Folding device

Abstract

To improve the easiness of a folding operation in a folding device.SOLUTION: A folding device includes: a first frame; a second frame; a third frame; a first lock portion that switches between an allowing state in which a folding operation of the first frame and the third frame is allowed and an inhibiting state in which the folding operation is inhibited; a second lock portion that includes a second rotating member and switches between an allowing state in which the folding operation of the first frame and the third frame is allowed and an inhibiting state in which the folding operation is inhibited by rotation of the second rotating member; and a rotation interlocking portion that interlocks the first rotating member and the second rotating member. The rotation interlocking portion includes a first movable member configured to change between the allowing state and the inhibiting state by moving in a direction in which a first rotating member and the second rotating member are rotated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a folding device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, folding devices that are installed on vehicles and can be changed between an unfolded state and a folded state are known. For example, there is a folding device in which a main frame between the front wheel and the rear wheel and a rear fork are connected by three hinges arranged on an axis so that the device can be folded and unfolded (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-291488 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This type of folding device can be folded smaller as the number of folding sections, such as hinges that act as folding nodes, increases, but because a locking section is provided for each folding section, the number of locking sections also increases as the number of folding sections increases, making the folding operation more difficult.

[0005] One of the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to improve the ease of the folding operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A folding device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first frame, a second frame, a third frame, a first folding unit that enables a folding operation between the first frame and the second frame and connects the first frame and the second frame, a second folding unit that enables a folding operation between the first frame and the third frame and connects the first frame and the third frame, and a first rotating member, and has an allowance state in which the folding operation between the first frame and the second frame is permitted by rotation of the first rotating member, and a closed state in which the folding operation between the first frame and the second frame is permitted by rotation of the first rotating member. The folding device is provided with a first locking section that has a second rotating member and that switches between a permitted state that allows the folding operation of the first frame and the third frame and a prohibited state that prohibits the folding operation by rotation of the second rotating member, and a rotation interlocking section that interlocks the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and the rotation interlocking section has a first movable member that can change between the permitted state and the prohibited state by moving in a direction that rotates the first rotating member and the second rotating member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the folding device of the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve the ease of the folding operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the general configuration of a vehicle equipped with a folding device according to an embodiment, in an unfolded state. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a part of the folding procedure of the vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a part of the folding procedure of the vehicle according to the embodiment, and shows the procedure following that shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a part of the folding procedure of the vehicle according to the embodiment, and shows the procedure following that shown in FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a part of the folding procedure of the vehicle according to the embodiment, and shows the procedure following that shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing a part of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exemplary schematic exploded perspective view showing a part of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exemplary schematic exploded perspective view showing the folding device vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing a part of the folding device of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a part of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing a part of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a part of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing a part of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing a part of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing a part of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing a part of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing a part of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is an exemplary schematic perspective view showing a part of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a part of the folding device of the embodiment, showing a state corresponding to the procedure of FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a part of the folding device of the embodiment, showing a state corresponding to the procedure of FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a part of the folding device of the embodiment, showing a state corresponding to the procedure of FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a part of the folding device of the embodiment, showing a state corresponding to the procedure of FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a part of the folding device of the embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an exemplary schematic side view showing an operating member of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a part of the operation member of the folding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the operation member and the pin of the folding device of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] The drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of elements may differ from reality. Furthermore, the drawings may include portions in which the dimensional relationships and ratios differ from one another.

[0011] <Vehicle> FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic side view showing the general configuration of a vehicle equipped with a folding device according to an embodiment, in an unfolded state.

[0012] 1, the vehicle 1 includes a folding device 3, a front wheel 5F, a rear wheel 5R, a handlebar 7, and a saddle 9. The vehicle 1 is configured to be foldable by the folding device 3.

[0013] Fig. 2 is an exemplary schematic view showing a part of the folding procedure of the vehicle of the embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exemplary schematic view showing a part of the folding procedure of the vehicle of the embodiment, showing the procedure following Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an exemplary schematic view showing a part of the folding procedure of the vehicle of the embodiment, showing the procedure following Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an exemplary schematic view showing a part of the folding procedure of the vehicle of the embodiment, showing the procedure following Fig. 4.

