Vehicle
The separable front and rear unit design with mechanical and electrical interlocking mechanisms addresses the challenge of storageability and transportation efficiency in foldable vehicles, improving storage capacity and ease of handling.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GLAFIT INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing foldable vehicles lack high storageability and efficient separation mechanisms for their components, complicating transportation and storage.
A vehicle design featuring a separable front and rear unit connected by a connection portion that includes both mechanical and electrical interlocking mechanisms, allowing for easy separation and storage while maintaining operational functionality.
Enhances storage capacity and ease of transportation by allowing separate handling of the front and rear units, while maintaining design aesthetics and reducing mechanical complexity.
Smart Images
Figure JP2025041919_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Vehicle
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle.
[0002] In recent years, various technologies have been proposed for foldable vehicles such as foldable bicycles (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-132955, etc.).
[0003] Such vehicles such as foldable ones may be stored in a folded state. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a vehicle having high storageability.
[0004] The above object of the present invention is achieved as follows.
[0005] (1) A front unit having a front wheel, a rear unit having a rear wheel, a motor for driving at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel, an electromagnetic brake mechanism for electromagnetically braking the front wheel or the rear wheel using the motor, and provided between the front unit and the rear unit, a connection portion for separably connecting the front unit and the rear unit, and capable of traveling when the front unit and the rear unit are connected by the connection portion. The connection portion includes a connecting portion for mechanically connecting the front unit and the rear unit and a connector for electrically connecting the front unit and the rear unit, and a vehicle in which the connecting portion and the connector interlock to connect the front unit and the rear unit.
[0006] (2) The vehicle according to (1) above, in which the connecting portion and the connector interlock to separate the front unit and the rear unit.
[0007] (3) The connection portion includes a lock lever, and the vehicle according to (1) or (2) above, in which the lock lever receives an operation from a user, and the connecting portion and the connector interlock to connect the front unit and the rear unit.
[0008] (4) The vehicle according to any one of (1) to (3) above, in which the connector includes a floating connector.
[0009] This is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle in a drivable state according to one embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of the state in which the front unit and rear unit shown in Figure 1 are separated. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control system of the vehicle shown in Figure 1. This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the steering wheel shown in Figure 1, etc. This is a top view showing an example of the configuration near the connection part shown in Figure 1. This is a side view showing an example of the arrangement of the front unit and rear unit shown in Figure 2. This is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the front unit and rear unit shown in Figure 6A. This is a side view showing another example of the arrangement of the front unit and rear unit shown in Figure 2. This is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the front unit and rear unit shown in Figure 7A. This is a side view showing another example of the arrangement of the front unit and rear unit shown in Figure 2. This is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the front unit and rear unit shown in Figure 8A. This is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the binding member that bundles the front unit and rear unit shown in Figure 2. This is a top view showing an example of the configuration of the front unit, rear unit and binding member shown in Figure 9A. This is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle according to Modification 1. This is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle according to Modification 2. This is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle according to Modification 3. This is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle according to Modification 4. This is a side view showing an example of the vehicle configuration according to Modification 5. This is a side view showing an example of the configuration near the connection part of the vehicle according to Modification 6. This is a diagram showing an example of the top surface configuration near the connection part shown in Figure 15A. This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the front frame and rear frame shown in Figure 15A are separated. This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the front frame and rear frame shown in Figure 16A are connected. This is another partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the front frame and rear frame shown in Figure 15A are separated. This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the front frame and rear frame shown in Figure 17A are connected.
[0010] Embodiments of the vehicle and vehicle parts of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for identical components. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from actual ratios.
[0011] [Embodiment] <Configuration of Vehicle 1> Figures 1, 2, and 3 show the configuration of the main parts of Vehicle 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of Vehicle 1 in a drivable state, and Figure 2 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of Vehicle 1 when stored or transported. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system of Vehicle 1. Vehicle 1 is, for example, a motorized bicycle. Vehicle 1 is, for example, a specific small motorized bicycle. Vehicle 1 may be a general motorized bicycle.
