Motorcycle reverse assist device

Abstract

To provide a motorcycle reverse assist device that allows even heavy motorcycles to be easily and reliably reversed when parking. [Solution] The motorcycle 1 includes a drive roller 10 located radially outward from the rear wheel 4 and attached to the vehicle frame 9, which is rotationally driven by a motor M1; an idler roller 11 positioned below the line L connecting the rotation center 10x of the drive roller 10 and the rotation center 4x of the rear wheel 4, with a diameter D larger than the air gap S between the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4; a switching mechanism 12 that guides the idler roller 11 to move freely between a contact position A in contact with the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4 and a separation position B that is forward and downward relative to the contact position A and is separated from the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4; and a control unit Con that rotates the drive roller 10 when the idler roller 11 is in the contact position A.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , , , ,

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reverse assist device for a motorcycle, and more particularly to a reverse assist device for a motorcycle that can appropriately reverse even a large motorcycle with a heavy vehicle weight that is difficult to maneuver.

Background Art

[0002] When parking the motorcycle 1 shown in FIG. 1, the engine En is stopped, and usually, the motorcycle is parked in a parking lot from the front side (front wheel 3 side) of the motorcycle. However, when leaving the parking lot later, the distance to the road must be reversed. Conversely, when parking the motorcycle on the rear side (rear wheel 4 side) in the parking lot, the distance from the road to the parking lot must be reversed.

[0003] When a driver (rider) reverses the motorcycle 1 with the engine En stopped while straddling the seat 5, the motorcycle kicks the ground with the toes to reverse. Therefore, in the case of a large-type motorcycle with a heavy vehicle weight or a high-seat type with poor foot grip, it is difficult to reverse even a short distance. Since only the toes are forced, the feet may get stuck or the feet on the ground may slip, and there may be cases of so-called falling or injury.

[0004] Conventionally, as a reverse assist device 6j for the motorcycle 1, as shown in FIG. 2, an idle roller 8 is interposed between the rear wheel 4 and the drive roller 7 of the motorcycle 1 to drive the rear wheel 4 to rotate reversely (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

【Patent Document​​​​​​​​​​ However, as shown in Figure 2, the conventional idler roller 8 is positioned on the line L connecting the rotation center 7x of the drive roller 7 and the rotation center 4x of the rear wheel 4, and the diameter D of the idler roller 8 is the same as the gap S between the drive roller 7 and the rear wheel 4. For this reason, when the idler roller 8 is rotated in contact with the drive roller 7 by the drive roller 7, and the rear wheel 4 is rotated in contact with the idler roller 8 by the idler roller 8, causing it to rotate in the reverse direction X, there is a risk that adequate contact friction force (traction) may not be obtained between the drive roller 7 and the idler roller 8, and between the idler roller 8 and the rear wheel 4. In particular, in large motorcycles 1 with heavy vehicle weights that are difficult to handle, it is necessary to drive the rear wheel 4 to rotate in contact with the idler roller 8, overcoming its weight, so there is a high possibility that the necessary contact friction force (traction) will not be obtained.

[0007] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, in conventional idler rollers 8, when the rear wheel 4 is not being driven, the idler roller 8 moves from contact position A (solid line), where it contacts the drive roller 7 and the rear wheel 4, to a separated position B (dummy line) that is above and behind it. Therefore, when the rear wheel 4 is driven to rotate in reverse by contact with the idler roller 8 at contact position A, the idler roller 8 is dragged by the reverse rotational force of the rear wheel 4 and ejected from between the rear wheel 4 and the drive roller 7 to the separated position B above and behind it, which may make it difficult to rotate the rear wheel 4 in reverse properly. In particular, in large motorcycles 1 with heavy vehicle weight, it is necessary to drive the rear wheel 4 to rotate in reverse by contact with the idler roller 8, overcoming its weight, and when the rear wheel 4 starts to rotate in reverse, there is a high possibility that the idler roller 8 will be ejected from contact position A (shown by the solid line) to the separated position B above and behind it.

[0008] Considering the above circumstances, the object of the present invention is to provide a motorcycle reverse assist device that allows motorcycles to be easily and reliably reversed, even if they are heavy or have a high seat height that makes it difficult to put your feet down, when reversing a short distance, such as when parking. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a reverse assist device for motorcycles, comprising: a drive roller located radially outward from the rear wheel of the motorcycle and mounted on the vehicle frame, which is rotationally driven by a motor; an idler roller positioned below the line connecting the rotation center of the drive roller and the rotation center of the rear wheel, which has a diameter larger than the gap between the drive roller and the rear wheel; and a switching mechanism that guides the idler roller so as to be movable between a contact position in contact with the drive roller and the rear wheel, and a separation position which is forward and downward relative to the contact position and is separated from the drive roller and the rear wheel. The device is characterized in that when the idler roller is moved to the contact position by the switching mechanism, the motor rotates the drive roller and rotates the rear wheel in the reverse direction via the idler roller, and the reverse rotation of the rear wheel presses the idler roller so as to bite into the space between the rear wheel and the drive roller.

