Small electric vehicle

Abstract

To provide a small electric vehicle that can improve the convenience of the cargo area. [Solution] The small electric vehicle 1 comprises a cargo bed 5 positioned behind the seat 4 and above the rear wheels 3, a cargo bed support frame 6 positioned on the underside of the cargo bed 5, an upper cargo bed frame 7 positioned above the cargo bed 5 and extending along the side edge of the cargo bed 5, a main frame 9 to which the cargo bed support frame 6 and the upper cargo bed frame 7 are connected, a side wall member 81 detachably attached to the upper cargo bed frame 7, and a restricting member 13 installed above the front end of the cargo bed 5 to restrict the movement of cargo loaded on the cargo bed 5 forward of the vehicle. The upper cargo bed frame 7 is fixed to the left and right upper frames 93 of the main frame 9.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a small electric vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, small electric vehicles used as means of transportation for short-distance movement are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle with a compact layout in which a loading platform for storing luggage is provided behind a seat provided substantially at the center of the vehicle body. The loading platform of this electric vehicle is mounted and supported on a loading platform receiving frame coupled to the main frame of the vehicle body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, due to the increasing trend towards the outdoors, the number of scenes where people travel by vehicles such as cars and spend time outdoors has been increasing. Conventional small electric vehicles equipped with a loading platform as described above are also suitable for use in the above outdoor scenes. However, when a conventional small electric vehicle travels on rough ground or the like in an outdoor scene, there is a possibility that the luggage loaded on the loading platform may fall outside the vehicle, and there is room for improvement regarding the convenience of the loading platform.

[0005] The present invention has been made by paying attention to the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a small electric vehicle capable of improving the convenience of the loading platform.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present invention provides a small electric vehicle equipped with a cargo bed positioned behind the seats where the occupants sit and above the rear wheels. This small electric vehicle comprises a cargo bed support frame positioned on the underside of the cargo bed, an upper cargo bed frame positioned above the cargo bed and extending along the side edge of the cargo bed, a main frame to which the cargo bed support frame and the upper cargo bed frame are connected, a side wall member detachably attached to the upper cargo bed frame, and a restricting member installed above the front end of the cargo bed to restrict the forward movement of cargo loaded on the cargo bed. The main frame includes a pair of left and right lower frames formed to be tilted backward with respect to the vertical, a pair of left and right upper frames formed to be tilted forward with respect to the vertical, and a pair of left and right bends connecting the rear of the lower frames and the rear of the upper frames. The upper cargo bed frame is fixed to the left and right upper frames. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the small electric vehicle prevents cargo loaded on the cargo bed from falling out of the vehicle, making it possible to reliably transport the cargo to its destination and improving the convenience of the cargo bed in the small electric vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a small electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front left side. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the small electric vehicle of the above embodiment, seen from the rear left side. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the small electric vehicle of the above embodiment, seen from the upper left side. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the small electric vehicle of the above embodiment, viewed from the lower left. [Figure 5] This is a magnified perspective view showing the area around the cargo bed in the above embodiment, where the side wall members are attached to the upper frame of the cargo bed in a vertical position. [Figure 6]This is a magnified perspective view showing the area around the cargo bed in the above embodiment, where the side wall members are attached to the upper frame of the cargo bed in a horizontal position. [Figure 7] This is a magnified perspective view showing the area around the mounting portion of the side wall member in the above embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a magnified perspective view showing the area around the support member in the above embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the procedure for changing the side wall member from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation in the above-described embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 4 are perspective views of a small electric vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front left, from the rear left, from the upper left, and from the lower left. In each of the figures described below, the direction of arrow F indicates the front in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the direction of arrow U indicates the upward direction in the vehicle's vertical direction, and the directions of arrows R and L indicate the right and left (vehicle width direction) as seen from the perspective of an occupant seated in a seat looking forward.

[0010] In Figures 1 to 4, the small electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment comprises a pair of left and right front wheels 2 and a pair of left and right rear wheels 3, a seat 4 on which an occupant sits, and a cargo bed 5 on which luggage is placed. The seat 4 is positioned near the center between the front wheels 2 and the rear wheels 3 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The cargo bed 5 is positioned behind the seat 4 and above the rear wheels 3. A cargo bed support frame 6 is positioned on the underside of the cargo bed 5, and the underside of the cargo bed 5 is fixed onto the cargo bed support frame 6 (Figure 4). Above the cargo bed 5, an upper cargo bed frame 7 is positioned, extending along the side edges of the cargo bed 5 (here, the right side edge, the rear side edge, and the left side edge) (Figures 1 to 3). A cargo bed panel 8 is provided between the cargo bed 5 and the upper cargo bed frame 7.

