JP6030794B1 - Body tilting device for front motorcycles - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To hold an upright posture without falling even when the vehicle is in a stopped state, and to tilt the vehicle body in the turning direction mechanically according to steering of the steering wheel to enable stable curve traveling, making it easy for elderly people to ride Use a front two-wheel steering bicycle. A linear bushing 22 incorporating a slide shaft 23 is fixed to a front hub 21 attached to a swing arm 31, and a pitman arm 41 integrated with a connecting plate 26 is fixed to a steering shaft 13 for connection. The rod end Brg25 connected to the plate 26 and the slide shaft 23 are connected, and the pitman arm 41 is connected to the knuckle arm 45L via the link ball Brg46 and the connecting rod 47S, and the steering wheel 11 is steered to the left. Simultaneously with the rod end Brg25 and the pitman arm 41 turning to the left and the front wheels 15L and 15R turning to the left via the connecting rod 47L, the vehicle body 1 can be mechanically tilted in the turning direction. The configuration. [Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a bicycle that is steered by two front wheels on the left and right and drives a rear wheel.

  Conventionally, front two-wheel steering three-wheeled bicycles, etc. are more stable than conventional two-wheeled bicycles, so they have been developed for elderly people and those who are not accustomed to riding bicycles. It was difficult to incline and it was necessary to reduce the speed of the bicycle to the extreme (below walking speed) because of the fear of falling outward due to centrifugal force. In order to solve this problem, as a three-wheeled bicycle having two front wheels on the left and one on the left and one rear wheel, the following proposals have been made in order to facilitate curve traveling by mechanically tilting the vehicle body when turning.

  For example, Patent Document 1 already filed by the present applicant has a pair of left and right formed in a curved shape attached to a steering turning shaft while maintaining the stability of the vehicle body by an upright posture holding function by a spring and a swing mechanism. Even if the cam is in contact with a plurality of rotating bodies attached to the swing arm of the swing mechanism and stopped by holding the handle, the bicycle does not fall down even if both feet are put on the pedal, and stable riding is possible. Yes, the front two wheels are steered by steering the steering wheel when turning, and the body tilts in the direction of the vehicle body by the cam and the rotating body. It has been proposed that it can be tilted easily, and can be smoothly curved like a normal two-wheeled bicycle, and can be kept stable as a front two-wheel steering bicycle.

Japanese Patent No. 5571611

  The three-wheeled bicycle described in Patent Document 1 maintains the stability of the vehicle body by an upright posture holding function and a swing mechanism by a spring, and can be stably boarded. Since the car body is mechanically tilted in the turning direction in conjunction with the direction of the front wheels, the body is easy to tilt in the car body tilting direction, enabling smooth curve driving similar to a normal two-wheeled bicycle, The rotating body is composed of a plurality of left and right cams mounted on the turning shafts of the front two wheels, and by operating the handle, the plurality of cams move separately with respect to the respective rotating bodies. If the rotating bodies come into contact with each other at the same time, the steering wheel operation may become heavy or may not move. Therefore, a certain gap is always required between the cam and the rotating body, and this gap generates rattling as play on the left and right sides of the vehicle body. However, there is no problem for those who are used to riding bicycles, but for elderly people and those who are not used to riding bicycles, the fact that the body swings to the left and right is caught by the sense that the bicycle is not stable, and there is anxiety that it is difficult to ride. It was.

  Further, the turning angles of the front wheels are 45 to 50 degrees from the straight state to the left and right, respectively, and since the vehicle body is inclined during this time, the distance that the cam contacts the rotating body is shortened, and the contact angle of the cam with respect to the rotating body is increased. The tilt of the cam tilts the vehicle body, but this tilt also works in the opposite direction, and the fact that the cam is connected to the steering turning shaft of the front two wheels, When an external force is applied, the handle easily turns in conjunction with the movement of the vehicle body, and when one of the wheels rides on a step, there is a problem that the handle tends to swing, causing dissatisfaction that it is difficult to ride. It was.

  In addition, since a large load is applied to the cam when the bicycle is turned, the cam mounting tool ensures the strength of the components that can withstand the load, and the groove for preventing rotation of the mounting portion on the turning shaft and the cam support portion. Protrusion processing for non-rotating is required, the accuracy of the cam and rotating body mounting structure including the cam shape is required, and the tilt angle during turning is changed according to the rider's physique, exercise capacity and preference If it is desired to do so, it is necessary to change the shape of the cam by remanufacturing or to prepare a cam with a different shape as a spare, resulting in an increase in manufacturing cost.

  The present invention is intended to solve the problem of such a conventional configuration. When the vehicle is stopped, the vehicle body is reduced in the lateral movement, and the vehicle body receives external force from the left and right. However, the purpose is to eliminate the dissatisfaction that it is difficult to ride and to reduce the cost by making the structure that the steering wheel is difficult to rotate, so that elderly people, people who are not accustomed to riding, etc. can easily get on.

  In a front two-wheeled bicycle that can be steered by two front wheels and the vehicle body can be tilted to the left and right, a slide mechanism or a slide mechanism on the rotating body below the center of the swinging arm connected to the side post that supports the left and right front wheels, or A link mechanism etc. is integrated to form a movable connecting body with smooth movement with little backlash, and a universal joint is connected to a connecting member provided on a steering shaft built in the handle post, and the steering The universal joint can be turned around the axis of the shaft, the universal joint and the movable connection body are connected, and the universal joint is rotated by a steering wheel, and the universal joint is connected via the movable connection body. The gist of the structure is that the vehicle body can be tilted by the swing of the swing mechanism acting on the swing arm.

