Multi-purpose multi-wheeled vehicle and its removable loading platform

Abstract

The challenges include improving the wheel size and rear wheel suspension of front-wheel drive vehicles, as well as improving the loading platform of utility vehicles. [Solution] This vehicle has small and numerous rear wheels, mainly a caster trail system, and can change the height of the vehicle from the road surface using arms or struts, allowing it to lift, hold, and transfer containers on the platform by itself, making it possible to move containers without a forklift and significantly reducing the amount of work required for sorting. In addition, because it has the characteristics of being able to lower the floor compared to normal vehicles and providing an opening on the side, this vehicle can be used in a wide range of applications, from campers, kitchen cars, and ambulances to various specialized vehicles and heavy transport vehicles.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle chassis having a plurality of caster trail type small rear wheels, and to a vehicle having a removable cargo container, facilities, passenger compartment, etc., mounted on said chassis. [Background technology]

[0002] While many steam engine-powered cars, agricultural machinery, and other machines were developed in the UK, the development of gasoline-powered automobiles progressed remarkably in the US.

[0003] Perhaps the origin of the wheel comes from the era of horse-drawn carriages, as there are photographs of a car with a spare wheel on the side or back to compensate for the drawback of tires being prone to punctures. Perhaps it was a Model T Ford.

[0004] Vehicles that go into the wilderness, such as safaris, always have one wheel on the back. To compensate for the fatal flaw of tires, which are prone to punctures, it may have been considered rational for gasoline-powered vehicles to have four wheels of the same size from the beginning of their development so that they could be replaced at any time.

[0005] In Japan and many other developed countries, road paving using asphalt and other materials is progressing rapidly.

[0006] On the other hand, puncture-resistant tires with braided steel cords have been developed, as well as airless tires. In other words, with the advances being made in both road surfaces and tires, it can be said that the incidence of punctures has dropped dramatically compared to the past.

[0007] Even if a tire is flat, there is technology that allows you to temporarily increase the air pressure using a small cylinder and move to a location where repairs can be made.

[0008] In that case, perhaps there is no longer as much need for the wheels of a car to be the same size as before. That is the first starting point of this invention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] The following patent documents can be mentioned as known techniques related to the present invention. [Patent Document 1] Patent application 2023-132762 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2007-320502 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 07-081639 [Patent Document 4] Real all 59-012767 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention aims to improve wheel size, which has been overlooked until now, as well as rear wheel suspension in FF vehicles, and the cargo bed of multi-purpose vehicles.

[0011] ●Explanation of the overall picture

[0012] Here, the goal of this invention is stated.

[0013] In the present invention, the vehicle is mainly equipped with tires on the front wheels, which are the size used for ordinary passenger cars and freight cars, with a diameter of about 45 cm to 70 cm, and is front-wheel steering and mainly front-wheel drive, which is generally called FF system.

[0014] In a normal FF car, the rear wheels are usually the same as the front wheels. However, in this application, we consider a method of receiving the load by significantly reducing the size of the rear wheels and increasing the number of them.

[0015] The following description will be given with reference to the drawings.

[0016] -Travel unit that folds up small

[0017] Here, the running unit is an independent suspension device that is connected to the chassis by a rotating shaft and is formed by integrating arms, shock absorbers, struts, springs, wheels, axles, etc., and is the part that is placed between the chassis and the ground.

[0018] Figures 1 and 2 show that the two rear wheels of conventional four-wheeled vehicles are replaced by eight wheels with smaller diameter wheels.

[0019] The ground contact pressure and contact area that was previously shared by the two rear tires will now be distributed across at least four rear wheels, or more than four wheels (eight wheels in Figures 1 and 2).

[0020] By distributing the load, the diameter of the wheels can be made smaller, and the unsprung weight can also be reduced.

[0021] To support these small diameter wheels, a running unit 5 is used here, which has a structure that can be folded to reduce its height and width.

[0022] The independent suspension type running unit 5 (Fig. 5, Fig. 6) is a combination of wheels, suspension, etc. It will be described in detail later.

[0023] Figure 2 compares normal driving (top) 5' with folded (bottom) 5''. The small diameter of the wheels has the advantage that the height 2L of the loading platform when the traveling unit 5 is folded can be reduced and the top plate of the loading platform can be lowered.

[0024] - Chassis frame with built-in running unit

[0025] The chassis 2 in Figures 1, 2 and 3 has a chassis frame that extends from the rear of the driver's seat like two sleeves, and houses the running unit 5. Figure 1 shows the layout, and Figure 3 shows the top view.

[0026] Since the shape resembles the forks of a forklift, we will call the frame 2 of the two sleeves the fork-shaped frame, and the space between the two sleeves the fork gap 3, after the partial name of the "gap between the forks" in tableware. See Figure 1.

[0027] The width of this fork gap 3 is larger than the pallet portion 7 of the loading container 6. Sometimes slide rails, rollers, etc. are installed.

[0028] The inner parts of the fork-shaped frame 2 are depicted here as parallel, but could be tapered to fit in even more easily.

[0029] - Removable cargo container

[0030] In Figures 1, 2 and 3, a special loading container 6 is located on the right side of the fork-shaped vehicle body on the left.

[0031] Beneath and centrally of the loading container 6 is a removable, pallet-like member 7. The member 7 may have extendable, movable feet 8 attached.

