阅读说明：本技术 双前轮单后轮三轮车辆 (Three-wheeled vehicle with double front wheels and single rear wheel ) 是由 铃木正人 于 2019-12-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明目的是使设置有并排座椅的双前轮单后轮三轮车辆电气化。并排座椅的前端定位成在前后方向上比双前轮单后轮三轮车辆的重心更靠后,重心设置成比轴距的中点更靠前。当从上方观察双前轮单后轮三轮车辆时,并排座椅的至少一部分定位在三角形区域中。当从上方观察双前轮单后轮三轮车辆时,电能存储装置的至少一部分与坐在并排座椅上的操作者的脚重叠并且定位在三角形区域中。电能存储装置的前端定位成比双前轮单后轮三轮车辆的重心更靠前并且定位在三角形区域中。电能存储装置定位成使得在左右方向上其左端和右端在左前驱动转向轮的右端和右前驱动转向轮的左端之间。(The invention aims to electrify a double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle provided with side-by-side seats. The front ends of the side-by-side seats are positioned further rearward in the front-rear direction than the center of gravity of the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle, which is disposed further forward than the midpoint of the wheelbase. When the dual front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed from above, at least a portion of the side-by-side seats are positioned in the triangular region. When the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed from above, at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device overlaps with the feet of the operator sitting on the side-by-side seats and is positioned in the triangular region. The front end of the electrical energy storage device is positioned further forward than the center of gravity of the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel, three-wheeled vehicle and is positioned in the triangular region. The electrical energy storage device is positioned such that its left and right ends in the left-right direction are between the right end of the left front drive steerable wheel and the left end of the right front drive steerable wheel.)

1. A dual front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle comprising:

a side-by-side seat including a sitting left seat and a sitting right seat disposed to the right of the left seat, and configured such that an operator sits on the left seat or the right seat;

a left front drive steering wheel, a right front drive steering wheel and a rear wheel;

a steering mechanism that steers the left front-drive steerable wheel and the right front-drive steerable wheel by an operation of the operator;

an electric energy storage device that stores electric energy;

an electric motor that generates torque from the electric energy stored in the electric energy storage device;

a power transmission mechanism that transmits the torque generated by the electric motor to the left front-drive steering wheel and the right front-drive steering wheel; and

a vehicle body frame that does not lean in the left direction when turning to the left and does not lean in the right direction when turning to the right, and that supports the side-by-side seat, the left front-drive steerable wheel, the right front-drive steerable wheel, the rear wheel, the steering mechanism, the electric energy storage device, the electric motor, and the power transmission mechanism,

wherein the content of the first and second substances,

assuming that an area surrounded by a triangle obtained by coupling a center of the left front driving steering wheel, a center of the right front driving steering wheel, and a center of the rear wheel by a straight line is defined as a triangle area when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in a downward direction, the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle satisfies the following conditions (a) and (B):

(A) a front end of the side-by-side seat is positioned further rearward in a front-rear direction than a center of gravity of the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle, the center of gravity being disposed further forward than a midpoint of a wheel base, and at least a portion of the side-by-side seat is positioned in the triangular region when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction; and

(B) when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device overlaps with the feet of the operator sitting on the side-by-side seats and at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device is positioned in the triangular region, and the electrical energy storage device is positioned such that its front end is located farther forward than the center of gravity of the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle and in the triangular region, and the electrical energy storage device is positioned such that its left and right ends are between the right end of the left front drive steering wheel and the left end of the right front drive steering wheel in the left-right direction.

2. The dual front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of claim 1,

when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, the electrical energy storage device is positioned such that its front end is in the triangular region.

3. A double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,

at least a portion of the left seat and/or at least a portion of the right seat are positioned in the triangular region when the dual front-wheel, single rear-wheel, three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction.

4. The double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the left seat and the right seat are positioned between a right end of the left front drive steering wheel and a left end of the right front drive steering wheel when the dual front wheel single rear wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction.

5. The double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, a portion of the electrical energy storage device is positioned outside the triangular region.

6. The dual front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 5,

a part of the electric motor and/or a part of the power transmission mechanism are positioned further forward in the front-rear direction than a front end of the triangular region.

7. The dual front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 6,

the electric energy storage device is positioned such that a front end thereof is located more forward than a center of gravity of the triangular region in the front-rear direction.

8. The dual front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 7,

the maximum width of the electrical energy storage device in the left-right direction is smaller than the width of the triangular region in the left-right direction at the center of gravity of the triangular region.

9. The dual front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 8,

the maximum width of the electrical energy storage device in the left-right direction is greater than the width of the triangular region in the left-right direction at a midpoint between the center of gravity of the triangular region and the rear end of the triangular region.

10. A two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel, three-wheeled vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein

When the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device overlaps the left seat and the right seat in the triangular region.

11. The dual front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 10,

the electric energy storage device is disposed such that the center of gravity thereof in the front-rear direction is further rearward than the rear end of the right front-drive steerable wheel.

