Vehicle support apparatus

Abstract

To suppress an increase in the size of a vehicle support apparatus.SOLUTION: A vehicle support apparatus comprises: a planetary gear mechanism including a first rotation element rotatable around a rotation center axis, a second rotation element rotatable around the rotation center axis and rotating in a direction vertical to the first rotation element and a reaction force element generating a reaction force against the input from the first rotation element and the second rotation element; a first arm member including a first base end part coupled to the first rotation element and a first tip part rotatably supporting a first wheel of a vehicle, and rotating around the rotation center axis together with the first rotation element; and a second arm member including a second base end part coupled to the second rotation element and a second tip part rotatably supporting a second wheel of the vehicle, and rotating around the rotation center axis together with the second rotation element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[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, 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 using a string-like member is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2010 / 092846 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the central axis of rotation for moving the string-like member, i.e., the central axis of rotation of the mechanism for rotating a pair of arm members in opposite directions, is different from the central axis of rotation of the arm members, which causes a problem that the wheel support device becomes large.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to prevent an increase in size of a wheel support device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The wheel support device of the present invention comprises a planetary gear mechanism having a first rotating element rotatable around a rotation central axis, a second rotating element rotatable around the rotation central axis and rotating in the opposite direction to the first rotating element, and a reaction element that generates a reaction force against inputs from the first rotating element and the second rotating element, a first arm member having a first base end connected to the first rotating element and a first tip end rotatably supporting a first wheel of a vehicle, and rotating around the rotation central axis integrally with the first rotating element, and a second arm member having a second base end connected to the second rotating element and a second tip end rotatably supporting a second wheel of the vehicle, and rotating around the rotation central axis integrally with the second rotating element. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the wheel support device of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the wheel support device from becoming large. [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 the wheel support device of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a wheel support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a wheel support device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a wheel support device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a wheel support device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a wheel support device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a wheel support device according to the sixth 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. The 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 are 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 provided at an interval in the left-right direction of the vehicle 1. 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). The two rear wheels 3R ​​are an example of two wheels.

[0016] The drive mechanism 4 drives and rotates the two rear wheels 3RL and 3RR. The drive mechanism 4 includes two pedals 11, one on the left and one on the right, two pedal arm members 12, 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 a support rotation central axis Ax2. Specifically, the two pedals 11 are connected to a drive gear 13 via two pedal arm members 12. The drive gear 13 is supported by the frame 2 (base frame 2a) rotatably around the support rotation central axis Ax2. In detail, the drive gear 13 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 drive gear 13. The support rotation central axis Ax2 is aligned with the first rotation central axis Ax1.

[0018] The driven gear 14 is coupled to the rear wheel 3R via a shaft 53 and rotates integrally with the rear wheel 3R around a first rotational center axis Ax1. In detail, the driven gear 14 is connected to the shaft 53 via a one-way clutch 52. The one-way clutch 52 transmits the rotational force of the drive gear 13 rotating in a first rotational direction, which is the rotational direction of the drive gear 13 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 driven gear 14. In particular, when 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.

[0019] In the above configuration, the rotational motion of the pedal 11 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.

[0020] 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).

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 toward 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.

[0025] The seat portion 6 is supported by the rear connecting member 2c so as to be adjustable in height.

[0026] The vehicle 1 of this embodiment also includes a front portion Fr, a rear portion Rr, and a rotation support portion 71.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 fore-and-aft 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 rotation support part 71 will be described in detail later.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 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 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Fig. 5 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a wheel support device of a vehicle according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 5. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the rotation support part 71 has a planetary gear mechanism 101 capable of rotating the arm member 81R and the arm member 81L in opposite directions, rotating members 102L and 102R, a reaction mechanism 103, and a case 104.

[0038] The case 104 is fixed to the base frame 2a. The case 104 houses the planetary gear mechanism 101 and the reaction mechanism 103.

[0039] The rotating members 102L and 102R are rotatable around the support rotation central axis Ax2. The rotating members 102L and 102R are arranged in the axial direction of the support rotation central axis Ax2. The rotating members 102L and 102R are, for example, shafts. A base end 81La of an arm member 81L is fixed to the rotating member 102L, and the rotating member 102L and the arm member 81L rotate together around the support rotation central axis Ax2. A base end 81Ra of an arm member 81R is fixed to the rotating member 102R, and the rotating member 102R and the arm member 81R rotate together around the support rotation central axis Ax2.

[0040] The planetary gear mechanism 101 is, for example, a double pinion gear type planetary gear mechanism. Specifically, the planetary gear mechanism 101 has a sun gear 111, a planet carrier 112, a plurality of inner pinion gears 113, a plurality of outer pinion gears 114, and a ring gear 115.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 coupled to the arm member 81R via the rotating member 102R and rotates integrally with the arm member 81R.