[0014] The vehicle 1 can be folded through steps S1 to S8 shown in Figures 2 to 5. The steps are also referred to as processes. In Figure 2, in step S1, the vehicle 1 in an unfolded state is stood up. In step S2, the lock on the folding operation of the vehicle 1 in an unfolded state is released, thereby enabling folding. The lock is released by pulling up the operating member 81, which will be described later. The operating member 81 is also referred to as an operating handle. Next, the folding operation gradually progresses in steps S3 to S5 shown in Figures 3 and 4, and in S6, the operating member 81 is returned. Next, the folding operation is further performed in steps S7 to S8 shown in Figure 5. Step S8 shows the vehicle 1 in a completely folded state. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the front-to-rear direction, left-to-right direction, and up-to-down direction refer to the front-to-rear direction, left-to-right direction, and up-to-down direction of the vehicle 1 in an unfolded state.

[0015] <Folding device> Fig. 6 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing a portion of the folding device of the embodiment. Fig. 7 is an exemplary and schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the folding device of the embodiment. Fig. 8 is an exemplary and schematic exploded perspective view showing a portion of the folding device of the embodiment. Fig. 9 is an exemplary and schematic exploded perspective view showing a folding device vehicle of the embodiment. Fig. 10 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing a portion of the folding device of the embodiment. Fig. 11 is an exemplary and schematic side view showing a portion of the folding device of the embodiment.

[0016] 1 to 11, the folding device 3 includes a base frame 11, a front frame 13, a rear frame 15, a front connecting portion 17F, a rear connecting portion 17R, and an input portion 21. The base frame 11, the front frame 13, and the rear frame 15 form a frame 10. Furthermore, the base frame 11, the front frame 13, and the rear frame 15 may each be made up of multiple members, or may each be made up of a single member.

[0017] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the base frame 11, for example, has two base plates 23L, 23R and two cover plates 25L, 25R. The two base plates 23L, 23R are arranged at a distance from each other in the left-right direction and are connected to each other. The two cover plates 25L, 25R are positioned outside the two base plates 23L, 23R, respectively, and cover the two base plates 23L, 23R. The two cover plates 25L, 25R are fixed to the two base plates 23L, 23R, respectively.

[0018] The front frame 13 extends forward from the base frame 11. The rear end of the front frame 13 is located between the front ends of the two base plates 23L and 23R.

[0019] The rear frame 15, for example, includes a saddle frame 27 and two swing arms 29L, 29R. The saddle frame 27 extends obliquely upward and rearward from the rear end of the base frame 11. The lower end of the saddle frame 27 is located between the rear ends of the two base plates 23L, 23R. The two swing arms 29L, 29R extend obliquely downward and rearward from the rear end of the base frame 11. The two swing arms 29L, 29R are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the left-right direction and are connected to each other by suspensions 31. The front ends of the two swing arms 29L, 29R are located outside the rear ends of the two cover plates 25L, 25R. The two swing arms 29L, 29R are also connected to the saddle frame 27 via the suspensions 31.

[0020] The front connecting portion 17F enables the base frame 11 and the front frame 13 to be folded, connects the base frame 11 and the front frame 13, and allows or prohibits the folding operation. Specifically, the front connecting portion 17F includes a first folding portion 33F and a first recliner 35F.

[0021] The first folding section 33F connects the base frame 11 and the front frame 13, enabling the base frame 11 and the front frame 13 to fold by relative rotation between them about a first rotation center axis Ax1 (FIG. 7). The first recliner 35F switches between an allowable state that allows the base frame 11 and the front frame 13 to fold and a prohibitive state that prohibits the folding operation by rotation of the first rotating member 39F. The allowable state is also referred to as an unlocked state, and the prohibitive state is also referred to as a locked state.

