JP2012153284A - Wheel base tread variable vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle that can change the tread in addition to the inclination of a wheel base and a seat by a simple mechanism.SOLUTION: The wheel base tread variable vehicle includes: two frames 2 having a shape extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and connected to front wheels FW and a seat SV; a moving mechanism 7 connected to rear wheels RW and the two frames 2, and relatively movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the two frames 2; and a frame supporting part 3 for supporting the two frames 2 in a movable manner in the vehicle right-to-left direction. As the moving mechanism 7 is relatively moved to the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the two frames 2, the rear wheels RW are relatively moved to the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the front wheels FW, the two frames 2 are inclined in a lying manner around the front wheels FW, the seat SV is inclined in the lying manner, the two frames 2 are moved outwardly in the vehicle right-to-left direction, and the front wheels FW are also moved outwardly in the vehicle right-to-left direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle capable of changing a wheel base, a seat inclination, and a tread.

  A limited space can be used effectively if the vehicle is deformed according to the application. Already, there have been proposals for vehicles that can change the length of the wheelbase (the distance between the center of the front and rear wheels) and the inclination of the vehicle seat in accordance with the state of travel (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-231415 A

  However, no proposal has been made to change the length of the wheel base, the inclination of the vehicle seat, and the width of the tread. If the width of the tread can be changed in addition to the conventional technology, the vehicle can be more convenient. The mechanism for changing the wheel base, seat inclination and tread is desired to be as simple as possible.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle in which the tread can be changed in addition to the inclination of the wheel base and the seat by a simple mechanism.

In order to achieve the above object, in the invention described in claim 1, two frames (2) having a shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and connected to the front wheel (FW) and the seat (SV),
A movement mechanism (7) connected to the rear wheel (RW) and the two frames (2) and capable of moving relative to the two frames (2) in the vehicle longitudinal direction;
A frame support (3) that supports the two frames (2) so as to be movable in the vehicle left-right direction;
The distance between the two frames (2) and the ground becomes wider from the vehicle front side toward the vehicle rear side in the movement range of the movement mechanism (7).
The distance between the two frames (2) in the left-right direction of the vehicle is narrower from the vehicle front side toward the vehicle rear side in the movement range of the movement mechanism (7).
The moving mechanism (7) regulates the distance between the two frames (2) and the ground and the distance between the two frames (2) in the left-right direction of the vehicle at the connection portion between the two frames (2). Is supposed to
As the moving mechanism (7) moves relative to the vehicle rear side with respect to the two frames (2), the rear wheel (RW) moves relative to the front wheel (FW) relative to the vehicle rear side. The frame (2) tilts so that it sleeps with the front wheel (FW) as the center and the seat (SV) also tilts so that the two frames (2) move outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle and the front wheel (FW) also The vehicle moves outward in the left-right direction.

  According to this, as the moving mechanism (7) moves relative to the two frames (2) relative to the rear side of the vehicle, the wheel base expands, the seat (SV) tilts so that it sleeps, and the tread Expanding.

  That is, since the moving mechanism (7) relatively moves in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the wheel base, the seat inclination and the tread can be changed in conjunction with each other. Can be changed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the wheelbase / tread variable vehicle according to the first aspect, the vehicle is provided with a connection ring (9) rotatable around two frames (2),
The front wheel (FW) is connected to two frames (2) via a connection ring (9).

  According to this, when the two frames (2) rotate around the frame rotation axis (3) toward the outside in the lateral direction of the vehicle, the connection ring (9) rotates around the two frames (2). Therefore, it is suppressed that a front wheel (FW) rotates toward the vehicle left-right direction outer side.

  For this reason, when a tread is expanded, it can suppress that a front wheel (FW) opens into a C shape seeing from the vehicle front.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the wheelbase / tread variable vehicle according to the first or second aspect, the vehicle has a shape extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and includes an arm (6) connected to the front wheel (FW).
The two frames (2) are connected to the front wheel (FW) via the arm (6),
As the two frames (2) tilt so as to lie on the front wheel (FW), the arm (6) rotates about the front wheel (FW) and the caster angle of the front wheel (FW) increases. It is characterized by.

