Multi-wheel utility vehicle

Abstract

To provide an undercarriage of a multipurpose multi-wheel vehicle by improving the size of a wheel which has been overlooked and a rear wheel suspension in a FF vehicle.SOLUTION: This is a vehicle that can be handled like a normal four wheeled vehicle by adjusting the suspension of the rear wheels, such as by making the front wheels the structure of an FF vehicle, making the rear wheels small and numerous, being able to change the height of the vehicle from the road surface by means of arms or struts or the like, and being able to lift, hold, and transfer a load-carrying platform container by itself.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle chassis having a plurality of caster trail type small rear wheels, and to a vehicle having a removable cargo container, facilities, passenger compartment, etc. mounted on such a chassis. [Background technology]

[0002] Many steam-powered vehicles, agricultural machinery, and other machines were developed in the UK, but gasoline-powered automobiles made remarkable progress in the US.

[0003] Perhaps the origin of the wheel comes from the era of horse-drawn carriages, as there are photographs of cars carrying a spare wheel on the side or back to compensate for the drawback of tires being prone to punctures. Perhaps it is from a Model T Ford?

[0004] Vehicles traveling in the wilderness, such as safaris, always have one wheel on the back. To compensate for the fatal flaw of tires, which are prone to punctures, it may have been considered rational for gasoline-powered vehicles to have all four wheels of the same size from the beginning, so that they could be replaced at any time.

[0005] In Japan and many other developed countries, roads are being paved with asphalt and other materials.

[0006] On the other hand, puncture-resistant tires with braided steel cords have been developed, and airless tires are also available. In other words, with the advancements in both road surfaces and tires, it can be said that the incidence of punctures has decreased dramatically compared to the past.

[0007] There is even a technique that allows you to temporarily increase the air pressure in a small tank even if you have a flat tire, and then move to a place where it can be repaired.

[0008] Therefore, perhaps there is less need for the wheels of a car to be the same size than there once was. This was the starting point of this invention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] The following patent documents can be cited as known techniques related to the present invention. [Patent Document 1] Patent application 2023-132762 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2007-320502 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 07-081639 [Patent Document 4] Jitsuzen Showa 59-012767 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention aims to improve wheel size, which has been overlooked until now, as well as rear wheel suspension in front-wheel drive vehicles, and the cargo bed of multi-purpose vehicles.

[0011] ●Explanation of the overall picture

[0012] Here, the goal of this invention is stated.

[0013] In this invention, we consider vehicles that are mainly equipped with front-wheel steering and mainly front-wheel drive, which are generally called FF vehicles, and have tires on the front wheels with a diameter of about 45 to 70 centimeters, the size used for ordinary passenger cars and freight vehicles.

[0014] In a normal FF car, the rear wheels are usually the same as the front wheels. However, in this application, we consider a method of receiving the load by significantly reducing the size of the rear wheels and increasing the number of them.

[0015] The following description will be given with reference to the drawings.

[0016] -Travel unit that folds up into a small size

[0017] Here, the running unit is an independent suspension device that is connected to the chassis by a rotating axis and is formed by integrating arms, shock absorbers, struts, springs, wheels, axles, etc., and is the part that is placed between the chassis and the ground.

[0018] Figures 1 and 2 show that the two rear wheels of the previous four-wheeled vehicle are now replaced by eight wheels with smaller diameters.

[0019] The ground contact pressure and contact area that previously corresponded to the two rear tires will now be distributed among at least four rear wheels, or more than four wheels (eight wheels in Figures 1 and 2).

[0020] By distributing the load, the diameter of the wheels can be made smaller, and the unsprung weight can also be reduced.

[0021] To support these small diameter wheels, a running unit 5 is used, which has a structure that allows it to become smaller in height and width when folded.

[0022] This independent suspension type traveling unit 5 (Fig. 5, Fig. 6) is a unit that includes wheels, suspension, etc. It will be described in detail later.

[0023] Figure 2 compares normal driving (top) 5' with folded (bottom) 5''. The small diameter of the wheels has the advantage of reducing the height 2L of the loading platform when the traveling unit 5 is folded, allowing the top of the loading platform to be lowered.

[0024] - Chassis frame with built-in running unit

[0025] The chassis 2 in Figures 1, 2, and 3 has a chassis frame that extends like two sleeves from the rear of the driver's seat, and houses the running unit 5. Figure 1 shows the layout, and Figure 3 shows a view from above.

[0026] Since the shape resembles the forks of a forklift, we will call the two sleeve chassis frame parts 2 the fork-shaped chassis parts, and the space between the two sleeves the fork gap 3, after the name of the "gap between the forks" in tableware. See Figure 1.

[0027] The width of this fork gap 3 is larger than the pallet portion 7 of the loading container 6. Sometimes slide rails, rollers, etc. are installed.

[0028] The inner part of the fork-shaped frame 2 is depicted here as being parallel, but it may be tapered to fit in more easily.

[0029] Removable cargo container

[0030] In Figures 1, 2 and 3, a dedicated loading container 6 is located on the right side of the fork-shaped vehicle body on the left.

[0031] Beneath and in the center of the loading container 6 is a removable pallet-like member 7. The member 7 may have extendable, movable feet 8 attached.

