Off-road vehicles

Abstract

To provide an off-road travel vehicle which can continuously perform flatland travel, uphill travel, downhill travel, slope traverse travel and the like and allows a user to take a proper riding posture in any travel state.SOLUTION: An off-road travel vehicle comprises: a vehicle body frame 10; right and left crawlers 2a, 2b which are connected to the vehicle body frame 10; a boarding part 3 on which a user can stand-ride; a handle post 43 which extends upward from the vehicle body frame 10; a handle bar 44 which is provided on the upper part of the handle post 43; a support part 50 which supports the handle post 43 so as to be movable in the front-rear and left-right directions on the vehicle body frame 10; and handle post movement control means 60 which controls the movement of the handle post 43.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an off-road vehicle that can be ridden standing up and is suitable for traveling on off-road terrain such as mountain forests. [Background technology]

[0002] Japan's forests are required to be cultivated, maintained, and managed as sustainable environmental resources. However, many of them are located in steep, undulating mountainous areas. There is a demand for a means of transportation on rough terrain such as these steep, undulating mountain forests.

[0003] Patent Document 1 proposes an off-road vehicle that can be ridden while standing and is suitable for traveling on off-road terrain such as forest land. The off-road vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a vehicle body frame, left and right crawlers connected to the vehicle body frame, a riding section that can be ridden while standing, and a handle extending upward from the vehicle body frame, the vehicle body frame includes a crawler support section that supports the crawlers so that they can swing up and down via a first support shaft that extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle body, and an interlocking connection mechanism that interlocks and connects the left and right crawlers so that they can swing back and forth in the up-down direction, the left and right crawlers are connected to the vehicle body frame via the first support shaft at the rear side of the track frame, and are connected to the vehicle body frame via the interlocking connection mechanism at the second connection section that is provided on the front side of the track frame.

[0004] According to the above configuration, for example, when one of the left and right crawlers climbs onto a raised portion on rough ground, the one crawler oscillates upward with the first support shaft as a fulcrum relative to the vehicle body frame in response to the climbing up, while the other crawler on the opposite side oscillates downward with the first support shaft as a fulcrum relative to the vehicle body frame. Also, when one of the left and right crawlers enters a sunken portion on rough ground, the one crawler oscillates downward with the first support shaft as a fulcrum relative to the vehicle body frame in response to the climbing up.

[0005] In this way, when one of the left or right crawlers rides over a raised portion or enters a sunken portion, the left and right crawlers oscillate up and down in opposite directions relative to the vehicle frame, thereby suppressing the up and down oscillation of each crawler relative to the vehicle frame while suppressing the lateral tilt of the vehicle body caused by one of the crawlers riding over a raised portion or entering a sunken portion.

[0006] Incidentally, the body of an off-road vehicle tilts when traveling uphill, downhill, or traversing a slope, and the direction of gravity changes. Regardless of the tilt of the vehicle body, the occupant tries to maintain his or her body balance on the axis of gravity.

[0007] In the off-road vehicle described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, a handle post with a handlebar connected to its upper end is attached to the vehicle body so as to be able to swing back and forth, and an angle adjustment mechanism is provided on this handle post so that the angle of the handle post in the fore-and-aft direction can be adjusted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-59416 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The angle adjustment mechanism in the off-road vehicle of Patent Document 1 mentioned above has a number of recesses and engaging claws that engage with the recesses, and by operating the operating lever, the recesses and the engaging claws are disengaged from each other, and after the angle is adjusted, the operation of the operating lever is released to engage the recesses and the engaging claws.

[0010] In the off-road vehicle described in Patent Document 1, in order to adjust the front-rear angle of the handle post, it is necessary to get off the vehicle and operate the control lever, which is time-consuming. Therefore, when switching from flat road driving to uphill driving or downhill driving, the vehicle must be stopped each time to adjust the front-rear angle of the handle post, which makes it impossible to drive continuously.

[0011] Furthermore, when riding on a slope, the direction of gravity changes from side to side on the vehicle body. However, simply adjusting the angle of the handlebar post in the front-rear direction is not enough to deal with the change in gravity in the left-right direction on the vehicle body, making it difficult to adopt an appropriate riding posture.

[0012] To provide an off-road vehicle capable of continuous running on flat ground, uphill running, downhill running, traversing a slope, etc., and capable of assuming an appropriate riding posture in any running condition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The inventors have studied the riding posture of off-road vehicles. The basic riding posture is standing, and the rider holds the handlebars to maintain the riding posture when traveling on unstable, off-road slopes. They have devised a structure that allows the rider to easily maintain the riding posture while holding the handlebars, without excessive effort.

[0014] The direction of gravity of the vehicle body changes significantly when the vehicle is traveling on flat ground, climbing a slope, descending a slope, or traversing a slope.

[0015] Incidentally, when a human stands on a slope, the human body balances itself along the axis of gravity. When a passenger rides in an off-road vehicle, the passenger tries to maintain a posture so that the body balance is aligned with the axis of gravity, regardless of the inclination of the vehicle body.

[0016] However, if the angle of the handlebar post is fixed perpendicular to the vehicle body, the handlebar post will stand perpendicular to the slope. This will cause the rider holding onto the handlebars attached to the handlebar post to lose balance. Therefore, the inventor discovered that by keeping the handlebar post oriented along the axis of gravity, the rider can maintain balance even when the vehicle body is tilted forward, backward, left or right.

[0017] Taking this into consideration, the inventors have discovered that a suitable riding posture can be achieved by fixing the handlebars at an appropriate angle according to the riding posture.

[0018] As a result of extensive research, the inventors have come up with the following configuration.

[0019] An off-road vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a body frame, left and right crawlers connected to the body frame, a riding section on which a person can stand, a handle post extending upward from the body frame, and a handle bar provided on an upper portion of the handle post, a support portion that supports the handle post on the body frame so as to be movable in a front-rear direction or a left-right direction or a front-rear direction and a left-right direction; and a handle post movement control means for controlling the movement of the handle post.