[0012] This vehicle 1 mainly consists of a front unit 10, a rear unit 20, a connecting section 30, and a control unit 100. When the vehicle 1 is in a drivable state, the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are arranged side by side in the direction of travel of the vehicle 1. The connecting section 30 is provided between the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20. The connecting section 30 connects the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 so that they can be separated. For example, the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 can be separated and the vehicle 1 can be stored (Figure 2).
[0013] In the following explanation, the direction parallel to the direction of travel of vehicle 1 may be referred to as the X direction, the direction parallel to the vertical direction as the Z direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X and Z directions as the Y direction.
[0014] The front unit 10 includes, for example, front wheels 11, a front frame 12, a steering device 13, headlights 14, and a mechanical brake mechanism 61. The front wheels 11, steering device 13, and headlights 14 are mounted to the front frame 12. The front wheels 11, steering device 13, and headlights 14 may be directly or indirectly mounted to the front frame 12.
[0015] The front wheel 11 is, for example, a tire and is configured to be rotatable. The front frame 12 includes plate-shaped members and columnar members, etc., that constitute the skeleton of the front unit 10. The front frame 12 includes, for example, a columnar member having a predetermined size in the X direction.
[0016] The steering device 13 accepts steering input from the occupant. The occupant may be the user of the vehicle 1, or a person other than the user. The steering device 13 includes, for example, a steering wheel 131, a steering post 132, and an operation receiving unit 133.
[0017] Figure 4 shows an example of the specific configuration of the steering wheel 131. The steering wheel 131 has, for example, a pair of gripping parts 1311R and 1311L. The occupant steers the vehicle 1 by gripping this pair of gripping parts 1311R and 1311L. The gripping parts 1311R and 1311L have, for example, a rod shape. These gripping parts 1311R and 1311L are configured to be rotatable in the XY plane with position 131F as the pivot point. By rotating these gripping parts 1311R and 1311L, the direction of the front wheels 11 changes, and the vehicle 1 is steered.
[0018] When gripped by an occupant, the rod-shaped gripping portions 1311R and 1311L extend substantially linearly along the Y direction, for example. The handle 131 has a folding mechanism that makes these gripping portions 1311R and 1311L foldable. Specifically, the gripping portions 1311R and 1311L each rotate 90 degrees in the XY plane and extend in the X direction (Figure 4). At this time, the gripping portion 1311R rotates in the XY plane with position 1311RF as the pivot point, and the gripping portion 1311L rotates in the XY plane with position 1311LF as the pivot point. Position 1311RF is a position between one end and the other end of the gripping portion 1311R, and is fixed near position 131F, for example. Position 1311LF is located between one end and the other end of the gripping portion 1311L, and is fixed, for example, near position 131F. In this way, the handle 131 has a folding mechanism, which makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the vehicle 1 in the Y direction when stored.
[0019] The handle post 132 includes, for example, a columnar member. This handle post 132 extends between the front frame 12 and the handle 131. The handle post 132 extends, for example, in a direction intersecting the XY plane. One end of the handle post 132 is attached to the front frame 12, for example, via a mounting portion 13C. The handle 131 is attached to the other end of the handle post 132. Other members may be inserted between the other end of the handle post 132 and the handle 131, for example, a handle stem may be inserted.
[0020] The steering device 13 has a folding mechanism that makes the handle post 132 foldable. Specifically, the handle post 132 rotates approximately 90° in the XZ plane with the mounting portion 13C as a pivot point and extends in the X direction (Figure 2). In this way, the steering device 13 has a folding mechanism for the handle post 132, which makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the vehicle 1 in the Z direction when stored. Here, this folding mechanism for the handle post 132 corresponds to one specific example of the first folding mechanism of the present invention.
[0021] Vehicle 1 has a steering fixing part that can prevent the rotation of the handle 131 with position 131F as a pivot point, for example, when the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are separated. Because vehicle 1 has a steering fixing part, when a user transports vehicle 1, the rotation of the handle 131 is suppressed, making it easier to transport vehicle 1.
[0022] The steering fixing section includes, for example, a bending mechanism for the handle 131 and a bending mechanism for the handle post 132. Specifically, when the handle post 132 is bent so as to extend in the X direction (Figure 2), the handle 131 is bent across the front frame 12, and the gripping portions 1311R and 1311L extend approximately in the Z direction. In this arrangement, the presence of the front frame 12 makes it difficult for the handle 131 to rotate. The steering fixing section may also be a belt-like member or the like that prevents the rotation of the handle 131. Here, the bending mechanism for the handle 131 corresponds to one specific example of the second bending mechanism of the present invention.
