Wheel support device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wheel support device that suppresses an increase in size of the wheel support device. The wheel supporting device comprises a planetary gear mechanism and a driving mechanism, the first rotating component is capable of rotating around a rotating center shaft, the second rotating component is capable of rotating around the rotating center shaft and rotating in the opposite direction of the first rotating component, and the reaction force component generates reaction force relative to input from the first rotating component and the second rotating component; a first arm member that has a first base end portion coupled to the first rotating member and a first tip portion that rotatably supports a first wheel of the vehicle, and that rotates integrally with the first rotating member about a rotation center axis; and a second arm member that has a second base end portion coupled to the second rotating member and a second front end portion that rotatably supports a second wheel of the vehicle, and that rotates integrally with the second rotating member about the rotational center axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a wheel support device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a wheel support device that moves a pair of wheels in opposite directions by rotating a pair of arms connected to a pair of left and right wheels of a vehicle in opposite directions. For example, there is a known wheel support device that moves a pair of wheels in opposite directions by rotating a pair of arm members connected to a pair of left and right wheels of a vehicle in opposite directions using a belt-shaped member (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2010 / 092846

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the rotation center axis for moving the belt-shaped member, that is, the rotation center axis of the mechanism for rotating the pair of arm members in opposite directions, is different from the rotation center axis of the arm members, so there is a problem that the wheel support device is enlarged. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of the objects is to suppress the increase in size of the wheel support device.

[0006] The wheel support device of the present invention comprises: a planetary gear mechanism, which has a first rotating member capable of rotating around a rotation center axis, a second rotating member capable of rotating around the above-mentioned rotation center axis and rotating in a direction opposite to the above-mentioned first rotating member, and a reaction force member that generates a reaction force relative to inputs from the above-mentioned first rotating member and the above-mentioned second rotating member; a first arm component, which has a first base end portion connected to the above-mentioned first rotating member, and a first front end portion that supports a first wheel of a vehicle so as to be rotatable and rotates around the above-mentioned rotation center axis as a whole with the above-mentioned first rotating member; and a second arm component, which has a second base end portion connected to the above-mentioned second rotating member, and a second front end portion that supports a second wheel of the vehicle so as to be rotatable and rotates around the above-mentioned rotation center axis as a whole with the above-mentioned second rotating member.

[0007] According to the wheel supporting device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the wheel supporting device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a side view exemplarily and schematically showing the general structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing a deployed state.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a side view which exemplarily and schematically shows the general structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing a folded state.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a side view which exemplarily and schematically shows the detailed structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view which exemplarily and schematically shows the drive system of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view exemplarily and schematically showing the wheel supporting device for a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 VI-VI sectional view.

[0014] Figure 7 2 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily and schematically showing a wheel supporting device according to a second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 2 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily and schematically showing a wheel supporting device according to a third embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 9 2 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily and schematically showing a wheel supporting device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0017] Fig.10 1 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily and schematically showing a wheel supporting device according to a fifth embodiment.

[0018] Fig.11 1 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily and schematically showing a wheel supporting device according to a sixth embodiment.

[0019] Fig.12 1 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily and schematically showing a wheel supporting device according to a sixth embodiment.

[0020] Description of Reference Numerals

[0021] 1…vehicle; 81L…arm component (first arm component); 81La…base end portion (first base end portion); 81Lb…front end portion (first front end portion); 81R…arm component (second arm component); 81Ra…base end portion (second base end portion); 81Rb…front end portion (second front end portion); 100…wheel supporting device; 101…planetary gear mechanism; 103…reaction force mechanism; 111…sun gear (first rotating component); 112…planetary carrier (second rotating component); 115…ring gear (reaction force component); 122…elastic component; 123…rotating component (cylindrical component); 124…linear moving component; Ax2…rotation center axis of supporting component (rotation center axis). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following describes the embodiments and modifications of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The structures of the embodiments and modifications described below, and the functions and effects brought about by the structures are merely examples, and are not limited to the following descriptions.

[0023] In addition, the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationship and ratio of each component may be different from the actual. In addition, there are cases where the dimensional relationship and ratio of each component are different between the drawings. In addition, in this specification, ordinal numbers are only used to distinguish parts, components, parts, positions, directions, etc., and do not indicate order or priority.

