Vehicles in motion

Abstract

To achieve a layout capable of facilitating ensuring a large space ahead of a steering shaft in a running vehicle.SOLUTION: A running vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a front wheel; and an operation member. The front wheel is supported on the vehicle body to be rotatable and can rotate around a rotating shaft. The operation member executes rotational operation to rotate the front wheel. The operation shaft when the operation member is operated is positioned rearer than the rotating shaft in side view of a vehicle. The operation shaft is parallel to the rotating shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to moving vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] This type of vehicle is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1. The three-wheeled bicycle with two front wheels in Patent Document 1 includes a frame body. A lower suspension arm shaft is provided in the front half of the frame body in the longitudinal direction. When the handlebars are turned to the left, for example, the front wheel is turned to the left and the frame body is forced to tilt to the left around the lower suspension arm shaft. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-010577 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Depending on the use of the vehicle, there is a need to load a large amount of luggage onto the vehicle, but with the above configuration, it is difficult to ensure a large luggage loading space.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to realize a layout in a traveling vehicle that makes it easy to ensure a large space in front of the steering shaft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and the effects thereof will be described.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a traveling vehicle having the following configuration. That is, the traveling vehicle includes a vehicle body, a front wheel, and an operating member. The front wheel is rotatably supported on the vehicle body and is rotatable around a turning axis. The operating member is operated to rotate in order to turn the front wheel. In a side view of the vehicle, when the operating member is operated, a steering axis is located rearward of the turning axis. The steering axis is parallel to the turning axis. The steering shaft and the turning shaft extend at an incline rearward as they move upward from their lower ends. The traveling vehicle includes a rotatably supported operation transmission shaft. The rotational operating force of the operating member is transmitted to the front wheels via the operation transmission shaft. The operation transmission shaft extends parallel to the steering shaft and the turning shaft and is disposed rearward of the steering shaft.

[0008] This allows for a layout that makes it easy to secure a large space in a low position in front of the steering shaft. In addition, because the steering shaft and the turning axis of the front wheels are parallel, steering feel is good. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in layout for transmitting the operating force of the operating member to the front wheels can be increased, the operating feel can be improved, and a large space can be secured immediately forward of the steering shaft, for example, for a luggage compartment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a layout can be realized in a traveling vehicle that makes it easy to ensure a large space in front of the steering shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a three-wheeled bicycle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Side view of a three-wheeled bicycle. [Figure 3] A perspective view of a three-wheeled bicycle from above and in front. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the steering wheel is turned left from the state shown in FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Next, the disclosed embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a three-wheeled bicycle 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a side view of the three-wheeled bicycle 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the three-wheeled bicycle 1 as seen from above and in front.

[0012] In the following explanation, the left-right direction of the three-wheeled bicycle 1 is defined as the direction seen by a rider riding the three-wheeled bicycle (vehicle) 1. Therefore, when the three-wheeled bicycle 1 is upright, the front-to-rear direction corresponds to the length of the bicycle, and the left-to-right direction corresponds to the width of the bicycle. Furthermore, the up-down direction (vertical direction) corresponds to the height direction.

[0013] In this specification, when a member is "attached" to another member, it includes not only direct attachment but also indirect attachment via another member. The same applies to "fixing," "supporting," and "connecting."

[0014] The three-wheeled bicycle 1 is configured as a two-front-wheeled vehicle. The three-wheeled bicycle 1 comprises a body 2, a left front wheel (first front wheel) 10, a right front wheel (second front wheel) 20, and a rear wheel 90. The body 2 supports the left front wheel 10, the right front wheel 20, and the rear wheel 90. The body 2 includes a frame 3 that forms the skeleton of the three-wheeled bicycle 1.

[0015] This three-wheeled bicycle 1 is a type of lean-type vehicle. A lean-type vehicle is a vehicle in which the attitude of the body 2 relative to the road surface can be changed, and the body 2 becomes inclined relative to the road surface when steering to turn. In the following, the state in which a handlebar 5 (described below) for steering is operated to a neutral position and the body 2 is upright relative to the road surface (in other words, the state of normal straight-ahead riding) may be referred to as the reference state. Unless otherwise specified, the following description will be based on the reference state.