[0022] The first folding unit 33F has a front shaft 37F. The first folding unit 33F connects the base frame 11 and the front frame 13 by the front shaft 37F, enabling the base frame 11 and the front frame 13 to rotate relative to each other about the first rotation center axis Ax1, thereby allowing the base frame 11 and the front frame 13 to be folded.

[0023] The first recliner 35F has a configuration similar to that of known recliners used in automobile seats, for example. As shown in FIG. 7 , the first recliner 35F includes, for example, a first rotating member 39F, two connecting members 41F and 43F, a meshing structure (engagement structure), and a spring member. The connecting member 41F is connected (fixed) to the base frame 11, and the connecting member 43F is connected (fixed) to the front frame 13. The first rotating member 39F rotates around the first rotation center axis Ax1 to allow or prohibit relative rotation between the two connecting members 41F and 43F. That is, the first recliner 35F switches between a permitted state that allows the base frame 11 and the front frame 13 to fold and a prohibited state that prohibits the folding, depending on the rotation of the first rotating member 39F. The state in which the interlocking structure (engagement structure) is disengaged and the coupling members 41F, 43F are able to rotate relative to each other is the permissible state, and the state in which the interlocking structure (engagement structure) is engaged and the coupling members 41F, 43F are unable to rotate relative to each other is the prohibited state.

[0024] 6, 7, etc., the rear connecting portion 17R enables the base frame 11 and the rear frame 15 to be folded, connects the base frame 11 and the rear frame 15, and allows or prohibits the folding operation. Specifically, the rear connecting portion 17R includes a second folding portion 33R and a second recliner 35R.

[0025] The second folding section 33R connects the base frame 11 and the rear frame 15, enabling the base frame 11 and the rear frame 15 to fold by relative rotation between them about a second rotation center axis Ax2 (FIG. 7). The second recliner 35R switches between an allowable state that allows the base frame 11 and the front frame 13 to fold and a prohibitable state that prohibits the folding, by rotation of the second rotating member 39R.

[0026] The second folding unit 33R has a rear shaft 37R. The second folding unit 33R connects the base frame 11 and the rear frame 15 by the rear shaft 37R, enabling the base frame 11 and the rear frame 15 to rotate relative to each other about the second rotation center axis Ax2, thereby allowing the base frame 11 and the rear frame 15 to be folded.

[0027] Like the first recliner 35F, the second recliner 35R has a known recliner configuration. As shown in FIG. 7 , for example, the second recliner 35R includes a second rotating member 39R, two connecting members 41R and 43R, a meshing structure (engagement structure), and a spring member. The connecting member 41R is connected (fixed) to the base frame 11, and the connecting member 43R is connected (fixed) to the saddle frame 27 of the rear frame 15. The second rotating member 39R can permit or prohibit relative rotation of the two connecting members 41R and 43R by rotating about the second rotation center axis Ax2. That is, the second recliner 35R switches between a permitting state that permits the folding operation of the base frame 11 and the rear frame 15 and a prohibiting state that prohibits the folding operation, depending on the rotation of the second rotating member 39R.

[0028] <Folding operation interlocking part and rotation interlocking part> As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the folding device 3 includes a folding operation interlocking unit 45 (FIGS. 7 to 9) and a rotation interlocking unit 47 (FIGS. 10 and 11). The folding operation interlocking unit 45 interlocks the folding operation between the base frame 11 and the front frame 13 and the folding operation between the base frame 11 and the rear frame 15. The rotation interlocking unit 47 interlocks the first rotating member 39F of the first recliner 35F and the second rotating member 39R of the second recliner 35R. In other words, the rotation interlocking unit 47 synchronizes the state (permitted state, prohibited state) of the first recliner and the state (permitted state, prohibited state) of the second recliner 35R.

[0029] <Folding operation interlocking part> As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the folding operation interlocking unit 45 has a front rotation member 49F (first interlocking rotation member), a rear rotation member 49R (second interlocking rotation member), and a chain 51 (interlocking member).

