Vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle which can suppress the complexity of structure for moving rear wheels closer to a front wheel.SOLUTION: A vehicle can be changed between an unfolded state and a folded state. The vehicle comprises a rotation support part which connects a rear part to a first rear end part of a base frame rotatably around a support part rotation center axis along a first rotation center axis, generates a reaction force relative to a load from the rear part in an unfolded state, and can move rear wheels from a position rearward in a fore-and-aft direction from the first rear end part in the unfolded state to a folded position of a first front end side of the base frame relative to the first rear end part of the base frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, foldable vehicles that can be changed between an unfolded state and a folded state are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a three-wheeled vehicle that can be folded so that the rear wheels approach the front wheels. This three-wheeled vehicle has multiple rotational center axes that serve as nodes for moving the rear wheels closer to the front wheels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-105417 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, multiple central axes of rotation are set as nodes for moving the rear wheels closer to the front wheels, which results in a problem that the structure for folding is complicated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and one of its objects is to provide a vehicle that can prevent the configuration for bringing the rear wheels closer to the front wheels from becoming complicated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle according to the present invention is a vehicle that can be changed between an unfolded state and a folded state, and includes a base frame having a first front end and a first rear end, a front support part connected to the first front end of the base frame, a front wheel rotatably supported on the front support part, and a handle supported on the front support part, a front part having a second front end and a second rear end, and a rear support part that extends rearward in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle from the first rear end of the base frame in the unfolded state, and a first rotation center axis rotation along the width direction of the vehicle. the rear section having a rear wheel supported by the second rear end of the rear support section so as to be rotatable relative to the first rear end of the rear support section; and a rotational support section that connects the rear section to the first rear end of the base frame so as to be rotatable around a support section rotation axis that is along the first rotational center axis, and generates a reaction force against a load from the rear section in the unfolded state, and is capable of moving the rear wheel from a position rearward in the fore-and-aft direction from the first rear end in the unfolded state to a position in the folded state on the side of the first front end of the base frame relative to the first rear end of the base frame. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the vehicle of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the configuration for moving the rear wheels closer to the front wheels from becoming complicated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a general configuration of a vehicle according to a first embodiment, in a deployed state. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the overall configuration of the vehicle of the first embodiment, illustrating a folded state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a detailed configuration of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a drive system of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a rotation support portion of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a vehicle according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the vehicle according to the second embodiment, illustrating the deployed state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the vehicle of the second embodiment, illustrating a partially folded state. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the vehicle of the second embodiment, illustrating the folded state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a general configuration of a vehicle according to the third embodiment, in a deployed state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a general configuration of a vehicle according to the third embodiment, illustrating a folded state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle according to a modified example of the third embodiment, in a folded state. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle according to the fourth embodiment, in a deployed state. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a general configuration of a vehicle according to a fourth embodiment, illustrating a folded state. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle according to the fifth embodiment, in a deployed state. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle according to the fifth embodiment, illustrating a folded state. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a rotation support portion of a vehicle according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the embodiments and modifications described below, as well as the actions and effects brought about by the configurations, are merely examples and are not limited to the contents described below.

[0010] The drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element may differ from reality. The drawings may also include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios. In this specification, ordinal numbers are used only to distinguish between parts, members, sites, positions, directions, etc., and do not indicate order or priority.

[0011] <First embodiment> Fig. 1 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the general configuration of a vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment, in an unfolded state. Fig. 2 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the general configuration of a vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment, in a folded state.

[0012] 1 and 2 has a configuration that enables it to be driven by human power, driven by electric power assist, or driven completely by electric power. Vehicle 1 is an example of a three-wheeled electric power assist bicycle.

[0013] The vehicle 1 can be transformed into an unfolded state shown in Fig. 1 and a folded state shown in Fig. 2. 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 part of the front wheel 3F and at least a part of the rear wheel 3R are aligned in the axial direction of a first rotation center axis Ax1 described later.

[0014] The vehicle 1 will now be described in detail. Fig. 3 is an exemplary and schematic side view showing a detailed configuration of the vehicle 1 of the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing a drive system of the vehicle 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the vehicle 1 includes a frame 2, a plurality of wheels 3 (three, for example), a drive mechanism 4, a steering unit 5, and a seat unit 6.

