Unit attaching / detaching structure

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a unit attaching / detaching structure by which it is possible to easily change only a first unit and to transmit a mechanical operation from a new first unit to a second unit even when the first unit has been changed. [Solution] A three-wheel bike 1 comprises an upper unit 51 including a handle-bar 4, and a lower unit 52 including wheels 3. The upper unit 51 includes a first transmission mechanism that connects to the lower unit 52 and mechanically transmits operations of the upper unit 51 to the lower unit 52. The lower unit 52 includes a lower plate 7 that connects to the upper unit 51 and to which the operations of the upper unit 51 are mechanically transmitted from the upper unit 51. The attaching / detaching structure of the unit comprises a switching means for switching between a fixed state in which the first transmission mechanism and the lower plate 7 cannot be detached, and a non-fixed state in which the first transmission mechanism and the lower plate 7 can be detached.

Description

Detachable unit structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a detachable unit structure that includes a first unit and a second unit that is detachably attached to the first unit.

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles have been known that include at least two wheels, a handlebar for steering the wheels, and a frame that supports the wheels and the handlebar (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The motorcycle described in Patent Document 1 employs a front fork to transmit steering motions of the handlebar to the wheels. The front fork includes two suspensions that support the rotational shaft of the front wheel of the motorcycle by sandwiching it between them, and each suspension is connected to the handlebar. A user of the motorcycle can rotate the front fork by steering the handlebar, thereby steering the front wheel. However, for such vehicles, vehicle design is an important factor in stimulating consumer demand, and there is a demand for a new exterior design for the vehicle, including changes to the design of the handlebars and other components.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-026317

[0004] However, because the motorcycle described in Patent Document 1 employs a front fork, if the design of the handlebars or the like is changed, the steering action of the handlebars, which is a mechanical action, cannot be transmitted to the wheels, so there is a problem in that not only the first unit having the handlebars but also the second unit having the wheels must be changed.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a unit attachment / detachment structure that allows easy replacement of only the first unit, and that allows mechanical operation to be transmitted from the new first unit to the second unit even when the first unit is replaced.

[0006] The unit detachment structure of the present invention comprises a first unit and a second unit that can be detachably attached to the first unit, and operates the second unit based on the operation of the first unit, wherein the first unit is connected to the second unit and comprises a first transmission mechanism that mechanically transmits the operation of the first unit to the second unit, and the second unit is connected to the first unit and comprises a second transmission mechanism that mechanically transmits the operation of the first unit from the first unit, and the detachment structure is characterized in that it comprises a switching means that switches between a fixed state in which the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism cannot be removed, and an unfixed state in which the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism can be removed.

[0007] With this configuration, the first transmission mechanism is connected to the second unit and mechanically transmits the motion of the first unit to the second unit, and the second transmission mechanism is connected to the first unit and mechanically receives the motion of the first unit from the first unit, so that the first unit can mechanically transmit the motion of the first unit to the second unit. The detachable structure includes a switching device that switches between a fixed state in which the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism are not detachable and an unlocked state in which the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism are detachable. Therefore, a user can attach or detach the first unit to or from the second unit by switching between the locked state and the unlocked state using the switching device. Therefore, the vehicle allows easy replacement of only the first unit, and even after replacing the first unit, mechanical motion can be transmitted from the new first unit to the second unit.

[0008] In the present invention, the first transmission mechanism includes a first cylindrical body formed in a cylindrical shape, the second transmission mechanism includes a second cylindrical body also formed in a cylindrical shape and fitted with the first cylindrical body along the axial direction, the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism mechanically transmit the operation of the first unit through the inside of the first cylindrical body and the inside of the second cylindrical body, the detachable structure includes a locking portion that engages the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body and restricts the axial movement of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body, and it is preferable that the switching means moves the locking portion to a locking position that engages the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body to switch to a fixed state, and moves the locking portion to a non-locking position that does not engage the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body to switch to a non-fixed state.

[0009] According to this configuration, the detachable structure includes a locking portion that locks the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body and restricts axial movement of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body, so that the interiors of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body can be connected by locking the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body. Furthermore, the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism mechanically transmit the operation of the first unit via the interiors of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body, so that the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body can protect the parts that transmit the operation of the first unit and can reliably transmit the operation of the first unit.