[0030] The front rotating member 49F is rotatable around the first rotational center axis Ax1 together with (integrally with) the front frame 13 relative to the base frame 11. Specifically, the front rotating member 49F is integrally provided on the front shaft 37F and rotates integrally with the front shaft 37F. The front rotating member 49F is, for example, a sprocket (gear). The front shaft 37F and the front frame 13 are fixed together with bolts or the like (not shown), and rotate integrally around the first rotational center axis Ax1.

[0031] The rear rotating member 49R is rotatable around the second rotation center axis Ax2 together with the rear frame 15 relative to the base frame 11. Specifically, the rear rotating member 49R is integrally provided with the rear shaft 37R and rotates integrally with the rear shaft 37R. The rear rotating member 49R is, for example, a sprocket (gear).

[0032] The chain 51 is stretched between the front rotating member 49F and the rear rotating member 49R, and links the front rotating member 49F and the rear rotating member 49R.

[0033] 12 and 13 are exemplary schematic perspective and side views illustrating a portion of the folding device according to the embodiment.

[0034] 7, 8, 9, 12, and 13, the folding operation interlocking portion 45 has a loose connection portion 53. The loose connection portion 53 connects the rear frame 15 and the rear rotation member 49R with looseness around the second rotation central axis Ax2.

[0035] The loose connection portion 53 has an interlocking member side shaft 55 , a frame side shaft 57 , a groove portion 58 , and a hook portion 59 .

[0036] The interlocking member-side shaft 55 is fixed to the rear rotating member 49R and is rotatable integrally with the rear rotating member 49R about the second rotation center axis Ax2.

[0037] The frame-side shaft 57 is fixed to the rear frame 15 and is rotatable about the second rotation central axis Ax2 integrally with the rear frame 15. In detail, the frame-side shaft 57 is fixed to the swing arm 29R of the rear frame 15 with a fastener 61 such as a bolt. In this embodiment, the interlocking member-side shaft 55 and the frame-side shaft 57 are included in the rear shaft 37R.

[0038] The groove 58 is provided on the interlocking member-side shaft 55. The hook 59 is provided on the frame-side shaft 57. The hook 59 is formed by a portion of the pin 63 that protrudes from the frame-side shaft 57 and penetrates the frame-side shaft 57 in the radial direction of the frame-side shaft 57. The hook 59 is inserted into the groove 58 with some play. The hook 59 is hooked into the groove 58 in the circumferential direction of the second rotation center axis Ax2. With the hook 59 and the groove 58 hooked together, the interlocking member-side shaft 55 and the frame-side shaft 57 rotate together. Figure 13 shows a relative rotatable angle θ1, which is the amount of play of the hook 59 with respect to the groove 58. The interlocking member-side shaft 55 and the frame-side shaft 57 are capable of relative rotation by this relative rotatable angle θ1. The relative rotation angle θ1 is the amount by which the swing arm 29 can swing, and the stroke amount of the suspension 31 is an amount that corresponds to the relative rotation angle θ1. The hook portion 59 is also referred to as a protrusion or a convex portion.

[0039] <Rotation linkage part> FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the folding device of the embodiment. FIG. 15 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing a portion of the folding device of the embodiment. FIG. 16 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing a portion of the folding device of the embodiment. FIG. 17 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing a portion of the folding device of the embodiment. FIG. 18 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing a portion of the folding device of the embodiment. FIG. 19 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing a portion of the folding device of the embodiment. FIG. 20 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing a portion of the folding device of the embodiment. Note that FIGS. 15 to 20 show any of the states of steps S1 to S8.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 14 to 20, the rotation interlocking unit 47 includes a parallel link mechanism 65 and a drive unit 67.

[0041] The parallel link mechanism 65 links the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R. The parallel link mechanism 65 has a front release member 69F, a rear release member 69R, a connecting bar 71, and a bell crank 73. The connecting bar 71 is an example of a first movable member, and the bell crank 73 is an example of a second movable member.

[0042] The front release member 69F has one end fixed to the first rotation member 39F, and the other end connected to one end (front end) of the connection bar 71 so as to be relatively rotatable.

