Vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle (100) is provided with: a front wheel (1) and a rear wheel (2); a load placement portion (30) that is disposed substantially horizontally between the front wheel (1) and the rear wheel (2) and that is for placing feet of an occupant; a first frame (FL1) that supports the front wheel (1) in a rotatable manner with respect to the front wheel (1) and that has a steering portion (14) disposed above the front wheel (1); a second frame (FL2) that supports the rear wheel (2) in a rotatable manner with respect to the rear wheel (2) and that supports the load placement portion (30); a link portion (18a) that links the first frame (FL1) in a manner in which the first frame (FL1) is able to turn in the up-down direction with respect to the second frame (FL2); and a battery (40) that is disposed behind the load placement portion (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a folding vehicle having front and rear wheels. Background Technology

[0002] As such vehicles, electric tricycles having a single wheel on the front and rear sides and a pair of left and right wheels on the other side are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the vehicle described in Patent Document 1, the wheels are supported at the front ends of a pair of support mechanisms that are rotatably connected to each other by means of a support axle, and the battery is supported between the support axle and the wheel by the support mechanism.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-59445. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] The vehicle described in Patent Document 1 is transported while tilted in a folded state. However, the torque generated by the weight of the battery tends to increase when transporting the vehicle, causing problems with its transportability.

[0008] Solution for solving the problem

[0009] The vehicle according to one technical solution of the present invention includes: front wheels and rear wheels; a mounting section extending substantially horizontally between the front wheels and the rear wheels for supporting the feet of an occupant; a first frame supporting the front wheels in a rotatable manner and having a steering section disposed above the front wheels; a second frame supporting the rear wheels in a rotatable manner and supporting the mounting section; a connecting section connecting the first frame to the second frame in a manner that allows the first frame to rotate vertically relative to the second frame; and a battery disposed at the rear of the mounting section.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] Using this invention, vehicles can be easily transported in a folded state. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the overall structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the overall structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 It is an omission Figure 2A top view shown as part of the image.

[0015] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0016] Figure 5 These are three views of a battery mounted in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 6 It shows the battery relative to Figure 1 An example of the actions involved in disassembling and assembling a vehicle.

[0018] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view along line VII-VII.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a diagram that schematically shows the state of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear.

[0020] Figure 9A This is a diagram illustrating the action of changing the posture of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9B This diagram illustrates the action of changing the posture of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the subsequent... Figure 9A The diagram shows the subsequent actions.

[0022] Figure 9C This diagram illustrates the action of changing the posture of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the subsequent... Figure 9B The diagram shows the subsequent actions.

[0023] Figure 9D This diagram illustrates the action of changing the posture of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the subsequent... Figure 9C The diagram shows the subsequent actions.

[0024] Figure 10 A diagram illustrating the action of removing the battery while the vehicle is in storage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the operation during battery charging.

[0026] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram of a variation.

[0027] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 2 A diagram of a variation.

[0028] Figure 14A This is a diagram illustrating the changes in the posture of the modified vehicle.

[0029] Figure 14B It shows the continuation Figure 14A The diagram shows the subsequent actions.

[0030] Figure 14C It shows the continuation Figure 14B The diagram shows the subsequent actions. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 14C Embodiments of the present invention will now be described. The vehicle in an embodiment of the present invention is a three-wheeled vehicle having a single front wheel and a pair of left and right rear wheels, configured such that a user can ride in a standing position.

[0032] Figure 1 , Figure 2 These are side and top views, respectively, illustrating the overall structure of the vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the driving posture of the vehicle 100 when in use, i.e., the posture in which it can drive. It should be noted that the posture in which it cannot drive is referred to as the non-driving posture. Figure 1 The user's PS usage status is also shown in the figure (double-dotted line). Below, the front-to-back direction (length direction), left-to-right direction (width direction), and up-down direction (height direction) of vehicle 100 are defined as shown in the figure, and the structure of each part is explained according to this definition. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing vehicle 100 viewed from the left. Figure 2 This is a picture of vehicle 100 viewed from above.

