JP7357211B2 - tricycle - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a three-wheeled bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a three-wheeled bicycle having a front wheel and a rear wheel.

Patent Document 1 describes a conventional three-wheeled bicycle. The three-wheeled bicycle described in Patent Document 1 includes a front frame to which a front wheel is attached via a front fork, and a rear frame to which two rear wheels are attached.

A front frame rear main pipe is provided at the rear of the front frame. The front frame rear main pipe connects the front part of the front frame and the rear frame. The front frame rear main pipe is rotatably attached to the rear frame about the central axis of the front frame rear main pipe as a rotation axis.

In this way, since the front frame is rotatable with respect to the rear frame, when the user wants to turn left or right, the user can tilt the front frame left or right to move the center of gravity. can. As a result, the user can turn the three-wheeled bicycle in either the left or right direction as desired.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-50723

By the way, in the three-wheeled bicycle described in Patent Document 1, the front frame is rotatable with respect to the rear frame, but when moving at a certain speed or higher, inertial force etc. act on the front frame. , the running becomes stable.

However, when the vehicle is moving at less than a certain speed (in other words, at low speed), the inertial force acting on the front frame is small, and the front frame becomes unstable on its own, which may result in unstable running.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a three-wheeled bicycle that can prevent the front frame from becoming unstable on its own at low speeds, for example. It is in.

A three-wheeled bicycle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a frame, and one front wheel and two rear wheels that support the frame on a moving surface. The frame includes a front frame to which the front wheel is attached via a front fork, a rear frame to which the rear wheel is attached, and a connection frame connecting the front frame and the rear frame. The connection frame includes a shaft that allows the front frame to rotate with respect to the rear frame about a rotation axis extending in the front-rear direction in plan view. The apparatus further includes a resistance force generating device that applies a resistance force to the rotational force when a rotational force about the rotational axis is generated.

The three-wheeled bicycle of the above aspect according to the present disclosure has an advantage in that, for example, at low speeds, the front frame can be prevented from becoming unstable on its own.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a three-wheeled bicycle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the three-wheeled bicycle same as above. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the rear frame and the connection frame of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a sectional view in a vertical plane around the rear frame and connection frame same as above. FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of the rear frame same as above. FIG. 6A is a rear view of the rocking restoring mechanism of the three-wheeled bicycle in the reference position. FIG. 6B is a rear view when the first lever rotates in one direction from the reference position in the rocking restoration mechanism of the three-wheeled bicycle. FIG. 6C is a rear view when the first lever rotates in the other direction from the reference position in the rocking restoration mechanism of the three-wheeled bicycle. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the vicinity of the resistance force generator of the three-wheeled bicycle. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the periphery of the control unit of the three-wheeled bicycle according to the first modification. FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view of the rear frame and connection frame periphery of a three-wheeled bicycle according to Modification 2. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the vicinity of the resistance force generating device same as above. FIG. 11 is a side view of a three-wheeled bicycle according to modification 3. FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway view of the hub motor of the three-wheeled bicycle.

(1) Embodiment (1.1) Overview As shown in FIG. 1, a tricycle 1 according to the present embodiment includes a frame 2, one front wheel 92 and two rear wheels 91 that support the frame 2 on a moving surface. and. The frame 2 includes a front frame 21, a rear frame 3, and a connecting frame 32. A front wheel 92 is attached to the front frame 21 via a front fork 26. A rear wheel 91 is attached to the rear frame 3. The connecting frame 32 connects the front frame 21 and the rear frame 3. The connection frame 32 includes a shaft 33 at least in part. The shaft 33 allows the front frame 21 to rotate with respect to the rear frame 3 about a rotation axis 331 that extends in the front-rear direction in plan view. Here, "planar view" as used in the present disclosure means viewing the object from above the object in a direction perpendicular to the movement plane 100.

The three-wheeled bicycle 1 includes a resistance generating device 8. The resistance force generating device 8 is a device that applies a resistance force to the rotational force in the shaft 33. The resistance force generating device 8 according to this embodiment is, for example, a rotary damper 80, as shown in FIG. The rotary damper 80 here is, for example, an oil damper.

Therefore, for example, at low speeds, it is possible to prevent the front frame 21 from rotating around the rotating shaft 331, and it is possible to prevent the front frame 21 from becoming unstable on its own. Therefore, the three-wheeled bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment can easily realize stable running.

In the present disclosure, "low speed" refers to a speed at which the front frame 21 is not stable on its own even if inertia force due to the forward movement of the tricycle 1 is applied to the front frame 21. The "low speed" according to the present disclosure is, for example, 1 to 5 km/h.

(1.2) Details (1.2.1) Overall configuration The three-wheeled bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below.

The three-wheeled bicycle 1 according to this embodiment is an electrically assisted bicycle, as shown in FIG. The term "electrically assisted bicycle" in the present disclosure refers to a bicycle that has a motor unit 7 that supplements the user's stepping force (hereinafter referred to as "treading force") with drive assist output. Therefore, the term "electrically assisted bicycle" as used in the present disclosure includes not only bicycles that legally belong to electrically assisted bicycles, but also bicycles that have motor units 7 that do not legally belong to electrically assisted bicycles. The term "auxiliary drive output" as used in the present disclosure means the rotational output that the motor provides to the wheels.

The three-wheeled bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment is an electrically assisted bicycle, but in the present disclosure, a drive system (human power drive system) that powers the wheels by pedal force, and a drive system (motor drive system) that powers the wheels by a motor are used. ) and are independent (a bicycle that can be run with just a motor). Here, a bicycle including a bicycle in which a human power drive system and a motor drive system are independent, and an electric assist bicycle is referred to as an "electric bicycle." Note that the "three-wheeled bicycle" referred to in the present disclosure does not have to be an electric bicycle, and may be a bicycle that does not have the motor unit 7 and has only a human power drive system.

Users of the tricycle 1 according to this embodiment are mainly elderly people, people with weak legs, people who have difficulty keeping their balance, people with disabilities, and the like. However, in the present disclosure, the user is not particularly limited, and may be a young person, a middle-aged person, a healthy person, or the like.

Here, in the present disclosure, the direction in which the three-wheeled bicycle 1 moves along the moving surface 100 is defined as a "forward direction", and the opposite direction is defined as a "backward direction". Further, the two directions, the front direction and the rear direction, are defined as the "front-back direction", and the two directions perpendicular to the front-back direction and along the movement plane 100 are defined as the "left-right direction". Furthermore, in this embodiment, the moving surface 100 will be described as a horizontal surface. However, in reality, the moving surface 100 is not necessarily a horizontal plane, and may be, for example, an uneven surface, an inclined surface having a slope with respect to a horizontal surface, a curved surface, a spherical surface, or the like. Note that the definitions of these directions are not intended to limit the manner in which the tricycle 1 is used. Further, arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are merely shown for explanation and have no substance.

In this embodiment, the three-wheeled bicycle 1 includes, as shown in FIG. 1, a frame 2, a front fork 26, one front wheel 92, two rear wheels 91, a handle 38, a saddle 40, a pair of crank arms 96, and a pair of pedals. 95. The tricycle 1 also includes a battery device 6, a motor unit 7, and a motor bracket 73. The tricycle 1 also includes a rotating body 310, a swing restoring mechanism 31, a resistance generator 8, a speed sensor 52, and a control board 5.