[0043] A plurality of inner pinion gears 113 and a 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 gear 113 meshes with the sun gear 111. The outer pinion gear 114 meshes with the inner pinion gear 113 and a ring gear 115.

[0044] In the planetary gear mechanism 101 configured as above, the sun gear 111 and the planetary carrier 112 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 is rotated in one direction around the support rotation central axis Ax2 by an external force, the planetary gear mechanism 101a rotates the other of the arm member 81R and the arm member 81L in the other direction around the support rotation central axis Ax2. The planetary gear mechanism 101 supports each of the arm members 81L and 81R so that they can rotate 180 degrees or more around the support rotation central axis Ax2. The planetary gear mechanism 101 is also referred to as 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. Moreover, the sun gear 111 is an example of a first rotating element, the planetary carrier 112 is an example of a second rotating element, and the ring gear 115 is an example of a reaction element.

[0045] The reaction force mechanism 103 includes a motion conversion mechanism 121 and an elastic member 122. The motion conversion mechanism 121 includes a rotating member 123 and a linear motion member 124. The rotating member 123 is integrally provided on the ring gear 115 and rotates integrally with the ring gear 115. The rotating member 123 is cylindrical about the support rotation center axis Ax2, and has a male screw (Helcali spline) formed on the outer periphery. The linear motion member 124 is cylindrical about the support rotation center axis Ax2, and is supported by the case 104 so as to move linearly in the axial direction of the support rotation center axis Ax2. In addition, a female screw (Helcali spline) that meshes with the male screw of the rotating member 123 is formed on the inner periphery of the linear motion member 124. The elastic member 122 is interposed between the linear motion member 124 and the wall 104a of the case 104. The elastic member 122 is a coil spring.

[0046] In the reaction force mechanism 103 configured as above, the rotational motion of the ring gear 115 is converted into the linear motion of the linear motion member 124 by the rotation member 123 and the linear motion member 124. When the linear motion member 124 moves in a direction approaching the wall 104a of the case 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 due to the tip portions 81Rb, 81Lb of the two arm members 81R, 81L and the two rear wheels 3R ​​rotating in a direction toward the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1, the reaction force mechanism 103 is compressed by the linear motion member 124 that moves linearly in response to the rotation of the ring gear 115 to generate a reaction force. This reaction force is transmitted to the arm members 81R and 81L.

[0047] A preload is set to the elastic member 122. That is, the elastic member 122 is provided in a compressed state with a load applied thereto in advance. When the rotational torque input to the ring gear 115 (reaction element) is less than a threshold value, the linear motion member 124 is stopped by the elastic force of the elastic member 122. As a result, for example, the state shown in FIG. 3 is maintained. When the rotational torque input to the ring gear 115 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the linear motion member 124 moves linearly against the elastic force of the elastic member 122. Note that a preload need not be set to the elastic member 122.

[0048] The wheel support device 100 can move the rear wheel 3R from a position rearward in the front-rear direction from the first rear end 2ab in the unfolded state (FIGS. 1 and 3) to a folded state position on the first front end 2aa side of the base frame 2a with respect to the first rear end 2ab of the base frame 2a (FIG. 2). Specifically, the wheel support device 100 can move the left and right rear wheels 3R ​​to the folded state positions by rotating the arm members 81R and 81L in opposite directions. The planetary gear mechanism 101 is also called a lean mechanism.

[0049] 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.

[0050] As described above, in this 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 has a sun gear 111 (first rotating element), a planetary carrier 112 (second rotating element), and a ring gear 115 (reaction element). The sun gear 111 is rotatable around a support rotation central axis Ax2 (rotation central axis). The planetary carrier 112 is rotatable around the support rotation central axis Ax2 and rotates in the opposite direction to the sun gear 111. The ring gear 115 generates a reaction force against the input from the sun gear 111 and the planetary carrier 112. The arm member 81L has a base end 81La (first base end) coupled to the sun gear 111 and a tip end 81Lb (first tip end) that rotatably supports a rear wheel 3RL (first wheel) of the vehicle 1, and rotates integrally with the sun gear 111 around the support rotation center axis Ax2. The arm member 81R has a base end 81Ra (second base end) coupled to the planetary carrier 112 and a tip end 81Rb (second tip end) that rotatably supports a rear wheel 3RR (second wheel) of the vehicle 1, and rotates integrally with the planetary carrier 112 around the support rotation center axis Ax2.

[0051] With this configuration, the support rotation center axis Ax2 of the planetary gear mechanism 101, which is a mechanism for rotating the arm members 81L and 81R in opposite directions, is the same as the support rotation center axis Ax2 of the arm members 81L and 81R, so that the wheel support device 100 can be prevented from becoming larger.