[0020] In an off-road vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, the handle post is supported on the body frame so as to be movable in the front-rear or left-right or front-rear or left-right directions, and the handle post movement control means stops the movement of the handle post after the handle post has moved a predetermined amount in the front-rear or left-right or front-rear or left-right directions. For example, by moving the handle post in a direction along the gravity axis and stopping the handle post in that state, the rider can maintain balance.

[0021] The handle post can be moved and stopped without stopping the off-road vehicle, which allows continuous travel on flat ground, uphill, downhill, and across slopes.

[0022] From another viewpoint, it is preferable that an all-terrain vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following configuration: The handle post movement control means includes an actuator unit which moves the handle post in a front-rear direction or a left-right direction or in a front-rear and left-right direction.

[0023] According to the above configuration, by moving the handle post in the front-rear or left-right or front-rear and left-right directions by the actuator unit, continuous travel such as travel on flat ground, travel uphill, travel downhill, and travel traverse on slopes is possible.

[0024] In addition, by supporting the handle post on the body frame so that it can be freely moved in the front-rear and left-right directions and by moving the handle post in the front-rear and left-right directions by an actuator unit, an appropriate riding posture can be adopted in any riding condition.

[0025] From another viewpoint, it is preferable that an off-road vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following configuration: the support section has a universal joint which rotates and tilts in front-rear and left-right directions and supports the handle post so that it can move freely in the front-rear and left-right directions, and the actuator section includes a front-rear actuator which moves the handle post in the front-rear direction, a left-right actuator which moves the handle post in the left-right direction, and a control device which controls the drive of the front-rear actuator and the left-right actuator.

[0026] According to the above configuration, by controlling the driving of the front / rear actuators and the left / right actuators, it is possible to adopt an appropriate riding posture in any traveling condition.

[0027] From another viewpoint, it is preferable that an off-road vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following configuration: a switch means provided on the handlebar for giving an instruction signal to the control device, and the control device controls the drive of the front and rear actuators and the left and right actuators in response to an instruction input by the switch means.

[0028] According to the above configuration, the handlebar post can be moved to an appropriate angle by the switch means provided on the handlebar, and the handlebar held by the rider can be kept in an appropriate position, thereby enabling the rider to take an appropriate riding posture in any riding condition.

[0029] From another viewpoint, it is preferable that an off-road vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following configuration: the switch means is made of a joystick, and when the joystick is moved in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the control device controls the drive of the front-rear actuator, causing the handle post to move in the front-rear direction, and when the joystick is moved in the left-right direction of the vehicle, the control device controls the drive of the left-right actuator, causing the handle post to move in the left-right direction.

[0030] As described above, by configuring the switch means as a joystick, the rider can easily instruct the movement of the handle post in the desired forward / backward or left / right direction.

[0031] From another viewpoint, it is preferable that the off-road vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following configuration: The handle post is provided with an inclination sensor, and the control device controls the driving of the front / rear actuator and the left / right actuator so that the handle post is aligned with the gravity axis direction.

[0032] According to the above configuration, the handlebar post can be moved to an optimum angle in all directions by the tilt sensor, thereby enabling the rider to take an appropriate riding posture in any riding condition.

[0033] From another viewpoint, it is preferable that the off-road vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following configuration: The control device controls driving of the front / rear actuator and the left / right actuator so as to maintain the handle post in a state where it overshoots the direction of gravity by a predetermined angle toward the mountain side.

[0034] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the handle post is maintained in a state where it overshoots the direction of gravity by a predetermined angle toward the mountain side, which provides more room for maneuvering, making driving easier for the rider.

[0035] In this specification, an embodiment of an off-road vehicle according to the present invention will be described.

[0036] In the following description, numerous specific examples are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific examples.

[0037] The following disclosure is therefore to be considered as illustrative of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated in the following drawings or description.

[0038] [Handle post movement control means] In this specification, the handle post movement control means controls the movement of the handle post in the front-rear direction, left-right direction, or front-rear and left-right direction, which is supported on the vehicle frame by a support part so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, left-right direction, or front-rear and left-right direction. The handle post movement control means includes a means for mechanically controlling the movement of the handle post, and a means for electrically controlling the movement of the handle post. For example, the handle post movement control means for mechanically controlling the movement of the handle post can be composed of a brake or the like that stops the expansion and contraction of the expandable and contractible member that expands and contracts due to the movement of the handle post in the front-rear direction, left-right direction, or front-rear and left-right direction, which is attached between the handle post and the vehicle frame. For example, the handle post movement control means for electrically controlling the movement of the handle post can be composed of a load resistance component of the actuator unit in a state where the movement operation of the actuator unit that moves the handle post in the front-rear direction, left-right direction, or front-rear and left-right direction is stopped. Effect of the Invention

[0039] According to the off-road vehicle of the present invention, the handle post is supported on the body frame so as to be movable in the front-rear or left-right or front-rear and left-right directions, and the handle post movement control means stops the movement of the handle post when the handle post has been moved a predetermined amount in the front-rear or left-right or front-rear and left-right directions, allowing the rider to maintain balance. The handle post can be moved and stopped without stopping the off-road vehicle. This makes it possible to continuously travel on flat ground, uphill, downhill, and traverse on slopes. In addition, the rider can take an appropriate riding posture in any traveling condition. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an all-terrain vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention with a crawler cover removed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the off-road vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a handlebar portion of the off-road vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the rough terrain vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention from the rear side with one of the crawlers removed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the rough terrain vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front with one of the crawlers removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of an all-terrain vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the left and right swing links visible. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the rough terrain vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention with the crawlers removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an all-terrain vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the handle post is tilted forward. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion A surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of part A surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 8, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle body. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a running state of an all-terrain vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, and showing a running state on flat ground. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view showing a running state of an all-terrain vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, the view showing a running state on flat ground. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a running state of an all-terrain vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a front view showing a running state on flat ground. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view showing a running state of an all-terrain vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the vehicle is traveling uphill. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view showing a running state of an all-terrain vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, and showing a state of running downhill. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 shows a traveling state of the off-road vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a front view showing a state of traversing a slope. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a traveling state of an all-terrain vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, and showing a state in which the vehicle is climbing obliquely up a slope. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a front view of an all-terrain vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view showing a handlebar portion of an all-terrain vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a top view of an all-terrain vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a front view of an all-terrain vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensions of components in each drawing do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the components and the dimensional ratios of the components.

