WO2021124508A1 - Vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle capable of expanding the environment in which the vehicle can be used. A vehicle 1 comprises: a link mechanism 5 for supporting a left front wheel 31 or a right front wheel 32 in such a manner as to allow the left or right front wheel to be displaced in the up/down direction with respect to a vehicle main body 2; and a front wheel adjustment mechanism 6 having an operation handle 60 which is operable by the hand of the operator of the vehicle 1 and which is connected to the link mechanism 5 so as to allow an upper cross member 51 and a lower cross member 52 to be swung by the operation performed by the operator, the front wheel adjustment mechanism adjusting the load applied to the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 or the position of the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 when the upper cross member 51 and the lower cross member 52 are swung by the operation of the operation handle 60 performed by the operator.

Description

vehicle

The present invention relates to a vehicle.

A vehicle having a vehicle body body, left rear wheels and right rear wheels supported by the vehicle body body, and left front wheels and right front wheels supported by the vehicle body body is known.

As such a vehicle, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a baby carriage provided with a main body frame having front legs and rear legs, and wheels provided on the front legs and the rear legs, respectively. In the baby carriage disclosed in Patent Document 1, a handle is connected to the main body frame.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-64688

In a vehicle such as the baby carriage mentioned above, it can be used in various driving scenes such as when overcoming a step. However, in a vehicle such as the baby carriage described above, for example, when overcoming a step, the wheel that first comes into contact with the step receives a force in a direction different from the traveling direction (for example, a direction opposite to the traveling direction). As described above, depending on the environment in which the vehicle is used, the burden on the operator of the vehicle may increase. Therefore, the environment in which the vehicle can be used may be limited.

On the other hand, it is required to expand the environment in which vehicles such as the above-mentioned baby carriage can be used.

An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle whose available environment can be expanded.

The present inventors examined a configuration capable of expanding the environment in which the vehicle can be used. As a result of diligent studies, the present inventors have come up with the following configuration.

A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle including a vehicle body, left rear wheels and right rear wheels supported by the vehicle body, and left front wheels and right front wheels supported by the vehicle body. is there. This vehicle is a member extending in the left-right direction, and a first swing in which a central portion in the left-right direction is swingably supported by the vehicle body body around a first central swing axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body body. A moving lever and a member extending in the left-right direction, the central portion in the left-right direction is below the first swing lever, and around the second central swing axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body to the vehicle body. A second swing lever that is swingably supported and a member that extends in the vertical direction. At the left end of the first swing lever, around the first left swing axis that extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The left front wheel is swingably supported and is swingably supported at the left end of the second swing lever around the second left swing axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body body to support the left front wheel. It is a wheel support and a member extending in the vertical direction, and is supported by the right end of the first swing lever so as to be swingable around the first right swing axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body body. The right end of the second swing lever includes a right front wheel support that is swingably supported around a second right swing axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body body and supports the right front wheel, and includes the left front. A front wheel displacement link mechanism that supports the wheel or the right front wheel in a state of being displaceable in the vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body body, and a front wheel displacement link mechanism that can be manually operated by the operator of the vehicle and is operated by the operator. It has an operation handle connected to the front wheel displacement link mechanism so as to swing the first swing lever and the second swing lever, and the first swing is caused by the operation of the operation handle by the operator. The front wheel adjusting mechanism for adjusting the load applied to the left front wheel and the right front wheel or the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel by swinging the lever and the second swing lever is provided.

The left front wheel and the right front wheel are supported by the front wheel displacement link mechanism in a state where they can be displaced in the vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body body. The left front wheel and the right front wheel are caused by the driver of the vehicle manually operating the operation handle of the front wheel adjustment mechanism to swing the first swing lever and the second swing lever of the front wheel displacement link mechanism. The load applied to the wheel or the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel can be adjusted.

Therefore, when the left front wheel or the right front wheel of the vehicle comes into contact with, for example, a step, the operator of the vehicle manually operates the operation handle of the front wheel adjustment mechanism to cause the front wheel displacement link. The first swing lever and the second swing lever of the mechanism can be swung to lift the wheel in contact with the step. Thereby, the load applied to the left front wheel and the right front wheel or the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel can be adjusted. Therefore, when the vehicle gets over the step, for example, it can easily get over the step.

From the above, the environment in which the vehicle can be used can be expanded.

From another point of view, the vehicle of the present invention preferably includes the following configurations. The operation handle includes a first operation handle and a second operation handle. The first operation handle is connected to the left portion of the first swing lever and the left portion of the second swing lever. The second operation handle is connected to the right portion of the first swing lever and the right portion of the second swing lever. The front wheel adjustment mechanism causes the first swing lever and the second swing lever to swing by the operation of at least one of the first operation handle and the second operation handle by the operator, thereby causing the left front. The load applied to the wheels and the right front wheel or the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel are adjusted.

As a result, the driver of the vehicle operates at least one of the first operation handle and the second operation lever to swing the first swing lever and the second swing lever of the front wheel displacement link mechanism to swing the left front wheel. And the load applied to the right front wheel or the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel can be adjusted.

Therefore, it is possible to realize a configuration that can improve the degree of freedom of steering wheel operation according to the vehicle. Moreover, with the above configuration, the operator of the vehicle can easily adjust the load applied to the left front wheel and the right front wheel or the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel according to the environment in which the vehicle is used. can do.

Therefore, the environment in which the vehicle can be used can be expanded.

From another point of view, the vehicle of the present invention preferably includes the following configurations. The first operating handle is connected to the upper part of the left front wheel support. The second operating handle is connected to the upper part of the right front wheel support.

As a result, the driver of the vehicle operates at least one of the first operation handle and the second operation lever to swing the first swing lever and the second swing lever of the front wheel displacement link mechanism to swing the left front wheel. And the load applied to the right front wheel or the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel can be adjusted.

Therefore, the environment in which the vehicle can be used can be expanded.

From another point of view, the vehicle of the present invention preferably includes the following configurations. The front wheel adjustment mechanism is configured to move the left front wheel and the right front wheel in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction by the operation of the operation handle by the operator.

Thereby, the operator of the vehicle can adjust the load applied to the left front wheel and the right front wheel or the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel by operating at least one of the first operation handle and the second operation lever.

Therefore, the environment in which the vehicle can be used can be expanded.

From another point of view, the vehicle of the present invention preferably includes the following configurations. The operation handle is provided so as to be linearly displaced with respect to the vehicle body body. The front wheel adjustment mechanism causes the left front wheel and the right front wheel to swing by swinging the first swing lever and the second swing lever by an operation of linearly displace the operation handle by the operator. The applied load or the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel are adjusted.

By displacing the operation handle linearly with respect to the vehicle body body, the load applied to the left front wheel and the right front wheel or the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel can be adjusted.

Therefore, the environment in which the vehicle can be used can be expanded.

From another point of view, the vehicle of the present invention preferably includes the following configurations. The operation handle is provided so as to swing with respect to the vehicle body body. The front wheel adjustment mechanism is applied to the left front wheel and the right front wheel by swinging the first swing lever and the second swing lever by the operation of swinging the operation handle by the operator. Adjust the load or the position of the left front wheel and the right front wheel.

By swinging the operation handle with respect to the vehicle body body, the load applied to the left front wheel and the right front wheel or the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel can be adjusted.

Therefore, the environment in which the vehicle can be used can be expanded.

From another point of view, the vehicle of the present invention preferably includes the following configurations. The front wheel adjusting mechanism includes a clutch mechanism between the operating handle and the front wheel displacement link mechanism that switches the operating handle and the front wheel displacement link mechanism into a connected state or a disconnected state.

As a result, the operation handle and the front wheel displacement link mechanism can be switched between the connected state and the disconnected state by the clutch mechanism according to the environment in which the vehicle is used. Therefore, it is possible to switch whether or not the front wheel displacement link mechanism is operated by the operation of the operation handle of the operator according to the environment in which the vehicle is used. That is, it is possible to switch whether or not the load applied to the left front wheel and the right front wheel is adjusted or whether or not the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel are adjusted according to the environment in which the vehicle is used.

Therefore, the environment in which the vehicle can be used can be expanded.

The terminology used herein is used for the purpose of defining only specific examples, and there is no intention of limiting the invention by the terminology.