[0033] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, vehicle 100 has front wheels 1 and rear wheels 2, a frame FL that forms the skeleton of vehicle 100, and a centerline CL1 passing through the center of vehicle 100 in the left-right direction. Figure 2 The overall configuration is symmetrical, with the front wheel 1 positioned along the centerline CL1, and the rear wheels 2 positioned symmetrically on either side of 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 front frame 10 and a rear frame 20.

[0034] The front frame 10 has a longitudinal tube 11 extending in the vertical direction with a generally rectangular cross-section and a tilting frame 12 extending rearward from the rear surface of the lower end of the longitudinal tube 11. The longitudinal tube 11 extends at an angle, with its upper end positioned further rearward than its lower end. The tilting frame 12 tilts forward at an upward slope (front higher than rear). More specifically, the tilting frame 12 extends at an angle, with its rear end positioned below the upper end of the front wheel 1 and its front end positioned above the upper end of the front wheel 1, and the front end of the tilting frame 12 engages with the rear surface of the longitudinal tube 11.

[0035] The longitudinal tube 11 has through holes with a roughly cylindrical cross-section formed throughout its vertical direction. A handlebar axle 13 with a roughly circular cross-section is rotatably inserted into these through holes. The handlebar 14 is fixed to the upper end of the handlebar axle 13 at its center in the left-right direction, and the fork 15 is fixed to its lower end. The handlebar axle 13 is supported relative to the longitudinal tube 11 in a height-adjustable (retractable) manner. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, a locking mechanism for fixing the height of the handlebar axle 13 is provided at the upper end of the longitudinal tube 11.

[0036] The axle 1a of the front wheel 1 is supported by a pair of left and right front forks 15, allowing it to rotate. The front wheel 1 is steered by the rotation operation (steering) of the handlebars 14. The handlebars 14 are horizontal bar handlebars that extend in a generally straight line in the left-right direction, and resin or rubber handlebars 14a are provided at both ends of the handlebars 14 for the user to hold. A generally arc-shaped front fender 16 is installed on the inside of the pair of left and right front forks 15, extending from above the front wheel 1 to the rear, covering the perimeter of the front wheel 1.

[0037] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the travel motor 4 (hub motor) and braking unit 5 are housed inside the front wheel 1. For example, the travel motor 4 is positioned on the left side and the braking unit 5 on the right side. The vehicle 100 is configured as an electric vehicle driven by the travel motor 4. The braking unit 5 is configured as, for example, a drum brake unit. It should be noted that, although illustrations are omitted, the braking unit 5 is also provided on the rear wheel 2. These braking units 5 operate according to the operation of the brake lever 14b located in front of the handlebar 14a of the handlebar 14, providing braking force to the front wheel 1 and the rear wheel 2. It should be noted that the travel motor 4, as an electric motor, may not be located on the front wheel 1, but may be located inside the rear wheel 2 or on both the front wheel 1 and the rear wheel 2. By placing the travel motor on both the front wheel 1 and the rear wheel 2, the traction and climbing ability of the vehicle 100 can be improved.

[0038] Although the illustration is omitted, the handlebars 14 are equipped with a start switch that indicates the on / off state of the main power supply, a turn signal switch that indicates left or right turns, and an accelerator lever for inputting driving commands, all operable by the user. A display showing vehicle information such as remaining battery capacity and set speed can also be installed on the handlebars 14. A pair of left and right turn signals that flash according to the operation of the turn signal switch are located below the handlebars 14. A headlight is installed at the upper end of the longitudinal tube 11.