(1.2.2) Front Wheel/Rear Wheel The front wheel 92 and the rear wheel 91 support the frame 2 on the moving surface 100. Each of the front wheel 92 and the rear wheel 91 includes a tire 920, a wheel 921, and a hub 922.

A front wheel shaft 93 is passed through a hub 922 of the front wheel 92 . The front wheel 92 is rotatably attached to the front fork 26 by a front wheel shaft 93. The rotation axis of the front wheel 92 is the same as the central axis of the front wheel shaft 93, and is substantially parallel to the left-right direction.

The two rear wheels 91 are rotatably attached to the rear frame 3 included in the frame 2. The two rear wheels 91 are separated from each other in the left and right direction, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, a rear wheel shaft 94 is passed through the hub 922 of each rear wheel 91. As shown in FIG. Each rear wheel 91 is rotatably attached to the rear frame 3 by a rear wheel shaft 94. The rotational axis of the rear wheel 91 is the same as the central axis of the rear wheel shaft 94, and is substantially parallel to the left-right direction. In the three-wheeled bicycle 1 according to this embodiment, the two rear wheels 91 can rotate independently. In this embodiment, one of the two rear wheels 91 is a driving wheel, and the other rear wheel 91 is a driven wheel. However, both rear wheels 91 may be used as driving wheels. By using a differential gear (differential device), it is possible to use both rear wheels 91 as driving wheels.

(1.2.3) Front Hawk The front fork 26 is interposed between the front wheel 92 and the frame 2, as shown in FIG. The front hawk 26 includes a pair of hawk legs 261, a hawk shoulder 262 connecting the upper ends of the pair of hawk legs 261, and a hawk stem 263 protruding from the hawk shoulder 262. A front wheel 92 is rotatably attached to the pair of fork legs 261 by a front wheel shaft 93 passed through a hub 922. The rotational axis of the front wheel 92 is approximately parallel to the moving surface 100, and is the same as the central axis of the front wheel shaft 93 that supports the front wheel 92. The protruding direction (longitudinal direction) of the hawk stem 263 is inclined with respect to the moving surface 100 so as to go upward and rearward from the hawk shoulder 262.

(1.2.4) Frame The frame 2 is the skeleton of the tricycle 1. In this embodiment, the frame 2 is made of an aluminum alloy whose main component is aluminum. However, in the present disclosure, the frame 2 is not limited to aluminum alloy, and may be made of iron, chromium-molybdenum steel, high-tensile steel, titanium, magnesium, or the like. Further, the frame 2 according to the present disclosure is not limited to metal, and may be made of carbon, wood, bamboo, fiber-reinforced synthetic resin (for example, CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics)), or the like. In this embodiment, the frame 2 includes a front frame 21, a rear frame 3, and a connecting frame 32, as shown in FIG.

(1.2.4.1) Front Frame The front frame 21 constitutes the front part of the frame 2. A front wheel 92 is attached to the front frame 21 via a front fork 26. In this embodiment, the battery device 6, the saddle 40, the motor bracket 73, the motor unit 7, and the control board 5 are attached to the front frame 21.

Here, "attachment" as used in the present disclosure means installing an object directly or indirectly on an object to be attached. Here, "directly" means that the object is installed on the object to be attached while the object is in contact with the object to be attached. "Indirect" here means that the object is installed on the object to which it is attached, with other parts such as packing, mounting hardware, or brackets interposed between the object and the object. means.

The front frame 21 is composed of a plurality of pipes. In this embodiment, the front frame 21 includes a head pipe 24, a down tube 22, a seat tube 23, a seat stay 25, and a battery bracket 27.

A "pipe" in the present disclosure means an elongated and hollow member. The cross-sectional shape of the pipe according to the present disclosure may be, for example, circular (including a perfect circle, ellipse, and ellipse), rectangular (including square), hexagonal, octagonal, or the like.

The head pipe 24 supports the front fork 26. In short, the front wheel 92 is attached to the front frame 21 via the front fork 26. The central axis of the head pipe 24 is inclined with respect to the moving surface 100 so that as it goes upward, it goes backward. The hawk stem 263 is passed through the head pipe 24 such that the central axis of the head pipe 24 and the central axis of the hawk stem 263 coincide. Thereby, the head pipe 24 rotatably supports the Hawk stem 263. The axis of rotation of the Hawk stem 263 is the same as the central axis of the head pipe 24 in this embodiment.

The down tube 22 connects the head pipe 24 and the seat tube 23. In this embodiment, the down tube 22 includes a first lower tube 221 and a second lower tube 222. The first lower tube 221 connects the lower end of the seat tube 23 and the second lower tube 222. The central axis of the first lower tube 221 is inclined with respect to the moving surface 100 so as to go upward as it goes forward. The front end of the first lower tube 221 is connected to the rear end of the second lower tube 222 in the front-rear direction, and is formed in an arc shape.

The second lower pipe 222 connects the first lower pipe 221 and the head pipe 24. The second lower tube 222 is formed in a straight line, and the central axis of the second lower tube 222 is inclined with respect to the moving surface 100 so as to go upward as it goes forward. In the down tube 22 according to the present embodiment, the angle between the moving surface 100 and the virtual straight line passing through the front end and the rear end of the second lower tube 222 is It is larger than the angle formed by the moving surface 100 and a virtual straight line passing through the front end and the rear end. The second lower pipe 222 and the first lower pipe 221 are integral and continuous.

Seat tube 23 holds saddle 40. The lower end of the seat tube 23 is connected to the rear end of the down tube 22. The seat tube 23 is formed in a straight line, and the center axis of the seat tube 23 is inclined with respect to the moving surface 100 so as to go upward and backward. The seat tube 23 is located between the front wheel 92 and the rear wheel 91 in the front-rear direction. A saddle 40 is attached to the seat tube 23 so as to be movable along the central axis of the seat tube 23 (longitudinal direction).

The saddle 40 has a seat pillar 401. The seat pillar 401 protrudes downward from the portion of the saddle 40 where the user sits. In this embodiment, the seat pillar 401 is inclined with respect to the moving surface 100 so that as it goes downward, it goes forward. The seat pillar 401 is passed through the seat tube 23 along the central axis of the seat tube 23.

The battery device 6 is attached to the battery bracket 27 . The battery bracket 27 is attached to the rear end of the down tube 22 in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the battery bracket 27 has a top plate portion 271 on which the battery device 6 is placed. Here, the battery device 6 includes a battery 62 and a mounting section 61 to which the battery 62 is removably mounted. Details of the battery device 6 will be explained in the section “(1.2.8) Battery device” below.

A mounting portion 61 is attached to the top plate portion 271. More specifically, the mounting portion 61 is attached to rest on the top surface of the top plate portion 271 and is fixed to the top plate portion 271.

The seat stay 25 reinforces the seat tube 23. In this embodiment, the seat stay 25 connects the seat tube 23 and the battery bracket 27. The seat stay 25 includes a pair of vertical supports 251 and a horizontal support 252. The pair of vertical supports 251 are arranged apart from each other in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, each vertical support 251 is a pipe, and its central axis is substantially parallel to the central axis of the seat tube 23. The horizontal support body 252 connects the pair of vertical support bodies 251 and the seat tube 23. In this embodiment, the lateral support body 252 is formed into a T-shape in plan view. Note that the central axis of the vertical support body 251 does not have to be parallel to the central axis of the seat tube 23.