[0010] In the present invention, the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body are formed in a cylindrical shape, the engaging portion comprises a groove provided along the outer periphery of either the first cylindrical body or the second cylindrical body, and a plurality of spheres arranged along the inner periphery of the other of the first cylindrical body or the second cylindrical body, and it is preferable that the switching means protrudes the spheres toward the groove to switch to the fixed state, and retracts the spheres into the groove to switch to the non-fixed state.

[0011] With this configuration, the switching means protrudes the sphere toward the groove to switch to a fixed state, and retracts the sphere into the groove to switch to an unfixed state.Therefore, even if an axial misalignment occurs when the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body are fitted together, the axial misalignment can be corrected by protruding the sphere into the groove.

[0012] In the present invention, it is preferable that the first transmission mechanism comprises two first cylindrical bodies arranged on a predetermined plane, and the second transmission mechanism comprises two second cylindrical bodies arranged on a predetermined plane and mated with each of the two first cylindrical bodies.

[0013] With this configuration, even if the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body are formed cylindrically, the rotation of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body around their axes can be restricted, and the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body can be securely locked.

[0014] In the present invention, it is preferable that the first transmission mechanism electrically transmits the operation of the first unit to the second unit via the inside of the first cylindrical body, and that the second transmission mechanism electrically transmits the operation of the first unit from the first unit via the inside of the second cylindrical body.

[0015] With this configuration, the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism electrically transmit the operation of the first unit through the inside of the first cylindrical body and the inside of the second cylindrical body, so that the parts that transmit the operation of the first unit (e.g., communication cables) can be protected by the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body, and the operation of the first unit can be reliably transmitted.

[0016] sectional view of the locking sleeve when the opening / closing knob is moved; bottom view of the lower plate; sectional view of the locking sleeve when the opening / closing knob is moved; sectional view of the locking sleeve when the opening / closing knob is moved; sectional view of the locking sleeve when the opening / closing knob is moved; sectional view of the locking sleeve when the opening / closing knob is moved; sectional view of the locking shaft and the locking sleeve; sectional view of the upper plate and the lower plate;

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a three-wheeled bike according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a front view of the three-wheeled bike. Figure 3 is a rear view of the three-wheeled bike. Figure 4 is a left side view of the three-wheeled bike. Figure 5 is a right side view of the three-wheeled bike. Figure 6 is a plan view of the three-wheeled bike. Figure 7 is a bottom view of the three-wheeled bike.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the three-wheeled bike 1 is a vehicle comprising a saddle 2 serving as a seating area for a human body to sit on, three wheels 3, a handlebar 4 having brakes 41 for braking the wheels 3 and for steering the wheels 3, and a frame 5 supporting the wheels 3 and the handlebar 4. The frame 5 comprises an upper unit 51 serving as a first unit that has the saddle 2 and the handlebar 4, and a lower unit 52 serving as a second unit that has the wheels 3. In Figures 1 to 7, the upward vertical direction is defined as the +Z axis direction, and two axes perpendicular to the Z axis are defined as the X and Y axes. This also applies to the following figures.

[0019] The wheels 3 include a front wheel 31 attached to the +Y axis direction side of the lower unit 52 and a rear wheel 32 attached to the -Y axis direction side of the lower unit 52. The front wheels 31 comprise a pair of left and right wheels, including a left front wheel 33 attached to the -X axis direction side of the lower unit 52 and a right front wheel 34 attached to the +X axis direction side of the lower unit 52. The rear wheel 32 is connected to a motor 35 attached to the lower unit 52. This motor 35 rotates the rear wheel 32, which is the drive wheel, around its axis of rotation in response to accelerator operation input by the user of the three-wheeled bike 1.

[0020] In this embodiment, the wheels 3 include two front wheels 31, each consisting of a pair of left and right wheels, but may also include two rear wheels, each consisting of a pair of left and right wheels. The wheels may also include both two front wheels, each consisting of a pair of left and right wheels, and two rear wheels, each consisting of a pair of left and right wheels, or may include one front wheel and one rear wheel, and the vehicle may be provided with at least two wheels.