As used herein, "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more relatedly listed components.

As used herein, the use of "including, including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof are described as features, processes, elements, components, and / or. , Identifying the existence of their equivalents, but may include one or more of steps, actions, elements, components, and / or their groups.

In the present specification, "attached", "connected", "combined", and / or their equivalents are used in a broad sense and are "direct and indirect" attachments. Includes both connection and connection. Further, "connected" and "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or connections, but can include direct or indirect connections or connections.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be construed to have meaning consistent with the relevant technology and meaning in the context of the present disclosure, unless expressly defined herein. , Is not interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

It is understood that a number of techniques and processes are disclosed in the description of the present invention. Each of these has its own interests and can be used with one or more of the other disclosed techniques, or in some cases all.

Therefore, for the sake of clarity, the description of the present invention refrains from unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of individual steps. However, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the present invention.

This specification describes an embodiment of the vehicle according to the present invention.

In the following description, a number of specific examples will be given to provide a complete understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific examples.

Therefore, the following disclosure should be considered as an example of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments set forth in the drawings or description below.

[Front wheel]
In the present specification, the front wheel means a wheel located at the front portion of the vehicle in the traveling direction of the vehicle among a plurality of wheels possessed by the vehicle. The front and rear of the vehicle are determined by the traveling direction of the vehicle. As described above, in the present specification, the front wheel is determined by the traveling direction of the vehicle from among the plurality of wheels of the vehicle. Therefore, for example, when the traveling mode of the vehicle can be switched between the first traveling mode capable of traveling in one direction and the second traveling mode capable of traveling in the direction opposite to the one direction, the first traveling mode is described. The front portion and the rear portion of the vehicle are interchanged between the traveling mode and the second traveling mode. Therefore, for example, the front wheel displacement link mechanism that supports the front wheels at the front portion of the vehicle in the first traveling mode of the vehicle supports the rear wheels at the rear portion of the vehicle in the second traveling mode of the vehicle. Further, for example, the front wheel displacement link mechanism that supports the rear wheels at the rear portion of the vehicle in the first traveling mode of the vehicle supports the front wheels at the front portion of the vehicle in the second traveling mode of the vehicle.

[Step]
In the present specification, the step means a portion where the height in the vertical direction changes stepwise on the road surface on which the vehicle travels. On the road surface on which the vehicle travels, the step is not only a portion that is stepwise higher than the other portion of the road surface, such as a curb, but also a portion that is stepwise higher than the other portion of the road surface, such as a depression. Including the stepped low part.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle that can expand the available environment.

FIG. 1 is a left side view schematically showing the overall configuration of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the front part of the vehicle when the vehicle is viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2 schematically showing the operation of the link mechanism when the left front wheel of the vehicle is located above the right front wheel. FIG. 4 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2 schematically showing the operation of the link mechanism when the right front wheel of the vehicle is located above the left front wheel. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing how the front wheels are moved by the front wheel adjustment mechanism and the link mechanism when the front wheels come into contact with the step. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the vehicle according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 of the vehicle according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the vehicle according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 of the vehicle according to the other embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 of a vehicle according to another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side-by-side view of the front view and the left side view of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same parts will not be repeated. The dimensions of the constituent members in each drawing do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the constituent members, the dimensional ratio of each constituent member, and the like.

Hereinafter, the arrow F in the figure indicates the front direction of the vehicle. The arrow B in the figure indicates the rear direction of the vehicle. The arrow U in the figure indicates the upward direction of the vehicle. The arrow D in the figure indicates the downward direction of the vehicle. The arrow R in the figure indicates the right direction of the vehicle. The arrow L in the figure indicates the left direction of the vehicle. In addition, the traveling direction of the vehicle is the forward direction. Therefore, the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction of the vehicle mean the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions when the driver of the vehicle faces the front direction of the vehicle, respectively.

[Embodiment 1]
(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the front part of the vehicle when the vehicle 1 is viewed from the front. The vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body body 2, a pair of left and right front wheels 3, a pair of left and right rear wheels 4, a link mechanism 5 (front wheel displacement link mechanism), and a front wheel adjustment mechanism 6. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 1 is a four-wheeled vehicle. The pair of left and right front wheels 3 are rotatably supported by the vehicle body body 2 in the front-rear direction via a link mechanism 5. The pair of left and right rear wheels 4 are rotatably supported by the vehicle body body 2 in the front-rear direction. The front wheel adjustment mechanism 6 includes a pair of operating handles 60. The pair of operation handles 60 are connected to the vehicle body body 2. Details of each configuration of the vehicle 1 will be described later.

The vehicle 1 moves forward when the operator applies a force forward to the vehicle body 2 via the pair of operation handles 60. The vehicle 1 moves backward when the operator applies a force backward to the vehicle body 2 via the pair of operation handles 60. The vehicle 1 turns to the left when the operator applies a force to turn to the left with respect to the vehicle body body 2 via the pair of operation handles 60. The vehicle 1 turns to the right when the operator applies a force to turn to the right to the vehicle body 2 via the pair of operation handles 60.

That is, the vehicle 1 does not have a drive source. Further, the vehicle 1 does not have a steering mechanism for steering at least one of a pair of left and right front wheels 3 and a pair of left and right rear wheels 4 by a pair of operation handles 60.

The pair of left and right front wheels 3 includes a left front wheel 31 and a right front wheel 32. The left front wheel 31 is rotatably supported at the lower end of the left side member 53 of the link mechanism 5, which will be described later, about the left front wheel rotation axis P31 extending parallel to the road surface. The right front wheel 32 is rotatably supported at the lower end of the right side member 54 of the link mechanism 5, which will be described later, about the right front wheel rotation axis P32 extending parallel to the road surface. The left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 are located side by side in the left-right direction.

Note that parallel to the road surface is not limited to a state in which the left front wheel rotation axis P31 is completely parallel to the road surface, and the left front wheel rotation axis is not limited to the extent that it does not affect the left-right tilted posture of the vehicle body 2. It also includes a state in which P31 is tilted with respect to the road surface. The same applies to the following description of each rotation axis.

The pair of left and right rear wheels 4 includes a left rear wheel 41 and a right rear wheel 42. The left rear wheel 41 is rotatably supported at the rear portion of the vehicle body 2 about the left rear wheel rotation axis P41 extending parallel to the road surface. The right rear wheel 42 is rotatably supported at the rear portion of the vehicle body 2 about the right rear wheel rotation axis P42 extending parallel to the road surface. The left rear wheel 41 and the right rear wheel 42 are located side by side in the left-right direction.

The vehicle body body 2 has a vehicle body frame 21 that supports a pair of left and right rear wheels 4, and a link mechanism support portion 22 that supports the link mechanism 5.

The vehicle body frame 21 supports the link mechanism support portion 22 and the pair of left and right rear wheels 4. The body frame 21 is composed of, for example, a pipe-shaped member. The vehicle body frame 21 may be composed of panel-shaped members.

The link mechanism support portion 22 is located in front of the vehicle body frame 21. As shown in FIG. 2, the link mechanism support portion 22 is a member extending in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the link mechanism support portion 22 is composed of, for example, a pipe-shaped member. The link mechanism support portion 22 may be formed of a plate-shaped member.

The link mechanism support portion 22 is connected to the front end portion of the vehicle body frame 21. As a result, the link mechanism support portion 22 is supported by the front end portion of the vehicle body frame 21. The link mechanism support portion 22 may be connected to the vehicle body frame 21 at any position.

As will be described later, the link mechanism support portion 22 supports the upper cross member 51 of the link mechanism 5 so as to be swingable around the first central swing axis UI, and the lower cross member 52 is supported by the second center. It is supported so that it can swing around the swing axis DI.

The pair of operation handles 60 are connected to the link mechanism 5 described later. The pair of operation handles 60 extend upward from the link mechanism 5 when the vehicle 1 is viewed from the front. The pair of operation handles 60 includes a left operation handle 61 and a right operation handle 62.

The left operation handle 61 has a left operation handle bar 61a and a left grip portion 61b. In the present embodiment, the left operation handlebar 61a and the left grip portion 61b are integrally configured.

