer side frame 124, and the rotational shaft 2a of the right rear wheel 2 is supported by these side frames 123, 124 so as to be rotatable. Similarly, the left rear wheel 2 is arranged between the left inner side frame 123 and the left outer side frame 124, and the rotational shaft 2a of the left rear wheel 2 is supported by these side frames 123, 124 so as to be rotatable.

[0035] Footrests (pedestals) 13, which are roughly rectangular in shape when viewed from above, are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the central frame 121, extending in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The left and right footrests 13 are respectively mounted on and supported by the side frames 123 and 124. The left and right footrests 13 constitute a support for the feet of the user PS in a standing position, and the upper surface (support surface) of the footrests 13 is configured as a horizontal plane parallel to the road surface. The length of the footrests 13 in the front-to-back direction and the width in the left-to-right direction are defined in such a way that the entire sole of the user's foot can be supported.

[0036] Rear fenders (also referred to simply as mudguards) 14 are respectively arranged behind the left and right foot pedals 13, covering the area around the rear wheel 2 from the front to the top. The mudguards 14 are supported by a pair of left and right brackets 15 that protrude above and behind the rear wheel 2. The length from the right end face of the right mudguard 14 to the left end face of the left mudguard 14 is shorter than the length from the right end to the left end of the handlebar 23, and the maximum width of the vehicle 100 is defined by the handlebar 23.

[0037] A connecting plate 16 is clamped between the left and right mudguards 14. The connecting plate 16 extends in the left-right direction, and its left and right ends are fixed to the mudguards 14. A brake light 17, which is illuminated when the braking unit 5 is working, is provided at the center of the rear surface of the connecting plate 16 in the left-right direction. A pair of left and right turn signals 18, which flash according to the operation of the turn signal switch, are provided at the rear ends of the left and right mudguards 14.

[0038] like Figure 1A As shown, the front frame 11 and the rear frame 12 of the main frame 10 are connected by a swing section 30. That is, the front frame 11 is connected by the swing section 30 in a manner that allows it to swing in the left and right direction relative to the rear frame 12. The swing section 30 has a Nederhardt rubber spring 31 fixed to the bottom surface of the flat plate portion 112 of the front frame 11.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the Nedhart rubber spring 31 installed in the swing section 30. (See attached image.) Figure 2As shown, the Nerdhardt rubber spring 31 is built in a housing 311 having a substantially rectangular frame shape fixed to the bottom surface of the flat plate portion 112. A shaft 312 having a substantially circular cross section is disposed in the housing 311, and the shaft 312 is provided integrally with the center frame 121 of the rear frame 12 and extends along the center line CL3 of the center frame 121. Note that the front end portion of the center frame 121 can be formed to have a substantially circular cross section and used as the shaft 312. The Nerdhardt rubber spring 31 has a substantially rhombic cam block 313 spline-coupled to the shaft 312 so as to be rotatable integrally with the shaft 312, and a rubber roller 314 disposed opposite to each face of the cam block 313 formed in a recessed shape.

[0040] Figure 2 is an initial state in which the front frame 11 is not swung, and at this time, as shown in Figure 1A , Figure 1B shown, the longitudinal frame 20 is not tilted to the left and right direction, and the vehicle 100 is in a reference posture. When a torque is applied to the housing 311 from this initial state, and the housing 311 is rotated about the axis CL3, the rubber roller 314 is pressed between the housing 311 and the cam block 313 and elastically deformed, and the rubber roller 314 becomes elliptical. At this time, the front frame 11 is swung together with the longitudinal frame 20, and the vehicle 100 becomes a tilted posture. In this case, as the rotation angle of the housing 311 becomes larger, the resistance to the rotation of the housing 311 becomes larger. When the torque applied to the housing 311 becomes 0, the rubber roller 314 returns to the original shape by the elastic force, and the front frame 11 returns to the reference posture.

[0041] The front frame 11 of the main frame 10 is provided in such a manner that the front frame 11 can be swung by the swing portion 30, and a user of the standing posture vehicle 100 can easily turn the vehicle 100 to the left and right direction. For example, when the user turns the vehicle 100 to the left and right direction, the user slightly bends the knees and ankles, and tilts the upper body to the left and right. Thus, the user can swing the longitudinal frame 20 integrally with the front frame 11, and tilt the front wheel 1 to the left and right, with the feet placed on the step 13 in a stable posture, without changing the horizontal position of the step 13 provided integrally with the rear frame 12. As a result, the user can smoothly turn the vehicle 100, and the turning performance is improved.