[0011] Furthermore, the small electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes a floor 10 supported by a main frame 9 and a handle 11 operated by an occupant seated in a seat 4. The floor 10 is located behind the left and right front wheels 2 and below the seat 4. The floor 10 is supported by the lower part of the main frame 9. The upper part of the main frame 9 supports the seat 4, and the cargo bed 5, cargo bed support frame 6, and cargo bed upper frame 7 are connected to the rear of the main frame 9, respectively. The handle 11 is located in front of the seat 4 and between the left and right front wheels 2. The configuration examples of each part of the small electric vehicle 1 will be described in detail below.

[0012] The left and right front wheels 2 are rotatably supported by a suspension mechanism 21 (Figures 1 and 2). The front wheels 2 are steered left and right in response to the operation of the steering wheel 11 by the occupant. The tops of the left and right front wheels 2 are covered by front fenders 22.

[0013] The left and right rear wheels 3 are rotatably supported by a suspension mechanism 31 (Figures 1 to 4). The rear wheels 3 are driven by a power unit 32 supplied with power from an onboard battery (not shown). The power unit 32 is mounted below the cargo bed 5 between the left and right rear wheels 3.

[0014] The seat 4 has a seat portion 41, a backrest portion 42, and a fixing portion 43 (Figures 1 to 3). The seat portion 41 is the part on which the occupant sits and forms the seating surface. The backrest portion 42 is the part that extends upward from the rear of the seat portion 41 and is configured to support the area around the waist of the occupant seated on the seat portion 41. The fixing portion 43 is attached to the lower surface portion of the seat portion 41 and has a hole that penetrates through it in the vehicle width direction. The fixing portion 43 fastens the cross frame 94 of the main frame 9, which will be described later, with bolts or the like, thereby fixing the seat 4 to a predetermined position on the cross frame 94.

[0015] The loading platform 5 has a flat bottom wall portion 51 on which luggage is placed (FIGS. 1 and 4). The bottom wall portion 51 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle width direction, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the vehicle longitudinal direction in plan view. The loading platform 5 has a peripheral wall portion 52 that extends upward from the vehicle side from the peripheral portion excluding the front edge of the bottom wall portion 51 (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0016] The peripheral wall portion 52 of the loading platform 5 has an inner wall surface that extends substantially perpendicular to the flat surface (upper surface) of the bottom wall portion 51, and an outer wall surface that is disposed opposite to the outside of the vehicle of the inner wall surface. The outer wall surface of the peripheral wall portion 52 is an inclined surface that approaches the inner wall surface side as it goes upward in the vehicle. That is, the left and right side portions of the peripheral wall portion 52 have a shape in which the width in the vehicle width direction becomes narrower as it goes upward in the vehicle, and the rear side portion of the peripheral wall portion 52 has a shape in which the width in the vehicle longitudinal direction becomes narrower as it goes upward in the vehicle. On the left and right side portions of the peripheral wall portion 52, three long holes 52A that extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction and penetrate in the vehicle width direction are formed at intervals in the front-rear direction. In addition, on the rear side portion of the peripheral wall portion 52, two long holes 52B that extend in the vehicle width direction and penetrate in the vehicle longitudinal direction are formed at intervals in the vehicle width direction.

[0017] Below the rear part of the loading platform 5, lights 53 such as brake lights and direction indicators are attached (FIGS. 1 to 4). In the present embodiment, the left and right side portions of the peripheral wall portion 52 of the loading platform 5 correspond to the "vertical wall portions" of the present invention, and each long hole 52A formed in the left and right side portions corresponds to the "through hole" of the present invention.

[0018] The loading platform support frame 6 is formed, for example, by bending a round metal pipe material into a U-shaped (U-shaped) shape that is long in the vehicle longitudinal direction and open to the front of the vehicle when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction (FIG. 4). Both longitudinal ends (right front end and left front end) of the loading platform support frame 6 are fixed to the vicinity of the left and right bending portions that connect the lower frame 92 and the upper frame 93, which will be described later, in the main frame 9 by welding or the like. The loading platform 5 is attached on the loading platform support frame 6, and the loading platform 5 is supported from below by the loading platform support frame 6.