  In order to make effective use of the advantages of the front two-wheel bicycle and secure a sufficient loading space, the front and rear distances between the handle post and the side post supporting the front two-wheel are widened to make the bicycle easier to use. A bearing set fixed to a bearing holder that holds a rocking bearing at the center of the rocking mechanism in a state in which a rotating body having a movable connecting body is attached below the center of the rocking arm of the moving mechanism. The connecting member is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft, and a universal joint is connected to the connecting member, and the connecting joint can be rotated with the connecting shaft of the bearing set as a base point. In a state where the body is connected, a plurality of different universal joints are connected by a connecting member, and one of the universal joints is attached to an attachment member provided at another position of the connecting member connected to the connecting shaft of the bearing set. Mounting The other universal joint is attached to a mounting member provided on a steering shaft built in the handle post, and is based on the steering shaft. The gist of the present invention is a structure in which the swing mechanism can be swung by the swivel action of all the universal joints by steering the steering wheel.

  A connecting member provided on a steering shaft built in the handle post, or a connecting member rotatably connected to a connecting shaft of a bearing set fixed to the swing bearing holder, and a mounting member. A structure in which the two pitman arms for steering the front wheels are provided, and can be rotated simultaneously with the universal joint, and the vehicle body tilts in the direction in which the front two wheels face according to the steering angle of the steering wheel during a curve. Is the gist.

  Connection of the universal joint connected to a connection member provided on a steering shaft built in the handle post or a connection member rotatably connected to a connection shaft of a bearing set fixed to the bearing holder The distance from the connecting member of the universal joint can be freely changed by interposing one or more connecting devices in combination with the steering shaft or the axis of the connecting shaft of the bearing set as a base point The gist of the present invention is a structure in which the turning radius between the universal joint and the connecting portion of the movable connecting mechanism can be increased or decreased, and the vehicle body inclination angle of the front two-wheel bicycle can be changed.

  According to the present invention, the structure is such that the steering wheel is difficult to rotate even when the vehicle body receives external force from the left and right in a stationary state, the vehicle body shake is reduced, and the steering wheel shake when one wheel rides on a step during driving is reduced. As a result, the running is stable and it is easy for older people and those who are not used to riding, and the vehicle body inclination angle can be freely set according to the rider, enabling stable speed running. In addition, commercial parts are used in the main part, enabling cost reduction.

1 is a front view showing a first embodiment of a vehicle body tilting apparatus for a front two-wheel bicycle of the present invention. It is an AA principal part expanded sectional view of FIG. It is BB principal part sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a vehicle body tilting state when turning left from the state of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of FIG. 5. It is a front view which shows the vehicle body inclination state at the time of left turn from the state of FIG. It is a front view which shows the 2nd Example of the vehicle body tilting apparatus of the front two-wheel bicycle of this invention. It is CC principal part expanded sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a relevant part of DD in FIG. 9. It is a bottom view of FIG. It is a front view which shows the vehicle body inclination state at the time of left turn from the state of FIG. It is a bottom view of FIG. It is a front view which shows the vehicle body inclination state at the time of left turn from the state of FIG. It is a front view which shows the 3rd Example of the vehicle body tilting apparatus of the front two-wheel bicycle of this invention. It is the EE principal part expanded sectional view of FIG. It is FF principal part sectional drawing of FIG. It is a bottom view of FIG. It is a front view which shows the vehicle body inclination state at the time of left turn from the state of FIG. FIG. 20 is a bottom view of FIG. 19. FIG. 16 is a front view showing a vehicle body tilting state when turning left from the state of FIG. 15.

  The front two-wheel bicycle according to the embodiment of the present invention can be considered to have one rear wheel or two rear wheels. In the present application, three examples of the vehicle body tilting device 2 are constituted by a three-wheel bicycle 1 having one general rear wheel. Will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  In this embodiment, both the first to third examples shown in FIG. 1 are used to ride on the three-wheeled bicycle 1, hold the handle 11 in the straight traveling state, and move straight toward the front. , 15R side is the front, the rear wheel 16 side is the rear, the left hand side of the grip portion 19 is the left, the right hand side is the right, the three-wheeled bicycle 1 will be described. Further, the three-wheeled bicycle 1 will be described as the vehicle body 1 according to the state of the text, and description of devices that are not directly related to the vehicle body tilting device 2 of the three-wheeled bicycle 1 such as brakes and pedals will be omitted.

  1 and 2, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the existing structure related to the vehicle body tilting device 2 of the three-wheeled bicycle 1 has a steering shaft 13 connected to the handle 11, Side posts 42L and 42R are arranged on the left and right of the support frame 17 that is pivotally supported by the steering bearing 14 of the post 12 and fixed to the front of the handle post 12, and the two front wheels 15L and 15R are turned bearing bearings 44L and 44R. The knuckle arms 45L and 45R are connected to the turning shafts 43L and 43R pivotally supported by the knuckle arms 45L and 45R. The knuckle arms 45L and 45R have a plurality of link balls Brg46 (universal joints) whose upper ends are connected to both ends of the connecting rod 47L. ), One of the plurality of link balls Brg46 connected to both ends of the connecting rod 47S is connected to the lower end of the knuckle arm 45L, and the other is connected to the pitman. It is connected to the distal end upper portion of the over arm 41.

In the swing mechanism 3, a swing hub 33C of a bicycle hub is fixed to the bearing holder 34 at the center and fixed to the support frame 17, and the center of the swing arm 31 is connected to the connecting shaft 32C of the swing bearing 33C. They are connected to the front and rear, respectively, and both ends are connected to the front and rear of the connecting shafts 32L and 32R of the swing bearings 33L and 33R fixed to the side posts 42L and 42R, respectively.
The spring 35 is for holding an upright posture, and is fixed to a spring receiver 36 that is fixed to the support frame 17 at the center and is connected to the rocking bearings 33L and 33R of the bicycle hub fixed to the side posts 42L and 42R. The movable arm 31 and the side posts 42L, 42R are interlocked so as to be configured as a swing mechanism 3 that can suppress movement when the vehicle body 1 is tilted to the left and right and can restore the vehicle body 1 vertically.