[0042] Further, by providing the Notherd rubber spring 31 at the swing portion 30, a restoring force is applied to the front frame 11 when the front frame 11 is swung from the reference posture to the left or right, and the swing of the front frame 11 is favorably suppressed. Note that the cam block 313 can not be a quadrangular shape, but can be formed in another polygonal shape (for example, a triangular shape). Further, not all the faces of the cam block 313 can be formed in a concave shape, but for example, two faces can be formed in a concave shape, and the rubber rollers 314 can be arranged so as to face these concave faces. Further, not the Notherd rubber spring 31, but an elastic member such as a coil spring can apply the restoring force to the front frame 11. That is, the constitution of the damping member is not limited to the Notherd rubber spring 31.

[0043] Although not illustrated, a load point (a center point of a load applied by the sole) at which the weight of the user in the standing posture is applied to the pedal 13 is located within a triangular region connecting the ground contact point of the front wheel 1 and the ground contact points of the respective rear wheels 2 in plan view. Thus, the user can ride the vehicle 100 in a stable posture both during running and when the vehicle 100 is parked.

[0044] The vehicle 100 of the present embodiment is provided so as to be foldable. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1A A turning support portion 40 is provided at a position on the vertical tube 21 higher than the tube support portion 113, and the turning support portion 40 supports an upper portion (referred to as an upper tube portion 211) of the vertical tube 21 so that the upper tube portion 211 is turnable rearward with respect to a lower portion (referred to as a lower tube portion 212) of the vertical tube 21.

[0045] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the general structure of the turning support portion 40. As shown in Figure 3 A bracket 211a is provided so as to protrude rearward and downward at a lower end portion of the upper tube portion 211. The bracket 211a is supported at the upper end portion and the rear end portion of the lower tube portion 212 in a manner that the bracket 211a is turnable in the front-rear direction with the pin 41 extending in the left-right direction as a fulcrum. Further, an operating lever 43 is supported at a rear end portion of the bracket 211a above the lower end portion of the upper tube portion 211 in a manner that the operating lever 43 is turnable in the front-rear direction with the pin 42 extending in the left-right direction as a fulcrum. A lower end portion of the operating lever 43 is linked to a rear end portion of a link 45 extending in the front-rear direction with the pin 44 extending in the left-right direction as a fulcrum. The link 45 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction between the lower end portion of the upper tube portion 211 and the upper end portion of the lower tube portion 212.

[0046] A protrusion 45a is provided so as to protrude rearward at a front end portion of the link 45, and the protrusion 45a is engaged with an engagement recess 212a provided at a front surface of the upper end portion of the lower tube portion 212. As shown in Figure 3In the initial state in which the operation lever 43 is turned upward in a manner to approach the rear surface of the upper pipe portion 211, the connecting rod 45 is pulled rearward, and the protruding portion 45a is engaged with the engagement recess portion 212a, as indicated by the center line. At this time, the turning of the upper pipe portion 211 rearward with the pin 41 as a fulcrum is prevented (locked state). Therefore, the vertical pipe 21 is fixed in the erected state along the axis CL2, and the vehicle 100 becomes the running posture. Figure 1A

[0047] When the operation lever 43 is turned downward (arrow A direction) from the turning locked state, as indicated by the double-dot chain line in FIG. 6, the pin 44 moves forward, and the connecting rod 45 is pushed forward. Thus, the engagement between the protruding portion 45a of the connecting rod 45 and the engagement recess portion 212a is released (unlocked state). As a result, the upper pipe portion 211 can be turned rearward (arrow B direction) with the pin 41 as a fulcrum, and the vehicle 100 can be brought into the folded posture. Figure 3