12. The dual front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 11,

the electrical energy storage device is positioned such that its center of gravity in the left-right direction is between the right end of the left front drive steerable wheel movable region through which the left front drive steerable wheel passes when steering and the left end of the right front drive steerable wheel movable region through which the right front drive steerable wheel passes when steering.

13. The dual front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of any one of claims 1 to 12,

the electric energy storage device is positioned such that a center of gravity thereof is located further rearward than a rotational shaft of the electric motor in a front-rear direction.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a three-wheeled vehicle with double front wheels and single rear wheel.

Background

A three-wheeled vehicle provided with a body frame described below is referred to as a three-wheeled vehicle. When the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle turns in the leftward direction, the vehicle body frame does not turn in the leftward direction. When the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle turns in the right direction, the vehicle body frame does not turn in the right direction. As such a three-wheeled vehicle with two front wheels and one rear wheel, for example, a three-wheeled vehicle disclosed in patent document 1 is known. The three-wheeled vehicle disclosed in patent document 1 is provided with side-by-side seats. The side-by-side seat includes a sitting left seat and a sitting right seat disposed to the right of the left seat. The operator sits on the left seat or the right seat. A three-wheeled vehicle of this type disclosed in patent document 1 is a vehicle driven by an engine.

Meanwhile, as a three-wheeled vehicle with two front wheels and one rear wheel, a three-wheeled vehicle disclosed in patent document 2 is also known. The three-wheeled vehicle disclosed in patent document 2 is provided with a battery and an electric motor instead of the engine. The three-wheeled vehicle disclosed in patent document 2 is an electric vehicle driven by an electric motor. A three-wheeled vehicle of this type disclosed in patent document 2 has a structure provided with a replaceable battery.

[ list of references ]

[ patent document ]

Patent document 1: U.S. patent application publication No.2018/0251172

Patent document 2: U.S. Pat. No.9643656

Disclosure of Invention

[ problem to be solved by the invention ]

As described above, electrification of a two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is desired.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to achieve electrification of a two-front-wheel and one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle.

[ solution of problem ]

(1) The double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle comprises:

a side-by-side seat including a sitting left seat and a sitting right seat disposed to the right of the left seat, and configured such that an operator sits on the left seat or the right seat;

a left front drive steering wheel, a right front drive steering wheel and a rear wheel;

a steering mechanism that steers the left front drive steering wheel and the right front drive steering wheel by an operation of an operator;

an electric energy storage device that stores electric energy;

an electric motor that generates torque from the electric energy stored in the electric energy storage device;

a power transmission mechanism that transmits torque generated by the electric motor to the left front-drive steering wheel and the right front-drive steering wheel; and

a vehicle body frame that does not lean in the left direction when turning to the left and does not lean in the right direction when turning to the right, and that supports side-by-side seats, a left front driving steering wheel, a right front driving steering wheel, rear wheels, a steering mechanism, an electric energy storage device, an electric motor, and a power transmission mechanism,

wherein the content of the first and second substances,

assuming that an area surrounded by a triangle obtained by linearly coupling a center of a left front-drive steered wheel, a center of a right front-drive steered wheel, and a center of a rear wheel is defined as a triangle area when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in a downward direction, the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle satisfies the following conditions (a) and (B):

(A) the front ends of the side-by-side seats are positioned further rearward in the front-rear direction than the center of gravity of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle, the center of gravity is disposed further forward than the midpoint of the wheelbase, and at least a portion of the side-by-side seats are positioned in the triangular region when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction; and

(B) when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device overlaps with the feet of the operator sitting on the side-by-side seats and at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device is positioned in the triangular region, and the electrical energy storage device is positioned such that the front end thereof is located further forward than the center of gravity of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle and in the triangular region, and the electrical energy storage device is positioned such that the left and right ends thereof are between the right end of the left front drive steerable wheel and the left end of the right front drive steerable wheel in the left-right direction.

According to the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of (1), the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle travels by the torque generated by the electric motor. Therefore, electrification of the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is realized.

According to the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of (1), it is possible to suppress a reduction in the load applied to the left front-drive steerable wheel and the right front-drive steerable wheel, and also possible to suppress the occurrence of roll of the body frame when the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle turns in the left direction or in the right direction. More specifically, the electrical energy storage device is positioned such that its left and right ends in the left-right direction are between the right end of the left front drive steerable wheel and the left end of the right front drive steerable wheel. Therefore, the electric energy storage device is provided near the center in the left-right direction of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of roll of the body frame when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle turns in the left direction or in the right direction.

The electrical energy storage device is positioned such that its left and right ends in the left-right direction are between the right end of the left front drive steerable wheel and the left end of the right front drive steerable wheel. Therefore, the width of the electric energy storage device in the left-right direction becomes short. The length of the electrical energy storage device in the front-rear direction should be long to ensure the capacity of the electrical energy storage device. Then, when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device overlaps with the feet of the operator sitting on the side-by-side seats and is positioned in the triangular region. In this manner, the electrical energy storage device extends toward the front of the dual front wheel, single rear wheel, three-wheeled vehicle. Therefore, the load of the electric energy storage device tends to be applied to the left front-drive steerable wheel and the right front-drive steerable wheel. Due to this configuration, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the load applied to the left and right front drive steerable wheels.

