Small vehicles

Abstract

The objective is to provide a small vehicle that offers a high seating position, a forward-leaning posture with good visibility, and effectively prevents the driver from sliding. Furthermore, the objective is to provide a small vehicle that can accommodate passengers of various body types and balances ease of entry / exit with stability during riding. [Solution] The small vehicle 10 comprises a seat 20 composed of a cushion member 22 and a seat frame 24 on which the cushion member 22 is placed, a seat support member 30 that supports the seat 20, an operating section 40 positioned in front of the seat 20, and a footrest section 50, wherein the seat 20 is inclined diagonally downward toward the front of the vehicle, and the cushion base 25 has a hole 26 in a position that includes the part where the ischial tuberosities come into contact when the driver is seated.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, small mobility has attracted attention as a means of transportation and walking assistance for elderly people. As a type of small mobility, standing-type or seating-type electric vehicles called senior cars have become widespread. Such small mobility is expected to travel in pedestrian spaces such as sidewalks, and is required to be designed to coexist with pedestrians.

[0003] As an example of a seat structure in conventional small mobility, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a standing-type seat device. The seat device described in this publication is provided with a step between the rear portion and the front portion of the seat surface so as to reduce discomfort in the waist even during long-time driving. Further, a configuration is disclosed in which the entire seat surface portion is directed obliquely downward forward and arranged at a predetermined forward inclination angle.

[0004] On the other hand, general senior cars adopt a vertical and horizontal-based design with emphasis on stability. In particular, the seat surface of the seat is designed to be horizontal, and an occupant rides in a posture similar to sitting on a normal chair. Such a design is intended to ensure static stability and ease of getting on and off. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-116218 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] However, conventional small mobility vehicles with horizontal seats have several drawbacks. First, because the seating position is low, the occupant's view is obstructed in environments with many other pedestrians, resulting in poor visibility. Also, it is difficult to converse with a companion, and it gives the impression of being a vehicle specifically for the elderly.

[0007] One possible solution to these problems is to raise the seating position, but simply raising the seat height would increase interference between the back of the thighs and the seat, creating new problems such as difficulty sitting, poor foot placement, and difficulty getting in and out.

[0008] Furthermore, tilting the seat surface forward may potentially alleviate these problems while raising the seating position, but simply tilting it forward can lead to increased sliding of the buttocks. This is especially problematic for the elderly, who may need to brace themselves with their feet to prevent sliding, potentially leading to fatigue and anxiety.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a small vehicle that can effectively prevent the rider's buttocks from sliding while achieving a forward-leaning posture with a high seating position and good visibility. It also aims to provide a small vehicle that can accommodate riders of various body types and balances ease of entry and exit with stability while riding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) The present invention relates to a small vehicle having a seat equipped with a cushioning member, a seat support member that supports the seat, an operating section positioned in front of the seat, and a footrest, wherein the cushioning member includes a seat cushion and a cushion base positioned on the lower surface of the seat cushion and having the recess or hole, the seat is inclined diagonally downward toward the front of the vehicle, and the cushion base has the recess or hole at a position including the part in which the ischial bones make contact when the driver is seated.

[0011] As described in (1) above, the small vehicle of the present invention has a seat that is tilted diagonally downward and forward of the vehicle, which provides the occupant with a high viewpoint and good visibility. Furthermore, by adopting a forward-leaning posture, the small vehicle of the present invention achieves a dynamic appearance not found in conventional small mobility vehicles, while giving the viewer a youthful impression. In addition, the cushion base has a recess or hole in the area where the ischial tuberosities make contact, so that the ischial tuberosities fit into the recess or hole to suppress slippage, and the cushion in the area where the recess or hole is provided can be made thicker. As a result, the small vehicle of the present invention can improve seating comfort without making the seat look thicker. Therefore, the small vehicle of the present invention can achieve both a high viewpoint and a comfortable riding posture.

[0012] (2) The small vehicle of the present invention described above is configured such that the seat support member is positioned at an angle to the rear of the vehicle, the seat is configured to be able to move up and down along the seat support member, and the seat moves as it moves up and down along the seat support member while maintaining a state in which it is tilted diagonally downward toward the front of the vehicle.

[0013] In the small vehicle of the present invention, as described in (2) above, the seat support member is positioned at an angle toward the rear of the vehicle, so that the seat moves forward when the seat is raised or lowered. As a result, when the seat is set to a low position, the distance to the control panel is reduced, making it easier for even small occupants to operate. In addition, the seat position can be adjusted according to the occupant's physique and preference, so it can accommodate a variety of users. Therefore, the small vehicle of the present invention can provide an optimal riding posture and operability for occupants of various physiques.