[0052] The wheel support device 100 includes a reaction force mechanism 103. The ring gear 115 rotates around the support rotation central 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 motion member 124 that moves linearly in the axial direction of the support rotation central axis Ax2 in response to the rotation of the ring gear 115, and an elastic member 122 that generates a reaction force in response to the linear motion of the linear motion member 124.

[0053] According to such a configuration, the load (shock) input to the wheel support device 100 can be absorbed by the elastic force of the elastic member 122.

[0054] The first rotating element is a sun gear 111, and the second rotating element is a planetary carrier 112.

[0055] According to such a configuration, for example, the axial length of the support portion rotation central axis Ax2 in the planetary gear mechanism 101 serving as the reversing mechanism can be made shorter easily compared to the case where a bevel gear type reversing mechanism is adopted as the reversing mechanism.

[0056] The reaction force mechanism 103 has a cylindrical shape about the support rotation central axis Ax2 and has a rotating member 123 (cylindrical member) that rotates integrally with the ring gear 115. The linear motion member 124 is connected to the ring gear 115 via the rotating member 123 and moves linearly in the axial direction of the support rotation central axis Ax2 in response to the rotation of the rotating member 123 and the ring gear 115.

[0057] According to such a configuration, a reaction force can be generated with a relatively simple configuration, and the wheel support device 100 can be made compact.

[0058] In addition, a preload is set to the elastic member 122. When the rotational torque input to the ring gear 115 is less than a threshold value, the linear motion member 124 is stopped by the elastic force of the elastic member 122, and when the rotational torque input to the ring gear 115 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the linear motion member 124 moves linearly.

[0059] According to such a configuration, the length (stroke) over which the elastic member 122 expands and contracts is likely to be short, and therefore the axial length of the support portion rotation central axis Ax2 of the wheel support device 100 is likely to be short.

[0060] <Second embodiment> 7 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a wheel support device according to a second embodiment. In this embodiment, the main differences from the first embodiment are the configurations of a planetary gear mechanism 101 and a reaction force mechanism 103.

[0061] The planetary gear mechanism 101 of this embodiment is configured as a 2KH type planetary gear mechanism, and includes a first sun gear 111A (first rotating element), a second sun gear 111B (reaction element), a planetary carrier 112 (second rotating element), a plurality of pinion gears 116 (hereinafter also referred to as first pinion gears 116A), and a second pinion gear 116B that rotates integrally with the first pinion gear 116A. The first sun gear 111A is provided on the rotating member 102R and rotates integrally with the rotating member 102R. The planetary carrier 112 is provided on the rotating member 102L and rotates integrally with the rotating member 102L. The first pinion gear 116A meshes with the first sun gear 111A. The second pinion gear 116B meshes with the second sun gear 111B.

[0062] Moreover, the motion conversion mechanism 121 of the reaction mechanism 103 of this embodiment has a rotating member 123 and a linear motion member .

[0063] 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 support rotation central axis Ax2, and has a male screw (Helcali spline) formed on the outer periphery. The linear motion member 124 is cylindrical about the support rotation central axis Ax2, and is supported by the case 104 so as to move linearly in the axial direction of the support rotation central axis Ax2. In addition, the linear motion member 124 has an inner periphery formed with a female screw (Helcali spline) that meshes with the male screw of the rotating member 123. The elastic member 122 is interposed between the linear motion member 124 and the wall 104a of the case 104. The elastic member 122 is a coil spring.

[0064] In the reaction force mechanism 103 configured as described above, the rotational motion of the second sun gear 111B is converted into the linear motion of the linear motion member 124 by the rotating member 123 and the linear motion member 124. When the linear motion member 124 moves in a direction approaching the wall 104a of the case 104, the elastic member 122 sandwiched between the linear motion member 124 and the wall 104a is compressed, generating a reaction force (elastic force). In the unfolded state, the reaction force mechanism 103 generates a reaction force against the load from the rear wheel 3R.

[0065] A preload is set to the elastic member 122. That is, the elastic member 122 is provided in a compressed state with a load applied thereto in advance. When the rotational torque input to the second sun gear 111B (reaction element) is less than a threshold value, the linear motion member 124 is stopped by the elastic force of the elastic member 122, and when the rotational torque input to the second sun gear 111B is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the linear motion member 124 moves linearly against the elastic force of the elastic member 122. Note that a preload does not have to be set to the elastic member 122.

[0066] <Third embodiment> 8 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a wheel support device according to a third embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the reaction force mechanism 103 has a preload adjustment mechanism 131.

[0067] The preload adjustment mechanism 131 has a support member 132 and a linear motion member 133. The support member 132 is fixed to the case 104. The support member 132 is cylindrical about the support part rotation central axis Ax2, and a male screw (Helcal spline) is formed on the outer periphery. The linear motion member 133 is cylindrical about the support part rotation central axis Ax2, and is supported by the case 104 so as to move linearly in the axial direction of the support part rotation central axis Ax2. In addition, a female screw (Helcal spline) that meshes with the male screw of the support member 132 is formed on the inner periphery of the linear motion member 133. The elastic member 122 is interposed between the linear motion member 124 and the linear motion member 133.