[0032] The loading container may simply be shaped to have a convex bottom. The protruding portion must be higher than the height of the fork-shaped chassis when folded, and the two must be shaped so that they fit together perfectly.

[0033] The container on the right in FIG. 1 has a pallet member 7 and folded legs 8 attached, and the container is shown moved to the right for easier understanding, mounted on the chassis shown on the left.

[0034] The fork gap 3 is left uncovered to serve as the road surface, but a thin plate may be placed on the bottom or top.

[0035] Vehicles such as a car 8'' supporting a loading container can easily get in there. Figure 3, lower part of Figure 2.

[0036] By attaching a board to the upper part of the fork gap 3, it is possible to create a wide, low loading platform or stage, and furthermore it is possible to attach a seat there so that passengers can ride on it.

[0037] ●Combination of fork-shaped vehicle platform and loading container

[0038] Figure 2 illustrates how a loading container is loaded onto and unloaded from the fork-type loading platform.

[0039] In the lower diagram of FIG. 2, the loading container on the right has a pallet-shaped member car 8'' standing up, and the height of the bottom of the container 6 is 6L.

[0040] In the figure below, the fork-type chassis on the left has the running unit 5 folded up, and the ground clearance of 2XL means that the vehicle is lowered to a level where it can just barely move.

[0041] (1) In this state, the fork-type chassis can move just like a forklift, and can move to pinch and take in the pallet member 7 in the fork gap 3. Nowadays, rear monitor technology is available, and there is also a method of using a controller separate from the normal handle. The top plate height of the chassis 2, 2L, must be lower than the bottom height 6L of both sides of the container.

[0042] (2) Conversely, the chassis can be stopped and left as is, and the wheels 8'' of the loading container can be used to move and push the pallet-like member 7 of the container into the fork gap 3 of the chassis fork section. The tip 7' of the pallet has rounded edges, making it easier to insert between the forks.

[0043] ● Lift function of the traveling unit

[0044] In both (1) and (2), when the loading container comes to the top of the fork-shaped chassis, the running gear 5'' is raised to 5'. When the top plate reaches the normal 2H position, the pallet is lifted and firmly held by the chassis, and is then loaded. At this point, the container is fixed to the fork-shaped platform by a latch or an electromagnetic clutch, and the legs 8 of the container are also retracted.

[0045] The lift width is between 5' and 5'', which is roughly the same as the ground clearance of 2XH during normal driving, so it's only about 15 centimeters, which is very small.

[0046] Needless to say, it cannot be used to lift things to high heights like a normal forklift.

[0047] Thus, in addition to the basic function of normal driving, this propulsion unit also has the minimum necessary lifting function of lifting its own body and holding up the container.

[0048] It is important to note that unlike a normal forklift, this type of lift is only possible with a fork-type chassis, a running unit installed within it, and a special loading container with a pallet-like member attached underneath.

[0049] Of course, if you attach a part similar to the forks of a forklift, it may be possible to raise and lower it within a very small range.

[0050] In the case where a plate is attached to the underside of the fork gap, when the traveling unit is set to the lowest position of 5'',

[0051] (A) Special containers equipped with wheels and pallet-shaped components, etc. (B) Various equipment with cars underneath, containers, etc. (C) Various equipment, containers, etc., placed on trolleys These items can be brought in and loaded, then the vehicle can be raised to the standard height and secured in place, and then the vehicle can be moved.

[0052] The advantage of this system is that it eliminates the need for forklifts or roller conveyors when loading and unloading, and by switching containers individually, it reduces the manual work of loading and unloading cargo.

[0053] If planks were placed above or below the fork gap, the goods would have to be loaded by hand, by rolling them on a roller conveyor, or by using a forklift, the same as with current trucks, but the top and bottom planks would be much lower than those on current trucks.

[0054] ● Relationship between the loading container and the fork-shaped platform

[0055] Figure 1: The rear of the vehicle's driver's seat is currently open, but there is a way to add an all-weather cover to it.

[0056] This would allow the container to act as a skeleton framework or shelf, making the cargo easier to see and find, eliminating the need to search deep inside the boxes of the container on the truck.

[0057] FIG. 14 shows the loading of a three-piece container onto the fork-type vehicle. Here, the pallet-type member has thin legs 7'' that can be folded.

[0058] Large trucks are loaded with small cargo containers and transported, and the containers are unloaded at the base in the consumption area and then loaded into smaller vehicles for transport.

[0059] In addition, the containers of the vertical fork type trolleys can be modified in various ways.

[0060] ●Normal operation of the driving unit

[0061] Now, I would like to explain about the running unit.

[0062] The running unit 5 is explained in Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The running unit is a set from the suspension device to the wheels, but in the figures, springs, shock absorbers, struts, etc. are removed. The arms and links have also been simplified, and the kingpin angle has been omitted.

[0063] Each wheel of the left and right fork-shaped chassis is supported by an independent running unit.

[0064] The characteristic of the traveling unit of the present application is that the connection with the chassis is centered on the rotation center point 12, center E, so that the direction in which the wheels face can be changed by rotating the traveling unit.

[0065] Although it is possible to use power steering (self-steering) to operate the rotation of the base with power and perform steering, here we consider a method in which the wheel follows the movement of the front wheels or the entire chassis using caster trail. Naturally, it will also be possible to switch between self-steering and self-steering.

[0066] The connection portion 12 with the chassis in FIG. 5 has a rotation axis A supporting an arm 13 at the bottom, and moves to rotate the entire traveling unit about a rotation center 18 (E).

