vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle (100) comprises: a first component (100A) including a single front wheel (1) and a steering unit (14) disposed above the front wheel (1); a second component (100B) including a pair of left and right rear wheels (2) and a platform (30) on which a rider places his or her feet; and a swinging unit (50) that connects the first component (100A) and the second component (100B) so as to allow the components to swing to the left and right of a swing axis line extending in the front–rear direction. The platform (30) is formed from a single board member extending substantially horizontally and of which a rear end also extends to the left and right.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle having a front wheel and a rear wheel.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electric three-wheeled vehicle having a single front wheel and a pair of left and right rear wheels has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the vehicle described in Patent Document 1, a pair of left and right steps on which the feet of a standing passenger are placed are provided inside the left and right rear wheels, and a handle for steering the front wheel is provided above the front wheel. The rear wheels are driven by an electric motor to make the vehicle travel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the vehicle described in Patent Document 1 has a pair of left and right steps, the number of parts increases, leading to an increase in cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present invention includes a first component having a single front wheel and a steering portion disposed above the front wheel, a second component having a pair of left and right rear wheels and a placement portion on which the feet of a passenger are placed, and a connecting portion that connects the first component and the second component so as to be swingable in the left-right direction about a swing axis extending in the front-rear direction. The placement portion is composed of a single plate member that extends in a substantially horizontal direction and has a rear end that extends in the left-right direction.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the number of parts in a vehicle can be reduced, and the increase in costs can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A side view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A plan view showing the overall configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A plan view showing a portion of Figure 2, with some parts omitted. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 1. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear. [Figure 7A] A diagram illustrating the operation of changing the attitude of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] This diagram illustrates the operation of changing the attitude of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the operation following Figure 7A. [Figure 7C] This diagram illustrates the operation of changing the attitude of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the operation following Figure 7B. [Figure 7D] This diagram illustrates the operation of changing the attitude of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the operation following Figure 7C. [Figure 8] This figure shows a modified example of Figure 3. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX in Figure 8. [Figure 10] A schematic plan view showing the arrangement of an occupant's feet on the steps when boarding a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 10. The vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention is a three-wheeled vehicle having a single front wheel and a pair of left and right rear wheels, and is configured so that a user can ride in an upright position.

[0009] Figures 1 and 2 are a side view and a top view, respectively, showing the overall configuration of a vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and represent the driving posture of the vehicle 100 when in use, i.e., the drivable posture. The posture in which the vehicle cannot be driven is referred to as the non-driving posture. Figure 1 also shows the user PS in use (dotted line). In the following, the front-rear direction (length direction), left-right direction (width direction), and up-down direction (height direction) of the vehicle 100 are defined as shown in the figures, and the configuration of each part will be described according to these definitions. Figure 1 is a view of the vehicle 100 from the left, and Figure 2 is a view of the vehicle 100 from above.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 100 has front wheels 1 and rear wheels 2, and a frame FL that constitutes the skeleton of the vehicle 100, and the whole is configured symmetrically with respect to a center line CL1 (Figure 2) that passes through the center of the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction. More specifically, the front wheels 1 are arranged along the center line CL1, and the left and right rear wheels 2 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the center line CL1. The front wheels 1 have the same diameter as the rear wheels 2. However, the front wheels 1 may have a smaller or larger diameter than the rear wheels 2. The frame FL has a front frame 10 and a rear frame 20.

[0011] The front frame 10 has a vertical pipe 11 with a roughly rectangular cross-section that extends vertically, and an inclined frame 12 that extends rearward from the rear surface of the lower end of the vertical pipe 11. The vertical pipe 11 extends with an incline such that its upper end is located behind its lower end. The inclined frame 12 slopes upward towards the front. More specifically, the inclined frame 12 extends with an incline such that its rear end is located below the upper end of the front wheel 1, and its front end is located above the upper end of the front wheel 1, and the front end of the inclined frame 12 is joined to the rear surface of the vertical pipe 11.