[0024] <First embodiment>

[0025] Figure 1 It is a side view exemplarily and schematically showing the general structure of the vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing a deployed state. Figure 2 It is a side view which exemplarily and schematically shows the general structure of the vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing a folded state.

[0026] Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The vehicle 1 shown has a structure capable of human-powered driving, electric-assisted driving, or full electric driving. The vehicle 1 is an example of a three-wheeled electric-assisted bicycle.

[0027] Vehicle 1 can Figure 1 The expanded state shown is the same as Figure 2 The vehicle 1 is deformed between the folded states shown. That is, the vehicle 1 is a foldable vehicle. The vehicle 1 can travel on the ground G (road surface) in the unfolded state. When the vehicle 1 is in the folded state, at least a portion of the front wheel 3F and at least a portion of the rear wheel 3R are arranged axially along the first rotation center axis Ax1 described later.

[0028] The details of the vehicle 1 will be described. Figure 3 It is a side view which exemplarily and schematically shows the detailed structure of the vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically and exemplarily showing a driving system of the vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle 1 includes a vehicle frame 2 , a plurality of (three, as an example) wheels 3 , a drive mechanism 4 , a steering unit 5 , and a seat unit 6 .

[0029] The three wheels 3 are a front wheel 3F and two rear wheels 3R ​​(3RL, 3RR). The three wheels 3 are supported by the frame 2 so as to be rotatable. In detail, the front wheel 3F is supported by the frame 2 via the steering control unit 5. The two rear wheels 3R ​​are supported by the frame 2 via arm parts 81R and 81L, respectively. The two rear wheels 3RL and 3RR are arranged at intervals along the left-right direction of the vehicle 1. The two rear wheels 3RL and 3RR are fixed to two shafts 53 and rotate around the first rotation center axis Ax1 integrally with the two shafts 53. The left-right direction of the vehicle 1 is also called the width direction (vehicle width direction). The two rear wheels 3R ​​are an example of two wheels.

[0030] The driving mechanism 4 rotationally drives the two rear wheels 3RL and 3RR. The driving mechanism 4 includes two left and right pedals 11, two pedal arm components 12, a driving gear 13 (front sprocket), a driven gear 14 (rear sprocket) and a chain 15. The chain 15 is mounted on the driving gear 13 and the driven gear 14. The driving gear 13 and the driven gear 14 can transmit power through the chain 15, and the motor 17 is connected to the driven gear 14 via the transmission part 18. The driving gear 13 is an example of a driving part, the driven gear 14 is an example of a driven part, and the chain 15 is an example of a connecting part. In addition, the driving part, the driven part and the connecting part are not limited to the above. For example, the driving part and the driven part can also be pulleys respectively, and the connecting part can also be a belt.

[0031] The two pedals 11 are arranged to be rotatable around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2. Specifically, the two pedals 11 are connected to the drive gear 13 via two pedal arm members 12. The drive gear 13 is supported by the frame 2 (underframe 2a) so as to be rotatable around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2. Specifically, the drive gear 13 is supported by the frame 2 (underframe 2a) via the rotation support portion 71 described later. The pedals 11 are rotated around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2 by the human power of the driver, thereby rotating the drive gear 13. The support portion rotation center axis Ax2 is along the first rotation center axis Ax1.

[0032] The driven gear 14 is coupled to the rear wheel 3R via the shaft 53, and rotates integrally with the rear wheel 3R around the first rotation center axis Ax1. Specifically, the driven gear 14 is coupled to the shaft 53 via the one-way clutch 52. The one-way clutch 52 transmits the rotational force of the drive gear 13 rotating in the rotational direction of the drive gear 13, i.e., the first rotational direction, to the rear wheel 3R via the shaft 53 when the vehicle 1 is moving forward. On the other hand, the one-way clutch 52 cuts off the transmission of the rotational force of the rear wheel 3R to the driven gear 14. Specifically, when the drive gear 13 and the driven gear 14 rotate in the first rotational direction, the one-way clutch 52 couples the driven gear 14 and the shaft 53, and the driven gear 14 rotates integrally with the shaft 53. When the driven gear 14 rotates in the direction opposite to the first rotational direction relative to the shaft 53, the one-way clutch 52 does not couple the driven gear 14 and the shaft 53, and causes the driven gear 14 and the shaft 53 (rear wheel 3R) to rotate relative to each other. That is, when the vehicle 1 is moving forward, the one-way clutch 52 disconnects the shaft 53 and the driven gear 14 when the rotation speed of the shaft 53 is higher than the rotation speed of the driven gear 14 .