[0067] The wheels 16 are supported by an arm 13 extending forward and an arm 14 extending backward. Between arm 13 and arm 14, arm 13 is shorter.

[0068] At this time, as shown in Figure 7, it is also possible to provide an additional link C between the arm 14 and the wheel section 16, and prepare a rotation axis F for the axle section. The presence of link C and rotation axis F here allows for delicate adjustment of the position and angle of the wheel.

[0069] In this case, the steering of the wheels has more freedom, and for example, it is easy to intentionally oversteer or even to change to understeer.

[0070] When lateral G-forces are applied, it is possible to further stabilize the vehicle by extending arms outward from the outside of the vehicle body and pushing the wheels out.

[0071] When lateral G-forces are applied, the left and right pressure on the springs at the suspension base of the left and right running units can be controlled to adjust the car's roll.

[0072] ● Adjusting the wheel distance

[0073] To adjust the distance between the wheels, as shown in Figure 7, the running gear is rotated at the rotation center 18, and even when the wheel part moves left or right, the angle of the wheels can be adjusted to the same direction as the traveling direction if there is a rotation axis F.

[0074] In FIG. 8, the center of the wheel 17, which was originally on the same line S as 18 in FIG. 7, has moved in parallel to the dotted line T below the arrow in FIG.

[0075] This allows the distance between the wheels to be freely adjusted.

[0076] In this state, if the wheels are changed to ones for rails, it will be possible for the vehicle to run on existing tram, electric train, and railway rails.

[0077] In addition, when driving in a situation where lateral G forces are applied, F can be powered to oversteer the car.

[0078] ●How the running unit moves

[0079] Let's go back to Figures 5 and 6. With current electronic control technology, it is possible to move the running units (rear wheels) of this multi-wheeled vehicle in any direction around the center of rotation 18, which makes it possible to give each running unit steering ability. Furthermore, it is also possible to make all or any of the rear wheels into driving wheels.

[0080] When the running gear is provided with steering capability and steering is performed by power, the smaller the caster trail of the wheels, the easier it is to change the direction of the wheels without strain. Conversely, if you want the wheels to be compliant, that is, to move in accordance with the steering of the front wheels, it is advantageous to have some caster trail.

[0081] It may be possible to electrically turn on and off the presence or absence of caster trail. By providing a horizontally placed rotation axis (or a cam) to the connection 12 in the direction of travel, tilting the connection forward or backward, or by making it possible to adjust the angle of the kingpin, it may be possible to control the caster trail value.

[0082] However, this time, we will basically assume that there will be no power steering or electronic control at the rear wheels, and we will focus solely on passive steering and driving.

[0083] Vehicle turning diagram

[0084] On the left side of Figure 9, you can see the wheels and turning center J of a normal four-wheeled vehicle turning. U is the trajectory of the front wheel G' and V is the trajectory of the inner rear wheel H'. On the right you can see the wheels of a multi-wheeled vehicle turning. In the right figure, the front wheels K and K' of the multi-wheeled vehicle are no different from G and G' of the four-wheeled vehicle on the left.

[0085] Now, the rear propulsion units L to O' of the multi-wheeled vehicle on the right are driven wheels, meaning that they are not using driving force and are not using power steering.

[0086] These are driven wheels, which simply follow the movement of the front wheels or the entire vehicle with caster trail. These wheels can follow the front wheels almost faithfully on flat ground, at low speeds, and with small steering inputs.

[0087] However, when the steering wheel is turned suddenly at high speed, lateral G forces are applied to the vehicle's centers of gravity I and P, which can have various effects. In the diagram on the left for four wheels, wheels G and H are more likely to skid.

[0088] When lateral G forces are applied at P in the right diagram, the rear wheels, which only have caster trail, may become unstable.

[0089] In addition, the rotating shaft 12 of the traveling unit may move inadvertently due to an uneven or inclined road surface, causing the front and rear wheels to be reversed. This is unavoidable since the wheels are driven by caster trail.

[0090] ● Limit the rotation angle of the traveling unit

[0091] So, first, we decided to limit the rotation angle of the traveling unit that moves by the caster trail. This is the limit angle 19 in Figure 6. There are also methods to limit it mechanically or electrically.

[0092] ● Geometry adjustment to make it want to move in a straight line

[0093] Also, by adjusting the rotation axis 18, E, or kingpin of the traveling unit, it is possible to give the wheels the tendency to move in a straight line. Normally, tilting the kingpin slightly forward will cause the wheels to tend to go toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0094] ● Lock when going straight

[0095] The dotted vertical R lines in Figure 9 are the turning centers of each wheel when each rear wheel unit is facing forward and moving straight ahead. In other words, if the direction of the wheels is not driven by the natural course of events but is fixed to moving straight ahead, they will only turn toward this R, and the car will only move straight ahead.

[0096] Here, only two opposing or arbitrary traveling units, for example N and N' in Figure 9, are fixed to move straight, and the other traveling units are made to follow the front wheels and steer according to the caster trail, so that the turning center of the multi-wheeled vehicle can be determined as Q.

[0097] In Figure 9, columns L and M, which move according to the circumstances, face left in the direction of travel, and column O faces right.

[0098] The trajectory of the front wheel K' is U, and the trajectory of the rear wheel N' is V, which gives a driving feel similar to that of a normal four-wheeled vehicle.