[0039] The rear frame 20 has a footrest 30 for the user PS to place his / her feet when the vehicle 100 is in a riding position. A battery 40 is disposed behind the footrest 30. Figure 3 This is a top view showing the overall structure of the vehicle 100 with the pedal 30 and battery 40 omitted. Figure 3As shown, the rear frame 20 has a main frame 21 extending along the centerline CL1 in the longitudinal direction with a generally rectangular or circular cross-section; a pair of front and rear transverse frames 22 and 23 intersecting the main frame 21 and extending in the lateral direction with a generally rectangular cross-section; and a pair of left and right support frames 24 extending from the rear end of the main frame 21 in the lateral direction. It should be noted that... Figure 2 These frames, 21 to 24, are shown in dashed lines.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, recesses 21a are formed at two locations on the upper surface of the main frame 21, one at the front and one at the rear, in the left-right direction. The transverse frames 22 and 23 are fitted into these recesses 21a and joined together. Figure 3 As shown, the lateral length of the cross frame 23 is longer than that of the cross frame 22 in the lateral direction, and shorter than the distance between the left and right rear wheels 2. The upper surfaces of the cross frames 22 and 23 are located at the intersection with the road surface 101. Figure 1 The transverse frames 22 and 23 are parallel to each other on the same horizontal plane and are located above the upper surface of the main frame 21. It should be noted that the upper surfaces of the transverse frames 22 and 23 can also be located on the same plane as the upper surface of the main frame 21. A pair of left and right support frames 24 protrude from the left and right side surfaces of the main frame 21 respectively in the left and right directions. It should be noted that a single support frame 24 can also be installed through the main frame 21.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a sectional view showing the structure of the mounting portion of the rear wheel 2, i.e., along... Figure 3 A sectional view taken along line IV-IV. (See attached image.) Figure 4 As shown, an axle 25 is mounted at the front end of the support frame 24. The rear wheel 2a is rotatably supported on the axle 25 via a pair of left and right bearings 26. It should be noted that a generally cylindrical sleeve 27 is sandwiched between the support frame 24 and the bearings 26. A nut 28 is threaded onto the front end of the axle 25 to constrain the position of the bearings 26.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the front frame 10 also has a base frame 17 behind the tilting frame 12. (As...) Figure 2 As shown, the base frame 17 is a plate-like component that is roughly rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and a footrest 30 is disposed at the rear of the base frame 17. The width (length in the left-right direction) of the base frame 17 is approximately equal to the width of the cross frame 22. Figure 1 As shown, a bracket 18 is provided at the front end of the base frame 17, which is upward and protrudes forward from the base frame 17.

[0043] The rear end of the tilting frame 12 is rotatably supported on the bracket 18 with respect to a shaft 18a (axis CL2) extending in the left-right direction. This allows the vehicle 100 to be folded, making it easy to transport in the folded state (see reference). Figure 9D Hereinafter, the frame FL located forward of axis CL2, i.e., the portion of the front frame 10 excluding the base frame 17, is sometimes referred to as the first frame FL1, and the frame located rearward of axis CL2, i.e., the base frame 17 and the rear frame 20, are collectively referred to as the second frame FL2. Although not shown in the figure, a locking mechanism is provided on the bracket 18, which prevents the tilting frame 12 from rotating about axis CL2 as a fulcrum. Therefore, the vehicle 100 can be kept stationary. Figure 1 The driving posture.

[0044] The pedal 30 is supported by the second frame FL2. More specifically, as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a roughly rectangular plate, i.e., a footrest 30, extending in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, is mounted on the upper surface of the cross frames 22 and 23. The footrest 30 is fixed to the cross frames 22 and 23 by welding or the like, thereby supporting the front-to-back ends of the footrest 30 by the cross frames 22 and 23. It should be noted that the footrest 30 can also be mounted on the upper surface of the main frame 21, supported by the main frame 21 and the cross frames 22 and 23. The footrest 30 constitutes a support for the user PS in a standing position to place their feet, and the upper surface (support surface) of the footrest 30 is a horizontal plane parallel to the road surface 101.

[0045] A pair of rear fenders 34 are installed at the rear end of the pedal 30. The rear fenders 34 are formed in a generally arc shape, covering the area around the rear wheel 2 from the front to the top and rear. The length from the right end face of the right rear fender 34 to the left end face of the left rear fender 34 is shorter than the length from the right end to the left end of the handlebar 14, and the maximum width of the vehicle 100 is defined by the handlebar 14.