[0033] In the above structure, the rotational motion of the pedal 11 is converted into the rotational motion of the rear wheel 3R via the driving gear 13, the chain 15 and the driven gear 14. The two pedals 11, the two pedal arm members 12 and the shaft 73 constitute a crank pedal 11A. That is, the crank pedal 11A is set to be able to rotate around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2, and the rear wheel 3R is rotated around the first rotation center axis Ax1 via the chain 15. The crank pedal 11A is an example of a manual drive device.

[0034] The motor 17 applies a rotational force (assistive force) corresponding to the operating force (pressing force) acting on the pedal 11 to the driven gear 14 via the transmission unit 18. Thus, when the vehicle 1 is running, the rear wheels 3RL and 3RR are rotationally driven by the operating force (pressing force) acting on the pedal 11 and the force transmitted from the motor 17. The motor 17 is rotated by the power supplied from a battery (not shown).

[0035] In addition, the drive mechanism 4 has a braking function. The drive mechanism 4 is operated by the brake operating member, and a braking force is generated by the brake device. In addition, at this time, the drive mechanism 4 can also generate a braking force caused by the regenerative operation of the motor 17.

[0036] In addition, the vehicle 1 may be provided with a clutch between the motor 17 and the transmission unit 18, so that the vehicle 1 can switch between a human-powered driving mode in which the vehicle is driven only by the action of the drive mechanism 4, an assisted driving mode driven by the motor 17, and an electric driving mode in which the vehicle is driven only by the motor 17. In addition, the vehicle 1 may omit the motor 17 and the transmission unit 18 and be driven only by human power.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the steering unit 5 includes a handle 31 and a front support 32 connected to the handle 31. The front support 32 rotatably supports the front wheel 3F. The steering unit 5 is rotatably connected to the vehicle frame 2 via a connection portion 33.

[0038] The vehicle frame 2 includes a chassis 2a, an upper part 2b, a rear connecting part 2c, and a front connecting part 2d. The chassis 2a extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The chassis 2a includes a first front end 2aa and a first rear end 2ab. The upper part 2b extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1 and is located on the upper side of the chassis 2a. Specifically, the upper part 2b is inclined relative to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1 in a manner that it faces downward as it faces backward. The chassis 2a and the upper part 2b are connected via the rear connecting part 2c and the front connecting part 2d. The chassis 2a, the upper part 2b, the rear connecting part 2c, and the front connecting part 2d are connected in a manner that they can rotate with each other. In addition, the upper part 2b is configured to be telescopic. In addition, the upper part 2b has a locking mechanism for locking the telescopic movement.

[0039] The seat portion 6 is supported by the rear connecting member 2 so that its height can be adjusted.

[0040] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment includes the front portion Fr, the rear portion Rr, and the rotation support portion 71 .

[0041] The front portion Fr has a front support portion 32, a front wheel 3F, and a handle 31. The front support portion 32 is connected to the first front end portion 2aa of the chassis 2a. The front support portion 32 supports the front wheel 3F so as to be rotatable. In addition, the front support portion 32 supports the handle 31.

[0042] The front portion Fr is connected to the first front end portion 2aa of the chassis 2a so as to be rotatable about a front rotation axis Ax4 along the first rotation axis Ax1. The front portion Fr is rotatable about the front rotation axis Ax4 in the rotation direction of the rear wheels 3R ​​when the vehicle 1 moves forward, i.e., in the forward direction, from the deployed state.

[0043] The rear portion Rr has a rear support portion 61 and a rear wheel 3R. The rear support portion 61 has a second front end portion 61a and a second rear end portion 61b. The rear portion Rr extends from the first rear end portion 2ab of the underframe 2a to the rear in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1 in the deployed state.

