Vehicle

Abstract

To obtain a vehicle that makes it easy to increase the range of the motion of wheels supported by arm members and to which the force input into pedals is transferred.SOLUTION: A vehicle comprises a supporting body, a shaft, pedals, two arm members, wheels and a transfer mechanism. The shaft is rotatably supported by the supporting body around a rotation center axis. The pedals are connected to the shaft and rotate the shaft. The two arm members have a base end part supported by the shaft and a tip part on the side opposite to the base end part, respectively, are mutually separated in the axial direction of the rotation center axis, and are rotatable around the rotation center axis. The wheels are supported by each of the tip parts in the two arm members. The transfer mechanism connects the shaft and the wheels, and transfers the rotational force of the shaft to the wheels to rotate the wheels.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a vehicle with two rear wheels, which includes a pair of left and right arm members rotatably supported on a frame, and rear wheels (wheels) provided at the tip of each arm (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of vehicle, the longer the arm members are, the easier it is to increase the range of movement of the wheels in the vertical direction. [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] In this type of vehicle, if a configuration is provided in which human force input into the pedal is transmitted to a wheel supported by an arm member to drive the wheel, the configuration becomes complicated and it is difficult to increase the length of the arm member, which creates the problem that it is difficult to increase the range of motion of the wheel.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and one of its objectives is to provide a vehicle that makes it easy to increase the range of motion of the wheels that are supported by arm members and to which force input to the pedal is transmitted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle of the present invention comprises a support body, a shaft supported by the support body so as to be rotatable around a central axis of rotation, a pedal connected to the shaft and rotating the shaft, two arm members each having a base end supported by the shaft and a tip end opposite the base end, spaced apart in the axial direction of the central axis of rotation and rotatable around the central axis of rotation, wheels supported on each of the tip ends of the two arm members, and a transmission mechanism that connects the shaft and the wheels and transmits the rotational force of the shaft to the wheels to rotate the wheels. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the vehicle of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a vehicle in which it is easy to increase the range of motion of the wheel that is supported by the arm member and to which the force input to the pedal is transmitted. [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 cross-sectional view showing a wheel support device for a vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle according to the third embodiment, in a deployed state. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle according to the third embodiment, illustrating a folded state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a rotation support portion of a vehicle according to the third 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 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 Ax. 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 (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. The frame 2 is an example of a support part.

[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, via the shaft 53. 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, via the shaft 53. 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 part 71 includes a reversing mechanism 71a capable of rotating the arm members 81R and 81L in directions opposite to each other. The reversing mechanism 71a has a support member 72, 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 includes the frame 2 (support), the shaft 73, the pedal 11, the two arm members 81L and 81R, the rear wheel 3R (wheel), and the transmission mechanism 10. The shaft 73 is supported by the frame 2 so as to be rotatable around the support rotation central axis Ax2 (rotation central axis). The pedal 11 is connected to the shaft 73 and rotates the shaft 73. The two arm members 81L and 81R each have a base end 81La and 81Ra supported by the shaft 73 and a tip end 81Lb and 81Rb opposite to the base end 81La and 81Ra, and are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the support rotation central axis Ax2 and are rotatable around the support rotation central axis Ax2. The rear wheel 3R is supported by each of the tip ends 81Lb and 81Rb of the two arm members 81L and 81R. 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.

[0044] According to this configuration, the central axis of rotation of the shaft 73 rotated by the pedal 11 and the central axis of rotation of the two arm members 81L, 81R are the same support part rotation central axis Ax2. Therefore, it is easier to make the length of the two arm members longer than in a configuration in which the central axes of rotation of the two arm members 81L, 81R are located on the rear wheel 3R side, that is, on the rear side in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 1, with respect to the support part rotation central axis Ax2 of the shaft 73 rotated by the pedal 11. Therefore, it is easier to increase the range of motion of the rear wheel 3R.

[0045] The transmission mechanism 10 also has a drive gear 13 (drive portion), a driven gear 14 (driven portion), and a chain 15 (connecting member). The drive gear 13 rotates integrally with the shaft 73. The driven gear 14 rotates integrally with the rear wheel 3R. The chain 15 is stretched between the drive gear 13 and the driven gear 14.

[0046] According to this configuration, the central axis of rotation of the shaft 73 rotated by the pedal 11 and the central axis of rotation of the driving gear 13 are the same support portion central axis of rotation Ax2, so that the axial distance between the driving gear 13 and the driven gear 14 does not change. Therefore, even if the arm members 81L, 81R, 81L, 81R rotate, the tension of the chain 15 is unlikely to change.

