Frame structure of micro vehicles

Abstract

To provide a frame structure for micro-vehicles that minimizes injuries to occupants in the event of a collision. [Solution] The micro vehicle 1 is provided with side frame sections 7 arranged along the front-rear direction on both the left and right sides and supporting the front wheels 4, and a middle frame section 8 arranged along the front-rear direction between the side frame sections 7. The side frame section 7 has a lower side frame section 70 that extends at least from the seat section 5 to the rear of the front wheels 4, a rising side frame section 71 that rises from the front end of the lower side frame section 70, and an upper side frame section 72 that extends forward from the upper end of the rising side frame section 71. The middle frame section 8 has a rear middle frame section 80 that rises to support the seat section 5, a lower middle frame section 81 that extends from the lower end of the rear middle frame section 80 to the rear of the front wheels 4, and a front middle frame section 82 that rises from the front end of the lower middle frame section 81 and supports the steering wheel 6. In the event of a frontal collision, the rising side frame section 71 and the upper side frame section 72 deform to absorb collision energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a frame structure of a micro vehicle such as a portable cargo vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, online supermarkets and food deliveries have rapidly spread. In addition, the social demand for reducing CO emissions from vehicles has also increased, and along with this, the need for portable cargo vehicles has been on the rise. 2 As a cargo vehicle that meets such requirements, there are electric micro cargo vehicles and the like.

[0003] Conventional micro vehicles such as micro cargo vehicles hardly consider safety against collisions, and in the event of a collision accident, serious human casualties often occurred.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a frame structure of a micro vehicle that minimizes damage to passengers in the event of a collision accident.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention according to claim 1 of the present application is a frame structure for a micro vehicle, comprising: side frame portions arranged along the front-rear direction on both the left and right sides of the micro vehicle and supporting the front wheels; and a middle frame portion arranged along the front-rear direction between the side frame portions, wherein the side frame portion has a lower side frame portion arranged at least from the seat portion to the rear of the front wheels, a rising side frame portion rising from the front end of the lower side frame portion, and an upper side frame portion extending forward from the upper end of the rising side frame portion, wherein the middle frame portion has a rear middle frame portion that rises to support the seat portion, a lower middle frame portion arranged from the lower end of the rear middle frame portion to the rear of the front wheels, and a front middle frame portion that rises from the front end of the lower middle frame portion and supports the handle, wherein the front end of the upper side frame portion protrudes forward more than the front middle frame portion, and in the event of a frontal collision, at least one of the rising side frame portion and the upper side frame portion deforms to absorb collision energy.

[0006] The invention according to claim 2 of this application is a frame structure for a micro vehicle as described in claim 1, comprising a cross member provided on the upper side of the side frame and supporting the upper part of the front riser of the middle frame, wherein the cross member is configured such that even if deformation occurs in at least the upper part of the side frame riser and the upper side of the side frame during a frontal collision, force is not transmitted to the upper part of the front riser of the middle frame.

[0007] The invention according to claim 3 of this application is a frame structure for a micro vehicle as described in claim 1, characterized in that the side frame portion is positioned outside the width of the occupant's body.

[0008] The invention according to claim 4 of this application is a frame structure for a micro vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cross-section of the central frame portion is hollow and ribs are provided along the front-to-back direction inside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, in the event of a frontal collision, the side frame upright portion and the upper edge portion of the side frame portion that protrude forward from the central frame portion deform to absorb collision energy, thereby securing occupant space in the central frame portion and ensuring occupant safety.

[0010] In addition, the cross member provided on the upper edge of the side frame and supporting the upper part of the front rib of the middle frame is configured such that even if deformation occurs in at least the upper part of the side frame rib or the upper edge of the side frame during a frontal collision, the force is not transmitted to the upper part of the front rib of the middle frame. As a result, the middle frame and the seat portion supported by the middle frame are less affected by the deformation of the upper part of the side frame rib and the upper edge of the side frame.

[0011] In addition, because the side frame is positioned outside the width of the occupant's body, even if the upper part or top edge of the side frame deforms backward during a frontal collision, there is no need to worry about it hitting the occupant's body.