(1.2.4.2) Rear Frame The rear frame 3 constitutes the rear part of the frame 2. A rear wheel 91 is attached to the rear frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the rear frame 3 is arranged on the rear side of the front frame 21 in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear frame 3 includes a rear frame main body 30 and a connecting portion 29 (FIG. 4).

The rear frame main body 30 is the skeleton of the rear frame 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the rear frame main body 30 includes a plurality (here, six) of plates 302 and a plurality of (here, two) connecting bodies 303 (FIG. 2).

The plurality of plates 302 are substantially parallel in the front-rear direction and along a vertical plane. A rear wheel brake 41 is attached to the outermost plate 302 among the plurality of plates 302 . Bearings 304 are attached to the other plates 302 among the plurality of plates 302. The plurality of plates 302 are parallel to each other. The rotation axes of the plurality of bearings 304 are located on a straight line and are the same as the rotation axis of the rear wheel shaft 94. In short, the plurality of bearings 304 rotatably support the rear wheel shaft 94.

Here, the type of bearing is appropriately selected from, for example, a rolling bearing, a sliding bearing, etc., taking into consideration thrust load, radial load, lubricity, etc. Examples of rolling bearings include radial ball bearings and radial roller bearings. Examples of sliding bearings include hydrostatic gas bearings, hydrodynamic gas bearings, hydrostatic fluid bearings, hydrodynamic fluid bearings, squeeze oil film bearings, hybrid bearings, solid lubricated bearings, non-lubricated bearings, self-lubricating bearings, and porous self-lubricating bearings. Examples include bearings, sintered oil-impregnated bearings, and self-contained sliding bearing units.

Here, in this embodiment, the rear wheel shaft 94 is divided in the middle in the longitudinal direction, and there are two separated from each other in the left and right direction. The two rear wheel shafts 94 are separated and can rotate independently of each other. One rear wheel shaft 94 is attached to a hub 922 of one of the two rear wheels 91 . The other rear wheel shaft 94 is attached to a hub 922 of the other of the two rear wheels 91 .

A rear sprocket 305 is fixed to one of the two rear wheel shafts 94 . Therefore, the rotation axis of the rear sprocket 305 is the same as the rotation axis of the rear wheel shaft 94. As shown in FIG. 1, the rear sprocket 305 is connected to a drive sprocket 71 of the motor unit 7 via a power transmission body 74. Thereby, the rotational power output from the drive sprocket 71 is transmitted to the rear sprocket 305 via the power transmission body 74, and rotates one of the two rear wheels 91. This rear wheel 91 may be referred to as a driving wheel. Of the two rear wheel shafts 94, power is not transmitted to the rear wheel 91 on the opposite side from the drive wheel. This rear wheel 91 may be called a driven wheel.

The connecting body 303 connects the plurality of plates 302 to each other. In this embodiment, the connecting body 303 is a square pipe. However, the connecting body is not limited to a square pipe, and may be, for example, a round pipe, a shaft, a plate, or the like. As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of connecting bodies 303 are separated in the vertical direction.

The connecting portion 29 is a portion that connects the connecting frame 32 to the rear frame main body 30, as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the shaft 33 of the connecting frame 32 is fixed to the rear frame main body 30 of the connecting portion 29 . Specifically, the connection portion 29 and the shaft 33 are fixed by, for example, welding, spline connection, key groove and key connection, wedge connection, fitting connection, screw connection, etc. . Further, the connecting portion 29 is fixed to the connecting body 303. The connection portion 29 is fixed to the connecting body 303 by, for example, welding, wedges, fitting, screws, or the like.

The "spline connection" in the present disclosure includes, for example, connections using rectangular splines, involute splines, ball splines, triangular serrations, involute serrations, and the like.

(1.2.4.3) Connection Frame The connection frame 32 connects the front frame 21 and the rear frame 3, as shown in FIG. The connection frame 32 has a shaft 33 having a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction in plan view. Here, "having a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction in plan view" means, for example, as shown in FIG. This means that they may be substantially parallel. As shown in FIG. 4, the connection frame 32 includes a fixture 34, a case 35, a shaft 33, and a plurality of (here, two) bearings 351.

The attachment 34 is an attachment portion of the connecting frame 32 to the front frame 21. The attachment 34 is rotatably attached to the battery bracket 27 by an attachment shaft 341. The rotation axis of the attachment 34 is the same as the central axis of the attachment shaft 341, and is substantially parallel to the left-right direction.

Case 35 is attached to fixture 34. The case 35 according to this embodiment is fixed to the fixture 34. Case 35 is formed into a cylindrical shape. The central axis of the case 35 is substantially parallel to the front-rear direction in plan view. In this embodiment, the central axis of the case 35 is inclined with respect to the moving surface 100 so as to go downward as it goes backward.

The shaft 33 is rotatably attached to the case 35. A rotation axis 331 of the shaft 33 relative to the case 35 is the same as the central axis of the case 35 and also the same as the central axis of the shaft 33. The rear end of the shaft 33 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the rear frame 3 by a connecting portion 29 . In short, the shaft 33 allows the front frame 21 to rotate relative to the rear frame 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotation axis 331 of the front frame 21 relative to the rear frame 3 is the central axis of the shaft 33, and extends in the front-rear direction in plan view. The rotating shaft 331 that causes relative rotation between the shaft 33 and the case 35 may be referred to as "the rotating shaft 331 of the shaft 33" or "the rotating shaft 331 of the case 35" below, but both terms refer to the same shaft 331. .

The longitudinal direction of the rotation axis 331 of the shaft 33 is inclined with respect to the moving surface 100. Specifically, the angle between the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis 331 of the shaft 33 and the horizontal plane is greater than 0° and less than 30°. More preferably, the angle between the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis 331 of the shaft 33 and the horizontal plane is 15°±5°.

The moving plane 100 here is a plane (virtual plane) passing through the lower end of the front wheel 92 (the point where it touches the ground) and the lower end of the rear wheel 91, and the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis 331 of the shaft 33 is on this virtual plane. tilted against.

Movement of the shaft 33 relative to the case 35 in a direction parallel to the central axis is restricted. Restriction of movement of the shaft 33 with respect to the case 35 in a direction parallel to the central axis is achieved by, for example, an E-shaped retaining ring 354 or the like.

A plurality of bearings 351 are provided between the shaft 33 and the case 35. In this embodiment, the plurality of bearings 351 are attached to both ends of the case 35 in the longitudinal direction. The bearing 351 according to this embodiment is, for example, a sliding bearing.

The three-wheeled bicycle 1 according to this embodiment includes a damping device 36, as shown in FIG. The damping device 36 is attached across the seat stay 25 and the case 35. The damping device 36 damps vibrations caused when the connecting frame 32 rotates about the mounting shaft 341 with respect to the front frame 21 . As a result, the vibration of the rear frame 3 transmitted to the front frame 21 can be attenuated, and the vibration experienced by the user can be alleviated.

In this embodiment, the damping device 36 is a suspension including a spring and an oil damper. However, in the present disclosure, the damping device 36 may be configured only with an elastic body such as a spring, or may be configured only with an oil damper.

(1.2.5) Rotating Body The rotating body 310 rotates about the rotation axis 331 in accordance with the rotation of the front frame 21 with respect to the rear frame 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the rotating body 310 is attached to and fixed to the case 35. Therefore, the rotation axis of the rotating body 310 is the same as the rotation axis 331 of the case 35. The rotating body 310 includes a fixing member 3101, a shaft member 3102, a plate 3103, and a gear 3104.