[0023] The operation reception unit 133 (Figure 3) is located, for example, near the steering wheel 131. The operation reception unit 133 is configured to receive operations from the occupant. By operating the operation reception unit 133, the occupant can turn the vehicle 1 on and off, accelerate and decelerate, and operate the lights, etc. The information received by the operation reception unit 133 is sent to the control unit 100.
[0024] The headlight 14 illuminates the area in front of the vehicle 1. The headlight 14 is attached to the front frame 12, for example, via a mounting portion 14C. The control unit 100 supplies power to the headlight 14 to illuminate it (Figure 3). The headlight 14 may be configured to be bendable, for example, with the mounting portion 14C as a pivot point. Specifically, the headlight 14 rotates approximately 180° in the XZ plane with the mounting portion 14C as a pivot point and is housed in the handle post 132 extending in the X direction (Figure 2). This makes it possible to reduce the space occupied by the vehicle 1 in the Z direction when stored.
[0025] The mechanical brake mechanism 61 mechanically brakes the front wheel 11. For example, in response to the rider's operation on the handle 131, the mechanical brake mechanism 61 mechanically stops the rotation of the front wheel 11. For example, the mechanical brake mechanism 61 includes a wire connecting the operation receiving unit 133 and the front wheel 11.
[0026] The rear unit 20 includes, for example, a rear wheel 21, a rear frame 22, a rider support section 23, a rear reflector 24, a license plate 25, a taillight 26, a battery 40, a motor 50, and an electromagnetic brake mechanism 62. The rear wheel 21, rear frame 22, rider support section 23, rear reflector 24, license plate 25, and taillight 26 are attached to the rear frame 22. The rear wheel 21, rear frame 22, rider support section 23, rear reflector 24, license plate 25, and taillight 26 may be attached directly to the rear frame 22 or indirectly.
[0027] The rear wheel 21 is, for example, a tire and is configured to be rotatable. The rear frame 22 includes plate-shaped members and columnar members, etc., that constitute the skeleton of the rear unit 20. The rear frame 22 includes, for example, a columnar member having a predetermined size in the X direction.
[0028] The rider support section 23 is configured to support a rider. The rider support section 23 includes, for example, a saddle 231 and a seat post 232. The saddle 231 has a shape on which a rider can sit. The rider sits on the saddle 231 when riding and drives the vehicle 1. The rider support section 23 may have a seat instead of a saddle 231.
[0029] The seatpost 232 includes, for example, a columnar member. This seatpost 232 extends between the rear frame 22 and the saddle 231. The seatpost 232 extends, for example, in a direction intersecting the XY plane. The magnitude of the seatpost 232's extension is configured to be adjustable. One end of the seatpost 232 is attached, for example, to the rear frame 22. The other end of the seatpost 232 is attached to the saddle 231.
[0030] The rear reflector 24 reflects light from the rear of the vehicle 1, and the taillight 26 illuminates the rear of the vehicle 1. The control unit 100 supplies power to the taillight 26 to illuminate it (Figure 3). The license plate 25 has the vehicle 1's unique number and symbols written on it.
[0031] The battery 40 supplies power to the motor 50, lights, and the control receiver 133, etc. The battery 40 supplies power to the motor 50, lights, and the control receiver 133, etc., based on signals from the control unit 100, for example. The battery 40 is housed, for example, in the seat post 232.
[0032] The motor 50 generates power using electricity supplied from the battery 40. The motor 50 is, for example, attached to the rear wheel 21 and drives the rear wheel 21.
[0033] The electromagnetic brake mechanism 62 uses the motor 50 to electromagnetically brake the rear wheels 21. For example, in response to an operation by the occupant at the operation reception unit 133, the electromagnetic brake mechanism 62 electromagnetically stops the rotation of the rear wheels 21. The electromagnetic brake mechanism 62 stops the vehicle 1 by, for example, pressing brake pads against a rotating body and using the resulting frictional force. For example, an electromagnet may be used in the brake pad control mechanism.