[0012] In addition, the cross-section of the central frame is hollow, and ribs are provided along the front-to-back direction inside, which increases the strength of the central frame that supports the seat, further enhancing occupant safety. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a microvehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a micro vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a front view of a microvehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of a microvehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the middle frame portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a micro vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the battery installed. [Figure 7] This is a side view of a micro vehicle during deformation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings and the like. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[0015] This embodiment applies the frame structure of the present invention to a micro vehicle.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a micro vehicle according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side view of the micro vehicle, FIG. 3 is a front view of the micro vehicle, FIG. 4 is a plan view of the micro vehicle, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a middle frame portion, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the micro vehicle in a state where a battery is mounted, and FIG. 7 is a side view of the micro vehicle when deformed. In each figure, the frame structure is shown as the center, and the body, drive source, power transmission mechanism, and the like are shown in an omitted manner.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a micro vehicle 1 according to this embodiment is an electric micro cargo vehicle, and includes a frame 2 that serves as the body of the micro vehicle 1, a pair of left and right rear wheels 3 that are drive wheels, a pair of left and right front wheels 4 that are driven wheels, a seat portion 5 for a passenger M to sit on, and a steering wheel 6 that a passenger M operates to adjust the horizontal angle of the front wheels 4. The seat portion 5 is disposed between the rear wheels 3 and the front wheels 4 in the front-rear direction.

[0018] The frame 2 includes side frame portions 7 disposed along the front-rear direction on both left and right sides of the micro vehicle 1, a middle frame portion 8 disposed along the front-rear direction between the left and right side frame portions 7, a motor (not shown) for driving the rear wheels 3, and a loading portion 9 for loading luggage.

[0019] The side frame portion 7 has a side frame lower side portion 70 disposed from behind the seat portion 5 to behind the front wheels 4, a side frame standing upper portion 71 rising from the front end portion of the side frame lower side portion 70, and a side frame upper side portion 72 extending forward from the upper end portion of the side frame standing upper portion 71.

[0020] The side frame lower side portion 70 and the side frame upper side portion 72 are disposed substantially horizontally (FIG. 2). The upper part 71 of the side frame stands up, inclining gradually forward upward at an angle of approximately 60 degrees from the horizontal plane.

[0021] At the rear end of the lower side part 70 of the side frame, a loading platform part 9 and a rear wheel support frame body 30 are attached behind the seat part 5. The rear end of the lower side part 70 of the side frame is not limited to this and may be further arranged rearward, that is, the lower side part 70 of the side frame only needs to be arranged at least forward from the seat part.

[0022] In the left and right side frame parts 7, the middle part of the lower side part 70 of the side frame is connected by two middle part connecting frames 74 arranged at intervals, and the rear part of the lower side part 70 of the side frame is connected by a rear part connecting frame 75. A buffer frame 76 is erected on the front end faces of the upper side parts 72 of the left and right side frames. Both ends of the buffer frame 76 project outward from the side frame part 7.

[0023] The upper side parts 72 of the left and right side frames are connected by a front part connecting frame 77. Both ends of the front part connecting frame 77 project outward from the side frame part 7, and a rotation shaft 40 for supporting the front wheel 4 penetrates vertically through the projecting part of the front part connecting frame 77 and is supported. With such a configuration, the front wheel 4 is supported by the side frame part 7.

[0024] A disk 41 is fixed to the upper end of the rotation shaft 40, and a wheel support arm 42 branched into left and right branches downward is provided from the lower end of the rotation shaft 40. A front wheel 4 is rotatably attached between the branched wheel support arms 42.

[0025] The front end parts of a rear wheel support frame body 30 for supporting the rear wheels 3 are connected to the rear end parts of the lower side parts 70 of the left and right side frames so as to be vertically swingable. At the rear end of the rear wheel support frame body 30, a drive shaft 31 connected to an output shaft (not shown) of a motor is erected so as to be rotatable along the width direction, and rear wheels 3 are attached to both ends of the drive shaft 31.

[0026] Since the middle frame part 8 supports the seat part 5 on which the occupant M sits, the highest strength among the frames 2 is required to protect the occupant M. The cross-section of the central frame 8 has a uniform shape; specifically, the upper surface 8a and the lower surface 8b are parallel, and the left and right sides 8c and 8d are hollow with the central part bent outward. Ribs 8e and 8f are formed along the front-to-back direction on both the left and right sides of the interior, connecting the upper surface 8a and the lower surface 8b (Figure 5).

[0027] The central frame section 8 has a hollow shape with ribs 8e and 8f, which gives it excellent energy absorption and high strength, making it resistant to deformation from impact. The cross-sectional shape of the side frame portion 7 is the same as that of the middle frame portion 8. However, it may also be a cross-sectional shape with slightly lower rigidity than that of the middle frame portion 8.