[0021] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the frame 5 with the upper and lower units removed, as viewed from diagonally above the XY plane. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the frame 5 with the upper and lower units removed, as viewed from diagonally below the XY plane. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the frame 5 can be in a state where the upper unit 51 and the lower unit 52 are removed.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 9, the upper unit 51 is connected to the lower unit 52 and includes an upper plate 6 as a first transmission mechanism that mechanically transmits the steering operation of the handlebars 4 and the braking operation of the brakes 41 to the lower unit 52. As shown in Fig. 8, the lower unit 52 is connected to the upper unit 51 and includes a lower plate 7 as a second transmission mechanism that mechanically transmits the steering operation of the handlebars 4 and the braking operation of the brakes 41 from the upper unit 51. The frame 5 has a detachable structure that detachably attaches the upper plate 6 (upper unit 51) and the lower plate 7 (lower unit 52). The detachable structure of the upper unit 51 and the lower unit 52 will be described below.

[0023] 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper plate. Specifically, FIG. 10(A) is a perspective view of the upper plate 6 viewed from diagonally above in the XY plane, and FIG. 10(B) is a perspective view of the upper plate 6 viewed from diagonally below in the XY plane. As shown in FIG. 10 , the upper plate 6 includes a rectangular upper plate main body 61. The upper plate main body 61 has a circular hole 611 with a circular cross section formed in the center in the longitudinal direction, and two circular holes 612 with a substantially circular cross section formed on either side of the circular hole 611 in the longitudinal direction, each having a larger diameter than the circular hole 611. In this embodiment, the circular holes 612 are formed with a larger diameter than the circular hole 611, but they may also be formed with the same diameter or a smaller diameter.

[0024] The upper plate 6 includes a substantially cylindrical first coupling 62 inserted into the circular hole 611, and a support member 63 fixed to the upper surface of the upper plate body 61 and supporting the first coupling 62 rotatably around the Z axis. The first coupling 62 has claws 621 formed at three locations along its periphery, and is supported by the support member 63 so that its rotation axis is coaxial with the central axis of the circular hole 611.

[0025] The upper plate 6 also includes two approximately cylindrical lock shafts 64 attached to each of the circular holes 612, two approximately columnar second couplings 65 inserted into each of the lock shafts 64, and a support member 66 fixed to the upper surface of the upper plate main body 61 and supporting the second couplings 65 rotatably around the Z axis. The lock shafts 64 include a hollow, disk-shaped flange portion 641 fixed to the upper surface of the upper plate main body 61 and a cylindrical portion 642 extending from the inner edge of the flange portion 641 toward the inside of the circular holes 612, and are fixed to the upper plate main body 61 so that the central axis of the cylindrical portion 642 is coaxial with the central axis of the circular holes 612. The cylindrical portion 642 has a groove 642A formed around the entire circumference along its outer circumferential surface. The second coupling 65 has claw portions 651 formed at three locations along its periphery, and is supported by a support member 66 so that its rotation axis is coaxial with the central axis of the circular hole 612 (the central axis of the cylindrical portion 642 in the lock shaft 64).

[0026] Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower plate. Specifically, Fig. 11(A) is a perspective view of the lower plate 7 viewed from diagonally above in the XY plane, and Fig. 11(B) is a perspective view of the lower plate 7 viewed from diagonally below in the XY plane. As shown in Fig. 11 , the lower plate 7 includes a rectangular lower plate main body 71. This lower plate main body 71 has a circular hole 711 with a circular cross section formed in the center in the longitudinal direction, and two circular holes 712 with a substantially circular cross section formed on either side of the circular hole 711 in the longitudinal direction, each having a larger diameter than the circular hole 711.

[0027] The lower plate 7 includes a substantially cylindrical first coupling 72 inserted into the circular hole 711, and a support member 73 fixed to the bottom surface of the lower plate body 71 and supporting the first coupling 72 rotatably around the Z axis. The first coupling 72 has claws 721 formed at three locations along its periphery, and is supported by the support member 73 so that its rotation axis is coaxial with the central axis of the circular hole 711.

