JP2010023709A - Wheel angle changing mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wheel angle changing mechanism having a small required space and simple structure capable of separately tilting the angles of right and left wheels respectively. <P>SOLUTION: The wheel angle changing mechanism includes a motor 4 supported on a vehicle body 2 and generating a rotating driving force, a sun gear 51 rotating integrally with an output shaft 4b of the motor 4, a plurality of planetary gears 52 disposed around the sun gear 51 and meshing with the sun gear 51, an outer gear 54 consisting of annular-shaped members, disposed so as to surround the plurality of planetary gears 52, and meshing with the planetary gears 52, a first shaft 53 for rotatably supporting the planetary gears 52, a carrier 55 rotatably supported with respect to the output shaft 4b of the motor 4 and having the first shaft 53, and a connecting means 9 having either the carrier 55 or the outer gear 54 integrally connected with a wheel part 7, and supporting the other one with respect to the vehicle body 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wheel angle changing mechanism capable of changing a wheel angle with a simple structure.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a vehicle that is configured as a single-seater two-wheeled vehicle with a downsized vehicle, in which the vehicle body is tilted by a link mechanism when the vehicle is turning, the turning performance is improved, and the vehicle can turn stably. (See Patent Document 1).
International Publication No. 2007/052676

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since a telescopic actuator is used as the link mechanism, a wide space is required, and there is a case where it interferes with other members. The left and right wheel angles could only be tilted in the same direction, and the left and right wheel angles could not be tilted separately.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to provide a wheel angle changing mechanism that requires a small space and has a simple structure and can individually tilt the left and right wheels. And

  To this end, the present invention provides a wheel angle changing mechanism for changing a camber angle of a wheel portion, a motor that is supported by a vehicle body and that generates a rotational driving force, a sun gear that rotates integrally with an output shaft of the motor, A plurality of planetary gears arranged around the planetary gear and an annular member, an outer gear arranged to surround the plurality of planetary gears and meshed with the planetary gear, and a first shaft rotatably supporting the planetary gear. The carrier having the first shaft and one of the carrier and the outer gear are integrally connected to the wheel portion, and the other is supported to the vehicle body. The carrier is rotatably supported with respect to the output shaft of the motor. And connecting means.

  The connection means integrally connects the vehicle body and the outer gear together with a first switching means that can be switched between a locked state in which the vehicle body and the carrier are integrally connected and a free state in which the vehicle body and the carrier are movably connected. A second switching means switchable between a locked state and a free state movably connected; a third switchable between a locked state in which the wheel portion and the carrier are integrally connected; and a free state in which the wheel portion is movably connected. It has switching means, and 4th switching means switchable by the locked state which connects the said wheel part and the said outer gear integrally, and the free state which connects so that movement is possible, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  A second shaft provided on the carrier; a third shaft provided on the outer gear; a link provided integrally with the wheel portion; and provided on the link so that the second shaft can be moved. A first hole portion to be inserted; and a second hole portion that is provided in the link and is movably inserted through the third shaft. The third switching unit includes the second shaft through the first hole. It is possible to switch between a locked state in which it is movably connected to the part and a free state in which it is movably connected, and the fourth switching means is unable to move the third shaft relative to the second hole. It is possible to switch between a locked state that is connected to a free state and a free state that is movably connected.

  Moreover, the said connection means is provided corresponding to the said wheel part on either side, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  The wheel angle changing mechanism is provided corresponding to the left and right wheel portions.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the wheel angle changing mechanism that changes the camber angle of the wheel portion, a motor that is supported by the vehicle body and generates a rotational driving force, and a sun gear that rotates integrally with the output shaft of the motor; A plurality of planetary gears arranged around the sun gear and meshing with the sun gear; and an annular member, arranged to surround the plurality of planetary gears, and rotatably supporting the planetary gear. A first shaft, a carrier that is rotatably supported with respect to the output shaft of the motor, and one of the carrier and the outer gear is integrally connected to the wheel portion, and the other is connected to the vehicle body. Connecting means for supporting the left and right wheels, so the required space is small and the structure is simple. Degrees to can be inclined separately, respectively. In addition, the structure is simple, the number of parts is small, and the weight can be reduced.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the connecting means includes a first switching means switchable between a locked state in which the vehicle body and the carrier are integrally connected and a free state in which the vehicle body is movably connected; Second switching means that can be switched between a locked state in which the vehicle body and the outer gear are integrally connected and a free state in which the vehicle body and the outer gear are movably connected, and a locked state in which the wheel portion and the carrier are integrally connected are movably connected. And a third switching means that can be switched between a free state and a fourth switching means that can be switched between a locked state in which the wheel portion and the outer gear are integrally connected and a free state in which the wheel portion and the outer gear are movably connected. It is possible to switch and provide stable traveling or traveling with a small turning diameter.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the second shaft provided on the carrier, the third shaft provided on the outer gear, a link provided integrally with the wheel portion, and provided on the link. A first hole portion through which the second shaft is movably inserted, and a second hole portion provided in the link and through which the third shaft is movably inserted. The second shaft can be switched between a locked state in which the second shaft is movably connected to the first hole and a free state in which the second shaft is movably connected. Since it is possible to switch between a locked state in which the second hole is immovably connected and a free state in which the second hole is movably connected, the cost can be reduced.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, since the connecting means is provided corresponding to the left and right wheel portions, the weight can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 5, since the wheel angle changing mechanism is provided corresponding to the left and right wheel portions, it is possible to reduce the steps at the time of changing the wheel angle, and to quickly change the wheel angle. Can be changed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a wheel angle changing mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the wheel angle changing mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment.

