Deformed member

Abstract

This disclosure provides a deformable member that can suppress cable breakage. [Solution] The deformable member according to this disclosure is a deformable member that reversibly changes shape between a first form before folding and a second form after folding by connecting a first part P1 and a second part FR2 via a link mechanism R2, and by the relative movement of the first part P1 and the second part FR2 around the link mechanism R2. At least a cable C10 is provided inside the link mechanism R2, and as the deformation changes from the first form to the second form, the cable C10 changes from a bent state to a taut state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a deformation member.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a saddle-type vehicle that ensures play in a brake pipe that can follow the expansion and contraction of a front fork.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the saddle-type vehicle disclosed in the above Non-Patent Document 1, there is no disclosure regarding providing the cable so as not to break.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a deformation member that can suppress disconnection of a cable.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] ; The deformation member according to the present disclosure is a deformation member in which a first component and a second component are connected via a link mechanism, and the first component and the second component reversibly change in form between a first form before deformation and a second form after deformation by moving relative to each other around the link mechanism, at least a cable is provided inside the link mechanism, and the cable changes from a bent state to a stretched state as it changes from the first form to the second form.

[0007] In the deformable member described herein, the cable changes from a bent state to a taut state as it deforms from the first form to the second form. This configuration helps to suppress cable breakage.

[0008] The cable may be held by a retaining member provided in the first and / or second component, and may be routed through the interior of the first component, the link mechanism, and the second component. With this configuration, in the deformable member according to this disclosure, the cable is protected by the first component, the link mechanism, and the second component, thus preventing damage to the cable.

[0009] The first embodiment may be a drivable driving form, and the second embodiment may be a transportable transport form. With such a configuration, in the deformable member according to this disclosure, the cable changes from a bent state to a taut state as it deforms from a driving form to a transport form, thereby suppressing cable breakage.

[0010] The cable may also be electrical wiring connecting the electric component that operates in the aforementioned driving mode to the power supply for the electric component. With this configuration, disconnection of the electrical wiring connecting the electric component and its power supply can be suppressed in the deformable member, and the electric component can be reliably used while driving. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This disclosure provides a deformable member that can suppress cable breakage. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the change in shape of the deformable member according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a deformation member according to Embodiment 1, illustrating the change in the shape of a vehicle. [Figure 3] This is an xz cross-sectional view showing a vehicle's driving configuration (first configuration), which is an example of a deformable member. [Figure 4]This is an xz cross-sectional view showing a vehicle transport configuration (second configuration), which is an example of a deformable member. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the link mechanism in the y-z region. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The present disclosure will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the invention claimed is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential for solving the problem. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations have been omitted where necessary.

[0014] It should be noted that the right-handed xyz Cartesian coordinate system shown in the diagram is merely a convenient representation for explaining the positional relationships of the components. Typically, the positive z-axis is vertically upward, and the xy-plane is horizontal.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) <Configuration of deformable member> First, the configuration of the deformable member according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram for illustrating the change in shape of the deformable member according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 1, a vehicle 10 is used as an example of the deformable member. Furthermore, the following will describe each component, each form, and link mechanism of the deformable member, in the order of change in shape and cable.

[0016] The upper part of Figure 1 is an xy-plane view showing the vehicle 10 in its driving configuration (first configuration). The lower part of Figure 1 is an xz-plane view showing the vehicle 10 in its transport configuration (second configuration). Typically, the vehicle 10 is transported in its transport configuration (second configuration), assembled at the destination to change into its driving configuration (first configuration), and then driven in its driving configuration (first configuration).

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 includes a first component P1 and second components FR1 and FR2. The first component P1 mounts at least the power source of the vehicle body. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first component P1 mounts a battery 40.

[0018] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the first component P1 may mount a power source of the vehicle 10, such as a transaxle or a motor. Further, the first component P1 may mount vehicle components (such as a steering wheel described later) required in the traveling mode (the first mode) and tools required when changing the form. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the seat of the vehicle 10 is disposed above the battery 40.

[0019] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 includes one first component P1 and two second components FR1 and FR2. As shown in FIG. 1, the second components FR1 and FR2 are arranged to sandwich the first component P1 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0020] At least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels is attached to the second components FR1 and FR2. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a front wheel FT is attached to the second component FR1 and a rear wheel RT is attached to the second component FR2.

[0021] Note that in the transportation mode (the second mode), the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT are not attached to the second components FR1 and FR2, and the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT may be attached when assembling at the transportation destination to change to the traveling mode (the first mode). In this case, the front wheels FT and the rear wheels RT may be transported together with the vehicle 10 or may be procured locally.