[0046] A battery holder 41 is disposed behind the pedal 30. The holder 41 is configured as a generally box-shaped structure with an open front surface, forming an internal storage space for the battery 40. More specifically, the holder 41 has a bottom wall and a top wall extending toward each other in a generally horizontal direction, a pair of left and right side walls and a rear wall erected between the bottom wall and the top wall, and the bottom wall is supported by the upper surface of the rear end of the main frame 21 and the upper surface of the support frame 24.

[0047] Figure 5 These are three views showing the structure of battery 40. It should be noted that the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-down directions in the figures correspond to the driving posture of battery 40 in vehicle 100. Figure 1 The state under which it is mounted. For example... Figure 5As shown, the battery 40 is generally box-shaped. More specifically, it is generally flat, with its length (width) in the left-right direction being longer than its length (height) in the top-bottom direction. A handle 42 for operation when installing or removing the battery 40 is provided at the front end of the battery 40, and a terminal 43 is provided at the rear end.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the actions of removing and installing (inserting / removing) the battery 40 while the vehicle 100 is in a driving posture. Figure 6 As shown, a generally box-shaped battery 40 is inserted into a retainer 41 through a generally rectangular opening 41a on its front surface, thereby supporting the battery 40. Although not shown in the figure, a locking mechanism is provided in the retainer 41 to hold the battery 40 in a housed state. The upper surface 41b (dashed line) of the bottom wall is formed to be approximately the same height as the upper surface of the pedal 30. Thus, as Figure 6 As indicated by the arrow, the battery 40 can be easily received (inserted) into the holder 41 or easily removed (detached) from the holder 41 while sliding along the upper surface of the pedal 30 in the front-rear direction. Although not shown in the figure, a terminal is provided on the rear wall of the holder 41, and in the received state, the terminal 43 of the battery 40 is connected to the terminal of the holder 41.

[0049] Battery 40 is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery that stores power for supplying power to the drive motor 4. Battery 40 is connected to the drive motor 4 of the front wheel 1 via terminals on the rear wall of the retainer 41 and via power lines within the main frame 21. The power supplied from battery 40 to drive motor 4 is controlled by a power control unit (not shown).

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the front frame 10 and the rear frame 20 are connected via a swing section 50. That is, the base frame 17 located at the rear end of the front frame 10 and the main frame 21 located at the front end of the rear frame 20 are connected via the swing section 50 in a manner that allows them to swing in the left and right directions. The swing section 50 has a Neidhart rubber spring 51 fixed to the bottom surface of the base frame 17.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the Nedhart rubber spring 51 disposed in the swing section 50 (along... Figure 1 (Sectional view of line VII-VII). For example... Figure 7As shown, the Niedhart rubber spring 51 is housed within a generally rectangular frame-shaped housing 511 fixed to the bottom surface of the base frame 17. A generally cylindrical shaft 512 is disposed within the housing 511. The shaft 512 is integrally mounted with the main frame 21 of the rear frame 20 and extends along the axis CL3. It should be noted that the front end of the main frame 21 can also be configured with a generally cylindrical cross-section for use as the shaft 512. The Niedhart rubber spring 51 has a generally rhomboid cam block 513 splinedly engaged with the shaft 512 in a manner capable of rotating integrally with it, and rubber rollers 514 facing each other with concave surfaces of the cam block 513. Figure 7 This corresponds to the initial state before the swinging part 50 swings.

[0052] Figure 8 This is a diagram of vehicle 100 viewed from the rear, corresponding to its initial state before the swing. It should be noted that... Figure 8 The structure of vehicle 100 is simply shown in the diagram. For example... Figure 8 As shown, in the initial state, the longitudinal tube 11 extends approximately perpendicularly to the road surface 101. The posture of the vehicle 100 in this condition is referred to as the reference posture.