[0044] The rear wheel 3R is supported by the second rear end portion 61 b ​​of the rear support portion 61 so as to be rotatable about a first rotation center axis Ax1 along the width direction of the vehicle 1 .

[0045] The rotating support part 71 is connected to the first rear end part 2ab of the chassis 2a in a manner that enables the rear part Rr to rotate around the support part rotation center axis Ax2 along the first rotation center axis Ax1. The rotating support part 71 generates a reaction force to the load from the rear part Rr in the unfolded state. The rotating support part 71 can move the rear wheel 3R from a position behind the first rear end part 2ab in the front-rear direction in the unfolded state and from a position in the folded state relative to the first rear end part 2ab of the chassis 2a to the first front end part 2aa side of the chassis 2a. The details of the rotating support part 71 will be described later.

[0046] The seat portion 6 is connected to the first rear end portion 2ab of the chassis 2a in a manner that allows rotation about the seat portion rotation center axis Ax3 along the first rotation center axis Ax1. The seat portion 6, in the unfolded state, extends from the chassis 2a obliquely upward to the rear of the vehicle 1. The seat portion 6 can rotate about the seat portion rotation center axis Ax3 from the unfolded state to the rotation direction of the rear wheels 3R ​​when the vehicle 1 moves forward, that is, the forward turning direction.

[0047] The front portion Fr is connected to the first front end portion 2aa of the chassis 2a so as to be rotatable about a front rotation axis Ax4 along the first rotation axis Ax1. The front portion Fr is rotatable about the front rotation axis Ax4 in the rotation direction of the rear wheels 3R ​​when the vehicle 1 moves forward, i.e., in the forward direction, from the deployed state.

[0048] The vehicle 1 also includes a linkage mechanism 81. The linkage mechanism 81 links the rotation of the seat portion 6 about the seat portion rotation center axis Ax3 with the rotation of the front portion Fr about the front portion rotation center axis Ax4. The linkage mechanism 81 is a link mechanism having the chassis 2a, the upper member 2b, the rear connecting member 2c, and the front connecting member 2d.

[0049] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the rear portion Rr has an arm member 81R and an arm member 81L. The arm member 81R and the arm member 81L are separated from each other in the axial direction of the support portion rotation center axis Ax2, that is, the axial direction of the shaft 73. The arm member 81R has a base end portion 81Ra supported by the rotation support portion 71, and a front end portion 81Rb that supports the first rear wheel, that is, the rear wheel 3RR, so that it can rotate. The arm member 81L has a base end portion 81La supported by the rotation support portion 71, and a front end portion 81Lb that supports the second rear wheel, that is, the rear wheel 3RL, so that it can rotate. The arm member 81R and the arm member 81L can rotate around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2.

[0050] The rotation support portion 71, the arm member 81R, and the arm member 81L constitute a wheel support device 100. The wheel support device 100 functions as a suspension.

[0051] Figure 5It is a cross-sectional view exemplarily and schematically showing the wheel supporting device for a vehicle according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 VI-VI section view. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the rotation support portion 71 includes a planetary gear mechanism 101 that can rotate the arm member 81R and the arm member 81L in opposite directions to each other, rotating members 102L and 102R, a reaction force mechanism 103 , and a housing 104 .

[0052] The housing 104 is fixed to the chassis 2 a and houses the planetary gear mechanism 101 and the reaction force mechanism 103 .

[0053] The rotating parts 102L and 102R can rotate around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2. The rotating parts 102L and 102R are arranged along the axial direction of the support portion rotation center axis Ax2. The rotating parts 102L and 102R are, for example, shafts. The base end 81La of the arm part 81L is fixed to the rotating part 102L, and the rotating part 102L and the arm part 81L rotate together around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2. The base end 81Ra of the arm part 81R is fixed to the rotating part 102R, and the rotating part 102R and the arm part 81R rotate together around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2.

[0054] The planetary gear mechanism 101 is, for example, a double pinion planetary gear mechanism and specifically includes a sun gear 111 , a carrier 112 , a plurality of inner pinion gears 113 , a plurality of outer pinion gears 114 , and a ring gear 115 .