[0010] In the motorcycle reverse assist device according to the present invention, a switch for driving a motor is provided on the handlebars of the motorcycle, the switch is movable between an ON position for driving the motor and an OFF position for not driving the motor, and is biased in the direction from the ON position to the OFF position, and a control unit may be provided that drives the motor when the switch is moved from the OFF position to the ON position by the hand of the driver (rider) holding the handlebars, and stops the motor when the driver's hand is released from the switch and the switch returns from the ON position to the OFF position.

[0011] In the reverse assist device for motorcycles according to the present invention, the switching mechanism is provided with a sensor that detects whether the idler roller is in a contact position or a separated position, and the control unit may have a function that prevents the motorcycle's engine from starting when the sensor detects the idler roller in a contact position, and allows the engine to start when the sensor detects the idler roller in a separated position.

[0012] In the reverse assist device for motorcycles according to the present invention, the switching mechanism is provided with an actuator that moves the idler roller between a contact position and a separated position, and the control unit may have a function that moves the idler roller to the contact position by the actuator when the switch is moved from the off position to the on position by the driver's hand holding the handlebars, and then moves the idler roller to the separated position by the actuator after a predetermined holding time has elapsed when the driver's hand is released from the switch and the switch returns from the on position to the off position.

[0013] In the motorcycle reverse assist device according to the present invention, an indicator may be provided near the instrument panel of the motorcycle, such as a tachometer or speedometer, to inform the driver that the rear wheel will be driven by the motor when the switch is in the ON position.

[0014] In the motorcycle reverse assist device according to the present invention, a sub-switch may be provided on the handlebars of the motorcycle to switch the rotation direction of the motor between the direction in which the rear wheel rotates in reverse and the direction in which it rotates in forward. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The reverse assist device for motorcycles according to the present invention can provide the following effects. (1) The idler roller that contacts and rotates the rear wheel is positioned below the line connecting the rotation center of the drive roller and the rotation center of the rear wheel, and is set to have a diameter larger than the gap between the drive roller and the rear wheel. Therefore, when the drive roller rotates and the rear wheel rotates in the reverse direction via the idler roller, the idler roller is pressed against the rear wheel and the drive roller by the reverse rotation of the rear wheel. (2) Also, the idler roller is movable between a contact position contacting the drive roller and the rear wheel and a separation position in front of and below the contact position by a switching mechanism. Therefore, when the idler roller is moved to the contact position to rotate the rear wheel backward, the idler roller is not ejected upward and backward as in the conventional example shown in FIG. 2 due to being dragged by the backward rotation force of the rear wheel. (3) Thus, the idler roller having a larger diameter than the gap between the drive roller and the rear wheel during backward movement is pressed to fit into the gap. Since the idler roller is not ejected above and behind the rear wheel as in the conventional example shown in FIG. 2 by the backward rotation of the rear wheel, even for a heavy motorcycle, the contact friction force (traction) necessary to move the heavy vehicle body backward can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a side view of a motorcycle. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory view showing an overview of a backward assist device for a motorcycle according to a conventional example. [Figure 3] It is a partial side view of a motorcycle equipped with a backward assist device for a motorcycle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory view showing an overview of a backward assist device for a motorcycle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a partial side view of a motorcycle equipped with a backward assist device for a motorcycle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory view showing an overview of a backward assist device for a motorcycle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory view showing an overview of a backward assist device for a motorcycle according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a view taken in the direction of the arrow VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in such embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant description, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0018] (First Embodiment: Outline of Reverse Assist Device 6a of Motorcycle 1) Using FIGS. 3 and 4, the outline of the reverse assist device 6a of the motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The reverse assist device 6a of this motorcycle 1 is located radially outward of the rear wheel 4 of the motorcycle 1 and attached to the vehicle frame 9, and includes a drive roller 10 that is rotationally driven by a motor (first motor M1), and an idle roller 11 that is disposed below the line L connecting the rotation center 10x of the drive roller 10 and the rotation center 4x of the rear wheel 4, and has a diameter D larger than the gap S between the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4, and a switching mechanism 12 that guides the idle roller 11 to be movable between a contact position A where it contacts the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4, and a separation position B that is forward and downward with respect to the contact position A and is separated from the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4.

[0019] According to such a reverse assist device 6a of the motorcycle 1, when the drive roller 10 is rotated by the motor (first motor M1) with the idle roller 11 moved to the contact position A by the switching mechanism 12 and the rear wheel 4 is rotated in the reverse direction X via the idle roller 11, the idle roller 11 is pressed so as to bite between the rear wheel 4 and the drive roller 10 by the reverse rotation of the rear wheel 4. As a result, even for a large motorcycle 1 with a heavy vehicle weight, the rear wheel 4 can be surely rotated in the reverse direction to reverse the vehicle body (motorcycle 1). Hereinafter, each component of the reverse assist device 6a of the motorcycle 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0020] (Drive Roller 10) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the drive roller 10 is rotatably mounted on a first mounting block 13 attached to the body frame 9 of the motorcycle 1, and is rotationally driven by a motor (first motor M1) attached to the body frame 9. The first motor M1 may also be attached to the first mounting block 13. A first worm 14 is attached to the rotating shaft of the first motor M1, and a first worm wheel 15 that meshes with the first worm 14, a first gear 16 that meshes with the first worm wheel 15, a second gear 17 that meshes with the first gear 16, and a third gear 18 that meshes with the second gear 17 are rotatably mounted on the first mounting block 13. The third gear 18 is concentrically fixed to the rotating shaft fixed to the drive roller 10.