[0016] The left front wheel 10 is disposed to the left (first side) of the center in the vehicle width direction. The right front wheel 20 is disposed to the right (second side) of the center in the vehicle width direction. The left front wheel 10 and the right front wheel 20 are supported by the frame 3 via a lean mechanism 40. Details of the lean mechanism 40 will be described later.

[0017] The rear wheel 90 is disposed in the center in the vehicle width direction and is rotatably supported on the rear end of the frame 3.

[0018] The following describes the frame 3. The frame 3 is located in the center in the width direction of the three-wheeled bicycle 1. The frame 3 is formed by connecting a plurality of frame members by welding or the like.

[0019] The frame 3 includes a bottom tube portion 71, a seat tube 72, seat stays 73, chain stays 74, a steering tube portion 75, a transmission tube portion 76, a top tube 77, a down tube 78, an output tube portion 79, a load receiving portion 80, and a connecting portion 81.

[0020] In this specification, the term "cylinder" refers to a cylindrical portion that includes a bearing that rotatably supports a shaft body, and the term "tube" refers to a portion that is solid or hollow.

[0021] The bottom tubular portion 71 is a member that extends linearly in the vehicle width direction. The bottom tubular portion 71 is formed in a cylindrical shape that faces the vehicle width direction. This bottom tubular portion 71 is sometimes called a bottom bracket shell. A crankshaft 91 is rotatably supported by the bottom tubular portion 71. The crankshaft 91 is arranged to face the vehicle width direction. A pair of left and right pedals 93 are supported on both ends of the crankshaft 91, each via a crank 92.

[0022] A front sprocket 94 is supported near the bottom cylindrical portion 71. The front sprocket 94 rotates integrally with the crank 92 and the crankshaft 91.

[0023] The seat tube 72 is formed so as to extend linearly rearward and upward from the bottom cylindrical portion 71. The seat 9 is fixed to the upper portion of the seat tube 72 via a rod-shaped seat post.

[0024] The rider can straddle the seat 9 and place his / her feet on the left and right pedals 93. In this way, the three-wheeled bicycle 1 is a type of vehicle in which the rider straddles the seat 9 (a saddle-ride type vehicle).

[0025] The seat stay 73 is formed to extend rearward and downward from the upper portion of the seat tube 72 .

[0026] The chain stay 74 is formed to extend rearward from the bottom cylindrical portion 71 in a substantially horizontal manner.

[0027] The seat stays 73 and the chain stays 74 are arranged in pairs, sandwiching the rear wheel 90 on either side. The rear ends of the seat stays 73 and the chain stays 74 on the left and right sides are connected to each other, and the rear wheel 90 is rotatably supported at this portion.

[0028] A rear sprocket 95 is attached to the rear wheel 90. A chain 96 is wound between the front sprocket 94 and the rear sprocket 95. As a result, the force exerted by the rider's foot on the pedal 93 is transmitted to the rear wheel 90, allowing the rear wheel 90 to be driven manually.

[0029] An electric motor 97 is attached to the axle of the rear wheel 90. Driving the electric motor 97 can assist in driving the rear wheel 90 by human power. The electric motor 97 may be used as a drive source for propelling the three-wheeled bicycle 1 independently of human power. The electric motor 97 may also be used as a generator.

[0030] The steering tube section 75 is a cylindrical section formed to be elongated and extend linearly in the vertical direction. The steering tube section 75 is positioned so that it is tilted slightly backward. That is, the steering tube section 75 extends at a rearward angle as it extends upward from the bottom end. The steering tube section 75 is located rearward of the axles of the left and right front wheels 10, 20 and rearward of the turning axis of the front wheels 10, 20.

[0031] The lower part of the steering shaft 6 is inserted into the steering tube part 75. The steering shaft 6 is rotatably supported by the steering tube part 75.