  1 and 2, 1 is a wheel angle changing mechanism, 2 is a frame as an example of a vehicle body, 3 is a riding section, 4 is a link drive motor as an example of a motor, 4a is a motor main body, 4b is a motor shaft, 5 is a gear unit, 6 is a link, 7 is a wheel portion, 7a is a wheel, 7b is a tire, and 8 is a wheel drive motor.

  The wheel angle changing mechanism 1 of the first embodiment is a mechanism for changing the angle of the wheel portion 7 provided at a portion connecting the frame 2 and the wheel portion 7.

  The wheel angle changing mechanism 1 is operated by a link driving motor 4 supported by the frame 2, a gear unit 5 that transmits the driving force of the link driving motor 4, and the driving force of the link driving motor 4 transmitted from the gear unit 5. And two links 6 provided on the left and right for changing the camber angle of the wheel portion 7.

  The frame 2 mounts the riding section 3 on the upper side and supports the link drive motor 4 on the lower side. Moreover, the wheel part 7 consists of the wheel 7a and the tire 7b, and mounts the wheel drive motor 8 as an in-wheel motor.

  FIG. 3 shows an enlarged side view of the wheel angle changing mechanism 1 of the first embodiment. The link drive motor 4 is a DC motor, the motor body 4a is supported by the upper frame 2a via the motor flange 2b, the motor shaft 4b passes through the motor body 4a, and is supported by the front frame 2c and the rear frame 2d. Etc. are supported through.

  4 is an enlarged side view of the gear unit 5 and the link 6 portion of the first embodiment, FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of the gear unit 5 and the link 6 portion of the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is the gear unit of the first embodiment. It is an enlarged top view of 5 and the link 6 part.

  The gear unit 5 includes a sun gear 51, a planetary gear 52, a first shaft 53, an outer gear 54, a carrier 55, a second shaft 56, and a third shaft 57. Reference numeral 9 denotes an electromagnetic lock mechanism as an example of a connecting means.

  The sun gear 51 is press-fitted into the motor shaft 4b or rotates together with the motor shaft 4b using a key or the like. Around the sun gear 51, four planetary gears 52 are arranged with the first shaft 53 as a central axis. The outer gear 54 is formed of an annular member and is disposed so as to surround the four planetary gears 52. The carrier 55 is supported so as to be rotatable about the motor shaft 4 b as a central axis, and supports the first shaft 53. The second shaft 56 connects the link 6 and the carrier 55, and the third shaft 57 connects the link 6 and the outer gear 54.

  The gear unit 5 also has an electromagnetic lock mechanism 9 that fixes the connecting portion. The electromagnetic lock mechanism 9 may be a conventionally used one (for example, an excitation brake).

  A first electromagnetic locking mechanism 91 as an example of the first switching means and a second electromagnetic locking mechanism 92 as an example of the second switching means are supported by the frame 2 or the like via the first bracket 9a and the second bracket 9b. Yes. The first electromagnetic lock mechanism 91 is provided between the first bracket 9 a and the carrier 55, and the second electromagnetic lock mechanism 92 is provided between the second bracket 9 b and the outer gear 54.

  The third electromagnetic lock mechanism 93 as an example of the third switching means is provided between the second shaft 56 and the link 6, and the fourth electromagnetic lock mechanism 94 as an example of the fourth switch means is the third shaft 57. And the link 6.

  FIG. 7 is a view showing a connecting portion between the second shaft 56 and the third shaft 57 and the link 6. The link 6L is provided with a C-shaped first hole 61L and a second hole 62L. The second shaft 56L is movably inserted through the first hole 61L along the first hole 61L, and the third shaft 57L is movable along the second hole 62L through the second hole 62L. Is inserted.