[0012] The vertical pipe 11 has a through-hole formed in a substantially cylindrical cross-section shape extending in the vertical direction, and a handle shaft 13 having a substantially circular cross-section is rotatably inserted into the through-hole. The central portion in the left-right direction of the handle 14 is fixed to the upper end portion of the handle shaft 13, and a front fork 15 is fixed to the lower end portion. The handle shaft 13 is supported by the vertical pipe 11 so as to be movable up and down (expandable and contractible). Although not shown, a lock mechanism for fixing the height of the handle shaft 13 is provided at the upper end portion of the vertical pipe 11.

[0013] The rotation shaft 1a of the front wheel 1 is rotatably supported by a pair of left and right front forks 15. The front wheel 1 is steered by the turning operation (steering) of the handle 14. The handle 14 is a bar handle extending substantially linearly in the left-right direction, and resin or rubber grips 14a gripped by the user PS are provided at both left and right end portions of the handle 14. Inside the pair of left and right front forks 15, a substantially arc-shaped front fender 16 is attached so as to cover the periphery of the front wheel 1 from above the front wheel 1 to the rear.

[0014] Although detailed illustration is omitted, inside the front wheel 1, a traveling motor 4 (in-wheel motor) and a brake unit 5 are housed. For example, the traveling motor 4 is disposed on the left side and the brake unit 5 is disposed on the right side. The vehicle 100 is configured as an electric vehicle that travels by driving the traveling motor 4. The brake unit 5 is configured as, for example, a drum brake unit that constitutes a drum brake. Although not shown, a brake unit is similarly provided for the rear wheel 2. These brake units 5 are operated by operating a brake lever 14b provided in front of the grip 14a of the handle 14, and braking force is applied to the front wheel 1 and the rear wheel 2. The traveling motor 4 as an electric motor may be provided not in the front wheel 1 but in the rear wheel 2, or in both the front wheel 1 and the rear wheel 2. By providing traveling motors in both the front wheel 1 and the rear wheel 2, the traction ability and climbing ability of the vehicle 100 can be improved.

[0015] Although illustration is omitted, on the steering wheel 14, a status switch for instructing on / off of the main power supply, a wiper switch for notifying right and left turns, an accelerator lever for inputting a traveling command, etc. are provided so as to be operable by the user. A display unit for displaying vehicle information such as remaining battery capacity and set vehicle speed can also be provided on the steering wheel 14. Below the steering wheel 14, a pair of left and right wiper lamps that blink by operating the wiper switch are provided. A headlamp is provided at the upper end of the vertical pipe 11.

[0016] The rear frame 20 has a step 30 on which the feet of the user PS are placed in the traveling posture of the vehicle 100. A battery 40 is disposed behind the step 30. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the vehicle 100 with the step 30 and the battery 40 omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, the rear frame 20 includes a main frame 21 having a substantially rectangular or substantially circular cross-section extending in the front-rear direction along the center line CL1, and a pair of front and rear cross frames 2 of substantially rectangular cross-section extending in the left-right direction intersecting the main frame 21. 2, 23, and a pair of left and right support frames 24 extending in the left-right direction from the rear end portion of the main frame 21. These frames 21 to 24 are shown by dotted lines in FIG. 2.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, recesses 21a are formed at two locations in the front-rear direction on the upper surface of the main frame 21, and the cross frames 22, 23 are fitted and joined to the recesses 21a. As shown in FIG. 3, the length of the cross frame 23 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the cross frame 22 in the left-right direction and shorter than the distance between the left and right rear wheels 2. The upper surfaces of the cross frames 22, 23 are located on the same horizontal plane parallel to the road surface 101 (FIG. 1) and are located above the upper surface of the main frame 21. The upper surfaces of the cross frames 22, 23 may be located on the same plane as the upper surface of the main frame 21. The pair of left and right support frames 24 project from the left and right side surfaces of the main frame 21 in the left-right direction, respectively. A single support frame 24 can also be provided penetrating the main frame 21.