[0014] (3) In the small vehicle of the present invention described above, it is preferable that the footrest portion is inclined in the same direction as the seat.

[0015] In the small vehicle of the present invention, as described in (3) above, the footrest is inclined in the same direction as the seat, resulting in a natural angle between the occupant's shin and ankle. With a horizontal footrest, the foot placement becomes unnatural when combined with a forward-leaning seat, but this configuration solves that problem. Furthermore, by aligning the inclination direction of the seat and the footrest, a unified and dynamic design can be achieved for the entire vehicle. Therefore, the small vehicle of the present invention can reduce leg fatigue even during long rides and also possess an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0016] (4) The small vehicle of the present invention described above further comprises an operating section support member that supports the operating section, and the operating section support member is preferably inclined in a direction along the seat support member.

[0017] In the small vehicle of the present invention, as described in (4) above, the control unit support member is inclined in a direction along the seat support member, so that the seat support member and the control unit support member are substantially parallel, and a unified design for the entire vehicle can be achieved. Furthermore, by inclining the control unit support member to the rear, space for the occupant's knees and feet can be secured. Therefore, the small vehicle of the present invention can achieve a control unit arrangement that balances aesthetics and functionality.

[0018] (5) The small vehicle of the present invention described above preferably has a shape in which the recess or hole extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the recess or hole is arranged as a pair on the left and right sides.

[0019] The small vehicle of the present invention has a shape in which the recesses or holes extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, as described in (5) above, and is arranged in pairs on the left and right sides, thereby effectively supporting the left and right ischial tuberosities of the occupant. This prevents not only forward sliding but also lateral displacement. Furthermore, by dividing the recesses or holes on the left and right sides, the strength of the seat frame can be ensured. Therefore, the small vehicle of the present invention can achieve both a stable seating position with a forward-tilting seat and structural strength.

[0020] (6) The compact vehicle according to the present invention described above may further include armrests rising upward from both side portions of the seat, and the armrests may be configured to laterally support the buttocks and waist of an occupant.

[0021] The compact vehicle of the present invention, by providing armrests as described in (7) above, can achieve two functions: support when getting in and out of the seat, and lateral support during traveling. In particular, it has a synergistic effect of stabilizing the occupant's posture in combination with the buttocks slip prevention function against lateral rolling during traveling. Therefore, the compact vehicle of the present invention can achieve both high riding stability and easy getting in and out while being a forward-inclined seat.

[0022] (7) In the compact vehicle of the present invention described above, the inclination angle of the seat is preferably within a range from 6 degrees to 10 degrees.

[0023] The compact vehicle of the present invention can optimize the balance between buttocks slip and good visibility by setting the inclination angle of the seat within the range from 6 degrees to 10 degrees as described in (8) above. If the inclination angle is less than 6 degrees, there may be problems that when trying to increase the seat height, the seat strongly interferes with the back of the thighs making it difficult to sit, and poor foot grounding. On the other hand, if the inclination angle exceeds 10 degrees, buttocks slip is likely to occur. It has been confirmed by experiments conducted by the present inventors that an inclination angle of around 8 degrees is particularly optimal. Therefore, the compact vehicle of the present invention can achieve an optimal balance between a high viewpoint position and a stable seated state.

[0024] (9) In the compact vehicle of the present invention described above, the armrests may have a shape that widens in the width direction as going upward, and a front end portion of the armrest may be spaced rearward from a front end of the seat in a side view of the vehicle so as not to interfere with getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0025] The compact vehicle of the present invention has an armrest that flares upward as described in (10) above, with a front end spaced rearward from the front end of the seat, so that it provides support conforming to the occupant's body shape while being designed not to interfere with getting in and out of the vehicle. Such a shape enables both the support function and boarding / alighting performance to be achieved at the same time. Therefore, the compact vehicle of the present invention can simultaneously achieve comfort during riding and ease of use when getting in and out.

[0026] The present invention may adopt any one of the configurations (1) to (7) described above alone, or may adopt a combination of a plurality of configurations. In particular, combining the lifting mechanism of (2) and the armrest of (7) with the basic configuration of (1) makes it possible to realize an excellent compact vehicle that achieves both compatibility with various users and high riding stability. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide a compact vehicle that can effectively prevent hip sliding while achieving a forward leaning posture with a high seating position and good visibility. Further, the present invention can provide a compact vehicle that can accommodate occupants of various physiques and achieves both boarding / alighting performance and stability during riding. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a side view of the compact vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the compact vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a top plan view showing the compact vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the top surface side. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a seat frame constituting a seat included in the compact vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing a state where an armrest cushion and a back member are attached to the seat frame of Fig. 4. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view of a seat included in the compact vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7](a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the riding conditions when the seat is adjusted to a high position, a medium position, and a low position in a small vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0030] ≪1. Overview≫ Figure 1 is a side view of a small vehicle 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the small vehicle 10, and Figure 3 is a plan view showing the small vehicle 10 as seen from the top. Compared to conventional small mobility vehicles such as senior scooters, the small vehicle 10 achieves a standing riding position and a high viewpoint.