[0034] It is preferable that the mechanical brake mechanism 61 and the electromagnetic brake mechanism 62 are configured to operate in conjunction with each other. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of phenomena such as jackknife caused by differences in the braking effectiveness between the mechanical brake mechanism 61 and the electromagnetic brake mechanism 62.
[0035] The front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are connected by a connecting part 30. The connecting part 30 mechanically connects the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20. Furthermore, the connecting part 30 electrically connects the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20. When the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are connected by the connecting part 30, the vehicle 1 is in a state where it can be driven. When the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are separated, the vehicle 1 is in a state where it cannot be driven.
[0036] In this embodiment, since the vehicle 1 has this connection part 30, the user can freely select between a state in which the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are connected and a state in which they are separated. When the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are separated, the force applied to one unit does not affect the other unit. That is, when the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are separated, the user can handle the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 separately.
[0037] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration near the connection section 30. The connection section 30 includes, for example, a connecting portion 31 and a connector 32. The connecting portion 31 is responsible for mechanically connecting the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20, and includes a front-side connecting portion 311 and a rear-side connecting portion 312. The connector 32 is responsible for electrically connecting the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20, and includes a front-side connector 321 and a rear-side connector 322.
[0038] The front connecting portion 311 is attached, for example, to the end of the front frame 12. The rear connecting portion 312 is attached, for example, to the end of the rear frame 22. The front connecting portion 311 and the rear connecting portion 312 have shapes that allow them to fit together. By fitting the front connecting portion 311 and the rear connecting portion 312 together, the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are mechanically connected.
[0039] The front connector 321 is mounted, for example, near the end of the front frame 12. The front connector 321 is electrically connected to, for example, the control receiver 133 and the headlight 14. The rear connector 322 is mounted, for example, near the end of the rear frame 22. The rear connector 322 is electrically connected to, for example, the battery 40. The front connector 321 and the rear connector 322 have a shape that allows them to be mated together. By mating the front connector 321 and the rear connector 322, the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are electrically connected.
[0040] The front connector 321 preferably includes a floating connector. A floating connector is a connector whose connection portion to the other connector (for example, the rear connector 322) moves slightly, in other words, a connector that has a structure that allows it to move as if floating. The floating connector has, for example, a spring, an elastic member, a soft pad, or a rubber-based material. This allows for slight movement of the connection portion in the floating connector. The slight movement of the connection portion in the floating connector may also be achieved by other configurations such as magnetic force, pin play, or a sliding structure. By including a floating connector in the front connector 321, slight misalignment of the mating position is absorbed when the front connector 321 and the rear connector 322 are mated. This reduces wear on parts such as the front connector 321 and the rear connector 322. It also reduces the generation of sparks caused by friction when mating the front connector 321 and the rear connector 322. Furthermore, the inclusion of a floating connector in the front connector 321 improves the shock resistance and vibration resistance of the connector 32, thereby enhancing the stability of the electrical connection between the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20.
[0041] The control unit 100 controls the battery 40, motor 50, connector 32, operation reception unit 133, and lights (Figure 3). The lights include, for example, headlights 14 and taillights 26. The control unit 100 controls the operation of the battery 40 and motor 50 in response to operations received by, for example, the operation reception unit 133.
[0042] The control unit 100 controls the vehicle 1 to be unable to move while the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are not connected. For example, when the front connector 321 and the rear connector 322 are not mated, power is not supplied from the battery 40 to the operation receiving unit 133. Therefore, the occupant cannot turn on the power to the vehicle 1 from the operation receiving unit 133, and the vehicle 1 becomes unable to move.
[0043] <Storage State of Vehicle 1> Figures 6A to 8B show an example of the storage state of vehicle 1. When the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are separated, the user can freely arrange and store each of the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20. At this time, for example, the handle post 132 and the handle 131 are bent, and the rotation of the handle 131 is suppressed (Figure 2). The size of the seat post 232 in the extending direction is adjusted to be the smallest (Figure 2). Thereby, the space occupied by the vehicle 1 during storage can be reduced.
[0044] Figures 6A and 6B show a state in which the positions of the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 in the X direction are aligned and arranged side by side in the Y direction. By arranging in this way, the space occupied by the vehicle 1 in the X direction can be reduced.