[0032] A handle (operating member) 5 is attached to the top of the steering shaft 6. The handle 5 is formed in a rod shape (a bar handle), and its left and right central portion is fixed to the upper end of the steering shaft 6. The driver can grasp the handle 5 with his hands and operate it for steering. When the driver turns the handle 5, the steering shaft 6 rotates relative to the steering tube part 75 around the axis of the steering tube part 75.

[0033] A vertical gap is formed between the lower end of the steering tube section 75 and a down tube 78, which will be described later. The lower end of the steering tube section 75 is connected to the widthwise end of a load receiving section 80 provided on the frame 3 via a pair of left and right connecting sections 81. The load receiving section 80 will be described later. The vicinity of the upper end of the steering tube section 75 is connected to the transmission tube section 76 via a top tube 77. The steering tube section 75 has a portion that protrudes upward beyond the connection point with the top tube 77.

[0034] The transmission tube portion 76 is a cylindrical portion that is elongated and extends linearly in the vertical direction, similar to the steering tube portion 75. The transmission tube portion 76 is positioned so as to be tilted slightly backward. That is, the transmission tube portion 76 extends at an angle rearward as it extends upward from the lower end.

[0035] The transmission tube section 76 is disposed rearward of the steering tube section 75, between the steering tube section 75 and the seat tube 72. A gap is formed in the fore-and-aft direction between the steering tube section 75 and the transmission tube section 76. The transmission tube section 76 is disposed parallel to the steering tube section 75.

[0036] The operation transmission shaft 7 is inserted into the transmission cylinder portion 76. The operation transmission shaft 7 is rotatably supported by the transmission cylinder portion 76. The upper end of the operation transmission shaft 7 is connected to the steering shaft 6 by a first link mechanism 61 consisting of a parallel link mechanism. The first link mechanism 61 will be described in detail later.

[0037] A top tube 77 is fixed so as to intersect with the upper part of the transmission tube portion 76. The top tube 77 connects the transmission tube portion 76 and the steering tube portion 75. The top tube 77 also connects the transmission tube portion 76 and the seat tube 72. The transmission tube portion 76 has a portion that protrudes upward beyond the connection point with the top tube 77.

[0038] A down tube 78 is fixed so as to intersect near the lower portion of the transmission tube portion 76. The down tube 78 connects the transmission tube portion 76 to the bottom tube portion 71. The down tube 78 also connects the transmission tube portion 76 to the front output tube portion 79 and load receiving portion 80. The transmission tube portion 76 has a portion that protrudes downward from the connection point with the down tube 78.

[0039] A battery 31 and a controller 32 are disposed immediately behind the transmission tube portion 76 and above the down tube 78. The battery 31 supplies power to the electric motor 97. The controller 32 controls the electric motor 97.

[0040] The down tube 78 is a linear portion oriented in the front-to-rear direction. The down tube 78 is formed so as to extend linearly forward and approximately horizontally from the bottom tubular portion 71. The down tube 78 is connected to an output tubular portion 79 disposed at the front end of the frame 3.

[0041] The down tube 78 is formed, for example, from a thick, square tubular member. The down tube 78 extends in the front-to-rear direction so as to connect the bottom tubular portion 71 and the transmission tubular portion 76. The down tube 78 has a portion that protrudes further forward than the transmission tubular portion 76. A load receiving portion 80 is fixed to this forward protruding portion. An output tubular portion 79 is fixed to the front end of the down tube 78.

[0042] The cargo receiving portion 80 is formed so as to protrude in the left-right direction from the down tube 78. As shown in FIG. 3, the cargo receiving portion 80 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. As shown in FIG. 2, a luggage compartment 80a in which luggage can be placed is formed directly above the cargo receiving portion 80. In other words, the cargo receiving portion 80 forms the bottom portion of the luggage compartment 80a. The handlebars 5, the steering tube portion 75, and the transmission tube portion 76 are located rearward of the luggage compartment 80a.