  Thereby, when the wheel base is enlarged, the caster angle of the front wheel (FW) is also enlarged, so that the straight traveling performance can be improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the wheelbase tread variable vehicle according to any one of the first to third aspects further comprises a rack extending along the two frames (2),
The moving mechanism (7) has a gear (14) that meshes with the rack,
When the gear (14) rotates while meshing with the rack, the moving mechanism (7) moves relative to the two frames (2) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

  According to this, since the moving mechanism (7) can be fixed at an arbitrary position within the range in which the rack is provided, it is possible to realize a contradictory state of movement and fixing, and a riding posture that is close to the ideal of the occupant. Can be formed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the wheelbase / tread variable vehicle according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the two frames (2) have an elliptical shape and are mutually connected at two front and rear positions. Crossed,
The frame support part (3) is composed of a frame rotation shaft (3) that rotatably connects the two frames (2) at two positions in the front and rear,
As the moving mechanism (7) moves relative to the two frames (2) relative to the rear side of the vehicle, the two frames (2) move outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle around the frame rotation axis (3). It is characterized by rotating toward.

  According to this, the two frames (2) can be moved in the left-right direction of the vehicle with a simple configuration.

  In addition, the code | symbol in the bracket | parenthesis of each means described in this column and the claim shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

1 is a front perspective view of a wheelbase / tread variable vehicle (a state in which the width of a wheelbase / tread is minimum) according to the present embodiment. 1 is a front perspective view of a wheelbase / tread variable vehicle (a state in which the width of a wheelbase / tread is maximum) according to the present embodiment. It is a side view of the wheel base tread variable vehicle (the state where the width of the wheel base tread is minimum) according to the present embodiment. It is a side view of the wheel base tread variable vehicle (the state where the width of the wheel base tread is maximum) according to the present embodiment. It is the front view which showed the variable arm 6, front wheel FW, etc. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected by the AA 'direction of FIG. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected by the BB 'direction of FIG. It is a figure showing the mechanism of the variable device. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected in CC 'direction of FIG.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the following description, the left side in FIGS. 3 and 4 is the front of the vehicle 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a vehicle 1 which is a wheel base / frame variable vehicle includes a main frame 2 (frame) composed of two in FIG. 1, and the main frame 2 intersects two oval frames. And is connected so as to be rotatable at two positions before and after the frame rotation shaft 3 (frame support portion). The main frame 2 can rotate around an axis 4 connecting the centers of the front and rear frame rotation axes 3.

  A seat stay 5 is joined to the rear frame rotation shaft 3, and the upper end of the vehicle seat SV (seat) is movably connected to the seat stay 5. The lower end of the vehicle seat SV is connected to the variable arm 6 (arm )It is connected to the. As shown in FIG. 1, a variable device 7 (moving mechanism) is connected between main frames 2 by two connecting rings 8 so as to restrict the two main frames 2 to a predetermined distance. RW is connected (FIG. 3). The driving device MD for driving the rear wheels is connected to a vehicle power source (not shown) mounted in the rear wheel RW.

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, a connection ring 9 is connected to the main frame 2 to be rotatable around the frame 2, and the connection ring 9 is connected to the variable arm 6 to be rotatable about the shaft 10. (FIG. 6) A front wheel FW is connected to the tip of the variable arm 6. The left and right variable arms 6 are connected in a linear direction so that the variable arm 11 can be accommodated in the variable arm 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the variable device 7 is built in a state in which a drive device 12 (for example, a motor) and a power source 13 (for example, a battery) are electrically connected. A gear 14 is connected to the drive device 12 and exists so as to mesh with a rack provided on the main frame 2. The rack provided in the main frame 2 exists within the range in which the variable device 7 moves from the form of FIG. 1 to the form of FIG.

  When the variable device 7 moves, the angle during which the main frame 2 is formed at the portion where the variable device 7 is located increases in the form of FIG. 1 and decreases in the form of FIG. It can be rotated around the axis.

  Next, an operation method when changing the wheel base, the tread, and the frame of the wheel base / tread variable vehicle 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the vehicle 1 is traveling in a minimum state. When the driver of the vehicle desires to drive the vehicle 1 at high speed, the drive device 12 of the variable device 7 is driven by operating an operation switch (not shown) of the vehicle 1. When the driving device 12 of the variable device 7 is driven, the gear 14 rotates, and the variable device 7 moves to the rear of the vehicle 1 while meshing with the rack provided on the main frame 2.