[0018] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the mounting section of the rear wheel 2, that is, a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, a shaft 25 is attached to the tip of the support frame 24. The wheel 2a of the rear wheel 2 is rotatably supported on the shaft 25 via a pair of left and right bearings 26. A roughly cylindrical collar 27 is interposed between the support frame 24 and the bearings 26. A nut 28 is screwed onto the tip of the shaft 25 to restrain the position of the bearings 26.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the front frame 10 further has a base frame 17 behind the inclined frame 12. As shown in Figure 2, the base frame 17 is a plate-like member with a roughly rectangular shape in plan view, and the step 30 is positioned behind the base frame 17. The width (length in the left-right direction) of the base frame 17 is approximately equal to the width of the horizontal frame 22. As shown in Figure 1, a bracket 18 is provided at the front end of the base frame 17, protruding above and forward of the base frame 17.

[0020] The rear end of the inclined frame 12 is rotatably supported by a bracket 18 around an axis CL2 that extends in the left-right direction. This makes the vehicle 100 foldable, allowing it to be easily transported in its folded state (see Figure 7D). Although not shown in the figure, the bracket 18 is provided with a locking mechanism that prevents the inclined frame 12 from rotating around the axis CL2 as a pivot point. This allows the vehicle 100 to be held in the driving position shown in Figure 1.

[0021] The configuration of step 30 will now be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a step (footrest) 30, which is a plate material that is roughly rectangular in plan view and extends in the front-rear and left-right directions, is mounted on the upper surface of the horizontal frames 22 and 3. Step 30 is fixed to the horizontal frames 22 and 23 by welding or the like, so that both ends of step 30 in the front-rear direction are supported by the horizontal frames 22 and 23. Alternatively, step 30 may also be mounted on the upper surface of the main frame 21, and step 30 may be supported by the main frame 21 and the horizontal frames 22 and 23. Step 30 constitutes a resting place on which a user PS in a standing position places both feet, and the upper surface (resting surface) of step 30 is configured as a horizontal plane parallel to the road surface 101.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, step 30 has a rear step portion 31 extending forward from the rear end with a constant width (length in the left-right direction), a front step portion 32 extending backward from the front end with a constant width, and an intermediate step portion 33 between the rear step portion 31 and the front step portion 32. The rear end 30a of step 30 extends substantially linearly in the left-right direction. The length in the front-rear direction and the width in the left-right direction of step 30 are defined so that the entire sole of the user's foot can be placed on it.

[0023] Specifically, the width Wa of the rear step section 31 is shorter than the length W1 between the outer end faces of the left and right rear wheels 2 in the left-right direction, and longer than the length W2 between the inner end faces in the left-right direction. Note that the width Wa may be approximately equal to the length W1 or W2. The width Wb of the front step section 32 is approximately equal to the width of the base frame 17, and shorter than the width Wa of the rear step section 31. The intermediate step section 33 is formed in a roughly trapezoidal shape in plan view so as to smoothly connect the front step section 32 and the rear step section 31. As a result, the width of the step 30 gradually increases from front to rear.

[0024] By constructing the step 30 from a single plate member in this way, the number of parts is reduced compared to when the step is divided into left and right halves, thereby lowering costs. In addition, the surface area of ​​the top of the step 30 can be increased, improving the freedom of where the user PS places their feet. As shown in Figure 1, the top surface of the step 30 is located on the same horizontal plane as the top surface of the base frame 17. Therefore, the user PS can easily move the soles of their feet from the top surface of the step 30 to the top surface of the base frame 17, expanding the area over which the soles of the feet can be placed.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, a pair of left and right rear fenders 34 are attached to the rear end of step 30. The rear fenders 34 are formed in a roughly arc shape to cover the perimeter of the rear wheel 2 from the front to the top and rear of the rear wheel 2. The length from the right end face of the right rear fender 34 to the left end face of the left rear fender 34 is shorter than the length from the right end to the left end of the handle 14, and the maximum width of the vehicle 100 is defined by the handle 14.