[0048] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the vehicle 100 in the folded posture. Note that the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction of Figure 4 are the same as those indicated by Figure 1A , Figure 1B . As shown in Figure 4 , in the folded posture, the upper pipe portion 211 is turned rearward most with the turning support portion 40 as a fulcrum, and the upper pipe portion 211 and the main vehicle frame 10 (the front vehicle frame 11 and the rear vehicle frame 12) become substantially parallel. More specifically, the upper pipe portion 211 is inserted between the left and right rear wheels 2, the top end portion (the rear end portion of the upper pipe portion 211) is located lower than the base end portion (the pin 41), and the upper pipe portion 211 is inclined rearward with a gentle downward slope. Figure 4

[0049] At this time, the left and right grips 23a respectively abut against the upper surfaces of the left and right fenders 14. Thus, it is possible to prevent the grips 23a from being soiled in the folded posture. In addition, when the vehicle 100 is brought into the folded posture, the user holds the grips 23a to move the handlebar 23 to the vicinity of the fenders 14, and the rear wheels 2 are covered by the fenders 14. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user's hand from touching the surfaces of the rear wheels 2 when the vehicle 100 is brought into the folded posture. Note that although not shown, the handlebar 23 in the folded posture is combined with the fenders 14, the bracket 15, or the coupling plate 16 by a hook member, a cable tie, or the like.

[0050] The handle 114 is disposed above the front wheel 1. The handle 114 has a grip portion 114a extending in the left-right direction and a pair of left and right struts 114b extending rearward from the left and right end portions of the grip portion 114a, and the entire handle 114 is substantially ​​​The rear end portion of the stay 114b is fixed to the left and right side surfaces of the front end portion of the front frame 11 by bolts or the like. By lifting the front wheel 1 side upward by holding the handle 114, the vehicle 100 in the folded posture can be stood up with the rear wheel 2 as a fulcrum, and become a straight posture.

[0051] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the vehicle 100 in the straight posture. Note that, Figure 5 the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction of the vehicle 100 in the straight posture coincide with Figure 1A , Figure 1B the directions shown in FIG. 1. In the straight posture, the vehicle 100 is in a folded state, and the straight posture is included in the folded posture. As shown in Figure 5 , in the straight posture, the top end portions (ground-contact portions 151) of the left and right supports 15 behind the left and right rear wheels 2 are in contact with the ground G, and the vehicle 100 is straightly supported at four points. At this time, the main frame 10 is erected in a substantially vertical direction, and the front wheel 1 is positioned vertically above the rear wheel 2. On the other hand, the longitudinal frame 20 is positioned behind the main frame 10, and the center of gravity of the vehicle 100 is positioned behind the ground-contact position of the rear wheel 2. Therefore, by projecting the supports 15 behind the rear wheel 2, the vehicle 100 can be stably maintained in the straight posture.

[0052] In the case of carrying the vehicle 100, the user holds the handle 114 of the vehicle 100 in the straight posture, and tilts the vehicle 100 forward (in the direction of arrow A) with the rear wheel 2 as a fulcrum. By this, the ground-contact portions 151 of the supports 15 are separated from the ground G, and the user can easily carry the vehicle 100 forward by rolling the rear wheel 2. Note that, in Figure 5 , the region of the outer peripheral surface of the front wheel 1 covered by the mudguard 25 is referred to as a first region AR1, and the region exposed from the mudguard 25 is referred to as a second region AR2.

[0053] The structure of the mudguard 14 and the support 15 of the rear wheel 2 will be described in detail. Figure 6 , Figure 7 are a side view and a rear view, respectively, showing the main part structure around the rear wheel 2 (the right rear wheel 2). Note that, Figure 6 is a side view of the right rear wheel 2 viewed from the left direction (left side). In Figure 6 , Figure 7 , the position of the handlebar 23 in the folded posture is shown by a broken line.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the upper portion of the inner side frame 123 is bent at a substantially right angle toward the inner side in the left-right direction, and a flange portion 123a, whose upper surface is flat, is formed in the inner side frame 123. The bracket 15 has a front and rear pair of plates, i.e., a front plate 152 and a rear plate 153, each having a prescribed width in the left-right direction. The front plate 152 and the rear plate 153 are each bent to a prescribed shape.