[0043] The luggage compartment 80a is disposed rearward of the rear end of the left front wheel 10 and the rear end of the right front wheel 20. This prevents interference with the luggage compartment 80a even when the left front wheel 10 and the right front wheel 20 turn.

[0044] The upper surface of the load receiving section 80 is a substantially horizontal load receiving surface. The load receiving surface is located above the axles of the left front wheel 10 and the right front wheel 20. The load receiving surface is located below the upper ends of the left front wheel 10 and the right front wheel 20. This allows for a low center of gravity of the luggage compartment 80a.

[0045] The steering tube portion 75 is formed shorter than the transmission tube portion 76. In other words, the steering shaft 6 is formed shorter than the operation transmission shaft 7. A gap is formed between the lower end of the steering shaft 6 and the lower part of the frame 3 (specifically, the down tube 78). When the steering shaft 6 is extended downward in the axial direction, the extended portion intersects with the luggage compartment 80a. This layout of the steering shaft 6 makes it possible to compact the front-to-rear length of the vehicle while ensuring a large space for the luggage compartment 80a.

[0046] As described above, the battery 31 and the controller 32 are disposed behind the transmission tube portion 76. This makes it possible to realize a layout that makes it easy to ensure a spacious luggage compartment 80a.

[0047] The left and right ends of the load receiving part 80 are fixed to the steering tube part 75 via a pair of left and right connecting parts 81. The part where the transmission tube part 76 passes through the down tube 78 is close to the part where the rear end of the load receiving part 80 is fixed to the down tube 78.

[0048] The connecting portions 81 branch out diagonally downward to the left and right from the lower end of the steering tube portion 75, and are arranged in a pair on the left and right sides with the luggage compartment 80a in between. Each connecting portion 81 is formed so as to branch into two at the left and right ends of the luggage compartment 80a in a side view. Each branched portion extends downward and forward so as to pass just outside the left and right ends of the luggage compartment 80a, and its lower end is connected to the luggage receptacle 80. The connecting portion 81 is a type of strength member, similar to the top tube 77, down tube 78, seat stays 73, chain stays 74, luggage receptacle 80, etc.

[0049] 2 and other figures, the connecting portion 81 is connected to the goods receiving portion 80 so as to form a triangle in a side view. This makes it possible to increase the mechanical strength of the goods receiving portion 80 and the connecting portion 81.

[0050] The output cylinder section 79 is a cylindrical section that is elongated and extends linearly in the vertical direction, similar to the steering cylinder section 75 and the transmission cylinder section 76. The output cylinder section 79 is disposed so as to be tilted slightly backward. That is, the output cylinder section 79 extends at an angle rearward as it extends upward from the lower end.

[0051] The output cylinder section 79 is disposed forward of all of the steering cylinder section 75, the transmission cylinder section 76, and the load receiving section 80. The output cylinder section 79 is disposed parallel to the steering cylinder section 75 and the transmission cylinder section 76.

[0052] The output tubular portion 79 is located between the left front wheel 10 and the right front wheel 20. The output tubular portion 79 is located rearward of the axles of the left and right front wheels 10, 20. The output tubular portion 79 is formed with a lower portion that extends downward from the connection position with the down tube 78, and an upper portion that extends upward from the connection position.

[0053] The steering output shaft 8 is inserted into the output cylinder portion 79. The steering output shaft 8 is rotatably supported by the output cylinder portion 79. The upper end of the steering output shaft 8 is connected to the lower end of the operation transmission shaft 7 by a second link mechanism 62 consisting of a parallel link mechanism. The second link mechanism 62 will be described in detail later.

[0054] Next, the first link mechanism 61 that connects the steering shaft 6 and the operation transmission shaft 7 will be described.

[0055] The first link mechanism 61 includes a first output arm 65, a first input arm 66, and a link rod (link member) 67.

[0056] The first output arm 65 is disposed above the upper end of the steering tube portion 75. The first output arm 65 is a plate-like member formed in a roughly diamond shape. The first output arm 65 has a pair of left and right arm portions.