The left operation handlebar 61a extends from the upper end of the left side member 53 in the link mechanism 5 described later in the same direction (extension direction) as the direction in which the left side member 53 extends so as to be continuous with the left side member 53. That is, the left operation handlebar 61a extends upward from the upper end portion of the left side member 53. The lower end of the left operation handlebar 61a is connected to the upper end of the left side member 53. The left operation handlebar may extend from the upper end of the left side member in a direction different from the direction in which the left side member extends. Further, the left operation handlebar and the left side member may be an integral member.

The left grip portion 61b extends from the upper part of the left operation handlebar 61a in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the left operation handlebar 61a. The left grip portion 61b is gripped by the operator's left hand.

The right operation handle 62 has a right operation handle bar 62a and a right grip portion 62b. In the present embodiment, the right operation handlebar 62a and the right grip portion 62b are integrally configured.

The right operation handlebar 62a extends from the upper end of the right side member 54 in the link mechanism 5 described later in the same direction (extension direction) as the direction in which the right side member 54 extends so as to be continuous with the right side member 54. That is, the right operation handlebar 62a extends upward from the upper end portion of the right side member 54. The lower end of the right operation handlebar 62a is connected to the upper end of the right side member 54. The right operation handlebar may extend from the upper end of the right side member in a direction different from the direction in which the right side member extends. Further, the right operation handlebar and the right side member may be an integral member.

The right grip portion 62b extends from the upper part of the right operation handlebar 62a in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the right operation handlebar 62a. The right grip portion 62b is gripped by the operator's right hand.

The link mechanism 5 is supported by a link mechanism support portion 22 located at the front portion of the vehicle body body 2 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction when the vehicle 1 is viewed from the front. The link mechanism 5 is a parallel four-node link (also called a parallelogram link) type link mechanism. The link mechanism 5 is located above the pair of left and right front wheels 3.

The link mechanism 5 includes an upper cross member 51 (first swing lever), a lower cross member 52 (second swing lever), a left side member 53 (left front wheel support), and a right side member 54 (right front wheel). Support) and included.

The upper cross member 51 extends in the left-right direction. The central portion of the upper cross member 51 in the left-right direction is swingably supported by the link mechanism support portion 22 around the first central swing axis UI. The first central swing axis UI extends in the front-rear direction.

The upper cross member 51 may be located in front of the link mechanism support portion 22 or may be located behind the link mechanism support portion 22. The upper cross member 51 may be located both in front of and behind the link mechanism support portion 22.

The lower cross member 52 extends in the left-right direction. The lower cross member 52 is located below the upper cross member 51. The central portion of the lower cross member 52 in the left-right direction is swingably supported by the link mechanism support portion 22 around the second central swing axis DI. The second central swing axis DI extends in the front-rear direction.

The lower cross member 52 may be located in front of the link mechanism support portion 22 or may be located behind the link mechanism support portion 22. The lower cross member 52 may be located both in front of and behind the link mechanism support portion 22.

The left side member 53 is located to the left of the link mechanism support portion 22. The left side member 53 extends in the direction in which the link mechanism support portion 22 extends. That is, the left side member 53 is parallel to the link mechanism support portion 22. In this embodiment, the left side member 53 extends in the vertical direction.

Note that the term "parallel" includes not only the case where the members are completely parallel to each other but also the state where the members are tilted to the extent that they do not affect the operation of the link mechanism 5.

The right side member 54 is located to the right of the link mechanism support portion 22. The right side member 54 extends in the direction in which the link mechanism support portion 22 extends. That is, the right side member 54 is parallel to the link mechanism support portion 22. In the present embodiment, the right side member 54 extends in the vertical direction.

Due to the configuration of the left side member 53 and the right side member 54 as described above, the left side member 53, the link mechanism support portion 22, and the right side member 54 are parallel to each other.

Further, due to the configuration of the left side member 53 as described above, the left operation handlebar 61a connected to the upper end portion of the left side member 53 moves only in the vertical direction. Therefore, the left operation handlebar 61a moves linearly with respect to the vehicle body body 2. That is, the left operation handle 61 is provided so as to be linearly displaced with respect to the vehicle body body 2.

Similarly, with the configuration of the right side member 54 as described above, the right operation handlebar 62a connected to the upper end of the right side member 54 moves only in the vertical direction. Therefore, the right operation handlebar 62a moves linearly with respect to the vehicle body body 2. That is, the right operation handle 62 is provided so as to be linearly displaced with respect to the vehicle body body 2.

The left end of the upper cross member 51 is swingably connected to the left side member 53 around the first left swing axis UL. The first left swing axis UL extends in the front-rear direction. The first left swing axis UL is parallel to the first center swing axis UI.

The left end of the lower cross member 52 is swingably connected to the left side member 53 around the second left swing axis DL. The second left swing axis DL extends in the front-rear direction. The second left swing axis DL is parallel to the second center swing axis DI.

The right end of the upper cross member 51 is swingably connected to the right side member 54 around the first right swing axis UR. The first right swing axis UR extends in the front-rear direction. The first right swing axis UR is parallel to the first center swing axis UI.

The right end of the lower cross member 52 is swingably connected to the right side member 54 around the second right swing axis DR. The second right swing axis DR extends in the front-rear direction. The second right swing axis DR is parallel to the second center swing axis DI.

The first central rocking axis UI, the first left rocking axis UL, the first right rocking axis UR, the second central rocking axis DI, the second left rocking axis DL, and the second right rocking axis DR are mutually exclusive. It extends in parallel. The first center swing axis UI, the first left swing axis UL, the first right swing axis UR, the second center swing axis DI, the second left swing axis DL, and the second right swing axis DR are left front. It is located above the wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32.

The upper cross member 51, the lower cross member 52, the left side member 53, and the right side member 54 maintain a posture in which the upper cross member 51 and the lower cross member 52 are parallel to each other, and the left side member 53 and the right side member 53. It is supported by the vehicle body 2 so that the 54 and the 54 maintain a posture parallel to each other. That is, as described above, the upper cross member 51 and the lower cross member 52 are rotatably supported by the link mechanism support portion 22. Further, the left side member 53 and the right side member 54 move in the vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body body 2.

The shape of the link mechanism 5 changes as the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 move in the vertical direction. That is, the shape of the link mechanism 5 changes depending on the operation of the link mechanism 5. As shown in FIG. 2, when the link mechanism 5 is not operating, the link mechanism 5 has a rectangular shape when the vehicle 1 is viewed from the front. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the link mechanism 5 is operating, the link mechanism 5 has a parallel quadrilateral shape when the vehicle 1 is viewed from the front. That is, the operation of the link mechanism 5 changes the shape of the link mechanism 5 when the vehicle 1 is viewed from the front. Note that FIG. 11 is a diagram showing FIGS. 1 and 3 side by side.

The modification of the link mechanism 5 is that when the vehicle 1 is viewed from the front, the upper cross member 51 and the lower cross member 52 provide the first central swing axis UI and the second central swing axis DI with respect to the link mechanism support portion 22, respectively. It rotates as a center, and the upper cross member 51, the lower cross member 52, the left side member 53, and the right side member 54 are the first left swing axis UL, the first right swing axis UR, and the second left swing axis, respectively. It is generated by rotating around the DL and the second right swing axis DR.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the left front wheel 31 is located above the right front wheel 32, the left side member 53 that supports the left front wheel 31 moves upward with respect to the link mechanism support portion 22. When the left side member 53 moves upward in this way, the upper cross member 51 rotates counterclockwise when the vehicle 1 is viewed from the front with respect to the link mechanism support portion 22 with the first central swing axis UI as the center. Rotate. At this time, the lower cross member 52 also rotates counterclockwise when the vehicle 1 is viewed from the front with respect to the link mechanism support portion 22 about the second central swing axis DI.

Even when the upper cross member 51 and the lower cross member 52 rotate as described above, the upper cross member 51 and the lower cross member 52 remain parallel to each other, and the left side member 53 and the right side member 54 are also parallel to each other. Maintain the state. As a result, the shape of the link mechanism 5 changes from a rectangle to a parallelogram.