[0055] In more detail, as shown in Figure 6 , the rear plate 153 has a flange plate portion 153a fastened to the rear end portion of the flange portion 123a in the vicinity of the rotation shaft 2a of the rear wheel 2 by a bolt 123b, an inclined plate portion 153b extending obliquely upward and rearward at a first inclination angle with respect to the horizontal line from the rear end of the flange plate portion 153a, and an engagement plate portion 153c extending obliquely upward and rearward at a second inclination angle smaller than the first inclination angle from the upper end of the inclined plate portion 153b. The front plate 152 has a flange plate portion 152a fastened to the flange portion 123a at a position forward of the rotation shaft 2a of the rear wheel 2 and rearward of the front end portion of the mudguard 14 by a bolt 123b, an inclined plate portion 152b extending obliquely upward and rearward from the rear end of the flange plate portion 152a in substantially parallel with the inclined plate portion 153b, a horizontal plate portion 152c extending rearward in a substantially horizontal direction from the rear end (upper end) of the inclined plate portion 152b at a position upward of the upper end surface of the rear wheel 2, and an engagement plate portion 152d extending obliquely upward and rearward from the rear end of the horizontal plate portion 152c in substantially parallel with the engagement plate portion 153c. The engagement plate portion 152d and the engagement plate portion 153c are engaged with each other, and a ground-contacting portion 151 having a substantially circular cross section is formed at the end portions thereof.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6 , Figure 7 , the bottom surface of the horizontal plate portion 152c of the front plate 152 is engaged with the upper surface of the link plate 16 at substantially the same position in the front-rear direction as the rotation shaft 2a by welding or the like. The left and right end portions of the link plate 16 are engaged with the bottom surface of the mudguard 14, more specifically, the bottom surface of the uppermost portion of the mudguard 14, by welding or the like. Thus, the mudguard 14 is supported by the inner side frame 123 via the link plate 16 and the bracket 15.

[0057] When the vehicle 100 is in the folded position, the handlebar 23 (dotted line) is located above the rotation shaft 2a, but the upper surface of the bracket 15 (horizontal plate portion 152c) is located at a position lower than the upper surface of the mudguard 14 above the rotation shaft 2a (including the vertical cross section of the rotation shaft 2a). Thus, as shown in Figure 6 , 7 , in the folded position, the handlebar 23 abuts against the upper surface of the substantially circular-arc-shaped mudguard 14, and thus the handlebar 23 can be prevented from abutting against the rear wheel 2. This point will be described from the viewpoint of the angle of rotation of the longitudinal frame 20 (upper tube portion 211) in the folded position.

[0058] Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a side view of the vehicle 100 schematically showing a rotation angle of the longitudinal frame 20 when the vehicle 100 changes from the running posture to the folded posture. As shown in FIG. 8, the handlebar 23 is in contact with the rear wheel 2 at a rotation angle of θ0. Figure 8 When the upper pipe portion 211 of the longitudinal frame 20 is rotated rearward with the rotation support portion 40 as a fulcrum, as shown by a dashed line in FIG. 8, the rotation angle at which the handlebar 23 comes into contact with the rear wheel 2 is θ0. In the present embodiment, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 8, the rotation of the longitudinal frame 20 is limited by the fender 14. Thus, the rotation angle becomes θ1, which is smaller than θ0. As a result, it is possible to prevent the handlebar 23 from coming into contact with the rear wheel 2 in the folded posture. Figure 8

[0059] In FIG. 8, a line segment (first line segment) LI connecting the rotation axis 2a of the rear wheel 2 and the rear end of the fender 14 is positioned more forward than a line segment (second line segment) L2 connecting the rotation axis 2a and the rear end of the bracket 15 (the rear end of the ground-contact portion 151). Thus, in a case where the vehicle 100 is rotated with the rear wheel 2 as a fulcrum in the direction of the arrow A after the vehicle 100 is brought to the folded posture, the ground-contact portion 151 comes into contact with the ground before the fender 14. Thus, it is possible to maintain the vehicle 100 in a stable upright posture by the bracket 15. Figure 8 Figure 5