  The above existing structure is common to the first to third embodiments, and the vehicle body tilting device 2 is newly installed in the existing structure so that the vehicle body is mechanically tilted in the turning direction by steering the steering wheel. It becomes.

  The difference between the caster angles before and after the handle post 12 and the side post 42R shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 9 is that a normal two-wheeled bicycle has a caster angle at the rear of the wheel post with reference to the vertical state from the ground contact surface of the wheel. For passenger cars, buggy cars, etc. that are steered by the front two wheels, the caster angle is set so that the side post 42R is tilted about 3 to 5 degrees rearward. Therefore, the handle post 12 of this embodiment is adjusted to the familiar caster angle of a two-wheeled bicycle, and the front two-wheel side post 42R that actually turns is adjusted to the caster angle of a passenger car, a buggy car or the like. Therefore, even if the side posts 42L and 42R are arranged in front of the handle post 12, the axis of the handle post 12 and the axis of the side posts 42L and 42R are on the same line on the left and right as well as when the setting is made to intersect below. Since there are cases where the caster angles are the same, the vehicle body tilting apparatus 2 that conforms to these conditions is configured in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and FIG. The vehicle body tilting device 2 is configured that can be adapted even when the posts 42L and 42R are arranged to move significantly forward of the handle post 12.

A first embodiment of the vehicle body tilting device 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
The vehicle body tilting device 2 includes a connecting plate 26 (connection) formed by bending a metal plate at the lower end portion of the steering shaft 13 supported by the steering bearing 14 fixed to the handle post 12 as shown in FIGS. Member) is directed downward and the pitman arm 41 is fixed obliquely forward, the rod end Brg25 (universal joint) is connected to the connecting plate 26, and the link ball Brg46 (universal joint) is connected to the tip of the pitman arm 41. Are connected to a knuckle arm 45L by a link ball Brg46 through a connecting rod 47S.
The front hub 21 (rotating body) is connected to the mounting plate 27 fixed to the pedestal portion 37 of the swing arm 31, and is positioned below the center of the swing bearing 33 </ b> C of the swing arm 31. The linear bushing 22 (movable coupling body) is fixed to the fixed plate 24 that is fixed, the slide shaft 23 (movable coupling body) is incorporated, and is coupled to the rod end Brg 25 to rotate the steering shaft 13. The rod end Brg 25 is rotated by the movement, and the swing arm 31 is swung via the slide shaft 23, the linear bush 22 and the front hub 21.

  The swing arm 31 of the swing mechanism 3 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is bent in a substantially U shape with a plurality of metal plates, is long on the left and right, and the pedestal portion 37 to which the mounting plate 27 is fixed swings. Located at the left and right lower portions of the bearing 33C, facing the inside, the center portion is pivotally supported by the connecting shaft 32C of the rocking bearing 33C, and the left and right tip portions are fixed to the lower portions of the side posts 42L and 42R. The swinging bearing 31 is pivotally supported by the connecting shafts 32L and 32R of the swinging bearings 33L and 33R, the swinging arm 31 swings up and down around the connecting shaft 32C, and the side posts 42L and 42R move vertically and horizontally.

The front hub 21 is a front wheel hub for city bicycles, and a fixing plate 24 provided with a plurality of mounting holes bent by a metal plate is fixed to a portion of the front hub 21 to which a fork is attached, The fixed shaft 21C can be turned as a base point.
The front hub 21 can use other bearings as long as the fixed plate can be fixed by a rotating body.

  The mounting plate 27 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 includes a plurality of metal plates bent at right angles, a plurality of mounting holes provided on one surface, and bolts 61 and nuts on the pedestal portion 37 of the swing arm 31. The other surface is directed downward, and a long hole 28 is provided in parallel with the mounting surface. The fixed shaft 21C of the front hub 21 is slidably fitted and fixed by the nut 62. In the front hub 21, the axis of the fixed shaft 21C is parallel to the swing arm 31, and the center of the fixed shaft 21C in the left-right direction is located below the connecting shaft 32C. On the other hand, the installation which acts symmetrically is desirable.

  The mounting plate 27 is fixed to the front and rear pedestals 37 with bolts 61 and nuts 62 at a right angle to the swing arm 31 to increase the rigidity of the swing arm 31 and each of the front wheels 15L and 15R during traveling. It also serves to prevent twisting of the swing arm 31 when a non-uniform load is applied.

  The flange portion of the linear bushing 22 is fixed to the fixing plate 24 fixed to the front hub 21 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 with bolts 61 and nuts 62, and the threaded portion of the slide shaft 23 with one end threaded. It is incorporated in a state of facing downward, and can swing back and forth around the axis of the fixed shaft 21C of the front hub 21 as a base point.

  The connection plate 26 for connecting the rod end Brg 25 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 is a metal plate bent in a state of being integrated with the pitman arm 41, and directed downward from the bent portion to the lower end portion of the steering shaft 13. The connecting surface of the rod end Brg25 is fixed to the rear of the steering shaft 13, and the rod end Brg25 is connected via the connecting fitting 29 (connector) with the built-in free Brg portion positioned in front. The rod end Brg25 can be turned around the axis of the steering shaft 13 by being connected to the connecting plate 26 with a bolt 61.

The built-in free Brg of the rod end Brg25 connected to the connecting plate 26 and the slide shaft 23 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and the slide shaft 23 are connected by a nut through a washer 63 to constitute the vehicle body tilting device 2.
By making the outer diameter of the slide shaft 23, the outer diameter of the washer 63, and the outer diameter of the mounting surface of the built-in free Brg of the rod end Brg25 the same, the inclination of the built-in free Brg of the rod end Brg25 can be increased. The tilt angle of the vehicle body 1 can be increased.