[0028] The lower plate 7 also includes two approximately cylindrical lock sleeves 74 attached to the circular holes 712, two approximately columnar second couplings 75 inserted into the lock sleeves 74, and a brake converter unit 76 fixed to the bottom surface of the lower plate main body 71 and supporting the second couplings 75 rotatably around the Z axis. The second coupling 75 has claws 751 formed at three locations along its periphery, and is supported by the two brake converter units 76 so that its rotation axis is coaxial with the central axis of the circular holes 712.

[0029] Each brake converter unit 76 includes a brake rod 761 that moves back and forth along the Y-axis direction based on the rotational movement of each second coupling 75. Each brake converter unit 76 hydraulically brakes each of the front wheels 31 and rear wheels 32 based on the forward and backward movement of each brake rod 761.

[0030] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the lock sleeve. Specifically, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of only the lower plate 7 and the lock sleeve 74, viewed obliquely from above in the XY plane. As shown in FIG. 12, the lock sleeve 74 is formed cylindrically as a whole. The lock sleeve 74 has a flange portion fixed to the bottom surface of the lower plate body 71 with multiple bolts 741A (see FIG. 13). The lock sleeve 74 also includes a substantially cylindrical retainer 741 disposed on the inner periphery, a substantially cylindrical lock cam 742 disposed on the outer periphery and having a central axis coaxial with the central axis of the retainer 741, and multiple balls 743 sandwiched between the retainer 741 and the lock cam 742. The lock sleeve 74 is configured so that the balls 743 can be protruded and retracted from the inner periphery of the retainer 741 by rotating the lock cam 742 about the central axis.

[0031] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the lower plate. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the lock sleeve. Specifically, FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the components required for the lock sleeve 74 to protrude and retract the ball 743 from the inner periphery of the retainer 741, and FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section of the lock sleeve 74 taken along the XY plane. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the lower plate 7 includes a hollow, disk-shaped opening / closing lever 77 rotatably attached to the bottom surface of the lower plate main body 71 so as to align the hole with the circular hole 711. The opening / closing lever 77 also includes a cylinder lock 78 for restricting the rotation of the opening / closing lever 77. The opening / closing lever 77 has rectangular holes 771 with a rectangular cross section formed at two locations on both sides in the Y-axis direction and an opening / closing knob 772 on the -X-axis side. The opening / closing lever 77 is attached to the bottom surface of the lower plate main body 71 so as to be rotatable around the Z-axis by moving the opening / closing knob 772 on both sides in the Y-axis direction.

[0032] The lock cam 742 of the lock sleeve 74 is attached to the round hole 711 side and has a cylindrical lock cam knob 742A that protrudes from the bottom surface of the lower plate body 71. This lock cam knob 742A is inserted into the rectangular hole 771 of the opening / closing lever 77, so by moving the opening / closing knob 772 to both sides in the Y-axis direction and rotating the opening / closing lever 77, the lock cam 742 can be rotated around the central axis.

[0033] 14, the retainer 741 of the lock sleeve 74 has a plurality of holes with a circular cross section formed at positions corresponding to the balls 743. The holes are formed so that the diameter of the inner surface of the retainer 741 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the balls 743 and the diameter of the outer surface of the retainer 741 is slightly larger than the diameter of the balls 743. In other words, the holes are formed so that the diameter increases from the inner surface to the outer surface of the retainer 741. The lock cam 742 of the lock sleeve 74 has a plurality of cams 742B formed at positions corresponding to the balls 743.

[0034] Figure 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the lock sleeve with the opening / closing knob moved. Figure 16 is a bottom view of the lower plate with the opening / closing knob moved. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the lock sleeve with the opening / closing knob moved. Specifically, Figures 15 to 17 correspond to Figures 12 to 14. Each lock sleeve 74 has a locked state in which the opening / closing knob 772 is moved in the -Y axis direction as shown in Figures 12 to 14, and an unlocked state in which the opening / closing knob 772 is moved in the +Y axis direction as shown in Figures 15 to 17.