[0019] The upper cargo bed frame 7 is formed by bending a round metal pipe, for example, having a larger diameter than the cargo bed support frame 6, along the right edge, rear edge, and left edge of the cargo bed 5. When viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle, it is formed in a U-shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and open to the front of the vehicle. The ends of the upper cargo bed frame 7 in the longitudinal direction (near the right front end and near the left front end) are inclined downwards as they extend towards the front of the vehicle, and each end is fixed to the upper frame 93 of the main frame 9, which will be described later, via connecting parts 71. The upper cargo bed frame 7 is positioned above the vehicle at a substantially constant distance from the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 52 of the cargo bed 5.

[0020] In this embodiment, the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed is positioned slightly inward from the inner wall surface of the peripheral wall portion 52 of the cargo bed 5 when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle. In other words, the U-shape of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed is designed to be a similar shape, but slightly smaller than the U-shape of the peripheral wall portion 52 of the cargo bed 5. To put it another way, the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed is not directly above the peripheral wall portion 52 of the cargo bed 5, but is positioned slightly offset inward from the cargo bed 5. In this embodiment, the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed corresponds to the "frame member" of the present invention.

[0021] The cargo bed panel 8 includes a plurality of resin side wall members 81 that are detachably attached to both the left and right sides of the cargo bed upper frame 7, a plurality of metal support members 82 that correspond to each of the plurality of side wall members 81, and a resin rear wall member 83 that is attached to the rear part of the cargo bed upper frame 7. In this embodiment, three sets of side wall members 81 and support members 82 are arranged in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) on the right side of the cargo bed upper frame 7. Similarly, three sets of side wall members 81 and support members 82 are also arranged in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) on the left side of the cargo bed upper frame 7. A single rear wall member 83 is provided in the longitudinal direction (vehicle width direction) on the rear part of the cargo bed upper frame 7. Each of the six side wall members 81 on the left and right sides has the same configuration and includes a main body portion 81A having a flat surface FL and a mounting portion 81B formed on one end of the main body portion 81A (Figures 1 to 3).

[0022] Figures 5 and 6 are enlarged perspective views of the area around the cargo bed 5, as seen from the rear left, in this embodiment, where the side wall member 81 is attached to the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed in different positions (postures). The side wall member 81 is detachably attached to the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed in either a vertical orientation (Figure 5) where the flat surface FL of the main body 81A faces inward in the vehicle width direction, or a horizontal orientation (Figure 6) where the flat surface FL faces upward on the vehicle. In the horizontal orientation, the side wall member 81 can hold items (not shown) on the flat surface FL of the main body 81A. Note that the attachment state of the side wall member 81 to the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed shown in Figures 1 to 4 corresponds to the vertical orientation.

[0023] Specifically, when the main body portion 81A of the side wall member 81 is mounted on the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed in a vertical position, it extends in the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle, and when it is mounted on the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed in a horizontal position, it extends in the longitudinal and horizontal directions of the vehicle. The main body portion 81A has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the flat surface FL. The main body portion 81A is formed in a plate shape in which the thickness in the direction perpendicular to the flat surface FL is shorter than the length of each side in the direction parallel to the flat surface FL.

[0024] The length of the main body 81A in the short direction is designed to be shorter than the distance from the top surface of the bottom wall portion 51 of the loading platform 5 to the lower end of the loading platform upper frame 7, and longer than the distance from the upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 52 of the loading platform 5 to the lower end of the loading platform upper frame 7. The length of the main body 81A in the long direction is designed to roughly correspond to the length obtained by dividing the total length of the loading platform 5 in the front-rear direction by the number of side wall members 81 arranged in the front-rear direction (in this case, 3). Mounting portions 81B are formed at both ends in the long direction of one of the two sides of the main body 81A along the long direction. In other words, two mounting portions 81B are formed at intervals in the long direction at one end of the side wall member 81 in the short direction of the main body 81A.