The fixing tool 3101 is a member that separates the shaft member 3102 from the rotating shaft 331 of the case 35 in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the fixing member 3101 is formed into a plate shape, and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the case 35 in the radial direction. However, in the present disclosure, the fixing tool 3101 may be formed in, for example, a rod shape, a block shape, or the like. As shown in FIG. 4, the fixing tool 3101 according to the present embodiment protrudes upward from the outer circumferential surface of the case 35 in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 331 when the front frame 21 is at the reference position. There is.

The shaft member 3102 is attached to the fixture 3101. The longitudinal direction of the shaft member 3102 is approximately parallel to the central axis of the shaft 33. The shaft member 3102 is spaced apart from the rotating shaft 331 of the case 35 in the radial direction. The rotation axis of the shaft member 3102 is the same as the rotation axis 331 of the case 35. The shaft member 3102 rotates together with the case 35 as the front frame 21 rotates about the rotation axis 331 with respect to the rear frame 3 .

The plate 3103 is fixed to the distal end surface of the shaft member 3102 and is rotatably attached to the shaft 33. The rotation axis of the plate 3103 is the same as the rotation axis 331 of the case 35. As shown in FIG. 7, the plate 3103 includes a mounting portion 3105 and an arcuate portion 3106 provided in the mounting portion 3105.

The attachment portion 3105 includes a portion (here, a through hole) that is attached to the shaft 33. In this embodiment, the attachment part 3105 has a sliding cylinder part 3107 that slides on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 33, and an attachment hole through which a bolt 3108 attached to the shaft member 3102 passes. Although the shaft member 3102 and the attachment portion 3105 are fixed by bolts 3108 in this embodiment, they may be fixed by welding or the like.

A gear 3104 is attached to the arcuate portion 3106. In this embodiment, the arcuate portion 3106 is integrally formed with the attachment portion 3105. The upper edge of the arcuate portion 3106 is formed in an arcuate shape, and the center of the upper edge is located at approximately the same position as the rotation axis 331 of the shaft 33. The teeth of the gear 3104 are arranged along the upper edge of the arcuate portion 3106. The center of the arc where the teeth of the gear 3104 are lined up is the same as the central axis of the shaft 33, but the center of the edge of the circular arc portion 3106 does not necessarily need to be the same as the central axis of the shaft 33.

When the case 35 rotates, the plate 3103 rotates around the rotation axis 331 along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 33. The axis of rotation of the plate 3103 is the same as the axis of rotation of the front frame 21 with respect to the rear frame 3.

The gear 3104 meshes with a resistance force generating device 8, which will be described later. Gear 3104 includes multiple teeth. Gear 3104 is attached to arcuate portion 3106 and rotates together with plate 3103. The rotation axis of the gear 3104 is the same as the rotation axis 331 of the case 35.

(1.2.6) Swing Restoration Mechanism The swing restoring mechanism 31 returns the front frame 21 to the reference position when the front frame 21 rotates about the rotating shaft 331 with respect to the rear frame 3. This is a mechanism that applies force to the front frame 21 to do so. Therefore, in the tricycle 1 according to the present embodiment, when the user changes the traveling direction to the left or right while riding, the front frame 21 is tilted in either the left or right direction with respect to the rear frame 3. In this case, the front frame 21 easily returns to the reference position.

The “reference position” in the present disclosure means the position of the front frame 21 when the central axis of the seat tube 23 is orthogonal to the moving surface 100 when the tricycle 1 is viewed from the front. Below, the position of the connecting frame 32 when the front frame 21 is at the reference position may also be referred to as the "reference position."

The swing restoring mechanism 31 according to this embodiment is attached to a shaft 33 at the front of the rear frame 3, as shown in FIG. However, the swing restoring mechanism 31 may be attached to the shaft 33, for example, at the rear of the rear frame 3, and the attachment position is not particularly limited. The swing restoration mechanism 31 includes a first lever 313, a second lever 317, and an elastic body 318, as shown in FIG. 6A.

Each of the first lever 313 and the second lever 317 is rotatably attached to the shaft 33, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C. The rotation axes of the first lever 313 and the second lever 317 are the same as the rotation axis 331 of the case 35 (the central axis of the shaft 33). The first lever 313 rotates in one direction by being pushed by the shaft member 3102. The second lever 317 is rotated in the other direction by being pushed by the shaft member 3102. "One direction" and "another direction" as used in the present disclosure are directions that are opposite to each other around the rotating shaft 331. "One direction" and "another direction" as used in the present disclosure are merely expressions that mean opposite directions around the rotation axis 331, and are not intended to express a specific direction such as rightward or leftward.

Each of the first lever 313 and the second lever 317 includes a lever main body 320 and an elastic body attachment part 314. In this embodiment, the two levers 313 and 317 are formed to have the same shape, but may be formed to be mirror images of each other. In this embodiment, since the two levers 313 and 317 have the same structure, the first lever 313 will mainly be explained, and the explanation about the second lever 317 will be omitted.

The lever main body 320 is a member that constitutes the main body of the first lever 313, and includes an attachment portion to the shaft 33. As shown in FIG. 4, the lever main body 320 is rotatably attached to the axially intermediate portion of the shaft 33 (between the rear frame 3 and the case 35). The rotation axis of the lever body 320 is the same as the rotation axis 331 of the shaft 33. As shown in FIG. 6A, the lever body 320 according to this embodiment is formed into a substantially L-shape when viewed in the axial direction of the shaft 33. However, the lever main body 320 may be formed, for example, in a circular shape, a rectangular shape, etc. when viewed in the axial direction of the shaft 33, and the shape is not particularly limited.

The lever main body 320 has a push portion 315 above the rotating shaft 331 in the vertical direction when the lever main body 320 is in the reference position. The pushing portion 315 is a surface facing the side surface of the shaft member 3102. The pushing portion 315 pushes the shaft member 3102 when the shaft member 3102 moves in one direction (the other direction in the case of the second lever 317). The lever main body 320 rotates around the rotation shaft 331 when the push portion 315 is pushed. The rotation axis of the lever body 320 is located between the push portion 315 and the movement restriction portion 316 in the vertical direction.

The lever main body 320 has a plurality of rising pieces 3190. The plurality of rising pieces 3190 are provided at a location where the elastic body attachment section 314 is attached and at a location where the movement restriction section 316 is attached. The rising piece 3190 is formed in the shape of a rib that protrudes in a direction intersecting a plane perpendicular to the rotating shaft 331. By providing the rising piece 3190, the strength of the lever main body 320 is increased, and the movement regulating portion 316 and the elastic body attachment portion 314 can be easily attached.

The elastic body attachment portion 314 is attached to the lever body 320. An elastic body 318 is attached to the elastic body attachment portion 314 . In this embodiment, the elastic body mounting portion 314 is located above the rotation shaft 331 in the vertical direction when the lever main body 320 is at the reference position. The elastic body attachment portion 314 is an eye bolt in this embodiment, and is attached to the lever body 320 with a nut. However, in the present disclosure, the elastic body attachment part 314 is not limited to an eye bolt, but may be a hook, or a notch formed in the upright piece 3190, as long as the elastic body 318 can be attached. good. Further, the elastic body attachment portion 314 does not need to be attached to the upright piece 3190, and may be attached to the surface of the lever body 320 facing in the axial direction of the shaft 33.