[0035] 12 to 14, when the lock sleeve 74 is in the locked state, the balls 743 are pushed out by the cam 742B of the lock cam 742 toward the central axis of the lock sleeve 74. At this time, as described above, the diameter of each hole formed in the retainer 741 on the inner side of the retainer 741 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the balls 743, so that each ball 743 protrudes from the retainer 741 without falling out of the retainer 741.

[0036] 15 to 17, when the lock sleeve 74 is in the unlocked state, the balls 743 are not pushed out by the cam 742B of the lock cam 742 toward the central axis of the lock sleeve 74. At this time, as described above, the diameter of each hole formed in the retainer 741 on the outer surface side of the retainer 741 is slightly larger than the diameter of the balls 743, so that the balls 743 can fit into the space formed between the retainer 741 and the cam 742B and can be pushed into the retainer 741, thereby becoming retracted into the retainer 741.

[0037] Figure 18 is an enlarged perspective view showing the upper and lower plates attached. Specifically, Figure 18 illustrates the lock shaft 64, the lock sleeve 74, and components necessary for switching the state of the lock sleeve 74. Figure 18(A) is a perspective view of the upper and lower plates 6 and 7 viewed obliquely from above in the XY plane, and Figure 18(B) is a perspective view of the upper and lower plates 6 and 7 viewed obliquely from below in the XY plane. As shown in Figure 18, the upper and lower plates 6 and 7 can be fitted together by inserting the lock shaft 64 into the lock sleeve 74 along the central axis.

[0038] As described above, in this embodiment, the upper plate 6 includes the lock shaft 64 as a first cylindrical body formed in a cylindrical shape. The lower plate 7 also includes the lock sleeve 74 as a second cylindrical body formed in a cylindrical shape and fitted with the lock shaft 64 along the axial direction. In this embodiment, the upper plate 6 includes two lock shafts 64 arranged on a predetermined plane, and the lower plate 7 includes two lock sleeves 74 arranged on a predetermined plane and fitted with each of the two lock shafts 64. Here, in this embodiment, the predetermined plane is the bottom surface of the upper plate main body 61 and the top surface of the lower plate main body 71.

[0039] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the upper and lower plates attached. Specifically, Figure 19 illustrates a cross section of the upper and lower plates 6 and 7 cut along the YZ plane. When the upper and lower plates 6 and 7 are fitted together by inserting the lock shaft 64 into the lock sleeve 74 along the central axis, the ball 743 of the lock sleeve 74 faces the groove 642A of the lock shaft 64, as shown in Figure 19.

[0040] Figure 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lock shaft and the lock sleeve. Specifically, Figure 20 illustrates a cross section of the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74 taken along the XY plane. Figure 20(A) is a cross-sectional view of the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74 in the locked state, and Figure 20(B) is a cross-sectional view of the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74 in the unlocked state.

[0041] When the opening / closing knob 772 is moved in the -Y axis direction to enter the locked state, each ball 743 is pushed toward the central axis of the lock sleeve 74 by the cam 742B of the lock cam 742, as shown in Figure 20 (A), and so protrudes from the retainer 741 and engages with the groove 642A of the lock shaft 64. Here, by engaging with the groove 642A, each ball 743 restricts the axial movement of the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74.

[0042] Furthermore, when the opening / closing knob 772 is moved toward the +Y-axis direction to enter the unlocked state, each ball 743 is not pushed toward the central axis direction of the lock sleeve 74 by the cam 742B of the lock cam 742, as shown in Figure 20 (B). Therefore, by pulling out and removing the lock shaft 64 from the lock sleeve 74, the balls 743 are pushed toward the inside of the retainer 741 and become immersed in the retainer 741.

[0043] Thus, in this embodiment, the detachable structure of the upper unit 51 and the lower unit 52 (detachable structure of the frame 5) is equipped with an opening / closing knob 772 (switching means) that switches between a fixed state in which the upper plate 6 and the lower plate 7 cannot be removed and an unfixed state in which the upper plate 6 and the lower plate 7 can be removed.