[0025] Figure 7 is a magnified perspective view of the area around one mounting portion 81B of the side wall member 81 in this embodiment, viewed from the inside lower part of the cargo bed 5. However, Figure 7 illustrates an example in which the side wall member 81 is mounted vertically to the upper frame 7 (dash-dot line) of the cargo bed. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the mounting portion 81B of the side wall member 81 extends from one end of the main body portion 81A in the short direction, inclined toward the flat surface FL as it moves outward in the short direction, then bends in the direction normal to the flat surface FL, and is further bent inward in the short direction to form a hook shape. Specifically, in the vertically positioned side wall member 81 shown in Figures 5 and 7, the mounting portion 81B extends from the upper end of the main body portion 81A, inclined toward the inward direction in the vehicle width direction as it moves upward toward the vehicle, then bends inward in the vehicle width direction, and is further bent toward the downward direction of the vehicle to form a hook shape.

[0026] The hook-shaped mounting portion 81B has a recessed groove-shaped portion 81C that is recessed in a direction away from one end of the main body portion 81A in the short direction (above the vehicle in the vertical position), and the groove-shaped portion 81C has a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed, and is configured to be fitted into the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed (Figure 7). Anti-slip rubber 81D is provided on the inner wall surface of the recessed groove-shaped portion 81C of the mounting portion 81B. The anti-slip rubber 81D prevents the side wall member 81 from rotating around the axis of the upper frame 7 due to the frictional force generated between it and the outer surface of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed. Note that the shape of the mounting portion 81B is not limited to a hook shape, and can be any shape that can be fitted into the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed.

[0027] Furthermore, the side wall member 81 in this embodiment is provided with vertical wall portions 81E that protrude from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 81A in the direction normal to the flat surface FL and extend in the short direction of the main body portion 81A (Figures 6 and 7). One end of the vertical wall portion 81E in the short direction is connected to the mounting portion 81B. When the vehicle is placed horizontally, the vertical wall portion 81E functions as a partition between adjacent side wall members 81 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and also functions as a rib that increases the rigidity of the main body portion 81A and the mounting portion 81B.

[0028] Furthermore, on the side wall member 81, the opposite surface of the flat surface FL of the main body portion 81A is provided with a plurality of hooks 81F that protrude in the opposite direction to the normal direction of the flat surface FL (outward in the vehicle width direction when vertically positioned) (Figures 1 to 5). Here, four hooks 81F are provided near the four corners of the roughly rectangular opposite surface of the main body portion 81A. For example, an elastic cord 12 is stretched across the four hooks 81F on the opposite surface of the main body portion 81A (Figure 5). This makes it possible to hold an article between the cord 12 and the opposite surface of the main body portion 81A. In this embodiment, the cord 12 corresponds to the "elastic member" of the present invention.

[0029] The support member 82 is positioned between the right (or left) portion of the peripheral wall 52 of the cargo bed 5 and the right (or left) portion of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed, and extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Specifically, the lower end of the support member 82 is connected to the area surrounding the elongated hole 52A (through hole) in the peripheral wall 52. The upper end of the support member 82 is connected to the portion of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed that corresponds to the elongated hole 52A on the right (or left) portion.

[0030] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the support member 82 in this embodiment, seen from the inside front of the cargo bed 5. As shown in Figure 8, the support member 82 in this embodiment has, for example, a support portion 82A, a lower connecting portion 82B, and an upper connecting portion 82C. The support portion 82A is a metal columnar component. The support portion 82A extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, gently bends in the vehicle width direction in the middle portion in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and has a shape such that the lower portion is located further out in the vehicle width direction than the upper portion.

[0031] The lower end portion of the support column 82A is connected to the area surrounding the elongated hole 52A in the peripheral wall portion 52 via a lower metal connecting portion 82B. The upper end portion of the support column 82A is connected to the portion of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed corresponding to the elongated hole 52A via an upper metal connecting portion 82C. With respect to the support column member 82 connected to the peripheral wall portion 52 of the cargo bed 5 and the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed in this manner, the side wall member 81 is attached to the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed such that the support column member 82 is positioned between a pair of mounting portions 81B formed at one end in the shorter direction.

[0032] The rear wall member 83 is attached to the rear portion of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed (Figures 1 to 6). In this embodiment, the rear wall member 83 extends across the entire width of the cargo bed 5 in the vehicle width direction. The upper end of the rear wall member 83 is fixed to the rear portion of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed, and the lower end of the rear wall member 83 is fixed to the rear portion of the peripheral wall 52 of the cargo bed 5. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the rear wall member 83 is fixed to the peripheral wall 52 of the cargo bed 5 and the rear portion of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed. However, instead of the rear wall member 83, it is also possible to attach side wall members 81 similar to those on the left and right sides of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed detachably to the rear portion of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed.