2 and 4 has a strength that allows the inner and outer diameters to be adjusted to the sizes of the rod end Brg 25 and the bolt 61, and the length can be freely changed. By changing the length, the steering shaft 13 can be changed. The distance from the axis of the shaft to the center of the connecting portion of the rod end Brg25 and the slide shaft 23 can be changed. If the distance is shortened, the turning radius from the axis of the steering shaft 13 is shortened, and the inclination angle of the vehicle body 1 As the distance decreases and the distance increases, the turning radius increases and the inclination angle of the vehicle body 1 increases.
The connection fitting 29 can be a combination of a plurality of other metal collars, washers, and the like, so that the turning radius can be freely changed.

  The pitman arm 41 bent integrally with the connection plate 26 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is attached to the steering shaft 13 in a state where the attachment portion of the link ball Brg 46 is located at the front end portion of the steering shaft 13 diagonally forward. 5 and 6, the steering shaft 13 is rotated to the left by steering, and is formed in a shape that does not contact the linear bushing 22. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the turning shaft 43 </ b> R is formed. In contrast, the link post Brg 46 attached to the front end of the pitman arm 41 and the link ball Brg46 connected to the knuckle arm 45L are connected by the connecting rod 47S, and the pitman arm 41 is rotated. In this case, the load applied between the link balls Brg 46 connected to the connecting rod 47S is divided into a case of pulling and a case of pushing, and it is applied to the handle when turning. In order to make the load left and right uniform, the axis of the connecting rod 47S connecting the knuckle arms 45L is perpendicular to the line connecting the axis of the steering shaft 13 and the link ball Brg 46 attached to the tip of the pitman arm 41. Is set. If this setting is possible, the shape of the pitman arm 41 is not particularly particular.

  5 and 6 show a state in which the handle 11 is steered to the left. As the steering shaft 13 is turned to the left, the rod is moved to the left with the axis of the steering shaft 13 as a base point. At the same time as the end Brg 25 rotates to the left, the linear bush 22 also swings backward from the axis of the fixed shaft 21C as the slide shaft 23 moves, and at the same time the front hub 21 rotates from the connecting shaft 32C as the base. By acting on the swing arm 31, the swing mechanism 3 is swung to tilt the vehicle body 1 shown in FIG. 7 to the left.

  The linear bush 22 only swings back and forth, and the action to the left and right is the swing action of the swing arm 31 via the front hub 21, and the slide shaft 23 swings in conjunction with the rotation of the rod end Brg 25. Simultaneously, it moves diagonally downward, and the amount of movement from the center in the left-right direction acts on the swing arm 31 via the linear bushing 22 and the front hub 21, and the swing arm 31 is changed by the change in the amount of movement in the left-right direction. Changes the tilt angle of the vehicle body 1.

  In FIG. 7, in a state where the handle 11 is steered to the left, the rod end Brg 25 and the pitman arm 41 rotate to the left with the axis of the steering shaft 13 as a base point, and the slide shaft 23 connected to the rod end Brg 25 moves downward. The linear bushing 22 acts on the front hub 21 and the swinging arm 31 while sliding, and the turning shaft 43L is tilted to the left and simultaneously connected to the tip of the pitman arm 41 while sliding. The connecting rod 47S connected to the link ball Brg46 moves the knuckle arm 45L to the left, and at the same time, the connecting rod 47L connected to the link ball Brg46 connected to the left and right knuckle arms 45L and 45R moves to the left. As a result, the front wheels 15L and 15R are directed leftward and the vehicle body 1 is inclined leftward.

  Originally, the front wheels 15L and 15R are swung up and down by the swing mechanism 3 by the action of the swing arm 31 but swing left and right. However, since the front wheels 15L and 15R are grounded, they swing from the grounding part as a base point. The front wheels 15L and 15R are tilted to the left by the swinging action of the mechanism 3, and the vehicle body 1 is tilted to the left.

  The vehicle body 1 is tilted to the right because the vehicle body tilting device 2 (excluding the pitman arm 41) is configured symmetrically with respect to the axis of the connecting shaft 32C of the rocking bearing 33C and the axis of the steering shaft 13. If 11 is steered to the right, the same action as described above is directed to the opposite direction, and the vehicle body 1 is tilted to the right.

  Although the setting of the pitman arm 41 is not symmetrical, the moving distance of the tip is the same on the left and right, and the connecting rod 47S is divided into the pushing direction (left) and the pulling direction (right). Therefore, the directions of the front wheels 15L and 15R are the same on the left and right.

  The change in the inclination angle of the vehicle body 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 is determined by the distance from the axis of the steering shaft 13 to the center of the built-in free Brg of the rod end Brg25, and the turning radius of the rod end Brg25 is greatly increased. In order to change the position of the front hub 21 to a position where a proper load is applied to the linear bush 22 and the slide shaft 23, the front hub 21 is moved back and forth through the long hole 28 of the mounting plate 27.

  The inclination of the vehicle body 1 changes depending on the steering angle of the steering wheel 11 to the left and right, and the inclination angle also increases as the steering angle increases. However, the inclination is not proportional but is caused by the rotation of the rod end Brg 25 connected to the connection plate 26. This is the distance between the circular motion and the linear motion acting on the slide shaft 23 and the swing arm 31.

The relationship of the tilt angle of the vehicle body 1 with respect to the rotation of the rod end Brg25 is as follows: the axis of the steering shaft 13 and the center of the built-in free Brg of the rod end Brg25 in a state of being positioned straight forward (the connecting portion with the slide shaft 23). The angle SINΘ by which the rod end Brg25 rotates to the left or right, and the distance (turning radius) from the axis of the steering shaft 13 to the center of the built-in free Brg of the rod end Brg25. The obtained dimension is related to the tilt angle, and the rate of change of the tilt angle of the vehicle body 1 with respect to the pivot angle gradually decreases as the pivot angle of the rod end Brg 25 increases, and the rod end Brg 25 rotates 90 degrees. It becomes zero at the time.
The reference of the inclination angle of the vehicle body 1 is determined by the distance (turning radius) from the axis of the steering shaft 13 to the center of the built-in free Brg of the rod end Brg25.