[0042] Hereinafter, arrow F in the drawings indicates the forward direction of the off-road vehicle. Arrow RR in the drawings indicates the rearward direction of the off-road vehicle. Arrow U in the drawings indicates the upward direction of the off-road vehicle. Furthermore, the forward, backward, left and right directions respectively refer to the forward, backward, left and right directions as seen by a driver of the off-road vehicle.

[0043] Fig. 1 is a side view of an off-road vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention with a crawler cover removed, Fig. 2 is a front view of the off-road vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a handlebar portion of the off-road vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the off-road vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention from the rear side with one crawler removed, Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the off-road vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention from the front side with one crawler removed, Fig. 6 is a front view of the off-road vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the front member removed to allow the left and right swing links to be seen. Fig. 7 is a rear view of the off-road vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention with the crawler removed.

[0044] 1 to 7, an off-road vehicle 100 in this embodiment has a vehicle body 1, a left crawler 2a, a right crawler 2b, and a handle unit 4. The handle unit 4 includes a handle post 43 and a handle bar .

[0045] The left and right crawlers 2a and 2b are driven independently by a drive sprocket 22. The left and right drive sprockets 22 are driven by respective electric motors 21. In this embodiment, the drive sprockets 22 are directly attached to the electric motors 21. The left and right crawlers 2a and 2b, including their drive mechanisms, are housed about 30 cm above the ground, realizing a drive mechanism with an extremely low center of gravity.

[0046] The vehicle body 1 has a vehicle body frame 10. The left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b are rotatably supported at the rear of the vehicle body 1 relative to the vehicle body frame 10 via crawler supports 18a and 18b, respectively. The left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b are suspended via a left / right swing link 17 attached to the vehicle body frame 10 at the front of the vehicle body 1. This improves the vehicle's ability to overcome steps and its ability to contact rough ground, ensuring travelling on rough terrain with severe bumps.

[0047] In this embodiment, a handle post 43 is attached to the body frame 10 by a support portion 50 so that the angle can be freely adjusted in the front-rear and left-right directions. The handle post 43 can be fixed by a handle post movement control means 60 so that the angle can be freely adjusted in the direction along the gravity axis. This makes it possible to assist the weight balance of the occupant D gripping the handle bar 44 attached to the handle post 43. As a result, the occupant D can ride the rough terrain vehicle 100 without feeling anxious about falling over while satisfying the necessary requirements for traveling on an incline. The rough terrain vehicle according to this embodiment will be further described below with reference to the drawings.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, an off-road vehicle 100 according to this embodiment comprises a body frame 10 forming the framework of a vehicle body 1, a left crawler 2a and a right crawler 2b connected to the body frame 10, a riding section 3 which can be stood on, and a handle section 4 attached to the body frame 10.

[0049] The handle section 4 includes a handle post 43 extending above the body frame 10, and a handle bar 44 provided on the upper part of the handle post 43. The handle post 43 is supported on the body frame 10 via a support part 50 so as to be movable forward / backward and left / right. The support part 50 and the handle post 43 will be described later.

[0050] 4 and 5, the body frame 10 is formed into a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view by welding together left and right side members 11 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 1, a first cross member 12 spanning the front sides of the left and right side members 11, and a second cross member 13 spanning the rear ends of the left and right side members 11. A central member 14 is fixed to the upper surface of the first cross member 12, extending forward from the left-right center thereof.

[0051] A handle support base 15 is provided at the front end of the upper surface of the central member 14 so as to be fixed perpendicular to the central member 14. A lower member 16 is provided at the front end of the lower surface of the central member 14 so as to be fixed perpendicular to the central member 14.

[0052] The handle support base 15 is fitted with support parts 50 that support the handle post 43 from the front, rear, left and right, and a left-right actuator 61 and a front-rear actuator 62 that constitute a handle post movement control means 60.

[0053] 1, 2, and 4 to 7, the vehicle body frame 10 has a support shaft 5a extending laterally to the left of the vehicle body 1, and a support shaft 5b extending to the right of the vehicle body 1. The vehicle body frame 10 has crawler support parts 18a, 18b that support the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b via the support shafts 5a, 5b so that they can swing up and down, respectively, and a left-right swing link 17 that interlocks and connects the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b so that they can swing back and forth in the up and down direction.

[0054] The left crawler support portion 18a has a left bracket 180a that protrudes outward to the left from the rear side of the left side member 11, a spindle 5a attached to the left bracket 180a, and a bearing portion 19a that rotatably supports the spindle 5a provided on the left crawler frame 20.

[0055] The right crawler support portion 18b has a right side bracket 180b that protrudes outward to the right from the rear side of the right side member 11, a spindle 5b attached to the right bracket 180b, and a bearing portion 19b that rotatably supports the spindle 5b provided on the right crawler frame 20.

[0056] 1, 2, and 4 to 7, the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b each include a crawler frame 20 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 1, a drive sprocket 22 supported via an electric motor 21 at the rear end of the crawler frame 20, a tension-type idler wheel 23 supported via a tension mechanism (not shown) at the front end of the crawler frame 20, front and rear wheels 25, 26 supported via an equalizer arm 24 at the front-rear intermediate portion of the crawler frame 20, and a crawler belt 27 stretched across the drive sprocket 22, the idler wheel 23, and the front and rear wheels 25, 26. Each electric motor 21 is an in-wheel motor attached to the drive sprocket 22, and is equipped therein with an inverter (not shown), a reduction mechanism (not shown), and the like.

[0057] Also, the crawler cover 29 is omitted in Figures 1, 4, and 5. As shown in Figure 8, the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b are fitted with crawler covers 29, which are configured to cover the drive sprocket 22, the idler wheel 23, and the rollers 25 and 26 from the outside.

[0058] The left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b are configured to be of an electric type that is independently driven by the left and right electric motors 21, respectively. As will be described later, the driving of the electric motor 21 is controlled by instructions from a joystick 66 serving as a driving operation unit attached to the handlebar 44. As a result, the rough terrain vehicle 100 moves straight forward when the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b are driven at a constant speed in the forward rotation direction, and moves straight backward when the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b are driven at a constant speed in the reverse rotation direction.