[0015] The three wheels 3 include one front wheel 3F and two rear wheels 3R ​​(3RL, 3RR). The three wheels 3 are rotatably supported by the frame 2. In detail, the front wheel 3F is supported by the frame 2 via a steering unit 5. The two rear wheels 3R ​​are supported by the frame 2 via arm members 81R, 81L, respectively. The two rear wheels 3RL, 3RR are fixed to two shafts 53 and rotate integrally with the two shafts 53 around a first rotation center axis Ax1. The left-right direction of the vehicle 1 is also referred to as the width direction (vehicle width direction).

[0016] The drive mechanism 4 drives and rotates the two rear wheels 3RL and 3RR. The drive mechanism 4 includes two pedals 11 (left and right), two pedal arm members 12, a shaft 73, a drive gear 13 (front sprocket), a driven gear 14 (rear sprocket), and a chain 15. The chain 15 is stretched across the drive gear 13 and the driven gear 14. The drive gear 13 and the driven gear 14 can transmit power through the chain 15, and a motor 17 is connected to the driven gear 14 via a transmission unit 18. The drive gear 13 is an example of a drive unit, the driven gear 14 is an example of a driven unit, and the chain 15 is an example of a connecting member. Note that the drive unit, the driven unit, and the connecting member are not limited to the above. For example, the drive unit and the driven unit may each be a pulley, and the connecting member may be a belt.

[0017] The two pedals 11 are provided rotatably around the support rotation central axis Ax2. Specifically, the two pedals 11 are connected to a shaft 73 via two pedal arm members 12. The shaft 73 is supported by the frame 2 (base frame 2a) rotatably around the support rotation central axis Ax2. In detail, the shaft 73 is supported by the frame 2 (base frame 2a) via a rotation support part 71 described later. The pedals 11 are rotated around the support rotation central axis Ax2 by the driver's manual power, thereby rotating the shaft 73. The support rotation central axis Ax2 is aligned with the first rotation central axis Ax1.

[0018] 4, the drive gear 13, the driven gear 14, and the chain 15 constitute a transmission mechanism 10. The transmission mechanism 10 connects the shaft 73 and the rear wheel 3R, and transmits the rotational force of the shaft 73 to the rear wheel 3R to rotate the rear wheel 3R.

[0019] FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing the rotation support part of the vehicle of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the drive gear 13 is connected to the shaft 73 and rotates together with the shaft 73 around the support part rotation center axis Ax2. In detail, the drive gear 13 is connected to the shaft 73 via a one-way clutch 51. The one-way clutch 51 transmits the rotational force of the shaft 73, which rotates in a first rotational direction, which is the rotational direction of the shaft 73 when the vehicle 1 moves forward, to the rear wheel 3R via the drive gear 13, the driven gear 14, and the chain 15. The one-way clutch 51 blocks the transmission of the rotational force of the rear wheel 3R to the shaft 73. Specifically, when the shaft 73 rotates in the first rotational direction, the one-way clutch 51 connects the shaft 73 and the drive gear 13 to rotate the shaft 73 and the drive gear 13 together. When the shaft 73 rotates relative to the drive gear 13 in the direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the one-way clutch 51 does not connect the shaft 73 and the drive gear 13, but allows the shaft 73 and the drive gear 13 to rotate relatively.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, 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 rotational center axis Ax1. In detail, the driven gear 14 is connected to the shaft 73 via the one-way clutch 52. The one-way clutch 52 transmits the rotational force of the shaft 73, which rotates in a first rotational direction, which is the rotational direction of the shaft 73 when the vehicle 1 moves forward, to the rear wheel 3R via the shaft 53. On the other hand, the one-way clutch 52 blocks the transmission of the rotational force of the rear wheel 3R to the shaft 73. Specifically, when the shaft 73, the drive gear 13, and the driven gear 14 rotate in the first rotational direction, the one-way clutch 52 connects the driven gear 14 to the shaft 53 and rotates the driven gear 14 and the shaft 53 integrally. When the driven gear 14 rotates relative to the shaft 53 in the direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the one-way clutch 52 does not connect the driven gear 14 to the shaft 53 and rotates the driven gear 14 and the shaft 53 (rear wheel 3R) relatively. That is, when the vehicle 1 moves forward and the rotation speed of the shaft 53 is higher than the rotation speed of the driven gear 14, the one-way clutch 52 releases the connection between the shaft 53 and the driven gear 14.