[0033] The main frame 9 includes a pair of left and right floor frames 91, a pair of left and right lower frames 92, a pair of left and right upper frames 93, and a single cross frame 94 (Figures 1 to 6). In this embodiment, the main frame 9 is made of metal round pipe material, similar to the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed described above, and by bending the pipe material at predetermined positions, each part of the floor frame 91, lower frame 92, upper frame 93, and cross frame 94 is integrally formed. As a result, there are no joints between the elements that make up the main frame 9, and high rigidity can be ensured for the main frame 9 as a whole.

[0034] The floor frame 91 extends along both sides of the floor 10 in the vehicle width direction and supports the floor 10. Specifically, the rear and intermediate portions of the floor frame 91 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction extend roughly horizontally and straight in the longitudinal direction. The front portion of the floor frame 91 extends inward in the vehicle width direction as it approaches the front of the vehicle, and then extends inward upward in the vehicle (Figures 1 to 4). Footrests 95, which protrude outward in the vehicle width direction, are fixed to the upward-sloping portions of the front of each floor frame 91 by welding or the like. The footrests 95 are configured so that an occupant seated in the seat 4 can rest their feet on them.

[0035] The lower frame 92 extends diagonally upward and rearward from the rear of the floor frame 91. In other words, the lower frame 92 is formed to be tilted backward with respect to the vertical direction. The upper frame 93 is continuous with the rear of the lower frame 92. The upper frame 93 extends diagonally upward and forward from the vehicle via a bent portion that is continuous with the rear of the lower frame 92. In other words, the upper frame 93 is formed to be tilted forward with respect to the vertical direction. Therefore, the parts of the main frame 9 corresponding to the lower frame 92 and the upper frame 93 are formed in an L-shape that protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the vehicle (Figure 3).

[0036] The cargo bed 5 is fixed across the left and right bends connecting the lower frame 92 and the upper frame 93. In this embodiment, the cargo bed support frame 6 is fixed to the lower portion of the left and right bends by welding or the like (Figure 4). The upper portion of the left and right bends penetrates the front portion of the side of the cargo bed 5 in the vehicle width direction (Figures 1 to 6).

[0037] The front portions of the left and right upper frames 93 are connected to each other via a cross frame 94 that extends in the vehicle width direction. The cross frame 94 has a seat fixing portion 43 attached to its center in the vehicle width direction, and supports the seat 4 from below the vehicle (Figures 1-3, 5, and 6).

[0038] The floor 10 has a flat surface 101 (top surface) that extends in the longitudinal and width directions of the vehicle and on which luggage can be placed. In plan view, the flat surface 101 of the floor 10 has a roughly rectangular shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Here, the front and rear edges of the flat surface 101 are formed in a gentle arc shape (Figures 1 and 2). In addition to luggage, occupants seated in the seats 4 can also rest their feet on the flat surface 101 of the floor 10.

[0039] The cargo storage space formed on the flat surface 101 of the floor 10 is separated from the cargo storage space formed on the bottom wall 51 of the cargo bed 5 by a mesh-like restricting member 13 that is detachably attached to the left and right upper frames 93 and cross frames 94 of the main frame 9 (Figures 1 to 3). The restricting member 13 is molded from resin or the like and generally covers the area enclosed by the upper frames 93, cross frames 94 and the front end of the cargo bed 5. The restricting member 13 restricts the movement of cargo (not shown) loaded on the cargo bed 5 toward the front of the vehicle and restricts the movement of cargo (not shown) loaded on the floor 10 toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0040] When the restricting member 13 described above is attached to the main frame 9, the cargo storage space of the cargo bed 5 and the cargo storage space of the floor 10 are formed independently (Figures 1 to 3). On the other hand, when the restricting member 13 is removed from the main frame 9, the cargo storage space of the cargo bed 5 and the cargo storage space of the floor 10 become connected (Figures 5 and 6). In this connected state, it becomes possible to load long cargo that spans both the cargo bed 5 and the floor 10.

[0041] Below the flat surface 101 of the floor 10, a battery mounting section 102 is formed. The battery mounting section 102 is configured to accommodate multiple on-board batteries (not shown) for supplying power to a power unit 32, including an electric motor for driving the rear wheels 3. In this embodiment, in addition to the battery mounting section 102 below the flat surface 101 of the floor 10, a battery mounting section 103 capable of accommodating multiple on-board batteries is also provided between the floor 10 and the power unit 32 below the vehicle in the cargo bed 5 (Figures 1 to 4).