  When the variable device 7 moves to the rear of the vehicle 1, the rear wheel RW connected to the variable device 7 also moves simultaneously, the wheelbase becomes maximum, and the connection ring 9 connected to the main frame 2 moves to the left and right outside. The tread changes to the maximum by moving and moving the front wheel FW connected via the variable arm 6 to the left and right sides. At this time, due to the movement of the variable arm 6, the width of the vehicle seat SV connected to the variable arm 6 is also maximized. Further, the main frame 2 rotates clockwise about an axis 16 passing through the centers of the left and right front wheels, and the main frame 2 is inclined so as to lie down. (Shown in FIGS. 2 and 4). When the inclination of the main frame 2 changes rearward, the vehicle seat SV connected to the rear of the main frame 2 via the rotary shaft 3 and the seat stay 5 also rotates clockwise with the driver about the shaft 16. Tilt backwards. By a series of operations, the vehicle 1 is deformed into a form as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, thereby lowering the center of gravity and improving the straight running stability, so that the vehicle 1 is in a state suitable for high speed running.

  2 and 4, the wheel base, tread, and frame width are increased, and the hole base, tread, and frame widths are reduced again, as shown in FIGS. When the vehicle is traveling at low speed, the driver operates the operation switch (not shown) of the vehicle 1 to drive the drive device 12 of the variable device 7 in the opposite direction to that described above. As a result, when the drive device 12 of the variable device 7 is driven, the gear 14 rotates, and the variable device 7 moves forward of the vehicle 1 while meshing with the rack provided in the main frame 2.

  When the variable device 7 moves to the front of the vehicle 1, the rear wheel RW connected to the variable device 7 also moves at the same time, the wheelbase is minimized, and the connection ring 9 connected to the main frame 2 is located on the left and right inner sides. The tread is changed to the minimum by moving and moving the front wheel FW connected via the variable arm 6 to the left and right inside. At this time, the movement of the variable arm 6 also minimizes the width of the vehicle seat SV connected to the variable arm 6. Further, the main frame 2 rotates counterclockwise about the shaft 16 and the main frame 2 rises. (Shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). When the inclination of the main frame 2 rises forward, the vehicle seat SV connected to the rear of the main frame 2 via the rotary shaft 3 and the seat stay 5 also rotates counterclockwise around the shaft 16 together with the driver. Get up ahead. The vehicle 1 is transformed into a form as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 by a series of operations, thereby making it possible to improve the driver's field of view, improving the comfort of the driver when boarding the vehicle 1, It is in a state suitable for low-speed driving.

  According to the present embodiment, by driving the variable device 7, the main frame 2 is rotated about the shaft 16, the rear wheel RW is moved in the front-rear direction with respect to the front wheel FW, and the main frame 2 is tilted. The inclination of the vehicle seat SV can be changed in conjunction with the change in the wheel base, and at the same time, the front wheel FW can be moved left and right to change the tread. With this configuration, in addition to the change in the length of the wheel base and the inclination of the vehicle seat, the change in the tread length can be adjusted to a state as necessary with a simple configuration.

  Further, by connecting the connection ring 9 connected to the main frame 2 so as to be rotatable around the main frame 2, the front wheel FW is adjusted so that it does not open into a letter C when viewed from the front of the vehicle during the deformation process. Can do.

  Furthermore, by making the variable arm 6 rotatable about the shaft 16, the caster angle of the front wheel FW can be increased in the form of FIGS.

  Further, by using a mechanism for moving the variable device 3 by rotating the gear 14 while meshing with a rack provided on the main frame 2, the variable device 3 can be fixed at an arbitrary position. This makes it possible to realize a state to perform, and to form an ideal riding posture that suits the operator.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  (1) When the vehicle automatically detects its traveling speed and exceeds the predetermined speed, the variable device 3 is activated to enlarge the wheelbase and tread, and when the vehicle becomes below the predetermined speed The wheel base and the tread may be shortened.

  (2) The vehicle may be capable of traveling with the front and rear wheels fixed in a plurality of intermediate states between a state where the width between the wheel base and the tread is maximum and a minimum state.

  (3) As a mechanism for moving the variable device 3, the variable device may be moved by passing a wire through the main frame and pulling the wire with a drive device (for example, a motor).

  The invention that can be grasped from the above embodiment will be described below.