(2) The three-wheeled vehicle with double front wheels and single rear wheels is characterized in that in the three-wheeled vehicle with double front wheels and single rear wheels of the (1),

when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, the electric energy storage device is positioned such that the front end thereof is in the triangular region.

(3) The two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of (1) or (2),

when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in a downward direction, at least a portion of the left seat and/or at least a portion of the right seat are positioned in the triangular region.

According to the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of (3), when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, at least a portion of the left seat and/or at least a portion of the right seat is positioned in the triangular region. Due to this configuration, when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, at least a portion of the operator and/or at least a portion of the passenger are positioned in the triangular region. Therefore, the operator and/or the passenger are disposed near the center in the left-right direction of the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle. Due to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of roll of the body frame of the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle when the three-wheeled vehicle turns in the left direction or in the right direction.

(4) Is characterized in that, in the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle described in any one of (1) to (3),

when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, the left seat and the right seat are positioned between the right end of the left front drive steering wheel and the left end of the right front drive steering wheel.

According to the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of (4), when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, the left seat and the right seat are positioned between the right end of the left front drive steering wheel and the left end of the right front drive steering wheel. With this configuration, when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, the operator and the passenger are positioned between the right end of the left front drive steering wheel and the left end of the right front drive steering wheel. Therefore, the operator and/or the passenger are disposed near the center in the left-right direction of the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle. Due to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of roll of the body frame of the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle when the three-wheeled vehicle turns in the left direction or in the right direction.

(5) Is characterized in that, in the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle described in any one of (1) to (4),

when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, a portion of the electrical energy storage device is positioned outside the triangular region.

According to the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of (5), when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, a part of the electric energy storage device is positioned outside the triangular region. Due to this configuration, the size of the electric energy storage device becomes large, and the capacity of the electric energy storage device becomes large.

(6) Is characterized in that, in the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle described in any one of (1) to (5),

a part of the electric motor and/or a part of the power transmission mechanism are positioned further forward than the front end of the triangular region in the front-rear direction.

According to the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of (6), it is possible to suppress a reduction in the load applied to the left front-drive steerable wheel and the right front-drive steerable wheel. More specifically, the electric motor and the power transmission mechanism are heavy objects. Therefore, a part of the electric motor and/or a part of the power transmission mechanism is positioned more forward than the front end of the triangular region in the front-rear direction. Due to this configuration, the load of the electric motor and/or the load of the power transmission mechanism tend to be exerted on the left front-drive steerable wheel and the right front-drive steerable wheel. As a result, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the load applied to the left front-drive steerable wheel and the right front-drive steerable wheel.

(7) Is characterized in that, in the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle described in any one of (1) to (6),

the electric energy storage device is positioned such that the front end thereof is located more forward than the center of gravity of the triangular region in the front-rear direction.

According to the three-wheeled vehicle with double front wheels and single rear wheel of (7), it is possible to suppress a reduction in the load applied to the left front-drive steerable wheel and the right front-drive steerable wheel. More specifically, the electrical energy storage device is a weight. Therefore, the front end of the electric energy storage device is positioned further forward than the center of gravity of the triangular region in the front-rear direction. Due to this configuration, the load of the electric energy storage device tends to be applied to the left front-drive steerable wheel and the right front-drive steerable wheel. As a result, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the load applied to the left front-drive steerable wheel and the right front-drive steerable wheel.

(8) Is characterized in that, in the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle described in any one of (1) to (7),

the maximum width of the electrical energy storage device in the left-right direction is smaller than the width of the triangular region in the left-right direction at the center of gravity of the triangular region.

According to the two-front-wheel and one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of (8), it is possible to suppress the roll of the vehicle body frame when the two-front-wheel and one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle turns in the left direction or in the right direction. More specifically, the maximum width of the electric energy storage device in the left-right direction is smaller than the width of the triangular region in the left-right direction at the center of gravity of the triangular region. Therefore, the maximum width of the electric energy storage device in the left-right direction is small. Due to this configuration, the electric energy storage device can be easily disposed near the center in the left-right direction of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of roll of the body frame when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle turns in the leftward direction or in the rightward direction.

(9) Is characterized in that, in the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle described in any one of (1) to (8),

the maximum width of the electrical energy storage device in the left-right direction is larger than the width of the triangular region in the left-right direction at a midpoint between the center of gravity of the triangular region and the rear end of the triangular region.

According to the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle of (9), since the maximum width of the electric energy storage device in the right-left direction is large, the capacity of the electric energy storage device becomes large.

(10) Is characterized in that, in the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle described in any one of (1) to (9),

when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle is viewed in the downward direction, at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device overlaps with the left seat and the right seat in the triangular region.

(11) Is characterized in that, in the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle described in any one of (1) to (10),

the electric energy storage device is disposed such that the center of gravity thereof in the front-rear direction is further rearward than the rear end of the right front-drive steerable wheel.