[0022] A steering wheel or an accelerator pedal may be attached to the second components FR1 and FR2, or a configuration may be adopted in which the steering wheel or the accelerator pedal is attached when assembling at the transportation destination to change to the traveling mode (the first mode). The second components FR1 and FR2 become part of a pallet in the transportation mode (the second mode) and become a ladder frame in the traveling mode.

[0023] The first component P1 and the second components FR1 and FR2 are connected via a link mechanism. In the example shown in Figure 1, the distance C1 between the first component P1 and the second component FR1 is connected by a link mechanism. The distance C2 between the first component P2 and the second component FR2 is connected by a link mechanism.

[0024] Although Figure 1 uses a vehicle 10 as an example of a deformable member, the deformable member is not limited to a vehicle 10. The deformable member can be any member in which a first part and a second part are connected via a link mechanism, and the first part and the second part move relative to each other around the link mechanism, thereby reversibly changing between a first form and a second form.

[0025] The first form is the form before deformation, before the second part is folded toward the first part. The second form is the form after deformation, after the second part has been folded toward the first part.

[0026] <Driving Mode (First Mode)> Referring to the upper part of Figure 1, the first mode of operation will be described. As shown in the upper part of Figure 1, the vehicle 10 is in a mode of operation in which the first part P1 and the second parts FR1 and FR2 maintain a flat surface.

[0027] For example, the driver sits in the seat of the first component P1 (not shown in Figure 1) and operates the vehicle 10 by operating the steering wheel and accelerator pedal attached to the second component FR1. In this case, the second component FR2 may be used as a cargo bed.

[0028] <Transportation form (2nd form)> Referring to the lower part of Figure 1, the second form of transport will be explained. As shown in the lower part of Figure 1, the vehicle 10 is transportable in a transport form (second form) in which the second parts FR1 and FR2 are folded toward the first part P1, with C1 and C2 between the first part P1 and the second parts FR1 and FR2 as fold lines.

[0029] More specifically, as shown in the lower part of Figure 1, in the transport configuration (second configuration), the second component FR1 is kept folded toward the first component P1, with C1 between the first component P1 and the second component FR1 serving as the fold line.

[0030] Furthermore, in the transport configuration (second configuration), the second component FR2 is folded towards the first component P1, with C2 between the first component P1 and the second component FR2 serving as the fold line. In other words, in the transport configuration (second configuration), the second components FR1 and FR2 are arranged opposite each other, forming a U-shape as shown in the lower part of Figure 1.

[0031] <Link mechanism> Referring to Figure 2, the link mechanism between the first component P1 and the second components FR1 and FR2 will be explained. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the change in the form of a vehicle, which is an example of a deformable member according to Embodiment 1.

[0032] An example of a linkage mechanism will be explained with reference to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, linkage mechanisms R1 and R2 are positioned at C1 and C2, respectively, between the first component P1 and the second components FR1 and FR2. Since linkage mechanisms R1 and R2 have similar configurations, linkage mechanism R1 will be described below.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the link mechanism R1 has a fastening portion T1 and a guide hole H1. The fastening portion T1 fastens the first component P1 and the second component FR1. The fastening portion T1 is typically composed of a bolt and nut and is configured to be tightened and loosened.

[0034] The guide hole H1 has an L-shape. The fastening portion T1 can slide from one end of the L-shape of the guide hole H1 to the other end by loosening the bolt and nut. In other words, the guide hole H1 can be described as a hole that guides the fastening portion to slide to a predetermined position.

[0035] Furthermore, the link mechanism is not limited to the example shown in Figure 2, and may also be the link mechanism shown in Figure 5, which will be described later. Figure 5 is a yz cross-sectional view of the link mechanism. The link mechanism shown in Figure 5 can be used as an alternative to the link mechanism shown in Figure 2.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, in the yz cross-section, the link mechanism R3 has the U-shaped cross-section of the second part FR1 (FR2) fitted with the U-shaped cross-section of the first part P1. The fastening part T3 fastens the first part P1 and the second part FR1 (FR2) together.

[0037] The fastening section T3 is typically composed of a bolt and a nut, and the second component FR1 (FR2) is configured to be rotatable around the link mechanism R3 (central axis C3). In the U-shaped cross section of the first component P1, the central part is provided linearly parallel to the y-axis direction, and the side parts are provided parallel to the z-axis direction. In the U-shaped cross section of the first component P1, both ends of the central part are curved relative to the central part, and the side parts are provided. The U-shaped cross section of the second component FR1 (FR2) is similar.

[0038] <Morphological changes> Next, referring to Figure 2, we will explain the change in the vehicle 10's form from driving mode to transport mode. In Figure 2, step ST1 shows the driving mode (first mode), and step ST4 shows the transport mode (second mode).