  The inclination angle of the vehicle body 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 7 varies depending on the distance (tread) between the front wheels 15L and 15R, the length of the swing arm 31, the distance from the axis of the front hub 21 to the rod end Brg25, and the like. Therefore, after the three-wheeled bicycle 1 is completed, the distance (turning radius) from the axis of the steering shaft 13 to the center of the built-in free Brg of the rod end Brg25 is changed by the connecting bracket 29 after the tricycle 1 is completed. Will be changed.

  In an actual vehicle, the left and right steering angles of the front wheels 15L and 15R are preferably set from 45 degrees to 55 degrees. When the steering angle of the three-wheeled bicycle 1 starting from the steering wheel 11 is small, the vehicle body 1 is steered. The ratio of the inclination angle with respect to the angle is large, the steering angle of the three-wheeled bicycle 1 is large, and the ratio of the inclination angle gradually decreases as the front wheels 15L and 15R become smaller, but the speed gradually increases as the curve decreases. Therefore, it is not necessary to forcibly incline the vehicle body 1, and a sufficient inclination angle is ensured even if the proportion of the inclination angle is reduced. This structure works effectively in this structure in which the vehicle body 1 is mechanically tilted at the time of a curve, and smooth curve traveling is possible.

  The steering angle of the front wheels 15L and 15R, which can be turned by ordinary people to ride on the tricycle 1, increase the speed in normal driving, and bend against the centrifugal force, is from 45 degrees to approximately 45 degrees. If the inclination angle of the vehicle body 1 is appropriately set according to the passenger, the traveling speed decreases at a steering angle of 45 to 55 degrees. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the inclination angle proportional to the steering angle. After the steering angle of 45 degrees, the inclination angle of the vehicle body 1 becomes gentle, and the vehicle body 1 is not inclined excessively.

  A second embodiment of the vehicle body tilting device 2 for the front two-wheel bicycle will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

  The existing structure shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the connection fitting 124 fixed to the front hub 21 (rotating body) and the connection rod 123 (movable) are used. The structure of the link mechanism in which the Brg roller 122 (movable connecting body) to which the possible connecting body is fixed is connected is fixed to the fixing plate 24 fixed to the front hub 21 of the first embodiment. The main part of the linear bushing 22 in which the slide shaft 23 is incorporated is different in the sliding mechanism. The other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description of the overlapping parts is omitted. Explained.

  9 to 11, the fixed shaft 21 </ b> C of the front hub 21 is rotated by the nut 62 in a state parallel to the swing arm 31 on the mounting plate 27 attached to the pedestal portion 37 of the swing arm 31 of the swing mechanism 3. It is fixed so that it can be moved, and the connecting portion of the Brg-equipped roller 122 of the connecting fitting 124 is fixed at the rear.

  9 and 10 is formed by bending a metal plate, one end is bent into a groove shape into which both ends of the Brg roller 122 can be fitted from below, and a connecting hole is formed on both sides of the bent surface. The other end portion is bent in a substantially L shape, and is fixed to the flange portion of the front hub 21 with the bent end facing downward.

The roller 122 with Brg shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 is made of metal, and a ball Brg is fitted into both ends, and one end of the connecting rod 123 is threaded, and the other tip of the roller 122 with Brg. Both ends are fitted in the groove-shaped portion of the connecting fitting 124 fixed to the center portion, and are rotatably connected by bolts 61 and nuts 62. The connecting rod 123 has a threaded portion positioned below. In this state, it can swing back and forth.
The Brg roller 122 can be connected to the connection fitting 124 by using another connection shaft instead of the bolt 61 and the nut 62.

  The rod end Brg 25 and the connecting rod 123 connected to the connecting plate 26 fixed to the steering shaft 13 of the handle post 12 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 are fixed by the nut 62 via the washer 63, and shown in FIG. The connecting rod 123 is preferably located in front of the center portion of the steering shaft 13 and is set substantially parallel to the axis of the steering shaft 13.

  The turning radius from the axis of the steering shaft 13 to the center of the built-in free Brg of the rod end Brg25 shown in FIG. 9 is determined by the size of the connecting bracket 29 in the length direction. In order to keep the axis of the counter shaft 13 and the connecting rod 123 substantially parallel to each other, it is possible to adjust the change of the fixing position by sliding the front hub 21 through the long hole 28 of the mounting plate 27.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, as the steering shaft 13 rotates to the left, the connecting rod 123 connected to the built-in free Brg of the rod end Brg 25 moves obliquely downward to the left as the steering shaft 13 rotates to the left. The roller 122 with bearing and the front hub 21 rotate in conjunction with each other, and the amount of movement of the connecting rod 123 from the center to the left due to the oblique movement of the connecting rod 123 is the movement of the Brg roller 122 to the left (the connecting shaft). 32C), acting on the front hub 21 and the swing arm 31, the swing mechanism 3 swings, and the vehicle body 1 shown in FIG. 12 to 14, the pitman arm 41 is turned to the left with the steering shaft 13 being steered to the left, and the axis of the steering shaft 13 is pivoted to the left, and the link ball Brg 46 connected to both ends of the connecting rod 47S. One of the pitman arms 41 The other end is connected to the lower end of the knuckle arm 45L, the connecting rod 47S moves to the left, and the link ball Brg46 and the connecting rod 47L connected to the upper ends of the knuckle arms 45L and 45S In this structure, the vehicle body 1 moves to the left, the vehicle body 1 tilts to the left, and the front wheels 15L and 15R face to the left.

  Since the vehicle body tilting device 2 (excluding the pitman arm) is configured to be symmetrical with respect to the axis of the connecting shaft 32C of the rocking bearing 33C and the axis of the steering shaft 13, the vehicle body 1 is tilted to the right. If 11 is steered to the right, the same action as described above is directed to the opposite direction, and the vehicle body 1 is tilted to the right.

  The relationship between the amount of oblique movement of the connecting rod 123 relative to the turning radius of the rod end Brg 25 and the inclination angle of the vehicle body 1 is the same as that of the slide shaft 23 of the first embodiment.