[0044] The unit attachment / detachment structure also includes a locking portion (groove 642A and balls 743) that locks the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74 and restricts axial movement of the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74. In other words, the locking portion includes a groove 642A provided along the outer periphery of the cylindrically formed lock shaft 64 and a plurality of balls 743 (spheres) arranged along the inner periphery of the cylindrically formed lock sleeve 74. In this embodiment, the groove 642A is provided in the lock shaft 64 and a plurality of balls 743 is arranged in the lock sleeve 74, but it is also possible to arrange a plurality of spheres in the lock shaft 64 and provide a groove in the lock sleeve 74.

[0045] The opening / closing knob 772 moves each ball 743 to an engagement position where the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74 are engaged by protruding each ball 743 toward the groove 642A, thereby switching to a fixed state, and moves each ball 743 to an unlocked position where the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74 are not engaged by retracting each ball 743 into the groove 642A, thereby switching to an unlocked state.

[0046] FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view showing a mechanism for transmitting steering motion of the handlebars to the wheels. Specifically, FIG. 21 illustrates the handlebars 4, the front wheels 31, and components required for transmitting steering motion of the handlebars 4 to the front wheels 31. As shown in FIG. 21 , the front wheels 31 include a hub (not shown) attached to the center of the wheel and having a steering shaft (not shown) extending radially therein, and a tire 312 attached along the outer periphery of the wheel. The steering shaft of the hub is connected to a cylindrical caster variable shaft 313. Therefore, the caster angle, which is the angle of the steering shaft, of the front wheels 31 can be changed by rotating the caster variable shaft 313 about its axis.

[0047] The lower unit 52 is formed in an approximately rectangular column shape and includes a swing arm 521 whose base end is supported so as to be freely rotatable around the X axis, and the caster variable shaft 313 is supported so as to be freely rotatable around the X axis by being inserted into a hole formed at the tip of the swing arm 521.

[0048] The frame 5 includes a steering link 53 that transmits the steering operation of the handle 4, and a caster link rod 54 that rotates the caster variable shaft 313 around the X axis.

[0049] The steering link 53 includes a steering rod 531 having one end connected to the end of the handlebar 4 on the −Z axis direction side, a link member 532 having an end on the +Z axis direction side connected to the other end of the steering rod 531 and attached to the upper unit 51 so as to be rotatable around the X axis, a tie rod 533 having one end connected to the end of the link member 532 on the −Z axis direction side, and a knuckle arm 534 having one end connected to the front wheel 31. The other end of the tie rod 533 is connected to the first coupling 62 of the upper plate 6. The other end of the knuckle arm 534 is connected to the first coupling 72 of the lower plate 7.

[0050] Steering operation of the handlebars 4 moves the tie rod 533 back and forth along the Y-axis direction via the steering rod 531 and the link member 532. The movement of the tie rod 533 back and forth causes the first coupling 62 to rotate about the Z-axis. With the upper plate 6 and the lower plate 7 attached, the claws 621 of the first coupling 62 and the claws 721 of the first coupling 72 fit together, so that rotating the first coupling 62 about the Z-axis causes the first coupling 72 to rotate about the Z-axis. The rotation of the first coupling 72 moves the knuckle arm 534 back and forth along the Y-axis direction, causing the front wheels 31 to rotate about the steering axis.

[0051] Therefore, the three-wheeled bike 1 is equipped with a hub-center steering mechanism that is supported by the lower unit 52 and has a pair of left and right swing arms 521 that swing each front wheel 31 up and down, and a steering link 53 that connects the hub of the front wheel 31 to the handlebars 4 and steers each front wheel 31 based on the steering operation of the handlebars 4.

[0052] Figure 22 is an enlarged perspective view showing the mechanism for transmitting the braking action of the brake to the wheels. Specifically, Figure 22 shows the brake 41 and the components necessary for transmitting the braking action of the brake 41 to the front wheel 31 (not shown) and the rear wheel 32 (not shown). As shown in Figure 22, the brake 41 includes a pair of left and right brake levers 411 that are gripped by the user of the three-wheeled motorcycle 1, and a pair of left and right brake wires 412 that are connected at one end to each brake lever 411 and transmit the braking action of the brake 41 when the user grips each brake lever 411.

[0053] The other end of each brake wire 412 is connected to the corresponding second coupling 65 of the upper plate 6, as shown in FIGS.