(12) Is characterized in that, in the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle described in any one of (1) to (11),

the electrical energy storage device is positioned such that its center of gravity in the left-right direction is between the right end of the left front drive steerable wheel movable region through which the left front drive steerable wheel passes when steering and the left end of the right front drive steerable wheel movable region through which the right front drive steerable wheel passes when steering.

(13) Is characterized in that, in the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle described in any one of (1) to (12),

the electric energy storage device is positioned such that its center of gravity is further rearward than the rotational axis of the electric motor in the front-rear direction.

As used in this specification, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated and listed items.

The use of the terms "comprises," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or equivalents thereof, and may include one or more steps, operations, elements, components, and/or combinations thereof.

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

Terms defined in a general dictionary should be interpreted as having meanings corresponding to those in the context of the related art and the present disclosure, and the terms are never interpreted as having ideal or excessively formal meanings unless explicitly defined in the present specification.

In explaining the present invention, it should be understood that a number of techniques and steps are described. Each of which has its own benefits and each of which can be used with at least one, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Thus, for the sake of clarity, this explanation avoids unnecessarily repeating all possible combinations of the various steps. However, it is to be understood that such combinations are within the scope of the invention and the claims, when read in conjunction with the description and claims.

For purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. The present disclosure is to be considered as an illustration of the invention and is not intended to limit any particular embodiment expressed by the following figures and explanations.

The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[ Effect of the invention ]

According to the present invention, electrification of a three-wheeled vehicle with two front wheels and one rear wheel can be achieved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a right side view and a top view of a two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10.

Fig. 2 is a right side view and a plan view of the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 a.

Detailed Description

(first embodiment)

[ integral Structure ]

Next, the overall structure of a double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a right side view and a top view of a two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10.

Hereinafter, the traveling direction of the two-front-wheel and one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is defined as a forward direction. The rearward direction of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is defined as the rearward direction. The leftward direction of the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel, three-wheeled vehicle 10 is defined as the leftward direction. The rightward direction of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is defined as the rightward direction. The upward direction of the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel, three-wheeled vehicle 10 is defined as the upward direction. The downward direction of the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel, three-wheeled vehicle 10 is defined as the downward direction. The front-rear direction of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is defined as the front-rear direction. The left-right direction of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is defined as the left-right direction. The up-down direction of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is defined as the up-down direction. The up-down direction corresponds to the vertical direction.

In the present specification, the shafts and members extending in the front-rear direction do not necessarily refer to shafts and members parallel to the front-rear direction. The shafts and members extending in the front-rear direction include shafts and members inclined at an angle in the range of ± 45 ° with respect to the front-rear direction. Similarly, the shafts and members extending in the up-down direction include shafts and members inclined at an angle in the range of ± 45 ° with respect to the up-down direction. The shaft and the member extending in the left-right direction include shafts and members inclined at an angle in the range of ± 45 ° with respect to the left-right direction.

When any two members in this specification are defined as a first member and a second member, respectively, the relationship between any two members is expressed as follows. In this specification, the phrase "the first member is supported by the second member" includes that the first member is attached (that is, fixed) to the second member in a non-movable manner with respect to the second member and the first member is attached to the second member in a movable manner with respect to the second member. Further, the phrase "the first member is supported by the second member" includes a case where the first member is directly attached to the second member and a case where the first member is attached to the second member via the third member.

In the present specification, the term "the first member and the second member are aligned in the front-rear direction" indicates the following state. The first member and the second member are each disposed on a certain straight line extending in the front-rear direction when the first member and the second member are viewed in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. In the present specification, the phrase "the first member and the second member are aligned in the front-rear direction when viewed in the upward direction or in the downward direction" indicates the following state. When the first member and the second member are viewed in the upward direction or in the downward direction, the first member and the second member are each disposed on a certain straight line indicating the front-rear direction. In this case, when the first member and the second member are viewed from a leftward direction or a rightward direction different from the upward direction and the downward direction, any one of the first member and the second member may not be disposed on a certain straight line indicating the front-rear direction. Note that the first member and the second member may contact each other. The first member and the second member may be separable. The third member may be present between the first member and the second member. This definition applies to directions other than the front-to-back direction.

In the present specification, the term "the first member is disposed forward of the second member" means the following state. At least a part of the first member is disposed in an area through which the second member passes when the second member moves in parallel in the forward direction. Therefore, the entire first member may be within the region through which the second member passes when the second member moves in parallel in the forward direction, or may protrude from the region through which the second member passes when the second member moves in parallel in the forward direction. In this case, the first member and the second member are aligned in the front-rear direction. This definition applies to directions other than the front-to-back direction.

In the present specification, the term "the first member is disposed further forward than the second member" means the following state. The first member is disposed forward of a plane passing through a front end of the second member and orthogonal to the front-rear direction. In this case, the first member and the second member may be aligned or misaligned in the front-rear direction. This definition applies to directions other than the front-to-back direction.

In the present specification, the phrase "the first member is disposed in front of the second member when viewed in the leftward or rightward direction" refers to the following state. At least a part of the first member is disposed in a region through which the second member passes when the second member moves in parallel in the forward direction, when viewed in the leftward direction or the rightward direction. In this definition, the first member and the second member may not be aligned in the front-rear direction in three dimensions. This definition applies to directions other than the front-to-back direction.