[0028] The middle frame portion 8 includes a middle frame rear rise portion 80 that supports the seat portion 5 and rises up, a middle frame lower edge portion 81 that is positioned from the lower end of the middle frame rear rise portion 80 to the rear of the front wheel 4, and a middle frame front rise portion 82 that rises up from the front end of the middle frame lower edge portion 81.

[0029] The lower edge portion 81 of the central frame is positioned approximately horizontally (Figure 2). The rear vertical section 80 of the middle frame rises upward and gradually slopes backward at an angle of approximately 60 degrees from the horizontal plane. The upper part 82 of the central frame's front rib gradually slopes upward and forward at an angle of approximately 60 degrees from the horizontal plane.

[0030] The front intermediate connecting frame 74, which is attached to the lower edge 70 of the side frame, is connected and fixed to the lower end of the rear vertical upper part 80 of the middle frame and the rear end of the lower edge 81 of the middle frame. In other words, the middle frame 8 is connected and fixed to the side frame 7 via the front intermediate connecting frame 74.

[0031] The upper part 82 of the central frame front rises slightly behind the upper part 71 of the side frame and parallel to the upper part 71 of the side frame, and the upper end of the upper part 82 of the central frame front rise protrudes above the upper edge 72 of the side frame. Therefore, the front connecting frame 77, which connects the upper edges 72 of the left and right side frames, is positioned below and in front of the upper part 82 of the front frame, so as to cross the upper part 82 of the front frame.

[0032] The front end of the upper side portion 72 of the side frame protrudes further forward than the front end of the upper front portion 82 of the middle frame. The buffer frames 76 attached to the front end surfaces of the left and right upper side portion 72 of the side frame are located at the foremost end of the frame 2.

[0033] Step support frames 83 are attached to the lower part of the upper front section 82 of the central frame 8, and footrest steps 84 are provided at both ends of the step support frames 83. Step support frames 83 and steps 84 are positioned inside the left and right side frame sections 7.

[0034] The middle frame portion 8 further has a seat mounting portion 86 that extends substantially horizontally to the rear from the upper end of the rear vertical portion 80 of the middle frame. The seat mounting portion 86 is also formed with the same constant cross-section as the upper rear portion 80 of the middle frame, the lower edge portion 81 of the middle frame, and the upper front portion 82 of the middle frame.

[0035] The seat portion 5 is installed on the upper surface of the seat mounting portion 86. Below the seat section 5, reinforcing plates 85, which are roughly triangular in shape when viewed from the side, are provided on both the left and right sides of the rear surface of the rear vertical section 80 of the central frame.

[0036] The front and rear ends of the lower end of the reinforcing plate 85 are fixed to the front intermediate connecting frame 74 and the rear intermediate connecting frame 74, respectively. In other words, the middle frame 8 is connected and fixed to the side frame 7 via the front intermediate connecting frame 74, the rear intermediate connecting frame 74 and the reinforcing plate 85.

[0037] The rear vertical portion 80 of the central frame 8 is connected to the lower side portion 70 of the side frame 7 via a reinforcing plate 85 and an intermediate connecting frame 74. Since reinforcing plates 85 are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper rear section 80 of the central frame, even when an occupant M sits in the seat section 5, the seat section 5 remains stable and does not sway back and forth or side to side.

[0038] When an occupant M sits in the seat 5 supported by the central frame 8, the distance between the left and right side frame sections 7 is set so that the left and right side frame sections 7 are positioned outside the width of the occupant M's body.

[0039] Behind the reinforcing plate 85 and below the seat portion 5 in front of the cargo bed portion 9 and the rear wheel support frame 30, a battery 10 that supplies power to the motor (not shown) is installed on the lower edges 70 of the left and right side frames, specifically along the rear intermediate connecting frame 74 and the rear connecting frame 75 (Figure 6).

[0040] A handle support shaft 60 is rotatably provided at the upper end of the upper part 82 of the central frame front rib, facing upward and rearward. A handle 6 is attached to the upper end (rear end) of the handle support shaft 60.

[0041] One end of a pair of left and right link rods 61 is connected to the lower end of the handle support shaft 60, which passes through the upper part 82 of the front frame. The other end of each link rod 61 is connected to a disc 41 provided at the upper end of the left and right pivot shafts 40.