[0021] In this configuration, when the first motor M1 is activated, the drive roller 10 is rotated via the first worm 14, the first worm wheel 15, the first gear 16, the second gear 17, and the third gear 18. Note that the configuration for rotating the drive roller 10 is not limited to the above configuration; various configurations are possible, such as directly rotating the drive roller 10's rotation shaft with the motor. Furthermore, the outer surface of the drive roller 10 (the surface in contact with the idler roller 11) may be made of an elastic material such as rubber to increase contact friction, and may be gear-shaped or toothed pulley-shaped.

[0022] (Idol Roller 11) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the idler roller 11 is positioned below the line L connecting the rotation center 10x of the drive roller 10 and the rotation center 4x of the rear wheel 4, and is set to a diameter D that is larger than the gap S between the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4. The outer surface of the idler roller 11 (the surface that contacts the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4) may be made of an elastic material such as rubber to increase the contact friction force, and may be gear-shaped or toothed pulley-shaped. By making both the idler roller 11 and the drive roller 10 gear-shaped or toothed pulley-shaped and meshing them together, slippage between them can be prevented, and the situation in which the idler roller 11 slips relative to the rear wheel 4 can also be suppressed.

[0023] (Switching mechanism 12) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the switching mechanism 12 guides the idler roller 11 so that it can move between a contact position A (solid line) in contact with the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4, and a separation position B (dotted line) which is forward and downward relative to contact position A and is separated from the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4. In this embodiment, a rotating type of switching mechanism 12 is used, and it has an arm 19 to which the idler roller 11 is rotatably attached at one end. The other end of the arm 19 is rotatably supported by a second mounting block 20 attached to the vehicle frame 9 via a rotating shaft 21.

[0024] The length of the arm 19 and the mounting position of the second mounting block 20 to the vehicle frame 9 are set so that the idler roller 11 moves between contact position A (solid line) and separation position B (dotted line) as the arm 19 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around the pivot shaft 21 of the second mounting block 20. The preferred contact position A is such that when the idler roller 11 contacts the drive roller 10, the idler roller 11 is pressed against the rear wheel 4 with a certain force, causing the rear wheel 4 to flex slightly. This is to ensure that the rear wheel 4 is properly driven by the idler roller 11 without slipping.

[0025] (Actuator) As shown in Figure 4, the switching mechanism 12 is provided with an actuator 22 for moving the idler roller 11 between a contact position A and a separation position B by rotating the arm 19 around the rotating shaft 21. The actuator 22 has a motor (second motor M2) attached to the vehicle frame 9, a second worm 23 attached to the rotating shaft of the second motor M2, a second worm wheel 24 that meshes with the second worm 23, and a fourth gear 25 that meshes with the second worm wheel 24, and the second motor M2 rotates the arm 19. The second motor M2 may be attached to the second mounting block 20. The second worm wheel 24 and the fourth gear 25 are rotatably mounted on the second mounting block 20, and the fourth gear 25 is concentrically fixed to the rotating shaft 21 which is fixed to the arm 19.

[0026] In this configuration, when the second motor M2 is activated, the arm 19 is rotated via the second worm 23, the second worm wheel 24, and the fourth gear 25. Furthermore, by switching the rotation direction of the second motor M2, the arm 19 can be rotated in the opposite direction. As a result, the arm 19 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around the pivot shaft 21 of the second mounting block 20, and the idler roller 11, which is rotatably attached to one end of the arm 19, moves between contact position A (solid line) and separation position B (dotted line). Note that the configuration for rotating the arm 19 is not limited to the above configuration, and various configurations are possible, such as directly rotating the pivot shaft 21 of the arm 19 with a motor (stepper motor, etc.).

[0027] (Sensor 26) As shown in Figure 4, the switching mechanism 12 is provided with a sensor 26 for detecting whether the idler roller 11 is in contact position A or separation position B. The sensor 26 consists of a limit switch provided on the second mounting block 20 of the switching mechanism 12. The limit switch 26 is positioned so as to be pressed by the arm 19 when the idler roller 11 is in contact position A, and away from the arm 19 when the idler roller 11 is in separation position B. Note that the sensor 26 is not limited to a limit switch, and may be a rotary encoder or the like that detects the rotation angle of the arm 19.