In this specification, unless otherwise specified, each portion of the first member is defined as follows.

The front portion of the first member represents the front half of the first member. The rear of the first member represents the rear half of the first member. The left portion of the first member represents the left half of the first member. The right part of the first member represents the right half of the first member. The upper portion of the first member represents the upper half of the first member. The lower part of the first member represents the lower half of the first member. The upper end of the first member denotes an end portion of the first member in the upward direction. The lower end of the first member means an end of the first member in a downward direction.

The front end of the first member means an end portion of the first member in the forward direction. The rear end of the first member means an end portion of the first member in the rearward direction. The left end of the first member denotes an end portion of the first member in the left direction. The right end of the first member denotes an end of the first member in the right direction. The upper end portion of the first member means the upper end of the first member and its vicinity. The lower end portion of the first member means the lower end of the first member and its vicinity. The front end portion of the first member means the front end of the first member and its vicinity. The rear end portion of the first member means the rear end of the first member and its vicinity. The left end portion of the first member means the left end of the first member and its vicinity. The right end portion of the first member indicates the right end of the first member and its vicinity. The first member represents a member constituting the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10.

In the present specification, the term "a structure (a member, a space, or an opening) is formed (positioned or disposed) between a first member and a second member" means that the structure exists between the first member and the second member in a direction in which the first member and the second member are aligned. However, the structure may or may not protrude from the first member or the second member in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first member and the second member are aligned.

As shown in fig. 1, the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 has a vehicle body frame 12, a side-by-side seat 15, a left front-drive steerable wheel 16L, a right front-drive steerable wheel 16R, a rear wheel 18, a front-wheel steering mechanism 20, an electric energy storage device 22, an electric motor 24, and a power transmission mechanism 26.

The two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is a vehicle that does not lean. Therefore, when the two-front-wheel one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 turns in the leftward direction, the body frame 12 does not lean in the leftward direction, and when the two-front-wheel one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 turns in the rightward direction, the body frame 12 does not lean in the rightward direction. The vehicle body frame 12 supports a side-by-side seat 15, a left front drive steering wheel 16L, a right front drive steering wheel 16R, a rear wheel 18, a front wheel steering mechanism 20, an electric energy storage device 22, an electric motor 24, and a power transmission mechanism 26. The vehicle body frame 12 is a tubular frame formed by joining metal pipes. As the material of the body frame 12, iron, aluminum, and the like can be listed.

The side-by-side seat 15 includes a left seat 15L and a right seat 15R. The left seat 15L is a sitting seat. The left seat 15L is provided at the left rear portion of the vehicle body frame 12. Further, a left seat 15L is provided on the vehicle body frame 12. The person seated on the left seat 15L faces forward. The right seat 15R is a sitting seat. The right seat 15R is provided at the right rear portion of the body frame 12 of the two-front-wheel and one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10. Due to this configuration, the right seat 15R is disposed rightward of the left seat 15L. Further, a right seat 15R is provided on the vehicle body frame 12. The person seated on the right seat 15R faces forward. The operator sits on the left seat 15L or the right seat 15R. In the present embodiment, the operator sits on the left seat 15L. The passenger sits on the right seat 15R.

The left front drive steering wheel 16L is provided at the front left of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10. The front left drive steering wheel 16L is disposed on the left of the front portion of the vehicle body frame 12. The left front drive steering wheel 16L rotates about the left front axle.

The right front drive steerable wheel 16R is disposed to the right of the left front drive steerable wheel 16L. The right front drive steering wheel 16R is provided at the right front portion of the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10. The right front-drive steered wheel 16R is disposed rightward of the front portion of the vehicle body frame 12. The right front drive steering wheel 16R rotates about a right front axle.

The rear wheels 18 are disposed further rearward than the left front drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front drive steerable wheel 16R. The rear wheel 18 is disposed at the rear of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10. Further, the rear wheel 18 is disposed at the center in the left-right direction of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10. That is, the rear wheel 18 is disposed rearward of the center of the vehicle body frame 12 in the left-right direction. The rear wheel 18 rotates about a rear axle. However, the rear wheels 18 are not driving wheels.

The front wheel steering mechanism 20 steers the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R by an operation of an operator. The front wheel steering mechanism 20 includes a steering wheel, a steering shaft, a steering gear box, and two tie rods. When the operator rotates the steering wheel counterclockwise, the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R rotate counterclockwise when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is viewed in the downward direction. That is, the left front drive-steering wheel 16L and the right front drive-steering wheel 16R are steered in the leftward direction. When the operator rotates the steering wheel clockwise, the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R rotate clockwise when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is viewed in the downward direction. That is, the left front drive-steering wheel 16L and the right front drive-steering wheel 16R are steered in the right direction.