[0054] The braking operation of the brake 41 rotates the second coupling 65 about the Z axis via the brake wire 412. Here, when the upper plate 6 and the lower plate 7 are attached, the claws 651 of the second coupling 65 and the claws 751 of the second coupling 75 are fitted together. Therefore, rotating the second coupling 65 about the Z axis causes the second coupling 75 to rotate about the Z axis. The rotation of each second coupling 75 moves each brake rod 761 back and forth along the Y axis direction, as shown in FIG. 11 . As described above, the hydraulic pressure of the brake converter unit 76 brakes each front wheel 31 and each rear wheel 32 (not shown). Specifically, the brake rod 761 on the +Y axis side branches the hydraulic pressure of the brake converter unit 76 to brake each front wheel 31. The brake rod 761 on the −Y axis side brakes the rear wheel 32.

[0055] As described above, in this embodiment, the upper plate 6 and the lower plate 7 mechanically transmit the steering operation of the handlebars 4 and the braking operation of the brakes 41 via the inside of the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74 through the first couplings 62, 72 and the second couplings 65, 75. Note that in this embodiment, the upper plate 6 and the lower plate 7 mechanically transmit the steering operation of the handlebars 4 and the braking operation of the brakes 41 via the inside of the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74, but other operations may also be transmitted mechanically, or an accelerator operation input, for example, may be transmitted electrically. In short, the unit detachable structure only needs to be able to operate the second unit based on the operation of the first unit, and the operation of the first unit may be transmitted to the second unit mechanically or electrically.

[0056] Furthermore, when electrically transmitting an accelerator operation input or the like, for example, the first couplings 62, 72 and the second couplings 65, 75 may be configured to have through holes formed on their rotation axes, through which communication cables or the like can be passed. With such a configuration, the upper plate 6 and the lower plate 7 electrically transmit the operation of the upper unit 51 via the inside of the lock shaft 64 and the inside of the lock sleeve 74, so that the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74 can protect the parts (for example, communication cables) that transmit the operation of the upper unit 51, and the operation of the upper unit 51 can be reliably transmitted.

[0057] This embodiment provides the following advantages and functions. (1) The upper plate 6 connects to the lower unit 52 and mechanically transmits the motion of the upper unit 51, including the steering motion of the handlebars 4, to the lower unit 52. The lower plate 7 connects to the upper unit 51 and mechanically receives the motion of the upper unit 51, including the steering motion of the handlebars 4, from the upper unit 51. This allows the upper unit 51 to mechanically transmit the motion of the upper unit 51 to the lower unit 52. (2) The unit attachment / detachment structure includes an opening / closing knob 772 that switches the upper plate 6 and the lower plate 7 between a fixed state in which the upper plate 6 and the lower plate 7 are not detachable and an unlocked state in which the upper plate 6 and the lower plate 7 are detachable. This allows the user to attach and detach the upper unit 51 to and from the lower unit 52 by switching the fixed state and unlocked state using the opening / closing knob 772. Therefore, the three-wheeled bike 1 allows easy replacement of only the upper unit 51, and even when the upper unit 51 is replaced, mechanical motion can still be transmitted from the new upper unit 51 to the lower unit 52.

[0058] (3) The unit detachment structure includes grooves 642A and balls 743 that engage the lock shaft 64 and lock sleeve 74 and restrict axial movement of the lock shaft 64 and lock sleeve 74, so that by engaging the lock shaft 64 and lock sleeve 74, the interior of the lock shaft 64 and the interior of the lock sleeve 74 can be connected. (4) The upper plate 6 and the lower plate 7 mechanically transmit the movement of the upper unit 51 via the interior of the lock shaft 64 and the interior of the lock sleeve 74, so that the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74 can protect the parts that transmit the movement of the upper unit 51, and the movement of the upper unit 51 can be reliably transmitted.