The elastic body 318 applies a force to the first lever 313 or the second lever 317 in a direction opposite to the rotational force caused by the force from the shaft member 3102. In this embodiment, the elastic body 318 is a tension coil spring. However, in the present disclosure, the elastic body 318 only needs to be able to apply force to the levers 313 and 317, and does not need to be a tension coil spring. Examples of the elastic body 318 include a leaf spring, a torsion coil spring, and rubber. In this embodiment, the elastic body 318 is spanned between the elastic body attachment portion 314 of the first lever 313 and the elastic body attachment portion 314 of the second lever 317 . Therefore, for example, when the elastic body 318 receives a tensile force due to rotation of the first lever 313, the second lever 317 is pulled in the same direction. At this time, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the second lever 317 from rotating due to the tensile force from the first lever 313, the movement restricting portion 316 hits the fixed body 319, as shown in FIG. is limited.

The movement restricting portion 316 is a portion that comes into contact with the fixed body 319 when a rotational force in the other direction (one direction in the case of the second lever 317) of the rotating shaft 331 is applied to the first lever 313 in the reference position. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6C, when a force is applied from the shaft member 3102 to the second lever 317 in the other direction, a rotational force is applied from the elastic body 318 to the first lever 313 in the other direction. However, the rotation is restricted by the movement restriction portion 316 hitting the fixed body 319. In this embodiment, the movement restricting part 316 is a bolt, and is attached to the lever main body 320 (specifically, the rising piece 3190) with a nut. By adjusting the protrusion dimension of the bolt head relative to the upright piece 3190, the tensile force exerted by the elastic body 318 can be adjusted.

Note that the movement restriction section 316 is also provided on the second lever 317. The fixed body 319 hits the movement restricting portion 316 of the second lever 317, thereby preventing the second lever 317 at the reference position from rotating in one direction (the same direction as the rotation of the first lever 313), as shown in FIG. 6B. to regulate.

The fixed body 319 is fixed to the shaft 33, as shown in FIG. The fixed body 319 includes a fixture 353 and a shaft body 352. The fixture 353 projects downward from the shaft 33 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the shaft 33 . The fixture 353 and the shaft 33 are fixed by welding or the like. The shaft body 352 is attached to a fixture 353. The shaft body 352 is substantially parallel to the central axis of the shaft 33. The shaft body 352 is disposed between the movement restriction part 316 of the first lever 313 and the movement restriction part 316 of the second lever 317, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C.

When the case 35 rotates (here, this direction is defined as one direction), the rotating body 310 rotates in one direction (the direction of the black arrow in FIG. 6B) around the rotating shaft 331, as shown in FIG. 6B. Then, the shaft member 3102 of the rotating body 310 pushes the push portion 315 of the first lever 313 and rotates the first lever 313 in one direction. When the first lever 313 rotates in one direction, one end of the elastic body 318 is pulled (to the right in this case) by the elastic body mounting portion 314 of the first lever 313.

At this time, the other end of the elastic body 318 applies a tensile force to the second lever 317. When the second lever 317 receives a tensile force from the elastic body 318, it tries to rotate in one direction, but the movement restricting portion 316 hits the fixed body 319. Therefore, the second lever 317 does not rotate in one direction. Therefore, the elastic body 318 elastically stretches and applies a rotational force in the other direction (the white arrow in FIG. 4B) to the first lever 313.

As a result, the rotating body 310 rotating in one direction from the reference position is given a rotational force in the other direction from the first lever 313 to return it to the reference position. Therefore, when the front frame 21 is tilted from the reference position, a force is applied to the front frame 21 connected to the case 35 to return it to the reference position.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the case 35 rotates in the other direction, the rotating body 310 rotates in the other direction around the rotating shaft 331 (in the direction of the black arrow in FIG. 6C). Then, the shaft member 3102 of the rotating body 310 pushes the push portion 315 of the second lever 317, and rotates the second lever 317 in the other direction. When the second lever 317 rotates in the other direction, one end of the elastic body 318 is pulled (here, to the left) by the elastic body mounting portion 314 of the second lever 317.

At this time, the other end of the elastic body 318 applies a tensile force to the first lever 313. When the first lever 313 receives a tensile force from the elastic body 318, it tries to rotate in the other direction, but the movement restricting portion 316 hits the fixed body 319. Therefore, the first lever 313 does not rotate in the other direction. Therefore, the elastic body 318 elastically stretches and applies a rotational force in one direction (the white arrow in FIG. 6C) to the second lever 317.

As a result, a rotational force directed in one direction is applied from the second lever 317 to the rotating body 310 rotating in the other direction from the reference position to return it to the reference position.

(1.2.7) Resistance Force Generation Device The resistance force generation device 8 is a device that applies a resistance force to the rotational force when the rotational force around the rotating shaft 331 is generated. The resistance force generator 8 is attached to the rear frame 3, as shown in FIG. The resistance force generating device 8 according to the present embodiment resists the rotational force (force generated when tilting) of the front frame 21 relative to the rear frame 3 by applying a resistance force to the rotational force of the rotating body 310. to add resistance.

The resistance generating device 8 is a rotary damper 80 having a plurality of teeth 82 that mesh with gears. In this embodiment, the resistance force generating device 8 is a damper using an incompressible fluid. Specifically, the resistance force generating device 8 according to this embodiment is a viscous resistance type oil damper that uses oil as an incompressible fluid. However, the resistance force generation device 8 may be an air type or an electric type resistance force generation device 8.

The resistance force generating device 8 generates a stronger resistance force as the speed of displacement on the input shaft is faster. Therefore, in the three-wheeled bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment, when a force that causes the front frame 21 to tilt is suddenly applied to the rear frame 3, the force that causes the front frame 21 to lean is relatively strong. Generates resistance. On the other hand, when a force that causes the front frame 21 to tilt is gently applied to the rear frame 3, a relatively weak resistance force is generated against the force that causes the front frame 21 to tilt.

In the three-wheeled bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment, when the front frame 21 rotates around the rotation axis 331 with respect to the rear frame 3, the rotating body 310 rotates around the rotation axis 331. Since the gear 3104 of the rotating body 310 is engaged with the teeth 82 of the resistance force generating device 8, the resistance generating device 8 generates a resistance force against the rotational force of the rotating body 310. Thereby, the resistance force generating device 8 can attenuate the force that causes the front frame 21 to rotate about the rotation axis 331.

By the way, while the three-wheeled bicycle 1 is moving, at a predetermined speed or higher, the inertial force acting on the front frame 21 stabilizes the running. On the other hand, when the speed is less than the predetermined speed, the inertial force acting on the front frame 21 is small, making it difficult to maintain an independent posture. The "predetermined speed" here means a speed at which the front frame 21 can be maintained in an upright position. The "predetermined speed" is, for example, 5 to 8 km/h or less, more preferably 5 km/h or less.

In contrast, the three-wheeled bicycle 1 according to the present embodiment includes a resistance force generating device 8 that generates a resistance force against the force that causes the front frame 21 to tilt relative to the rear frame 3. Therefore, even when the tricycle 1 is moving at a speed lower than a predetermined speed, the front frame 21 can be maintained in an independent posture.

On the other hand, the resistance force generating device 8 generates a relatively weak resistance force when the speed of displacement on the input shaft is slow. That is, when the tricycle 1 is moving at a predetermined speed or higher, when turning in either the left or right direction, there is little sudden movement of the center of gravity in the front frame 21, so the resistance force generated by the resistance force generating device 8 is the cause. Therefore, a situation in which it is difficult to turn left and right is unlikely to occur.