[0043] The rear release member 69R has one end fixed to the second rotating member 39R and the other end connected to the other end (rear end) of the connecting bar 71 so as to be relatively rotatable.

[0044] The bell crank 73 has an input arm portion 73a to which an operating force from the input portion 21 is input, and a connecting arm portion 73b connected to the connecting bar 71 so as to be rotatable relative to the input arm portion 73a. A rotating roller 73c is rotatably provided on the input arm portion 73a. The connecting arm portion 73b is connected to the connecting bar 71 between the front release member 69F and the rear release member 69R. The bell crank 73 is rotatably supported by the base frame 11 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis Ax3.

[0045] In the above configuration, the bell crank 73 and the parallel link mechanism 65 are positioned at a locked position where the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R are in a prohibited state due to the elastic force of the spring members built into the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R, respectively. When the bell crank 73 rotates in the unlocking direction from this state, the rotation of the bell crank 73 causes the connecting bar 71 to move in parallel (FIG. 14). This movement of the connecting bar 71 causes the front release member 69F to rotate about the first rotating member 39F, thereby rotating the first rotating member 39F, and the rear release member 69R to rotate about the second rotating member 39R, thereby rotating the second rotating member 39R. This changes the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R from the prohibited state to the permitted state. The positions of the components when the first and second rotating members 39F and 39R are in the prohibited state are referred to as prohibited positions, and the positions of the components when the first and second rotating members 39F and 39R are in the permitted state are referred to as permitted positions. As described above, the connecting bar 71 can change the first and second recliners 35F and 35R between the permitted and prohibited states by translating in the direction of rotation of the first and second rotating members 39F and 39R. More specifically, the connecting bar 71 connects the first and second rotating members 39F and 39R and is rotatably connected to each of the first and second rotating members 39F and 39R. By translating in the direction of rotation of the first and second rotating members 39F and 39R, the connecting bar 71 can change the first and second recliners 35F and 35R between the permitted and prohibited states. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the bell crank 73 moves the connecting bar 71, the rotation amount of the bell crank 73, the rotation amount of the first rotating member 39F, and the rotation amount of the second rotating member 39R are the same.

[0046] The drive unit 67 includes a release lever 75, two pawl levers 77F and 77R, and a retaining member 79.

[0047] The release lever 75 is supported by the saddle frame 27 of the rear frame 15 so as to be rotatable around a rotation center axis Ax4 (FIG. 11). One end (upper end) of the release lever 75 is connected to an operating member 81 of the input unit 21.

[0048] The two claw levers 77F, 77R are supported by the saddle frame 27 of the rear frame 15 so as to be rotatable about rotational central axes Ax5, Ax6, respectively. One end of each of the two claw levers 77F, 77R is connected to the other end (lower end) of the release lever 75 so as to be rotatable and slidable relative to the other end. The other end (lower end) of the claw lever 77F is positioned so as to be able to press against one end (upper end) of the bell crank 73. Specifically, the rotary roller 73c is in contact with the outer surface of the other end (lower end) of the claw lever 77F.

[0049] The two claw levers 77F, 77R are driven by the release lever 75 and rotate (swing) so that the distance between their other ends (lower ends) changes. When the other ends of the two claw levers 77F, 77R move away from each other, the other end of the claw lever 77F rotates the bell crank 73. This activates the parallel link mechanism 65, causing the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R to rotate, changing the first recliner 35F and the second recliner 35R from the prohibited state to the permitted state. When the other ends of the two claw levers 77F, 77R move toward each other from this state, the elastic force of the springs built into the first recliner 35F and the second recliner 35R moves the bell crank 73 and the parallel link mechanism 65 to the locked position.

[0050] The retaining member 79 is fixed to the saddle frame 27 of the rear frame 15 below the two claw levers 77F, 77R. The retaining member 79 is rotatable relative to the input arm portion 73a.