[0053] From this initial state, torque acts on Figure 7 When the housing 511 of the swing part 50 rotates about the axis CL3, the rubber roller 514 between the housing 511 and the cam block 513 is compressed and undergoes elastic deformation, making the rubber roller 514 elliptical. At this time, about the axis CL3, Figure 8 The front frame 10 shown swings relative to the pedal 30 in the left-right direction (arrow R1 or R2 direction), and the longitudinal tube 11 tilts relative to the road surface 101. As a result, the vehicle 100 is in a tilted position. In this case, as the rotation angle of the housing 511 centered on the axis CL3 increases, the rotational resistance to the housing 511 increases. When the torque applied to the housing 511 becomes 0, the rubber roller 514 returns to its original shape due to elasticity, and the front frame 10 returns to its original position. Figure 8 The baseline posture.

[0054] In this way, by configuring the front frame 10 to swing using the swing unit 50, the user PS, who is standing while riding in the vehicle 100, can easily turn the vehicle 100 left and right. For example, when turning the vehicle 100 left and right, the user slightly bends their knees and ankles, tilting their upper body to the left and right. As a result, with the footrest 30, which is integrated with the rear frame 20, remaining horizontal, and with both feet on the footrest 30 in a stable position, the longitudinal tube 11 swings together with the base frame 17, causing the front wheel 1 to tilt left and right. Consequently, the vehicle 100 can turn smoothly, improving maneuverability.

[0055] Furthermore, by providing a Niedhart rubber spring 51 in the swing section 50, a restoring force can be applied to the front frame 10 when it swings left and right from its reference position, effectively suppressing the swaying of the front frame 10. It should be noted that the cam block 513 may not be a quadrilateral, but rather formed into other polygonal shapes (e.g., triangles). Also, not all surfaces of the cam block 513 may be concave; for example, only two surfaces may be concave, with the rubber roller 514 positioned facing these concave surfaces. Furthermore, the restoring force may not be applied to the front frame 10 using a coil spring or other elastic member instead of the Niedhart rubber spring 51. That is, the configuration of the damping member is not limited to the Niedhart rubber spring 51. Additionally, the battery 40 is supported by a retainer 41 mounted on the main frame 21 and support frame 24 as a non-swinging member, thus suppressing the tipping of the vehicle 100 during swaying even when the torque generated by the weight of the battery 40 does not act in the swaying direction.

[0056] Although the illustration is omitted, the center point of the load acting on the pedal 30 due to the user's weight in a standing position (the center point of the load acting from the soles of the feet) is located within a triangular area connecting the contact points of the front wheel 1 and the contact points of the left and right rear wheels 2 when viewed from above. Therefore, the user can ride in a stable posture in the vehicle 100, whether driving or parked. The battery 40, acting as a weight, is positioned between the left and right rear wheels 2, thus lowering the center of gravity of the vehicle 100 and further enhancing stability when parked.

[0057] In this embodiment, the vehicle 100 is configured as described above such that the first frame FL1 can be folded relative to the second frame FL2 with the axle portion 18a (axis CL2) of the bracket 18 of the front frame 10 as the center. Figures 9A to 9D This diagram illustrates an example of a change in posture of vehicle 100 from its driving posture. It should be noted that... Figures 9A to 9C The front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are all related to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The directions shown are consistent. The folding posture is included in the non-driving posture of vehicle 100.

[0058] When folding the vehicle 100 from its driving position, first as follows: Figure 9A As indicated by arrow A1, release the locking mechanism of the handlebar axle 13, retracting the handlebar axle 13 to its maximum extent into the longitudinal tube 11. Next, release the locking mechanism of the bracket 18, causing the first frame FL1 to rotate rearward relative to the second frame FL2 about axis CL2 as indicated by arrow A2. Thus, as Figure 9BThe vehicle 100 shown is folded up. In the folded position with the first frame FL1 rotated to its maximum rearward position, the handlebars 14 abut against the upper surface of the upper wall of the cage 41. In this state, the longitudinal tube 11 is substantially parallel to the main frame 21, and the battery 40 is positioned between the front and rear frames 10 and 20.