As shown in FIG. 7, the rotary damper 80 is located above the rotating shaft 331 (the central axis of the shaft 33) of the rotating body 310 in a direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft 331. The rotary damper 80 is located at the center of the movement range of the rotating body 310. As shown in FIG. 4, the rotary damper 80 is attached to the rear frame 3 by a fixture 81 having a substantially L-shaped cross section.

Thereby, the resistance force generating device 8 can apply a resistance force to the rotating body 310 even if the rotating body 310 rotates in one direction or the other direction around the rotating shaft 331.

(1.2.8) Handle The handle 38 operates the direction of the front wheel 92, as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the handle 38 is formed into a substantially U-shape when viewed from the front. The handle 38 has a grip 381 at the tip. The handle 38 is fixed to the upper end of the Hawk stem 263. A basket 39 is attached above the connection portion between the handle 38 and the Hawk stem 263.

(1.2.9) Battery Device The battery device 6 is a device that supplies power to at least the motor of the motor unit 7. The battery device 6 includes a mounting section 61 and a battery 62, as shown in FIG.

The mounting part 61 is a part to which the battery 62 is mounted. A battery 62 is removably attached to the mounting portion 61. The mounting portion 61 is fixed to the top plate portion 271 of the battery bracket 27 in a state where it rests thereon.

The battery 62 is a secondary battery that stores electrical energy to be supplied to the motor. The battery 62 contains one or more cells. Battery 62 is electrically connected to mounting portion 61 . This allows battery 62 to supply power to the motor.

In the present disclosure, the battery device 6 may be configured to supply power only to the motor unit 7, or may be configured to supply power only to the motor unit 7, or in addition to the motor unit 7, for example, a headlight, a motor ON/OFF operation unit, etc. The device may be configured to provide power to the device.

(1.2.10) Motor Unit/Motor Bracket The motor unit 7 outputs a force that assists the pedal force input from the pedal 95. In the motor unit 7, when a user pedals a pedal 95 and a pedal force (external force) is input to the crankshaft via a crank arm 96, the crankshaft rotates. When the crankshaft rotates in response to pedal force, the motor unit 7 according to the present embodiment detects the rotational speed of the crankshaft and the torque generated in the crankshaft, and outputs a force according to the detection results. In short, the motor unit 7 according to the present embodiment can output a force that is the sum of the pedal force and the driving auxiliary output.

The motor unit 7 according to this embodiment includes a motor (not shown) and a drive sprocket 71 on which a power transmission body 74 is applied. The drive sprocket 71 includes a first drive sprocket 710 that is rotated by pedal force and a second drive sprocket (not shown) that is rotated by a motor. In short, the motor unit 7 according to the present embodiment is a two-shaft motor unit that separately transmits the pedal force and the drive auxiliary output to the power transmission body 74.

However, in the present disclosure, the motor unit 7 transmits the pedal force transmitted via the pedal 95 and the crank arm 96 and the drive auxiliary output of the motor to the drive sprocket 71, and then transmits the power to the power transmission body 74. It may be a single-shaft type motor unit 7 that transmits the signal.

A crank arm 96 and a pedal 95 are attached to each end of the crankshaft of the motor unit 7. In short, the pair of crank arms 96 and the pair of pedals 95 are arranged on the right and left sides of the frame 2. In this embodiment, the pedal 95 drives at least one of the two rear wheels 91.

In the embodiment, the power transmission body 74 is a chain, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the power transmission body 74 may be a belt, a wire, or the like.

The motor unit 7 is attached to the frame 2 via a motor bracket 73. The motor bracket 73 is attached to the first lower pipe 221. In the present embodiment, the motor bracket 73 is arranged further forward than the battery bracket 27 and further forward than the extension line of the central axis of the seat tube 23 . Note that the motor bracket 73 and the battery bracket 27 may be connected.

In the present embodiment, since the motor bracket 73 is disposed further forward than the extension line of the center axis of the seat tube 23, the user can easily pedal 95 is easy to row. This is because if the motor bracket 73 is arranged forward of the extension line of the central axis of the seat tube 23, it is easy to increase the distance between the pedals 95 and the saddle 40.

(2) Modifications The above embodiment is just one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments described above can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objective of the present disclosure can be achieved.

(2.1) Modification example 1
Although the resistance force generating device 8 according to the above embodiment is an oil damper that uses oil, which is a viscous fluid, as the working fluid, a magnetic functional fluid may be used as the working fluid. With magnetic functional fluids, the damping characteristics can be changed by applying a constant magnetic field.

When a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic functional fluid, the viscosity changes in response to the magnetic field. Magnetic functional fluids include, for example, magnetic fluid (MF), magnetorheological fluid (MRF), magnetic compound fluid (MCF), and the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, the resistance generating device 8 according to this modification includes an electromagnet 83 that applies a magnetic field to the working fluid. In the resistance force generation device 8 according to this modification, the damping force of the resistance force generation device 8 can be changed by changing the electric power supplied to the electromagnet 83. Note that a permanent magnet may be used to apply the magnetic field to the resistance force generating device 8.

In this modification, the three-wheeled bicycle 1 includes a control unit 51 that changes the viscosity of the magnetic functional fluid of the resistance force generating device 8. The control unit 51 according to this modification can control the resistance force generated by the resistance force generation device 8 by changing the electric power supplied to the electromagnet 83. The control unit 51 controls the resistance force generated by the resistance force generation device 8 using the detection result of the speed sensor 52. The control unit 51 according to this embodiment is included in the control board 5.

(2.1.1) Speed Sensor The speed sensor 52 detects the running speed of the tricycle 1. In this embodiment, the speed sensor 52 includes a magnet 520 provided on a part of the spokes of the front wheel 92 and a Hall sensor 521 that detects movement of the magnet 520, and sends a detection signal from the Hall sensor 521 to the control unit 51. By outputting and calculating, the running speed is detected from the angular velocity of the front wheels 92. However, the speed sensor 52 may employ a Doppler type or a spatial filter type, for example. Further, in the speed sensor 52, the detection element and the control section 51 that determines the speed from the electric signal received from the detection element may be housed in one housing.

(2.1.2) Control Board The control board 5 (see FIG. 1) has a control section 51 (see FIG. 8) that controls the resistance force generating device 8. The control board 5 is a printed circuit board as in the above embodiment. The control unit 51 mainly includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, the functions of the control unit 51 are realized by the processor of the microcontroller executing a program recorded in the memory of the microcontroller. The program may be pre-recorded in a memory, or may be provided recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card. A speed sensor 52 and a resistance force generator 8 are electrically connected to the control unit 51 .

The control unit 51 controls the resistance force generated by the resistance force generation device 8 using the detection result of the speed sensor 52. The control unit 51 according to this modification sets the resistance force to a predetermined resistance force when the detection result by the speed sensor 52 is below a predetermined speed, and sets the resistance force to a predetermined resistance force when the detection result exceeds the predetermined speed. change the resistance force to be smaller than the resistance force of

The "predetermined resistance force" here means a resistance force corresponding to the resistance force generated by the resistance force generation device 8 according to the above embodiment. In short, in this modification, the viscosity of the magnetic functional fluid when generating a predetermined resistance force corresponds to the viscosity when the working fluid is oil.

As a result, in the three-wheeled bicycle 1, the front frame 21 is difficult to tilt at low speeds, and the front frame 21 can be easily tilted at normal to high speeds, making it easy to move the center of gravity.