[0099] Furthermore, we can see that if row L or O is fixed to a straight line instead of row N, the turning radius will change. With the L row fixed for straight-ahead driving, the car will oversteer when making tight turns, while in the M row, since it is at the center of gravity of the car, it will have neutral steering, and in the O row, the car will tend to understeer when making wide turns, so you can make fine adjustments to the car's steering by changing which wheels are fixed for straight-ahead driving.

[0100] It may also be possible to electronically decide which driving units to lock depending on the situation.

[0101] It is also possible to use power steering and have the electronic control calculate which wheels need to be moved and at what angle.

[0102] In fact, if the driving unit were to be rotated using power and steered under its own power, it would be possible to move the entire vehicle perpendicular to the direction of travel, turn on the spot, and perform a variety of other movements. However, when driving on normal roads, is there any benefit to being able to steer under its own power?

[0103] Since this is a car that runs on public roads, not on a race course, you could say that lateral G forces are not something to be concerned about. In the first place, lateral G forces are not beneficial to passengers or luggage.

[0104] Considering this, when driving on a normal straight road, it is fine to use the straight lock, but there should be no problem if you just leave it on the caster trail and drive along the road.

[0105] However, when the rear wheels are moving on caster trail, and the car approaches a curve and lateral G-forces are applied to the car, if the caster trail continues, it becomes unstable and difficult to predict how the rear wheels will move.

[0106] Although it may seem the opposite at first glance, some of the rear wheels that are moving on a caster trail need to stop caster trail and be locked in a straight line when going around a curve.

[0107] Conversely, if the rear wheels are four or more, at least two of them can always be in a straight line, and in fact they must always be in a straight line. In this condition, driving can be done in the same way as a normal four-wheeled vehicle.

[0108] ● Locks the straight-line direction when reversing

[0109] The next problem occurs when reversing. The caster trail of the propulsion unit becomes unstable when reversing, even with a limit angle of 19.

[0110] If the wheels had driving force, they could be pulled backwards, but since they are driven wheels, it just happens.

[0111] Therefore, when in reverse, it is preferable to completely stop the caster trail movement and fix it only in the straight forward or reverse direction. Having a mechanism for moving it in a straight or reverse direction and a locking mechanism such as an electromagnetic clutch would make the job go faster.

[0112] This means that the traveling unit can be rotated using power, but if there is a forward, straight-line movement once before reversing, the traveling unit will basically be in a straight-line position, so if you lock it here, you can easily lock it in the straight-line direction.

[0113] Without having to think about caster trail or multiple wheels, it is easier to get used to it if you just lock the rear wheels in a straight line as soon as you put the gear in reverse, as this will give you the same feel as putting a normal four-wheeled vehicle in reverse.

[0114] On the other hand, doing this means that even slight parallel movements will require more effort when turning, but since the handling feel is almost the same as that of a normal four-wheeled vehicle, it is not difficult and there will likely be few complaints.

[0115] ●Load adjustment and running unit

[0116] The rear wheels usually support the load with four or more wheels, but if the cargo bed is empty or lighter than expected, it is possible to fold up the unnecessary running unit.

[0117] In other words, the optimal number of running units and their positions can be selected depending on the load. Since each running unit is an independent stand, it is possible to fold up at least two running units with locked wheels facing forward without any problems.

[0118] Ironically and strangely, this makes the vehicle the same as a normal four-wheeled vehicle.

[0119] The above is about the frame and suspension for the vertical fork type, and next we will explain the horizontal fork type.

[0120] Horizontal fork-shaped chassis

[0121] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the horizontal fork type.

[0122] Figure 11 shows the horizontal fork type from the side and from above.

[0123] There is no big difference in the running unit. The horizontal fork type has a 2'' connecting frame, from which the fork-shaped part housing the running unit extends sideways at a right angle.

[0124] Whether the space between the forks, the fork gap 3, is on the right or left side of the vehicle may depend on whether the vehicle drives on the right or left side of the road. Also, although not shown in the diagram, there is a method of providing a spine or keel 2'' in the center of the vehicle. Another option is to cover the entire floor with a highly rigid board-like material.

[0125] Vehicles for transporting heavy loads use many traveling units, and if necessary, it is possible to increase the number of forks in the lateral fork section.

[0126] Vertical fork type trucks, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, are suitable for transporting container-type cargo beds because they can carry items such as containers, move the containers to their destination, and streamline loading / unloading and transfer.

[0127] In contrast, with this horizontal fork type, when the vehicle is parked on the ground and the frame lands, only the cross section of the fork-type loading platform 2' is visible from the front, and the fork gap 3 becomes a wide open space with no step at the entrance, which may make it easy to use depending on the purpose.

[0128] Like a kitchen car or camper van, once set up, it can be easily accessed from the side, with no steps or even a threshold, which is what makes it significantly different from previous kitchen cars.

[0129] Figure 12 shows the running unit in the fork frame of a lateral fork turned sideways. By lifting the front wheels, rotating the rear running unit, and pointing the wheels perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the car, the car can move sideways.

[0130] In these cases, there is no need for speed at all. Moving fast would be dangerous, and there is no need to move fast at all.

[0131] Furthermore, this shape would be convenient as it would make it possible to move the container sideways or to move a car while leaving the container behind.

[0132] These side-fork vehicles would be easy to use as kitchen cars, campers, ambulances, doctor's cars, and nursing care vehicles.