[0055] The sun gear 111 is provided integrally with the rotating member 102L, and rotates integrally with the rotating member 102L. That is, the sun gear 111 is coupled to the arm member 81L via the rotating member 102L, and rotates integrally with the arm member 81L.

[0056] The planetary carrier 112 is provided integrally with the rotating member 102R, and rotates integrally with the rotating member 102R. That is, the planetary carrier 112 is connected to the arm member 81R via the rotating member 102R, and rotates integrally with the arm member 81R.

[0057] The plurality of inner pinion gears 113 and the plurality of outer pinion gears 114 are rotatably supported by the planetary carrier 112 and rotate integrally with the planetary carrier 112. The inner pinion gears 113 mesh with the sun gear 111. The outer pinion gears 114 mesh with the inner pinion gears 113 and the ring gear 115.

[0058] The sun gear 111 and the planetary carrier 112 of the planetary gear mechanism 101 of the above-mentioned structure can rotate in opposite directions. That is, the planetary gear mechanism 101 rotates the arm member 81R and the arm member 81L in opposite directions (opposite directions) to each other. For example, when one of the arm member 81R and the arm member 81L rotates in one direction around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2 due to an external force, the planetary gear mechanism 101 rotates the other of the arm member 81R and the arm member 81L in the other direction around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2. The planetary gear mechanism 101 supports each arm member 81L and 81R so that it can rotate more than 180 degrees around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2. The planetary gear mechanism 101 is also called a reversing mechanism. The arm member 81L is an example of a first arm member, and the arm member 81R is an example of a second arm member. In addition, the sun gear 111 is an example of a first rotating member, the planetary carrier 112 is an example of a second rotating member, and the ring gear 115 is an example of a reaction force member.

[0059] The reaction force mechanism 103 has a motion conversion mechanism 121 and an elastic member 122. The motion conversion mechanism 121 has a rotating member 123 and a linear moving member 124. The rotating member 123 is provided integrally with the ring gear 115 and rotates integrally with the ring gear 115. The rotating member 123 is cylindrical about the rotation center axis Ax2 of the support portion, and an external thread (helical spline) is formed on the outer periphery. The linear moving member 124 is cylindrical about the rotation center axis Ax2 of the support portion, and is supported by the housing 104 to move linearly along the axial direction of the rotation center axis Ax2 of the support portion. In addition, an internal thread (helical spline) that meshes with the external thread of the rotating member 123 is formed on the inner periphery of the linear moving member 124. The elastic member 122 is sandwiched between the linear moving member 124 and the wall 104a of the housing 104. The elastic member 122 is a coil spring.

[0060] In the reaction force mechanism 103 of the above structure, the rotational motion of the ring gear 115 is converted into the linear motion of the linear motion member 124 through the rotating member 123 and the linear motion member 124. If the linear motion member 124 moves in a direction close to the wall 104a of the housing 104, the elastic member 122 sandwiched between the linear motion member 124 and the wall 104a is compressed to generate a reaction force (elastic force). The reaction force mechanism 103 generates a reaction force against the load from the rear wheel 3R in the deployed state. Specifically, when the ring gear 115 rotates by the two arm members 81R and 81L rotating toward the front end portions 81Rb and 81Lb of the two arm members 81R and 81L and the two rear wheels 3R ​​in the upper direction of the vertical direction of the vehicle 1, the reaction force mechanism 103 is compressed by the linear motion member 124 that moves linearly according to the rotation of the ring gear 115 and generates a reaction force. The reaction force is transmitted to the arm members 81R and 81L.

[0061] A preload is set for the elastic member 122. That is, the elastic member 122 is set in a preloaded and compressed state. When the rotation torque input to the ring gear 115 (reaction force member) is less than a threshold value, the linear moving member 124 stops due to the elastic force of the elastic member 122. Thus, for example Figure 3 The state shown is maintained. When the rotation torque input to the ring gear 115 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the linear moving member 124 linearly moves against the elastic force of the elastic member 122. In addition, the elastic member 122 may not be set with a preload.