[0028] (Switch: Main switch 28) As shown in Figure 4, the handlebars 27 of the motorcycle 1 are equipped with a switch (main switch 28) for driving the first motor M1, positioned so that the driver can operate it while holding the handlebars 27. In this embodiment, the main switch 28 is a push-button type switch that can move in and out between an ON position (pressed position) and an OFF position (protruding position), and is biased by a spring or the like in the direction from the ON position to the OFF position. When the main switch 28 is in the ON position, the first motor M1 is driven by the control unit Con, which will be described later, and when it is in the OFF position, the first motor M1 is stopped by the control unit Con. Note that the main switch 28 is not limited to a push-button type switch, but may also be a lever-type switch 28a as shown by the dashed line, and may be located on the left side of the handlebars 27 (clutch lever side) instead of the right side (accelerator grip 29 side).

[0029] (Sub-switch 30) As shown in Figure 4, the handlebars 27 of the motorcycle 1 are equipped with a sub-switch 30 that switches the rotation direction of the first motor M1 between the direction in which the rear wheel 4 rotates backward and the direction in which it rotates forward. In this embodiment, the sub-switch 30 is a sliding switch that can slide freely from left to right, and is switched between the rightward reverse position R and the leftward forward position F by the driver's hand holding the handlebars 27 (accelerator grip 29). When the sub-switch 30 is in the reverse position R, the first motor M1 is driven by the main switch 28, and the rotation direction of the first motor M1 is set by the control unit Con to rotate the rear wheel 4 backward. When the sub-switch 30 is in the forward position F, the rotation direction of the first motor M1 is set by the control unit Con to rotate the rear wheel 4 forward. Note that the sub-switch 30 is not limited to a sliding switch; it may also be a rotating switch that can rotate freely from left to right, with rotation to one side resulting in reverse rotation and rotation to the other side resulting in forward rotation.

[0030] (Indicator 34) As shown in Figure 4, near the instrument panel 33 of the motorcycle 1, including the tachometer 31 and speedometer 32, is an indicator 34 to inform the driver that when the main switch 28 is in the ON position, the rear wheel 4 is driven by the motor (first motor M1) instead of the engine En. The indicator 34 has a function to switch between displaying "R" and not displaying it, and a function to switch between displaying "F" and not displaying it. When the sub-switch 30 is in the reverse position R, the control unit Con displays "R" when the main switch 28 is in the ON position, and when the main switch 28 is in the OFF position, the control unit Con makes the "R" not displayed (disappear). Also, when the sub-switch 30 is in the forward position F, the control unit Con displays "F" when the main switch 28 is in the ON position, and when the main switch 28 is in the OFF position, the control unit Con makes the "F" not displayed (disappear).

[0031] (Control Unit Con) As shown in Figure 4, the main switch 28 and the first motor M1 are connected to the control unit Con. The control unit Con operates and stops the first motor M1 depending on the ON and OFF positions of the main switch 28. Specifically, the control unit Con rotates the first motor M1 when the driver's hand, holding the steering wheel 27, moves the main switch 28 from the OFF position to the ON position, and then stops the first motor M1 when the driver's hand leaves the main switch 28 and the main switch 28 returns from the ON position to the OFF position. The rotation direction of the first motor M1 is switched by the sub-switch 30 between a direction that rotates the rear wheels 4 in reverse and a direction that rotates them in forward.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the main switch 28 and the second motor M2 are connected to the control unit Con. The control unit Con rotates the second motor M2 forward or backward depending on the ON or OFF position of the main switch 28, causing the arm 19 to rotate counterclockwise or clockwise. Specifically, when the main switch 28 is moved to the ON position by the driver's hand holding the handle 27, the control unit Con rotates the second motor M2 forward to rotate the arm 19 counterclockwise around the rotation shaft 21, moving the idler roller 11 to the contact position A. When the driver's hand leaves the main switch 28 and the main switch 28 returns to the OFF position, after a predetermined holding time (for example, about 5 to 10 seconds), the control unit Con rotates the second motor M2 backward to rotate the arm 19 clockwise around the rotation shaft 21, moving the idler roller 11 to the separated position B. The predetermined holding time is a buffer time (cushion time, grace period) to prevent the arm 19 from rotating frequently when the driver switches the main switch 28 on or off in a short time.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the sensor 26 and the engine En of the motorcycle 1 are connected to the control unit Con. The control unit Con does not start the engine En of the motorcycle 1 when the sensor 26 detects the contact position A of the idler roller 11, and allows the engine En to start when the sensor 26 detects the separation position B of the idler roller 11. In other words, when the sensor 26 detects the contact position A of the idler roller 11, the control unit Con does not supply power to the starter motor (not shown) that starts the engine En, even if the driver presses the starter switch (not shown) of the engine En. Also, when the sensor 26 detects the separation position B of the idler roller 11, the control unit Con allows power to be supplied to the starter motor (not shown) when the driver presses the starter switch (not shown) of the engine En.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the sub-switch 30 and the first motor M1 are connected to the control unit Con. When the sub-switch 30 on the handle 27 is in the reverse position R, the control unit Con sets the rotation direction of the first motor M1 to the direction in which the rear wheel 4 rotates in reverse, and when the sub-switch 30 is in the forward position F, the control unit Con sets the rotation direction of the first motor M1 to the direction in which the rear wheel 4 rotates in forward. In other words, when the sub-switch 30 is in the reverse position R and the main switch 28 is in the ON position, the control unit Con drives the first motor M1 in the direction in which the rear wheel 4 rotates in reverse. Also, when the sub-switch 30 is in the forward position F and the main switch 28 is in the ON position, the control unit Con drives the first motor M1 in the direction in which the rear wheel 4 rotates in forward.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the sub-switch 30, main switch 28, and indicator 34 are connected to the control unit Con. When the sub-switch 30 is in the reverse position R, the control unit Con displays "R" on the indicator 34 when the main switch 28 is in the ON position, and nothing is displayed on the indicator 34 when the main switch 28 is in the OFF position. Also, when the sub-switch 30 is in the forward position F, the control unit Con displays "F" on the indicator 34 when the main switch 28 is in the ON position, and nothing is displayed on the indicator 34 when the main switch 28 is in the OFF position.