[0032] The loading container may simply be made convex with a protrusion at the bottom. The protruding portion must be higher than the height of the fork-shaped chassis when folded, and the two must be shaped so that they fit together perfectly.

[0033] The container on the right in FIG. 1 is fitted with a pallet member 7 and folded legs 8, and is shown moved to the right for easier understanding, from the state where it is mounted on the chassis on the left.

[0034] The fork gap 3 is left open and serves as a road surface, but a thin plate may be attached to the bottom or top.

[0035] Vehicles such as 8'' carrying containers can easily enter there. Figure 3, bottom of Figure 2.

[0036] By attaching a board to the top of the fork gap 3, it is possible to create a wide, low loading platform or stage, and it is also possible to attach seats there to carry passengers.

[0037] ●Combination of fork-shaped chassis and loading container

[0038] Figure 2 shows how a loading container is loaded onto and unloaded from the fork-type loading platform.

[0039] In the lower diagram of Figure 2, the loading container on the right has a pallet-shaped member car 8'' standing up, and the height of the bottom of the container 6 is 6L.

[0040] In the diagram below, the fork-type chassis on the left has the running unit 5 folded, and the ground clearance of 2XL means that the vehicle is lowered to a level where it can just about move.

[0041] (1) In this state, the fork-type chassis can move just like a forklift, and can move to clamp and take in the pallet member 7 in the fork gap 3. Nowadays, rearview monitor technology is available, and there is also a method of using a controller separate from the normal handle. The height of the top plate of the chassis 2, 2L, must be lower than the height of the bottom of both sides of the container, 6L.

[0042] (2) Conversely, the chassis can be stopped and left as is, and the wheels 8'' of the loading container can be used to move and push the pallet-like member 7 of the container into the fork gap 3 of the chassis fork. The tip 7' of the pallet is rounded, making it easier to insert between the forks.

[0043] ● Lift function of the traveling unit

[0044] In both (1) and (2), when the loading container reaches the top of the fork-shaped chassis, the running gear 5'' is raised to 5'. When the top plate reaches the normal 2H position, the pallet is lifted and firmly held by the chassis, and is then loaded. At this point, the container is fixed to the fork-shaped platform using a latch or an electromagnetic clutch, and the legs 8 of the container are also retracted.

[0045] The lift width is between 5' and 5'', which is roughly the same as the ground clearance of 2XH during normal driving, so it can be said that it is only a small amount, about 15 cm.

[0046] Needless to say, it cannot be used to lift objects to high places like a normal forklift.

[0047] Thus, in addition to the basic function of normal driving, this traveling unit also has the minimum necessary lifting function of lifting its own body and lifting up the container.

[0048] It is important to note that unlike ordinary forklifts, this type of lifting is only possible when certain conditions are met, such as a fork-type chassis, a running unit installed within it, and a special loading container with a pallet-like member attached underneath.

[0049] Of course, if you attach a part like the forks of a forklift, it is possible to raise and lower it within a very narrow range.

[0050] In the case where a board is attached to the underside of the fork gap, when the traveling unit is set to the lowest 5 inches,

[0051] (A) A dedicated container equipped with pallet-shaped components on wheels, etc. (B) Various equipment, containers, etc. with cars underneath. (C) Various equipment, containers, etc., placed on carts These items can be brought in and loaded, raised to standard vehicle height, secured, and the vehicle can then be moved.

[0052] The advantage of this system is that it eliminates the need for forklifts and roller conveyors when loading and unloading, and by replacing each container, it reduces the amount of manual work required to transfer cargo.

[0053] If boards were placed above or below the fork gap, the goods would have to be loaded by hand, by rolling them on a roller conveyor, or by using a forklift, which would be the same as current trucks, but the top and bottom boards would be positioned much lower than those on current trucks.

[0054] Relationship between the loading container and the fork-shaped chassis

[0055] Figure 1 shows that the rear of the vehicle's driver's seat is currently open, but there is a way to add an all-weather cover there.

[0056] This would allow the container to act as a skeleton framework or shelf, making it easier to see and find the cargo inside, eliminating the need to search deep inside the boxes of the truck container.

[0057] Figure 14 shows the loading of a loading container divided into three parts onto this fork-type vehicle. Here, the pallet-type member has thin legs 7 inch, which can be folded.

[0058] Large trucks are loaded with small cargo containers and transported, and the containers are unloaded at the base in the consumption area and then loaded into smaller vehicles for transport.

[0059] In addition, the containers for vertical fork trolleys can be modified in various ways.

[0060] ●Normal running of the running unit

[0061] Now, I would like to explain about the traveling unit.

[0062] The running unit 5 is explained in Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The running unit is a complete set from the suspension device to the wheels, but in the figures, springs, shock absorbers, struts, etc. are removed. The arms and links have also been simplified, and the kingpin angle has been omitted.

[0063] Each wheel of the left and right fork-shaped chassis is supported by an independent running unit.

[0064] The characteristic of the traveling unit of the present invention is that the connection with the chassis is centered on the rotation center 12, center E, so that the direction in which the wheels face can be changed by rotating the traveling unit.