[0039] As shown in step ST1 of Figure 2, when the vehicle 10 is in motion, the first component P1 and the second components FR1 and FR2 maintain a flat state. In the link mechanism R1, the fastening portion T1 is tightened and fixed at one end of the L-shaped guide hole H1.

[0040] First, the fastening portion T1 in the link mechanism R1 is loosened. Then, as shown in step ST2 in Figure 2, the fastening portion T1 slides from one end of the L-shape of the guide hole H1 toward the shorter end (the center of the L-shape). As a result, as shown in step ST2 in Figure 2, the first component P1 moves in the negative z-axis direction.

[0041] Next, as shown in step ST3 of Figure 2, the fastening portion T1 slides and moves from the shorter end (center of the L-shape) of the L-shaped guide hole H1 toward the other end.

[0042] Specifically, the second part FR1 is slid in the negative x-axis direction relative to the first part P1, and the second part FR2 is slid in the positive x-axis direction relative to the first part P1. As a result, as shown in step ST3 of Figure 2, the second parts FR1 and FR2 become capable of being bent toward the first part P1.

[0043] Next, as shown in step ST4 of Figure 2, the second part is folded toward the first part using the space between the second part and the first part as a crease. More specifically, the second part FR1 is folded toward the first part P1 using the space C1 between the second part FR1 and the first part P1 as a crease.

[0044] Furthermore, using the fold line C2 between the second part FR2 and the first part P1, the second part FR2 is folded toward the first part P1. As a result, the vehicle 10 is arranged with the second parts FR1 and FR2 facing each other.

[0045] To maintain this state, the fastening portion T1 in the link mechanism R1 is tightened and fixed at the other L-shaped end of the guide hole H1. In this way, the vehicle 10 changes from the driving mode (step ST1) to the transport mode (step ST4).

[0046] Figure 2 shows an example in which vehicle 10 changes from a driving mode (step ST1) to a transport mode (step ST4) by changing in the order of step ST1 to step ST4.

[0047] Vehicle 10 can change not only from a driving mode (step ST1) to a transport mode (step ST4), but also from a transport mode (step ST4) to a driving mode (step ST1). For example, vehicle 10 changes from a transport mode to a driving mode by changing in the order of steps ST4, 3, 2, and 1 shown in Figure 2.

[0048] <Cable> Next, the cables in the deformable member will be explained with reference to Figures 1, 3, and 4. Figure 3 is an xz cross-sectional view showing a vehicle in a driving configuration (first configuration), which is an example of a deformable member. Figure 3 corresponds to STEP 1 in Figure 2.

[0049] Figure 4 is an xz plan view showing a vehicle transport configuration (second configuration), which is an example of a deformable member. Figure 4 corresponds to STEP 4 in Figure 2. In the following, we will explain the vicinity of link mechanism R2 in Figures 3 and 4, but the same can be said for the vicinity of link mechanism R1.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 is provided with a battery 40 and a rear lamp 81, and a cable C10 that electrically connects the battery 40 and the front lamp 80. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cable C10 is provided in the link mechanism R2. Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cable C10 is provided so as to pass through the inside of the hollow first component P1, the inside of the link mechanism R2, and the inside of the hollow second component FR2.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the first component P1 has a hole H11. The second component FR2 has a hole H10. As shown in Figure 4, the cable C10 is connected to the battery 40 from inside the hollow first component P1 through the hole H11. As shown in Figure 4, the cable C10 is connected to the rear lamp 81 from inside the hollow second component FR2 through the hole H10.

[0052] <Cable slack> As shown in Figure 3, the first component P1 and the second component FR2 are provided with retaining members J1. In the example shown in Figure 3, one retaining member J1 is provided for each of the first component P1 and the second component FR2.

[0053] Furthermore, multiple retaining members J1 may be provided on both the first component P1 and the second component FR2. The retaining members J1 hold the cable C10. The retaining members J1 are, for example, resin clips. As another example, the retaining members J1 may be U-shaped bolts or other types of bolts.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, in the first mode of operation, the cable C10 is in a flexed state inside the link mechanism R2. In other words, in the first mode of operation, the cable C10 has play inside the link mechanism R2.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, in the transport mode (second mode), the cable C10 is taut inside the link mechanism R2. In other words, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cable C10 changes from a slack state to a taut state as it transforms from the running mode (first mode) to the transport mode (second mode).

[0056] It is preferable that the cable C10 be of a length such that it reaches its maximum extension when transformed into the transport configuration (second configuration). Generally, the cable C10 is designed not to break even when pulled further than its maximum extension length. For this reason, the cable C10 may also be of a length such that it reaches its maximum extension during the transformation from the running configuration (first configuration) to the transport configuration (second configuration).

[0057] Thus, the cable C10 is provided at least to the link mechanism R2. The cable C10 is in a state of play in the running mode (first mode) and in a state of tension in the transport mode (second mode).