[0042] Furthermore, multiple hooks 104 are provided on the right and left sides of the floor 10, protruding outward in the vehicle width direction and spaced apart in the front-to-back direction (Figures 1 to 4). Each hook 104 is used to secure cords, nets, etc. (not shown) to the floor 10 to prevent luggage placed on the flat surface 101 of the floor 10 from moving.

[0043] The steering wheel 11 is operated by an occupant seated in the seat 4 to steer the front wheels 2 left and right. The steering wheel 11 is connected to the upper end of a steering shaft 112, which is rotatably supported by a steering frame 111 (Figures 1 to 3). The lower end of the steering shaft 112 is connected to the left and right front wheels 2 via a steering mechanism (not shown) including a rack and pinion mechanism. The steering frame 111 and a portion of the steering shaft 112 are covered by a front shield 113.

[0044] The handlebars 11 are equipped with an accelerator control unit 114, such as an accelerator grip or accelerator lever, and a brake lever 115 (Figures 1 to 3). The rider can adjust the speed of the small electric vehicle 1 by operating the accelerator control unit 114 and the brake lever 115. Information regarding the driving status of the small electric vehicle 1 is displayed on the meter panel 116. The maximum speed of the small electric vehicle 1 is limited to a predetermined value (for example, 20 km / h).

[0045] A headlight 117 is installed in front of the front shield 113 (Figures 1-3). A holder 118 is also installed above the front shield 113. The holder 118 is configured to allow attachments such as a carrier case to be mounted.

[0046] Next, the procedure for changing the side wall member 81 from a vertical to a horizontal position in the small electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figure 9. In the small electric vehicle 1 configured as described above, when the vehicle is traveling with cargo loaded on the cargo bed 5, each side wall member 81 constituting the cargo bed panel 8 is attached to the cargo bed upper frame 7 in a vertical position. In the vertical position, as shown in the upper left of Figure 9, each side wall member 81 has a pair of mounting parts 81B formed on the upper end side of the main body 81A (one end in the short direction of the roughly rectangular main body 81A) that are fitted into the cargo bed upper frame 7 from above. At this time, each side wall member 81 is supported by the lower end portion of the main body 81A (the other end portion in the short direction of the main body 81A) contacting the outer wall surface (inclined surface) of the peripheral wall portion 52 of the cargo bed 5.

[0047] Since anti-slip rubber 81D is provided on the inside of the mounting portion 81B of the side wall member 81 (Figure 7), the rotation of the side wall member 81 around the axis of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed while the small electric vehicle 1 is running is suppressed by the weight of the side wall member 81 and the frictional force of the anti-slip rubber 81D. As a result, each side wall member 81 attached to the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed in a vertical position is stably supported at predetermined positions on both the left and right sides above the cargo bed 5. Although not shown in the figure, if an engaging portion that can engage with the peripheral wall portion 52 of the cargo bed 5 is provided at the lower end of the main body portion 81A of the side wall member 81, the vertical position of the side wall member 81 can be made even more stable.

[0048] In addition to the side wall members 81 described above, a rear wall member 83 is fixed to the rear portion of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed, and a restricting member 13 is provided above the front end of the cargo bed 5. These side wall members 81, rear wall member 83, and restricting member 13 prevent the cargo loaded on the cargo bed 5 from falling out of the vehicle while the small electric vehicle 1 is in motion, making it possible to reliably transport the cargo to its destination.

[0049] When the small electric vehicle 1 arrives at the site, or when taking a break on the way to the site, and the small electric vehicle 1 is parked and a table is prepared in the available space around the vehicle for meals, at least one of the side wall members 81, which are mounted vertically on the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed, is removed from the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed and then reattached horizontally.

[0050] To change the side wall member 81 from a vertical to a horizontal orientation, first, as shown in the upper center of Figure 9, the vertically oriented side wall member 81 is moved upwards on the vehicle and removed from the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed. Then, as shown in the upper right of Figure 9, the side wall member 81 is inverted in the vehicle width direction so that the flat surface FL of the main body 81A faces outwards in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, as shown in the lower right of Figure 9, the side wall member 81 is rotated around the vehicle's longitudinal axis so that the pair of mounting parts 81B pass below the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed and are positioned inside the cargo bed 5. At this time, the longitudinal arrangement of the side wall member 81 is adjusted so that the support member 82 corresponding to the side wall member 81 is positioned between the pair of mounting parts 81B of the side wall member 81.