[0068] In the above configuration, 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.

[0069] <Fourth embodiment> 9 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a wheel support device of the fourth embodiment. This embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that a pair of arm members 81L, 81R are supported on a single shaft 141, and the shaft 141 passes through the rotation support part 71.

[0070] The rotating members 102L and 102R of this embodiment are cylindrical around the support rotation central axis Ax2, and the shaft 141 is inserted inside and is provided rotatably with respect to the shaft 141. The rotating members 102L and 102R are arranged in the axial direction of the support rotation central axis Ax2. The rotating members 102L and 102R are, for example, shafts. The tip 81Lb of the arm member 81L is fixed to the rotating member 102L, and the rotating member 102L and the arm member 81L rotate together around the support rotation central axis Ax2. The tip 81Rb of the arm member 81R is fixed to the rotating member 102R, and the rotating member 102R and the arm member 81R rotate together around the support rotation central axis Ax2.

[0071] <Fifth embodiment> 10 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a wheel support device according to the fifth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment mainly in a motion conversion mechanism 121 and an elastic member 122.

[0072] The motion conversion mechanism 121 of this embodiment has a support portion 151 and a ring gear 115. The support portion 151 is a female screw portion (Helcali spline) provided on the case 104. A male screw portion (Helcali spline) that meshes with the support portion 151 is provided on the outer periphery of the ring gear 115. In addition, a pressing member 152 is interposed between the ring gear 115 and the elastic member 122. The elastic member 122 is made of, for example, rubber, and a preload is set. In the above configuration, when the ring gear 115 rotates in one direction, the ring gear 115 is guided by the support portion 151 to move to one side in the axial direction, and presses and compresses the elastic member 122 via the pressing member 152. The ring gear 115 is an example of a linear motion member.

[0073] Sixth embodiment FIG. 11 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing a wheel support device of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 12 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing a wheel support device of the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, the motion conversion mechanism 121 is different from that of the fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, the linear motion member 124 meshes with the male thread portion of the outer periphery of the ring gear 115. In addition, the linear motion member 124 is supported by the support portion 151 via the intervening member 161. The support portion 151 is provided on the inner periphery of the case 104. The support portion 151 is formed in a concave shape and extends in the axial direction. In the above configuration, when the ring gear 115 rotates in one direction, the linear motion member 124 is guided by the support portion 151 via the intervening member 161 and moves to one side in the axial direction, and presses and compresses the elastic member 122 via the pressing member 152. In addition, in this embodiment, the support portion 151 is not provided with a female thread portion.

[0074] 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]

[0075] 1. Vehicle 81L...Arm member (first arm member) 81La...base end portion (first base end portion) 81Lb…Tip (first tip) 81R...Arm member (second arm member) 81Ra…base end portion (second base end portion) 81Rb…tip (second tip) 100...Wheel support device 101...Planetary gear mechanism 103...Reaction mechanism 111...Sun gear (first rotating element) 112...Planet carrier (second rotating element) 115...Ring gear (reaction element) 122...Elastic member 123...Rotating member (cylindrical member) 124...Linear motion component Ax2: Support rotation axis (rotation axis)

Claims

1. a planetary gear mechanism including: a first rotating element rotatable about a rotation central axis; a second rotating element rotatable about the rotation central axis and rotating in a direction opposite to that of the first rotating element; and a reaction element that generates a reaction force against inputs from the first rotating element and the second rotating element; a first arm member having a first base end portion coupled to the first rotating element and a first tip portion rotatably supporting a first wheel of a vehicle, the first arm member rotating integrally with the first rotating element about the rotation central axis; a second arm member having a second base end portion coupled to the second rotating element and a second tip portion rotatably supporting a second wheel of the vehicle, the second arm member rotating integrally with the second rotating element about the rotation central axis; A wheel support device comprising:

2. Equipped with a reaction mechanism, the reaction element rotates about the rotation central axis in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotation element and the second rotation element, The reaction mechanism includes a linear motion member that moves linearly in an axial direction of the rotation center shaft in response to rotation of the reaction element; an elastic member that generates a reaction force in response to the linear motion of the linear motion member; With The wheel support device according to claim 1 .

3. the first rotating element is a sun gear, the second rotating element being a planet carrier; The wheel support device according to claim 1 .

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

5. The elastic member has a preload set thereon. When the rotational torque input to the reaction element is less than a threshold value, the linear motion member is stopped by the elastic force of the elastic member, and when the rotational torque input to the reaction element is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the linear motion member moves linearly. The wheel support device according to claim 2.

Images