[0021] In the above configuration, the rotational motion of the pedal 11, i.e., the rotational motion of the shaft, is converted into the rotational motion of the rear wheel 3R via the drive 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 provided rotatably about a support portion rotation central axis Ax2, and rotates the rear wheel 3R about a first rotation central axis Ax1 via the chain 15. The crank pedal 11A is an example of a manual drive device.

[0022] The motor 17 imparts a rotational force (assist force) corresponding to an operating force (pressing force) acting on the pedal 11 to the driven gear 14 via the transmission unit 18. As a result, when the vehicle 1 is traveling, the rear wheels 3RL, 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 rotates by electric power supplied from a battery (not shown).

[0023] The drive mechanism 4 also has a brake function. When a brake operating member is operated, the drive mechanism 4 generates a braking force by a brake device. At this time, the drive mechanism 4 can also generate a braking force by regenerative operation of the motor 17.

[0024] The vehicle 1 may be capable of switching between a human-powered driving mode in which the vehicle runs only by the operation of the drive mechanism 4, an assisted driving mode in which the vehicle runs only by the drive of the motor 17, and an electric driving mode in which the vehicle runs only by the drive of the motor 17, by interposing a clutch between the motor 17 and the transmission unit 18, etc. Also, the vehicle 1 may be configured to run only by human drive, omitting the motor 17 and the transmission unit 18.

[0025] 3, the steering unit 5 has a handle 31 and a front support unit 32 connected to the handle 31. The front support unit 32 rotatably supports the front wheel 3F. The steering unit 5 is rotatably connected to the frame 2 via a connecting unit 33.

[0026] The frame 2 has a base frame 2a, an upper member 2b, a rear connecting member 2c, and a front connecting member 2d. The base frame 2a extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The base frame 2a has a first front end 2aa and a first rear end 2ab. The upper member 2b extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1 and is located above the base frame 2a. In detail, the upper member 2b is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1 so as to face downward as it approaches the rear. The base frame 2a and the upper member 2b are connected via the rear connecting member 2c and the front connecting member 2d. The base frame 2a, the upper member 2b, the rear connecting member 2c, and the front connecting member 2d are connected to each other so as to be rotatable. In addition, the upper member 2b is configured to be extendable. In addition, the upper member 2b has a locking mechanism that locks the extension and contraction.

[0027] The seat portion 6 is supported by the rear connecting member 2c so as to be adjustable in height.

[0028] The vehicle 1 of this embodiment also includes a front portion Fr, a rear portion Rr, and a rotation support portion 71.

[0029] The front part Fr has a front support part 32, a front wheel 3F, and a handlebar 31. The front support part 32 is connected to a first front end part 2aa of the base frame 2a. The front support part 32 rotatably supports the front wheel 3F. The front support part 32 also supports the handlebar 31.

[0030] The front section Fr is connected to a first front end portion 2aa of the base frame 2a so as to be rotatable about a front section rotation central axis Ax4 along the first rotation central axis Ax1. The front section Fr is rotatable about the front section rotation central axis Ax4 from the unfolded state in a forward rotation direction, which is the rotation direction of the rear wheel 3R when the vehicle 1 moves forward.

[0031] The rear section Rr has a rear support section 61 and a rear wheel 3R. The rear support section 61 has a second front end section 61a and a second rear end section 61b. In the unfolded state, the rear section Rr extends rearward in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 1 from the first rear end section 2ab of the base frame 2a.

[0032] The rear wheel 3R is supported by a second rear end portion 61b of the rear support portion 61 so as to be rotatable about a first rotation central axis Ax1 along the width direction of the vehicle 1.