[0051] Finally, as shown in the lower left of Figure 9, the pair of mounting portions 81B of the side wall member 81 are fitted into the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed from the inside in the vehicle width direction (inside the cargo bed 5). At this time, the portion of the main body portion 81A of the side wall member 81 located between the pair of mounting portions 81B at one end (the inner end in the vehicle width direction) abuts against and is supported by the upper portion of the support portion 82A of the support member 82. Supported in this way by the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed and the support member 82, the side wall member 81 is stable in a horizontal position with the flat surface FL of the main body portion 81A facing the top of the vehicle. As a result, it becomes possible to place items on the flat surface FL which is held generally horizontally, so the side wall member 81 attached to the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed in a horizontal position can be used as a table.

[0052] In the small electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the change from the vertical to the horizontal orientation of the side wall member 81 is performed by detaching the side wall member 81 from the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed. Therefore, this change can be performed relatively easily even if there is limited space around the vehicle. In other words, compared to changing from the vertical to the horizontal orientation while the side wall member 81 remains attached to the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed, it is possible to change from the vertical to the horizontal orientation by detaching the side wall member 81 from the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed in a narrow space. To change the side wall member 81 from the horizontal to the vertical orientation, simply reverse the above procedure.

[0053] As described above, in the small electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the side wall member 81 is detachably attached to the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed in either a vertical or horizontal position, and in the horizontal position, it is configured so that items can be placed on the flat surface FL of the main body 81A. With the small electric vehicle 1 equipped with such a side wall member 81, the side wall member 81 in the vertical position prevents the cargo loaded on the cargo bed 5 from falling to the side while driving, so that the cargo can be reliably transported to the destination. Furthermore, when the vehicle is stopped, such as upon arrival at the destination, even if there is limited space around the vehicle, the side wall member 81 can be changed from the vertical position to the horizontal position, so the side wall member 81 in the horizontal position can be easily used as a table in outdoor settings. Therefore, the small electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment can improve the convenience of the cargo bed 5.

[0054] Furthermore, in the small electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the side wall member 81 includes a main body portion 81A and a mounting portion 81B formed on one end of the main body portion 81A. In the vertical orientation, the mounting portion 81B is fitted into the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed, and the other end of the main body portion 81A is in contact with and supported by the cargo bed 5. In the horizontal orientation, the mounting portion 81B is fitted into the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed, and the portion of the main body portion 81A adjacent to the mounting portion 81B on one end is in contact with and supported by the support member 82. With such a side wall member 81, the side wall member 81 can be attached to and detached from the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed easily and reliably, and the side wall member 81 can be stably supported in both the vertical and horizontal orientations.

[0055] Furthermore, in the small electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment, multiple side wall members 81 and support members 82 are provided, each arranged in the longitudinal direction of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed. This allows the individual tables to be made compact when the side wall members 81 are used as tables in a horizontal position, thus enabling a variety of uses for the tables. Therefore, the convenience of the cargo bed 5 in the small electric vehicle 1 can be further improved.

[0056] In addition, in the small electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the cargo bed 5 includes a bottom wall portion 51 and a peripheral wall portion 52. The left and right sides of the peripheral wall portion 52 have a shape in which the width in the vehicle width direction narrows as it extends upwards, and a plurality of elongated holes 52A that penetrate in the vehicle width direction are formed at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction. The lower end of the support member 82 is connected to the area around the elongated holes 52A in the peripheral wall portion 52 of the cargo bed 5, and the upper end of the support member 82 is connected to the portion of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed corresponding to the elongated holes 52A. With this configuration, it becomes possible to easily position the support member 82 on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the side wall member 81.

[0057] Furthermore, in the small electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of hooks 81F are provided on the opposing surface of the flat surface FL of the main body portion 81A of the side wall member 81. By passing the cord 12 through these hooks 81F, it becomes possible to hold an item between the cord 12 and the opposing surface of the main body portion 81A. As a result, items can be loaded on the outside of the vertically positioned side wall member 81, thereby further enhancing the convenience of the cargo bed 5.