[0059] (5) The opening / closing knob 772 switches to a locked state by protruding each ball 743 toward the groove 642A, and switches to an unlocked state by retracting each ball 743 into the groove 642A, so that even if axial misalignment occurs when the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74 are fitted together, the axial misalignment can be corrected by protruding each ball 743 into the groove 642A. (6) The upper plate 6 includes two lock shafts 64 arranged on a predetermined plane, and the lower plate 7 includes two lock sleeves 74 arranged on a predetermined plane and fitted with the two lock shafts 64, respectively. Therefore, even if the lock shafts 64 and the lock sleeve 74 are cylindrical, rotation of the lock shafts 64 and the lock sleeve 74 about their axes can be restricted, and the lock shafts 64 and the lock sleeve 74 can be reliably locked.

[0060] [Modifications of the Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, and the like within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the unit attachment / detachment structure includes a locking portion (groove 642A and each ball 743) that locks the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74 and restricts axial movement of the lock shaft 64 and the lock sleeve 74. However, the locking portion is not limited to the configuration of groove 642A and each ball 743, and other configurations such as grooves and pawls may be employed. Any configuration may be employed as long as it can lock the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body and restrict axial movement of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the upper plate 6 includes two lock shafts 64 arranged on a predetermined plane, and the lower plate 7 includes two lock sleeves 74 arranged on a predetermined plane and mated with the two lock shafts 64, respectively. However, the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism may each include a single first cylindrical body and a single second cylindrical body. In this case, for example, the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body may be formed in other shapes, such as a rectangular cylindrical shape. If a shape with corners, such as a rectangular cylindrical shape, is adopted, rotation of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body about their axes can be restricted.

[0062] As described above, the present invention can be suitably used for a detachable unit structure including a first unit and a second unit detachably attached to the first unit.

[0063] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Three-wheeled bike (vehicle) 2 Saddle 3 Wheel 4 Handlebar 5 Frame 6 Upper plate (first transmission mechanism) 7 Lower plate (second transmission mechanism) 41 Brake 51 Upper unit (first unit, unit detachable structure) 52 Lower unit (second unit, unit detachable structure) 53 Steering link 54 Caster link rod 64 Lock shaft (first cylindrical body) 74 Lock sleeve (second cylindrical body) 77 Opening / closing lever 78 Cylinder lock 411 Brake lever 412 Brake wire 642A Groove (locking portion) 743 Ball (sphere, locking portion) 772 Opening / closing knob (switching means)

Claims

1. A detachable unit structure comprising a first unit and a second unit that can be detachably attached to the first unit, and which operates the second unit based on the operation of the first unit, wherein the first unit is connected to the second unit and comprises a first transmission mechanism that mechanically transmits the operation of the first unit to the second unit, and the second unit is connected to the first unit and comprises a second transmission mechanism that mechanically transmits the operation of the first unit from the first unit, and the detachable unit structure comprises a switching means that switches between a fixed state in which the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism cannot be removed, and an unfixed state in which the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism can be removed.

2. A detachable unit structure as described in claim 1, wherein the first transmission mechanism comprises a first cylindrical body formed in a cylindrical shape; the second transmission mechanism comprises a second cylindrical body also formed in a cylindrical shape and fitted with the first cylindrical body along the axial direction; the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism mechanically transmit the operation of the first unit via the inside of the first cylindrical body and the inside of the second cylindrical body; the detachable unit structure comprises a locking portion that locks the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body and restricts axial movement of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body; and the switching means moves the locking portion to a locking position that locks the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body to switch to the fixed state, and moves the locking portion to a non-locking position that does not lock the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body to switch to the non-fixed state.

3. A detachable unit structure as described in claim 2, wherein the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body are formed cylindrically, the locking portion comprises a groove provided along the outer periphery of one of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body, and a plurality of spheres arranged along the inner periphery of the other of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body, and the switching means causes the spheres to protrude toward the groove to switch to the fixed state, and causes the spheres to retract into the groove to switch to the non-fixed state.

4. A detachable unit structure as described in claim 3, wherein the first transmission mechanism comprises two of the first cylindrical bodies arranged on a predetermined plane, and the second transmission mechanism comprises two of the second cylindrical bodies arranged on a predetermined plane and mated with each of the two first cylindrical bodies.

5. A detachable unit structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first transmission mechanism electrically transmits the operation of the first unit to the second unit via the inside of the first cylindrical body, and the second transmission mechanism electrically transmits the operation of the first unit from the first unit via the inside of the second cylindrical body.

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