[0059] The rough terrain vehicle 100 turns to the left or right in the forward direction by driving the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b at unequal speeds in the forward rotation direction. The rough terrain vehicle 100 turns to the left or right in the backward direction by driving the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b at unequal speeds in the reverse rotation direction. The rough terrain vehicle 100 pivots by driving one of the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b while the other crawler 2 is stopped, and spins by driving the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b at uniform speeds in the forward and reverse rotation directions.

[0060] In addition, the off-road vehicle 100 can brake and stop the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b using left and right disc brakes (not shown), thereby enabling the vehicle to be reliably maintained in a braked stopped state even when used on rough terrain such as steep forested areas.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 8, the riding section 3 is formed by a floor panel 30 supported by the vehicle body frame 10. The floor panel 30 is bent so as to have step sections 30a on both left and right ends and a base section 30b on the left and right central side. A seat 8 is detachably attached to the rear side of the base section 30b via a plurality of springs 7 that function as shock-absorbing members. Left and right fenders 31 are attached to the floor panel 30, extending from both left and right ends toward above the left crawler 2a and right crawler 2b.

[0062] 1 to 7, the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b are connected to the vehicle body frame 10 via bearings 19a, 19b and support shafts 5a, 5b provided on the rear side of the crawler frames 20, and a connecting portion 20b provided on the front side of the crawler frame 20 is connected to the vehicle body frame 10 via a left / right swing link 17. Between the bearings 19a, 19b and the support shafts 5a, 5b, bearings and the like that allow relative rotation therebetween are provided.

[0063] 4 and 6, the left and right swing link 17 has a support shaft 70 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 1, a balance arm 71 supported on the first cross member 12 of the vehicle body frame 10 via the support shaft 70 so as to be able to swing up and down, and left and right dampers 72 extending from the left and right free ends of the balance arm 71 to the connecting parts 20a, 20b of the crawler frame 20. Universal joints 73 are provided on the left and right free ends of the balance arm 71, and the balance arm 71 is connected to the left and right side members 11 of the vehicle body frame 10.

[0064] With the above-mentioned configuration, this off-road vehicle 100 has the aforementioned crawler support parts 18a, 18b and left / right swing link 17 on its body frame 10, so that, for example, when the left crawler 2a on the left side of the vehicle body runs over a bump on the rough terrain, the left crawler 2a on the left side of the vehicle body swings upward relative to the body frame 10, with the support shaft 5a as a fulcrum, and the right crawler 2b on the right side of the vehicle body swings downward relative to the body frame 10, with the support shaft 5b as a fulcrum (see Figure 4).

[0065] Also, for example, when the left crawler 2a on the left side of the vehicle body enters a sunken section on uneven ground, the left crawler 2a on the left side of the vehicle body swings downward relative to the vehicle body frame 10, with the support shaft 5a as a fulcrum, and the right crawler 2b on the right side of the vehicle body swings upward relative to the vehicle body frame 10, with the support shaft 5b as a fulcrum, in accordance with the entry at that time.

[0066] In this way, when one of the left crawler 2a or the right crawler 2b climbs up or down on a raised portion or enters a sunken portion, the left crawler 2a or the right crawler 2b swings up and down in an opposing manner relative to the vehicle body frame 10, so that it is possible to suppress the left and right tilt of the vehicle body 1 caused by one of the left crawler 2a or the right crawler 2b climbing up or down on a raised portion or entering a sunken portion while suppressing the up and down swing of the left crawler 2a or the right crawler 2b relative to the vehicle body frame 10. As a result, it is possible to improve the drivability on rough ground such as undulating forest land and to provide a sense of security to the occupant D in the riding section 3.

[0067] Next, the support part 50 and the handle post 43 will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 10. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an off-road vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the handle post 43 is tilted forward. Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of part A surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 8, and Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of part A surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 8, showing a state as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle body 1.

[0068] 8 to 10, a lower end of the handle post 43 is supported on the front side of the body frame 10 via a support part 50 so as to be movable back and forth and left and right. A handle bar 44 is attached to an upper end of the handle post 43.

[0069] The support part 50 includes a first support part 50a and a second support part 50b that constitute a universal joint. The first support part 50a is fixed to the handle support base 15, and the second support part 50b is attached to the first support part 50a so as to be movable in the left-right direction. The second support part 50b is attached to the handle support base 15 so as to be movable in the left-right direction of the body frame 10.

[0070] The lower end of the handle post 43 is fixed to the second support part 50b. The second support part 50b supports the fixed handle post 43 so that it can move freely in the front-rear direction relative to the body frame 10. Since the second support part 50b is attached to the handle support base 15 so that it can move freely in the left-right direction of the body frame 10, the handle post 43 fixed to the second support part 50b is supported via the second support part 50b so as to be movable freely in the left-right direction relative to the body frame 10.

[0071] In this manner, the handle post 43 is supported via the first support portion 50a and the second support portion 50b constituting the support portion 50 so as to be movable forward / backward and left / right relative to the body frame 10.

[0072] The forward / backward and left / right movement of the handle post 43 is controlled by a handle post movement control means 60. The handle post movement control means 60 stops the movement of the handle post 43 when the handle post 43 has moved a predetermined amount in the forward / backward or left / right direction.

[0073] In this embodiment, the handle post movement control means 60 is composed of a left-right actuator 61 that moves the handle post 43 in the left-right direction, and a front-rear actuator 62 that moves the handle post 43 in the front-rear direction.

[0074] The left and right actuators 61 have a main body 61d, a rod 61a that enters and exits the main body 61d, and an actuator driver 61b that moves the rod 61a in a direction extending from or retracting to the main body 61d. The actuator driver 61b and the main body 61d are attached to a base 61c. For example, the left and right actuators 61 have an actuator formed of a trapezoidal screw in the main body 61d, and by driving the actuator driver 61b formed of a motor, the trapezoidal screw is rotated, and the rod 61a connected to the trapezoidal screw is moved in a direction extending from or retracting to the main body 61d.