  Even when the second shaft 56L is moving along the first hole 61L, the third electromagnetic lock mechanism 93L can be fixed to the link 6L at the moving position. Further, the fourth electromagnetic lock mechanism 94L can be fixed to the link 6L at the moving position even when the third shaft 57L is moving along the second hole 62L. In addition, in FIG. 7, although the link 6L provided in the left wheel part 7L is shown, the right wheel part 7R has the same structure.

  Next, the operation of such a wheel angle changing mechanism 1 will be described. 8 to 10 show an embodiment in which the left wheel portion 7 is changed to a negative camber, and FIGS. 11 to 13 show an embodiment in which the left wheel portion 7 is changed to a positive camber.

  8 is a view showing a state in which the wheel portion 7 is changed to a negative camber, FIG. 9 is a plan view of the state of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a link portion.

  In order to change the wheel portion 7 to the negative camber as shown in FIG. 8, first, the first electromagnetic lock mechanism 91 is operated, and the carrier 55 is integrally connected to the frame 2 in a locked state incapable of moving. Fix it. Next, the fourth left electromagnetic lock mechanism 94L is actuated to integrally connect the outer gear 54 and the left link 6L in a locked state where they cannot move, as shown in FIG. In this state, when the link drive motor 4 is driven and the sun gear 51 is rotated clockwise as indicated by an arrow A shown in FIG. 8, all the planetary gears 52 are rotated counterclockwise, and the outer gear 54 is It rotates counterclockwise as shown by arrow B in FIG. Since the outer gear 54 is integrally connected to the left link 6L, the left third shaft 57L and the left link 6L integrally rotate counterclockwise as shown in FIG. At this time, since the third electromagnetic lock mechanism 93L is not operated, the left second shaft 56L is in a movable free state and moves along the left first hole 61L of the left link 6L. And the wheel part 7 is changed into a negative camber, as shown in FIG.

  11 is a view showing a state in which the wheel portion 7 is changed to a positive camber, FIG. 12 is a plan view of the state of FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a link portion.

  In order to change the wheel portion 7 to the negative camber as shown in FIG. 11, first, the second electromagnetic lock mechanism 92 is operated, and the outer gear 54 is integrally connected to the frame 2 in a locked state, Fix it. Next, the left third electromagnetic lock mechanism 93L is actuated, and as shown in FIG. 9, the carrier 55 and the left link 6L are integrally connected in a locked state incapable of movement. In this state, when the link driving motor 4 is driven and the sun gear 51 is rotated clockwise as indicated by the arrow A shown in FIG. 11, all the planetary gears 52 are rotated counterclockwise. At this time, since the outer gear 54 is fixed, the entire planetary gear 52 and the carrier 55 rotate clockwise as indicated by an arrow C shown in FIG. Since the carrier 55 is integrally connected to the left link 6L, the left second shaft 56L and the left link 6L rotate integrally clockwise as shown in FIG. At this time, since the fourth electromagnetic lock mechanism 94L is not activated, the left third shaft 57L is in a movable free state and moves along the left second hole 62L of the left link 6L. And the wheel part 7 is changed into a positive camber, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a variation in angle change of the wheel portions 7 of both the left and right wheels. FIG. 14 is a view as seen from the front.

  Table 1 shows the link drive motor drive direction, link connection portion, electromagnetic lock state, and gear unit state for each angle change variation of the wheel portion 7.

  In Table 1, the link drive motor drive direction is defined as + for clockwise and-for counterclockwise when viewed from the front. The link 6 indicates which of the carrier 55 and the outer gear 54 is connected. Further, the electromagnetic lock indicates an operating state when it is ON.

  For example, the state shown in FIG. 14E is the same state as in FIG. 8, and the state shown in FIG. 14H is the same state as in FIG. 14D and 14G are achieved by operating the upper and lower columns of Table 1. Note that either the upper or lower operation may be performed first.

  When the wheel portion 7 is changed to the state shown in FIGS. 14 (d), 14 (e) and 14 (f), the tread width is increased and the center of gravity can be moved downward, so that stable running is possible. Become.

  Further, if the wheel portion 7 is changed to the states shown in FIGS. 14 (g), 14 (h), and 14 (i), the minimum turning diameter can be reduced, so that the turning speed is increased and good turning is possible. It becomes possible.