[0026] A battery holder 41 is positioned behind step 30. The holder 41 is configured in a substantially box shape with an open front. More specifically, the holder 41 has a bottom wall and a top wall that face each other and extend substantially horizontally, and a pair of left and right side walls and a rear wall erected between the side wall and the top wall, with the bottom wall mounted and supported on the upper surface of the rear end of the main frame 21 and the upper surface of the support frame 24.

[0027] A roughly box-shaped battery 40 is inserted into the holder 41 through an opening at the front, thereby supporting the battery 40. The upper surface of the bottom wall is formed at approximately the same height as the upper surface of the step 30. This allows the battery 40 to be easily inserted into or removed from the holder 41 by sliding the battery 40 in the front-rear direction along the upper surface of the step 30. Although not shown in the illustration, a terminal section is provided on the rear wall of the holder 41, and the terminal section of the battery 40 is connected to this terminal section when the battery 40 is inserted.

[0028] The battery 40 is a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, that stores the power supplied to the drive motor 4. The battery 40 is connected to the drive motor 4 of the front wheel 1 via terminals on the rear wall of the holder 41 and power lines passing through the main frame 21. The power supplied from the battery 40 to the drive motor 4 is controlled by a power control unit (not shown). The battery 40 may be located behind or inside the vertical pipe 11, or around other structural members.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the front frame 10 and the rear frame 20 are connected via a pivoting part 50. That is, the base frame 17 provided at the rear end of the front frame 10 and the main frame 21 provided at the front end of the rear frame 20 are connected via the pivoting part 50 so as to be able to pivot in the left-right direction. Hereinafter, the part of the vehicle 100 in front of the pivoting part 50 may be referred to as the first component 100A, and the part behind it may be referred to as the second component 100B. The first component 100A includes the front wheel 1 and the handle 14, etc. The second component 100B includes the rear wheel 2 and the step 30, etc. The first component 100A is provided so as to be able to pivot in the left-right direction about a pivoting axis CL3 that extends in the front-rear direction relative to the second component 100B.

[0030] The oscillating section 50 has a Neithardt rubber spring 51 fixed to the bottom surface of the base frame 17. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the Neithardt rubber spring 51 provided in the oscillating section 50. As shown in Figure 5, the Neithardt rubber spring 51 is housed in a case 511 with a substantially rectangular cross-section that is fixed to the bottom surface of the base frame 17. Inside the case 511 is a shaft 512 with a substantially cylindrical cross-section that is provided integrally with the main frame 21 of the rear frame 20 and extends along the axis CL3. Alternatively, the front end of the main frame 21 may be configured with a substantially circular cross-section and used as the shaft 512. The Neithardt rubber spring 51 has a substantially rhomboid cam block 513 spline-coupled to the shaft 512 so as to be rotatable integrally with the shaft 512, and rubber rollers 514 arranged opposite each concave surface of the cam block 513. Figure 5 corresponds to the initial state of the oscillating section 50 before oscillating.

[0031] Figure 6 is a view of vehicle 100 from the rear, corresponding to the initial state before oscillation. Figure 6 shows a simplified representation of the vehicle 100's configuration. As shown in Figure 6, in the initial state, the vertical pipe 11 extends approximately perpendicular to the road surface 101. This posture of vehicle 100 is called the reference posture.

[0032] From this initial state, when torque is applied to the case 511 of the oscillating part 50 in Figure 5, and the case 511 rotates around the axis CL3, the rubber roller 514 is pressed between the case 511 and the cam block 513 and undergoes elastic deformation, becoming elliptical. At this time, the front frame 10 (first component 100A) shown in Figure 6 oscillates left and right (in the direction of arrows R1 or R2) relative to the step 30 (second component 100B) around the axis CL3, and the vertical pipe 11 tilts with respect to the road surface 101. As a result, the vehicle 100 assumes an inclined position. In this case, as the rotation angle of the case 511 around the axis CL3 increases, the rotational resistance to the case 511 increases. When the torque acting on the case 511 becomes 0, the rubber roller 514 returns to its original shape due to elastic force, and the front frame 10 returns to the reference position in Figure 6.