[0031] The small vehicle 10 mainly consists of a seat 20, a seat support member 30, an operating unit 40, and a footrest 50. The small vehicle 10 is intended to travel in pedestrian spaces such as sidewalks and parks.

[0032] A key feature of the compact vehicle 10 in this embodiment is that the seat 20 is tilted diagonally downward and forward of the vehicle. This tilted structure allows for a higher seating position, providing occupants with a higher eye level compared to conventional compact mobility vehicles with horizontal seats. Furthermore, the support structure and seat surface structure of the seat 20 are distinctive, providing a function to prevent forward sliding despite being a tilted seat.

[0033] The seat 20 of the small vehicle 10 consists of a cushion member 22 and a seat frame 24. As will be described in detail later, the cushion base 25 has a recess or hole in the part where the occupant's ischial tuberosities make contact. This structure prevents the occupant's buttocks from sliding forward even when the seat 20 is tilted forward.

[0034] Furthermore, the small vehicle 10 is equipped with a lifting mechanism that allows the height of the seat 20 to be adjusted, accommodating occupants of various body types. The seat support member 30 that supports the seat 20 is inclined toward the rear of the vehicle, allowing the seat 20 to maintain a forward-leaning posture while moving up and down along this seat support member 30.

[0035] This configuration solves the problems of conventional small mobility vehicles, such as "low seating position and poor visibility," "difficulty conversing with companions," and "looking like a vehicle for the elderly." It also solves problems that arise from simply raising the seat, such as "difficulty getting in and out" and "poor foot placement," as well as the problem of "slipping" that occurs when the seat is tilted forward.

[0036] The following describes each component of the small vehicle 10 in more detail.

[0037] ≪2. Overall Configuration of Small Vehicles≫ The small vehicle 10 is configured as a small, lightweight, and highly maneuverable standing-type vehicle. The small vehicle 10 is constructed with a body frame 60 as its basic structure. The body frame 60 can be made of steel, such as steel plates or pipes, or it can be formed from lightweight and high-strength materials such as aluminum alloy or carbon fiber reinforced resin.

[0038] Wheels 62 are positioned at the bottom of the vehicle frame 60. The wheels 62 include front wheels 62a and rear wheels 62b, with the front wheels 62a being steerable and the rear wheels 62b functioning as drive wheels. The rear wheels 62b are driven by an electric motor (not shown).

[0039] A seat support member 30 is provided in the upper part of the vehicle frame 60, extending from the center. The seat support member 30 is positioned so as to slope towards the rear of the vehicle from bottom to top, and supports the seat 20. The angle of inclination of the seat support member 30 is set considering a balance between vehicle stability and occupant visibility.

[0040] The seat 20 is attached to the seat support member 30 and is tilted diagonally downward towards the front of the vehicle. An operating section 40 is located in front of the seat 20. The operating section 40 is supported by an operating section support member 42 and is positioned at a location and angle that is easy for the occupant to grip.

[0041] The control unit support member 42 is positioned at an angle toward the rear of the vehicle, similar to the seat support member 30. This arrangement ensures adequate space between the seat 20 and the control unit 40, providing ample room for the occupant's knees and feet.

[0042] A footrest 50 is provided at the lower front of the small vehicle 10. The footrest 50 is positioned at an angle. This arrangement allows the occupant to rest their feet in a natural posture, reducing fatigue even during long rides.

[0043] The small vehicle 10 is also equipped with a battery 64 and an electrical system including a control device 66. The battery 64 is positioned at the bottom of the vehicle frame 60 to lower the center of gravity and enhance the vehicle's stability. The control device 66 controls the motor drive and various electrical components based on input from the operating unit 40.

[0044] The overall shape of the small vehicle 10 differs from the horizontal and vertical designs of conventional small mobility vehicles, instead featuring a dynamic silhouette that rises from front to rear. This design helps to dispel the image of it being a vehicle for the elderly and gives it a sophisticated impression.

[0045] Furthermore, the dimensions of the small vehicle 10 are designed to be within the range of 800mm to 1200mm in length, 500mm to 700mm in width, and 900mm to 1100mm in height, taking into consideration use on sidewalks and indoors. In particular, the width is preferably set to around 600mm to allow for coexistence with other pedestrians on sidewalks. However, if the small vehicle 10 is to be used in theme parks or the like, the dimensions of the small vehicle 10 are not limited to those described above and should be optimized according to the intended use.