  Thus, the positive camber and the negative camber can be controlled by one motor, and the camber angle can be controlled in phase and in phase.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  15 is an enlarged side view of the wheel angle changing mechanism 1 of the second embodiment, FIG. 16 is an enlarged side view of the gear unit 5 and the link 6 portion of the second embodiment, and FIG. 17 is the gear unit 5 of the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is an enlarged top view of the gear unit 5 and the link 6 portion of the second embodiment.

  The wheel angle changing mechanism 1 of the second embodiment is provided with two substantially the same wheels as the wheel angle changing mechanism 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, in the wheel angle changing mechanism 1 of the second embodiment, the front left wheel angle changing mechanism 1a changes the angle of the left wheel portion 7L, and the rear right wheel angle changing mechanism 1b The angle of the wheel portion 7R is changed. Therefore, the left wheel angle changing mechanism 1a is connected only to the left link 6L, and the right wheel angle changing mechanism 1b is connected only to the right link 6R. Moreover, it is preferable to arrange | position the connection part 67 of the left link 6L and the right link 6R, and the wheel part 7 so that it may overlap with the wheel shaft W seeing from upper direction.

Table 2 shows the link drive motor drive direction, link connection, electromagnetic lock state, and gear unit state for each angle change variation of the wheel unit 7 shown in FIG. 14 in the second embodiment.

  In Table 2, the link drive motor drive direction is defined as + for clockwise and-for counterclockwise when viewed from the front. The link 6 indicates which of the carrier 55 and the outer gear 54 is connected. Further, the electromagnetic lock indicates an operating state when it is ON.

  Here, the first embodiment and the second embodiment in the states of FIG. 14D and FIG. 14G will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an operating state in which the wheel unit 7 is in the state illustrated in FIGS. 14D and 14G in the first embodiment, and FIG. 20 illustrates the wheel unit 7 illustrated in FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation state used as the state of d) and FIG.14 (g).

  As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, in the wheel angle changing mechanism 1 of the first embodiment, the left and right wheel portions 7 must be operated separately, and thus the link drive motor 4 needs to be driven twice. However, in the wheel angle changing mechanism 1 of the second embodiment, the left and right wheel portions 7 can be changed in angle by the corresponding wheel angle changing mechanism 1, so that the link drive motor 4 is driven to operate. Time can be shortened.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, in the wheel angle changing mechanism 1 that changes the camber angle of the wheel portion 7, the link driving motor 4 that is supported by the frame 2 and generates the rotational driving force, and the link driving motor 4 A sun gear 51 rotating integrally with the motor shaft 4b, a plurality of planetary gears 52 arranged around the sun gear 51 and meshing with the sun gear 51, an annular member, arranged so as to surround the plurality of planetary gears 52, and the planetary gear 52 The meshing outer gear 54, the first shaft 53 that rotatably supports the planetary gear 52, the carrier 55 that is rotatably supported with respect to the motor shaft 4b of the link drive motor 4 and has the first shaft 53, and the carrier 55 or the outer gear. One of 54 is integrally connected to the wheel portion 7 and the other is supported with respect to the frame 2. A locking mechanism 9, so with a simple structure, the angle of the left and right wheels can be inclined separately, respectively. In addition, the structure is simple, the number of parts is small, and the weight can be reduced.

  The electromagnetic lock mechanism 9 includes a first electromagnetic lock mechanism 91 that can be switched between a locked state in which the frame 2 and the carrier 55 are integrally connected and a free state in which the frame 2 and the carrier 55 are movably connected, and the frame 2 and the outer gear 54. A second electromagnetic lock mechanism 92 that can be switched between a locked state that is connected to the vehicle and a free state that is movably connected; Since there is a switchable third electromagnetic lock mechanism 93, and a fourth electromagnetic lock mechanism 94 that can be switched between a locked state in which the wheel portion 7 and the outer gear 54 are integrally connected and a free state in which the wheel portion 7 and the outer gear 54 are movably connected. It is possible to switch and provide stable traveling or traveling with a small turning diameter.

  Also, the second shaft 56 provided on the carrier 55, the third shaft 57 provided on the outer gear 54, the link provided integrally with the wheel portion 7, and the link provided on the link, the second shaft 56 can be moved. A first hole 61 that is inserted through the second shaft 62 and a second hole 62 that is provided in the link and is movably inserted through the third shaft 57. The fourth electromagnetic lock mechanism 94 can be switched between a locked state in which the first hole 61 is immovably connected and a free state in which the first hole 61 is movable. Therefore, since it is possible to switch between a locked state in which movement is impossible and a free state in which movement is possible, it is inexpensive and can be easily assembled.

  Moreover, since the electromagnetic lock mechanism 9 is provided corresponding to each of the left and right wheel portions 7, the structure is simple, the number of parts is small, and the weight can be reduced.