[0047] The vehicle 1 also includes one-way clutches 51 and 52. The one-way clutches 51 and 52 transmit the rotational force of the shaft 73, which rotates in a first rotational direction that is the rotational direction of the shaft 73 when the vehicle 1 moves forward, to the rear wheel 3R, and block the transmission of the rotational force of the rear wheel 3R to the shaft 73.

[0048] According to this configuration, differential movement of the two rear wheels 3R, which are the inner and outer wheels, can be permitted when the vehicle 1 turns, thereby improving the maneuverability of the vehicle 1. Also, according to this configuration, differential movement of the rear wheels 3R ​​can be permitted without providing a differential gear between the two rear wheels 3R. Note that only one of the one-way clutch 51 and the one-way clutch 52 may be provided.

[0049] The vehicle 1 also includes a reversing mechanism 71a that rotates the two arm members 81L, 81R in opposite directions about the support portion rotation central axis Ax2.

[0050] According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the tilt (roll) of the vehicle 1 when only one of the two rear wheels 3R ​​runs over a step.

[0051] Further, the reversing mechanism 71a supports the arm members 81L and 81R so as to be rotatable by 180 degrees or more about the support portion rotation central axis Ax2.

[0052] According to this configuration, the vehicle 1 can be folded with the support part rotation central axis Ax2 as a node. That is, the support part rotation central axis Ax2 can be used as a node for folding the vehicle 1.

[0053] The vehicle 1 also includes a pedal arm member 12 in which the pedal 11 is connected to a shaft 73 so as to be rotatable about a support portion rotation central axis Ax2.

[0054] According to this configuration, the power from the pedal 11 can be transmitted to the shaft 73 with a relatively simple configuration.

[0055] <Second embodiment> Fig. 6 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a wheel support device for a vehicle according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 6.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of a rotation support portion 71.

[0057] 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.

[0058] The rotation support unit 71 of this embodiment has an inversion mechanism 101 instead of the inversion mechanism 71a. In addition to the inversion mechanism 101, the rotation support unit 71 also has rotating members 102L and 102R, a reaction mechanism 103, and a case 104.

[0059] The case 104 is fixed to the base frame 2a. The case 104 houses the reversal mechanism 101 and the reaction mechanism 103.

[0060] 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, cylindrical members surrounding the shaft 73. A base end 81La 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. A base end 81Ra 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.

[0061] The reversing mechanism 101 is, for example, a planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism is, for example, a double pinion gear type planetary gear mechanism. Specifically, the reversing mechanism 101 has a sun gear 111, a planetary carrier 112, a plurality of inner pinion gears 113, a plurality of outer pinion gears 114, and a ring gear 115.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] In the reversing mechanism 101 configured as described above, the sun gear 111 and the planetary carrier 112 can rotate in opposite directions. That is, the reversing mechanism 101 rotates the arm member 81R and the arm member 81L in opposite directions. The reversing mechanism 101 is also referred to as a lean 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. 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.

[0066] 6, the reaction force mechanism 103 has a motion conversion mechanism 121 and an elastic member 122. The motion conversion mechanism 121 has a ring gear 115 as a cylindrical rotating member, a linear motion member 124, and a support portion 151. 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.

[0067] A male screw (Helcal spline) is formed on the outer periphery of the ring gear 115. The linear motion member 124 is cylindrical around the support part rotation central axis Ax2, and is supported by the support part 151 of the case 104 via an intervening member 161 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 ring gear 115 is formed on the inner periphery of the linear motion member 124.

[0068] 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, for example, a cylindrical rubber around the support rotation central axis Ax2. Note that the elastic member 122 is not limited to this. For example, the elastic member 122 may be a coil spring or the like.

[0069] 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 ring gear 115 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.

[0070] 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, 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 against the elastic force of the elastic member 122. Note that a preload does not have to be set to the elastic member 122.

[0071] Although FIG. 6 shows an example in which the one-way clutch 51 is not provided, the one-way clutch 51 may be provided similarly to the first embodiment.

[0072] As described above, in this embodiment, the wheel support device 100 includes the reversing mechanism 101, the arm member 81L, and the arm member 81R. The reversing mechanism 101 has the sun gear 111 (first rotating element), the planetary carrier 112 (second rotating element), and the ring gear 115 (reaction element). The sun gear 111 is rotatable about the support rotation center axis Ax2. The planetary carrier 112 is rotatable about the support rotation center 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.

[0073] According to this configuration, the support rotation center axis Ax2 of the inversion 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, thereby preventing the wheel support device 100 from becoming larger.