[0058] In other words, as the cable C10 changes from a slack state to a taut state as it transforms from a running state (first state) to a transport state (second state), it changes from a slack state to a taut state. By using this configuration, cable breakage can be suppressed.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cable C10 is routed through the inside of the hollow first component P1, the inside of the link mechanism R2, and the inside of the second component FR1. This configuration prevents the cable C10 from getting wet from rainwater, snow, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, even if flying debris hits the underside of the first component P1 or the second component FR2 while driving, the cable C10 is protected by the first component P1, the link mechanism R2, and the second component FR2, thus preventing damage to the cable C10. In addition, since the configuration prevents people from touching the cable C10, the risk of electric shock to people is also prevented.

[0061] The above example described the case of link mechanism R2, but the same applies to link mechanism R3 shown in Figure 5. We will explain this in detail with reference to Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, link mechanism R3 is provided with a retaining member J1. Although not shown in Figure 5, retaining members J1 may also be provided on the first component P1 and the second component FR2.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the retaining member J1 holds the cable C10. In the link mechanism R3 shown in Figure 5, similar to Figures 3 and 4, the cable C10 is in a state of play in the running mode (first mode) and in a state of tension in the transport mode (second mode).

[0063] In other words, as the cable C10 transforms from a slack state to a taut state as it changes from the running state (first state) to the transport state (second state), it changes from a slack state to a taut state. In this way, even with the link mechanism R3, cable breakage can be suppressed.

[0064] <Types of Cables> In Figures 1, 3, and 4, cable C10 was described as a cable that electrically connects the battery 40 and the rear lamp 81 to the battery 40 and the front lamp 80. However, cable C10 is not limited to this and may also be an electrical wire that connects the power supply for the electric components that operate in the driving mode (first mode).

[0065] In other words, the deformable member can suppress disconnection of the electrical wiring connecting the electric components to their power sources, ensuring reliable operation of the electric components while driving. Examples of electric components include car air conditioners, car navigation systems, sensors, and cameras. Furthermore, cable C10 is not limited to power wiring; it may also be a signal line used for transmitting and receiving signals.

[0066] <Applications to piping> In the example described above, we explained how to prevent cable breakage by passing through the inside of the first component P1, the link mechanism R2, and the second component FR1 of the deformable member (vehicle 10). However, the same can be said for piping that passes through the inside of the first component P1, the link mechanism R2, and the second component FR1 of the deformable member (vehicle 10). The piping is, for example, piping for liquid fuel, engine oil, brake oil, and coolant, and is flexible.

[0067] Even in the case of piping, similar to cables, the piping is configured to have some slack in the running mode (first mode) and to be taut in the transport mode (second mode).

[0068] In other words, as the piping changes from a flexed state to a taut state as it transforms from a running state (first state) to a transport state (second state), damage to the piping can be suppressed.

[0069] Furthermore, the deformable member (vehicle 10) can reversibly change between a driving form (first form) and a transport form (second form) while the liquid remains sealed inside the piping. Therefore, the trouble of draining and refilling the liquid in the piping each time the deformable member (vehicle 10) is changed is eliminated.

[0070] Furthermore, the piping is routed through the inside of the hollow first component P1, the inside of the link mechanism R2, and the inside of the second component FR1. This configuration prevents the piping from getting wet from rainwater or snow, thus preventing rust.

[0071] Furthermore, even if flying stones hit the underside of the first component P1 or the second component FR2 while driving, the piping is protected by the first component P1 and the second component FR2, thus preventing damage to the piping.

[0072] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from its intent. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10 vehicles 40 batteries 80 Front Lamp 81 Rear lamp Between C1 and C2 C3 center axis C10 Cable FR1, FR2 Part 2 FT Front Wheel H1 Guide Hole H10, H11 holes J1 Retaining member P1 Part 1 R1, R2, R3 linkage mechanism RT rear wheel T1, T3 fastening section

Claims

1. A deformable member in which a first part and a second part are connected via a link mechanism, and the first part and the second part move relative to each other around the link mechanism, thereby reversibly changing between a first form before deformation and a second form after deformation, At least the cable is provided inside the link mechanism, As the cable transforms from the first form to the second form, it changes from a bent state to a taut state. Deformable member.

2. The cable is held by a retaining member provided in the first and second parts, and is arranged to pass through the inside of the first part, the inside of the link mechanism, and the inside of the second part. The deformable member according to claim 1.

3. The first embodiment is a drivable mode of operation, The second form described above is a transportable form of transport. The deformable member according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The cable is electrical wiring that connects the electric component that operates in the aforementioned driving mode to the power supply for the electric component. The deformable member according to claim 3.

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