[0033] The rotation support part 71 connects the rear part Rr to the first rear end part 2ab of the base frame 2a so as to be rotatable around the support part rotation central axis Ax2 along the first rotation central axis Ax1. The rotation support part 71 generates a reaction force against the load from the rear part Rr in the unfolded state. The rotation support part 71 can move the rear wheel 3R from a position rearward in the front-rear direction from the first rear end part 2ab in the unfolded state to a position in the folded state on the first front end part 2aa side of the base frame 2a with respect to the first rear end part 2ab of the base frame 2a. The details of the rotation support part 71 will be described later. The rotation support part 71 may have a spring that generates a reaction force according to the load from the rear part Rr.

[0034] The seat portion 6 is connected to a first rear end portion 2ab of the base frame 2a so as to be rotatable about a seat portion rotation central axis Ax3 that is aligned with the first rotation central axis Ax1. In the unfolded state, the seat portion 6 extends from the base frame 2a obliquely upward and rearward of the vehicle 1. From the unfolded state, the seat portion 6 is rotatable about the seat portion rotation central axis Ax3 in a forward rotation direction, which is the rotation direction of the rear wheel 3R when the vehicle 1 moves forward.

[0035] The front section Fr is connected to the first front end 2aa of the base frame 2a so as to be rotatable about a front section rotation central axis Ax4 that is aligned with the first rotation central axis Ax1. The front section Fr is rotatable about the front section rotation central axis Ax4 from the unfolded state in a forward rotation direction, which is the rotation direction of the rear wheel 3R when the vehicle 1 moves forward.

[0036] The vehicle 1 also includes an interlocking mechanism 81. The interlocking mechanism 81 interlocks the rotation of the seat 6 about the seat rotation central axis Ax3 with the rotation of the front part Fr about the front part rotation central axis Ax4. The interlocking mechanism 81 is a link mechanism having a base frame 2a, an upper member 2b, a rear connecting member 2c, and a front connecting member 2d.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the rear part Rr has an arm member 81R and an arm member 81L. The arm member 81R and the arm member 81L are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the support part rotation central axis Ax2, i.e., in the axial direction of the shaft 73. The arm member 81R has a base end 81Ra supported by the rotation support part 71 (shaft 73) and a tip end 81Rb that rotatably supports the rear wheel 3R, which is the first rear wheel. The arm member 81L has a base end 81La supported by the rotation support part 71 (shaft 73) and a tip end 81Lb that rotatably supports the rear wheel 3RL, which is the second rear wheel. The arm member 81R and the arm member 81L are rotatable around the support part rotation central axis Ax2, i.e., around the shaft 73.

[0038] 5, the rotation support unit 71 includes an inversion mechanism 71a capable of rotating the arm member 81R and the arm member in mutually opposite directions. The inversion mechanism 71a has a support member 72, a shaft 73, a pair of bevel gears 74, and a pair of bevel gears 75. The support member 72 is fixed to the base frame 2a.

[0039] The support member 72 rotatably supports the shaft 73 via a pair of bevel gears 74 and a pair of bevel gears 75. The bevel gear 74 is supported by the support member 72 so as to be rotatable around the support part rotation central axis Ax2. The bevel gear 74 is provided with a through hole into which the shaft 73 is inserted, and is rotatable relative to the shaft 73. The pair of bevel gears 75 are supported by the support member 72 so as to be rotatable around a rotation central axis perpendicular to the support part rotation central axis Ax2 while meshing with the pair of bevel gears 74. The pair of bevel gears 75 rotate in opposite directions when the pair of bevel gears 74 rotate in opposite directions. That is, the pair of bevel gears 75 allow the pair of bevel gears 74 to rotate in opposite directions. The pair of bevel gears 75 do not rotate when the pair of bevel gears 74 try to rotate in the same direction, that is, when they receive rotational torque in the same direction from the pair of bevel gears 74. In other words, when the pair of bevel gears 74 attempt to rotate in the same direction as each other, i.e., when the pair of bevel gears 75 receives rotational torque in the same direction from the pair of bevel gears 74, the pair of bevel gears 75 restricts (prevents) the rotation of the pair of bevel gears 74.