[0046] With the overall configuration described above, the small vehicle 10 is compact and easy to handle, while providing occupants with a high viewpoint and a comfortable riding position. In addition, the sloping design elements give it a more dynamic and modern impression than conventional small mobility vehicles.

[0047] ≪3. Basic Sheet Structure≫ Next, the basic configuration of the seat 20 of the small vehicle 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the seat frame 24 that constitutes the seat 20. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the seat frame 24 of Figure 4 with the armrest 28 and back member 29a, which will be described in detail later, attached. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the seat 20.

[0048] Seat 20 is tilted diagonally downward and forward of the vehicle. The tilt angle of seat 20 is set within the range of 6 to 10 degrees, with 8 degrees being the optimal angle, as confirmed through experiments. This tilt angle was determined considering factors such as the occupant's physique, monitor evaluations, and ride comfort.

[0049] The seat 20 consists of a cushion member 22 and a seat frame 24. The cushion member 22 supports the weight of the occupant and improves seating comfort. The seat frame 24 supports the cushion member 22 and serves as the connection point with the seat support member 30.

[0050] The seat support member 30 is positioned at an angle toward the rear of the vehicle. The seat support member 30 is a pole-shaped member that supports the seat 20 and is fixed to the vehicle frame 60. The direction of inclination of the seat support member 30 is opposite to the inclination of the seat 20, and this arrangement ensures legroom for the occupants.

[0051] The seat 20 is configured to be able to move up and down along the seat support member 30. This lifting mechanism allows the height of the seat 20 to be adjusted to suit the occupant's physique and preference. The seat 20 maintains a downward and forward tilt angle even when moving up or down.

[0052] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7(c), when the seat 20 is set to its lowest position, the seat 20 is closer to the control unit 40. This makes it easier for even small occupants to reach the control unit 40. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7(a), when the seat 20 is set to a higher position, the occupant can secure a higher viewpoint, improving their view of the surroundings.

[0053] The inclined structure of seat 20 causes the rider to sit in a forward-leaning position. This posture is similar to that of riding a bicycle, widening the forward field of vision and making it easier to be aware of the surroundings. The inclined structure of seat 20 also contributes to a dynamic and youthful riding posture. Furthermore, the aforementioned riding posture makes it easier for the rider to converse with a companion.

[0054] However, simply tilting the seat 20 forward would cause a problem called "buttock sliding," where the occupant's buttocks slide forward. To solve this problem, in this embodiment, the special structure of the cushion base 25 and the shape design of the cushion member 22, which will be described later, are used to prevent buttock sliding.

[0055] With the basic configuration of the seat 20 described above, the small vehicle 10 achieves a higher viewpoint and a better view due to a forward-leaning posture compared to conventional small mobility vehicles with horizontal seats, while also preventing the rider from sliding and maintaining a comfortable seating position.

[0056] ≪4. Regarding cushioning materials≫ Next, the detailed structure of the cushion member 22 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0057] The cushion member 22 has a structure that includes a seat cushion 22a. The seat cushion 22a is the part that the occupant comes into direct contact with and is made of a material such as urethane foam that has appropriate elasticity and durability.

[0058] Furthermore, a non-slip surface material 22b is used on the surface of the cushion member 22. This surface material 22b plays an auxiliary role in preventing the buttocks from sliding. The non-slip surface material and the structure of the perforations 26 work together to achieve a stable seating position despite the forward-tilting seat.

[0059] Furthermore, the cushion member 22 has a cushion base 25. The cushion base 25 is a member interposed between the bottom surface of the seat cushion 22a and the cushion mounting portion 24a of the seat frame 24, which will be described in detail later.

[0060] The cushion base 25 is a resin frame that supports the seat cushion 22a from below. The cushion base 25 has recesses or holes (holes 26 in this embodiment) at positions that include the area where the ischial tuberosities of the driver make contact when the driver sits on the seat cushion 22a. These holes 26 have a shape that extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and are arranged in pairs on the left and right sides.

[0061] The holes 26 are designed to conform to the shape of the human ischial tuberosity and have an elliptical shape extending in the front-to-back direction. The left and right holes 26 are positioned to correspond to the left and right ischial tuberosity positions of the occupant. The size of the holes 26 is set to be large enough to firmly support the ischial tuberosity.

[0062] The holes 26 are shaped as a pair, left and right, in order to support the left and right ischial tuberosities of the occupant. Although it could function as a single large hole, the structure is divided into left and right sections to allow the left and right ischial tuberosities to fit in separately and to ensure the strength of the cushion base 25.