Similarly, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the right front wheel 32 is located above the left front wheel 31, the right side member 54 that supports the right front wheel 32 moves upward with respect to the link mechanism support portion 22. To do. When the right side member 54 moves upward in this way, the upper cross member 51 rotates clockwise with respect to the link mechanism support portion 22 with respect to the link mechanism support portion 22 with the first central swing axis UI as the center. To do. At this time, the lower cross member 52 also rotates clockwise with respect to the link mechanism support portion 22 with the second central swing axis DI as the center when the vehicle 1 is viewed from the front.

Even when the upper cross member 51 and the lower cross member 52 rotate as described above, the upper cross member 51 and the lower cross member 52 remain parallel to each other, and the left side member 53 and the right side member 54 are also parallel to each other. Maintain the state. As a result, the shape of the link mechanism 5 changes from a rectangle to a parallelogram.

When the link mechanism 5 is operated as described above, the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 change their relative positions in the vertical direction without tilting in the left-right direction. The left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 are maintained in an upright state with respect to the vehicle body body 2 even when the link mechanism 5 is activated.

The left rear wheel 41 and the right rear wheel 42 are also maintained in an upright state with respect to the vehicle body body 2 when the link mechanism 5 is operated.

In this embodiment, the left side member 53 of the link mechanism 5 and the left operation handlebar 61a of the front wheel adjustment mechanism 6 are connected. Therefore, when the operator manually lifts the left operation handle 61 upward (in the direction indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 3), the upper cross member 51 and the lower cross member 52 of the link mechanism 5 are lifted with respect to the link mechanism support portion 22. Can be rocked. As a result, the left front wheel 31 can be moved upward via the left side member 53 by operating the left operation handle 61. Therefore, when the left front wheel 31 comes into contact with the step S, for example, by lifting the left operation handle 61 upward as shown in FIG. 5, the force received when the left front wheel 31 comes into contact with the step S can be reduced.

Similarly, in the present embodiment, the right side member 54 of the link mechanism 5 and the right operation handlebar 62a of the front wheel adjustment mechanism 6 are connected. Therefore, when the operator manually lifts the right operation handle 62 upward (in the direction indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 4), the upper cross member 51 and the lower cross member 52 of the link mechanism 5 are lifted with respect to the link mechanism support portion 22. Can be rocked. As a result, the right front wheel 32 can be moved upward via the right side member 54 by operating the right operation handle 62. Therefore, when the right front wheel 32 comes into contact with the step S, for example, by lifting the right operation handle 62 upward, the force received when the right front wheel 32 comes into contact with the step S can be reduced.

As described above, in the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, the load applied to the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 or the position of the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 by the operator manually operating the pair of operation handles 60. Can be adjusted by the front wheel adjustment mechanism 6. Therefore, when the left front wheel 31 or the right front wheel 32 comes into contact with the step, the contacted wheel can easily get over the step.

From the above, by applying the configuration of this embodiment to a vehicle, a vehicle 1 capable of expanding the usable environment can be obtained.

Further, in the present embodiment, the left operation handle 61 is provided so as to be linearly displaced with respect to the vehicle body body 2. The right operation handle 62 is provided so as to be linearly displaced with respect to the vehicle body body 2. As a result, the operator of the vehicle 1 manually displaces the left operation handle 61 or the right operation handle 62, so that the upper cross member 51 and the lower cross member 52 of the link mechanism 5 are attached to the vehicle body body 2. On the other hand, it can be swung. Therefore, the load applied to the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 or the position of the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 by the operation in which the operator of the vehicle 1 linearly displaces the left operation handle 61 or the right operation handle 62 by hand. Can be adjusted.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle 101 according to the second embodiment. In the vehicle 101, the left side member 153 and the right side member 154 of the link mechanism 105 extend in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction so that the upper portion is located behind the lower portion, respectively. Different from 1. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the configurations different from those in the first embodiment will be described.

The vehicle 101 has a vehicle body body 102, a pair of left and right front wheels 3, a pair of left and right rear wheels 4, a link mechanism 105, a front wheel adjustment mechanism 106, and a seat 107. The front wheel adjustment mechanism 106 includes a pair of operating handles 160.

The seat 107 is supported by the vehicle body body 102. The seat 107 is, for example, a bucket type seat on which an infant or the like can be seated. The vehicle 101 is, for example, a stroller for carrying an infant or the like. The seat may have a shape other than the bucket type.

The vehicle body body 102 has a vehicle body frame 121 that supports a pair of left and right rear wheels 4, and a link mechanism support portion 122 that supports the link mechanism 105.

The vehicle body frame 121 supports the link mechanism support portion 122 and the pair of left and right rear wheels 4. The body frame 121 is composed of, for example, a pipe-shaped member.

The body frame 121 includes a left main frame 121a, a right main frame 121b, a lower connecting frame 121c, and an upper connecting frame 121e.

The left main frame 121a is a member that extends in the vertical direction when the vehicle 101 is viewed from the front. The left main frame 121a rotatably supports the left rear wheel 41 at the lower end portion about the left rear wheel rotation axis P41. The right main frame 121b is a member that extends in the vertical direction when the vehicle 101 is viewed from the front. The right main frame 121b rotatably supports the right rear wheel 42 at the lower end portion about the right rear wheel rotation axis P42.

The lower connecting frame 121c and the upper connecting frame 121e are members extending in the left-right direction, respectively. The lower connection frame 121c and the upper connection frame 121e connect the left main frame 121a and the right main frame 121b in the left-right direction, respectively. The upper connecting frame 121e is located above the lower connecting frame 121c. The lower connecting frame 121c is connected to the lower part of the link mechanism support portion 122 by the reinforcing frame 121d. The upper connection frame 121e supports the upper end of the link mechanism support portion 122.

The link mechanism support portion 122 is located in front of the vehicle body frame 121. The link mechanism support portion 122 is a member extending in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the link mechanism support portion 122 is composed of, for example, a pipe-shaped member.

As will be described later, the link mechanism support portion 122 supports the upper cross member 151 of the link mechanism 105 so as to be swingable around the first central swing axis UI, and the lower cross member 152 is supported by the second center. It is supported so that it can swing around the swing axis DI.

The link mechanism 105 (front wheel displacement link mechanism) includes an upper cross member 151 (first swing lever), a lower cross member 152 (second swing lever), and a left side member 153 (left front wheel support). Includes right side member 154 (right front wheel support). Similar to the first embodiment, the link mechanism 105 is a parallel four-node link (also referred to as a parallelogram link) type link mechanism. The link mechanism 105 is located above the pair of left and right front wheels 3.

The link mechanism 105 has the same configuration as the link mechanism 5 of the first embodiment except for the arrangement. Therefore, the detailed description of the configuration of the link mechanism 105 will be omitted.

The link mechanism support portion 122 extends in the vertical and front-rear directions so that the upper portion is located behind the lower portion. The left side member 153 and the right side member 154 also extend in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction so that the upper portion is located behind the lower portion, respectively. That is, also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the left side member 153, the right side member 154, and the link mechanism support portion 122 are parallel to each other.

The upper cross member 151 extends in the left-right direction. The central portion of the upper cross member 151 in the left-right direction is swayably supported around the first central swing axis UI without being provided with an urging member for returning to the neutral position with respect to the link mechanism support portion 122. ing. The first central swing axis UI extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the back to the front.

The lower cross member 152 extends in the left-right direction. The central portion of the lower cross member 152 in the left-right direction is supported by the link mechanism support portion 122 so as to be swingable around the second central swing axis DI without being provided with an urging member for returning to the neutral position. ing. The second central swing axis DI extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the back to the front.

The left end of the upper cross member 151 is swingably connected to the left side member 153 around the first left swing axis UL. The first left swing axis UL extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the back to the front. The first left swing axis UL is parallel to the first center swing axis UI.

The left end of the lower cross member 152 is swingably connected to the left side member 153 around the second left swing axis DL. The second left swing axis DL extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the back to the front. The second left swing axis DL is parallel to the second center swing axis DI.

The right end of the upper cross member 151 is swingably connected to the right side member 154 around the first right swing axis UR. The first right swing axis UR extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the back to the front. The first right swing axis UR is parallel to the first center swing axis UI.

The right end of the lower cross member 152 is swingably connected to the right side member 154 around the second right swing axis DR. The second right swing axis DR extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the back to the front. The second right swing axis DR is parallel to the second center swing axis DI.