[0059] Furthermore, such as Figure 9B As shown by arrow B1, the front wheel 1 is lifted upwards using the rear wheel 2 as a fulcrum. Thus... Figure 9C As shown, the main frame 21 is erected, enabling the vehicle 100 to stand upright. At this time, the left and right rear wheels 2 and the left and right protrusions 141 provided on the handlebars 14 abut against the road surface 101. Thus, the vehicle 100 stands stably on its own at at least 3 points (e.g., 4 points). Handles 19 are provided on the bracket 18 in a manner that allows it to rotate coaxially with the axle portion 18a.

[0060] From Figure 9C When the transport vehicle is in a state of 100, such as Figure 9C As indicated by arrow C1, handle 19 is rotated upwards, and user PS holds handle 19. In this state, as... Figure 9D As shown, the vehicle 100 is tilted forward using the rear wheel 2 as a fulcrum. This allows the rear wheel 2 to rotate on the road surface 101, making it easier to move the vehicle 100. In this case, because the battery 40, which acts as a weight, is positioned below the pedal 30, and more specifically between the left and right rear wheels 2, the center of gravity P1 of the vehicle 100 is low and located vertically above the contact point P0 of the rear wheel 2. Therefore, the torque of the vehicle 100 with the contact point P0 as a fulcrum is reduced, allowing the vehicle 100 to be supported with less force during transport, thus improving the portability of the vehicle 100.

[0061] exist Figure 9D In the transport position, the handlebars 14 abut against the retainer 41. This prevents damage to the battery 40 from collisions with obstacles. Furthermore, in the transport position, the battery 40 is upright, with the opening 41a of the retainer 41 facing upwards. Therefore, even if the vehicle 100 bumps during transport due to unevenness in the road surface 101, the battery 40 is prevented from falling off the retainer 41. In the transport position, the terminal 43 located at the lower end of the battery 40 is connected to the terminal of the retainer 41, thus the weight of the battery 40 acts on the terminal 43. As a result, the terminals are stably connected, suppressing wear on the terminals.

[0062] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of the posture of vehicle 100 when it is being stored. (As shown...) Figure 10 As shown, vehicle 100 is stored in an upright position. In this state, the handle 42 holding battery 40 is as follows: Figure 10As indicated by arrow A1, battery 40 is lifted and removed from holder 41. Next, as... Figure 11 As shown by arrow A2, the battery 40 is connected to the charger 45 outside the vehicle 100 for charging. It should be noted that the battery 40 can also be charged while mounted on the vehicle 100.

[0063] A shelf can be installed on the vehicle 100 in this embodiment. Figure 12 , Figure 13 These are side and top views showing the overall structure of the vehicle 100 with shelves 60. (Example) Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, a generally rectangular plate 61 (viewed from top view) is fixed to the upper surface of the retainer 41, and a shelf 60 is mounted on the plate 61. The shelf 60 has, for example, a front surface, a rear surface, and left and right side surfaces formed in a grid pattern, and an opening at the top. Goods 102 ( Figure 12 (The dotted line) is received in the shelf 60 through this opening. The shelf 60 is thus positioned above the retainer 41, as... Figure 12 As shown, the battery 40 can be easily attached to and detached from the retainer 41 without interfering with the shelf 60. The shelf 60 is rotatably mounted on the front end of the plate 61 via a hinge portion 61a extending in the left-right direction. A locking mechanism can also be provided on the shelf 60 via the hinge portion 61a or on the plate 61. As a result, movement of the shelf 60 relative to the vehicle body can be suppressed during travel, thus enabling more stable loading of goods.

[0064] Figures 14A-14C This diagram illustrates an example of a change in posture from the driving posture of a vehicle 100 having a shelf 60. It should be noted that... Figures 14A-14C The front-back direction and the up-down direction are all related to Figure 12 , Figure 13 The directions shown are consistent. When folding the vehicle 100 with the shelf 60 from the driving position, firstly, as... Figure 14A As indicated by arrow A1, the locking mechanism of the handlebar axle 13 is released, and the handlebar axle 13 is retracted to its maximum extent into the longitudinal tube 11. Next, if the hinge portion 61a or the plate 61 has a locking mechanism, after unlocking, as indicated by arrow A3, the shelf 60 is rotated forward with the hinge portion 61a as the fulcrum. Furthermore, the locking mechanism of the bracket 18 is released, and as indicated by arrow A2, the first frame FL1 is rotated rearward relative to the second frame FL2 with the axle portion 18a (axis CL2) as the center.