[0033] By providing the front frame 10 so as to be swingable via the swinging part 50, a user PS riding the vehicle 100 in a standing position can easily turn the vehicle 100 from side to side. For example, when the user turns the vehicle 100 from side to side, they slightly bend their knees and ankles and tilt their upper body from side to side. This allows the step 30, which is integrated with the rear frame 20, to remain horizontal, and in a stable posture with both feet on the step 30, the vertical pipe 11 can swing together with the base frame 17, thereby tilting the front wheel 1 from side to side. As a result, the vehicle 100 can be turned smoothly, improving its maneuverability.

[0034] Furthermore, by providing a Neithardt rubber spring 51 in the oscillating part 50, a restoring force acts on the front frame 10 (base frame 17) when it is oscillated from side to side from the reference position, effectively suppressing the oscillation of the front frame 10. Note that the cam block 513 is not square in shape, but may be formed in other polygonal shapes (for example, triangular). Not all surfaces of the cam block 513 are formed in a concave shape; for example, two surfaces may be formed in a concave shape, and the rubber roller 514 may be positioned opposite these concave surfaces. Instead of a Neithardt rubber spring 51, an elastic member such as a coil spring may be used to apply a restoring force to the front frame 10. In other words, the configuration of the damper member is not limited to a Neithardt rubber spring 51.

[0035] Although not shown in the diagram, the point of load acting on step 30 due to the user's weight in a standing position (the center point of the load acting from the soles of the feet) is located within the triangular region formed by the contact point of the front wheel 1 with the contact points of the pair of rear wheels 2 in a plan view. This allows the user to ride the vehicle 100 in a stable posture, both while moving and while stationary.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the oscillating part 50 is positioned below the step 30, and the axis of oscillation CL3 extends in the front-rear direction below the step 30. Therefore, despite the presence of the oscillating part 50, the step 30 can be easily made larger. In addition, since the oscillating part 50 is hidden from the view of the user PS standing on the step 30, the vehicle 100 has a good appearance.

[0037] As described above, the vehicle 100 according to this embodiment is foldable around the axis CL2 of the bracket 18 of the front frame 10. Figures 7A to 7D show an example of changing the posture of the vehicle 100 from the driving posture. Note that the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions in Figures 7A to 7C correspond to the directions shown in Figures 1 and 2. The folded posture is included in the non-driving posture of the vehicle 100.

[0038] When folding the vehicle 100 from its driving position, first, as shown by arrow A1 in Figure 7A, the locking mechanism of the handle shaft 13 is released, and the handle shaft 13 is retracted to its maximum extent within the vertical pipe 11. Next, the locking mechanism of the bracket 18 is released, and the front frame 10 in front of the bracket 18, that is, the part of the first component 100A excluding the base frame 17, is rotated rearward around the axis CL2 as shown by arrow A2. As a result, the vehicle 100 is folded as shown in Figure 7B. In the folded position, when the front frame 10 is rotated to its maximum rearward position, the handle 14 abuts against the upper surface of the upper wall of the holder 41. In this state, the vertical pipe 11 and the main frame 21 are approximately parallel, and the battery 40 is positioned between the front and rear frames 10 and 20.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown by arrow B1 in Figure 7B, the front wheels 1 are lifted upward using the rear wheels 2 as a pivot point. This causes the main frame 21 to stand upright, as shown in Figure 7C, and the vehicle 100 can be made to stand upright. At this time, the pair of left and right rear wheels 2 and the pair of left and right protrusions 141 provided on the handle 14 come into contact with the road surface 101. As a result, the vehicle 100 can stand stably on its own at at least three points (for example, four points). A handle 19 is provided on the bracket 18 so as to be rotatable coaxially with the axis CL2. When transporting the vehicle 100 from the state shown in Figure 7C, as shown by arrow C1 in Figure 7C, the handle 19 is rotated upward and the user PS grasps the handle 19. In that state, as shown in Figure 7D, the vehicle 100 is tilted forward using the rear wheels 2 as a pivot point. This allows the vehicle 100 to be easily transported while the rear wheels 2 roll on the road surface 101.