Similar to the first embodiment, the first central swing axis UI, the first left swing axis UL, the first right swing axis UR, the second central swing axis DI, the second left swing axis DL, and the second right swing. The driving axis DRs extend parallel to each other. The first center swing axis UI, the first left swing axis UL, the first right swing axis UR, the second center swing axis DI, the second left swing axis DL, and the second right swing axis DR are left front. It is located above the wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32.

Similar to the first embodiment, in the upper cross member 151, the lower cross member 152, the left side member 153 and the right side member 154, the upper cross member 151 and the lower cross member 152 maintain a posture parallel to each other and the left side. The member 153 and the right side member 154 are supported by the vehicle body body 102 so as to maintain a posture parallel to each other. That is, as described above, the upper cross member 151 and the lower cross member 152 are rotatably supported by the link mechanism support portion 122. Further, the left side member 153 and the right side member 154 move in the vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body body 102 when the vehicle 101 is viewed from the front.

The shape and operation of the link mechanism 105 is the same as the shape and operation of the link mechanism 5 of the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed description of the shape and operation of the link mechanism 105 will be omitted.

The left front wheel 31 is rotatably supported by the left front wheel support portion 155 connected to the lower end portion of the left side member 153 of the link mechanism 105 about the left front wheel rotation axis P31 extending parallel to the road surface. The right front wheel 32 is rotatably supported by the right front wheel support portion 156 connected to the lower end portion of the right side member 154 of the link mechanism 105 about the right front wheel rotation axis P32 extending parallel to the road surface.

The left front wheel support portion 155 is rotatably supported by the left side member 153 about the left rotation axis WL extending in the vertical direction. As a result, the left front wheel 31 can rotate about the left rotation axis WL. That is, the left front wheel 31 is a caster type wheel. The rotation angle range of the left front wheel 31 may be 360 degrees or smaller than 360 degrees.

The right front wheel support portion 156 is rotatably supported by the right side member 154 around the right rotation axis WR extending in the vertical direction. As a result, the right front wheel 32 can rotate about the right rotation axis WR. That is, the right front wheel 32 is a caster type wheel. The rotation angle range of the right front wheel 32 may be 360 degrees or smaller than 360 degrees.

The left front wheel support portion 155 and the right front wheel support portion 156 may be connected to each other. That is, the left front wheel support portion 155 and the right front wheel support portion 156 may rotate integrally.

The pair of operation handles 160 includes a left operation handle 161 (first operation handle) and a right operation handle 162 (second operation handle).

The left operation handle 161 has a left operation handle bar 161a and a left grip portion 161b. In the present embodiment, the left operation handlebar 161a and the left grip portion 161b are integrally configured.

The left operation handlebar 161a extends from the upper end of the left side member 153 in the link mechanism 105 in the same direction (extension direction) as the left side member 153 extends so as to be continuous with the left side member 153. That is, the left operation handlebar 161a extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the upper end portion of the left side member 153 toward the rear. The lower end of the left operation handlebar 161a is connected to the upper end of the left side member 153. The left operation handlebar may extend from the upper end of the left side member in a direction different from the direction in which the left side member extends. Further, the left operation handlebar and the left side member may be an integral member.

The left grip portion 161b extends from the upper part of the left operation handlebar 161a in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the left operation handlebar 161a. The left grip portion 161b is gripped by the operator's left hand.

The right operation handle 162 has a right operation handle bar 162a and a right grip portion 162b. In the present embodiment, the right operation handlebar 162a and the right grip portion 162b are integrally configured.

The right operation handlebar 162a extends from the upper end of the right side member 154 in the link mechanism 105 in the same direction (extension direction) as the direction in which the right side member 154 extends so as to be continuous with the right side member 154. That is, the right operation handlebar 162a extends upward from the upper end portion of the right side member 154. The lower end of the right operation handlebar 162a is connected to the upper end of the right side member 154. The right operation handlebar may extend from the upper end of the right side member in a direction different from the direction in which the right side member extends. Further, the right operation handlebar and the right side member may be an integral member.

The right grip portion 162b extends from the upper part of the right operation handlebar 162a in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the right operation handlebar 162a. The right grip portion 162b is gripped by the operator's right hand.

With the above configuration, the operator of the vehicle 101 can manually lift the left operation handle 161 to swing the upper cross member 151 and the lower cross member 152 of the link mechanism 105 with respect to the link mechanism support portion 122. .. As a result, the left front wheel 31 can be moved upward via the left side member 153 by operating the left operation handle 161. Therefore, when the left front wheel 131 comes into contact with the step S, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the operator lifts the left operation handle 161 by hand, so that the force received when the left front wheel 131 comes into contact with the step S. Can be reduced.

Further, when the operator of the vehicle 101 lifts the right operation handle 162 upward by hand, the upper cross member 151 and the lower cross member 152 of the link mechanism 105 can be swung with respect to the link mechanism support portion 122. As a result, the right front wheel 32 can be moved upward via the right side member 154 by operating the right operation handle 162. Therefore, when the right front wheel 32 comes into contact with the step S, for example, the operator lifts the right operation handle 162 by hand, so that the force received when the right front wheel 32 comes into contact with the step S can be reduced.

As described above, in the vehicle 101 of the present embodiment, the load applied to the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 or the position of the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 by the operator manually operating the pair of operation handles 160. Can be adjusted by the front wheel adjustment mechanism 6. Therefore, when the left front wheel 31 or the right front wheel 32 comes into contact with the step S, the contacted wheel can easily get over the step S.

Further, also in the present embodiment, the left operation handle 161 is provided so as to be linearly displaced with respect to the vehicle body body 102. The right operation handle 162 is provided so as to be linearly displaced with respect to the vehicle body body 102. As a result, the operator of the vehicle 101 manually displaces the left operation handle 161 or the right operation handle 162 to move the upper cross member 151 and the lower cross member 152 of the link mechanism 105 to the vehicle body body 102. On the other hand, it can be swung. Therefore, the load applied to the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 or the position of the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 by the operation of the driver of the vehicle 101 to linearly displace the left operation handle 161 or the right operation handle 162 by hand. Can be adjusted.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the first central rocking axis UI and the second central rocking axis DI extend in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the back to the front. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the operator of the vehicle 101 manually operates the left operation handle 161 or the right operation handle 162 in the extension direction when the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 come into contact with the step. , The load applied to the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 or the positions of the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 can be easily adjusted.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, it is possible to prevent a force or moment in the left-right direction from being generated in the vehicle body body 102 due to the force received when the left front wheel 31 comes into contact with the step S on the road surface G. As shown in FIG. 7, the force received when the left front wheel 31 comes into contact with the step S on the road surface G only applies an upward and backward (white arrow in the figure) force to the vehicle body body 102. is there.

As described above, in the vehicle 101 having the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the force of tilting the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 in the left-right direction from acting on the vehicle body main body 102.

Moreover, the direction of the force input to the left front wheel 31 or the right front wheel 32 from the step S on the road surface G is the same as the extending direction of the left side member 153, the right side member 154, and the link mechanism support portion 122. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the left side member 153, the right side member 154, and the link mechanism support portion 122 from being deformed. As a result, the left front wheel 31 or the right front wheel 32 can easily get over the step S on the road surface G.

With the configuration of the present embodiment as described above, it is possible to further suppress the force acting on the vehicle body body 102 while maintaining the contact state between the uneven road surface and the wheels.

In the present embodiment, the upper cross member 151 is supported on the vehicle body body 102 so as to be swingable around the first central swing axis UI without being provided with an urging member for returning to the neutral position. The lower cross member 152 is supported so as to be swingable around the second central swing axis DI without being provided with an urging member for returning to the neutral position with respect to the vehicle body main body 102.

The urging member may be, for example, a member that generates an elastic restoring force such as a coil spring, a leaf spring, or rubber, or a component that applies a driving force such as an actuator. Good.

As a result, the urging member does not cause the upper cross member 151 and the lower cross member 152 to return to the neutral position, so that the shaking of the vehicle 101 caused by the shaking of the upper cross member 151 and the lower cross member 152 can be reduced. That is, the followability of the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 to the uneven road surface can be improved.