[0065] Therefore, as Figure 14BAs shown, with the rack 60 positioned above the pedal 30, the vehicle 100 is folded up. In the folded position with the first frame FL1 rotated to its maximum rearward position, the handlebars 14 abut against the upper surface of the upper wall of the cage 41. In this state, the longitudinal tube 11 is approximately parallel to the main frame 21, and the battery 40 is positioned between the front and rear frames 10 and 20. (Entry, as...) Figure 14B As shown by arrow B1, the front wheel 1 is lifted upwards using the rear wheel 2 as a fulcrum. Thus, as... Figure 14C As shown, the main frame 21 is erected, enabling the vehicle 100 to stand upright. Next, as... Figure 14C As indicated by arrow C1, after rotating handle 19 to lift it, hold handle 19 to move vehicle 100.

[0066] The following effects can be achieved by adopting this implementation method.

[0067] (1) The vehicle 100 of this embodiment includes: a front wheel 1 and a rear wheel 2; a footrest 30, which extends substantially horizontally between the front wheel 1 and the rear wheel 2 and is used as a footrest for a passenger; a first frame FL1, which supports the front wheel 1 in a rotatable manner and has a handlebar 14 disposed above the front wheel 1; a second frame FL2, which supports the rear wheel 2 in a rotatable manner and supports the footrest 30; a shaft portion 18a of a bracket 18, which connects the first frame FL1 to the second frame FL2 in a manner that allows the first frame FL1 to rotate vertically relative to the second frame FL2; and a battery 40, which is disposed behind the footrest 30. Figure 1 Therefore, when the vehicle 100 is folded and transported, the battery 40 is located next to the rear wheel 2. As a result, when transporting the vehicle 100, the torque exerted by the weight of the battery 40 on the vehicle 100 is relatively small, making it easier to transport the vehicle 100.

[0068] (2) Battery 40 is positioned between the left and right rear wheels 2. Figure 2 Therefore, the battery 40 can be protected from collisions with obstacles when transporting vehicle 100.

[0069] (3) The vehicle 100 also has a holder 41 for holding the battery 40. Figure 1 The retainer 41 is a mounting surface for the battery 40, and has a mounting surface formed on approximately the same surface as the upper surface of the pedal 30, namely the upper surface 41b of the retainer 41. Figure 6 Therefore, after the battery 40 is mounted on the pedal 30, it can be inserted into the retainer 41 while sliding on the pedal 30, so the battery 40 is easy to install and remove from the retainer 41.

[0070] (4) The handlebar 14 is configured to abut against the cage 41 when the first frame FL1 rotates toward the second frame FL2 via the axle 18a. Figure 9B Therefore, when the vehicle 100 is being moved, the battery 40 is surrounded by the handlebars 14, which protects the battery 40 from damage by obstacles.

[0071] (5) The retainer 41 forms a receiving space for the battery 40 through an opening 41a on its front surface. Thus, when the vehicle 100 is being transported, the opening 41a faces upward, preventing the battery 40 from falling off. In addition, when the vehicle 100 is being transported, the weight of the battery 40 acts in the direction that connects the terminals 43 of the battery 40 and the terminals of the retainer 41, thus suppressing slippage of the connection portion of the terminals 43 and suppressing wear on the terminals 43.

[0072] (6) The vehicle 100 also has a rack 60 disposed above the cage 41. Figure 12 Therefore, cargo 102 can be easily mounted on vehicle 100 without obstructing the insertion and removal of battery 40.

[0073] (7) The shelf 60 is rotatably supported on the retainer 41 by means of the hinge portion 61a at the front end of the retainer 41. Figure 14A Therefore, with the shelf 60 rotated, the vehicle 100 can be folded without interfering with the shelf 60. Figure 14B ).