[0057] The first output arm 65 is fixed to the steering shaft 6. Therefore, the first output arm 65 rotates integrally with the steering shaft 6. The thickness direction of the first output arm 65 is parallel to the rotation axis of the steering shaft 6. Therefore, the rotation of the first output arm 65 occurs within a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the steering shaft 6.

[0058] The first input arm 66 is disposed above the upper end of the transmission tube portion 76. The first input arm 66 is a plate-like member formed in a roughly diamond shape. The first input arm 66 has a pair of left and right arm portions.

[0059] The first input arm 66 is fixed to the operation transmission shaft 7. Therefore, the first input arm 66 rotates integrally with the operation transmission shaft 7. The thickness direction of the first input arm 66 is parallel to the rotation axis of the operation transmission shaft 7. Therefore, the first input arm 66 rotates within a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the operation transmission shaft 7.

[0060] A pair of link rods 67 are provided on the left and right. Each link rod 67 is elongated and disposed in the front-to-rear direction in a plan view. The direction of the link rod 67 is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the steering shaft 6 and perpendicular to the rotation axis of the operation transmission shaft 7.

[0061] One link rod 67 connects the left end of the first output arm 65 to the left end of the first input arm 66. The other link rod 67 connects the right end of the first output arm 65 to the right end of the first input arm 66. Spherical bearings (bearings with three degrees of freedom) are used at all four connecting points, which makes it possible to absorb assembly errors and achieve smooth operation.

[0062] With this configuration, when the steering shaft 6 rotates, the two link rods 67 move in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the steering shaft 6, transmitting the rotation to the operation transmission shaft 7. In this way, in conjunction with the rotation of the steering shaft 6, the operation transmission shaft 7 can be rotated by the same angle.

[0063] Next, the second link mechanism 62 that connects the operation transmission shaft 7 and the steering output shaft 8 will be described.

[0064] The principle by which the second link mechanism 62 connects the operation transmission shaft 7 and the steering output shaft 8 is the same as the principle by which the first link mechanism 61 connects the steering shaft 6 and the operation transmission shaft 7 .

[0065] The second link mechanism 62 includes a second output arm 68, a second input arm 69, and a link rod (interlocking member) 70.

[0066] The second output arm 68 is disposed below the lower end of the transmission cylinder portion 76. The second output arm 68 is a plate-like member formed in a roughly diamond shape. The second output arm 68 has a pair of left and right arm portions.

[0067] The second output arm 68 is fixed to the operation transmission shaft 7. Therefore, the second output arm 68 rotates integrally with the operation transmission shaft 7. The thickness direction of the second output arm 68 is parallel to the rotation axis of the operation transmission shaft 7. Therefore, the second output arm 68 rotates within a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the operation transmission shaft 7.

[0068] The second input arm 69 is disposed above the upper end of the output cylinder portion 79. The second input arm 69 is a plate-like member formed in a roughly diamond shape. The second input arm 69 has a pair of left and right arm portions.

[0069] The second input arm 69 is fixed to the steering output shaft 8. Therefore, the second input arm 69 rotates integrally with the steering output shaft 8. The thickness direction of the second input arm 69 is parallel to the rotation axis of the steering output shaft 8. Therefore, the second input arm 69 rotates within a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the steering output shaft 8.

[0070] A pair of left and right link rods 70 are provided, and each link rod 70 is elongated in the front-rear direction in a plan view.

[0071] One link rod 70 connects the left end of the second output arm 68 to the left end of the second input arm 69. The other link rod 70 connects the right end of the second output arm 68 to the right end of the second input arm 69. As with the first link mechanism 61, spherical bearings (bearings with three degrees of freedom) are used at all four connecting points. This makes it possible to absorb assembly errors and achieve smooth operation.

[0072] With this configuration, when the operation transmission shaft 7 rotates, the two link rods 70 move within a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the operation transmission shaft 7, transmitting the rotation to the steering output shaft 8. In this way, in conjunction with the rotation of the operation transmission shaft 7, the steering output shaft 8 can be rotated by the same angle.