The electrical energy storage device 22 stores electrical energy. The electric energy storage device 22 is a secondary battery that can be discharged and charged. The electrical energy storage device 22 is, for example, a lithium ion battery. However, the electrical energy storage device 22 may be, for example, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lead-acid battery, and an all-solid-state battery. Alternatively, the electrical energy storage device 22 may be a primary battery. The electrical energy storage device 22 may be a combination of a battery (primary or secondary) and a capacitor.

The electric motor 24 generates torque from the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage device 22. The power transmission mechanism 26 transmits torque generated by the electric motor 24 to the left front drive steering wheel 16L and the right front drive steering wheel 16R. The power transmission mechanism 26 may be a speed reducer, for example.

[ arrangement of side-by-side seats and electric energy storage device ]

Next, the arrangement of the side-by-side seat 15 and the electric energy storage device 22 is explained. When the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is viewed in the downward direction, a region surrounded by a triangle obtained by linking the center of the left front driving steering wheel 16L, the center of the right front driving steering wheel 16R, and the center of the rear wheel 18 with a straight line is defined as a triangle region a. The triangular area A is in the shape of an isosceles triangle. The center of the left front drive steering wheel 16L is an intersection of a straight line parallel to the front-rear direction and passing through the center in the left-right direction of the left front drive steering wheel 16L and a straight line parallel to the left-right direction and passing through the center in the front-rear direction of the left front drive steering wheel 16L when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is viewed in the downward direction. Note that the definition regarding the center of the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R and the center of the rear wheel 18 is the same as that regarding the center of the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L, and therefore, the explanation thereof is omitted.

Assuming that the area surrounded by a triangle obtained by linearly coupling the center of the left front driving steering wheel 16L, the center of the right front driving steering wheel 16R, and the center of the rear wheel 18 is defined as a triangle area when the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is viewed in the downward direction, the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 satisfies the following conditions (a) and (B).

(A) The front end of the side-by-side seat 15 is positioned further rearward in the front-rear direction than the center of gravity G0 of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10, the center of gravity G0 is disposed further forward than the midpoint WC of the wheel base, and at least a part of the side-by-side seat 15 is positioned in the triangular region a when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is viewed in the downward direction.

(B) When the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is viewed in the downward direction, at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device 22 overlaps with the feet 100 of the operator sitting on the side-by-side seat 15 and at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned in the triangular region a, and the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned such that the front end 22f thereof is located further forward than the center of gravity G0 of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 and is positioned in the triangular region a, and the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned such that the left and right ends thereof are between the right end of the left front drive steerable wheel 16L and the left end of the right front drive steerable wheel 16R in the left-right direction.

Note that the center of gravity G0 of the two-front-wheel and one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is the center of gravity of the two-front-wheel and one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 in a state where no operator and no passenger are seated. As described above, the center of gravity G0 of the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is positioned further forward in the front-rear direction than the midpoint WC of the wheel base. That is, the center of gravity G0 of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is positioned further forward in the front-rear direction than the midpoint WC between the right front axle of the right front-drive steering wheel 16R and the rear axle of the rear wheel 18. The center of gravity G0 of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is, for example, a point within the right front axle of the right front drive steering wheel 16R and the rear axle of the rear wheel 18 at 1: 2.

[ Effect ]

According to the three-wheeled vehicle 10 with the double front wheels and the single rear wheels configured as described above, the three-wheeled vehicle 10 with the double front wheels and the single rear wheels travels by the torque generated by the electric motor 24. Thus, electrification of the two-front-wheel and one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is achieved.

According to the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the load applied to the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R, and also to suppress the roll of the body frame 12 when the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 turns in the left direction or in the right direction. More specifically, the electric energy storage device 22 is positioned such that the left and right ends thereof in the left-right direction are between the right end of the left front drive steerable wheel 16L and the left end of the right front drive steerable wheel 16R. Therefore, the electric energy storage device 22 is provided near the center in the left-right direction of the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10. Due to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of roll of the body frame 12 when the two-front-wheel one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 turns in the left direction or in the right direction.

The electric energy storage device 22 is positioned such that the left and right ends thereof in the left-right direction are between the right end of the left front drive steering wheel 16L and the left end of the right front drive steering wheel 16R. Therefore, the width of the electric energy storage device 22 in the left-right direction becomes short. In order to secure the capacity of the electric energy storage device 22, the length of the electric energy storage device 22 in the front-rear direction should be long. Then, when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is viewed in the downward direction, at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device 22 overlaps with the feet 100 of the operator sitting on the side-by-side seats 15 and is positioned in the triangular area a. In this manner, the electrical energy storage device 22 extends toward the front of the dual front wheel, single rear wheel, three-wheeled vehicle 10. Therefore, the load of the electric energy storage device 22 tends to be exerted more on the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R than on the rear wheels 18. Due to this configuration, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the load applied to the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R.

(second embodiment)

[ integral Structure ]

Next, the overall structure of a double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 is a right side view and a plan view of the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 a.