[0133] Heavy-duty lateral multi-forklift trucks can contribute to society in a variety of applications, such as heavy-duty transport vehicles, high-altitude work vehicles, tank trucks, etc. Depending on the application, rear-wheel steering or rear-wheel drive may also be required.

[0134] On the other hand, in the case of a light-weight vehicle, it is also possible to have a single row of lateral forks instead of two. In Figs. 13 and 14, there is no fork joint 2'' and the floor plate is made solid.

[0135] Figure 14 is a diagram of a vehicle with a single-row, side-forked fork, with the doors etc. removed. Even with a car that has vertical forks, it is possible to add floorboards and create a vehicle suitable for sports.

[0136] In that case, by increasing the number of rotational axes of the driving unit and making it possible to move the direction in which the wheels face outward as shown in Figures 7 and 8, it may be possible to enjoy a driving sensation that is completely different from that of conventional four-wheeled vehicles. If rear-wheel drive is added, it may also be possible to enjoy sporty driving.

[0137] summary

[0138] Let me summarize the above. I will explain this separately in terms of suspension system A and chassis system B.

[0139] (Claim A1) FF, driven multi-wheeled vehicle Two or more front wheels for driving and steering; It has four or more small diameter rear wheels that follow the motion of the car by means of a caster trail. (1) At least one of the rear wheels is Always, When the steering wheel is turned, When the car goes around a curve, When the blinker is on, When either of the above is selected, the camera is set in a forward, straight-ahead position. (2) When the vehicle is backing up or in reverse gear, at least one of the rear wheels is locked in either the forward-facing or reverse-facing position. (3) The rear wheels are set to caster trail, but the angle of movement is limited to prevent the wheels from pointing in an inappropriate direction. (4) The kingpin of the caster trail of the rear wheels is tilted slightly forward due to alignment adjustment, so that the wheels almost always tend to point in the forward direction. A multi-purpose multi-wheeled vehicle chassis that satisfies one or more of the above items (1) to (4) can be handled in a manner similar to that of a normal four-wheeled vehicle.

[0140] (Claim A2) FR or 4+WD multi-wheeled vehicle Two or more front wheels that drive and steer or steer; It has four or more small diameter rear wheels that follow the motion of the car by means of a caster trail. (1) At least two of the rear wheels are power-driven wheels, and the drive wheels are: In order to be treated like a normal four-wheeled vehicle with neutral steering, it is fixed in a position facing straight ahead. - In order to be handled like a normal four-wheeled vehicle with oversteer, it is possible to steer independently. The device is in one of the following states: (2) When a vehicle is backing up or in reverse gear, at least two of the rear wheels are locked in a forward-facing or rear-facing position and provide rearward-facing power. (3) The rear wheels that are not the drive wheels are set to caster trail, but the angle of movement is limited to prevent the wheels from pointing in an inadvertent direction. (4) For the rear wheels, the kingpin of the caster trail of the non-drive wheels is tilted slightly forward, and the alignment is adjusted so that the wheels almost always tend to point in the forward direction. A multi-purpose vehicle chassis that satisfies one or more of the above (1) to (4) conditions and can be handled in a manner somewhat similar to that of a normal four-wheel drive vehicle.

[0141] (Claim A3) FF, driven multi-wheeled vehicle, height adjustable vehicle Two or more front wheels for driving and steering; It has four or more small diameter rear wheels that follow the motion of the car by means of a caster trail. The wheels have the unique feature that the vehicle height can be changed when the arms and struts are folded and extended. The rear wheel features are: (1) At least one of the rear wheels is Always, When the steering wheel is turned, When the car goes around a curve, When the blinker is on, When either of the above is selected, the camera is set in a forward, straight-ahead position. (2) When the vehicle is backing up or in reverse gear, at least one of the rear wheels is locked in either the forward-facing or reverse-facing position. (3) The rear wheels are set to caster trail, but the angle of movement is limited to prevent the wheels from pointing in an inappropriate direction. (4) The kingpin of the caster trail of the rear wheels is tilted slightly forward due to alignment adjustment, so that the wheels almost always tend to point in the forward direction. (4') When the load is light, the number of ground contact wheels can be adjusted by leaving only the necessary running units and folding the unnecessary running units. By satisfying any one or more of the above (1) to (4'), the suspension of a multi-purpose multi-wheeled vehicle can be handled in a manner similar to that of a normal four-wheeled vehicle and has the characteristic of being able to adjust the vehicle height.

[0142] Next is chassis system B. (Claim B1) Vertical two-pronged forklift and loading container (overview) - The upper part of the vehicle is made up of a vertical fork-shaped loading platform frame (B) with a loading platform container (C) that has a mating surface on the lower part of the vehicle, making it possible for the loading platform container (C) to be loaded and unloaded by itself. (Underside of vehicle) (1) Has two or more front wheels, is front-wheel drive, and is front-wheel steering; (2) Has four or more small rear wheels, (3) Looking at the chassis, there are two or more rear wheel driving units (A) arranged vertically on each side of the two vertical fork-shaped loading platform frames (B) on both sides of the vehicle body. (3-1) This rear wheel driving unit (A) is a compact assembly of wheels, arms, shock absorbers, struts, springs, etc., and the wheels, which have no driving or steering force, are set up to follow the movement of the front wheels or the movement of the entire vehicle through caster trail. (3-2) In addition, this rear wheel traveling unit (A) has the function of cushioning shocks and supporting the vehicle body, and can adjust its height by folding its arms or adjusting its struts, and can lift and hold objects on the vertical fork-shaped loading platform frame (B) by raising and lowering the loading platform frame (B). (Top of the vehicle) (4) The vehicle is equipped with a removable loading platform container (C) that can be inserted into the fork gap (concave) between two vertical fork-shaped loading platforms (B). (5) The rear wheel traveling unit (A) has the function of independently holding, securing, or releasing the loading platform container (C) by raising and lowering the loading platform frame (B). (6) As described above, the loading container (C) can be easily moved, and each container can be moved, reducing the manual work of loading and unloading cargo. A vertical fork-shaped container multi-wheel vehicle that has the ability to load and unload removable loading containers (C) by itself.