[0036] (Procedure for moving motorcycle 1 when parked, etc.) According to the reverse assist device 6a of the motorcycle 1 according to this embodiment, when moving the motorcycle 1 equipped with this device 6a a short distance, such as when parking, the driver performs the following operations.

[0037] The driver, either straddling the seat 5 of the motorcycle 1 shown in Figure 3, or standing to the side of the vehicle (motorcycle 1) without straddling the seat 5 and gripping the handlebars 27 with both hands, inserts the ignition key into the keyhole 35 of the instrument panel 33 shown in Figure 4 and turns it to the ON position. With the driver gripping the handlebars 27, the driver sets the sub-switch 30 to the reverse position R and the main switch 28 to the ON position.

[0038] Then, "R" is displayed on the indicator 34 shown in Figure 4, and the arm 19 at the position of the dashed line rotates counterclockwise around the pivot shaft 21, moving the idler roller 11 attached to the arm 19 from the separated position B to the contact position A. When the sensor 26 detects that the idler roller 11 has reached the contact position A due to the rotation of the arm 19, the drive roller 10 rotates, causing the idler roller 11 to make contact and rotate, and the rear wheel 4 in contact with the idler roller 11 rotates in reverse. As a result, the motorcycle 1 moves in reverse. The reverse speed is set to an extremely low speed of about 5 to 150 mm / sec (for example, 100 mm / sec) for safety reasons.

[0039] When the motorcycle 1 is moving in reverse, if the driver releases their hand from the main switch 28 shown in Figure 4, the main switch returns to the off position, the "R" disappears from the indicator 34, and the rotation of the drive roller 10 stops. As a result, the rear wheel 4, which was rotating in reverse, stops, and the motorcycle 1 stops. In other words, the driver can move the motorcycle 1 in reverse by pressing the main switch 28 while straddling the seat 5 or standing to the side of the vehicle and gripping the left and right handlebars 27 with both hands, and stop the motorcycle 1 by releasing their hand from the main switch 28.

[0040] When the operator releases their hand from the main switch 28 in Figure 4, and the main switch 28 returns to the off position, a predetermined holding time (for example, about 5 to 10 seconds) has elapsed, causing the arm 19 to rotate clockwise around the rotating shaft 21, moving the idler roller 11 to the separated position B. The predetermined holding time is a buffer time (cushion time, grace period) to prevent the arm 19 from rotating frequently if the operator switches the main switch 28 between the on and off positions in a short period of time.

[0041] When the sensor 26 shown in Figure 4 detects that the idler roller 11 is in the separated position B, the engine En is permitted to start, and the engine En starts when the driver presses the engine En starter switch (not shown). On the other hand, when the sensor 26 detects that the idler roller 11 is in the contact position A, the engine En will not start even if the driver presses the engine En starter switch (not shown). Therefore, the engine En will not start and the vehicle will not run normally when the idler roller 11 is in contact with the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4.

[0042] When the driver sets the sub-switch 30, located on the handle 27 as shown in Figure 4, to the forward position F, the rotation direction of the first motor M1, which rotates the rear wheel 4, is changed to a direction that rotates the rear wheel 4 forward, opposite to the direction that rotates the rear wheel 4 backward. Then, with the sub-switch 30 in the forward position F, when the driver turns the main switch 28 to the ON position, the rear wheel 4 rotates forward through the same operation as when the rear wheel 4 is rotated backward as described above, except that the rotation direction of the first motor M1 changes to a direction that rotates the rear wheel 4 forward, and the motorcycle 1 moves forward. Furthermore, when the driver releases their hand from the main switch 28 and the main switch 28 returns to the OFF position, the rear wheel 4, which was rotating forward, stops, and the motorcycle 1 stops.

[0043] (Effects / Actions) The reverse assist device 6a of the motorcycle 1 according to this embodiment provides the following effects and benefits.