[0040] The rotation support section 71 couples the rear section Rr to the first rear end section 2ab of the base frame 2a so as to be rotatable around the support section rotation central axis Ax2 along the first rotation central axis Ax1. Specifically, the reversing mechanism 71a rotates the arm member 81R and the arm member 81L in opposite directions (opposite directions). For example, when one of the arm member 81R and the arm member 81L is rotated in one direction around the support section rotation central axis Ax2 by an external force, the reversing mechanism 71a rotates the other of the arm member 81R and the arm member 81L in the other direction around the support section rotation central axis Ax2. The reversing mechanism 71a supports each of the arm members 81L and 81R so as to be rotatable 180 degrees or more around the support section rotation central axis Ax2. In addition, the rotation support section 71 generates a reaction force against the load from the rear section Rr in the deployed state. The reaction force is generated, for example, in a portion including the support member 72 fixed to the base frame 2a. The reversing mechanism 71a restricts the arm members 81R and 81L from rotating simultaneously in the same direction, thereby maintaining, for example, the state shown in FIG.

[0041] The rotation support part 71 can move the rear wheel 3R from a position rearward in the front-rear direction from the first rear end part 2ab in the unfolded state (FIGS. 1 and 3) to a folded state position (FIG. 2) on the first front end part 2aa side of the base frame 2a with respect to the first rear end part 2ab of the base frame 2a. Specifically, the rotation support part 71 can move the left and right rear wheels 3R ​​to the folded state position by rotating the arm member 81R and the arm member 81L in opposite directions. The reversing mechanism 71a does not rotate the arm member 81R and the arm member 81L simultaneously in the same rotation direction. This makes it possible to maintain the position of the rear wheel 3R. The reversing mechanism 71a is also called a lean mechanism.

[0042] In the vehicle 1 configured as described above, in the unfolded state, the frames 2 of each part are rendered undeformable by the lock pins P. By removing the lock pins P, the frames 2 become deformable, and thus the vehicle 1 can be folded.

[0043] As described above, in this embodiment, the vehicle 1 can be changed between an unfolded state and a folded state. The vehicle 1 includes a base frame 2a, a front portion Fr, a rear portion Rr, and a rotation support portion 71. The base frame 2a has a first front end portion 2aa and a first rear end portion 2ab. The front portion Fr has a front support portion 32, a front wheel 3F, and a handlebar 31. The front support portion 32 is coupled to the first front end portion 2aa of the base frame 2a. The front wheel 3F is rotatably supported by the front support portion 32. The handlebar 31 is supported by the front support portion 32. 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, and in the unfolded state, extends rearward in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 1 from the first rear end portion 2ab of the base frame 2a. The rear wheel 3R is supported by the second rear end portion 61b of the rear support portion 61 so as to be rotatable about a first rotation central axis Ax1 along the width direction of the vehicle 1. The rotation support portion 71 connects the rear portion Rr to the first rear end portion 2ab of the base frame 2a so as to be rotatable about a support portion rotation central axis Ax2 along the first rotation central axis Ax1, and generates a reaction force against the load from the rear portion Rr in the unfolded state, and is capable of moving the rear wheel 3R from a position rearward in the fore-and-aft direction from the first rear end portion 2ab in the unfolded state to a position in the folded state on the side of the first front end portion 2aa of the base frame 2a with respect to the first rear end portion 2ab of the base frame 2a.

[0044] With this configuration, the rotational axis that serves as the node for bringing the rear wheel 3R closer to the front wheel 3F is a single support part rotational axis Ax2, thereby preventing the configuration for bringing the rear wheel 3R closer to the front wheel 3F from becoming complicated.

[0045] The vehicle 1 also includes a seat unit 6. The seat unit 6 is connected to a first rear end portion 2ab of the base frame 2a so as to be rotatable about a seat unit rotation central axis Ax3 along the first rotation central axis Ax1, and is rotatable from the unfolded state about the seat unit rotation central axis Ax3 in a forward rotation direction, which is the rotation direction of the rear wheel 3R when the vehicle 1 moves forward.

[0046] With this configuration, the vehicle 1 can be further reduced in size.

[0047] Further, the seat portion 6 extends obliquely upward and rearward from the base frame 2a of the vehicle 1.

[0048] According to such a configuration, the torque due to the weight of the seat portion 6 is in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the seat portion 6 when the seat portion 6 is folded, thereby improving safety.