In this modification, the power may be changed stepwise or continuously based on the detection result by the speed sensor 52. Further, the power supply may be configured to be switchable between ON and OFF by user's operation, and the presence or absence of the resistance force generated by the resistance force generation device 8 may be switched.

(2.2) Modification 2
In the above embodiment, the rotary damper 80 was used as the resistance force generating device 8, but in this modification, at least one direct-acting damper 84 is used as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The direct-acting damper 84 receives the rotational force of the rotating body 310 and applies a resistance force to the rotating body 310.

The rotating body 310 includes a plate 3103, as shown in FIG. The plate 3103 differs from the plate 3103 according to the above embodiment (see FIG. 7) in that a gear 3104 is not provided. In the plate 3103 according to this modification, a connecting portion 3109 is provided at the upper end of the mounting portion 3105 in the direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft 331. A rod 842 of the direct acting damper 84 is rotatably attached to the connecting portion 3109. The rotation axis of the rod 842 is approximately parallel to the rotation axis 331.

The direct-acting damper 84 includes a cylinder 841 rotatably attached to the plate 302 of the rear frame body 30 and a rod 842 movable with respect to the cylinder 841. The rotation axis of the cylinder is approximately parallel to the rotation axis 331. The working fluid of the direct-acting damper 84 according to this embodiment is oil, as in the above embodiments. Therefore, the direct acting damper 84 according to this embodiment is an oil damper. The three-wheeled bicycle 1 according to this embodiment includes two direct-acting dampers 84, as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the direct-acting damper 84 on the right side will be defined as a first damper 84a, and the direct-acting damper 84 on the left side will be defined as a second damper 84b.

When the rotating body 310 rotates in one direction (the direction of the arrow) around the rotating shaft 331, the rod 842 of the first damper 84a moves backward, and the rod 842 of the second damper 84b moves forward. Further, when the rotating body 310 rotates in the other direction around the rotating shaft 331, the rod 842 of the first damper 84a moves forward, and the rod 842 of the second damper 84b moves backward.

Note that in the direct-acting damper 84 according to this modification, the magnetic functional fluid described in Modification 1 may be used as the working fluid.

(2.3) Modification 3
The tricycle 1 of the above embodiment includes a so-called center unit type motor unit 7 that is attached to the down tube 22, but as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a front hub unit type motor unit 7 is provided. It may be 7. In this modified example, in FIG. 11, the same components as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11, the three-wheeled bicycle 1 according to this modification includes a hub motor 75 as the motor unit 7, a pedal force detection unit 70, and a pedal force detection unit bracket 730.

The pedal force detection unit bracket 730 is attached to the first lower tube 221 of the down tube 22. The pedal force detection unit 70 is attached to the pedal force detection unit bracket 730. Note that the pedal force detection unit bracket 730 of this modification has the same structure as the motor bracket 73 of the above embodiment, and can be used in common with the pedal force detection unit bracket 730 and the motor unit 7. The pedal force detection unit bracket 730 and the motor bracket 73 may be collectively referred to as a "mounting bracket."

The pedal force detection unit 70 detects the pedal force input from a pedal 95 connected to the crankshaft. In this modification, the pedal force detection unit 70 detects torque as detection of pedal force. Detection of this torque is performed, for example, by detecting strain generated in the crankshaft using a magnetostrictive torque sensor. Note that the rotation of the crankshaft around the axis may be detected by a rotation sensor to detect the pedal force.

The detection result detected by the pedal force detection unit 70 is output to the hub motor 75.

The hub motor 75 generates a driving auxiliary output based on the detection result of the pedal force detection unit 70. A hub motor 75 according to this modification is attached concentrically to a front wheel shaft 93 of a front wheel 92. As shown in FIG. 12, the hub motor 75 includes a pair of fixed shafts 76, a motor device 77, a speed reduction mechanism 78, and a hub case 79.

The fixed shaft 76 extends along the rotation axis of the front wheel 92 and is attached to the frame 2. In this embodiment, the fixed shaft 76 is attached to the pair of fork legs 261 and fixed to the pair of fork legs 261.

The motor device 77 uses the motor 771 as a drive source and outputs rotational power. Motor device 77 includes a motor 771 and a housing 772. One of the fixed shafts 76 is fixed to the housing 772. Motor 771 is attached to housing 772. Motor 771 includes a rotor 774 and a stator 773. An output shaft 775 is attached to the rotor 774, and the rotor 774 and the output shaft 775 are fixed to each other. A tooth portion 776 is formed on the outer periphery of the output shaft 775.

When the rotational power output from the motor device 77 is input, the deceleration mechanism 78 decelerates the rotational power and then rotates the hub case 79 . In this modification, the speed reduction mechanism 78 is a planetary gear mechanism including a plurality of spur gears 781. A plurality of spur gears 781 are arranged around the output shaft 775 and mesh with the teeth 776. In the speed reduction mechanism 78 according to this modification, the plurality of spur gears 781 do not revolve around the output shaft 775, but may be configured to be able to revolve around the output shaft 775. The speed reduction mechanism 78 is arranged inside the hub case 79. Spur gear 781 meshes with tooth portion 776 and meshes with the inner peripheral surface of hub case 79 .

Hub case 79 is rotatably attached to housing 772. The rotational axis of the hub case 79 is the same as the central axis of the fixed shaft 76 and the same as the rotational axis of the front wheel 92. A bearing 791 is interposed between the hub case 79 and the housing 772. Spokes 942 of the front wheel 92 are attached to the hub case 79. A one-way clutch is provided in the power transmission path from the output shaft 775 of the motor 771 to the hub case 79. The one-way clutch transmits acceleration from the motor 771 to the hub case 79 while the three-wheeled bicycle is running, but blocks power transmission from the hub case 79 to the motor 771.

When rotational power is output from the motor device 77, the rotational power is transmitted to the speed reduction mechanism 78 and rotates the hub case 79. Hub case 79 rotates wheel 921 and transmits drive assist output to front wheel 92 .

(2.4) Other Modification Examples Modification examples of the embodiment will be listed below. The modified examples described below can be applied in combination as appropriate.

In the tricycle 1 according to the first modification, the resistance force generation device 8 is controlled by the control unit 51, but in the present disclosure, the resistance force generation device 8 may be operated by manual operation. For example, an operating lever may be provided on the grip 381 of the handle 38, and by operating the operating lever, the presence or absence of the resistance force of the resistance force generating device 8 may be switched.

In the embodiment described above, the connection frame 32 was connected to the rear frame 3 so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis 331 of the connection frame 32, but in the present disclosure, the connection frame 32 is connected to the front frame 21. On the other hand, it may be connected rotatably around the rotating shaft 331. In this case, it is preferable that the connecting frame 32 and the rear frame 3 are rotatably connected around an axis extending in the left-right direction.

In the above embodiment, the connecting frame 32 and the front frame 21 are rotatably attached around an axis extending in the left-right direction, but in the present disclosure, the connecting frame 32 has an end portion opposite to the shaft 33. , and the corresponding frames 2 may be fixed to each other. For example, in the embodiment described above, the connection frame 32 and the front frame 21 may be fixed by welding. In this case, the connection frame 32 and the battery bracket 27 may be integrated.

In the above embodiment, the rear frame 3 is provided with the swing restoration mechanism 31, but in the present disclosure, the front frame 21 may be provided with the swing restoration mechanism 31. Further, in the present disclosure, the swing restoring mechanism 31 may not be provided.