[0058] Furthermore, in the small electric vehicle 1 of this embodiment, a restricting member 13 installed above the front end of the cargo bed 5 restricts the movement of cargo loaded on the cargo bed 5 forward of the vehicle. This restricting member 13, along with the vertically positioned side wall member 81 and rear wall member 83, prevents cargo loaded on the cargo bed 5 from falling out of the vehicle, thus enabling more reliable transport of cargo to its destination. Therefore, the convenience of the cargo bed 5 in the small electric vehicle 1 can be further improved.

[0059] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible based on the technical idea of ​​the present invention. For example, in the embodiments described above, an example configuration was described in which the side wall member 81 includes a pair of mounting portions 81B on one end of the main body portion 81A, but one or three or more mounting portions 81B may be provided on one end of the main body portion 81A of the side wall member 81.

[0060] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows an example in which multiple side wall members 81 and support members 82 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed, a single side wall member 81 may be provided on the right and left sides of the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed. In addition, although an example in which round pipe material is used for the cargo bed support frame 6, the upper frame 7 of the cargo bed, and the main frame 9 has been described, each frame may be constructed using pipe material having any hollow cross-sectional shape other than round, such as square. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1…Small electric vehicle 2…Front wheel 21…Suspension mechanism 22... Front fender 3…Rear wheel 31…Suspension mechanism 32... Power Unit 4… Seats 41... Seat part 42... Backrest 43…Fixed part 5...Cargo bed 51...Bottom wall 52...Peripheral wall part (vertical wall part) 52A, 52B…Elongated hole (through hole) 6…Cargo bed support frame 7… Upper frame of the cargo bed (frame member) 71…Connecting parts 8…Cargo bed panel 81... Side wall member FL…Flat surface 81A...Main unit 81B... Mounting part 81C…Concave groove shaped part 81D…Anti-slip rubber 81E…Standing wall section 81F... Hook 82... Support member 82A…Strut part 82B…Lower connection part 82C…Upper connection part 83...Rear wall member 9…Mainframe 91... Floor frame 92... Lower frame 93... Upper frame 94...Cross frame 10... Floor 101…Flat surface 102, 103… Battery mounting section 104... Hook 11...Handle 111…Steering frame 112… Steering shaft 12…Cord (elastic member) 13… Regulating member

Claims

1. A small electric vehicle equipped with a cargo bed located behind the seats where the occupants sit and above the rear wheels, A cargo bed support frame positioned on the underside of the vehicle on the cargo bed, The upper frame of the cargo bed is positioned above the vehicle on the cargo bed and extends along the side edge of the cargo bed, The main frame to which the cargo bed support frame and the cargo bed upper frame are connected, A side wall member that is detachably attached to the upper frame of the cargo bed, The vehicle comprises a restricting member installed above the front end of the cargo bed, which restricts the movement of cargo loaded on the cargo bed forward of the vehicle, The aforementioned mainframe is A pair of left and right lower frames formed to be tilted backward in the vertical direction, A pair of left and right upper frames formed to tilt forward with respect to the vertical, It includes a pair of left and right bent portions connecting the rear of the lower frame and the rear of the upper frame, A small electric vehicle characterized in that the upper frame of the cargo bed is fixed to the left and right upper frames.

2. The main frame includes a cross frame that extends in the vehicle width direction, with the front portions of the left and right upper frames connected to each other. The small electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the regulating member is installed in the area enclosed by the left and right upper frames, the cross frame, and the front end of the cargo bed.

3. The small electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the regulating member is attachable and detachable.

4. The small electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the side wall member includes a plate-shaped main body having a flat surface and a mounting portion formed on one end of the main body and configured to be fitted into the upper frame of the cargo bed, and is rotatable about the axis of the upper frame of the cargo bed.

5. The small electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of the side wall members are provided in a row along the longitudinal direction of the upper frame of the cargo bed.

6. The aforementioned cargo bed includes a bottom wall portion that extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and vehicle width direction, and vertical wall portions that extend upward from both side edges of the bottom wall portion in the vehicle width direction. The small electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical wall portion has a shape in which the width in the vehicle width direction narrows as it extends upward towards the vehicle, and a plurality of through holes penetrating in the vehicle width direction are formed at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction.

7. The small electric vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the side wall member is provided with a plurality of hooks on the surface opposite the flat surface of the main body, and is configured to be able to hold an article between the elastic member stretched across the plurality of hooks and the opposing surface.

8. The small electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper frame of the cargo bed extends along both side edges and the rear side edge of the cargo bed in the vehicle width direction.

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