[0042] When occupant M sits in the seat 5 and rotates the handle 6, the handle support shaft 60 rotates, and the disc 41 and pivot shaft 40, which are connected via a link rod 61 attached to the handle support shaft 60, rotate, changing the horizontal angle of the front wheel 4 located at the lower end of the pivot shaft 40, thereby controlling the direction of travel of the micro vehicle 1.

[0043] One end of a rod-shaped cross member 11 is attached to each side of the upper end of the upper part 82 of the central frame front, and the other end of the cross member 11 is attached to the front end of the upper edges 72 of the left and right side frames. In other words, the cross member 11 is provided on the upper edge 72 of the side frame and supports the upper part 82 of the front of the middle frame in the vertical, horizontal, and front-rear directions. Therefore, it prevents the steering wheel 6 from vibrating due to vibrations caused by driving or other events, as the upper part 82 of the front of the middle frame 8, which is connected and fixed to the side frame 7 via the front intermediate connecting frame 74, is vibrated.

[0044] The cross member 11 is a thin, rod-shaped structure with lower rigidity than the side frame section 7 and the middle frame section 8, and is therefore easily deformed.

[0045] The cargo bed section 9 comprises a pair of left and right cargo bed side frames 90 extending in the front-rear direction, a plurality of cargo bed cross frames 91 connecting the left and right cargo bed side frames 90, and support legs 92 provided at the front ends of the lower surfaces of the cargo bed side frames 90. Then, by fixing the support legs 92 on both sides to the upper surface of the rear ends of the lower edges 70 of the left and right side frames, the cargo bed 9 is installed above the rear wheel support frame 30.

[0046] When a frontal collision occurs with micro-vehicle 1, depending on the height of the impacting object, at least one of the buffer frame 76 and the front wheels 4 will be impacted and pushed backward. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the buffer frame 76 and either or both of the side frame upright portion 71 and the side frame upper edge portion 72 of the side frame portion 7 that supports the front wheel 4 deform and move backward, thereby absorbing the collision energy.

[0047] Even if either or both of the side frame upper portion 71 and the side frame upper edge portion 72 deform and move backward at this time, the low-rigidity cross member 11 connecting the front end of the side frame portion 7 and the front end of the middle frame portion 8 deforms, so the force is not transmitted to the middle frame front upper portion 82, and the middle frame portion 8 does not deform and move backward. As a result, the middle frame portion 8 secures the passenger space from the seat portion 5 to the step 84 and the steering wheel 6 for the occupant M, and the impact of the collision can be minimized.

[0048] Since the handle 6 and handle support shaft 60, which are supported by the upper part 82 of the central frame front, do not move backward, collisions with the occupant M can be prevented.

[0049] Furthermore, the front connecting frame 77, which connects the upper edges 72 of the left and right side frames, has lower rigidity than the middle frame 8. Therefore, even if the upper edges 72 of the side frames move backward and the front connecting frame 77 is pressed against the upper part 82 of the middle frame's front stud, the front connecting frame 77 will bend, preventing the upper part 82 of the middle frame's front stud from deforming and moving backward.

[0050] Even if the side frame upper portion 71 and the side frame upper edge portion 72 deform and move backward, the side frame portion 7 is positioned outside the width of the occupant M sitting in the seat portion 5, so a collision between the side frame portion 7 and the occupant M can be avoided.

[0051] Since the steps 84 on both sides are positioned between the side frame sections 7 on both sides, even if the side frame upright section 71 and the side frame upper section 72 deform and move backward, collision with the legs of the occupant M placed on the steps 84 can be avoided.

[0052] According to this embodiment, in the event of a frontal collision, the side frame upright portion 71 and the side frame upper edge portion 72 of the side frame portion 7, which protrude forward from the central frame portion 8, deform to absorb collision energy, thereby securing occupant space in the central frame portion 8 and ensuring the safety of occupant M.

[0053] Furthermore, the cross member 11, which is provided on the upper side portion 72 of the side frame and supports the upper front portion 82 of the middle frame, is configured such that even if deformation occurs in at least the upper side portion 71 of the side frame and the upper side portion 72 of the side frame during a frontal collision, force is not transmitted to the upper front portion 82 of the middle frame. As a result, the middle frame portion 8 and the seat portion 5 supported by the middle frame portion 8 are less affected by the deformation of the upper side portion 71 of the side frame and the upper side portion 72 of the side frame.

[0054] Furthermore, because the side frame portion 7 is positioned outside the width of the occupant M's body, even if the side frame upright portion 71 or the side frame upper edge portion 72 deforms backward during a frontal collision, there is no need to worry about it hitting the occupant M's body.