[0062] The wheel support device 100 can be mounted on the rear wheel 3R from a position ( Figure 1 , Figure 3 ) relative to the position of the first rear end portion 2ab of the chassis 2a in the folded state toward the first front end portion 2aa side of the chassis 2a ( Figure 2 Specifically, the wheel support device 100 can move the left and right rear wheels 3R ​​to the position of the folded state by rotating the arm member 81R and the arm member 81L in opposite directions. The planetary gear mechanism 101 is also called a simplified mechanism.

[0063] In the vehicle 1 having the above structure, the frame 2 of each part cannot be deformed by the lock pins P in the unfolded state. By removing the lock pins P, the frame 2 can be deformed, and the vehicle 1 can be folded.

[0064] As described above, in the present embodiment, the wheel support device 100 includes: the planetary gear mechanism 101, the arm member 81L (first arm member), and the arm member 81R (second arm member). The planetary gear mechanism 101 includes the sun gear 111 (first rotating member), the planetary carrier 112 (second rotating member), and the ring gear 115 (reaction force member). The sun gear 111 can rotate around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2 (rotation center axis). The planetary carrier 112 can rotate around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2 and rotate in the opposite direction to the sun gear 111. The ring gear 115 generates a reaction force with respect to the input from the sun gear 111 and the planetary carrier 112. The arm member 81L includes a base end portion 81La (first base end portion) coupled to the sun gear 111, and a front end portion 81Lb (first front end portion) that supports the rear wheel 3RL (first wheel) of the vehicle 1 so as to be rotatable, and rotates around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2 integrally with the sun gear 111. The arm member 81R has a base end portion 81Ra (second base end portion) coupled to the planetary carrier 112 and a front end portion 81Rb (second front end portion) rotatably supporting the rear wheel 3RR (second wheel) of the vehicle 1 , and rotates integrally with the planetary carrier 112 around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2.

[0065] According to such a structure, the mechanism for rotating the arm member 81L and the arm member 81R in opposite directions, i.e., the support portion rotation center axis Ax2 of the planetary gear mechanism 101, is the same as the support portion rotation center axis Ax2 of the arm member 81L and the arm member 81R, so that the wheel support device 100 can be prevented from being enlarged.

[0066] The wheel support device 100 includes a reaction force mechanism 103. The ring gear 115 rotates around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2 in conjunction with the rotation of the planetary carrier 112 and the sun gear 111. The reaction force mechanism 103 includes a linear moving member 124 that linearly moves in the axial direction of the support portion rotation center axis Ax2 according to the rotation of the ring gear 115, and an elastic member 122 that generates a reaction force on the linear moving member 124 according to the linear movement.

[0067] According to such a configuration, the load (impact) input to the wheel supporting device 100 can be absorbed by the elastic force of the elastic member 122 .

[0068] In addition, the first rotating element is the sun gear 111 , and the second rotating element is the planet carrier 112 .

[0069] According to such a configuration, for example, compared with a case where a bevel gear type reversing mechanism is used as the reversing mechanism, it is easy to shorten the axial length of the support portion rotation center axis Ax2 in the planetary gear mechanism 101 as the reversing mechanism.

[0070] In addition, the reaction force mechanism 103 has a rotating member 123 (cylindrical member) which is cylindrical about the support portion rotation center axis Ax2 and rotates integrally with the ring gear 115. The linear moving member 124 is connected to the ring gear 115 via the rotating member 123, and linearly moves in the axial direction of the support portion rotation center axis Ax2 according to the rotation of the rotating member 123 and the ring gear 115.

[0071] According to such a configuration, a reaction force can be generated with a relatively simple structure, and the wheel supporting device 100 can be reduced in size.

[0072] A preload is set on the elastic member 122. When the rotational torque input to the ring gear 115 is less than a threshold value, the linear moving member 124 stops due to the elastic force of the elastic member 122, and when the rotational torque input to the ring gear 115 is greater than the threshold value, the linear moving member 124 moves linearly.

[0073] According to such a configuration, the length (stroke) of expansion and contraction of the elastic member 122 can be easily shortened, so that the length in the axial direction of the support portion rotation center axis Ax2 of the wheel supporting device 100 can be easily shortened.