[0143] (Claim B2) Vertical two-fork vehicle, ultra-low floor setting possible (overview) - The vehicle is fitted with a rigid plate on the upper or lower surface of the vertical fork-shaped loading platform frame (B), (Underside of vehicle) (1) Has two or more front wheels, is front-wheel drive, and is front-wheel steering; (2) Has four or more small rear wheels, (3) Looking at the chassis, there are two or more rear wheel driving units (A) arranged vertically on each side of the two vertical fork-shaped loading platform frames (B) on both sides of the vehicle body. (3-1) This rear wheel driving unit (A) is a compact assembly of wheels, arms, shock absorbers, struts, springs, etc., and the wheels, which have no driving or steering force, are set up to follow the movement of the front wheels or the movement of the entire vehicle through caster trail. (3-3) In addition to absorbing shocks and supporting the vehicle body, this rear wheel travel unit (A) can also adjust the height of the horizontal fork-shaped loading platform frame (B) by folding the arms or adjusting the struts. (3-4) A rigid board is attached somewhere from the top to the bottom of the horizontal fork-shaped loading platform frame (B). (3-5) By moving the driving unit, the vehicle height can be raised and lowered, allowing the vehicle to be in a low position. (A) Special containers equipped with wheels and pallet-shaped components, etc. (B) Various equipment with cars underneath, passenger seats, containers, etc. (C) Various equipment, seats, containers, etc. on a trolley A multi-wheeled luggage vehicle with an extremely low floor setting that can be used to transport and load items, raise it to standard height, secure it in place, and then move the vehicle. (Claim B3) Horizontal forklift (overview) - A container vehicle equipped with the function of loading and unloading a loading container (E) by itself, by combining the upper part of the vehicle, which is made up of a loading container (E) that has a mating shape on the lower part of the vehicle and a horizontal fork-shaped loading platform frame (D) on the upper surface of the vehicle, and (Underside of vehicle) (1) Has two or more front wheels, is front-wheel drive, and is front-wheel steering; (2) Has four or more small rear wheels, (7) Looking at the chassis, it has one or more horizontal fork-shaped loading platforms (D) extending sideways at right angles to the direction of travel, and several rear wheel travel units (A) arranged side by side within them. (7-1) This rear wheel driving unit (A) is a compact assembly of wheels, arms, shock absorbers, struts, springs, etc., and the wheels, which have no driving or steering force, are set up to follow the movement of the front wheels or the movement of the entire vehicle through caster trail. (7-2) In addition, this rear wheel traveling unit (A) has the function of absorbing shocks and supporting the vehicle body, and can adjust its height by folding its arms or adjusting its struts, and can raise and lower the horizontal fork-shaped loading platform frame (D), and can lift and hold objects on the horizontal loading platform frame (D). (7-3) Between the horizontal loading platform frames (D) or between one loading platform frame (D) and the passenger compartment, there is a frame (E) connecting them on the side or in the center of the vehicle. Alternatively, a strong board is laid somewhere between the top and bottom of the horizontal loading platform frame (D) to support the horizontal loading platform frame (D) and the vehicle compartment. (7-4) The fork gap (F) created on the side of the vehicle without the frame (E) creates an open space. (7-5) When boards are installed anywhere from the bottom to the top of the floor board of the horizontal loading platform frame (D), the upper part becomes an open space with a low floor. (Top of the vehicle) (9) The upper part of the board between the fork gaps (F) of the horizontal loading frame (D) or between the bottom and top of the floor board of the horizontal loading frame (D) shall not include Cargo container (E), Or kitchen facilities, camping facilities, high-altitude crane facilities, special equipment, trucks, etc. It has the ability to mount various facilities freely or in a fixed position. A horizontal fork-shaped container multi-wheel vehicle that has the ability to load and unload various facilities by itself.

[0144] (Claim B4) (7-6) When carrying heavy equipment on top of the vehicle, the vehicle may become rear-wheel drive. The horizontal fork-shaped container multi-wheel vehicle according to claim 3.