[0075] The base portion 61c is attached so as to be able to swing freely to the handle support base 15. The tip of the rod portion 61a is attached to the handle post 43 so as to be able to swing freely.

[0076] The actuator drive unit 61b drives the rod portion 61a to extend or retract from the main body portion 61d, thereby moving the handle post 43 left and right. When the rod portion 61a extends from the length of the rod portion 61a at a position perpendicular to the left and right direction of the vehicle body 1, the handle post 43 moves so as to tilt leftward relative to the vehicle body 1. Conversely, when the rod portion 61a moves in a retracting direction, the handle post 43 moves so as to tilt rightward relative to the vehicle body 1. In other words, when the rod portion 61a extends, the handle post 43 moves leftward relative to the vehicle body 1, and when the rod portion 61a retracts, the handle post 43 moves rightward.

[0077] The front-rear actuator 62 has a main body 62d, a rod 62a that enters and exits the main body 62d, and an actuator driver 62b that moves the rod 62a in the direction extending or retracting from the main body 62d. The actuator driver 62b and the main body 62d are attached to a base 62c. For example, like the left-right actuator 61, the front-rear actuator 62 also has an actuator unit having a trapezoidal screw or the like in the main body 62d.

[0078] The base portion 62c is attached so as to be able to swing freely to the handle support base 15. The tip of the rod portion 62a is attached to the handle post 43 so as to be able to swing freely.

[0079] The actuator drive unit 62b drives the rod unit 62a to extend or retract from the main body unit 62d, thereby moving the handle post 43 forward and backward. When the rod unit 62a extends from the length of the rod unit 62a at a position perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 1, the handle post 43 moves so as to tilt forward relative to the vehicle body 1. Conversely, when the rod unit 62a moves in a retracting direction, the handle post 43 moves so as to tilt rearward relative to the vehicle body 1. In other words, when the rod unit 62a extends, the handle post 43 moves forward relative to the vehicle body 1, and when the rod unit 62a retracts, the handle post 43 moves rearward.

[0080] In this embodiment, a command to move the handle post 43 forward / backward or left / right is issued by a switch means attached to the handle bar 44. In this embodiment, the switch means is constituted by a joystick 67. The joystick 66 is attached near a brake lever 69 on the left side of the handle bar 44, and is operated, for example, by the thumb or index finger of the left hand of the rider D. When the joystick 66 is operated, a signal is sent to a control device 63, which will be described later, and based on this command signal, the control device 63 controls the drive of the actuator drivers 61b, 62b, causing the rod parts 61a, 62a to protrude and retract by a predetermined length from the main body parts 61d, 62d, thereby stopping the drive of the actuator drivers 61b, 62b.

[0081] The movement of the handle post 43 stops when the handle post 43 has moved a predetermined amount in the front-rear or left-right direction. For example, by moving the handle post 43 in a direction along the gravity axis and stopping the handle post 43 in that state, the rider D can maintain his balance. When the drive of the actuator drivers 61b, 62b is stopped, the stopped state of the handle post 43 is maintained by the load resistance component of the actuator drivers 61b, 62b, for example, the load resistance that rotates the trapezoidal screw.

[0082] Since the handlebar 44 only guides the inclination of the body of the occupant D, it is sufficient if the drive force of the left / right actuator 61 and the front / rear actuator 62 that move the handle post 43 can be locked (not reverse driven) when not driven, even if only slightly. This allows the actuator drive units 61b, 62b to be implemented by motors with small output.

[0083] As described above, in this embodiment, the joystick 67 attached near the left brake lever 69 is used as the switch means. When the joystick 67 is configured as the switch means, the handle post 43 can be stopped in a state where it has moved a predetermined amount forward / backward or left / right when the joystick 67 is moved forward / backward or left / right when the joystick 67 is moved diagonally. When the joystick 67 is moved diagonally, the handle post 43 can be stopped in a state where it has moved a predetermined amount forward / backward and left / right.

[0084] In this way, by operating the joystick 67, the handle post 43 can be stopped after moving a predetermined amount in the front-rear or left-right or front-rear or left-right directions. As a result, the rider D who grips the handle bar 44 while standing with his / her feet on the step portion 30a stands on the step portion 30a so that his / her body is aligned with the axis of gravity. This allows the rider D to maintain balance regardless of the inclination of the vehicle body 1. In addition, the handle post 43 can be moved and stopped without stopping the rough terrain vehicle 100 by operating the joystick 67. This allows continuous driving such as driving on flat ground, driving uphill, driving downhill, and driving traversely on slopes. In addition, the rider can take an appropriate riding posture in any driving condition.

[0085] 4 and 5, the body frame 10 has a battery mounting section 80 on which a battery (not shown) is mounted to supply power to each electric motor 21. The battery mounting section 80 is provided on the body frame 10 at an intermediate position between the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b.

[0086] This allows the relatively heavy battery to be mounted in the middle position between the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b on the body frame 10, that is, in the left-right center of the rough terrain vehicle 100. As a result, the left-right balance of the rough terrain vehicle 100 can be improved, and the stability of the body 1 can be improved.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 1, a control device 63 that controls the operations of the electric motors 21, the left and right actuators 61, and the front and rear actuators 62 is disposed at the rear end of the battery mounting section 80. The control device 63 is composed of an electronic control unit equipped with a microprocessor and the like, and a memory that stores various control programs and the like. The control device 63 is provided at the left and right intermediate position of the body frame 10 together with the battery mounting section 80 and the battery. The battery and control device 63 are covered by the base section 30b of the floor panel 30 located above them.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 3, the handlebar 44 is provided with a display device 65 that displays the remaining battery charge, etc., a joystick 66 as an operating unit for instructing the operation of the crawler, a joystick 67 as a switch means for issuing instructions to move the handle post 43 forward / backward or left / right, and left and right brake levers 69, 69.

[0089] A joystick 66 for instructing the steering operation and a joystick 67 for instructing the movement control of the handle post 43 are each connected to the control device 63 via a communication cable (not shown).