[0051] The retaining member 79 has an arc-shaped surface 79a with a constant radius of curvature. This surface 79a is aligned with the outer surfaces of the other ends of the claw levers 77F and 77R positioned in the allowable position. In this state, the rotating roller 73c can move from the outer surface of the claw lever 77F to the surface 77a and then to the outer surface of the claw lever 77R. During the process of folding the vehicle 1 (folding device 3), the rotating roller 73c moves from the outer surface of the claw lever 77F to the surface 77a and then to the outer surface of the claw lever 77R. When the input arm 73a is connected to this surface 77a via the rotating roller 73c, the allowable state of the first recliner 35F and the second recliner 35R is maintained. That is, the first recliner 35F and the second recliner 35R maintain the allowable state while the input arm 73a rotates relative to the retaining member 79 along the surface 77a. When the rotating roller 73c is in a state where the gap between the claw levers 77F and 77R is narrowed, the allowable state and the prohibited state of the first recliner 35F and the second recliner 35R can be changed by operating the operating member 81.

[0052] 21 to 24 show the operation of rotation interlocking part 47 configured as described above. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a part of the folding device of the embodiment, showing a state corresponding to the procedure in FIG. 2. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a part of the folding device of the embodiment, showing a state corresponding to the procedure in FIG. 3. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a part of the folding device of the embodiment, showing a state corresponding to the procedure in FIG. 4. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a part of the folding device of the embodiment, showing a state corresponding to the procedure in FIG. 5.

[0053] Figure 25 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a part of the folding device of the embodiment. Figure 25 shows the rear release member 69R moving from the permitting position to the releasing position. As an example, the states of steps S1 to S3 are shown.

[0054] <Input section> Fig. 26 is an exemplary schematic side view showing an operating member of the folding device of the embodiment, Fig. 27 is an exemplary schematic side view showing a part of the operating member of the folding device of the embodiment, and Fig. 28 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the operating member and pin of the folding device of the embodiment.

[0055] 11 and 26, the input unit 21 has an operating member 81 and a pin 83. The input unit 21 is connected to the first recliner 35F and the second recliner 35R via the drive unit 67 and the parallel link mechanism 65, and rotates the first rotation member 39F and the second rotation member 39R of the first recliner 35F and the second recliner 35R. In other words, the input unit 21 operates the first recliner 35F and the second recliner 35R.

[0056] The operating member 81 has a gripping portion 81a that can be grasped, a connecting portion 81g, a groove portion 81b, and a supported portion 81c provided between the gripping portion 81a and the groove portion 81b. The supported portion 81c is supported by the base frame 11 or the rear frame 15 (subframe) so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis Ax7. As an example, the supported portion 81c is supported by the saddle frame 27 of the rear frame 15 so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis Ax7. As a result, the operating member 81 is supported by the saddle frame 27 of the rear frame 15 so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis Ax7. The connecting portion 81g is connected to the gripping portion 81a. The connecting portion 81g is connected to a pin 83. More specifically, a groove portion 81b is provided in the connecting portion 81g, and the pin 83 is inserted into the groove portion 81b.

[0057] The pin 83 is inserted into the groove portion 81b, and transmits the operating force from the operating member 81 to the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R via the drive unit 67 and the parallel link mechanism 65, thereby rotating the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R.

[0058] Next, the shape of the groove 81b will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 27, the groove 81b has a cam portion 81d and a constant curvature radius portion 81e. The cam portion 81d is a portion whose curvature radius gradually changes and is also referred to as a gradually changing radius portion. The cam portion 81d moves the pin 83 relative to the support portion of the rotation center axis Ax7 in response to rotation of the operating member, thereby rotating the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R. The radius of curvature of the end 81da of the cam portion 81d on the constant curvature radius portion 81e side is the same as the radius of curvature of the constant curvature radius portion 81e. The constant curvature radius portion 81e is connected to the cam portion 81d and has a constant radius of curvature. The constant curvature radius portion 81e prevents the pin 83 from moving relative to the rotation center axis Ax7 when the operating member 81 rotates, maintaining the first recliner 35F and the second recliner 35R in an allowable state. In the above, the constant radius of curvature portion 81e maintains the distance between the rotation center axis Ax7 and the pin 83 constant even when the operating member 81 rotates.