[0063] The holes 26, when combined with the cushion member 22 (seat cushion 22a), provide a function to prevent the occupant from sliding. Specifically, the cushion base 25 has holes 26 at the position where the occupant's ischial tuberosities make contact, so that the ischial tuberosities fit into the holes 26 and prevent slipping, and the seat cushion 22a can be made thicker in the area where the holes 26 are provided. This makes it possible to improve seating comfort without making the seat 20 look thicker.

[0064] ≪5. Seat Frame Configuration≫ Next, the detailed structure of the seat frame 24 according to this embodiment will be described. The seat frame 24 is a base structure for supporting the cushion member 22. The seat frame 24 can be made of iron, or it can be formed from a lightweight and high-strength material such as aluminum alloy or carbon fiber reinforced resin. The seat frame 24 has a cushion support section 24a on which the cushion member 22 is placed, an armrest mounting section 24b on which the armrest 28 is provided, and a back support section 24c on which the backrest 29 is provided.

[0065] The cushion mounting section 24a is designed to tilt downwards as it moves forward, so that the seat 20 assumes a forward-leaning posture. The armrest mounting sections 24b are provided on both sides in the width direction (left-right direction) relative to the cushion mounting section 24a, rising upwards from the cushion mounting section 24a. The armrest mounting sections 24b are designed to widen outwards in the width direction (left-right direction) as they move upwards (away from the cushion mounting section 24a). The seat frame 24 also has a connection section with the seat support member 30 and is designed to move vertically in conjunction with the seat 20's lifting mechanism.

[0066] ≪6. Armrest Configuration≫ Next, the structure of the armrest 28 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. The armrest 28 is formed by attaching an armrest member 28a to the armrest mounting portion 24b of the seat frame 24. The armrest member 28a can be made of a material that does not have cushioning properties, such as resin, or it can be made of a material that has cushioning properties, similar to the seat cushion 22a of the cushion member 22. It has a structure that rises upward from both sides of the seat 20. The armrest 28 has the function of supporting the occupant's buttocks and waist from the side.

[0067] The armrest 28 has a shape that widens in the width direction as it extends upward, and is designed to conform to the shape of the human body. This shape allows for effective support of the occupant's body shape. In addition, the front end of the armrest 28 is positioned behind the front end of the seat 20 when viewed from the side of the vehicle, so as not to obstruct entry and exit.

[0068] The armrest 28 has two main functions. The first is to support the occupant when standing up or sitting down. The occupant can place their hands on the armrest 28 when standing up or sitting down, making it safe and easy to get in and out of the vehicle. The second function is to ensure lateral stability while driving. If the small vehicle 10 sways laterally while driving, the armrest 28 supports the occupant's buttocks and waist from the side. This, combined with the seat's forward tilt function to prevent the occupant from sliding, creates a synergistic effect that stabilizes the occupant's posture.

[0069] The internal structure of the armrest 28 is made of a material that combines appropriate elasticity and strength, and is designed to not burden the occupant even during prolonged use. The surface is covered with a non-slip surface material similar to that of the cushioning material 22.

[0070] The height and width of the Armrest 28 are designed to accommodate passengers of various body types. The height is neither too high nor too low, and the width allows for a natural arm rest, making it suitable for a wide range of users.

[0071] Conventional small mobility devices often employ bar-type armrests with weak lateral support. The armrest 28 of this embodiment offers significantly improved lumbar support compared to such conventional types. This enables a stable riding posture even with a forward-leaning seat.

[0072] This structure of the armrest 28 allows the small vehicle 10 to achieve both ease of entry and exit and stability while riding, maximizing the advantages of the forward-tilting seat. Furthermore, the armrest 28 enhances the design of the seat 20, contributing to the overall refined appearance of the small vehicle 10.

[0073] ≪7. Backrest Configuration≫ The backrest 29 can be provided with cushioning properties similar to the seat cushion 22a of the cushioning member 22, but in this embodiment, it is formed by attaching a back member 29a made of resin or the like, which does not have cushioning properties, to the backrest mounting portion 24c of the seat frame 24.

[0074] ≪8. Configuration of the control unit and footrest≫ Next, the configuration of the control unit 40 and footrest 50 according to this embodiment will be described. The control unit 40 is a bar handle located in front of the seat 20 and is a component for steering and controlling the speed of the small vehicle 10. The control unit 40 is designed in a shape and position that is easy for the occupant to grip and is positioned to reduce fatigue even during prolonged operation.