[0065] Although it is possible to use power steering (self-steering) to operate the rotation of the base with power, here we will consider a system in which the wheel follows the movement of the front wheels or the entire chassis using caster trail. Naturally, it will also be possible to switch between self-steering and self-steering.

[0066] The connection part 12 with the chassis in FIG. 5 has a rotation axis A that supports the arm 13 at the bottom, and moves to rotate the entire traveling unit around a rotation center 18(E).

[0067] The wheels 16 are supported by arms 13 pointing forward and arms 14 pointing backward. Between arm 13 and arm 14, arm 13 is shorter.

[0068] In this case, as shown in Figure 7, it is also possible to provide an additional link C between the arm 14 and the wheel section 16, and prepare a rotation axis F for the axle section. With link C and rotation axis F here, the position and angle of the wheel can be delicately adjusted.

[0069] In this case, the degree of freedom in steering the wheels is further increased, and for example, it is easy to intentionally oversteer or even change to understeer.

[0070] When lateral G-forces are applied, the vehicle can be further stabilized by extending an arm outward from the body and pushing the wheels out.

[0071] When lateral G forces are applied, the left and right pressure on the springs at the suspension base of the left and right running units can be controlled to adjust the roll of the car.

[0072] ●Adjusting the wheel distance

[0073] To adjust the distance between the wheels, as shown in Figure 7, the running device is rotated at the rotation center 18, and even when the wheel part moves left or right, if there is a rotation axis F, the angle of the wheels can be adjusted to the same direction as the direction of travel.

[0074] In Figure 8, the center of the wheel 17, which was originally on the same line S as 18 in Figure 7, has moved parallel to the dotted line T below the arrow in Figure 12.

[0075] This allows the distance between the wheels to be freely adjusted.

[0076] In this state, if the wheels are changed to ones for rails, it will be possible to run on existing tram, electric train, and railway rails.

[0077] Additionally, when driving in a situation where lateral G forces are applied, the F can be controlled powered to cause the car to oversteer.

[0078] ●How the traveling unit moves

[0079] Let's go back to Figures 5 and 6. With current electronic control technology, it is possible to move the running units (rear wheels) of this multi-wheeled vehicle in any desired direction around the center of rotation 18, which makes it possible to give each running unit steering capability. Furthermore, it is also possible to make all or any of the rear wheels drive wheels.

[0080] When the running gear is steerable and steered by power, the smaller the caster trail of the wheels, the easier it is to change the direction of the wheels without strain. Conversely, to make the wheels compliant, that is, to make them move in accordance with the steering of the front wheels, it is advantageous to have some caster trail.

[0081] It would also be possible to electrically turn the caster trail on or off. By providing a horizontally placed rotation axis (a cam would also be acceptable) at connection 12 in the direction of travel, and tilting the connection forward or backward, or by adjusting the angle of the kingpin, it would be possible to control the caster trail value.

[0082] However, in this article, we will basically assume that there is no power steering or electronic control at the rear wheels, and will focus solely on passive steering and driving.

[0083] Vehicle turning diagram

[0084] On the left side of Figure 9, you can see the wheels and turning center J of a normal four-wheeled vehicle turning. U is the trajectory of the front wheel G', and V is the trajectory of the inside rear wheel H'. On the right you can see the wheels of a multi-wheeled vehicle turning. In the right figure, the front wheels K and K' of the multi-wheeled vehicle are no different from G and G' of the four-wheeled vehicle on the left.

[0085] Now, the rear propulsion units L to O' of the multi-wheeled vehicle on the right are driven wheels, meaning that they are not using driving force and are not using power steering.

[0086] These are driven wheels, meaning they only follow the movement of the front wheels or the entire vehicle with a caster trail. On flat ground, at low speeds, and with small steering inputs, these wheels can follow the front wheels almost faithfully.

[0087] However, when the steering wheel is turned suddenly at high speed, lateral G forces are applied to the vehicle's centers of gravity I and P, which can have various effects. In the diagram of four wheels on the left, wheels G and H are more likely to skid.

[0088] When lateral G forces are applied at P in the right diagram, the rear wheels, which only have caster trail, may become unstable.

[0089] Furthermore, the rotation axis 12 of the traveling unit may move unexpectedly due to an uneven or inclined road surface, causing the front and rear wheels to become reversed. This is unavoidable since the traveling unit is a driven wheel with a caster trail.

[0090] ● Limit the rotation angle of the traveling unit

[0091] Therefore, first, we decided to limit the rotation angle of the traveling unit that moves by the caster trail. This is the limit angle 19 in Figure 6. There are also ways to limit it mechanically or electrically.

[0092] ●Geometry adjustment to make it want to move in a straight line

[0093] Also, by adjusting the rotation axis 18, E or kingpin of the traveling unit, it is possible to give the wheels the tendency to move in a straight line. Normally, tilting the kingpin slightly forward will cause the wheels to tend to go towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0094] ● Lock when going straight

[0095] The dotted lines in the vertical R in Figure 9 are the turning centers of each wheel when each rear wheel unit is facing forward and moving straight ahead. In other words, if the direction of the wheels is not driven by natural events but is fixed to moving straight ahead, they will only turn towards this R, and the car will only move straight ahead.