[0073] The link rod 70 of the second link mechanism 62 is arranged so that it slopes upward toward the front in a side view. The link rod 70 extends upward and forward while passing below the load receiving portion 80. The location where the link rod 70 intersects with the down tube 78 in a side view is close to the location where the front end of the load receiving portion 80 is fixed to the down tube 78.

[0074] The height of the second output arm 68 fixed to the operation transmission shaft 7 is sufficiently lower than the height of the load receiving part 80. This prevents the link rod 70, which is arranged with its front raised, from interfering with the load receiving part 80.

[0075] A protective cover (protective member) 85 is fixed to the down tube 78. The protective cover 85 is a plate-shaped member. The protective cover 85 is arranged to cover the portions of the pair of left and right link rods 70 that are located below the lower surfaces of the down tubes 78. This makes it possible to protect the link rods 70 from being damaged by protrusions on the road surface, etc.

[0076] Next, the lean mechanism 40 for realizing a lean state of the vehicle body 2 will be described.

[0077] The lean mechanism 40 is attached to the front end of the frame 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the lean mechanism 40 includes an upper arm (arm member) 41, a lower arm (arm member) 42, a left support member 11, and a right support member 21. The upper arm 41, the lower arm 42, the left support member 11, and the right support member 21 are connected in the shape of a parallelogram by appropriate bearings. In this way, the lean mechanism 40 realizes leaning of the vehicle body 2 by means of a parallel link mechanism.

[0078] The upper arm 41 and the lower arm 42 are arranged parallel to each other and rotatably supported on the front end of the down tube 78. The left ends of the upper arm 41 and the lower arm 42 are connected to each other by a left support member 11, and the right ends are connected to each other by a right support member 21.

[0079] The left support member 11 rotatably supports the left front wheel 10. The left support member 11 is rotatable left and right relative to the upper arm 41 and the lower arm 42 about a left pivot shaft (first pivot shaft) that extends in the up-down direction.

[0080] The right support member 21 rotatably supports the right front wheel 20. The right support member 21 is rotatable left and right relative to the upper arm 41 and the lower arm 42 about a right pivot shaft (second pivot shaft) that extends in the up-down direction.

[0081] The left turning shaft and the right turning shaft are parallel to each other and also to the steering shaft 6, the operation transmission shaft 7, and the steering output shaft 8.

[0082] The parallel link mechanism provided in the lean mechanism 40 maintains the posture of the frame 3, the posture of the left support member 11, and the posture of the right support member 21 so that they are always parallel when viewed from the front. Therefore, the left front wheel 10 and the right front wheel 20 can be tilted relative to the road surface in conjunction with the body 2 (frame 3) tilting left or right relative to the road surface when viewed from the front.

[0083] The steering output shaft 8 protrudes downward from the output cylinder portion 79, and a transmission arm 35 is fixed to this portion. The transmission arm 35 pivots left and right together with the steering output shaft 8.

[0084] A steering rod 19 is provided to connect the transmission arm 35 to the left support member 11 and the right support member 21. This allows the left front wheel 10 and the right front wheel 20 to turn in conjunction with the rotation of the steering output shaft 8.

[0085] The steering shaft 6, first link mechanism 61, operation transmission shaft 7, second link mechanism 62, steering output shaft 8, transmission arm 35, and steering rod 19 constitute a linkage mechanism that turns the left front wheel 10 and the right front wheel 20 in conjunction with the operation of the steering wheel 5. Figure 4 shows the state in which the steering wheel 5 is turned to the left.

[0086] The first output arm 65 and the first input arm 66 have the same effective arm length. The second output arm 68 and the second input arm 69 have the same effective arm length. Therefore, the operating angle of the steering wheel 5 and the rotation angle of the steering output shaft 8 match, providing an operating feeling as if the steering wheel 5 were directly connected to the steering output shaft 8. As a result, operability is excellent.