[0045] Figures 7A and 7B show a state in which the positions of the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 in the Y direction are aligned and arranged side by side in the X direction. In this state, for example, in the X direction, a part of the front unit 10 and a part of the rear unit 20 overlap. By arranging in this way, the space occupied by the vehicle 1 in the X direction can be reduced.
[0046] Figures 8A and 8B show a state in which the positions of the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 in the X direction and the Y direction are aligned and arranged side by side in the Z direction. By arranging in this way, the space occupied by the vehicle 1 in the X direction and the Y direction can be reduced.
[0047] The vehicle 1 may further include a binding member that can be used during storage.
[0048] Figures 9A and 9B show an example of the configuration of the binding member 70. The binding member 70 plays a role of gathering the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 when the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are separated. Thereby, it becomes easier for the user to carry the separated front unit 10 and rear unit 20.
[0049] For example, a portion of the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are housed in the binding member 70. The front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are housed in the binding member 70 such that, for example, the rotation direction of the front wheels 11 and the rotation direction of the rear wheels 21 are parallel. Preferably, the binding member 70 has a handle. This allows the user to easily transport the vehicle 1 housed in the binding member 70.
[0050] <Effects of Vehicle 1> In Vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are configured to be separable, so the user can store the vehicle with the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 separated. This improves the degree of freedom in arranging the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20. Therefore, it is possible to improve the storage capacity of Vehicle 1.
[0051] Furthermore, the user can transport the front unit 10 and rear unit 20 separately when they are separated. Therefore, the user can easily transport the vehicle 1 with less force.
[0052] Furthermore, since vehicle 1 does not require a complex folding mechanism, it is possible to improve the storage capacity of vehicle 1 while maintaining a high level of design aesthetics.
[0053] In addition, users can select their preferred combination from a variety of combinations of the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20. For example, users can select the color of the front unit 10 and the color of the rear unit 20.
[0054] Furthermore, in vehicle 1, the rear unit 20 is equipped with a battery 40 and a motor 50. This allows power to be supplied from the battery 40 to the motor 50 without going through the connector 32. Thus, it is possible to reduce the load on the connector 32 caused by the large current supplied from the battery 40 to the motor 50.
[0055] Furthermore, in vehicle 1, the rear wheels 21 are braked by an electromagnetic brake mechanism 62. This eliminates the need for a wire to mechanically brake the rear wheels 21. More specifically, it eliminates the need for a wire connecting the operation receiving section 133 of the front unit 10 and the rear wheels 21. Therefore, it becomes easier to separate the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20.
[0056] As described above, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are configured to be separable, which makes it possible to improve the storage capacity of the vehicle 1.
[0057] The following describes modified examples of the above embodiments. Components similar to those in the previously described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.
[0058] [Modification 1] Figure 10 shows an example of the configuration of vehicle 1 according to Modification 1. This vehicle 1 has an insertion member 80 provided between the front connecting portion 311 and the rear connecting portion 312. Except for this point, vehicle 1 according to Modification 1 has the same configuration as vehicle 1 described in the above embodiment and provides the same effects and advantages.
[0059] The insertion member 80 is configured to be insertable between the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 when the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are connected by the connecting portion 30. The insertion member 80 includes, for example, a columnar member having a predetermined size in the X direction. The insertion member 80 is made of, for example, the same material as the front frame 12 and the rear frame 22. Together with the front frame 12 and the rear frame 22, the insertion member 80 functions as the frame of the vehicle 1.
[0060] By providing this insertion member 80 between the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20, it becomes possible to adjust the distance between the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20. Therefore, it becomes possible to adjust the size of the vehicle 1 to suit the occupant's physique, etc.
[0061] [Modification 2] Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of Vehicle 1 according to Modification 2. This Vehicle 1 is a transport cart. Except for this point, Vehicle 1 according to Modification 2 has the same configuration as Vehicle 1 described in the above embodiment and provides the same effects and advantages.
[0062] Vehicle 1 has a front unit 90 instead of the front unit 10 of the above embodiment. The front unit 90 has front wheels 91, a front frame 92, a steering device 93, and a basket 94. The front wheels 91, front frame 92, and steering device 93 have the same configuration and function as the front wheels 11, front frame 12, and steering device 13.