[0096] Here, by fixing only two opposing or arbitrary traveling units, for example, N and N' in Figure 9, to straight-line running, and allowing the other traveling units to follow the front wheels and steer naturally using caster trail, the turning center of the multi-wheeled vehicle can be determined as Q.

[0097] In Figure 9, columns L and M, which move according to the circumstances, face left in the direction of travel, and column O faces right.

[0098] The trajectory of the front wheel K' is U, and the trajectory of the rear wheel N' is V, which gives a driving feel similar to that of a normal four-wheeled vehicle.

[0099] It can be seen that if row L or row O is fixed to go straight instead of row N, the turning radius will change. When the L-row wheels are fixed for straight-line driving, the car will oversteer when making tight turns, while the M-row wheels are at the center of gravity, resulting in neutral steering, and the O-row wheels tend to understeer when making wide turns. Therefore, by changing which wheels are fixed for straight-line driving, you can make fine adjustments to the car's steering.

[0100] It may also be possible to electronically decide which traveling units to lock depending on the situation.

[0101] It is also possible to use power steering and have electronic control to calculate which wheels to move at what angle.

[0102] In fact, if the driving unit is rotated by power and self-powered steering is performed, the entire vehicle can be moved perpendicular to the direction of travel, rotated on the spot, and various other movements can be achieved.However, when driving on normal roads, is there any benefit to being able to steer self-powered?

[0103] Since this is a car that runs on public roads, not on a race course, you could say that lateral G forces are not something to worry about. In fact, lateral G forces are not beneficial to passengers or luggage.

[0104] Considering this, when riding on a normal straight road, it is fine to use the straight lock, but there should be no problem if you just leave the caster trail and ride along as the road takes you.

[0105] However, when the rear wheels are moving on caster trail, and the car approaches a curve or other obstacle and lateral G-forces are applied to the car, if the caster trail continues, the way the rear wheels of the car will move becomes unstable and difficult to predict.

[0106] Although it may seem like the opposite at first glance, some of the rear wheels that are moving on a caster trail need to stop the caster trail and enter straight lock when going around a curve.

[0107] Conversely, if the rear wheels are four or more, at least two wheels can always be in a straight line, and in fact must always be in a straight line. In this state, driving can be done in the same way as a normal four-wheeled vehicle.

[0108] ● Locks the straight-ahead direction when reversing

[0109] The next problem occurs when reversing. The caster trail of the traveling unit becomes unstable when reversing, even with a limit angle of 19.

[0110] If the wheels had driving force, they could be pulled backwards, but since they are driven wheels, it just comes down to what happens.

[0111] Therefore, when in reverse, it is preferable to completely stop the caster trail movement and fix it only in the straight or reverse direction. A mechanism for moving in a straight or reverse direction and a locking mechanism such as an electromagnetic clutch would make the job go faster.

[0112] This can be done by using power to rotate the traveling unit, but if there is a forward, straight-ahead movement before reversing, the traveling unit will basically be in a straight-ahead position, so if you lock it here, you can easily lock it in the straight-ahead direction.

[0113] It would be easier to get used to it if you didn't think about caster trail or multiple wheels, and just locked the rear wheels in a straight line as soon as you put the gear in reverse, as this would give you the same feel as reversing a normal four-wheeled vehicle.

[0114] On the other hand, doing this will make even slight parallel movements more difficult when turning, but since the operation feels almost the same as a normal four-wheeled vehicle, it is not difficult and there will likely be few complaints.

[0115] ●Load adjustment and travel unit

[0116] The rear wheels usually support the load with four or more wheels, but if the cargo bed is empty or lighter than expected, it is possible to fold up the unnecessary running unit.

[0117] This means that you can select the optimal number of running units and their positions depending on the load. Because each running unit is an independent stand, you can easily fold up at least two running units with locked wheels facing forward.

[0118] Ironically and strangely, this makes the vehicle the same as a regular four-wheeled vehicle.

[0119] The above is about the frame and suspension for the vertical fork type, but next we will explain the horizontal fork type.

[0120] Horizontal fork-shaped chassis

[0121] Figure 10 is a diagram of the horizontal fork type.

[0122] Figure 11 shows the horizontal fork type from the side and from above.

[0123] There is no significant difference in the running unit. The horizontal fork type has a 2-inch connecting frame, from which a fork-shaped part housing the running unit extends sideways at a right angle.

[0124] Whether the space between the forks, the fork gap 3, is on the right or left side of the vehicle may depend on whether the vehicle drives on the right or left side. Also, although not shown in the diagram, there is a method of providing a spine or keel 2'' in the center of the vehicle. Another option is to cover the entire floor with a highly rigid board.

[0125] Vehicles that transport heavy loads use many traveling units, and if necessary, it is possible to increase the number of forks in this horizontal fork section.

[0126] The vertical fork type, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is suitable for transporting container-type cargo beds, as it can carry items such as containers, move the containers to their destination, and streamline loading and unloading and reloading.

[0127] In contrast, with this horizontal fork type, when the vehicle is parked on the ground and the frame is placed on the ground, only the cross section of the fork type loading platform 2' is visible from the front, and the fork gap 3 becomes a wide open space with no step at the entrance, which may make it easy to use depending on the purpose.