[0090] The control device 63 controls the rotation direction and rotation speed of each electric motor 21 in response to an operation command based on the operation of the joystick 66, thereby performing vehicle speed control, forward / reverse switching control, steering control, and the like of the rough terrain vehicle 100. Furthermore, the control device 63 controls the operation of the left / right actuator 61 and the front / rear actuator 62 based on an operation command from the joystick 67, and moves the handle post 43 in the front / rear or left / right direction or in the front / rear and left / right directions.

[0091] The left and right brake levers 69, 69 are connected to left and right disc brakes via cables (not shown). When the occupant D grasps the left and right brake levers 69, 69, the disc brakes are activated and the off-road vehicle 100 is braked.

[0092] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, each crawler belt 27 is formed into an endless shape with a predetermined circumferential length by connecting a predetermined number of belt components 27a with a predetermined number of connecting pins 27b. Five protrusions for preventing slipping are formed on the ground contact side of each belt component 27a. This improves the running ability of each crawler 2 on steep forested areas and soft uneven ground.

[0093] Next, the traveling state of the off-road vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the posture of the handle post 43 and the rider D will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 18. Note that in Figures 11 to 18, the display device 65 provided on the handle bar for displaying the remaining battery level and the like, the joystick 66 as an operating unit for instructing the crawler to operate, and the joystick 67 as a switch means for instructing the movement of the handle post 43 are not shown.

[0094] 11 to 13 show an off-road vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention traveling on flat ground, with FIG. 11 being a perspective view, FIG. 12 being a side view, and FIG. 13 being a front view.

[0095] As shown in Figs. 11 to 13, rider D places his / her feet on the step portion 30a and grips the grip of the handlebar 44 with both hands in a standing position. When riding on flat ground, the handle post 43 is perpendicular to the vehicle body 1 and aligned with the axis of gravity. Rider D places the joystick 67 in a neutral position. When the joystick 67 is in a neutral position, the handle post 43 maintains a perpendicular position to the vehicle body 1. Since the left / right actuators 61 and the front / rear actuators 62 serving as the handle post movement control means 60 are not driven, the handle post 43 remains fixed in an upright position, and by gripping the handlebar 44, rider D can maintain a riding position aligned with the axis of gravity, allowing riding on flat ground while maintaining balance.

[0096] Next, a description will be given of uphill travel of the rough terrain vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a side view showing the uphill travel of the rough terrain vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] When transitioning from flat ground travel or downhill travel to uphill travel, the rider D moves the joystick 67 forward to drive the front-rear actuator 62 and tilt the handle post 43 forward. The rider D moves the handle post 43 forward and drives the front-rear actuator 62 until the handle post 43 is aligned with the axis of gravity. When the handle post 43 is aligned with the axis of gravity, the rider D releases his finger from the joystick 67. Releasing his finger from the joystick 67 stops the drive of the front-rear actuator 62.

[0098] Since the left / right actuator 61 and the front / rear actuator 62 serving as the handle post movement control means 60 are deactivated, the handle post 43 is fixed in a state aligned with the axis of gravity, and the rider D can maintain a riding posture aligned with the axis of gravity by gripping the handle bar 44 when traveling uphill. As a result, the rider D is guided to an appropriate posture according to the inclination of the slope S while gripping the handle bar 44, and can travel uphill while maintaining balance.

[0099] Next, a description will be given of downhill travel of the rough terrain vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a side view showing a state in which the rough terrain vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is traveling downhill.

[0100] When transitioning from flat ground travel or uphill travel to downhill travel, the rider D moves the joystick 67 rearward to drive the front-rear actuator 62 and tilt the handle post 43 rearward. The rider D drives the front-rear actuator 62 until the handle post 43 is aligned with the axis of gravity. When the handle post 43 moves rearward due to the drive of the front-rear actuator 62 and is aligned with the axis of gravity, the rider D releases his finger from the joystick 67. Releasing his finger from the joystick 67 stops the drive of the front-rear actuator 62.

[0101] Since the left and right actuators 61 and the front and rear actuators 62 constituting the handle post movement control means 60 are deactivated, the handle post 43 is fixed in a state aligned with the axis of gravity, and by gripping the handle bar 44 when traveling downhill, the occupant D can maintain a riding posture aligned with the axis of gravity, thereby enabling the occupant D to travel downhill while maintaining balance.

[0102] Next, a description will be given of a state in which the rough terrain vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention traverses on a slope. Fig. 16 is a side view showing a state in which the rough terrain vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention traverses on a slope.

[0103] When transitioning from flat ground travel, uphill travel, or downhill travel to slope traverse travel, rider D moves the joystick 67 laterally, or to the left in the state shown in FIG. 16 , to drive the left and right actuators 61 and tilt the handle post 43 to the left. Rider D drives the left and right actuators 61 until the handle post 43 is aligned with the axis of gravity. When the handle post 43 is aligned with the axis of gravity, rider D releases his finger from the joystick 67. Releasing his finger from the joystick 67 stops the drive of the left and right actuators 61.

[0104] Since the left and right actuators 61 and the front and rear actuators 62 serving as the handle post movement control means 60 are deactivated, the handle post 43 is fixed in a state aligned with the center of gravity axis, and by gripping the handle bar 44 when traveling laterally on a slope, the occupant D can maintain a riding posture aligned with the axis of gravity, and can travel laterally on the slope S while maintaining balance.

[0105] Next, a description will be given of the traveling of the rough terrain vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when it ascends the slope S in an oblique direction. Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the traveling state of the rough terrain vehicle 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when it ascends the slope S in an oblique direction.

[0106] When transitioning from flat ground travel or uphill travel or downhill travel to travel obliquely up a slope, the rider D moves the joystick 67 diagonally forward to drive the left / right actuator 61 and the front / rear actuator 62, and tilt the handle post 43 diagonally forward. The rider D drives the left / right actuator 61 and the front / rear actuator 62 until the handle post 43 is aligned with the axis of gravity. When the handle post 43 moves diagonally forward and is aligned with the axis of gravity, the rider D releases his finger from the joystick 67. Releasing his finger from the joystick 67 stops the drive of the left / right actuator 61 and the front / rear actuator 62.