[0049] In addition, the front section Fr is connected to the first front end section 2aa of the base frame 2a so as to be rotatable around the front section rotation central axis Ax4 along the first rotation central axis Ax1, and from the unfolded state, it is rotatable around the front section rotation central axis Ax4 in the forward rotation direction, which is the rotation direction of the rear wheel 3R when the vehicle 1 moves forward.

[0050] This configuration allows the vehicle 1 to be folded even smaller. Also, the direction in which the front section Fr can rotate in the unfolded state is opposite to the direction of rotational torque due to the weight of the front section Fr, improving safety.

[0051] The vehicle 1 also includes an interlocking mechanism 81. The front section Fr is connected to a first front end portion 2aa of the base frame 2a so as to be rotatable about a front section rotation central axis Ax4 along the first rotation central axis Ax1, and is rotatable about the front section rotation central axis Ax4 from the unfolded state in a forward rotation direction which is the rotation direction of the rear wheel 3R when the vehicle 1 moves forward. The interlocking mechanism 81 interlocks the rotation of the seat section 6 about the seat section rotation central axis Ax3 and the rotation of the front section Fr about the front section rotation central axis Ax4.

[0052] According to this configuration, the rotation of the seat portion 6 about the seat portion rotation central axis Ax3 and the rotation of the front portion Fr about the front portion rotation central axis Ax4 are linked, so that the workability of folding the vehicle 1 is improved.

[0053] Furthermore, 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 aligned in the axial direction of the first rotation center axis Ax1.

[0054] With this configuration, the size of the vehicle 1 when folded can be further reduced.

[0055] Furthermore, the rotation support portion 71 of the rear portion Rr has an inversion mechanism 71a that rotates the arm member 81R and the arm member in mutually opposite directions.

[0056] According to this configuration, the left and right rear wheels 3R ​​can be aligned in the width direction of the vehicle 1 by the reversing mechanism 71a, making it possible to reduce the size of the vehicle 1 when folded.

[0057] The vehicle 1 also includes a crank pedal 11A that is rotatably provided about a support rotation central axis Ax2 and that rotates the rear wheel 3R via a chain 15 about a first rotation central axis Ax1.

[0058] According to this configuration, the crank pedal 11A is rotatably arranged around the support rotation center axis Ax2, so that the axial distance between the members supporting the chain 15 (the drive gear 13, the driven gear 14) does not change between the unfolded state and the folded state, and therefore the chain 15 is less likely to come off.

[0059] <Modification of the first embodiment> Fig. 6 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a vehicle according to a modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, in this modified example, the upper member 2b of the frame 2 is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1 so as to face upward toward the rear.

[0060] <Second embodiment> Fig. 7 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the vehicle of the second embodiment in an unfolded state. Fig. 8 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the vehicle of the second embodiment in a partially folded state. Fig. 9 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the vehicle of the second embodiment in a folded state.

[0061] As shown in Figs. 7 to 9, the vehicle 1 is connected to the base frame 2a and includes a third wheel 88 separate from the front wheel 3F, which is the first wheel, and the rear wheel 3R, which is the second wheel. The third wheel 88 is connected to the base frame 2a via a connecting member 89. The rear wheel 3R can move between a first state (Fig. 7) in which the rear wheel 3R touches the ground G at the rear side in the front-rear direction relative to the third wheel 88, and a second state (Fig. 8) in which the rear wheel 3R touches the ground G at the front side in the front-rear direction. The third wheel 88 touches the ground G at least in the second state (Fig. 8). The third wheel 88 is also provided rotatably on the support rotation central axis Ax2 via the connecting member 89. The third wheel 88 can be maintained in the state shown in Figs. 7 and 8 or the state shown in Fig. 9 by a locking mechanism. By unlocking the locking mechanism, the third wheel 88 can be rotated on the support rotation central axis Ax2 via the connecting member 89.

[0062] According to such a configuration, the position of the rear wheels 3R ​​can be changed to improve the maneuverability of the vehicle 1.

[0063] <Third embodiment> Fig. 10 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the general configuration of the vehicle of the third embodiment, in an unfolded state. Fig. 11 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the general configuration of the vehicle of the third embodiment, in a folded state.