[0128] Like a kitchen car or camper van, once it is set up, it can be easily accessed from the side, with no steps or even a threshold, which is what makes it so different from previous kitchen cars.

[0129] Figure 12 shows the running unit in the fork frame of a lateral fork turned sideways. By raising the front wheels and rotating the rear running unit so that the wheels are facing perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the vehicle, the vehicle can move sideways.

[0130] In these cases, there is absolutely no need for speed. Moving quickly is actually dangerous, and there is no need to move quickly.

[0131] This shape would also be convenient, as it would allow the container to be moved sideways or for a car to be moved while leaving the container in place.

[0132] These side-fork vehicles would be easy to use as kitchen cars, campers, ambulances, doctor's cars, and nursing care vehicles.

[0133] Heavy-duty forklift trucks can contribute to society in a variety of applications, including as heavy-duty transport vehicles, aerial work platforms, tank trucks, etc. Depending on the application, rear-wheel steering or rear-wheel drive may also be required.

[0134] On the other hand, in the lightweight class, it is also possible to have a single row of lateral forks instead of two rows. In Figures 13 and 14, there is no fork joint 2'', and the floor board is made solid.

[0135] Figure 14 is a floor plan of a vehicle with a single-row horizontal forklift, with the doors and other parts removed. Even if the car has vertical forks, it is possible to add floorboards and create a vehicle suitable for sports.

[0136] In that case, if the number of rotation axes of the driving unit is increased and the direction of the wheels can be moved outward as shown in Figures 7 and 8, it may be possible to enjoy a driving sensation that is completely different from that of conventional four-wheeled vehicles. If rear-wheel drive is added, it may also be possible to drive in a sporty manner.

[0137] summary

[0138] Let me summarize the above. I will explain this separately in terms of suspension system A and chassis system B.

[0139] (Claim A1) FF, driven multi-wheeled vehicle Two or more front wheels for driving and steering; It has four or more small diameter rear wheels that follow the motion of the car by means of a caster trail. (1) At least one of the rear wheels is Always, When the steering wheel is turned, When the car turns a corner, When the blinker is on, When either of the above is set to the forward, straight-ahead position, (2) When the vehicle is in reverse or in reverse gear, at least one of the rear wheels is locked in a forward-facing or rear-facing position. (3) The rear wheels are set to caster trail, but the angle of movement is limited to prevent the wheels from pointing in an unintended direction. (4) The kingpin of the caster trail of the rear wheels is slightly tilted forward, and the alignment is adjusted so that the wheels almost always tend to point in the forward direction. By satisfying one or more of the above (1) to (4), the suspension of a multi-purpose multi-wheeled vehicle can be handled in a manner similar to that of a normal four-wheeled vehicle.

[0140] (Claim A2) FR or 4WD or more multi-wheeled vehicle Two or more front wheels that drive and steer or steer; It has four or more small diameter rear wheels that follow the motion of the car by means of a caster trail. (1) At least two of the rear wheels are power-driven wheels, and the drive wheels are: -In order to be treated like a normal four-wheeled vehicle with neutral steering, it is fixed in a position facing straight ahead. - It is capable of unique steering so that it can be handled like a normal four-wheeled vehicle with oversteer. is in one of the following states: (2) When a vehicle is backing up or in reverse gear, at least two rear wheels are locked in a forward or rearward position and exert a driving force in the rearward direction. (3) The rear wheels that are not the drive wheels are set to caster trail, but the angle of movement is limited to prevent the wheels from pointing in an unintended direction. (4) The kingpin of the caster trail of the rear wheels that are not the drive wheels is slightly tilted forward, and the alignment is adjusted so that the wheels almost always tend to point in the forward direction. By satisfying one or more of the above (1) to (4), the suspension of a multi-purpose multi-wheel vehicle can be handled in a manner somewhat similar to that of a normal four-wheel drive vehicle.

[0141] (Claim A3) FF, driven multi-wheel vehicle, vehicle with adjustable vehicle height Two or more front wheels for driving and steering; It has four or more small diameter rear wheels that follow the motion of the car by means of a caster trail. The wheels have the unique feature of being able to change the vehicle height when the arms and struts are folded and extended. The rear wheel features: (1) At least one of the rear wheels is Always, When the steering wheel is turned, When the car turns a corner, When the blinker is on, When either of the above is set to the forward, straight-ahead position, (2) When the vehicle is in reverse or in reverse gear, at least one of the rear wheels is locked in a forward-facing or rear-facing position. (3) The rear wheels are set to caster trail, but the angle of movement is limited to prevent the wheels from pointing in an unintended direction. (4) The kingpin of the caster trail of the rear wheels is slightly tilted forward, and the alignment is adjusted so that the wheels almost always tend to point in the forward direction. (4') When the load is light, the number of ground contact wheels can be adjusted by leaving the necessary running units and folding the unnecessary running units. By satisfying one or more of the above (1) to (4'), the suspension of a multi-purpose multi-wheeled vehicle can be handled in a manner similar to that of a normal four-wheeled vehicle and has the feature of being able to change the vehicle height.