[0107] Since the left and right actuators 61 and the front and rear actuators 62 constituting the handle post movement control means 60 are deactivated, the handle post 43 is fixed in a state aligned with the axis of gravity, and by gripping the handle bar 44 when traveling diagonally up a slope, the occupant D can maintain a riding posture aligned with the axis of gravity, thereby enabling the vehicle to travel in a balanced state.

[0108] As described above, when a human stands on a slope, the human balances the body along the axis of gravity. The occupant of the rough terrain vehicle 100 attempts to maintain a posture so that the body balance is aligned with the axis of gravity, regardless of the inclination of the vehicle body.

[0109] As described above, in the off-road vehicle 100 of this embodiment, the rider D can keep the handle post 43 in a direction along the axis of gravity by moving the handle post 43 in a desired direction using the joystick 67. This allows the rider D to keep balance even when the vehicle body 1 is tilted forward, backward, left or right.

[0110] The angle of the handle post 43 does not need to be perfectly aligned with the axis of gravity, and the rider D can simply release the joystick 67 when he or she recognizes that they can maintain balance. Therefore, the angle of the handle post 43 relative to the body 1 can be stopped at an angle that the rider D prefers.

[0111] 18 is a front view of an all-terrain vehicle 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted.

[0112] In the second embodiment, an inclination sensor 91 is provided on the handle post 43. In addition, an inclination sensor 92 is also provided on the vehicle body 1. The outputs of these inclination sensors 91, 92 are given to the control device 63.

[0113] The control device 63 judges the running state of the off-road vehicle 100 from the inclination of the vehicle body 1 using an inclination sensor 92 provided on the vehicle body 1. The control device 63 judges whether the running state is flat ground running, climbing, descending a slope, traversing a slope, etc., calculates the front-rear and left-right angles of the handle post 43 according to the state, controls the drive of the left-right actuator 61 and the front-rear actuator 62 according to the calculated angles, and stops the drive of the left-right actuator 61 and the front-rear actuator 62 after moving the angle of the handle post 43 to a predetermined angle. The control device 63 maintains the handle post 43 at the predetermined angle.

[0114] With this configuration, the rider D can ride with the handlebars 44 in an optimal position without operating the joystick 67.

[0115] Furthermore, the control device 63 may be configured to control the driving of the left / right actuator 61 and the front / rear actuator 62 so as to maintain the handle post 43 in a state where it overshoots the direction of gravity P by a predetermined angle (α) toward the mountain side.

[0116] By maintaining the handlebar post 46 in a state where it overshoots the direction of gravity toward the mountain by a certain angle, it creates room for maneuvering. This makes it easier for the occupant D to drive. The handlebars are fixed vertically, so there is no problem with balance. However, when standing on a slope, humans feel fear when tilting toward the valley. The inventor has found that tilting toward the mountain creates a sense of security. Therefore, by tilting the handlebar post 43 toward the mountain rather than vertically, the sense of stability and security of the occupant D when driving on a slope can be increased, and room for maneuvering can be created. Therefore, in this embodiment, the handlebars are overshot toward the mountain by an angle of, for example, 15 degrees, to create a sense of security and room for maneuvering.

[0117] The offset angle is calculated by the control device 63 based on the inclination angle of the slope S, and the control device 63 controls the drive of the left / right actuator 61 and the front / rear actuator 62 in accordance with the output of the inclination sensor 91 provided on the handle post 43 so that the angle corresponds to the calculation result.

[0118] When the handle post 43 is automatically controlled to a position along the axis of gravity, the tilt sensor 91 is provided on the handle post 43, and the tilt sensor 92 on the body 1 can be omitted.

[0119] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 19 to Fig. 21. Fig. 19 is an enlarged perspective view showing a handlebar portion of an all-terrain vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 20 is a top view of the all-terrain vehicle according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 21 is a front view of the all-terrain vehicle according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] In the above-described embodiments, drive commands for the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b are issued by operating the joystick 66. In contrast, in the third embodiment, instead of the joystick 66, a left switch 66L and a right switch 66R are provided near the left and right grips of the handlebar 44.

[0121] The left switch 66L and the right switch 66R are provided with levers 66LD and 66RD that can move forward and backward, respectively. The left switch 66L and the right switch 66R control the driving of the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b.

[0122] The rider D grips the left and right grips of the handlebar 44 with his / her right and left hands, respectively, and operates the lever 66LD of the left switch 66L with the index finger or thumb of his / her left hand. Similarly, the rider D operates the lever 66RD of the right switch 66R with the index finger or thumb of his / her right hand.

[0123] When the lever 66LD of the left switch 66L is pulled backward with a finger, the electric motor 21 rotates so that the left crawler 2a moves forward. When the lever 66LD of the left switch 66L is pushed forward with a finger, the electric motor 21 rotates so that the left crawler 2a moves backward.

[0124] Similarly, when the lever 66RD of the right switch 66R is pulled backward with a finger, the electric motor 21 rotates so that the right crawler 2b moves forward. On the other hand, when the lever 66RD of the right switch 66R is pushed forward with a finger, the electric motor 21 rotates so that the right crawler 2b moves backward.

[0125] The rotation speed of each of the electric motors 21 that drive the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b is controlled by the amount that the levers 66LD, 66RD are pulled in or pushed out. By adjusting the amount that the levers 66LD, 66RD are pulled in or pushed out with a finger, the running speed, forward movement, backward movement, left turn, right turn, etc. of the rough terrain vehicle 100 are controlled.

[0126] Furthermore, when the fingers are released from the levers 66LD, 66RD, the electric motor 21 stops, and the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b stop rotating. In other words, if the levers 66LD, 66RD are not pushed forward or pulled backward, the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b stop and are maintained in the same state as when the brakes are applied. For this reason, in this third embodiment, a disc brake and a brake lever for operating the disc brake are not provided.

[0127] A joystick 67a for controlling the drive of the left-right actuator 61 and the front-rear actuator 62 for moving the handle post 43 forward, backward, left and right is provided above the right switch 66R.

[0128] Using the joystick 67 a, the occupant D controls the movement of the handle post 43 .