  Moreover, since the wheel angle changing mechanism 1 is provided corresponding to each of the left and right wheel portions 7, it is possible to reduce the steps at the time of changing the wheel angle and to change the wheel angle quickly.

It is a front view of the wheel angle change mechanism of a 1st embodiment. It is a side view of the wheel angle change mechanism of a 1st embodiment. It is an enlarged side view of the wheel angle changing mechanism of the first embodiment. It is an enlarged side view of the gear unit and link part of 1st Embodiment. It is an enlarged front view of the gear unit and link part of 1st Embodiment. It is an enlarged top view of the gear unit and link part of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the connection part of a 2nd shaft and a 3rd shaft, and a link. It is a figure which shows the state which changed the wheel part 7 into the negative camber. It is a top view of the state of FIG. It is an enlarged view of a link part. It is a figure which shows the state which changed the wheel part 7 to the positive camber. It is a top view of the state of FIG. It is an enlarged view of a link part. It is a figure which shows the angle change variation of the wheel part 7 of both right-and-left wheels. It is an expanded side view of the wheel angle change mechanism 1 of 2nd Embodiment. It is an enlarged side view of the gear unit 5 and the link 6 part of 2nd Embodiment. It is an enlarged front view of the gear unit 5 and the link 6 part of 2nd Embodiment. It is an enlarged top view of the gear unit 5 and the link 6 part of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation state which the wheel part 7 will be in the state of FIG.14 (d) and FIG.14 (g) in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation state in which the wheel part 7 will be in the state of FIG.14 (d) and FIG.14 (g) in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Wheel angle change mechanism, 2 ... Frame (vehicle body), 3 ... Riding part, 4 ... Link drive motor (motor), 4a ... Motor main-body part, 4b ... Motor shaft (output shaft), 5 ... Gear unit, 51 ... Sun gear, 52 ... planetary gear, 53 ... first shaft, 54 ... outer gear, 55 ... carrier, 56 ... second shaft, 57 ... third shaft, 6 ... link, 7 ... wheel section, 7a ... wheel, 7b ... tire, 8 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Wheel drive motor, 9 ... Electromagnetic lock mechanism (connection means), 91 ... 1st electromagnetic lock mechanism (1st switching means), 92 ... 2nd electromagnetic lock mechanism (2nd switching means), 93 ... 3rd electromagnetic lock mechanism (3rd switching means), 94 ... 4th electromagnetic lock mechanism (4th switching means)

Claims (5)

In the wheel angle changing mechanism that changes the camber angle of the wheel part,
A motor that is supported by the vehicle body and generates a rotational driving force;
A sun gear that rotates integrally with the output shaft of the motor;
A plurality of planetary gears arranged around the sun gear and meshing with the sun gear;
An outer gear made of an annular member, arranged to surround the plurality of planetary gears, and meshing with the planetary gears;
A first shaft that rotatably supports the planetary gear;
A carrier rotatably supported with respect to the output shaft of the motor and having the first shaft;
A connecting means for connecting one of the carrier and the outer gear integrally with the wheel portion and supporting the other to the vehicle body;
A wheel angle changing mechanism characterized by comprising: The connecting means includes
A first switching means switchable between a locked state in which the vehicle body and the carrier are integrally coupled and a free state in which the vehicle body and the carrier are movably coupled;
A second switching means switchable between a locked state in which the vehicle body and the outer gear are integrally connected and a free state in which the vehicle body and the outer gear are movably connected;
A third switching means switchable between a locked state in which the wheel portion and the carrier are integrally coupled and a free state in which the wheel portion and the carrier are movably coupled;
A fourth switching means switchable between a locked state in which the wheel portion and the outer gear are integrally connected and a free state in which the wheel portion and the outer gear are movably connected;
The wheel angle changing mechanism according to claim 1, comprising: A second shaft provided on the carrier;
A third shaft provided on the outer gear;
A link provided integrally with the wheel portion;
A first hole provided in the link and movably inserted through the second shaft;
A second hole provided in the link and movably inserted through the third shaft;
Have
The third switching means is switchable between a locked state in which the second shaft is connected to the first hole portion so as not to move and a free state in which the second shaft is movably connected,
The fourth switching means can be switched between a locked state in which the third shaft is connected to the second hole portion so as not to move and a free state in which the third shaft is movably connected. Or the wheel angle change mechanism of Claim 2. The wheel angle changing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting means is provided corresponding to the left and right wheel portions. The wheel angle changing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wheel angle changing mechanism is provided corresponding to the left and right wheel portions.

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