[0142] Next is chassis system B. (Claim B1) Vertical two-pronged forklift and loading container (overview) -The upper part of the vehicle is made up of a vertical fork-shaped loading platform frame (B) with a loading platform container (C) that has a mating surface on the bottom, making it a container vehicle with the ability to load and unload the loading platform container (C) by itself. (Underneath the vehicle) (1) It has two or more front wheels, is front-wheel drive, and is front-wheel steering. (2) Have four or more small rear wheels; (3) Looking at the chassis, two vertical fork-shaped loading frames (B) on both sides of the vehicle body are equipped with rear wheel travel units (A) arranged vertically, with two or more on each side. (3-1) This rear wheel driving unit (A) is a compact assembly of wheels, arms, shock absorbers, struts, springs, etc., and the wheels, which have no driving or steering force, are set up to follow the movement of the front wheels or the movement of the entire vehicle through caster trail. (3-2) In addition, this rear wheel travel unit (A) has the function of cushioning shocks and supporting the vehicle body, and can adjust its height by folding the arms or adjusting the struts, and by raising and lowering the vertical fork-shaped loading platform frame (B), it has the function of lifting and holding objects on the loading platform frame (B). (Top of the vehicle) (4) It is equipped with a removable loading container (C) that can be driven into the fork gap (concave) between two vertical fork-shaped loading frames (B). (5) The rear wheel travel unit (A) raises and lowers the loading platform frame (B), thereby having the function of independently holding, securing, or releasing the loading platform container (C). (6) As described above, the loading container (C) can be easily moved, and each container can be moved, which reduces the manual work of loading and unloading cargo. A vertical fork-type container multi-wheel vehicle with the ability to load and unload removable loading containers (C) by itself.

[0143] (Claim B2) Vertical two-fork vehicle, ultra-low floor setting possible (overview) - A highly rigid plate is attached to the upper or lower surface of the vertical fork-shaped loading platform frame (B) at the bottom of the vehicle. (Underneath the vehicle) (1) It has two or more front wheels, is front-wheel drive, and is front-wheel steering. (2) Have four or more small rear wheels; (3) Looking at the chassis, two vertical fork-shaped loading frames (B) on both sides of the vehicle body are equipped with rear wheel travel units (A) arranged vertically, with two or more on each side. (3-1) This rear wheel driving unit (A) is a compact assembly of wheels, arms, shock absorbers, struts, springs, etc., and the wheels, which have no driving or steering force, are set up to follow the movement of the front wheels or the movement of the entire vehicle through caster trail. (3-3) In addition to absorbing shocks and supporting the vehicle body, this rear wheel travel unit (A) can also adjust the height of the horizontal fork-shaped loading platform frame (B) by folding the arms or adjusting the struts. (3-4) A rigid board is attached somewhere between the top and bottom of the horizontal fork-shaped loading platform frame (B). (3-5) By moving the travel unit, the vehicle height can be adjusted up and down, allowing the vehicle to be in a low position. (A) A dedicated container equipped with pallet-shaped components on wheels, etc. (B) Various equipment with cars underneath, seats, containers, etc. (C) Various equipment, seats, containers, etc. on carts A multi-wheeled luggage vehicle with an ultra-low floor setting that can be used to transport and load items, raise it to standard height, secure it, and then move the vehicle. (Claim B3) Horizontal forklift (overview) -The lower part of the vehicle is made up of a horizontal fork-shaped loading platform frame (D) with a top surface that has a concave and convex shape, and the upper part of the vehicle is made up of a loading platform container (E) with a convex and convex shape on the bottom that fits the frame, making it a container vehicle with the function of being able to load and unload loading platform containers (E) by itself. (Underneath the vehicle) (1) It has two or more front wheels, is front-wheel drive, and is front-wheel steering. (2) Have four or more small rear wheels; (7) Looking at the chassis, it has one or more horizontal fork-shaped loading frames (D) extending sideways at right angles to the direction of travel, and several rear wheel travel units (A) arranged side by side. (7-1) This rear wheel driving unit (A) is a compact assembly of wheels, arms, shock absorbers, struts, springs, etc., and the wheels, which have no driving or steering force, are set up to follow the movement of the front wheels or the movement of the entire vehicle through caster trail. (7-2) In addition, this rear wheel travel unit (A) has the function of cushioning impacts and supporting the vehicle body, and can adjust its height by folding the arms or adjusting the struts, and can raise and lower the horizontal fork-shaped loading platform frame (D), and has the function of lifting and holding objects on the horizontal loading platform frame (D). (7-3) Between the horizontal loading frames (D) or between one loading frame (D) and the passenger compartment, there is a frame (E) on the side or in the center of the vehicle that connects them. Alternatively, a strong board is laid somewhere between the top and bottom of the horizontal loading platform frame (D) to support the horizontal loading platform frame (D) and the vehicle interior. (7-4) The fork gap (F) on the side of the vehicle where there is no frame (E) creates an open space. (7-5) If boards are installed anywhere from the bottom to the top of the floor board of the horizontal loading platform frame ((D), the upper part will have a low floor and an open feeling. (Top of the vehicle) (9) The upper part of the board between the fork gaps (F) of the horizontal loading frame (D) or between the bottom and top of the floor board of the horizontal loading frame (D) shall not be Loading container (E), Or kitchen facilities, camping facilities, high-altitude crane facilities, special equipment, trucks, etc. It has the ability to mount various facilities freely or fixedly, A horizontal fork-type container multi-wheel vehicle that has the ability to load and unload various facilities on its own.