[0075] The control unit 40 is supported by a control unit support member 42. The control unit support member 42 is positioned in the same direction of inclination as the seat support member 30, that is, inclined toward the rear of the vehicle. This arrangement makes the seat support member 30 and the control unit support member 42 nearly parallel, achieving a unified design for the entire vehicle. By inclining the control unit support member 42 toward the rear, space for the occupant's knees and feet can be secured.

[0076] When the seat 20 is positioned by the lifting mechanism, setting the seat 20 to a lower position brings it relatively closer to the control unit 40. This makes it easier for even small occupants to reach the control unit 40, improving operability. In particular, because the seat support member 30 is inclined, as the seat 20 is lowered, it moves forward, reducing the distance to the control unit 40.

[0077] Next, the footrest 50 will be described. The footrest 50 is a component for the occupant to rest their feet on and is located at the front lower part of the small vehicle 10. The footrest 50 is provided at an angle to prevent the angle between the occupant's shin and ankle from becoming acute, and to allow for a natural foot position. In the case of a horizontal footrest, if the seat 20 is tilted forward, the foot position becomes unnatural, and fatigue is likely to occur during long rides. Therefore, by making the footrest 50 tilted as described above, fatigue can be reduced even during long rides.

[0078] Furthermore, the incline of the footrest 50 also has the effect of expressing a sense of dynamism in the overall silhouette of the vehicle. The design lines that rise from front to rear give a modern and sophisticated impression, unlike conventional small mobility vehicles that are based on horizontal and vertical lines.

[0079] The relative positions of the control unit 40 and the footrest 50 are optimized considering the occupant's operating posture. The design allows the occupant to naturally reach the control unit 40 and rest their feet on the footrest 50 while seated in the seat 20.

[0080] With this configuration of the control unit 40 and footrest 50, the small vehicle 10, when combined with the forward-leaning seat 20, achieves a comfortable riding posture and ease of operation. Furthermore, the unified design also contributes to its aesthetic appeal.

[0081] ≪9. Operation of Small Vehicles≫ Next, the operation of the small vehicle 10 according to this embodiment will be described. When an occupant boards the small vehicle 10, the height of the seat 20 is first adjusted to suit the occupant's physique. The seat 20 can be raised and lowered along the seat support member 30 to set it to an appropriate height. For shorter occupants, it is best to set it to a lower position, and for taller occupants, it is best to set it to a higher position.

[0082] When an occupant sits on the seat 20, their ischial tuberosities (sit bones) are positioned in the seat frame 24, corresponding to the holes 26. Because the seat cushion 22a of the cushioning member 22 is fitted into the holes 26 of the cushion base 25, the ischial tuberosities are supported by the increased thickness of the cushion.

[0083] Although the seat 20 is tilted diagonally downward and forward, the support for the ischial tuberosities provided by the holes 26 and the lateral support provided by the armrests 28 allow the occupant to maintain a stable posture without sliding forward. In particular, even if the small vehicle 10 shakes while driving, the lateral support from the armrests 28 ensures stability of the posture.

[0084] When starting the small vehicle 10, the occupant can grip the control unit 40 and perform acceleration operations. The control unit 40 is positioned at an appropriate distance in front of the seat 20, allowing the occupant to operate it in a natural posture. In particular, when the seat 20 is set in a low position, the distance to the control unit 40 becomes shorter, making it easy for even small occupants to operate.

[0085] While riding, the passenger's feet are placed on the footrest 50. Since the footrest 50 is tilted in the same direction as the seat 20, the passenger can place their feet in a natural position with the angle between their shin and ankle in place. This reduces foot fatigue even during long rides.

[0086] While the small vehicle 10 is in motion, the occupants are seated in a forward-leaning position, which allows for a higher viewpoint compared to conventional small mobility vehicles with horizontal seats. This allows for a wider field of view of surrounding pedestrians and obstacles, improving safety. It also makes conversation with companions easier.

[0087] When stopping the small vehicle 10 and disembarking, passengers can place their hands on the armrest 28 to stand up. The armrest 28 also has a support function for getting on and off, so even elderly passengers or those with mobility issues can get on and off safely.

[0088] Thus, the small vehicle 10 achieves both a high viewpoint and a stable riding posture through features such as the forward-tilting seat 20, the special perforated section 26 structure, and the support provided by the armrest 28. In addition, the height adjustment function of the seat 20 allows it to accommodate occupants of various body types.

[0089] ≪10. Effects≫ The small vehicle 10 described above has the following characteristic configurations (a) to (j). Therefore, the small vehicle 10 of the present invention can achieve the following unique effects that cannot be achieved with the prior art.