[0145] (Claim B5) Vehicles that can be steered vertically, horizontally and horizontally (1) Has two or more front wheels, is front-wheel drive, and is front-wheel steering; (2) Has four or more small rear wheels, (10) Looking at the chassis, the rear wheel drive unit (A) is (10-1) Arrange four or more vertically on both sides of the vehicle, or (10-2) A total of four or more units shall be placed sideways in the rear or subsequent parts of the vehicle. (10-3) The floor of the vehicle is made of strong boards. (11-1) This rear wheel driving unit (A) is a compact assembly of wheels, arms, shock absorbers, struts, springs, etc., and the wheels, which have no driving or steering force, are set up to follow the movement of the front wheels or the movement of the entire vehicle through caster trail. (11-4) Some of the wheels of the rear wheel drive unit (A) have a steering function or angle adjustment function. (11-5) In addition to the rotating shaft that rotates the entire running unit, there may be another rotating shaft that changes the direction of only the wheel section, which makes it possible to steer against oversteer tendencies and adjust the wheel feel distance, as is the case with conventional four-wheeled vehicles. (11-6) Some of the wheels of the rear wheel drive unit (A) may be equipped with driving force. (12) A multi-wheeled vehicle having four or more running units (A) that has the feature of being able to carry various facilities such as seats on top of the running units. [Industrial Applicability]

[0146] The present invention relates to a multi-wheeled vehicle that can serve as the basis for a multi-purpose vehicle. The rear wheels are small and numerous, mainly using a caster trail system, and the height of the vehicle from the road surface can be changed using arms or struts, allowing the vehicle to lift, hold, and transfer containers on its own. A vertical fork-equipped container transporter can move containers from large trucks to their destination and final distribution point without the need for a forklift, significantly reducing the amount of work required for sorting and loading. On the other hand, vehicles with horizontal forks have the advantage that the floor can be lowered than usual and that openings can be provided on the side, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from camper vans, kitchen cars, and ambulances to a variety of specialized vehicles and heavy transport vehicles. In this way, we believe that the vertical forklift will enable the rationalization of distribution, and the horizontal forklift will serve as the basis for special vehicles, thereby making a modest contribution to industrial development. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0147] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram, partially in perspective, showing the chassis of a vertical fork-shaped vehicle with the self-propelled loading platform lowered to the rear. [Diagram 2] Comparison of vehicle operation with vertical fork type [Diagram 3] A top view of the vertical fork-shaped chassis section 1 and the removable loading platform section 6. [Figure 4] Diagram of a container divided into three parts and the legs that support it [Diagram 5] Driving unit schematic [Figure 6] Top view of the propulsion unit [Figure 7] Top view of the traveling unit with an increased number of rotating shafts [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram of the state in which the rotation axis E and the rotation axis F of the traveling unit in Figure 7 are rotated and the wheels are translated to change the distance between the wheels. [Figure 9] Comparison of turning when operating the steering wheel of a normal four-wheeled vehicle and a front-wheel drive, front-wheel steering, and rear multi-wheeled vehicle [Figure 10] Horizontal fork type vehicle design [Figure 11] Comparison of horizontal forklifts from the side and above [Figure 12] An explanatory diagram of the state in which the traveling unit of a horizontal fork vehicle is facing horizontally at a right angle to the direction of travel and can move laterally. [Figure 13] Diagram of a car with one horizontal fork [Figure 14] Diagram of a car with one horizontal fork [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1 Vehicle body The front part of the vehicle with a fork-shaped loading platform frame and a removable container, the driver's seat area 2 Vertical fork section, the loading platform frame part of the vehicle body (chassis section), may have a thick fork shape, a Roman U shape, rails, or uneven sections. 2' Horizontal Fork 2'' Vertical extension of horizontal fork, connecting frame part 2H Maximum height of loading platform forks (when traveling) 2XH Minimum ground clearance (when driving) 2L Bed Fork Loading Height (when loading) 2XL Minimum vehicle movement height When 2XL is 0, the vehicle is seated. 3. The gap between the fork shapes, the fork gap, is the space in which the pallet-like protruding part 7 of the container 6 or the pallet part 7, 8 with the self-propelled device 8 is accommodated. 4 Front wheels, basically front-wheel drive, front-wheel steering 4' Front wheel drive unit folded 5. Trailing wheel section running unit 5' Running unit raised 5'' Running unit folded 5'' Maximum circle of rotation of the propulsion unit 6 Removable cargo container section and passenger seat section 6' Divided cargo container section 6L Height of the loading platform when unloading When 6L is higher than 2L, the loading container can be placed on the loading fork. 6XL Height of the pallet part of the loading container when stored 6'' Pallet height above ground when moving Here you can also attach parts to maintain height. 7 Removable container section, pallet-shaped section under the passenger car section, pallet-shaped member, A fork-shaped loading platform can be fitted into the gap between the loading platform frame and rails, the fork gap 3, and can also be fitted with self-propelled wheels 8. 7' The tip of the pallet is rounded to make it easier to insert into the fork gap. 7'' container part legs, simple 8 Container section running unit 8' Container running unit folded up 8'' container running unit in upright position When the 8'' container's running unit is pulled out from the fork frame of the loading platform, it spreads out from the pallet part of the loading platform to both sides of the platform and also extends downwards, standing up, stabilizing the platform, raising it from the ground and enabling it to move on its own. 12 Chassis, mounting part to frame 13 Upper Arm 14 Lower Arm 15 Wheel mounting member 15' Wheel rotation angle 16 wheels A Rotation axis of upper arm 13 (upper) B Link Lower arm 14 rotation axis (upper) C-link: Rotation axis (lower) of the lower arm 14 and rotation axis of the wheel mounting member D Wheel rotation axis E Rotation center of the entire traveling unit 5 F Left and right rotation shaft of axle 17 Wheel contact point 18 Rotation shaft of the traveling unit 19 Steering limit range of the driving unit (rear), (limit angle) 20 Straight lock of the driving unit (rear) (when reversing) 21 Running unit (rear) Caster trail width (angle is ignored here) G, G' Front wheels of a normal four-wheeled vehicle, steering H, H' Rear wheels of a normal four-wheel vehicle, steering I Vehicle centre of gravity J Turning centre of a normal four-wheel vehicle K, K' front wheels of rear multi-wheeled vehicle (hereafter multi-wheeled vehicle) L, L', M, M', N, N', O, O' Rear wheels of a multi-wheeled vehicle turning P Vehicle centre of gravity Q Turning centre of a multi-wheeled vehicle R The turning center when each wheel of a multi-wheeled vehicle is moving straight S Center line of the propulsion unit T The center line of the wheel when the traveling unit is rotated and moved parallel to the outside of the wheel U Front wheel track V Rear wheel track