The two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is an electric vehicle that generates torque by electric energy. The two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is not an electric power-assisted bicycle that generates torque by manpower and electric energy. Therefore, the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is not provided with any pedals for receiving input of human power. The two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is not provided with any doors. As shown in fig. 2, the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled Vehicle 10a includes a Vehicle body frame 12, a rear-wheel suspension system 13, a left-front-wheel suspension system 14L, a right-front-wheel suspension system 14R, a side-by-side seat 15, a left-front-drive steering wheel 16L, a right-front-drive steering wheel 16R, a rear wheel 18, a front-wheel steering mechanism 20, a rear-wheel steering mechanism 21, an Electric energy storage device 22, an Electric motor 24, a power transmission mechanism 26, and an EV (Electric Vehicle) unit 27.

The two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is a non-leaning vehicle. Therefore, when the two-front-wheel one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a turns in the leftward direction, the body frame 12 does not lean in the leftward direction, and when the two-front-wheel one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a turns in the rightward direction, the body frame 12 does not lean in the rightward direction. The vehicle body frame 12 supports a rear wheel suspension system 13, a left front wheel suspension system 14L, a right front wheel suspension system 14R, a side-by-side seat 15, a left front drive steering wheel 16L, a right front drive steering wheel 16R, a rear wheel 18, a front wheel steering mechanism 20, a rear wheel steering mechanism 21, an electric energy storage device 22, an electric motor 24, a power transmission mechanism 26, and an EV (electric vehicle) unit 27. The vehicle body frame 12 is a tubular frame formed by joining metal pipes. As the material of the body frame 12, iron, aluminum, and the like can be listed.

The side-by-side seat 15 includes a left seat 15L and a right seat 15R. The left seat 15L is a sitting seat. The left seat 15L is provided at the left rear portion of the vehicle body frame 12. Further, a left seat 15L is provided on the vehicle body frame 12. The person seated on the left seat 15L faces forward. The right seat 15R is a sitting seat. The right seat 15R is provided at the right rear portion of the body frame 12 of the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 a. Due to this configuration, the right seat 15R is disposed rightward of the left seat 15L. Further, a right seat 15R is provided on the vehicle body frame 12. The person seated on the right seat 15R faces forward. The operator sits on the left seat 15L or the right seat 15R. In the present embodiment, the operator sits on the left seat 15L. The passenger sits on the right seat 15R.

The left front drive steering wheel 16L is provided at the front left of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10. The front left drive steering wheel 16L is disposed on the left of the front portion of the vehicle body frame 12. The left front drive steering wheel 16L rotates about a left front axle AxL.

The left front wheel suspension system 14L is supported by the body frame 12 and supports a left front drive steering wheel 16L. The left front wheel suspension system 14L displaces the left front drive steering wheel 16L in the up-down direction with respect to the vehicle body frame 12. However, the left front wheel suspension system 14L does not tilt the left front drive steering wheel 16L in the leftward direction at the time of turning leftward. In turning to the right, the left front wheel suspension system 14L does not tilt the left front drive steering wheel 16L in the right direction. Further, when the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, the left front-wheel suspension system 14L supports the left front-drive steering wheel 16L such that the left front-drive steering wheel 16L rotates clockwise and counterclockwise. The left front wheel suspension system 14L includes one or more arms and shock absorbers (not shown). In the present embodiment, the left front wheel suspension system 14L is a double wishbone type suspension system. However, the left front wheel suspension system 14L is not limited to the double wishbone suspension system, and may be a strut suspension system, a trailing arm suspension system, or the like.

The right front drive steerable wheel 16R is disposed to the right of the left front drive steerable wheel 16L. The right front drive steering wheel 16R is provided at the right front of the double front wheel single rear wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 a. The right front-drive steered wheel 16R is disposed rightward of the front portion of the vehicle body frame 12. The right front drive steering wheel 16R rotates about a right front axle AxR.

The right front wheel suspension system 14R is supported by the body frame 12 and supports a right front drive steering wheel 16R. The right front wheel suspension system 14R displaces the right front drive steering wheel 16R in the up-down direction with respect to the vehicle body frame 12. However, the right front wheel suspension system 14R does not tilt the right front drive steering wheel 16R in the leftward direction when turning leftward. In turning to the right, the right front wheel suspension system 14R does not tilt the right front drive steerable wheel 16R in the right direction. Further, when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, the right front-wheel suspension system 14R supports the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R such that the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R rotates clockwise and counterclockwise. The right front wheel suspension system 14R includes one or more arms and shock absorbers (not shown). In the present embodiment, the right front wheel suspension system 14R is a double wishbone type suspension system. However, the right front wheel suspension system 14R is not limited to a double wishbone type suspension system, and may be a strut type suspension system, a trailing arm type suspension system, or the like.

The rear wheels 18 are disposed further rearward than the left front drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front drive steerable wheel 16R. The rear wheel 18 is disposed at the rear of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 a. Further, the rear wheel 18 is disposed at the center in the left-right direction of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 a. That is, the rear wheel 18 is disposed rearward of the center of the vehicle body frame 12 in the left-right direction. The rear wheel 18 rotates about a rear axis AxB with respect to the vehicle body frame 12. However, the rear wheels 18 are not driving wheels.