[0063] The basket 94 is configured to carry materials and other cargo. The basket 94 is attached, for example, to the front frame 92. For example, the front wheel 91 is attached to the basket 94.
[0064] Vehicle 1 may be a vehicle other than a transport cart, for example, a stroller or pet transport vehicle, a vehicle used for various purposes such as cleaning work, farming, lawn mowing, snow removal, or construction. In this vehicle 1, for example, the type of vehicle 1 can be changed by selecting a front unit according to the purpose from among several types of front units.
[0065] The control unit 100 may control the output of the motor 50 differently depending on the type of front unit connected to the connection part 30. For example, the control unit 100 controls the output of the motor 50 by detecting the type of front unit connected to the connection part 30. For example, when the front unit 90 is connected to the connection part 30, the control unit 100 reduces the output of the motor 50 compared to when the front unit 10 is connected to the connection part 30. Alternatively, when a predetermined front unit is connected to the connection part 30, the control unit 100 may increase the output of the motor 50 compared to when the front unit 10 is connected to the connection part 30.
[0066] [Modification 3] Figure 12 shows an example of the configuration of Vehicle 1 according to Modification 3. In this Vehicle 1, a battery 40 and a motor 50 are provided in the front unit 10. Except for this point, Vehicle 1 according to Modification 3 has the same configuration as Vehicle 1 described in the above embodiment and provides the same effects and advantages.
[0067] The battery 40 is housed, for example, within the front frame 12. The motor 50 is attached, for example, to the front wheel 11 and drives the front wheel 11. The electromagnetic brake mechanism 62 uses the motor 50 to electromagnetically brake the front wheel 11. The mechanical brake mechanism 61 mechanically brakes the rear wheel 21. In this case, the mechanical brake mechanism 61 includes a wire connecting the operating receiver 133 of the front unit 10 and the rear wheel 21. It is preferable that this wire detachably connects the front unit 10 and the rear wheel 21. This makes it easier to separate the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20.
[0068] The control unit 100 controls the vehicle 1 to be unable to move while the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are not connected. For example, when the front connector 321 and the rear connector 322 are not mated, the control unit 100 detects that power is not being supplied to the taillights 26, etc., and controls the system to not supply power from the battery 40 to the motor 50. Therefore, the vehicle 1 becomes unable to move.
[0069] [Modification 4] Figure 13 shows an example of the configuration of Vehicle 1 according to Modification 4. In this Vehicle 1, a battery 40 is provided in the front unit 10, and a motor 50 is provided in the rear unit 20. Except for this point, Vehicle 1 according to Modification 4 has the same configuration as Vehicle 1 described in the above embodiment and provides the same effects and advantages.
[0070] The battery 40 is housed, for example, in the front frame 12. The motor 50 is attached, for example, to the rear wheel 21 and drives the rear wheel 21. The electromagnetic brake mechanism 62 uses the motor 50 to electromagnetically brake the rear wheel 21. The mechanical brake mechanism 61 mechanically brakes the front wheel 11. The control unit 100 controls the vehicle 1 to be unable to move when the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are not connected, for example, as described in the modified example 3 above.
[0071] In this type of vehicle 1, the battery 40 and motor 50 are distributed, so the weight of the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 is less likely to be unevenly distributed. Therefore, the user can transport the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 separately.
[0072] [Modification 5] Figure 14 shows an example of the configuration of Vehicle 1 according to Modification 5. In this Vehicle 1, a motor 50 is provided in the front unit 10, and a battery 40 is provided in the rear unit 20. Except for this point, Vehicle 1 according to Modification 5 has the same configuration as Vehicle 1 described in the above embodiment and provides the same effects and advantages.
[0073] The battery 40 is housed, for example, in the seat post 232. The motor 50 is attached, for example, to the front wheel 11 and drives the front wheel 11. The electromagnetic brake mechanism 62 uses the motor 50 to electromagnetically brake the front wheel 11. The mechanical brake mechanism 61 mechanically brakes the rear wheel 21. In this case, the mechanical brake mechanism 61 includes a wire that connects the handlebars 131 and the rear wheel 21. It is preferable that this wire detachably connects the handlebars 131 and the rear wheel 21. This makes it easier to separate the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20.