[0074] The wheel support device 100 also includes a reaction force mechanism 103. The ring gear 115 rotates around the support part rotation central axis Ax2 in conjunction with the rotation of the planetary carrier 112 and the sun gear 111. The reaction force mechanism 103 has a linear motion member 124 that moves linearly in the axial direction of the support part rotation central axis Ax2 in response to the rotation of the ring gear 115, and an elastic member 122 that generates a reaction force on the linear motion member 124 in response to the linear motion.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The first rotating element is a sun gear 111, and the second rotating element is a planetary carrier 112.

[0077] According to such a configuration, for example, the length in the axial direction of the support portion rotation central axis Ax2 in the reversing mechanism 101 can be easily shortened compared to the case where a bevel gear type reversing mechanism is used as the reversing mechanism.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Moreover, the reversing mechanism 101 is a planetary gear mechanism.

[0081] According to this configuration, the reversing mechanism 101 can be mounted in a relatively small space.

[0082] The vehicle 1 also includes a reaction force mechanism 103. The reaction force mechanism 103 supports the two arm members 81L, 81R to enable the two arm members 81L, 81R to rotate together about the support rotation central axis Ax2, and generates a reaction force in response to the integral rotation of the two arm members 81L, 81R about the support rotation central axis Ax2 in which the tip ends 81Lb, 81Rb face upward.

[0083] According to such a configuration, for example, when the two rear wheels 3R ​​run up a step at the same time, the arm members 81L, 81R can rotate, i.e., the rear wheels 3R ​​can stroke, improving the ride comfort of the vehicle 1. Also, when the vehicle 1 is suddenly braked, the vehicle height of the rear part is lowered and the center of gravity moves to the rear of the vehicle 1, improving the stability of the posture of the vehicle 1.

[0084] <Third embodiment> Fig. 8 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the general configuration of the vehicle of the third embodiment, showing the unfolded state. Fig. 9 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the general configuration of the vehicle of the third embodiment, showing the folded state. Fig. 10 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a rotation support part of the vehicle of the third embodiment.

[0085] 8 and 9, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment can be transformed into an unfolded state (FIG. 8) and a folded state (FIG. 9) in the same manner as the vehicle 1 of the first embodiment. However, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes a power transmission mechanism 90 between the pedal 11 and the drive gear 13.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] With this configuration, the driver can press the pedal 11 relatively easily.

[0089] In the above embodiment, an example in which the motor 17 is provided has been shown, but the motor 17 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0090] 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]

[0091] 1. Vehicle 2...Frame (support) 3R…Rear wheel (wheel) 10...Transmission mechanism 11...Pedals 12...Pedal arm member 13...Drive gear (drive section) 14...Driven gear (driven part) 15...Chain (connecting member) 51,52…One-way clutch 71a, 101...Reversing mechanism 73…Shaft 81L, 81R…Arm parts 81La,81Ra…base end 81Lb,81Rb…Tip 90...Power transmission mechanism 103...Reaction mechanism Ax2: Support rotation axis (rotation axis)

Claims

1. A support; A shaft supported by the support body so as to be rotatable about a rotation center axis; a pedal coupled to the shaft for rotating the shaft; two arm members each having a base end supported by the shaft and a tip end opposite to the base end, the arm members being spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the rotation central shaft and rotatable around the rotation central shaft; a wheel supported on each of the tip portions of the two arm members; a transmission mechanism that connects the shaft and the wheel and transmits a rotational force of the shaft to the wheel to rotate the wheel; A vehicle equipped with.

2. The transmission mechanism includes: A drive unit that rotates integrally with the shaft; A driven part that rotates integrally with the wheel; A connecting member that is stretched across the driving portion and the driven portion; With 2. The vehicle of claim 1.

3. a one-way clutch that transmits a rotational force of the shaft rotating in a first rotational direction, which is a rotational direction of the shaft when the vehicle moves forward, to the wheels and blocks transmission of the rotational force of the wheels to the shaft, 2. The vehicle of claim 1.

4. an inversion mechanism for rotating the two arm members in opposite directions about the rotation center axis; 2. The vehicle of claim 1.

5. The reversing mechanism is a planetary gear mechanism.

5. A vehicle as claimed in claim 4.

6. a reaction force mechanism that supports the two arm members so that the two arm members can rotate together around the rotation center axis, and generates a reaction force corresponding to the rotation of the two arm members together around the rotation center axis with the tip portions facing upward, 2. The vehicle of claim 1.

7. The inversion mechanism supports each of the arm members so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis by 180 degrees or more.

5. A vehicle as claimed in claim 4.

8. a pedal arm member that connects the pedal to the shaft so as to be rotatable around the rotation center axis, 2. The vehicle of claim 1.

9. Equipped with a power transmission mechanism, The pedal is provided so as to be capable of reciprocating motion, The power transmission mechanism converts the reciprocating motion of the pedal into the rotational motion of the shaft.

2. The vehicle of claim 1.

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