[0044] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the idler roller 11 that contacts and rotates the rear wheel 4 is positioned below the line L connecting the rotation center 10x of the drive roller 10 and the rotation center 4x of the rear wheel 4, and the diameter D of the idler roller 11 is set to be larger than the gap S between the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4. Therefore, when the drive roller 10 is rotated and the rear wheel 4 is rotated in the reverse direction X via the idler roller 11, the idler roller 11 is dragged by the reverse rotational force of the rear wheel 4 and pressed against the space between the rear wheel 4 and the drive roller 10, becoming embedded and fitted into it.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the idler roller 11 is moved by a switching mechanism 12 between a contact position A, in contact with the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4, and a separated position B, which is forward and downward relative to the contact position A. Therefore, when the idler roller 11 is moved to the contact position A and the rear wheel 4 is rotated in reverse, it is possible to avoid the situation in which the idler roller 11 is ejected upward and backward from the contact position A by the reverse rotational force of the rear wheel 4, as shown by the dashed line in the conventional example in Figure 2.

[0046] Thus, when reversing, the idler roller 11, which has a diameter D larger than the gap S between the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4, is pressed into that gap S, and the idler roller 11 is not ejected upward and backward from the rear wheel 4 by the reverse rotational force of the rear wheel 4, as shown by the dashed line in the conventional example in Figure 2. Therefore, even with a heavy motorcycle 1, sufficient contact friction force (traction) is obtained between the drive roller 10 and the idler roller 11, and between the idler roller 11 and the rear wheel 4, which is necessary to move the heavy vehicle body (motorcycle 1) in reverse.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the reverse assist device 6a for this motorcycle 1 mainly consists of a drive roller 10 and an idler roller 11 attached to the body frame 9 in front of the rear wheel 4 of the motorcycle 1. Therefore, it requires fewer parts, resulting in a lightweight, compact, and low-cost design. In addition, since the reverse assist device 6a is housed between the body frame 9 and the rear wheel 4, it can be retrofitted to an existing motorcycle 1. When the motorcycle 1 is parked, the idler roller 11 can be set to contact position A, which also functions as a parking brake. Although the self-locking function (reverse rotation prevention function) of the worm gear mechanism basically prevents the first worm 14 from rotating from the first worm wheel 15, it is preferable to have a brake on the first motor M1.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, with the reverse assist device 6a of the motorcycle 1 according to this embodiment, when the driver operates the main switch 28 provided on the handlebars 27 of the motorcycle 1, the first motor M1 is driven, and when the driver releases their hand from the main switch 28, the switch 28 returns to its original state and the first motor M1 stops. This makes it easy to control the continuation and interruption of reverse movement and provides high operability. In addition, in emergencies such as when the vehicle overturns, the rear wheel 4 stops rotating in reverse when the driver releases their hand from the main switch 28, thus ensuring safety.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the main switch 28 is located on the handlebars 27, and the driver can operate the main switch 28 while holding the handlebars 27. Therefore, the driver can control the continuation and interruption of reverse movement while straddling the seat 5 of the motorcycle 1 and balancing with both feet, or while standing to the side of the motorcycle 1 and holding the handlebars 27 with both hands, resulting in high operability. Thus, even motorcycles 1 with heavy vehicle weight or motorcycles with high seat heights can be easily and safely reversed.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit Con does not start the engine En of the motorcycle 1 when the idler roller 11 is in contact position A, where it is in contact with the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4, and allows the engine En to start when the idler roller 11 is in separation position B, where it is separated from the drive roller 10 and the rear wheel 4. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the motorcycle runs normally with the engine En running while the idler roller 11 is in contact with the rear wheel 4. Thus, the idler roller 11 and the first motor M1 are not over-rotated by the rotation of the rear wheel 4 during normal running, and damage to the idler roller 11 and the first motor M1 can be prevented.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, when the motorcycle 1 is being moved backward by the first motor M1, if the driver's hands, which are gripping the handlebars 27, leave the main switch 28 and the main switch 28 returns to the off position, the control unit Con does not immediately rotate the arm 19 clockwise around the rotating shaft 21 to move the idler roller 11 from contact position A to separation position B, but rather rotates the arm 19 clockwise around the rotating shaft 21 after a predetermined holding time (for example, about 5 to 10 seconds) has elapsed, moving the idler roller 11 to separation position B. This ensures that when the driver switches the main switch 28 on and off in a short time, the predetermined holding time acts as a buffer time (cushion time, grace period), preventing the idler roller 11 from frequently moving between contact position A and separation position B.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, a sub-switch 30 is provided on the handlebars 27 of the motorcycle 1 to switch the rotation direction of the first motor M1 between the direction in which the rear wheel rotates backward and the direction in which it rotates forward. When parking the motorcycle 1, the driver can easily change the direction of the vehicle (motorcycle 1) in reverse or forward by switching the sub-switch 30 as needed with the hand holding the handlebars 27. Even with a heavy motorcycle 1 that is difficult to handle, or a motorcycle 1 with a high seat height that makes it difficult to put your feet down, the driver can easily and accurately park in a designated spot in a narrow parking space by switching between forward and reverse as needed.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, an indicator 34 is provided near the instrument panel 33 of the motorcycle 1, including the tachometer 31 and speedometer 32, to inform the driver that when the main switch 28 is in the ON position, the vehicle (motorcycle 1) is driven by the first motor M1 instead of the engine En. Therefore, the driver can recognize the reverse and forward movements driven by the first motor M1 by looking at the indicator 34 on the instrument panel 33 while holding the handlebars 27 with both hands, making it easier to operate the handlebars 27 when reversing.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the idler roller 11 is moved between contact position A and separation position B by an actuator 22 consisting of a second motor M2 or the like in conjunction with the main switch 28. Therefore, the driver does not need to manually move the idler roller 11 between contact position A and separation position B, making reverse operation easier.