In the present invention, two frames having a shape extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and connected to the front wheel and the seat;
A moving mechanism connected to the rear wheel and the two frames and capable of moving relative to the two frames in the vehicle longitudinal direction;
A frame support portion that supports the two frames so as to be movable in the vehicle left-right direction;
The distance between the two frames and the ground becomes wider in the moving range of the moving mechanism from the vehicle front side toward the vehicle rear side,
The distance between the two frames in the left-right direction of the vehicle is narrower from the vehicle front side toward the vehicle rear side in the movement range of the movement mechanism,
The moving mechanism is configured to regulate the distance between the two frames and the ground, and the distance between the two frames in the left-right direction of the vehicle at the connecting portion between the two frames.
As the moving mechanism moves relative to the vehicle rear side with respect to the two frames, the rear wheel moves relative to the front wheel relative to the vehicle rear side, and the two frames tilt so as to sleep around the front wheel. The seat is also tilted like sleeping, and the two frames move outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and the front wheels also move outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

In the present invention, a connection ring that can rotate around two frames is provided,
The front wheel is characterized in that it is connected to two frames via a connection ring.

Further, in the present invention, the vehicle has a shape extending in the left-right direction, and includes an arm (6) connected to the front wheel,
The two frames are connected to the front wheels via arms,
As the two frames incline so as to sleep on the front wheel, the arm rotates about the front wheel, and the caster angle of the front wheel increases.

In the present invention, a rack extending along the two frames is provided.
The moving mechanism has a gear meshing with the rack,
When the gear rotates while meshing with the rack, the moving mechanism moves relative to the two frames in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

In the present invention, the two frames have an elliptical shape and are arranged so as to intersect with each other at two front and rear positions.
The frame support part is composed of a frame rotation shaft that rotatably connects two frames at two positions in the front and rear,
As the moving mechanism moves relative to the two frames relative to the rear side of the vehicle, the two frames rotate about the frame rotation axis toward the outside in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

1 Wheelbase / tread variable vehicle 2 Main frame 3 Frame rotation axis 4 axis (Axis connecting the center of the front and rear frame rotation axis 3)
5 Seat Stay 6 Variable Arm 7 Variable Device 8 Connection Ring 9 Connection Ring 10 Axis 11 Variable Arm 12 Drive Device 13 Power Supply 14 Gear 15 Axis 16 Axis (Axis passing through the center of the left and right of the front wheel)
SV vehicle seat FW front wheel RW rear wheel MD drive unit

Claims (5)

Two frames (2) having a shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and connected to the front wheel (FW) and the seat (SV);
A moving mechanism (7) connected to a rear wheel (RW) and the two frames (2), and movable relative to the two frames (2) in the vehicle front-rear direction;
A frame support portion (3) for supporting the two frames (2) so as to be movable in the vehicle left-right direction;
The distance between the two frames (2) and the ground becomes wider from the vehicle front side toward the vehicle rear side in the movement range of the movement mechanism (7).
The distance between the two frames (2) in the vehicle left-right direction is narrower from the vehicle front side toward the vehicle rear side in the movement range of the movement mechanism (7).
The moving mechanism (7) includes a distance between the two frames (2) and the ground, and a vehicle left-right direction between the two frames (2) at a connection portion between the two frames (2). To regulate the interval in
As the moving mechanism (7) moves relative to the two frames (2) toward the vehicle rear side, the rear wheel (RW) moves relative to the front wheel (FW) toward the vehicle rear side. The two frames (2) are tilted so that they sleep on the front wheel (FW) and the seat (SV) is also tilted, and the two frames (2) are moved outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. A wheelbase / tread variable vehicle that moves and the front wheel (FW) also moves outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. A connecting ring (9) rotatable around the two frames (2),
The wheel base / tread variable vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the front wheel (FW) is connected to the two frames (2) via the connection ring (9). The vehicle has a shape extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and includes an arm (6) connected to the front wheel (FW).
The two frames (2) are connected to the front wheel (FW) via the arm (6),
As the two frames (2) tilt so as to lie about the front wheel (FW), the arm (6) rotates about the front wheel (FW), and the caster of the front wheel (FW) The wheel base tread variable vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a corner is enlarged. A rack extending along the two frames (2);
The moving mechanism (7) has a gear (14) that meshes with the rack;
When the gear (14) rotates while meshing with the rack, the moving mechanism (7) moves relative to the two frames (2) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The wheelbase tread variable vehicle according to any one of the above. The two frames (2) have an elliptical shape and are arranged so as to cross each other at two places in the front and rear.
The frame support portion (3) includes a frame rotation shaft (3) that rotatably connects the two frames (2) at the two front and rear positions.
As the moving mechanism (7) moves relative to the two frames (2) relative to the rear side of the vehicle, the two frames (2) move around the frame rotation axis (3). The wheelbase tread variable vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle rotates in the left-right direction.