Further, with the above configuration, the upper cross member 151 and the lower cross member 152 can be operated smoothly. Thereby, the load applied to the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 or the positions of the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 can be easily adjusted.

Therefore, with the above configuration, a vehicle 101 that can expand the available environment can be obtained. Moreover, since the urging member is not required, the number of parts of the link mechanism 105 can be reduced.

[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle 201 according to the third embodiment. This vehicle 201 is different from the vehicle 101 of the second embodiment in that a pair of left and right front wheels 203 are provided on the front portion of the loading platform 221 via a link mechanism 205. Hereinafter, the same configurations as those of the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the configurations different from those of the first and second embodiments will be described.

As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle 201 has a vehicle body body 202, a pair of left and right front wheels 203, a pair of left and right rear wheels 204, a link mechanism 205, and a front wheel adjustment mechanism 206. The front wheel adjustment mechanism 206 includes a pair of operating handles 260. The vehicle 201 is, for example, a trolley capable of carrying a load or the like placed on a loading platform 221 described later in the vehicle body body 202.

The vehicle body body 202 has a loading platform 221 on which luggage and the like can be placed, and a link mechanism support portion 222 that supports the link mechanism 205.

The loading platform 221 is a rectangular plate-shaped member in a plan view. A pair of left and right rear wheels 204 are provided below the rear portion of the loading platform 221. The pair of left and right rear wheels 204 includes a left rear wheel 241 and a right rear wheel 242. The left rear wheel 241 is provided on the left side in the lower part of the rear part of the loading platform 221. The right rear wheel 242 is provided on the right side in the lower part of the rear part of the loading platform 221. The loading platform 221 constitutes the vehicle body frame of the vehicle body body 202.

A link mechanism support portion 222 for supporting a pair of left and right front wheels 203 is provided on the front portion of the loading platform 221. At the left and right ends of the front portion of the loading platform 221, when the pair of left and right front wheels 203 supported by the link mechanism support portion 222 move in the vertical direction as described later, they interfere with the pair of left and right front wheels 203. A notch 221a is provided to prevent this from happening.

The link mechanism support portion 222 extends upward from the upper part of the front portion of the loading platform 221 when the vehicle 201 is viewed from the front. Specifically, the link mechanism support portion 222 extends upward and backward from the front portion of the loading platform 221 so that the upper portion is located behind the lower portion.

The link mechanism support portion 222 is fixed to the center of the loading platform 221 in the left-right direction. The link mechanism support portion 222 supports the upper cross member 251 described later of the link mechanism 205 so as to be swingable around the first central swing axis UI, and the lower cross member 252 described later is supported by the second center swing. It supports swingably around the moving axis DI.

The link mechanism 205 (front wheel displacement link mechanism) includes an upper cross member 251 (first swing lever), a lower cross member 252 (second swing lever), and a left side member 253 (left front wheel support). Includes right side member 254 (right front wheel support). Similar to the first and second embodiments, the link mechanism 205 is a parallel four-node link (also referred to as a parallelogram link) type link mechanism. The link mechanism 205 is located above the pair of left and right front wheels 203.

The link mechanism 205 has the same configuration as the link mechanism 5 of the first embodiment except for the arrangement. Therefore, the detailed description of the configuration of the link mechanism 205 will be omitted.

The left side member 253 and the right side member 254 extend in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction so that the upper portion is located behind the lower portion, respectively. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the left side member 253, the right side member 254, and the link mechanism support portion 222 are parallel to each other.

The upper cross member 251 extends in the left-right direction. The central portion of the upper cross member 251 in the left-right direction is swayably supported around the first central swing axis UI without being provided with an urging member for returning to the neutral position with respect to the link mechanism support portion 222. ing. The first central swing axis UI extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the back to the front.

The lower cross member 252 extends in the left-right direction. The central portion of the lower cross member 252 in the left-right direction is swayably supported around the second central swing axis DI without being provided with an urging member for returning to the neutral position with respect to the link mechanism support portion 222. ing. The second central swing axis DI extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the back to the front.

The left end of the upper cross member 251 is swingably connected to the left side member 253 around the first left swing axis UL. The first left swing axis UL extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the back to the front. The first left swing axis UL is parallel to the first center swing axis UI.

The left end of the lower cross member 252 is swingably connected to the left side member 253 around the second left swing axis DL. The second left swing axis DL extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the back to the front. The second left swing axis DL is parallel to the second center swing axis DI.

The right end of the upper cross member 251 is swingably connected to the right side member 254 around the first right swing axis UR. The first right swing axis UR extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the back to the front. The first right swing axis UR is parallel to the first center swing axis UI.

The right end of the lower cross member 252 is swingably connected to the right side member 254 around the second right swing axis DR. The second right swing axis DR extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the back to the front. The second right swing axis DR is parallel to the second center swing axis DI.

Similar to the first embodiment, the first central swing axis UI, the first left swing axis UL, the first right swing axis UR, the second central swing axis DI, the second left swing axis DL, and the second right swing. The driving axis DRs extend parallel to each other. The first center swing axis UI, the first left swing axis UL, the first right swing axis UR, the second center swing axis DI, the second left swing axis DL, and the second right swing axis DR are left front. It is located above the wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32.

Similar to the first embodiment, in the upper cross member 251 and the lower cross member 252, the left side member 253 and the right side member 254, the upper cross member 251 and the lower cross member 252 maintain a posture parallel to each other, and the left side. The member 253 and the right side member 254 are supported by the vehicle body body 202 so as to maintain a posture parallel to each other. That is, as described above, the upper cross member 251 and the lower cross member 252 are rotatably supported by the link mechanism support portion 222. Further, the left side member 253 and the right side member 254 move in the vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body body 202 when the vehicle 201 is viewed from the front.

The shape and operation of the link mechanism 205 are the same as the shape and operation of the link mechanism 5 of the first embodiment and the link mechanism 105 of the second embodiment. Therefore, detailed description of the shape and operation of the link mechanism 205 will be omitted.

The pair of left and right front wheels 203 includes the left front wheel 231 and the right front wheel 232.

The left front wheel 231 is rotatably supported by the left side member 253 of the link mechanism 205 about the left rotation axis WL extending in the vertical direction. The left front wheel 231 is a caster type wheel. The rotation angle range of the left front wheel 231 may be 360 degrees or smaller than 360 degrees.

The right front wheel 232 is rotatably supported by the right side member 254 of the link mechanism 205 about the right rotation axis WR extending in the vertical direction. The right front wheel 232 is a caster type wheel. The rotation angle range of the right front wheel 232 may be 360 degrees or less than 360 degrees.

The pair of operation handles 260 includes a left operation handle 261 (first operation handle) and a right operation handle 262 (second operation handle).

The left operation handle 261 has a left operation handle bar 261a and a left grip portion 261b. In the present embodiment, the left operation handlebar 261a and the left grip portion 261b are integrally configured.

The lower portion of the left operation handlebar 261a extends from the upper end of the left side member 253 in the link mechanism 205 in the same direction (extension direction) as the left side member 253 extends so as to be continuous with the left side member 253. That is, the lower portion of the left operation handlebar 261a extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the upper end portion of the left side member 253 toward the rear. The upper portion of the left operation handlebar 261a extends, for example, parallel to the loading platform 221 and rearward. The lower end of the left operation handlebar 261a is connected to the upper end of the left side member 253. The lower portion of the left operation handlebar may extend from the upper end of the left side member in a direction different from the direction in which the left side member extends. The upper part of the left operation handlebar does not have to be parallel to the loading platform 221. The upper part of the left operation handlebar may extend in the direction in which the lower part of the left operation handlebar extends. Further, the left operation handlebar and the left side member may be an integral member.

The left grip portion 261b extends from the rear end portion of the left operation handlebar 261a in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the rear portion of the left operation handlebar 261a. The left grip portion 261b is gripped by the operator's left hand.

The right operation handle 262 has a right operation handle bar 262a and a right grip portion 262b. In the present embodiment, the right operation handlebar 262a and the right grip portion 262b are integrally configured.