[0060] The present embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0061] (1) The vehicle 100 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to change the posture to the running posture and the folded posture from the running posture. The vehicle 100 includes the front wheel 1 and the rear wheel 2; the main frame 10 extending in the front-rear direction from the front wheel 1 to the rear wheel 2; the longitudinal frame 20; the handlebar 23 supported by the longitudinal frame 20; the rotation support portion 40 supporting the upper pipe portion 211 so as to be rotatable with the handlebar 23 as a center about the pin 41, such that the handlebar 23 is disposed above the front wheel 1 when the vehicle 100 is in the running posture and the handlebar 23 is disposed above the rear wheel 2 when the vehicle 100 is in the folded posture; and the fender 14 disposed in the vicinity of the rear wheel 2, which limits the approach of the handlebar 23 to the rear wheel 2 when the vehicle 100 changes from the running posture to the folded posture. Figure 1A Figure 4 Figure 1A Figure 4

[0062] ​​​​​​​Therefore, when the vehicle 100 is in a folded position, the handlebars 23 can be prevented from contacting the rear wheel 2. Thus, when returning the vehicle 100 from a folded position to a riding position, the user can immediately ride the vehicle 100 without getting their hands dirty. Even when the vehicle 100 is in a folded position, if the user holds the handlebars 23 and brings their hands close to the rear wheel 2, the mudguards 14 around the rear wheel 2 prevent the user's hands from getting dirty, making the folding operation of the vehicle 100 easier. Since the mudguards 14 function as a movement restriction part to limit the movement of the handlebars 23, there is no need to provide additional movement restriction parts, thus preventing an increase in the number of parts.

[0063] (2) The vehicle 100 also includes a bracket 15, which is disposed on the main frame 10 to maintain the vehicle 100 in an upright position with the front wheel 1 above the rear wheel 2 when the vehicle 100 is in a folded state. Figure 5 The mudguard 14 is supported by the bracket 15. Figure 6 , Figure 7 This improves the rigidity of the mudguard 14 and prevents it from deforming when it comes into contact with the handlebar 23. The vehicle 100 stands upright in a folded position via the bracket 15, thus saving space and making it easy to store.

[0064] (3) The bracket 15 has a grounding part 151 that is grounded when the vehicle 100 is in an upright position. Figure 5 The grounding part 151 is positioned such that the line segment L1 connecting the rotating shaft 2a of the rear wheel 2 and the rear end of the mudguard 14 is located further forward than the line segment L2 connecting the rotating shaft 2a and the grounding part 151. Figure 8 Therefore, the vehicle 100 can be kept upright while the mudguard 14 is raised from the ground, thus preventing damage to the mudguard 14.

[0065] (4) Rear wheel 2 is a pair of left and right rear wheels 2 ( Figure 1A Mudguards 14 are respectively positioned around the left and right pairs of rear wheels 2. Figure 1A Therefore, when the vehicle 100 is in a folded position, the left and right handlebars 23a of the handlebar 23 can be supported more evenly and stably by using the pair of mudguards 14.

[0066] (5) The rotation support 40 is provided on the longitudinal frame 20 above the main frame 10 in such a way that the upper tube 211, which is part of the longitudinal frame 20, can rotate. Figure 1A The longitudinal frame 20 is inserted between the left and right rear wheels 2 when the vehicle 100 is in a folded position. Figure 4 Therefore, the protrusion of the longitudinal frame 20 in the folded position can be suppressed, and the vehicle 100 can be folded up compactly.

[0067] The above-described embodiment can be changed in various ways. Several modifications will be described below. In the above-described embodiment, the fender 14 is supported by the bracket 15, but the fender can also function as a bracket. Figure 9A is a side view (a view of the right rear wheel 2 from the right side viewed from the inner side in the vehicle width direction) showing main portions of the vehicle 100, and Figure 9B is a rear view.

[0068] As shown in Figure 9A , Figure 9B , the fender 140 disposed around the rear wheel 2 has a pair of front and rear brackets 142 extending from both end portions of a substantially circular-arc-shaped peripheral wall portion 141 disposed opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the rear wheel 2 and disposed opposite to the left and right side surfaces of the rear wheel 2, respectively. The bottom portions of the pair of front and rear brackets 142 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction are fastened to the flange portion 123a of the inner side frame 123 by bolts 123b, respectively. The lower end portions of the pair of front and rear brackets 142 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction are fastened to the outer side frame 124 by bolts 124b, respectively. In this way, the fender 14 is supported by the left and right side frames 123, 124 via the left and right brackets 142, whereby the support rigidity of the fender 14 can be improved and the fender 14 can be securely supported.