Claims

1. (overview) - The unevenness of the upper surface of the vertical fork-shaped loading platform frame (B) on the bottom of the vehicle and the unevenness of the interlocking shape The upper part of the vehicle is made up of the cargo container (C) and the lower part of the cargo container. It is a container vehicle equipped with the function to load and unload the Tena (C) by itself. (Underside of vehicle) (1) Has two or more front wheels, front-wheel drive and front-wheel steering functions, (2) Has four or more wheels, with the rear wheels smaller than the front wheels; (3) Looking at the chassis, there are two vertical fork-shaped loading platform frames (B) on both sides of the vehicle body. The vehicle is provided with two or more rear wheel drive units (A) arranged vertically on each side. (3-1) This rear wheel drive unit (A) consists of wheels, arms, shock absorbers, straps, etc. It is a compact assembly of the brakes, springs, etc., and has no driving or steering force. The wheels follow the movement of the front wheels or the whole car due to caster trail. It is set up like this, (3-2) In addition, this rear wheel drive unit (A) is equipped with a link consisting of two or more arms, and has the functions of absorbing shock and supporting the vehicle body. The height can be adjusted by folding the arms or adjusting the struts, making it a vertical forklift. By raising and lowering the arch-shaped loading platform frame (B), objects on the loading platform frame (B) can be carried. It has the function of lifting and holding (Top of the vehicle) (4) Enter into the fork gap (concave) between the two vertical fork-shaped loading platforms (B). The vehicle is equipped with a removable (reverse convex) cargo container (C), (5) The rear wheel travel unit (A) raises and lowers the bed frame (B), allowing the bed container to be transported. It has the ability to hold, secure, or release Na (C) on its own. (6) In this way, the loading container (C) can be easily moved, so the container itself can be This allows the transport of goods between the vehicle and the elevator, reducing the need to manually load and unload luggage. A vertical forklift equipped with the function of loading and unloading the removable cargo container (C) by itself. Multi-wheeled container vehicle.

2. (overview) - The unevenness of the upper surface of the horizontal fork-shaped loading platform frame (D) on the bottom of the vehicle and the unevenness of the interlocking shape The upper part of the vehicle is made up of the cargo container (E) and the lower part. It is a container vehicle equipped with the function to load and unload the container (E) by itself. (Underside of vehicle) (1) Has two or more front wheels, is front-wheel drive, and is front-wheel steering; (2) Has four or more small rear wheels; (7) Looking at the chassis, one or more horizontal rails extend horizontally at right angles to the direction of travel. The fork-shaped loading platform frame (D) is equipped with several rear wheel drive units (A) arranged side by side. R, (7-1) This rear wheel drive unit (A) consists of wheels, arms, shock absorbers, straps, etc. It is a compact assembly of the brakes, springs, etc., and has no driving or steering force. The wheels follow the movement of the front wheels or the whole car due to caster trail. It is set up like this, (7-2) In addition, this rear wheel drive unit (A) has the functions of absorbing shock and supporting the vehicle body. The height can be adjusted by folding the arms or adjusting the struts, making it a horizontal forklift. The arch-shaped loading platform frame (D) can be raised and lowered, and the equipment on the horizontal loading platform frame (D) can be It has the function of lifting and holding things. (7-3) Between horizontal loading platform frames (D) or between one loading platform frame (D) and the vehicle interior There is a frame (E) that connects the vehicles to each other on the sides or in the center. Or, a strong board is laid between the top and bottom of the horizontal loading platform frame (D). It supports the horizontal loading platform frame (D) and the vehicle interior. (7-4) The fork gap (F) on the side of the vehicle without the frame (E) provides a sense of openness. It will be a space where (7-5) Horizontal loading platform frame (D) has a board installed somewhere between the bottom and top of the floor board. When the structure is renovated, the upper part will have a low floor and an open feel. (Top of the vehicle) (9) Between the fork gap (F) of the horizontal loading platform frame (D) or between the fork gap (F) of the horizontal loading platform frame ( D) The top of the board located anywhere between the bottom and the top of the floorboard is A platform that can carry a variety of facilities, such as a loading container (E), kitchen facilities, camping facilities, high-altitude crane facilities, special equipment, and a loading platform with wheels, either freely or fixedly. The above is a horizontal fork-shaped container multi-wheel vehicle that is equipped with the ability to load and unload various facilities, etc. by itself.

3. (7-6) When carrying heavy loads on top of the vehicle, the vehicle may become rear-wheel drive.

3. A horizontal fork-type container multi-wheel vehicle according to claim 2.

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