[0040] This embodiment can provide the following effects and advantages. (1) The vehicle 100 according to this embodiment comprises a first component 100A having a single front wheel 1 and a handle 14 positioned above the front wheel 1; a second component 100B having a pair of left and right rear wheels 2 and a step 30 (resting part) on which the occupant's feet are placed; and a swinging part 50 (connecting part) that swings the first component 100A and the second component 100B in the left-right direction around a swing axis CL3 that extends in the front-rear direction (Figure 1). The step 30 is made of a single plate member that extends substantially horizontally and whose rear end 30a extends in the left-right direction (Figure 2). This reduces the number of parts and costs compared to the case where the step is divided into left and right sections. In addition, the area of ​​the step 30 can be easily enlarged.

[0041] (2) The second component 100B has a support frame 24 that rotatably supports a pair of left and right rear wheels 2 (Figure 3). The rear end of the step 30 is supported by a transverse frame 23 that is integrally connected to the support frame 24 via the main frame 21 (Figure 2). This allows the step 30 to be firmly supported in the vicinity of the rear wheels 2. That is, since the step 30 is provided in a non-swinging manner relative to the rear wheels 2, the step 30 can be firmly supported integrally with the rear wheel support member.

[0042] (3) The second component 100B has a main frame 21 that extends substantially in the front-rear direction and a support frame 24 that intersects the rear end of the main frame 21 and extends in the left-right direction (Figure 3). This simplifies the configuration of the support frame 24 that rotatably supports the left and right rear wheels 2, reducing the number of parts and costs. In addition, the rigidity of the support frame 24 is increased, allowing the rear wheels 2 to be firmly supported.

[0043] (4) The first component 100A is positioned in front of the step 30 and has a base frame 17 whose upper surface extends substantially horizontally (Figures 1 and 2). The upper surface of the step 30 and the upper surface of the base frame 17 extend substantially on the same plane (Figure 1). This allows the user PS to easily move the soles of their feet from the step 30 to the upper surface of the base frame 17, increasing the space for placing the soles of the feet.

[0044] (5) The axis CL3 of the oscillating part 50 is located below the step 30 (Figure 1). This allows the step 30 to be easily enlarged without interfering with the oscillating part 50. In addition, the oscillating part 50 is hidden from the view of the user PS standing on the step 30, resulting in a better appearance for the vehicle 100.

[0045] (6) The oscillating part 50 is positioned in front of the step 30. This separates the first component 100A and the second component 100B in front of the step 30, allowing the first component 100A (front wheel 1, etc.) of the vehicle 100 to oscillate well in the left-right direction in front of the step 30.

[0046] (7) The steps 30 are positioned in front of the left and right rear wheels 2. This allows for a reduction in the vehicle width compared to when the steps are located inside the left and right rear wheels 2. As a result, the vehicle width can be reduced, making it easier to drive in narrow passages and other tight spaces.

[0047] The above embodiment can be modified in various ways. Several modifications are described below. In the above embodiment, the swinging part 50 is positioned in front of the step 30, but the swinging part 50 can also be positioned behind the front end of the step 30. Figure 8 is a plan view of a vehicle 100 showing one such example, and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX in Figure 8. Note that, as with Figure 3, Figure 8 omits the illustration of the step 30 and battery 40, etc.

[0048] As shown in Figure 8, the oscillating part 50 is positioned not below the base frame 17, but between the left and right rear wheels 2, more specifically behind the front ends of the rear wheels 2. The front end of the main frame 170, which extends in the longitudinal direction along the center line CL1, is fixed to the base frame 17. Therefore, the main frame 170 forms a front frame 10 that is integrated with the base frame 17. As shown in Figure 9, the shaft 512 of the oscillating part 50 is joined to the rear end of the main frame 170, and the shaft 512 and the main frame 170 rotate together about the axis CL3.