[0074] In this type of vehicle 1, the battery 40 and motor 50 are distributed, so the weight of the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 is less likely to be unevenly distributed. Therefore, the user can transport the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 separately.
[0075] The control unit 100 controls the vehicle 1 to be unable to move while the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are not connected, for example, as described in the above embodiment.
[0076] [Modification 6] Figures 15A and 15B show an example of the configuration near the connection portion 30 of the vehicle 1 according to Modification 6. Figure 15A shows an example of the configuration of the XZ plane near the connection portion 30, and Figure 15B shows an example of the configuration of the XY plane near the connection portion 30. In this vehicle 1, the connection portion 30 has a lock lever 33, a stopper lever 34, a groove 12R, and a projection 22P, etc. The lock lever 33 and the stopper lever 34 are attached to the front frame 12, for example. For example, the front frame 12 is provided with a groove 12R, and the rear frame 22 is provided with a projection 22P. For example, a front-side connector 321 is provided in the groove 12R. For example, a rear-side connector 322 is provided in the projection 22P. Except for this point, the vehicle 1 according to Modification 6 has the same configuration as the vehicle 1 described in the above embodiment and provides the same effects.
[0077] For example, after the user engages the grooves 12R, 12RA with the protrusions 22P, 22PA, the user rotates the lock lever 33 in the XZ plane. This lowers the stopper lever 34, mechanically connecting the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20, and electrically connecting the front connector 321 and the rear connector 322. For example, the user raises the stopper lever 34, and while keeping the stopper lever 34 raised, rotates the lock lever 33 in the opposite direction in the XZ plane. This makes the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 separable. In this state, the user lifts the protrusions 22P, 22PA from the grooves 12R, 12RA, mechanically separating the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20, and electrically separating the front connector 321 and the rear connector 322. As described in the above embodiment, it is preferable that the front connector 321 includes a floating connector.
[0078] Figures 16A to 17B show a more specific example of the configuration of the connection section 30. Figures 16A and 17A show the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 separated, while Figures 16B and 17B show the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 connected.
[0079] The lock lever 33 is connected to, for example, an eccentric cam 331, pinions 332 and 334, and a lock pin 333, and these operate in conjunction with each other. The stopper lever 34 is connected to a stopper pin 341, and these operate in conjunction with each other.
[0080] When the user rotates the lock lever 33, the eccentric cam 331 rotates (Figure 16A). For example, the rotation of this eccentric cam 331 causes the rear frame 22, which is mounted on the front frame 12, to move, and the rear frame 22 comes into close contact with the front frame 12 (Figure 16B). As a result, the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 are connected, and the range of motion of the connection part 30 in the X direction is restricted.
[0081] When the lock lever 33 is rotated, the pinions 332 and 334 rotate together with the eccentric cam 331 (Figure 17A). As the pinions 332 and 334 rotate, the lock pin 333 moves, and the lock pin 333 is positioned across the front frame 12 and the rear frame 22 (Figure 17B). The pinions 332 and 334 are configured to change the amount of movement by combining large and small gears with different numbers of teeth so that small rotations of the lock lever 33 can be converted into large movements of the lock pin 333. The number, shape, and arrangement of the pinions 332 and 334 are not limited to the example in Figure 17A. Then, as the lock pin 333 moves, the stopper pin 341 positioned on the lock pin 333 moves down, for example by spring force, restricting the movement of the lock pin 333. When the stopper pin 341 moves down, the stopper lever 34 moves down. This restricts the range of motion of the connection part 30 in the Y and Z directions. In this way, the connection between the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 is locked.
[0082] In the vehicle 1 according to modification 6, the connection between the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 is locked by the eccentric cam 331 and the lock pin 333. Specifically, in the connected state of the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20, the range of motion in all directions (X, Y, and Z) of the connection portion 30 is restricted, so a firm fastening between the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 is possible.
[0083] In this vehicle 1, the connecting portion 31 and connector 32 work in conjunction to connect the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20. The connecting portion 31 and connector 32 also work in conjunction to separate the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20. Specifically, the connecting portion 31 and connector 32 are connected by the user performing a single operation of rotating the lock lever 33 in a predetermined direction. The connecting portion 31 and connector 32 become detachable by the user performing a single operation of rotating the lock lever 33 in the opposite direction. This makes it possible for the user to connect and disconnect the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 with simpler operation.