[0055] Furthermore, the cross-section of the central frame 8 is hollow, and ribs 8e and 8f are provided along the front-to-back direction inside, thereby increasing the strength of the central frame 8 that supports the seat 5, and further enhancing the safety of the occupant M.

[0056] [Other variations] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the following are also included.

[0057] In this embodiment, the micro-vehicle 1 is a vehicle for transporting cargo, but it may also be an agricultural vehicle or a general passenger vehicle.

[0058] In this embodiment, the micro vehicle 1 is a four-wheeled vehicle equipped with a pair of front wheels 4 and rear wheels 3, but it may also be a tricycle with one front wheel.

[0059] In this embodiment, the cross member 11 is a thin rod shape with low rigidity, but by providing a low-strength portion that is easily broken in part of the cross member, it is possible to prevent force from being transmitted to the upper edge of the middle frame even if deformation occurs in at least the upper part of the side frame riser or the upper edge of the side frame.

[0060] In this embodiment, a cross member 11 is provided on the upper side of the side frame 72 to support the front end of the middle frame 8, particularly the upper front part 82 of the middle frame on which the handle 6 is provided. This cross member 11 is configured such that even if deformation occurs in at least the upper side of the side frame 71 or the upper side of the side frame 72 during a frontal collision, force is not transmitted to the upper front part 82 of the middle frame. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the cross member may be omitted if the rigidity of the middle frame 8 is sufficient to support the front end of the middle frame 8, particularly the upper front part 82 of the middle frame on which the handle 6 is provided.

[0061] The cargo bed, rear wheel support structure, and connection structure between the handlebars and front wheel can be constructed differently from those in this embodiment, as long as they have similar functions.

[0062] Each technical matter in any embodiment, including variations, may be applied to other embodiments to form examples. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 Microcar 2 frames 3 Rear wheels 30 Rear wheel support frame 31 Drive shaft 4 Front wheels 40 rotational shafts 41 Discs 42 Wheel support arm 5. Seating area 6 handles 60 Handle support shaft 61 Link Rod 7 Side frame 70 Lower edge of side frame 71 Side frame upper part 72 Upper part of the side frame 74 Intermediate connecting frame 75 Rear coupling frame 76 buffer slots 77 Front connecting frame 8. Middle frame section 8a Top 8b Bottom side 8c,8d side 8e, 8f Ribs 80 Middle frame rear upper part 81 Lower part of the middle frame 82 Upper part of the front frame 83 Step Support Frame 84 steps 85 Reinforcement Plate 86 Seat mounting section 9. Cargo bed 90 Cargo bed side frame 91 Side frame of the cargo bed 92 Support leg 10 batteries 11 Crossmember M Crew

Claims

1. A frame structure for a micro vehicle, comprising side frame portions arranged along the front-rear direction on both the left and right sides of the micro vehicle and supporting the front wheels, and a middle frame portion arranged along the front-rear direction between the side frame portions, The aforementioned side frame portion is The lower edge of the side frame is positioned at least from the seat area to the rear of the front wheel, The side frame rising portion that rises from the front end of the lower edge of the side frame, It has an upper side portion of the side frame that extends forward from the upper end of the upper part of the side frame riser, The aforementioned middle frame portion is The rear upper part of the central frame that supports the aforementioned seat section and rises up, The lower edge portion of the middle frame is positioned from the lower end of the rear vertical portion of the middle frame to the rear of the front wheel, It has a front upper part of the middle frame that rises from the front end of the lower edge of the middle frame and supports the handle, The front end of the upper part of the side frame protrudes forward from the upper part of the front rise of the middle frame, and in the event of a frontal collision, at least one of the upper part of the side frame and the upper part of the side frame deforms to absorb collision energy. A frame structure for a micro vehicle characterized by the following features.

2. The side frame is provided with a cross member that supports the upper part of the front rib of the middle frame, The cross member is configured such that even if deformation occurs in at least the upper part of the side frame and the upper edge of the side frame during a frontal collision, the force is not transmitted to the upper part of the front of the middle frame. A frame structure for a micro vehicle as described in feature 1.

3. The aforementioned side frame is positioned outside the width of the occupant's body. A frame structure for a micro vehicle as described in feature 1.

4. The cross-section of the aforementioned middle frame is hollow, and ribs are provided along the front-to-back direction inside. A frame structure for a micro vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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