[0087] A brake mechanism 51 is disposed on the left front wheel 10, and a brake mechanism 52 is disposed on the right front wheel 20. This allows braking of the left front wheel 10 and the right front wheel 20. A lean brake 55 is disposed on the top of the lean mechanism 40. This allows braking of the lean of the vehicle body 2. Known disc brake mechanisms can be used as the brake mechanisms 51, 52 and the lean brake 55.

[0088] As described above, the three-wheeled bicycle 1 of this embodiment includes the body 2, front wheels 10, 20, and handlebars 5. The front wheels 10, 20 are rotatably supported on the body 2 and can turn around a pivot. The handlebars 5 are rotated to turn the front wheels 10, 20. In a side view of the vehicle, when the handlebars 5 are operated, the steering axis 6 is located rearward of the pivot axis of the front wheels 10, 20. The steering axis 6 is parallel to the pivot axis of the front wheels 10, 20. The pivot axis of the front wheels 10, 20 is indicated by the symbol c1 in FIG. 2.

[0089] This makes it possible to realize a layout that makes it easy to secure a large space in a low position in front of the steering shaft 6. Furthermore, since the steering shaft 6 and the turning axes of the front wheels 10, 20 are parallel, the steering feel is good.

[0090] The three-wheeled bicycle 1 of this embodiment includes a rotatably supported operation transmission shaft 7. The rotational operation force of the handlebars 5 is transmitted to the front wheels 10, 20 via the operation transmission shaft 7.

[0091] This allows for greater freedom in the layout for transmitting the operating force of the handlebars 5 to the front wheels 10, 20.

[0092] In the three-wheeled bicycle 1 of this embodiment, the rotation axis of the operation transmission shaft 7 is parallel to the pivot axes of the front wheels 10, 20 in a side view of the vehicle.

[0093] This provides a good operational feel.

[0094] The three-wheeled bicycle 1 of this embodiment is provided with a first link mechanism 61 that connects the handlebars 5 and the operation transmission shaft 7 and is made up of a parallel link mechanism.

[0095] This allows the operation transmission shaft 7 to rotate in conjunction with the handle 5 with a simple configuration.

[0096] In the three-wheeled bicycle 1 of this embodiment, the link rod 67 that constitutes the first link mechanism 61 is connected to the handle 5 and the operation transmission shaft 7 via spherical bearings.

[0097] This allows the first link mechanism 61 to operate smoothly by absorbing any backlash due to assembly errors or the like.

[0098] In the three-wheeled bicycle 1 of this embodiment, the operation transmission shaft 7 is disposed rearward of the steering shaft 6.

[0099] This makes it possible to ensure a large space immediately in front of the steering shaft 6, for example, for a luggage compartment 80a.

[0100] The three-wheeled bicycle 1 of this embodiment includes a link rod 70 and a protective cover 85. The link rod 70 is connected to the operation transmission shaft 7 and transmits the rotation of the operation transmission shaft 7 to the front wheels 10, 20. The protective cover 85 protects the link rod 70 from obstacles.

[0101] This prevents damage to the link rod 70.

[0102] In the three-wheeled bicycle 1 of this embodiment, a luggage compartment 80a is located behind the front wheel 10 and in front of the handlebars 5. A connecting portion 81 provided on the frame 3 is positioned so as to pass through the left and right sides of the luggage compartment 80a.

[0103] This makes it possible to ensure a large luggage compartment 80a while preventing a decrease in mechanical strength.

[0104] In the three-wheeled bicycle 1 of this embodiment, the front wheels 10, 20 include a left front wheel 10 and a right front wheel 20 that are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The left front wheel 10 and the right front wheel 20 turn in accordance with the operation of the handlebars 5.

[0105] This allows the vehicle to travel stably even when transporting luggage.

[0106] The three-wheeled bicycle 1 of this embodiment is provided with an electric motor 97 for assisting human power or for self-propelling.

[0107] This makes it possible to obtain a three-wheeled bicycle 1 that is less tiring to ride.

[0108] Although the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows. A single modification may be made, or multiple modifications may be made in any combination.