[0064] The seat portion 6 is connected to the first rear end portion 2ab of the base frame 2a so as to be rotatable about a seat portion rotation central axis Ax3 that is aligned with the first rotation central axis Ax1. The seat portion 6 is rotatable about the seat portion rotation central axis Ax3 from the unfolded state in a forward rotation direction, which is the rotation direction of the rear wheel 3R when the vehicle 1 moves forward. The seat portion 6 also extends from the base frame 2a obliquely upward and rearward of the vehicle 1.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, the seat portion 6 is connected to the first rear end portion 2ab of the base frame 2a so as to be rotatable around the seat portion rotation central axis Ax3 along the first rotation central axis Ax1, and is rotatable around the seat portion rotation central axis Ax3 from the unfolded state in the forward rotation direction, which is the rotation direction of the rear wheel 3R when the vehicle 1 moves forward.

[0066] With this configuration, the vehicle 1 can be further reduced in size.

[0067] In this embodiment, the seat portion 6 extends obliquely upward and rearward from the base frame 2a of the vehicle 1.

[0068] According to such a configuration, the torque due to the weight of the seat portion 6 is in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the seat portion 6 when the seat portion 6 is folded, thereby improving safety.

[0069] <Modification of the third embodiment> FIG. 12 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle according to a modified example of the third embodiment, in a folded state.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 12, in this modification, the handle 31 is rotatable relative to the connecting portion 33 about a handle rotation central axis Ax5.

[0071] With this configuration, the vehicle 1 can be folded up into a smaller size.

[0072] <Fourth embodiment> Fig. 13 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the general configuration of the vehicle of the fourth embodiment, in an unfolded state. Fig. 14 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the general configuration of the vehicle of the fourth embodiment, in a folded state.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, the vehicle 1 is configured as a three-wheeled kick scooter equipped with a plate portion 85 on which a rider can stand and ride.

[0074] The handle 31 is supported by the front support part 32 so as to be rotatable about a handle rotation central axis Ax5 along the first rotation central axis Ax1. The handle 31 is rotatable about the handle rotation central axis Ax5 from the unfolded state in a rearward rotation direction, which is the rotation direction of the rear wheel 3R when the vehicle 1 moves backward.

[0075] With this configuration, the vehicle 1 can be made even smaller when folded. In the case of a vehicle 1 such as a kick scooter in which the wheels 3 are relatively small and the handlebars 31 are relatively tall, as in this embodiment, the vehicle 1 can be made even smaller. At this time, the position of the front wheels 3F does not change, so there is little adverse effect on the running performance even if the locking mechanism that locks the folded state is released.

[0076] <Fifth embodiment> Fig. 15 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle of the fifth embodiment, showing the unfolded state. Fig. 16 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle of the fifth embodiment, showing the folded state. Fig. 17 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a rotation support part of the vehicle of the fifth embodiment.

[0077] 15 and 16, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment can be transformed into an unfolded state (FIG. 15) and a folded state (FIG. 16) like the vehicle 1 of the first embodiment. However, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes a power transmission mechanism 90 between the pedal 11 and the drive gear 13.

[0078] The power transmission mechanism 90 is a link machine having a pedal arm member 12, a connecting rod 91, and a rotating member 92. The pedal arm member 12 connects the pedal 11 to the base frame 2a of the frame 2 so as to be reciprocable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. In other words, the pedal 11 is supported by the base frame 2a of the frame 2 via the pedal arm member 12 so as to be reciprocable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The connecting rod 91 has a front end (one end) connected to the pedal arm member 12 and a rear end (the other end) connected to the shaft 73 via a rotating member 92. The rotating member 92 is fixed to the shaft 73 and rotates integrally with the shaft 73. The rear end of the connecting rod 91 is connected to the rotating member 92 at a position eccentric to the shaft 73. The power transmission mechanism 90 configured as described above converts the reciprocating motion of the pedal 11 into a rotational motion of the rotating member 92, i.e., a rotational motion of the shaft 73, by the pedal arm member 12, the connecting rod 91, and the rotating member 92.