[0069] The fender 14 also has a bracket portion 143 protruding upward and rearward from the rear end portion of the peripheral wall portion 141. A ground-contacting portion 143a is provided at the rear end portion of the bracket portion 143. Note that the ground-contacting portion 143a can be composed of an elastic body. In this way, the ground-contacting portion 143a of the bracket portion 143 is brought into contact with the ground, and the vehicle 100 can be kept in an upright posture, as shown in Figure 5 In this way, the fender 140 is configured to have a function as a bracket, whereby the number of parts can be reduced and the vehicle 100 can be easily assembled.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the longitudinal frame 20 as the second frame is supported so as to be able to turn with respect to the main frame 10 as the first frame by operation of the handlebar 23 as the turning portion, but the configurations of the first frame, the second frame, and the turning portion are not limited to the above. For example, the first frame can be configured to be able to bend with an axis portion extending in the vehicle width direction as a fulcrum. That is, the configuration of the first frame can be any form as long as it extends in a substantially horizontal direction in a running posture and forms a frame that becomes the base of the vehicle. Here, the substantially horizontal direction means that the angle of a line segment connecting the front end portion (e.g., the front end portion of the front frame 11) and the rear end portion (e.g., the rear end portions of the side frames 123, 124) of the first frame with respect to the horizontal line is equal to or less than a prescribed value (e.g., 30°).

[0071] In the above embodiment, the upper pipe portion 211 of the vertical pipe 21 is allowed to rotate about the pin 41 by the rotation support portion 40 of the vertical pipe 21 being provided, but the configuration of the support portion is not limited thereto. That is, as long as the handlebar 23 is supported so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis, and the handlebar 23 is disposed above the front wheel 1 in the running posture and above the rear wheel 2 in the folded posture, the configuration of the support portion can be any form. In the above embodiment, the pin 41 serving as the rotation axis is provided above the main frame 10, but the position of the rotation axis is not limited thereto.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the approach of the handlebar 23 to the rear wheel 2 in the folded posture is restricted by the fender 14 disposed around the rear wheel 2, but as long as the approach of the handlebar 23 to the rear wheel 2 is restricted in the transition from the running posture to the folded posture, the configuration of the movement restriction portion is not limited thereto. For example, the movement of the handlebar 23 can be restricted by the bracket 15 or the link plate 16. That is, a portion of the bracket 15 or the link plate 16 can also abut against the handlebar 23. In other words, the movement of the handlebar 23 can also be restricted by a fender support portion that supports the fender 14. The fender support portion can also be configured by members other than the bracket 15 and the link plate 16.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the left and right pair of brackets 15 are provided inside the left and right rear wheels 2, and the brackets 15 support the vehicle 100 in such a manner that the vehicle 100 becomes in the upright posture, but the brackets can also be provided outside the left and right rear wheels 2. A single bracket can also be provided at the central portion in the left and right direction of the vehicle 100. The configuration of the ground contact portion 151 at the top end portion of the bracket 15 is not limited to the above. For example, as shown in the modified example of the above embodiment, the bracket 15 can also be provided with a small-sized wheel such as a caster 151A that can rotate at the top end portion thereof. By this, the vehicle 100 can be moved with the ground contact portion (caster 151A) in contact with the ground, and the movement of the vehicle 100 becomes easy. In the above embodiment, the vehicle 100 is configured in such a manner that it has a single front wheel 1 and a left and right pair of rear wheels 2, but the vehicle can also be configured in such a manner that it has a single front wheel and a single rear wheel or a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel. Note that the single front wheel also includes, for example, a pair of front wheels, i.e., double front wheels, provided at one place. Figure 5 Figure 10 In the above embodiment, the left and right pair of brackets 15 are provided inside the left and right rear wheels 2, and the brackets 15 support the vehicle 100 in such a manner that the vehicle 100 becomes in the upright posture, but the brackets can also be provided outside the left and right rear wheels 2. A single bracket can also be provided at the central portion in the left and right direction of the vehicle 100. The configuration of the ground contact portion 151 at the top end portion of the bracket 15 is not limited to the above. For example, as shown in the modified example of the above embodiment, the bracket 15 can also be provided with a small-sized wheel such as a caster 151A that can rotate at the top end portion thereof. By this, the vehicle 100 can be moved with the ground contact portion (caster 151A) in contact with the ground, and the movement of the vehicle 100 becomes easy. In the above embodiment, the vehicle 100 is configured in such a manner that it has a single front wheel 1 and a left and right pair of rear wheels 2, but the vehicle can also be configured in such a manner that it has a single front wheel and a single rear wheel or a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel. Note that the single front wheel also includes, for example, a pair of front wheels, i.e., double front wheels, provided at one place.