[0049] The oscillating part 50 is surrounded by a roughly box-shaped case frame 55, and the case 511 (Figure 5) of the oscillating part 50 is housed inside the case frame 55. The case 511 is provided integrally with the case frame 55. The shaft 512 passes through the case frame 55 in the front-rear direction and is rotatably supported by the case frame 55 by a pair of front and rear bearings 56. A nut 57 is screwed onto the rear end of the shaft 512. A cover 58 is attached to the rear end surface of the case frame 55 so as to cover the nut 57. As shown in Figure 8, the support frame 24 protrudes from the left and right sides of the case frame 55 in the left-right direction and is provided integrally with the case frame 55.

[0050] The case frame 55 is formed in a stepped shape so that it tapers towards the front, and the transverse frame 23 is mounted and joined to the upper surface of the front tapered part 552 of the stepped portion 551. The front transverse frame 22 is rotatably supported on the outer circumference of the main frame 170 via a sliding bearing 171. As a result, the pair of front and rear transverse frames 22 and 23 are rotatable relative to the main frame 170, and the main frame 170 is rotatable relative to the step 30. By positioning the oscillating portion 50 behind the front end of the rear wheel 2 in this way, the oscillating portion 50 can be positioned at a higher location compared to when it is positioned below the base frame 17 (Figure 1). As a result, when the vehicle 100 goes over a step or the like, the oscillating portion 50 can avoid colliding with the step or the like.

[0051] The rear end of step 30 abuts against the stepped portion 551. The holder 41 is fixed to the case frame 55. The case frame 55 is formed such that its upper surface is flush with the upper surface of step 30. Therefore, the battery 40 can be easily housed in the holder 41 through the front opening 41a while sliding along the upper surface of step 30.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the members in front of the swinging part 50, namely the front wheel 1 and the front frame 10 (vertical pipe 11, handle 14, base frame 17, etc.), were configured as the first component 100A. However, the configuration of the first component is not limited to that described above, as long as it has a single front wheel and a steering part positioned above the front wheel. In the above embodiment (Figures 1 to 7D), the members in rear of the swinging part 50, namely the rear wheel 2 and the rear frame 20 (main frame 21, support frame 24, step 30, etc.), were configured as the second component 100B. However, the configuration of the second component is not limited to that described above, as long as it has a pair of left and right rear wheels and a mounting part on which the occupant's feet are placed. In the above embodiment, the first component 100A and the second component 100B were connected via the swinging part 50 so as to be swingable in the left-right direction. However, the configuration of the connecting part can be anything as long as the first component and the second component are connected so as to be swingable in the left-right direction.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the step 30 is formed to have a front step portion 32, a rear step portion 31, and an intermediate step portion 33. However, the configuration of the step as a resting portion can be any as long as it is made up of a single plate member extending substantially horizontally. However, configuring the step 30 as in the above embodiment can also produce the following effects. Figure 10 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of the occupant's feet on the step 30 when riding. Figure 10 also shows the contact point P1 of the front wheel 1 and the contact points P2 of the left and right pair of rear wheels 2.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10, when boarding, the balls of the feet RF1, LF1 and the calcaneus RF2, LF2 of both the left and right feet of the occupant are positioned on the step 30. This makes it easier for the occupant to lean their body when cornering. That is, since the toes do not come into contact with the step 30, the occupant can lean their body around the line connecting the heel and the ball of the foot without twisting their ankle excessively. In addition, the occupant can maintain a stable upright posture on the step 30 without increasing its size. Since there is no need to enlarge the step 30, costs can be reduced. In particular, in this embodiment, the step 30 has a rear step portion 31 (first mounting portion) having a predetermined width Wa (first predetermined width) in the left-right direction, and a front step portion 32 (second mounting portion) having a predetermined width Wb (second predetermined width) shorter than Wa (see Figure 2). Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, in a typical riding posture, more than half the length of the line segments LN1 and LN2 connecting the centers of the balls of the feet RF1 and LF1 and the centers of the calcaneus RF2 and LF2 is included in the region AR1, which in plan view connects the contact point P1 of the front wheel 1 and the respective contact points P2 of the left and right rear wheels 2. As a result, the occupant's center of gravity is always located within region AR1, thus stabilizing the vehicle's posture.