[0109] The operation transmission shaft 7 does not have to be parallel to the steering shaft 6 and the steering output shaft 8. The operation transmission shaft 7 may be omitted, and the steering shaft 6 and the steering output shaft 8 may be connected by an appropriate link mechanism.

[0110] In the first link mechanism 61, one of the link rods 67 can be omitted. In the second link mechanism 62, one of the link rods 70 can be omitted.

[0111] In place of the spherical bearing, a normal bearing may be used at the connecting portion of the link rods 67, 70.

[0112] At least one of the first link mechanism 61 and the second link mechanism 62 may be changed to a transmission mechanism other than a link mechanism. For example, a transmission mechanism using gears or a chain may be used.

[0113] The protective cover 85 can be omitted.

[0114] The electric motor 97 may be omitted. Instead of the electric motor 97, for example, an engine may be installed.

[0115] The configuration of the present disclosure can also be applied to a non-lean three-wheeled vehicle. The configuration of the present disclosure can also be applied to a two-wheeled vehicle with only one front wheel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Three-wheeled bicycle (moving vehicle) 2. Body 3 frames 5 Handle (operating member) 6 Steering shaft 7 Operation transmission shaft 10 Left front wheel (front wheel) 20 Right front wheel (front wheel) 67 Link rod (link member) 70 Link rod (interlocking member) 80a luggage compartment 85 Protective cover (protective material) 97 Electric Motor

Claims

1. The car body and a front wheel rotatably supported on the vehicle body and rotatable about a pivot axis; an operating member that is rotated to turn the front wheels; Equipped with When the operating member is operated, the steering shaft is disposed rearward of the turning shaft in a side view of the vehicle, the steering axis is parallel to the turning axis, The steering shaft and the turning shaft extend at an inclination rearward as they proceed upward from the lower end, A rotatably supported operation transmission shaft is provided, a rotational operating force of the operating member is transmitted to the front wheel via the operation transmission shaft; A traveling vehicle, wherein the operation transmission shaft extends parallel to the steering shaft and the turning shaft and is disposed rearward of the steering shaft.

2. The traveling vehicle according to claim 1, a steering tube portion that rotatably supports the steering shaft; a transmission cylinder portion that rotatably supports the operation transmission shaft; Equipped with The steering tube portion is formed shorter than the transmission tube portion, A vehicle characterized in that a gap is formed between the lower end of the steering shaft and a lower portion of the frame of the vehicle body.

3. The traveling vehicle according to claim 2, A vehicle characterized in that, when the steering shaft is extended downward in the axial direction, the vehicle is provided with a luggage compartment that intersects with the extension.

4. A traveling vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a luggage compartment is disposed rearward of the front wheels and forward of the operating member; a first link mechanism that connects the steering shaft and an upper end of the operation transmission shaft; a second link mechanism that connects a lower end of the operation transmission shaft and a steering output shaft; Equipped with The second link mechanism is arranged in a forwardly upward direction in a side view of the vehicle, and extends forwardly and upwardly while passing below a luggage receiving portion of the luggage compartment.

5. A traveling vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A traveling vehicle comprising a parallel link mechanism that connects the operating member and the operation transmission shaft.

6. The traveling vehicle according to claim 5, A traveling vehicle, characterized in that the link member constituting the parallel link mechanism is connected to at least one of the operating member and the operation transmission shaft via a bearing with three degrees of freedom.

7. A traveling vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a linking member connected to the operation transmission shaft for transmitting rotation of the operation transmission shaft to the front wheels; a protection member that protects the interlocking member from obstacles; A traveling vehicle comprising:

8. A traveling vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a luggage compartment is disposed rearward of the front wheels and forward of the operating member; A vehicle characterized in that a frame constituting the vehicle body is arranged so as to pass on the left and right sides of the luggage compartment.

9. A traveling vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the front wheels include a left front wheel and a right front wheel that are spaced apart in the left-right direction, A vehicle characterized in that the left front wheel and the right front wheel turn in accordance with the operation of the operating member.

10. A traveling vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A vehicle characterized by being equipped with an electric motor for assisting human power or for self-propulsion.

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