[0059] FIG. 28 shows state J1 of the groove portion 81b and the pin 83 when the operating member 81 is operated and rotated. States J1 to J4 are sections in which the cam portion 81d moves the pin 83. In these sections, the distance L1 between the rotation center axis Ax7 and the pin 83 gradually decreases. States J5 to J6 are sections in which the pin 83 is located in the constant radius of curvature portion 81e and does not move. In these sections, the distance L1 between the rotation center axis Ax7 and the pin 83 is constant. With this configuration, the first recliner 35F and the second recliner 35R change from the prohibited state to the permitted state in states J1 to J4, and the permitted state is maintained in states J5 to J6. That is, in the sections J5 to J6, the operating member 81 rotates while remaining in the permitted state even when the operating member 81 is operated.

[0060] <First module and second module> 6 and 7, the folding device 3 includes a first module 91 and a second module 93. The first module 91 has a first folding section 33F, a second folding section 33R, and a folding operation interlocking section 45. The second module 93 has a first recliner 35F, a second recliner 35R, and a rotation interlocking section 47. The first module 91 and the second module 93 face each other with the front frame 13 between them.

[0061] In the above configuration, when the vehicle 1 is in the unfolded state, the first recliner 35F and the second recliner 35R are in the prohibited state. When the operating member 81 is pulled upward from this state, the first recliner 35F and the second recliner 35R change from the prohibited state to the permitted state. When the operating member 81 is pulled further upward from this state, the base frame 11 and the front frame 13 are folded, and the base frame 11 and the rear frame 15 are also folded.

[0062] <Summary> As described above, the folding device 3 of this embodiment includes the base frame 11 (first frame), the front frame 13 (second frame), the rear frame 15 (third frame), the first folding section 33F, the second folding section 33R, the first recliner 35F (first locking section), the second recliner 35R (second locking section), and the rotation interlocking section 47. The first folding section 33F connects the base frame 11 and the front frame 13 together, enabling the base frame 11 and the front frame 13 to be folded. The second folding section 33R connects the base frame 11 and the rear frame 15 together, enabling the base frame 11 and the rear frame 15 to be folded. The first recliner 35F has a first rotating member 39F, and rotation of the first rotating member 39F switches between an allowable state that allows the folding operation of the base frame 11 and the front frame 13 and a prohibition state that prohibits the folding operation. The second recliner 35R has a second rotating member 39R, and rotation of the second rotating member 39R switches between an allowable state that allows the folding operation of the base frame 11 and the rear frame 15 and a prohibition state that prohibits the folding operation. The rotation interlocking unit 47 interlocks the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R. The rotation interlocking unit 47 has a connecting bar 71 (first movable member). The connecting bar 71 can change between the allowable state and the prohibition state by moving in the direction that rotates the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R.

[0063] According to this configuration, the rotation interlocking portion 47 interlocks the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R, thereby improving the ease of the folding operation.

[0064] Furthermore, the connecting bar 71 connects the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R, and is connected to each of the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R so as to be rotatable relative to each other, and can change between an allowed state and a prohibited state by moving parallel to the direction in which the first rotating member 39F and the second rotating member 39R are rotated.

[0065] According to this configuration, the rotation interlocking portion 47 can be configured relatively simply.

[0066] Furthermore, rotation interlocking unit 47 has a bell crank 73 (second movable member). Bell crank 73 (second movable member) has an input arm portion 73a to which an operating force is input, and a connecting arm portion 73b that is connected to connecting bar 71 (first movable member) so as to be rotatable relative to it, and moves connecting bar 71 by rotating in response to the operating force. When bell crank 73 moves connecting bar 71, the amount of rotation of bell crank 73, the amount of rotation of first rotating member 39F, and the amount of rotation of second rotating member 39R are the same.

[0067] According to this configuration, the rotation of the first rotary member 39F and the rotation of the second rotary member 39R can be synchronized.