[0129] By operating the lever 66LD of the left switch 66L, the lever 66RD of the right switch 66R, and the joystick 67a, continuous travel such as flat ground travel, uphill travel, downhill travel, and traverse travel on a slope can be performed without stopping the rough terrain vehicle 100. Also, an appropriate riding posture can be taken in any traveling condition.

[0130] [Another embodiment] Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The configurations of the respective alternative embodiments described below are not limited to being applied alone, but may also be applied in combination with the configurations of other alternative embodiments.

[0131] The rough terrain vehicle 100 described above is provided with a seat 8 in the passenger section 3, but may be configured as a vehicle for standing use only, without a seat 8.

[0132] Also, the off-road vehicle 100 may be equipped with a bogie.

[0133] Also, in the embodiment described above, the handle post 43 is supported by the support part 50 so as to be movable forward / backward and left / right with respect to the vehicle body 1, but the handle post 43 may be configured to be supported so as to be movable only forward / backward or only left / right with respect to the vehicle body 1. When only forward / backward, the optimum riding posture can be easily adopted when traveling uphill or downhill, and when only left / right, the optimum riding posture can be easily adopted when traveling traversely on a slope.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the handle post movement control means 60 is composed of a load resistance component when the left-right actuator 61 and the front-rear actuator 62, which electrically move the handle post 43 in the front-rear or left-right or front-rear and left-right directions, are stopped, but the handle post movement control means 60 is not limited to electrical means. For example, the handle post movement control means 60, which mechanically controls the movement of the handle post, can be composed of a freely expandable and contractible member attached between the handle post and the body frame, and a brake that stops the expansion and contraction of the expandable member that expands and contracts due to the movement of the handle post in the front-rear or left-right or front-rear and left-right directions.

[0135] In the third embodiment described above, a left switch 66L and a right switch 66R are provided near the left and right grips of the handlebar 44, and the left switch 66L controls the drive of the left crawler 2a and the right switch 66R controls the drive of the right crawler 2b. The left switch 66L and the right switch 66R can also be used to perform a drive control of the rough terrain vehicle 100 different from that of the third embodiment. For example, the right switch 66R can be used as an accelerator switch, and the left switch 66L can be used as a steering switch.

[0136] When the right switch 66R is used as an access switch, for example, pulling the lever 66RD backward with a finger causes the electric motor 21 to rotate in the forward direction, and the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b are driven at a constant speed in the forward direction to move straight forward. When the lever 66RD is pushed forward with a finger, the electric motor 21 rotates in the reverse direction, and the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b are driven at a constant speed in the reverse direction to move straight backward.

[0137] The rotation speed of each of the electric motors 21 that drive the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b is controlled by the amount that the lever 66RD is pulled in or pushed out. The traveling speed, forward and reverse of the rough terrain vehicle 100 are controlled by adjusting the amount that the lever 66RD is pulled in or pushed out with a finger.

[0138] When the left switch 66L is used as a steering switch, for example, by pulling the lever 66LD backward or pushing it forward with a finger, the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b of the rough terrain vehicle 100 are driven at unequal speeds in the forward rotation direction. For example, by pulling the lever 66LD backward with a finger, the left crawler 2a rotates faster than the right crawler 2b, and the rough terrain vehicle 100 turns left. Conversely, by pushing the lever 66LD forward with a finger, the right crawler 2b rotates faster than the left crawler 2a, and the rough terrain vehicle 100 turns right. The speed difference between the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b is controlled by the amount by which the lever 66LD is pulled in or pushed out. The turning angle of the rough terrain vehicle 100 can be controlled by adjusting the amount by which the lever 66LD is pulled in or pushed out with a finger.

[0139] When the fingers are released from the levers 66LD, 66RD, the electric motor 21 stops, and the left crawler 2a and the right crawler 2b stop rotating. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1: Body 2a: Left crawler 2b: Right crawler 3: Boarding section 4: Handle section 5a: Support shaft 5b: Support shaft 10: Body frame 15: Handle support stand 17: Left and right swing link 18a: Crawler support part 18b: Crawler support part 20: Crawler frame 21: Electric motor 22: Drive sprocket 23: Play ring 43: Handle post 44:Handlebar 50: Support part 50a: 1st support part 50b: 2nd support part 60: Handle post movement control means 61: Left and right actuators 62: Front and rear actuators 63: Control device 66: Joystick 66L: Left switch 66LD: Lever 66R: Right switch 66RD: Lever 67: Joystick 67a: Joystick

Claims

1. a vehicle body frame; left and right crawlers connected to the vehicle body frame; a riding section supported by the vehicle body frame and capable of being ridden by a user; a handle post extending upward from the vehicle body frame; and a handle bar provided on an upper portion of the handle post; a support portion that is attached to the body frame and supports the handle post so as to be movable in front-rear and left-right directions relative to the body frame; and a handle post movement control means for controlling the movement of the handle post. The handle post movement control means includes an actuator unit that moves the handle post in forward, backward, leftward, and rightward directions, the support portion has a universal joint which can rotate and tilt in all directions and supports the handle post so as to be movable in all directions; the actuator unit includes a front-rear actuator that moves the handle post in a front-rear direction, a left-right actuator that moves the handle post in a left-right direction, and a control device that controls driving of the front-rear actuator and the left-right actuator, a switch means provided on the handlebar for giving an instruction signal to the control device, the control device controlling the drive of the front and rear actuators and the left and right actuators in response to an instruction input by the switch means.

2. The switch means comprises a joystick, When the joystick is moved in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the control device controls the drive of the front-rear actuator to move the handle post in the front-rear direction, When the joystick is moved in the left-right direction of the vehicle, the control device controls the driving of the left-right actuators to move the handle post in the left-right direction.

2. An off-road vehicle according to claim 1.

3. A tilt sensor is provided on the handle post, The control device controls the driving of the front-rear actuator and the left-right actuator so that the handle post is aligned with the direction of gravity.

2. An off-road vehicle according to claim 1.

4. the control device controls the driving of the front-rear actuator and the left-right actuator so as to maintain the handle post in a state where it overshoots the gravity direction by a predetermined angle toward the mountain side.

4. An off-road vehicle according to claim 3.

Images