[0090] (a) The small vehicle 10 of this embodiment is a small vehicle 10 having a seat 20 equipped with a cushion member 22, a seat support member 30 that supports the seat 20, an operating section 40 positioned in front of the seat 20, and a footrest section 50, wherein the cushion member 22 includes a seat cushion 22a and a cushion base 25 positioned on the lower surface of the seat cushion 22a and having the holes 26, the seat 20 is inclined diagonally downward toward the front of the vehicle, and the cushion base 25 has the holes 26 at a position including the part in which the ischial tuberosities come into contact when the driver is seated.

[0091] In this embodiment, the small vehicle 10 has a seat 20 that is tilted diagonally downward and forward of the vehicle, as described in (a) above, which provides the occupant with a high viewpoint and good visibility. Furthermore, by adopting a forward-leaning posture, the small vehicle 10 achieves a dynamic appearance not found in conventional small mobility vehicles, while also giving the viewer a youthful impression. In addition, the cushion base 25 has holes 26 in the area where the ischial tuberosities make contact, which prevents slippage by allowing the ischial tuberosities to fit in, and also allows the cushion in the area where the holes 29 are provided to be made thicker. As a result, the small vehicle 10 can improve seating comfort without making the seat look thicker. Therefore, the small vehicle 10 of this embodiment can achieve both a high viewpoint and a comfortable riding posture.

[0092] (b) In the small vehicle 10 of this embodiment described above, the seat support member 30 is positioned at an inclination toward the rear of the vehicle, and the seat 20 is configured to be able to move up and down along the seat support member 30, and the seat 20 moves as it moves up and down along the seat support member 30 while maintaining a state inclined toward the front and downward of the vehicle.

[0093] In this embodiment, the small vehicle 10 is configured such that, as shown in (b) above, the seat support member 30 is positioned at an angle toward the rear of the vehicle, causing the seat 20 to move forward when it is raised or lowered. This brings the seat 20 closer to the control unit 40 when it is set to a low position, making it easier for even small passengers to operate. Furthermore, the seat position can be adjusted according to the passenger's physique and preferences, thus accommodating a variety of users. Therefore, the small vehicle 10 of this embodiment can provide optimal riding posture and operability for passengers of various physiques. It is also possible to configure the seat support member 30 not to be inclined, but the effect of forward movement accompanying the raising and lowering of the seat 20 will not be obtained.

[0094] (c) In the small vehicle 10 of this embodiment described above, the footrest 50 is inclined in the same inclination direction as the seat 20.

[0095] In this embodiment, the small vehicle 10, as shown in (c) above, has a footrest 50 that is inclined in the same direction as the seat 20, resulting in a natural angle between the occupant's shin and ankle. With a horizontal footrest, the foot placement would be unnatural when combined with the forward-leaning seat 20, but this configuration solves that problem. Furthermore, by aligning the inclination direction of the seat 20 and the footrest 50, a unified and dynamic design can be achieved for the entire vehicle. Therefore, the small vehicle 10 of this embodiment can reduce foot fatigue even during long rides and also possess an aesthetically pleasing appearance. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the footrest 50 is not inclined, but this would result in an unnatural foot placement for the occupant, potentially increasing fatigue during long rides.

[0096] (d) The small vehicle 10 of this embodiment described above further has an operating section support member 42 that supports the operating section 40, and the operating section support member 42 is inclined in a direction along the seat support member 30.

[0097] In this embodiment, the small vehicle 10, as shown in (d) above, has an operating unit support member 42 that is inclined in a direction along the seat support member 30, so that the seat support member 30 and the operating unit support member 42 are substantially parallel, and a unified design for the entire vehicle can be achieved. Furthermore, by inclining the operating unit support member 42 to the rear, space for the occupant's knees and feet can be secured. Therefore, the small vehicle 10 of this embodiment can achieve an operating unit arrangement that balances aesthetics and functionality. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the operating unit support member 42 is not inclined, but it becomes difficult to secure a unified design and sufficient legroom.

[0098] (e) In the small vehicle 10 of this embodiment described above, the holes 26 have a shape that extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the holes 26 are arranged in pairs on the left and right sides.

[0099] In this embodiment, the small vehicle 10 has a shape in which the holes 26 extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, as shown in (e) above, and are arranged as a pair on the left and right sides, thereby effectively supporting the left and right ischial tuberosities of the occupant. This prevents not only forward sliding but also lateral displacement. Furthermore, by dividing the holes 26 into left and right sections, the strength of the seat frame 24 can be ensured. Therefore, the small vehicle 10 of this embodiment can achieve both a stable seating position with a forward-tilted seat 20 and structural strength. It is also possible to configure the holes 26 as a single large hole, but special attention must be paid to the strength design of the seat frame 24 in such a configuration.