[0055] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of increasing the space for the user's feet, it is preferable that the step is configured so that its rear end extends in the left-right direction. In the above embodiment, the rear wheel 2 is rotatably supported by a support frame 24 (second frame) that extends in the left-right direction and intersects the rear end of the main frame 21 (first frame) that extends in the front-rear direction, but the configuration of the support part is not limited to that described above. In the above embodiment, the rear end of the step 30 is supported by a connecting part connected to the support frame 24, i.e., the main frame 21 or the lateral frame 23, but it may also be supported by the support frame 24.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the base frame 17, which is part of the first component 100A, is placed in front of the step 30, but the configuration of the horizontal section is not limited to that described above. The upper surface of the step 30 and the upper surface of the base frame 17 do not have to be on the same plane. In the above embodiment, the axis CL3 of the swinging section 50 is located below the step 30, but the arrangement of the swinging axis is not limited to that described above.

[0057] The above description is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and modifications described above, as long as the features of the present invention are not impaired. It is also possible to arbitrarily combine one or more of the above embodiments and modifications, and to combine modifications with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1 Front wheel, 2 Rear wheel, 14 Handlebar, 17 Base frame, 21 Main frame, 23 Side frame, 24 Support frame, 30 Step, 50 Swinging part, 100 Vehicle, 100A First component, 100B Second component

Claims

1. A first component comprising a single front wheel and a steering unit positioned above the front wheel and operated by an upright occupant, A second component having a pair of left and right rear wheels and a mounting section on which the occupant's feet are placed, It comprises a connecting part that connects the first component and the second component so that they can swing in the left-right direction around a pivot axis that extends in the front-rear direction, The mounting portion is composed of a single plate member that extends substantially horizontally and whose rear end extends in the left-right direction. The vehicle is characterized in that the connecting portion is positioned in front of the mounting portion described above.

2. In the vehicle described in claim 1, The second component has a support portion that rotatably supports the pair of left and right rear wheels, A vehicle characterized in that the rear end of the mounting portion is supported by the support portion or a connecting portion connected to the support portion.

3. In the vehicle described in claim 2, The second component comprises a first frame extending substantially in the front-to-back direction and a second frame extending in the left-to-right direction, intersecting the rear end of the first frame. The vehicle is characterized in that the support portion is formed by the second frame.

4. In the vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The first component is positioned in front of the previously described mounting portion and has a horizontal portion whose upper surface extends in a substantially horizontal direction. A vehicle characterized in that the upper surface of the mounting portion and the upper surface of the horizontal portion extend on substantially the same plane.

5. In the vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The vehicle is characterized in that the pivot axis is located below the mounting portion described above.

6. (delete)

7. (delete)

8. In the vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The vehicle is characterized in that the mounting section comprises a first mounting section having a first predetermined width in the left-right direction, and a second mounting section provided in front of the first mounting section and having a second predetermined width shorter than the first predetermined width.

9. A first component having a single front wheel and a steering unit positioned above the front wheel, A second component having a pair of left and right rear wheels and a mounting section on which the occupant's feet are placed, It comprises a connecting part that connects the first component and the second component so that they can swing in the left-right direction around a pivot axis that extends in the front-rear direction, The mounting portion is composed of a single plate member that extends substantially horizontally and whose rear end extends in the left-right direction. The vehicle is characterized in that the connecting portion is positioned behind the front end of the rear wheel.

10. A first component having a single front wheel and a steering unit positioned above the front wheel, A second component having a pair of left and right rear wheels and a mounting section on which the occupant's feet are placed, It comprises a connecting part that connects the first component and the second component so that they can swing in the left-right direction around a pivot axis that extends in the front-rear direction, The mounting portion is composed of a single plate member that extends substantially horizontally and whose rear end extends in the left-right direction. The second component comprises a first frame extending substantially in the front-to-back direction and a second frame extending in the left-to-right direction, intersecting the rear end of the first frame. The second frame comprises a support portion that rotatably supports the pair of left and right rear wheels, A vehicle characterized in that the rear end of the mounting portion is supported by the support portion or a connecting portion connected to the support portion.

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