  A third embodiment of the vehicle body tilting device 2 for the front two-wheel bicycle will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

  The existing structure of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and the basic component of the vehicle body tilting device 2 is the same as that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Although there are many explanations of overlapping parts, explanations will be omitted, but will be partially explained as necessary.

In the third embodiment, when the distance from the side posts 42L and 42R of the turning mechanism 4 disposed in front of the handle post 12 is set to be largely separated from the front, the vehicle body 1 is similar to the first embodiment. It is the structure made to incline.
The front-rear distance between the handle post 12 and the side post 42R shown in FIG. 16 is displayed close to the paper surface in the relationship described in the drawing, but in actuality, the support frame 17 is extended forward to increase the distance. Is set.

  In the vehicle body tilting device 2 shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the swing bearing 33 </ b> C of the swing mechanism 3 is attached to the support frame 17 fixed to the handle post 12 with the bearing holder 34, and the fixing bracket 53 is mounted on the bearing holder 34. The Brg holder set 52 (bearing set) is fixed to the lower surface of the arm, and the mounting arm 54B and the pitman arm 51 are bent together with the connection arm 55 (connection member). A link ball Brg 46 (universal joint) connected to both ends of a connecting plate 56 (connecting member) is connected to the connecting arm 55 in a rotatable manner via a connecting collar 57. One is attached to the attachment arm 54B, and the other link ball Brg 46 is attached to the attachment arm 54A fixed to the steering shaft 13. As the steering shaft 13 is rotated, the rod end Brg25 connected to the connection arm 55 can be rotated via the link ball Brg46 and the connecting plate 56, and the swinging arm 31 of the swinging mechanism 3 can be rotated. Similarly to the first embodiment, the linear bush 22 is fixed to the fixing plate 24 fixed to the front hub 21 attached to the mounting plate 27, the slide shaft 23 is incorporated, and the rod end connected to the connection arm 55. The vehicle body tilting device 2 is configured by being connected to the Brg 25.

  16 to 20, the lower surface of the metal plate has a certain width, the left and right surfaces are bent upward approximately 90 degrees to form a groove, and the upper surface of the bearing holder 34 shown in FIGS. Is bent approximately 90 degrees to the left and right outwards to form a bowl shape, and a rocking bearing 33C is fixed to the groove, and the bowl is fixed to the support frame 17 with bolts 61 and nuts 62, and is integrated with the handle post 12 It has become a state.

  The fixing metal fitting 53 for fixing the Brg holder set 52 shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 has a plurality of metal plates bent in a crank shape, one end surface fixed to the lower surface of the bearing holder 34, and the other end surface. The flange surface of the Brg holder set 52 is fixed with bolts 61 and nuts 62 to the mounting holes of the body, and the axis of the connecting shaft 52C and the axis of the steering shaft 13 built in the Brg holder set 52 are the center of the front and rear of the vehicle body 1. The Brg holder set 52 is configured in a state of being coincident with each other on the line, and the same rotating action as that of the steering shaft 13 is enabled.

  The connection arm 55 connected to the Brg holder set 52 shown in FIGS. 16 to 19 is a metal plate and has a plurality of L-shaped portions, and the connection arm 55 connects the Brg holder set 52. The connecting hole 54B is bent in the vicinity of the connecting arm 55 in the vicinity of the rear side, and the mounting arm 54B is connected to the central portion in a state where it is directed upward in a different direction by 90 degrees. A pitman arm 51 is formed in a flat shape toward the front of the mounting arm 54B by providing a connection hole for the link ball Brg46.

The Brg holder set 52 incorporates a connecting shaft 52C on the inner ring side, the lower end portion of the connecting shaft 52C is threaded, and a connecting arm 55 integrally formed with the mounting arm 54B and the pitman arm 51 shown in FIGS. It is connected to the connecting shaft 52C via the metal collar 57 so as to be rotatable by a nut 62, and the mounting surface of the rod end Brg25 of the connecting arm 55 is located behind the connecting shaft 52C of the Brg holder set 52, The pitman arm 51 is positioned forward.
The connecting shaft 52C of the Brg holder set 52 can use a bolt depending on the situation.

  The rod end Brg25 is connected to the connecting arm 55 coupled to the Brg holder set 52 shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 in a state where the rod end Brg25 is directed forward via the connection fitting 29, as in the first embodiment. The same rotation as 13 is enabled.

  The mounting arm 54A shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 is bent at the lower end of the steering shaft 13 in an L shape with a metal plate, and is fixed in a state where the connecting portion is positioned below. One of the link balls Brg 46 connected to the other is attached via the connecting pipe 58, and the other link ball Brg 46 is directly attached to the attachment arm 54B. By steering the handle, the steering ball 13 is interlocked with the rotation of the steering shaft 13. The link ball Brg 46 rotates, and the rod end Brg 25 connected to the connection arm 55 and the pitman arm 51 rotate through the link ball Brg 46 attached to the connecting plate 56 and the attachment arm 54B.

  The connecting plate 56 shown in FIG. 18 has one end connected to a link ball Brg 46 attached to the attachment arm 54B, and the other end attached to a link ball Brg 46 attached to the attachment arm 54A of the steering shaft 13. The respective link balls Brg46 are connected at right angles in a parallel state.

It is desirable that the link ball Brg 46 attached to the attachment arm 54B and the link ball Brg 46 attached to the attachment arm 54A shown in FIG. 18 be in parallel with the swing arm 31. During the movement, the force is efficiently transmitted to the connecting plate 56, and the steering shaft 13 and the connecting arm 55 are rotated in the same direction.
It is also possible to change the rotation of the connection arm 55 with respect to the rotation of the steering shaft 13, and the length of the connecting pipe 58 is changed.