[0144] (Claim B4) (7-6) When carrying heavy equipment on top of the vehicle, it may become rear-wheel drive. The horizontal fork-type container multi-wheel vehicle according to claim 3.

[0145] (Claim B5) Vehicles that can be steered longitudinally, laterally, and horizontally (1) It has two or more front wheels, is front-wheel drive, and is front-wheel steering. (2) Have four or more small rear wheels; (10) Looking at the chassis, the rear wheel drive unit (A) (10-1) Arrange four or more of them vertically on both sides of the vehicle, or (10-2) A total of four or more units shall be placed sideways in the rear or subsequent parts of the vehicle. (10-3) The floor of the vehicle is made of strong boards. (11-1) This rear wheel driving unit (A) is a compact assembly of wheels, arms, shock absorbers, struts, springs, etc., and the wheels, which have no driving or steering force, are set up to follow the movement of the front wheels or the movement of the entire vehicle through caster trail. (11-4) Some of the wheels of the rear wheel drive unit (A) have steering or angle adjustment functions. (11-5) In addition to the rotating shaft that rotates the entire running unit, there is another rotating shaft that changes the direction of only the wheel section, which makes it possible to steer away from the tendency for oversteering and adjust the wheel feel distance, as is the case with normal four-wheeled vehicles. (11-6) Some of the wheels of the rear wheel drive unit (A) may be equipped with driving force. (12) A multi-wheeled vehicle with four or more running units (A) that can accommodate various facilities such as seats. [Industrial Applicability]

[0146] The present invention relates to a multi-wheeled vehicle that can serve as the basis for a multi-purpose vehicle. The rear wheels are small and numerous, and the vehicle mainly uses a caster trail system, and the height of the vehicle from the road surface can be changed using arms or struts, which allows the vehicle to lift, hold, and transfer loading containers on its own. Those equipped with vertical forks can transfer containers from large trucks and transport them to their destinations and final distribution points without the need for forklifts, significantly reducing the amount of work involved in sorting and loading. On the other hand, horizontal forklifts have the advantage that they can be lowered than normal vehicles and have openings on the sides, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from camper vans, kitchen vans, and ambulances to various specialized vehicles and heavy transport vehicles. In this way, we believe that vertical forklifts can streamline distribution, and horizontal forklifts can serve as the basis for special vehicles, making a modest contribution to industrial development. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0147] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the chassis of a vertical fork-shaped vehicle with the self-propelled loading platform lowered to the rear, with some perspective views. [Figure 2] Comparison of vertical fork-type vehicle operation [Figure 3] A top view of the vertical fork-shaped chassis part 1 and the removable loading platform part 6. [Figure 4] Diagram of a container divided into three parts and its supporting legs [Figure 5] Driving unit schematic [Figure 6] View from above of the traveling unit [Figure 7] Top view of the traveling unit with an increased rotation axis [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram of the state in which the rotation axis E and rotation axis F of the traveling unit in Figure 7 are rotated and the wheels are translated to change the distance between the wheels. [Figure 9] Comparison of turning during steering operation between a normal four-wheel vehicle and a front-wheel drive, front-wheel steering, and rear multi-wheel vehicle [Figure 10] Horizontal fork type vehicle design [Figure 11] Comparison of horizontal forklift trucks from the side and above [Figure 12] An explanatory diagram of the state in which the traveling unit of a horizontal forklift is facing sideways at a right angle to the direction of travel and can move sideways. [Figure 13] Diagram of a car with one horizontal fork [Figure 14] Sketch of a car with one horizontal fork [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1 Vehicle body The front part of the vehicle with a fork-shaped loading platform frame and a removable container, the driver's seat area 2 Vertical fork section, the loading frame part of the vehicle body (chassis section), shaped like a thick fork, shaped like the letter U, rails, and uneven parts. 2' horizontal fork 2" Horizontal fork vertical extension, connecting frame part 2H Maximum height of loading platform fork (when traveling) 2XH ground clearance (when driving) 2L Bed Fork Loading Height (When Loaded) 2XL Minimum vehicle height When 2XL is 0, the vehicle is seated. 3 The gap between the fork shapes, the fork gap, is the space in which the pallet-shaped protruding part 7 of the container 6 or the pallet part 7, 8 with the self-propelled device 8 fits. 4 front wheels, basically front-wheel drive, front-wheel steering 4' Front wheel drive unit folded 5. Trailing wheel travel unit 5' Running unit raised 5" with the propulsion unit folded 5'' Maximum circle of rotation of the propulsion unit 6 Removable cargo container and passenger seat sections 6' Divided cargo container section 6L Height of loading platform when unloading When 6L is higher than 2L, the loading container can be placed on the loading fork. 6XL Height of the pallet portion of the container when loaded and stored 6" Pallet height from ground when self-propelled Here you can also attach parts to maintain height. 7 Removable container section, pallet-shaped section under the carriage section, pallet-shaped member, The fork-shaped loading platform can fit into the gap between the loading platform frame and the rails, the fork gap 3, and can also be fitted with self-propelled wheels 8. The tip of the 7' pallet is rounded to make it easier to fit into the fork gap. 7'' container legs, simple 8 Container section running unit 8' container with running unit folded 8'' container running unit in upright position When the 8'' container's travel unit is pulled out from the fork frame of the loading platform, it spreads out from the pallet part of the loading platform to both sides of the platform and also extends downward, standing up, stabilizing the platform and allowing it to stand up from the ground and move on its own. 12 Chassis, frame attachment 13 Upper Arm 14 Lower Arm 15 Wheel mounting member 15' Wheel rotation angle 16 wheels A Rotation axis of upper arm 13 (upper) B link Rotation axis of lower arm 14 (upper) C-link Rotation axis (lower) of the lower arm 14 and rotation axis of the wheel mounting member D Wheel rotation axis E Rotation center of the entire traveling unit 5 F Left and right rotation axis of the axle 17 Wheel contact point 18 Rotation axis of traveling unit 19. Steering limit range of the driving unit (rear), (limit angle) 20 Straight lock of the travel unit (rear) (when reversing) 21 Running unit (rear) caster trail width (angle is ignored here) G, G' Front wheels of a normal four-wheel vehicle, steering H, H' Rear wheels of a normal four-wheel vehicle, steering I Vehicle center of gravity J Turning center of a normal four-wheel vehicle Front wheels of K, K' rear multi-wheeled vehicle (hereinafter referred to as multi-wheeled vehicle) L, L', M, M', N, N', O, O' Rear wheels of a multi-wheeled vehicle turning P Vehicle center of gravity Q Turning center of multi-wheeled vehicle R The turning center when each wheel of a multi-wheeled vehicle is moving straight S Center line of the traveling unit T The center line of the wheel when the traveling unit is rotated and moved parallel to the outside of the wheel U Front wheel track V Rear wheel track