[0079] As described above, in this embodiment, the pedal 11 is provided so as to be capable of reciprocating motion, and the power transmission mechanism 90 converts the reciprocating motion of the pedal 11 into the rotational motion of the shaft 73.

[0080] With this configuration, the driver can press the pedal 11 relatively easily.

[0081] The vehicle 1 may be equipped with a suspension that includes the rotation support part 71 and the rear support part 61 and absorbs the load from the rear wheel 3R by a spring provided in the rotation support part 71. According to such a configuration, since the suspension includes the rotation support part and the rear support part, the vehicle 1 can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the suspension is separate from the rotation support part and the rear support part.

[0082] Although the present embodiment and the modified examples have been described above, the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-mentioned novel embodiment and modified examples can be implemented in various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Vehicle 2a…Base frame 2aa...First front end 2ab…First rear end 3...wheels 3F…Front wheel 3R…Rear wheel 6…Seat section 31…Handle 32…Front support part 61…Rear support 61a...Second front end 61b...Second rear end 71...Rotation support part 81...Interlocking mechanism 88…Third wheel Ax1: First rotation axis Ax2: Support rotation axis Ax3: Seat rotation axis Ax4: Front rotation center axis Ax5…Handle rotation axis Fr…Front section G...ground Rr…Rear

Claims

1. A vehicle that can be changed between an unfolded state and a folded state, a base frame having a first front end and a first rear end; a front portion including a front support portion coupled to the first front end portion of the base frame, a front wheel rotatably supported on the front support portion, and a handle supported on the front support portion; a rear portion having a second front end portion and a second rear end portion, the rear portion including a rear support portion extending rearward in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle from the first rear end portion of the base frame in the unfolded state, and a rear wheel supported by the second rear end portion of the rear support portion so as to be rotatable about a first rotation central axis along a width direction of the vehicle; a rotation support part that connects the rear part to the first rear end part of the base frame so as to be rotatable around a support part rotation central axis along the first rotation central axis, generates a reaction force against a load from the rear part in the unfolded state, and is capable of moving the rear wheel from a position rearward in the fore-and-aft direction from the first rear end part in the unfolded state to a position in the folded state on the side of the first front end part of the base frame with respect to the first rear end part of the base frame; A vehicle equipped with.

2. a seat portion that is connected to the first rear end portion of the base frame so as to be rotatable around a seat portion rotation central axis along the first rotation central axis, and that is rotatable around the seat portion rotation central axis in a forward rotation direction, which is a rotation direction of the rear wheels when the vehicle moves forward, from the unfolded state; 2. The vehicle of claim 1.

3. the front portion is connected to the first front end portion of the base frame so as to be rotatable around a front portion rotation central axis along the first rotation central axis, and is rotatable around the front portion rotation central axis from the unfolded state in a forward rotation direction which is a rotation direction of the rear wheels when the vehicle moves forward.

2. The vehicle of claim 1.

4. Equipped with an interlocking mechanism, the front portion is connected to the first front end portion of the base frame so as to be rotatable about a front portion rotation central axis along the first rotation central axis, and is rotatable from the unfolded state about the front portion rotation central axis in a forward rotation direction which is a rotation direction of the rear wheels when the vehicle moves forward, The interlocking mechanism interlocks the rotation of the seat section about the seat section rotation central axis with the rotation of the front section about the front section rotation central axis.

3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2.

5. the handle is supported by the front support portion so as to be rotatable about a handle rotation central axis along the first rotation central axis, and is rotatable about the handle rotation central axis from the unfolded state in a rearward rotation direction which is a rotation direction of the rear wheels when the vehicle moves backward; 2. The vehicle of claim 1.

6. In the folded state, at least a portion of the front wheel and at least a portion of the rear wheel are aligned in an axial direction of the first rotation central shaft.

2. The vehicle of claim 1.

7. a third wheel connected to the base frame and different from the front wheel which is a first wheel and the rear wheel which is a second wheel; the rear wheel is movable between a first state in which the rear wheel is in contact with the ground at a front side in the front-to-rear direction relative to the third wheel and a second state in which the rear wheel is in contact with the ground at a front side in the front-to-rear direction, The third wheel contacts the ground at least in the second state.

2. The vehicle of claim 1.

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