[0068] The rotation interlocking part 47 also has a retaining member 79 that has an arc-shaped surface 79a and is rotatable relative to the input arm part 73a. The first recliner 35F and the second recliner 35R maintain the permissive state while the input arm part 73a rotates relative to the retaining member 79 along the surface 79a.

[0069] According to this configuration, the permissive state can be maintained while the input arm portion 73a rotates relative to the retaining member 79 along the surface 79a.

[0070] In the above embodiment, an example in which the folding device 3 is applied to the vehicle 1 is shown, but the application is not limited to this. The folding device 3 may be applied to various other devices, equipment, etc. Furthermore, the first locking unit and the second locking unit are not limited to those described above. The first locking unit and the second locking unit may have other configurations.

[0071] While the above describes an embodiment of the present invention, the above embodiment is merely an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the specifications of each configuration, shape, display element, etc. (structure, type, direction, shape, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) can be appropriately changed and implemented. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...Vehicle 3...Folding device 5R...Rear wheel (wheel) 11...Base frame (first frame) 13...Front frame (second frame, subframe) 15...Rear frame (third frame, subframe) 17F…Front connection section 17R...Rear connection part 21...Input section 29L...Swing arm 29R...Swing arm 33F...First folding section 33R...Second folding section 35F...First recliner 35R...Second recliner 37F...Front shaft 37R...Rear shaft 39F...First rotating member 39R...Second rotating member 45...Folding operation linkage part 47...Rotation linkage part 49F...Front rotating member (first interlocking rotating member) 49R...Rear rotating member (second interlocking rotating member) 51...Chain (interlocking member) 55...Interlocking member side shaft 57...Frame side shaft 58...Groove 59...Hook part 71...connecting bar (first movable member) 73...Bell crank (second movable member) 73a...Input arm section 73b...Connecting arm part 79...Maintenance member 79a...side 81...Operating member 81a...gripping part 81b…Groove 81c…Supported part 81d...Cam section 81da…edge 81e…Constant radius of curvature part 83...pin 91...first module 93...Second module Ax1: First rotation axis Ax2: Second rotation axis Ax7...rotation axis

Claims

1. a first frame; a second frame; and a third frame; and a first folding portion that connects the first frame and the second frame and enables a folding operation between the first frame and the second frame; a second folding portion that connects the first frame and the third frame and enables a folding operation between the first frame and the third frame; a first locking unit having a first rotating member, the first locking unit being switched between an allowable state that allows the first frame and the second frame to be folded and a prohibitable state that prohibits the folding operation by rotation of the first rotating member; a second locking unit having a second rotating member, the second locking unit being switched between an allowable state that allows the first frame and the third frame to be folded and a prohibitable state that prohibits the folding operation by rotation of the second rotating member; a rotation interlocking unit that interlocks the first rotation member and the second rotation member; Equipped with the rotation interlocking unit has a first movable member that can change between the permitted state and the prohibited state by moving in a direction that rotates the first rotation member and the second rotation member; Folding device.

2. the first movable member connects the first rotation member and the second rotation member, and is connected to the first rotation member and the second rotation member so as to be rotatable relative to each other, and is capable of changing between the permitted state and the prohibited state by moving parallel to a direction in which the first rotation member and the second rotation member are rotated. The folding device according to claim 1 .

3. the rotation interlocking portion has a second movable member, the second movable member has an input arm portion to which an operating force is input and a connecting arm portion connected to the first movable member so as to be rotatable relative to the first movable member, and is rotated by the operating force to move the first movable member; When the second movable member moves the first movable member, the rotation amount of the second movable member, the rotation amount of the first rotary member, and the rotation amount of the second rotary member are the same.

3. The folding device according to claim 2.

4. the rotation interlocking portion has a retaining member having an arc-shaped surface and capable of rotating relatively to the input arm portion, the first locking portion and the second locking portion maintain the allowing state while the input arm portion rotates relative to the retaining member along the surface.

4. The folding device according to claim 3.

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