[0055] (Second embodiment: Reverse assist device 6b for motorcycle 1) Figures 5 and 6 show a reverse assist device 6b for a motorcycle 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The reverse assist device 6b for a motorcycle 1 according to the second embodiment has basically the same configuration as the reverse assist device 6a for a motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment, with only the switching mechanism 12b and actuator 22b differing from the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as in the first embodiment and their descriptions are omitted, and the different switching mechanism 12b and actuator 22b will be described.

[0056] (Switching mechanism 12b) As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the switching mechanism 12b of the second embodiment consists of a cylinder mechanism 37 to which an idler roller 11 is rotatably attached at one end and which is rotatably attached at the other end to the vehicle frame 9 via a pivot shaft 36. The cylinder mechanism 37 comprises a cylinder body 38 rotatably attached to the vehicle frame 9 via a pivot shaft 36 and a rod 39 that is retractable into the cylinder body 38, with the idler roller 11 rotatably attached to the tip of the rod 39. When the rod 39 extends so as to protrude from the cylinder body 38, the idler roller 11 is moved to contact position A, and when the rod 39 retracts so as to retract into the cylinder body 38, the idler roller 11 is moved to separation position B.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, the cylinder body 38 is suspended from the vehicle frame 9 via a cylinder holding member 40. One end of the cylinder holding member 40 is rotatably supported on the vehicle frame 9 via a shaft, and the other end is rotatably supported on the cylinder body 38 via a shaft. The cylinder holding member 40 has a spring structure and absorbs the running vibrations caused by the cylinder mechanism 37 oscillating around the rotating shaft 36 when the idler roller 11 acts as a weight during normal engine En operation, when the rod 39 is retracted and the idler roller 11 is in the separated position B. In addition, the cylinder holding member 40 absorbs the minute vertical movement of the idler roller 11 when the vehicle is electrically driven by the first motor M1, when the rod 39 is extended and the idler roller 11 is in contact position A. As the idler roller 11 moves slightly up and down, the rod 39 extends and retracts slightly relative to the cylinder body 38.

[0058] (Actuator 22b) As shown in Figure 6, the actuator 22b of the second embodiment is equipped with a threaded rod incorporated inside the cylinder mechanism 37, a nut that screws onto it, and a motor (third motor M3) that rotates the threaded rod. It is configured as a screw-feed structure in which the rod 39 extends and retracts when the third motor M3 is rotated forward or backward. In other words, in the second embodiment, an electric cylinder mechanism 41 is used in which the actuator 22b and the switching mechanism 12b are integrated. The third motor M3 is connected to the control unit Con and is controlled in the same way as the second motor M2 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 4. Specifically, when the main switch 28 is moved to the ON position, the control unit Con shown in Figure 6 rotates the third motor M3 forward to extend the rod 39 and move the idler roller 11 to the contact position A. When the main switch 28 is returned to the OFF position, after a predetermined holding time (for example, about 5 to 10 seconds) has elapsed, it rotates the third motor M3 backward to retract the rod 39 and move the idler roller 11 to the separated position B.

[0059] The operation and effect of the reverse assist device 6b of the motorcycle 1 according to the second embodiment are basically the same as those of the first embodiment, except that it uses an electric cylinder mechanism 41 in which the actuator 22b and the switching mechanism 12b are integrated, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0060] (Third embodiment: Reverse assist device 6c for motorcycle 1) Figures 7 and 8 show the reverse assist device 6c for a motorcycle 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The reverse assist device 6c for a motorcycle 1 according to the third embodiment has basically the same configuration as the reverse assist device 6a for a motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment, differing only from the first embodiment in that the actuator 22 that rotates the arm 19 of the switching mechanism 12 has been eliminated, and the arm 19 of the switching mechanism 12 is rotated manually. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as in the first embodiment and their descriptions are omitted, and the mechanism for manually rotating the arm 19 of the switching mechanism 12 (manual mechanism 42), which is different, will be described.

[0061] (Manual mechanism 42) As shown in Figures 7 and 8, an arm 19 is rotatably mounted on a second mounting block 20 attached to the vehicle frame 9 via a pivot shaft 21, and an idler roller 11 is rotatably mounted on the tip of the arm 19. The manual mechanism 42 includes an extension shaft 43 extending laterally from the arm 19 concentrically with the pivot shaft 21, and an operating lever 44 mounted perpendicularly to the end of the extension shaft 43. With this configuration, the driver can rotate the arm 19 clockwise and counterclockwise around the pivot shaft 21 by gripping the operating lever 44 and rotating it around the extension shaft 43, thereby moving the idler roller 11, which is rotatably mounted on the end of the arm 19, between a contact position A and a separated position B.