[0074] (8) The vehicle 100 also includes a swinging part 50, which supports the first frame FL1 in such a way that the first frame FL1 can swing in the left and right direction relative to the pedal 30. Figure 8 In such a vehicle 100, because the battery 40, which acts as a weight, is positioned behind the pedal 30 in a non-swinging state, tipping when the vehicle 100 sways can be prevented. In addition, the center of gravity is lowered when parked, making it less likely for the vehicle 100 to tip over.

[0075] The above embodiments can be modified in various ways. Several modifications will be described below. In the above embodiments, a first frame FL1 is formed on the front side of the bracket 18 integrated with the base frame 17. However, as long as it is configured to support the front wheel 1 in a way that allows the front wheel 1 to rotate and has a handlebar 14 (steering part) disposed above the front wheel 1, the configuration of the first frame is not limited to the above description. In the above embodiments, a second frame FL2 is formed on the rear side of the bracket 18. However, as long as it supports the rear wheel 2 in a way that allows the rear wheel 2 to rotate and supports the pedal 30, the configuration of the second frame is not limited to the above description.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the pedal 30, which serves as the mounting part, is constituted by a single plate member, but the mounting part can also be constituted by multiple plate members. In the above embodiment, the first frame FL1 is connected to the second frame FL2 by means of the shaft portion 18a of the bracket 18, allowing it to rotate vertically relative to the second frame FL2, but the configuration of the connection portion is not limited to the above description. The connection portion can also be provided on the rear frame 20. In the above embodiment, the battery 40 is arranged between the left and right rear wheels 2, but it can be arranged in other positions as long as it is arranged behind the pedal. In the above embodiment, the swing portion 50 is arranged in front of the pedal 30, but the swing portion 50 can also be arranged at a position further rear than the front end of the pedal 30. In the above embodiment, the battery holder 41 is configured with an opening 41a on the front surface, but the configuration of the battery holder is not limited to the above description.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the vehicle 100 is configured with a single front wheel 1 and a pair of left and right rear wheels 2. However, the vehicle can also be configured with a single front wheel and a single rear wheel, or with a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel. It should be noted that a single front wheel also includes, for example, a pair of front wheels disposed in one location, i.e., a pair of front wheels.

[0078] The above description is merely an example, and the above embodiments and modifications do not limit the invention as long as they do not destroy its characteristics. One or more of the above embodiments and modifications can be combined in any way, and modifications can also be combined with each other.

[0079] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0080] 1: Front wheel;

[0081] 2: Rear wheel;

[0082] 14: Handlebars;

[0083] 18a: Shaft portion;

[0084] 30: Pedal;

[0085] 40: Battery;

[0086] 41: Cage;

[0087] 50: Swinging part;

[0088] 60: Shelves;

[0089] 100: Vehicles;

[0090] FL1: First frame;

[0091] FL2: Second frame.

Claims

1. A vehicle characterized by comprising: Possess: Front and rear wheels; A load section that extends substantially horizontally between the front and rear wheels, for the feet of an occupant to load; A first frame that supports the front wheel in a manner in which the front wheel is rotatable, and has a steering section disposed above the front wheel; A second frame that supports the rear wheel in a manner in which the rear wheel is rotatable, and supports the load section; A link section that links the first frame in a manner in which the first frame is rotatable in the vertical direction with respect to the second frame; A battery disposed behind the load section; and A holding section that holds the battery, The holding section is a load surface on which the battery is mounted, has a load surface formed on substantially the same plane as the upper surface of the load section, and forms a housing space that houses the battery through an opening in the front surface; wherein the holding section is composed of a non-swinging member, so that the moment of force generated by the weight of the battery does not act in the swinging direction.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The rear wheels are a pair of left and right rear wheels, The battery is disposed between the pair of left and right rear wheels.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The steering section is configured to abut against the holding section when the first frame is rotated toward the second frame by the link section.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: A shelf disposed above the holding section.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein The shelf is rotatably supported at the front end of the holding section.

6. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: A swing section that supports the first frame in a manner in which the first frame is swingable in the left-right direction with respect to the load section. ​

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