The lower portion of the right operation handlebar 262a extends from the upper end of the right side member 254 in the link mechanism 205 in the same direction (extension direction) as the right side member 254 extends so as to be continuous with the right side member 254. That is, the lower portion of the right operation handlebar 262a extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be located upward from the upper end portion of the right side member 254 toward the rear. The upper portion of the right operating handlebar 262a extends, for example, parallel to the loading platform 221 and backward. The lower end of the right operation handlebar 262a is connected to the upper end of the right side member 254. The lower portion of the right operation handlebar may extend from the upper end of the right side member in a direction different from the direction in which the right side member extends. The upper part of the right operating handlebar does not have to be parallel to the loading platform 221. The upper part of the right operation handlebar may extend in the direction in which the lower part of the right operation handlebar extends. Further, the right operation handlebar and the right side member may be an integral member.

The right grip portion 262b extends from the rear end portion of the right operation handlebar 262a in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the rear portion of the right operation handlebar 262a. The right grip portion 262b is gripped by the operator's right hand.

With the above configuration, the operator of the vehicle 201 can manually lift the left operation handle 261 to swing the upper cross member 251 and the lower cross member 252 of the link mechanism 205 with respect to the link mechanism support portion 222. .. As a result, the left front wheel 231 can be moved upward via the left side member 253 by operating the left operation handle 261. Therefore, when the left front wheel 231 comes into contact with the step, for example, the operator lifts the left operation handle 261 upward by hand, so that the force received when the left front wheel 231 comes into contact with the step can be reduced.

Further, when the operator of the vehicle 201 lifts the right operation handle 262 by hand, the upper cross member 251 and the lower cross member 252 of the link mechanism 205 can be swung with respect to the link mechanism support portion 222. As a result, the right front wheel 232 can be moved upward via the right side member 254 by operating the right operation handle 262. Therefore, when the right front wheel 232 comes into contact with the step, for example, the operator lifts the right operation handle 262 by hand, so that the force received when the right front wheel 232 comes into contact with the step can be reduced.

As described above, in the vehicle 201 of the present embodiment, the load applied to the left front wheel 231 and the right front wheel 232 or the position of the left front wheel 231 and the right front wheel 232 by the operator manually operating the pair of operation handles 260. Can be adjusted by the front wheel adjustment mechanism 206. Therefore, when the left front wheel 231 or the right front wheel 232 comes into contact with the step, the contacted wheel can easily get over the step.

Further, also in the present embodiment, the left operation handle 261 is provided so as to be linearly displaced with respect to the vehicle body body 202. The right operation handle 262 is provided so as to be linearly displaced with respect to the vehicle body body 202. As a result, the operator of the vehicle 201 performs an operation of linearly displaces the left operation handle 261 or the right operation handle 262 by hand, so that the upper cross member 251 and the lower cross member 252 of the link mechanism 205 are attached to the vehicle body body 202. On the other hand, it can be swung. Therefore, the load applied to the left front wheel 231 and the right front wheel 232 or the position of the left front wheel 231 and the right front wheel 232 by the operation in which the operator of the vehicle 201 linearly displaces the left operation handle 261 or the right operation handle 262 by hand. Can be adjusted.

Moreover, as in the second embodiment, the first central rocking axis UI and the second central rocking axis DI extend in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be positioned upward from the back to the front, so that the left front wheel The force received by the 231 and the right front wheel 232 from the road surface can prevent a force or moment in the left-right direction from being generated in the vehicle body body 202. An upward and rearward force is only applied to the vehicle body body 202 by the force received from the road surface by the left front wheel 231 and the right front wheel 232.

As described above, in the vehicle 201 having the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent the force of the left front wheel 231 and the right front wheel 232 from tilting in the left-right direction on the vehicle body body 202.

Further, in the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the upper cross member 251 swings around the first central swing axis UI without being provided with an urging member for returning to the neutral position with respect to the vehicle body main body 202. It is movably supported. The lower cross member 252 is supported on the vehicle body body 202 so as to be swingable around the second central swing axis DI without being provided with an urging member for returning to the neutral position.

With the above configuration, a vehicle 201 capable of expanding the usable environment can be obtained as in the second embodiment.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the above-described embodiment can be appropriately modified and implemented within a range that does not deviate from the gist thereof.

In the first to third embodiments, the vehicles 1, 101, 201 have link mechanisms 5, 105, 205 that support a pair of left and right front wheels 3, 203. However, the vehicle may have a link mechanism that supports a pair of left and right rear wheels.

In the first to third embodiments, the vehicles 1, 101, 201 do not have a drive source for driving the wheels. However, the vehicle may have a drive source for driving the wheels.

In the first embodiment, the front wheel adjustment mechanism 6 has a left operation handle 61 and a right operation handle 62. The left operation handle 61 is connected to the upper end of the left side member 53 of the link mechanism 5. The right operation handle 62 is connected to the upper end of the right side member 54 of the link mechanism 5.

However, the front wheel adjustment mechanism may have any configuration as long as the left side member and the right side member of the link mechanism can be moved in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the front wheel adjustment mechanism is, for example, a load applied to the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 by swinging the operation handle 365 with respect to the vehicle body body 2, or the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel. The position of 32 may be adjusted.

The configuration shown in FIG. 9 will be described below. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the configurations different from those in the first embodiment will be described.

The vehicle 301 shown in FIG. 9 has a front wheel adjustment mechanism 306. The front wheel adjustment mechanism 306 is provided on the front portion of the vehicle body body 2. The front wheel adjustment mechanism 306 includes a connecting member 361, support members 362, 363, and an operation handle 365.

The connecting member 361 connects the upper end portion of the left side member 53 of the link mechanism 5 and the upper end portion of the right side member 54. The connecting member 361 is a flexible member such as a wire or a belt. The connecting member 361 is supported by the support members 362 and 363 supported by the vehicle body body 2 so as to extend upward from the left side member 53 and the right side member 54. The support members 362 and 363 are members that movably support the connecting member 361, such as a pulley.

The operation handle 365 is fixed to the connecting member 361. By moving the operation handle 365 in the left-right direction, the connecting member 361 also moves in the left-right direction. As a result, the left side member 53 and the right side member 54 connected to the connecting member 361 move in the vertical direction, and the upper cross member 51 and the lower cross member 52 of the link mechanism 5 with respect to the link mechanism support portion 22. Swing.

Therefore, the front wheel adjustment mechanism 306 can adjust the load applied to the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 or the positions of the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32.

The front wheel adjustment mechanism as shown in FIG. 9 may be applied to the configurations of the second and third embodiments.

In the second and third embodiments, the first central rocking axis UI and the second central rocking axis DI of the link mechanisms 105 and 205 extend in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to be positioned upward from the back to the front. ing. However, the first central rocking axis UI and the second central rocking axis DI may extend in the front-rear direction as in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the operation handle 160 extends upward and backward from the left main frame 121a and the right main frame 121b, respectively, so as to be located upward toward the rear. However, the operation steering wheel has a first position extending upward and backward so as to be located upward toward the rear of the vehicle body frame, and an upward and forward direction so as to be located upward toward the front. It may be configured to be switchable to a second position extending to. As a result, the maneuvering position of the driver of the vehicle can be switched between the back position and the front position with respect to the infant seated on the seat.

As described above, in the case of the configuration in which the operation handle is switched between the first position and the second position, the wheel that functions as the front wheel in the first position functions as the rear wheel in the second position. Therefore, when the position of the operation handle can be switched as described above, in the configuration of the second embodiment, when the traveling mode of the vehicle is the first traveling mode, the link mechanism is the traveling of the vehicle. While functioning in the front portion of the direction, when the traveling mode of the vehicle is the second traveling mode, the link mechanism functions in the rear portion of the traveling direction of the vehicle.

Alternatively, not only the pair of left and right front wheels of the vehicle but also the pair of left and right rear wheels may be supported by the vehicle body frame by the link mechanism. In this case, in the vehicle, when the traveling mode of the vehicle is switched depending on the position of the operation steering wheel as described above, the link mechanism located at the rear part in the traveling direction of the vehicle does not function according to the position of the operating handle. It has a locking mechanism to lock. This locking mechanism locks the cross member and the side member, locks the pair of cross members, or locks the pair of side members so that the pair of cross members and the pair of side members in the link mechanism do not move relative to each other. Lock each other.