[0062] Inside the second mounting block 20 shown in Figures 7 and 8, there is a positioning mechanism that holds the rotation angle of the arm 19 at an angle where the idler roller 11 is in contact position A (contact angle) and at an angle where the idler roller 11 is in separated position B (separation angle). The positioning mechanism consists of a rotating spring and a cam mechanism (not shown) provided inside the second mounting block 20 and on the rotating shaft 21, and holds the rotation angle of the arm 19 at the contact angle and separation angle with a click sensation.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, when the rotation angle of the arm 19 is an intermediate angle between the contact angle and the separation angle, and the operating lever 44 rotates the arm 19 in a direction that brings the idler roller 11 closer to the vehicle frame 9, the rotation of the arm 19 is biased by the rotation spring and cam mechanism of the positioning mechanism (not shown), so that the idler roller 11 is pressed against the vehicle frame 9, and the rotation angle of the arm 19 is maintained at the separation angle.

[0064] Conversely, when the rotation angle of the arm 19 shown in Figure 7 is rotated by the operating lever 44 in a direction that brings the idler roller 11 closer to the rear wheel 4 and the drive roller 10, the rotation of the arm 19 is biased by the rotation spring and cam mechanism of the positioning mechanism (not shown), so that the idler roller 11 is pressed against the rear wheel 4 and the drive roller 10, and the rotation angle of the arm 19 is maintained at the contact angle.

[0065] The operation and effect of the reverse assist device 6c of the motorcycle 1 according to the third embodiment are basically the same as those of the first embodiment, except that the idler roller 11 is moved manually by the driver between the contact position A and the distance position B, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0066] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and that various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0067] This invention can be used as a reverse assist device for motorcycles, which is suitable for parking heavy, large motorcycles that are difficult to maneuver, by allowing them to reverse a short distance at an extremely low speed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1. Motorcycle 4 Rear wheels 4x Rear wheel rotation center 9. Vehicle frame 10 Drive rollers 10x Center of rotation of drive rollers 11 Idler Roller 12. Switching mechanism 22 Actuators 26 sensors 27 Handle 28 Switches (Main Switches) 30 Subswitches 31 Tachometer 32 speedometer 33 Instrument Panel 34 Indicators M1 Motor (First Motor) L is the line connecting the center of rotation of the drive roller and the center of rotation of the rear wheel. S void D Idler roller diameter A Contact position B Separate position X Reverse direction Con Control Unit En Engine

Claims

1. A drive roller located radially outward from the rear wheel of a motorcycle and mounted on the vehicle frame, which is rotationally driven by a motor, An idler roller is positioned below the line connecting the rotation center of the drive roller and the rotation center of the rear wheel, and has a diameter larger than the gap between the drive roller and the rear wheel. The idler roller is guided to move between a contact position in which it contacts the drive roller and the rear wheel, and a separation position which is forward and downward relative to the contact position and is separated from the drive roller and the rear wheel, by a switching mechanism. A reverse assist device for a motorcycle, characterized in that when the idler roller is moved to the contact position by the switching mechanism and the motor rotates the drive roller, causing the rear wheel to rotate in the reverse direction via the idler roller, the reverse rotation of the rear wheel causes the idler roller to be pressed against the rear wheel and the drive roller so as to bite into it.

2. A switch for driving the motor is provided on the handlebars of the aforementioned motorcycle. The switch is movable between an ON position that drives the motor and an OFF position that does not drive the motor, and is biased in the direction from the ON position to the OFF position. The reverse assist device for a motorcycle according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that drives the motor when the switch is moved from the off position to the on position, and stops the motor when the switch returns from the on position to the off position.

3. The switching mechanism is provided with a sensor that detects whether the idler roller is in the contact position or the separated position. The motorcycle reverse assist device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit has a function of not starting the motorcycle engine when the sensor detects the contact position of the idler roller, and permitting the engine to start when the sensor detects the separation position of the idler roller.

4. The switching mechanism is provided with an actuator that moves the idler roller between the contact position and the separated position. The reverse assist device for a motorcycle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the control unit has the function of moving the idle roller to the contact position by the actuator when the switch is moved from the off position to the on position, and then, when the switch returns from the on position to the off position, moving the idle roller to the separated position by the actuator after a predetermined holding time has elapsed.

5. The reverse assist device for a motorcycle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that an indicator is provided near the instrument panel of the motorcycle, such as a tachometer or speedometer, to inform the driver that the rear wheel is driven by the motor when the switch is in the ON position.

6. The reverse assist device for a motorcycle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a sub-switch is provided on the handlebars of the motorcycle to switch the rotation direction of the motor between the direction in which the rear wheel rotates in reverse and the direction in which it rotates in forward.

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