Claims

1. two or more front wheels for driving and steering; It has four or more small diameter rear wheels that follow the car's motion with a caster trail. (1) At least one of the rear wheels is ・Always, When the handle is turned, When the car turns a corner, When the blinker is on, When either of the above is set to the forward, straight-ahead position, (2) When the vehicle is backing up or in reverse gear, at least one of the rear wheels is locked in a forward or rearward position. (3) The rear wheels are set to caster trail, but the angle of movement is limited to prevent the wheels from pointing in an unintended direction. (4) The kingpin of the caster trail of the rear wheels is slightly tilted forward due to alignment adjustment, so that the wheels almost always tend to point in the forward direction. By satisfying one or more of the above (1) to (4), the suspension of a multi-purpose multi-wheeled vehicle can be handled in a manner similar to that of a normal four-wheeled vehicle.

2. Two or more front wheels that drive and steer or steer; It has four or more small diameter rear wheels that follow the car's motion with a caster trail. (1) At least two of the rear wheels are power-driven or power-steered wheels, and the drive wheels are: -In order to be treated like a normal four-wheeled vehicle with neutral steering, it is fixed in a position facing straight ahead. - It is capable of unique steering so that it can be handled like a normal four-wheeled vehicle with oversteer. The device is in one of the following states: (2) When a vehicle is backing up or in reverse gear, at least two rear wheels are locked in a forward or rearward position and exert a driving force in the rearward direction. (3) The rear wheels that are not the drive wheels are set to caster trail, but the operating angle is limited to prevent the wheels from pointing in an inadvertent direction. (4) The kingpin of the caster trail of the rear wheels that are not the drive wheels is slightly tilted forward, and the alignment adjustment is set so that the wheels almost always tend to point in the forward direction. By satisfying one or more of the above (1) to (4), the suspension of a multi-purpose multi-wheel vehicle can be handled in a manner somewhat similar to that of a normal four-wheel drive vehicle.

3. two or more front wheels for driving and steering; It has four or more small diameter rear wheels that follow the car's motion with a caster trail. The wheels have the unique feature of being able to change the vehicle height when the arms and struts are folded and extended. The rear wheel features: (1) At least one of the rear wheels is ・Always, When the handle is turned, When the car turns a corner, When the blinker is on, When either of the above is set to the forward, straight-ahead position, (2) When the vehicle is backing up or in reverse gear, at least one of the rear wheels is locked in a forward or rearward position. (3) The rear wheels are set to caster trail, but the angle of movement is limited to prevent the wheels from pointing in an unintended direction. (4) The kingpin of the caster trail of the rear wheels is slightly tilted forward due to alignment adjustment, so that the wheels almost always tend to point in the forward direction. (4') When the load is light, you can leave the necessary traveling units and fold the unnecessary traveling units to adjust the number of ground contact wheels. By satisfying any one or more of the above (1) to (4'), the suspension of the multi-purpose multi-wheeled vehicle can be handled in a manner similar to that of a normal four-wheeled vehicle and has the feature of being able to change the vehicle height.

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