When switching the position of the operation handle, the operation handle is connected to a link mechanism that supports a wheel that functions as a front wheel. As a result, even when the operation handle is switched between the first position and the second position, the same operation and effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

In the second embodiment, the left front wheel 31 and the right front wheel 32 are caster type wheels that rotate about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction, respectively. However, at least one of the left front wheel and the right front wheel may be a wheel that does not rotate about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. Further, at least one of the left rear wheel and the right rear wheel may be a wheel that rotates about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction.

In the first to third embodiments, the left operation handles 61, 161, 261 of the front wheel adjustment mechanisms 6, 106, 206 are connected to the left side members 53, 153, 253 of the link mechanisms 5, 105, 205. The right operating handles 62, 162, 262 of the front wheel adjustment mechanisms 6, 106, 206 are connected to the right side members 54, 154, 254 of the link mechanisms 5, 105, 205.

However, as shown in FIG. 10, the left operation handle 61 and the right operation handle 62 may be connected to the link mechanism 5 via the clutch mechanism 70. The clutch mechanism 70 is configured so that the left operation handle 61, the right operation handle 62, and the link mechanism 5 can be switched to a connected or disconnected state. The clutch mechanism 70 connects the left operation handle 61 and the right operation handle 62 to the vehicle body body 2 when the left operation handle 61, the right operation handle 62, and the link mechanism 5 are disconnected. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 401 indicates a vehicle.

With the above configuration, the operation handle of the front wheel adjustment mechanism is connected to the link mechanism and the operation handle of the front wheel adjustment mechanism is disconnected from the link mechanism according to the environment in which the vehicle is used. And can be switched. Therefore, it is possible to switch whether or not the load applied to the left front wheel and the right front wheel is adjusted or whether or not the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel are adjusted according to the environment in which the vehicle is used. Therefore, the environment in which the vehicle can be used can be expanded.

In the first to third embodiments, the lower end portions of the left operation handles 61, 161, 261 are connected to the upper end portions of the left side members 53, 153, 253 of the link mechanisms 5, 105, 205. The lower ends of the right operating handles 62, 162, 262 are connected to the upper ends of the right side members 54, 154, 254 of the link mechanisms 5, 105, 205. However, the left operation handle may be connected to any part of the left side member as long as it is connected to the left side member of the link mechanism. The right operation handle may be connected to any part of the right side member as long as it is connected to the right side member of the link mechanism.

In the first to third embodiments, the link mechanisms 5, 105, 205 have upper cross members 51, 151, 251 located in front of the link mechanism support portions 22, 122, 222. However, the link mechanism may have a rear upper cross member behind the upper cross member and the link mechanism support portion. The link mechanism may have a front upper cross member located in front of the link mechanism support portion and a rear upper cross member located behind the link mechanism support portion.

In the first to third embodiments, the left operation handles 61, 161, 261 have left grip portions 61b, 161b, 261b. The right operating handles 62, 162, 262 have right grips 62b, 162b, 262b. However, the left operating handle does not have to have a left grip. The right operating handle does not have to have a right grip.

The configuration of each of the above embodiments may be applied to other vehicles such as wheelchairs. That is, the configuration of each of the above-described embodiments is any vehicle as long as it is required to further suppress the force acting on the vehicle body body while maintaining the contact state between the uneven road surface and the wheels. It may be applied to different types of vehicles.

1, 101, 201, 301, 401 Vehicle 2, 102, 202 Body body 3, 203 Front wheels 4, 204 Rear wheels 5, 105 Link mechanism (front wheel displacement link mechanism)
6, 106, 206, 306 Front wheel adjustment mechanism 21 Rear wheel support parts 22, 122, 222 Link mechanism support parts 31, 231 Left front wheels 32, 232 Right front wheels 41, 241 Left rear wheels 42, 242 Right rear wheels 51, 151 , 251 Upper cross member (first swing lever)
52, 152, 252 Lower cross member (second swing lever)
53, 153, 253 Left side member (left front wheel support)
54, 154, 254 Right side member (right front wheel support)
60, 160, 260, 365 Operation handles 61, 161, 261 Left operation handles 61a, 161a, 261a Left operation handlebars 61b, 161b, 261b Left grips 62, 162, 262 Right operation handles 62a, 162a, 262a Right operation handles Bars 62b, 162b, 262b Right grip 70 Clutch mechanism 107 Seat 121 Body frame 121a Left main frame 121b Right main frame 121c Lower connection frame 121d Reinforcement frame 121e Upper connection frame 221 Loading platform 221a Notch 361 Connecting member 362 Support member 363 Support Member UI 1st center swing axis DI 2nd center swing axis UL 1st left swing axis DL 2nd left swing axis UR 1st right swing axis DR 2nd right swing axis P31 Left front wheel rotation axis P32 Right front Wheel rotation axis P41 Left rear wheel rotation axis P42 Right rear wheel rotation axis WL Left rotation axis WR Right rotation axis

Claims (7)

1. Body and body
   The left rear wheel and the right rear wheel supported by the vehicle body,
   The left front wheel and the right front wheel supported by the vehicle body,
   It is a vehicle equipped with
   A first swing lever that is a member extending in the left-right direction and whose central portion in the left-right direction is supported by the vehicle body body so as to be swingable around a first central swing axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body body.
   It is a member extending in the left-right direction, and the central portion in the left-right direction can swing to the vehicle body body around the second central swing axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body body below the first swing lever. The second swing lever supported by
   It is a member that extends in the vertical direction, is supported by the left end of the first swing lever so as to be swingable around the first left swing axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body body, and is supported by the second swing lever. A left front wheel support that is swingably supported around a second left swing axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and supports the left front wheel at the left end of the vehicle body.
   A member that extends in the vertical direction, is supported by the right end of the first swing lever so as to be swingable around the first right swing axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body body, and the second swing lever. A right front wheel support that is swingably supported around the second right swing axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and supports the right front wheel at the right end of the vehicle body.
   Including
   A front wheel displacement link mechanism that supports the left front wheel or the right front wheel in a vertically displaceable state with respect to the vehicle body body.
   An operation handle that can be manually operated by the operator of the vehicle and is connected to the front wheel displacement link mechanism so as to swing the first swing lever and the second swing lever by the operation of the driver. The load applied to the left front wheel and the right front wheel or the left front wheel by swinging the first swing lever and the second swing lever by the operation of the operation handle by the operator. And the front wheel adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of the right front wheel,
   A vehicle equipped with.
2. In the vehicle according to claim 1,
   The operation handle includes a first operation handle and a second operation handle.
   The first operation handle is connected to the left portion of the first swing lever and the left portion of the second swing lever.
   The second operation handle is connected to the right portion of the first swing lever and the right portion of the second swing lever.
   The front wheel adjustment mechanism
   By swinging the first swing lever and the second swing lever by the operation of at least one of the first operation handle and the second operation handle by the operator, the left front wheel and the right front wheel are subjected to the swing. A vehicle that adjusts the load to be applied or the positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel.
3. In the vehicle according to claim 2.
   The first operating handle is connected to the upper part of the left front wheel support.
   The second operating handle is a vehicle connected to the upper part of the right front wheel support.
4. In the vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
   The front wheel adjustment mechanism is a vehicle configured to move the left front wheel and the right front wheel in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction by the operation of the operation steering wheel by the operator.
5. In the vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   The operation handle is provided so as to be linearly displaced with respect to the vehicle body body.
   The front wheel adjustment mechanism
   The load applied to the left front wheel and the right front wheel or the left front by swinging the first swing lever and the second swing lever by the operation of linearly displace the operation handle by the operator. A vehicle that adjusts the positions of the wheels and the right front wheel.
6. In the vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   The operation handle is provided so as to swing with respect to the vehicle body body.
   The front wheel adjustment mechanism
   The load applied to the left front wheel and the right front wheel or the left front wheel and the left front wheel by swinging the first swing lever and the second swing lever by the operation of swinging the operation handle by the operator. A vehicle that adjusts the position of the right front wheel.
7. In the vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
   The front wheel adjustment mechanism
   A vehicle including a clutch mechanism between the operation handle and the front wheel displacement link mechanism that switches the operation handle and the front wheel displacement link mechanism into a connected state or a disconnected state.

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