[0100] (f) The small vehicle 10 of this embodiment described above further has armrests 28 that rise upward from both sides of the seat 20, and the armrests 28 are configured to support the occupant's buttocks and waist from the side.

[0101] The small vehicle 10 of this embodiment, by providing the armrest 28 as described in (g) above, can achieve two functions: support when standing up and sitting down, and lateral support when driving. In particular, it has a synergistic effect in stabilizing the occupant's posture against lateral swaying while driving, in combination with the function to prevent the buttocks from sliding. Therefore, the small vehicle 10 of this embodiment can achieve both high riding stability and ease of getting in and out, despite having a forward-tilted seat 20. It is also possible to have a configuration without the armrest 28, but then the lateral stability and the support function when standing up and sitting down will not be obtained.

[0102] (g) In the small vehicle 10 of this embodiment described above, the inclination angle of the seat 20 is within the range of 6 to 10 degrees.

[0103] In this embodiment, the small vehicle 10 can optimize the balance between buttock sliding and good visibility by setting the inclination angle of the seat 20 within a range of 6 to 10 degrees, as described in (h) above. If the angle is less than 6 degrees, problems may arise such as the seat strongly interfering with the back of the thighs when trying to raise the seat height, making it difficult to sit down, or poor foot placement. On the other hand, if the inclination angle exceeds 10 degrees, buttock sliding may occur more easily. The inventors' experiments have confirmed that an inclination angle of around 8 degrees is particularly optimal. Therefore, the small vehicle 10 in this embodiment can achieve an optimal balance between a high viewpoint and a stable seating position. It is also possible to configure the seat 20 with an inclination angle of less than 6 degrees or more than 10 degrees, but the balance between good visibility and seating stability will not be optimal.

[0104] (j) In the small vehicle 10 of this embodiment described above, the armrest 28 has a shape that widens in the width direction as it goes upward, and the front end of the armrest 28 is positioned at a distance from the front end of the seat 20 when viewed from the side of the vehicle so as not to obstruct getting in and out.

[0105] The small vehicle 10 of this embodiment has an armrest 28 that widens upward as described in (j) above, and the front end of the armrest 28 is spaced rearward from the front end of the seat 20, so that it provides support that conforms to the occupant's body shape without hindering entry and exit. With this shape, it is possible to achieve both support function and ease of entry and exit. Therefore, the small vehicle 10 of this embodiment can achieve both comfort while riding and ease of use when getting in and out. It is possible to configure the armrest 28 with a different shape, but it becomes difficult to achieve both support that conforms to the occupant's body shape and ease of entry and exit.

[0106] This embodiment may employ any of the configurations (a) to (g) described above individually, or it may also employ a combination of multiple configurations. In particular, by combining the basic configuration of (a) with the lifting mechanism of (b), an excellent compact vehicle 10 can be realized that is both accommodating to a variety of users and providing high riding stability.

[0107] The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments, etc. above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. The components of each embodiment and modification described above can be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of each embodiment and modification can be arbitrarily combined with any component described in the means for solving the problem, the form for carrying out the invention, etc., or a component that embodies any component described in the means for solving the problem, the form for carrying out the invention, etc. The present application also intends to obtain rights in this application or in divisional applications, amendment applications, etc. based on this application. [Industrial applicability]

[0108] The present invention can be suitably used in small vehicles in general. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 10: Small vehicles 20: Sheet 22: Cushioning material 22a: Seat cushion 24: Seat frame 25: Cushion base 26: Hole 28: Armrest 30: Sheet support member 40:Operation unit 42: Operating section support member 50: Footrest

Claims

1. A seat equipped with a cushioning material, A sheet support member that supports the aforementioned sheet, An operating unit located in front of the aforementioned seat, Footrest section, A small vehicle having, The cushion member is Seat cushion and, A cushion base having the recess or hole is disposed on the lower surface of the seat cushion, Includes, The aforementioned seat is tilted diagonally downward towards the front of the vehicle. The small vehicle is characterized in that the cushion base has a recess or hole in a position that includes the part in which the ischial tuberosities come into contact when the driver is seated.

2. The aforementioned seat support member is positioned at an angle toward the rear of the vehicle. The aforementioned sheet is configured to be able to move up and down along the sheet support member, The small vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat moves along the seat support member while maintaining a state of being tilted diagonally downward toward the front of the vehicle.

3. The system further includes an operating section support member that supports the aforementioned operating section, The small vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating section support member is inclined in a direction along the seat support member.

4. The recess or hole has a shape that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The small vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recesses or holes are arranged as a pair on the left and right sides.

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