  When the support frame 17 fixed to the handle post 12 shown in FIG. 16 is extended forward and the side post 42R is moved forward, the swing arm 31 is also moved forward at the same time. If only 56 is lengthened in accordance with the movement amount of the swing arm 31, the vehicle body tilting device 2 can be operated normally. Accordingly, the degree of freedom in designing the device set in front of the handle post 12 is increased, and the design can be changed at low cost.

  The pitman arm 51 bent integrally with the connection arm 55 shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 is disposed in a state where the attachment portion of the link ball Brg 46 is located at the front end portion of the Brg holder set 52 obliquely. 20 and 20, the linear bush 22 is formed in a shape that does not contact. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the Brg holder set 52 is located behind the turning shaft 43 </ b> R and attached to the front end of the pitman arm 51. When the link ball Brg 46 is connected to the knuckle arm 45L by the connecting rod 47S and the pitman arm 51 rotates, the load applied between the link balls Brg 46 connected to the connecting rod 47S is divided into a case of pulling and a case of pushing. In order to make the load applied to the steering wheel uniform when turning, the built-in flange of the Brg holder set 52 is used. The center of the over Brg, the axis of the connecting rod 47S for connecting the line and the knuckle arm 45L connecting the link ball Brg46 attached to the distal end of the pitman arm 51 is perpendicular configuration. If this setting is possible, the shape of the pitman arm 51 is not particularly particular.

In this embodiment, since the steering shaft 13 and the rotating portion of the Brg holder set 52 shown in FIG. 16 are separated, the dimensions of the mounting plate 27 and the mounting position are changed, and the Brg holder set 52 is moved forward. It is also possible to adjust the position of the axis to the axis of the left and right turning shafts 43L and 43R.
Further, the Brg holder set 52 is arranged in parallel with the side post 42R in the vertical direction so that the connection arm 55 can be bent at a right angle, and the pitman arm 51 can be kept flat so that it can be easily processed and is desirable. It is also possible to arrange them in parallel.

  The structure of the movable connecting body shown in FIGS. 15 to 18 is the same as in the first embodiment, and the front hub 21 to which the fixing plate 24 is fixed is connected to the mounting plate 27 attached below the swing arm 31. The linear bush 22 is fixed to the fixed plate 24, the slide shaft 23 is incorporated, the rod end Brg 25 connected to the connection arm 55 connected to the Brg holder set 52, and the lower end portion of the slide shaft 23 is connected to the nut 62. The vehicle body tilting device 2 is configured by being connected with each other.

  FIGS. 19 and 20 show a state in which the handle 11 is steered to the left and the steering shaft 13 is turned to the left, and the link ball Brg 46 attached to the attachment arm 54A turns the connection plate 56 by turning to the left. Accordingly, the link ball Brg 46 attached to the attachment arm 54B rotates to the left, the slide shaft 23 connected to the rod end Brg 25 connected to the connection arm 55 rotates to the left, and the linear bushing 22 moves to the front hub 21. The connecting rod 47S connected to the link ball Brg 46 connected to the tip of the pitman arm 51 is simultaneously knuckled while the turning shaft 43L inclines to the left as shown in FIG. At the same time as moving the arm 45L to the left, the connecting rod 47 connected to the link ball Brg 46 connected to the left and right knuckle arms 45L and 45R. There front wheel 15L moves to the left, 15R faces leftward, a state of the vehicle body 1 is inclined to the left.

  In this embodiment, the combination based on the first embodiment has been described. However, the same combination can be obtained in the second embodiment, and the same effect can be obtained.

  A common feature from the first embodiment to the third embodiment is that the rod end Brg25 is rotated by the turning of the steering shaft 13 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, FIG. 9 and FIG. 14, FIG. The purpose of this is to act on the swing arm 31 via a rotating body constituted by various members and a coupling mechanism, and to tilt the vehicle body 1, and to control the distance from the center of the handle 11 to the grip portion 19. From the axis of the direction shaft 13, the turning radius of the rod end Brg25 (from the axis of the steering shaft 13 to the center of the built-in freewheel Brg of the rod end Brg25) ranges from 1/5 to 1/7 (depending on the passenger). Therefore, in order to incline the vehicle body 1 by steering the steering wheel, the rotational load applied to the grip 19 of the handle 11 is set to 1, and a rotational load of 5 to 7 times is applied to the rod end Brg25. The body 1 with less force Can be tilted.

When one of the front wheels 15L, 15R rides on the protrusion, the load applied to the front wheel 15L on one side or 15R is applied to the knuckle arms 45L, 45R, the connecting rods 47S, 47L and the pitman arm 41 or 51, the steering shaft 13 is applied to the handle 11 in the opposite direction, but the pivoting action of the pitman arm 41 or 51 and the steering shaft 13 is also applied to the rod end Brg25 of the vehicle body tilting device 2. As a reverse action, the handle 11 is rotated. This acts as a brake, and the swing of the handle 11 is reduced. If the grip 19 is lightly gripped, the swing of the handle 11 can be easily suppressed. Also, there is little influence on the vehicle body, and stable running is possible even on roads with severe irregularities.
Further, when a lateral load is applied to the saddle 18, the vehicle body 1 does not sway from side to side and leans against the vehicle body 1 in a stopped state if the handle 11 is lightly gripped by the same manner of load as described above. You can get on even if you are in a state.

  Main components of the vehicle body tilting device 2 are commercially available parts that are mass-produced and stable in quality, such as a front hub 21, a linear bush 22, a slide shaft 23, a rod end Brg 25, a roller 122 with Brg, a connecting rod 123, and a plurality of links. By using the balls Brg46, the Brg holder set 52, etc., and using other commercially available products, it was possible to ensure quality and to make an inexpensive manufacturing method. It is possible to use other parts and parts specially made for bicycles without particular attention.

  In addition to the above-mentioned common features, the third embodiment has been modified to increase the size of the loading platform and to ensure a sufficient space for the child seat for carrying children by changing the existing components. Further, it is possible to cope with the case where the distance between the front wheels 15L and 15R is greatly separated in front of the handle post 12.