[0074] <Second embodiment>

[0075] Figure 7 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically and exemplarily showing a wheel support device according to the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, the structure of a planetary gear mechanism 101 and the structure of a reaction force mechanism 103 are mainly different from those of the first embodiment.

[0076] The planetary gear mechanism 101 of the present embodiment is configured as a 2KH type planetary gear mechanism, and includes a first sun gear 111A (first rotating member), a second sun gear 111B (reaction force member), a planet carrier 112 (second rotating member), a plurality of pinions 116 (hereinafter also referred to as first pinions 116), and a second pinion 116B that rotates integrally with the first pinion 116A. The first sun gear 111A is disposed on the rotating member 102R and rotates integrally with the rotating member 102R. The planet carrier 112 is disposed on the rotating member 102L and rotates integrally with the rotating member 102L. The first pinion 116A meshes with the first sun gear 111A. The second pinion 116B meshes with the second sun gear 111B.

[0077] Furthermore, the motion conversion mechanism 121 of the reaction force mechanism 103 of the present embodiment includes a rotating member 123 and a linear moving member 124 .

[0078] The rotating member 123 is provided integrally with the second sun gear 111B and rotates integrally with the second sun gear 111B. The rotating member 123 is cylindrical about the rotation center axis Ax2 of the support portion, and an external thread (helical spline) is formed on the outer periphery. The linear moving member 124 is cylindrical about the rotation center axis Ax2 of the support portion, and is supported by the housing 104 to move linearly along the axial direction of the rotation center axis Ax2 of the support portion. In addition, an internal thread (helical spline) that meshes with the external thread of the rotating member 123 is formed on the inner periphery of the linear moving member 124. The elastic member 122 is sandwiched between the linear moving member 124 and the wall 104a of the housing 104. The elastic member 122 is a coil spring.

[0079] In the reaction force mechanism 103 of the above structure, the rotational motion of the second sun gear 111B is converted into the linear motion of the linear motion member 124 through the rotation member 123 and the linear motion member 124. If the linear motion member 124 moves in a direction close to the wall 104a of the housing 104, the elastic member 122 sandwiched between the linear motion member 124 and the wall 104a is compressed and generates a reaction force (elastic force). The reaction force mechanism 103 generates a reaction force against the load from the rear wheel 3R in the deployed state.

[0080] A preload is set for the elastic member 122. That is, the elastic member 122 is preloaded and set in a compressed state. When the rotation torque input to the second sun gear 111B (reaction force member) is less than a threshold value, the linear moving member 124 stops due to the elastic force of the elastic member 122. When the rotation torque input to the second sun gear 111B is greater than the threshold value, the linear moving member 124 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 122 and moves linearly. In addition, the preload may not be set for the elastic member 122.

[0081] <Third Embodiment>

[0082] Figure 8 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically and exemplarily showing a wheel support device according to a third embodiment. This embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the reaction force mechanism 103 includes a preload adjustment mechanism 131 .

[0083] The preload adjustment mechanism 131 has a support member 132 and a linear moving member 133. The support member 132 is fixed to the housing 104. The support member 132 is cylindrical around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2, and an external thread (helical spline) is formed on the outer periphery. The linear moving member 133 is cylindrical around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2, and is supported by the housing 104 to move linearly along the axial direction of the support portion rotation center axis Ax2. In addition, an internal thread (helical spline) that meshes with the external thread of the support member 132 is formed on the inner periphery of the linear moving member 133. The elastic member 122 is sandwiched between the linear moving member 124 and the linear moving member 133.

[0084] In the above-described structure, the compression amount of the elastic member 122 , that is, the preload, can be adjusted by moving the linear moving member 133 in the axial direction to change the position of the linear moving member 133 .

[0085] <Fourth embodiment>

[0086] Fig. 9 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically and exemplarily showing a wheel support device according to a fourth embodiment. This embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that a pair of arm members 81L, 81R are supported by a single shaft 141 which passes through the rotation support portion 71 and the like.