[0074] The above description is ultimately one example, and the above embodiment and the modified examples are not limited to the present application as long as the features of the present application are not impaired. One or more of the above embodiment and the modified examples can be combined arbitrarily, and the modified examples can also be combined with each other.

[0075] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0076] 1: front wheel​

[0077] 2: rear wheel;

[0078] 10: main frame;

[0079] 14: fender;

[0080] 15: support;

[0081] 16: link plate;

[0082] 20: longitudinal frame;

[0083] 23: handlebar;

[0084] 40: rotation support portion;

[0085] 41: pin;

[0086] 100: vehicle;

[0087] 151: ground contact portion;

[0088] L1, L2: line segment.

Claims

1. A vehicle (100) configured to change its posture to a driving posture and a folding posture from the driving posture, characterized in that, Possessing: a front wheel (1) disposed on a center line (CL1) extending in a front-rear direction; a pair of left and right rear wheels (2) disposed on left and right sides of the center line (CL1); a first vehicle frame (10) extending in the front-rear direction from the front wheel (1) to the pair of left and right rear wheels (2); a second vehicle frame (20); a steering portion (23) supported by the second vehicle frame (20); a connecting portion (30) connecting a front vehicle frame (11) and a rear vehicle frame (12) of the first vehicle frame (10) so that the front vehicle frame (11) and the rear vehicle frame (12) can swing in a left-right direction about an axis (CL3) extending in the front-rear direction; a supporting portion (40) supporting the steering portion (23) so that the steering portion (23) can rotate about a rotation axis (41) so that the steering portion (23) is disposed above the front wheel (1) when the vehicle (100) is in the running posture and the steering portion (23) is disposed above the pair of left and right rear wheels (2) when the vehicle (100) is in the folded posture; and a movement restricting portion disposed in the vicinity of the pair of left and right rear wheels (2), abutting against the steering portion (23) on left and right sides of the axis (CL3), and restricting the steering portion (23) from approaching the pair of left and right rear wheels (2) when the vehicle (100) is changed from the running posture to the folded posture.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the movement restricting portion is a fender (14) disposed around the pair of left and right rear wheels (2) or a fender supporting portion supporting the fender (14).

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein a stand (15) is further provided to the first vehicle frame (10) to hold the vehicle (100) in a standing posture in which the front wheel (1) is disposed above the pair of left and right rear wheels (2) while the vehicle (100) is in the folded state, the fender supporting portion is the stand (15).

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the stand (15) has a ground contact portion (151) that contacts the ground when the vehicle (100) is in the standing posture, the ground contact portion (151) is disposed so that a first line segment (L1) connecting a rotation axis (2a) of the pair of left and right rear wheels (2) and a rear end portion of the fender (14) is positioned further forward than a second line segment (L2) connecting the rotation axis (2a) and the ground contact portion (151) when the vehicle (100) is in the running posture.

5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fenders (14) are respectively disposed around the pair of left and right rear wheels (2).

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein The rotation shaft (41) is provided in a rotatable manner with a portion of the second frame (20) at a position higher than the first frame (10), The second frame (20) is disposed so as to be interposed between the pair of left and right rear wheels (2) when the vehicle (100) is in the folded posture.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein Further provided are: An electric motor (4) that drives the front wheel (1); and A battery (6) that supplies electric power to the electric motor (4), The battery (6) is disposed between the first frame (10) and the second frame (20) when the vehicle (100) is in the folded posture.

8. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein Further provided are a pair of left and right placement portions (13) that are supported by the first frame (10) and that place feet of an occupant.

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