  The material of the parts such as the connecting plate 26, the pitman arms 41 and 51, the connecting plate 56, etc. is not limited to the metal material described in the bending formation of the metal plate, and can be a molded product using a synthetic resin as long as the strength can be secured. Is possible.

  The first to third embodiments of the vehicle body tilting device 2 described above are configured based on the three-wheeled bicycle 1 invented by the present applicant, but can also be used for other front two-wheeled bicycles, for example, If the upper and lower sides of the side posts 42L and 42R are supported by the link mechanism without using the spring 35 for maintaining the upright posture, and if swinging is possible, only the vehicle body tilting device 2 can be used without the upright posture holding mechanism. The steering of the three-wheeled bicycle 1 can be mechanically tilted by steering the handle 11, and the steering of the handle 11 can return the tilted state of the vehicle body 1 to an upright posture by the vehicle body tilting device 2, thereby holding the handle 11. Thus, the upright posture can be maintained in a straight traveling state, and the stability of the vehicle body 1 can be maintained.

  Although the above has been described as a front two-wheeled three-wheeled bicycle 1, if the front two wheels can be swung and steered without being caught by the three-wheeled bicycle 1, the rear wheel can be a multi-wheeled bicycle or a power-assisted bicycle. It is possible to configure the vehicle body tilting device 2.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the present embodiment, the connection plate 26, the connection arm 55, and the pitman arm 41 or 51 are described as being integrally formed of a metal plate. However, the connection plate 26 or the connection arm 55 is made independent and the pitman arm is separated. It is also possible to set 41 or 51 to another position or another attachment method.

1 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Tricycle (Body)
11 ... Handle 12 ... Handle post 13 ... Steering shaft 14 ... ... Steering bearings 15L, 15R ... Front wheel 16 ... Rear wheel
17 ··············· Support frame 18 ··································································・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Car body tilting device 21 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Front hub (rotating body)
21C ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Fixed shaft 22 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Linear bush
23 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Slide shaft (movable coupling body)
24 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Fixing plate 25 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Rod end Brg (universal joint)
26 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Connection plate
27 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Mounting plate 28 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Long hole 29 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Connecting bracket (connector)
122 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Brg roller (movable coupling body)
123 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Connecting rod (movable connecting body)
124 ·························· 3
31 ... swing arm 32L, 32C, 32R ... connecting shaft 33L, 33C, 33R ... swing bearing 34 ... Bearing holder 35 ···································································································· ... Turning mechanism 41, 51 ... Pitman arm 42L, 42R ... Side post 43L, 43R ... Turning axis 44L, 44R .... Turning bearings 45L, 45R ... Knuckle arm 46 ... Link ball Brg (universal joint)
47S, 47L ···································································· Brg holder set (bearing set)
52C ·································································· Fixing brackets 54A and 54B
55 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Connection arm (connection member)
56 ············ Connection plate 57 ··················· Connecting collar
58 ... Connecting pipe 61 ... Bolt 62 ... Nut 63 ...・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Washer

Claims (6)

In a front two-wheel bicycle that can be steered by two front wheels and the vehicle body can be tilted to the left and right, a movable connecting body is provided below the center of the swing arm of the swing mechanism that is connected to the side posts that support the left and right front wheels. And a universal joint connected to a connecting member provided on a steering shaft built in the handle post is rotatable about the steering shaft, and the universal joint and the movable joint are movable. A body tilting device for a front two-wheel bicycle, wherein a connecting body is connected, and the swing mechanism can be swung by a turning action of the universal joint by steering a steering wheel. In a front two-wheel bicycle that can be steered by two front wheels and the vehicle body can be tilted to the left and right, a movable connecting body is provided below the center of the swing arm of the swing mechanism that is connected to the side posts that support the left and right front wheels. A universal joint connected to a connecting member rotatably connected to a connecting shaft of a bearing set fixed to a bearing holder that holds a rocking bearing at the center of the rocking mechanism with the rotating body provided There are connected, the connected movable linkage member, the universal joint and a plurality of different universal joint are connected by a connecting member, one of the universal joint of the plurality of universal joint, connecting the bearing set It is attached to an attachment member provided at another position of the connection member connected to the shaft, and can be turned around the connection shaft of the bearing set, and the other universal joint among the plurality of universal joints is a handle. Built in post It is attached to a mounting member provided on the steering shaft and can be turned around the steering shaft, and the swing mechanism can be swung by the turning action of all the universal joints by steering the steering wheel. Body tilting device for front two-wheeled bicycle characterized by structure. The connecting member provided on the steering shaft built in the handle post is provided with the two pitman arms for steering the front wheels, and is configured to rotate simultaneously with the universal joint connected to the connecting member. The body tilting device for a front two-wheel bicycle according to claim 1. A connecting member rotatably connected to a connecting shaft of the bearing set is provided with the two front wheel steering pitman arms, and is configured to rotate simultaneously with a universal joint connected to the connecting member. The body tilting device for a front two-wheeled bicycle according to claim 2. The connection of the universal joint which is connected to a connecting member which is provided in the built-in steering shaft to the handle post, 1 or by Rukoto is interposed a plurality of connectors, the connecting member between the said universal joint in the possibility to change the connection distance, as a base point the steering shaft, and wherein the universal joint and the pivot radius of the increase or decrease to the connecting portion of the movable linkage member becomes possible structure, claim The body tilting device for a front two-wheel bicycle according to claim 1 or 3 . The connecting shaft of the bearing set, the connection of the universal joint which is connected to the pivotally connected connection member 1 or by Rukoto is interposed a plurality of connectors, the connecting member and the universal joint It is possible to change the connection distance between them, and the structure is such that the turning radius to the connecting portion of the universal joint and the movable connecting body can be increased or decreased with the connecting shaft of the bearing set as a base point. The body tilting device for a front two-wheel bicycle according to claim 2 or claim 4 .

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