[0084] The vehicle and vehicle parts of the present invention have been described above in embodiments and modifications. However, the present invention can be appropriately added to, modified, and omitted by those skilled in the art within the scope of its technical concept. For example, the configuration, shape, and size of each part of the vehicle and vehicle parts described above in embodiments and modifications are examples only, and other configurations, shapes, and sizes may be used.
[0085] For example, although Figure 1 shows a bar-shaped handle 131, the handle 131 may have other shapes. The handle 131 may, for example, be round. Alternatively, the steering device 13 does not have to have a handle post 132.
[0086] Furthermore, the steering fixing part may be a member that prevents the rotation of the steering wheel 131 using a magnet or hook, etc.
[0087] Furthermore, although the above embodiments and modifications describe an example in which the handle post 132 can be bent with the mounting portion 13C as the pivot point, the handle post 132 may be configured to be bent with a pivot point at other positions. For example, the handle post 132 may be configured to be bent at a position between one end and the other end of the handle post 132.
[0088] Furthermore, in the above modified example 6, an example in which an eccentric cam 331 and a locking pin 333 are used together was described as an example of the connection part 30, but the connection part 30 may be composed of either the eccentric cam 331 or the locking pin 333 alone. For example, the range of motion of the connection part 30 in the X direction may be limited by the eccentric cam 331, and the range of motion of the connection part 30 in the Y and Z directions may be limited by frictional force.
[0089] Furthermore, the configuration of the connecting portion 30 is not limited to the configuration described in the above embodiments and modifications. The connecting portion 30 only needs to be able to connect the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 in a separable manner, and may have other configurations. For example, the connecting portion 30 may include a hook or lever for engaging the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20 instead of the eccentric cam 331. Alternatively, the connecting portion 30 may include an electromagnet for separably connecting the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20.
[0090] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the front connector 321 includes a floating connector, the rear connector 322 may also include a floating connector.
[0091] Furthermore, although the above embodiments and modifications describe an example in which the front unit 10 is provided with an operation receiving unit 133, the operation receiving unit 133 may also be provided on the rear unit 20. In this case, the front unit 10 may be provided with a motor 50, and the front wheels 11 may be braked by an electromagnetic brake mechanism 62. For example, the rear wheels 21 may be braked by a mechanical brake mechanism. This eliminates the need for a wire to mechanically brake the front wheels 11, making it easier to separate the front unit 10 and the rear unit 20.
[0092] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-223818, filed on 19 December 2024, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-186131, filed on 5 November 2025, the disclosures of which are referenced and incorporated in whole.
[0093] 1 Vehicle, 10 Front unit, 11 Front wheel, 12 Front frame, 13 Steering device, 131 Handlebars, 132 Handlebar post, 13C Mounting part, 14 Headlight, 20 Rear unit, 21 Rear wheel, 22 Rear frame, 23 Rider support part, 231 Saddle, 232 Seat post, 24 Taillight, 25 License plate, 26 Number plate light, 30 Connection part, 31 Linking part, 311 Front side linking part, 312 Rear side linking part, 32 Connector, 321 Front side connector, 322 Rear side connector, 40 Battery, 50 Motor, 100 Control unit.
Claims
1. A vehicle comprising: a front unit having front wheels; a rear unit having rear wheels; a motor for driving at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels; an electromagnetic brake mechanism for electromagnetically braking the front wheels or the rear wheels using the motor; and a connecting portion provided between the front unit and the rear unit for detachably connecting the front unit and the rear unit, wherein the vehicle is drivable when the front unit and the rear unit are connected by the connecting portion, and the connecting portion includes a coupling portion for mechanically connecting the front unit and the rear unit and a connector for electrically connecting the front unit and the rear unit, wherein the coupling portion and the connector work in conjunction to connect the front unit and the rear unit.
2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion and the connector are linked to separate the front unit and the rear unit.
3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion includes a locking lever, and the locking lever, upon receiving an operation from the user, causes the connecting portion and the connector to move in conjunction to connect the front unit and the rear unit.
4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the connector includes a floating connector.