In the above embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the connecting frame 32 intersects with the moving surface 100, but in the present disclosure, the longitudinal direction of the connecting frame 32 may be substantially parallel to the moving surface 100.

Although the pedal 95 drives one of the two rear wheels 91 in the above embodiment, it may drive both of the two rear wheels 91. Further, the pedal 95 may drive only the front wheel 92.

In the above embodiment, the three-wheeled bicycle 1 has been described based on an electric bicycle, but in the present disclosure, the three-wheeled bicycle 1 may be a non-electric bicycle.

In the above modification 1, the motor unit 7 is a front hub unit type, but the hub motor 75 of the modification 1 is attached to the hub of the driving wheel of the two rear wheels 91, which is a so-called rear hub unit type motor unit. It may be set to 7.

In the above embodiment, the shaft 33 is fixed to the rear frame 3, and the front frame 21 is rotatably attached to the shaft 33, but in the present disclosure, the shaft 33 is rotatably attached to the rear frame 3. The front frame 21 may be fixed to the shaft 33. Moreover, the connection frame 32 may be provided integrally with either the front frame 21 or the rear frame 3.

In the above embodiment, the resistance force is applied to the rotational force of the front frame 21 by applying a resistance force to the rotating body 310, but the resistance force is applied to the rotational force of the front frame 21 directly. A resistance force may be added. For example, teeth may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the case 35, and the teeth 82 of the resistance force generating device 8 may be engaged with the teeth.

In this disclosure, expressions accompanied by "approximately" such as "approximately parallel" may be used. For example, "substantially parallel" means substantially "parallel", and includes not only a strictly "parallel" state but also an error of several degrees. The same applies to other expressions accompanied by "abbreviation".

Furthermore, in the present disclosure, expressions are used that distinguish between "...end" and "...end," such as "front end" and "front end." For example, "front end" means a portion having a certain range including the "front end." The same applies to other expressions with "...end".

(3) Aspect As explained above, the three-wheeled bicycle (1) according to the first aspect includes a frame (2), one front wheel (92) that supports the frame (2) on the moving surface (100), and two and two rear wheels (91). The frame (2) includes a front frame (21) to which a front wheel (92) is attached via a front fork (26), a rear frame (3) to which a rear wheel (91) is attached, and a front frame ( 21) and a connecting frame (32) that connects the rear frame (3). The connection frame (32) includes a shaft (33) that allows the front frame (21) to rotate with respect to the rear frame (3) about a rotation axis (331) along the front-rear direction in plan view. The three-wheeled bicycle (1) further includes a resistance force generating device (8) that applies a resistance force to the rotational force when the rotational force about the rotation axis (331) is generated.

According to this aspect, when the front frame (21) tries to rotate around the rotation axis (331) when the tricycle (1) is running at low speed, a resistance force can be applied to the front frame (21). ) can prevent their independence from becoming unstable. Therefore, with the three-wheeled bicycle (1) according to this aspect, stable running is easily realized.

In the three-wheeled bicycle (1) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the rotating body (310) rotates about the rotation axis (331) in accordance with the rotation of the front frame (21) with respect to the rear frame (3). It further includes: The resistance force generator (8) is configured to apply a resistance force to the rotational force of the rotating body (310).

According to this aspect, by simply configuring to apply a resistance force to the rotational force of the rotating body (310), when the front frame (21) tries to rotate around the rotation axis (331), the resistance force is applied to the rotational force of the rotating body (310). force can be applied.

In the tricycle (1) according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the rotating body (310) includes a gear (3104). The resistance force generator (8) is a rotary damper (80) having teeth (82) meshing with a gear (3104).

According to this aspect, resistance force can be applied to the rotational force of the front frame (21) with a simplified configuration.

In the three-wheeled bicycle (1) according to the fourth aspect, in the second aspect, the resistance force generating device (8) is a direct acting damper (84) that receives the rotational force of the rotating body (310).

According to this aspect, resistance force can be applied to the rotational force of the front frame (21) using the direct-acting damper (84).

In the three-wheeled bicycle (1) according to the fifth aspect, in the third or fourth aspect, the resistance force generating device (8) is an oil damper.

According to this aspect, a resistance force can be applied to the rotational force of the front frame (21) by utilizing the damping characteristics of the oil damper.

In the tricycle (1) according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, a speed sensor (52) for detecting the traveling speed and a detection result of the speed sensor (52) are used. The apparatus further includes a control section (51) that controls the resistance force generated from the resistance force generation device (8).

According to this aspect, the resistance force applied to the rotational force of the front frame (21) can be changed depending on the speed of the three-wheeled bicycle (1), and the riding comfort of the three-wheeled bicycle (1) is improved. be able to.

In the tricycle (1) according to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the control unit (51) sets the resistance force to a predetermined resistance force when the detection result is less than or equal to a predetermined speed. When a predetermined speed is exceeded, the resistance force is changed to a resistance force smaller than the predetermined resistance force.

According to this aspect, at low speeds, the front frame (21) becomes difficult to tilt, suppressing movement of the user's center of gravity, and at normal speeds, the front frame (21) tends to tilt, causing the user's center of gravity to shift. is easy to do. As a result, the riding comfort of the tricycle (1) can be improved.

In the three-wheeled bicycle (1) according to the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, a driving auxiliary output is provided for at least one of the one front wheel (92) and the two rear wheels (91). The apparatus further includes a motor unit (7) for adding.

According to this aspect, stable running can be realized in the electric bicycle.

The configurations according to the second to seventh aspects are not essential to the three-wheeled bicycle (1) and can be omitted as appropriate.

1 Tricycle 2 Frame 21 Front frame 26 Front fork 3 Rear frame 310 Rotating body 3104 Gear 32 Connecting frame 33 Shaft 331 Rotating shaft 51 Control unit 52 Speed sensor 7 Motor unit 8 Resistance generator 80 Rotary damper 82 Teeth 84 Direct motion Type damper 91 Rear wheel 92 Front wheel 100 Moving surface

Claims (3)

frame and
one front wheel and two rear wheels that support the frame on a moving surface;
A speed sensor for detecting traveling speed,
Equipped with
The frame is
a front frame to which the front wheel is attached via a front fork;
a rear frame to which the rear wheel is attached;
The front frame and the rear frame are rotatably connected to each other around a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction,
a resistance force generating device that applies a resistance force to the rotational force when a rotational force about the rotational axis is generated;
a control unit that controls the resistance force generated from the resistance force generation device using the detection result of the speed sensor;
further comprising a swing restoring device that attempts to return the front frame to a reference position without depending on the detection result when a rotational force about the rotation axis is generated;
The control unit sets the resistance force to a predetermined resistance force when the detection result is a predetermined speed or less, and sets the resistance force to a predetermined resistance force when the detection result exceeds the predetermined speed. is also changed to a smaller resistance force,
Further comprising a rotating body that rotates about the rotation axis in response to rotation of the front frame with respect to the rear frame,
The resistance force generating device is configured to apply a resistance force to the rotational force of the rotating body ,
The rotating body includes a gear,
The resistance force generating device is a rotary damper having teeth that mesh with the gear.
tricycle. The resistance force generating device is an oil damper.
The three-wheeled bicycle according to claim 1 . further comprising a motor unit that applies a drive auxiliary output to at least one of the one front wheel and the two rear wheels;
The three-wheeled bicycle according to claim 1 or 2 .

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