[0087] The rotating parts 102L and 102R of the present embodiment are cylindrical around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2, and the shaft 141 is inserted inside, and is set to be rotatable relative to the shaft 141. The rotating parts 102L and 102R are arranged along the axial direction of the support portion rotation center axis Ax2. The rotating parts 102L and 102R are, for example, shafts. The front end portion 81Lb of the arm part 81L is fixed to the rotating part 102L, and the rotating part 102L and the arm part 81L rotate together around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2. The front end portion 81Rb of the arm part 81R is fixed to the rotating part 102R, and the rotating part 102R and the arm part 81R rotate together around the support portion rotation center axis Ax2.

[0088] <Fifth embodiment>

[0089] Fig.10 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically and exemplarily showing a wheel support device according to a fifth embodiment. The present embodiment is mainly different from the fourth embodiment in terms of a motion conversion mechanism 121 and an elastic member 122.

[0090] The motion conversion mechanism 121 of the present embodiment has a support portion 151 and a ring gear 115. The support portion 151 is an internal thread portion (helical spline) provided on the housing 104. An external thread portion (helical spline) meshing with the support portion 151 is provided on the outer periphery of the ring gear 115. In addition, a pressing component 152 is sandwiched between the ring gear 115 and the elastic component 122. The elastic component 122 is made of rubber, for example, and a preload is set. In the above structure, if the ring gear 115 rotates in one direction, the ring gear 115 is guided by the support portion 151 and moves to one side in the axial direction, and the elastic component 122 is pressed and compressed via the pressing component 152. The ring gear 115 is an example of a linear moving component.

[0091] <Sixth embodiment>

[0092] Fig.11 1 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily and schematically showing a wheel supporting device according to a sixth embodiment. Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view of the wheel support device of the sixth embodiment which is exemplified and schematically shown. The motion conversion mechanism 121 of this embodiment is different from that of the fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, the linear moving component 124 is meshed with the external threaded portion of the outer peripheral portion of the ring gear 115. In addition, the linear moving component 124 is supported by the support portion 151 via the clamping component 161. The support portion 151 is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the housing 104. The support portion 151 is formed in a concave shape and extends in the axial direction. In the above structure, if the ring gear 115 rotates in one direction, the linear moving component 124 is guided by the support portion 151 via the clamping component 161 and moves to one side in the axial direction, and the elastic component 122 is pressed and compressed via the pressing component 152. In addition, in this embodiment, the internal threaded portion 151 is not provided.

[0093] Although the present embodiment and its variants are described above, the above embodiment and its variants are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above new embodiment and its variants can be implemented in various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the purpose of the invention. The above embodiment and its variants are included in the scope and purpose of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the technical solution and its equivalent scope.

Claims

1. A wheel support device, characterized in that: have: A planetary gear mechanism having a first rotating member rotatable about a rotation center axis, a second rotating member rotatable about the rotation center axis and in a direction opposite to the first rotating member, and a reaction force member generating a reaction force with respect to inputs from the first rotating member and the second rotating member; a first arm member having a first base end portion coupled to the first rotating member and a first front end portion rotatably supporting a first wheel of the vehicle and rotating integrally with the first rotating member about the rotation center axis; as well as The second arm member includes a second base end portion coupled to the second rotating member and a second front end portion rotatably supporting a second wheel of the vehicle, and rotates integrally with the second rotating member around the rotation center axis.

2. The wheel support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Equipped with reaction force mechanism, The reaction force member rotates around the rotation center axis in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotation member and the second rotation member. The reaction force mechanism includes a linear moving member that linearly moves in the axial direction of the rotation center axis according to the rotation of the reaction force member, and an elastic member that generates a reaction force on the linear moving member according to the linear movement.

3. The wheel support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rotating member is a sun gear. The second rotating element is a planetary carrier.

4. The wheel support device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The reaction force mechanism has a cylindrical member which is cylindrical about the rotation center axis and rotates integrally with the reaction force member. The linear motion member is connected to the reaction force member via the tubular member, and linearly moves in the axial direction of the rotation center axis according to the rotation of the tubular member and the reaction force member.

5. The wheel support device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A preload is set on the elastic member. When the rotational torque input to the reaction force member is less than a threshold value, the linear moving member stops due to the elastic force of the elastic member, and when the rotational torque input to the reaction force member is greater than the threshold value, the linear moving member moves linearly.

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