The rear wheel suspension system 13 is supported by the body frame 12 and supports the rear wheels 18. The rear wheel suspension system 13 displaces the rear wheels 18 in the up-down direction with respect to the vehicle body frame 12. However, in turning to the left, the rear wheel suspension system 13 does not tilt the rear wheels 18 in the left direction. In a right turn, the rear wheel suspension system 13 does not tilt the rear wheel 18 in the right direction. Further, when the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is viewed in the downward direction, the rear-wheel suspension system 13 supports the rear wheel 18 such that the rear wheel 18 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise. The rear wheel suspension system 13 includes a swing arm and a shock absorber.

The front wheel steering mechanism 20 steers the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R by an operation of an operator. The front wheel steering mechanism 20 includes a steering wheel, a steering shaft, a steering gear box, and two tie rods. When the operator rotates the steering wheel counterclockwise, the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R rotate counterclockwise when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction. That is, the left front drive-steering wheel 16L and the right front drive-steering wheel 16R are steered in the leftward direction. When the operator rotates the steering wheel clockwise, the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R rotate clockwise when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction. That is, the left front drive-steering wheel 16L and the right front drive-steering wheel 16R are steered in the right direction.

The rear wheel steering mechanism 21 steers the rear wheels 18 by an operation of an operator. The rear wheel steering mechanism 21 includes an actuator and a control unit (not shown). The control unit drives the actuator based on an operation of the steering wheel by the operator. Due to this configuration, when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, the actuator rotates the rear wheel 18 counterclockwise or clockwise.

The electrical energy storage device 22 stores electrical energy. When the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, the electrical energy storage device 22 has a rectangular shape. The dimension of the electrical energy storage device 22 in the up-down direction is smaller than the dimension of the electrical energy storage device 22 in the front-back direction and the dimension of the electrical energy storage device 22 in the left-right direction. Due to this configuration, the electrical energy storage device 22 has a plate-like shape including an upper surface 22Su and a lower surface 22 Sd.

The electrical energy storage device 22 is disposed below the side-by-side seats 15. The lower surface 22Sd of the electric energy storage device 22 is positioned further upward than the lower end 12d of the vehicle body frame 12. The upper surface 22Su of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned lower than the lower end 15Ld of the left seat 15L and the lower end 15Rd of the right seat 15R. Further, the upper surface 22Su of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned lower than the left front shaft AxL, the right front shaft AxR, and the rear shaft AxB. The electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned such that the front end 22f thereof is further rearward in the front-rear direction than the left and right front shafts AxL, AxR. Therefore, the rear end 22b of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned further forward than the rear axle AxB in the front-rear direction.

The left end 22L of the electric energy storage device 22 is positioned further to the right than the left end of the left seat 15L. The right end 22R of the electric energy storage device 22 is positioned farther to the left than the right end of the right seat 15R.

The electric energy storage device 22 as above is a secondary battery capable of discharging and charging. The electrical energy storage device 22 is, for example, a lithium ion battery. However, the electrical energy storage device 22 may be, for example, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lead-acid battery, and an all-solid-state battery. Alternatively, the electrical energy storage device 22 may be a primary battery. The electrical energy storage device 22 may be a combination of a battery (primary or secondary) and a capacitor.

The electric motor 24 generates torque from the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage device 22. The power transmission mechanism 26 transmits torque generated by the electric motor 24 to the left front drive steering wheel 16L and the right front drive steering wheel 16R. Here, the electric motor 24 and the power transmission mechanism 26 are explained in detail.

The electric motor 24 includes a left front wheel electric motor 24L and a right front wheel electric motor 24R. The left front wheel electric motor 24L generates torque for rotating the left front drive steering wheel 16L. The left front wheel electric motor 24L has a rotary shaft 24 LAx. The rotation shaft 24LAx extends in the left-right direction. The right front wheel electric motor 24R generates torque for rotating the right front drive steered wheel 16R. The right front wheel electric motor 24R has a rotation shaft 24 RAx. The rotation shaft 24RAx extends in the left-right direction. In this way, the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is provided with the left front-wheel electric motor 24L and the right front-wheel electric motor 24R, so that the rotation speed of the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the rotation speed of the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R can be different. The two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a can turn in the left direction or in the right direction using the difference between the rotation speed of the left front drive steerable wheel 16L and the rotation speed of the right front drive steerable wheel 16R.

The electric motor 24 is disposed between the left front drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front drive steerable wheel 16R. The electric motor 24 is disposed further forward than the left and right front shafts AxL, AxR. In the present embodiment, when the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the leftward or rightward direction, the electric motor 24 is disposed forward of the left front shaft AxL and the right front shaft AxR. The upper end 24u of the electric motor 24 is positioned lower than the upper ends 16Lu of the left front drive steerable wheel 16L and the upper end 16Ru of the right front drive steerable wheel 16R. The upper end 24u of the electric motor 24 is positioned further upward than the upper surface 22Su of the electric energy storage device 22. The lower end 24d of the electric motor 24 is positioned further up than the lower surface 22Sd of the electric energy storage device 22.

The power transmission mechanism 26 includes a speed reducer and two drive shafts. The power transmission mechanism 26 is provided between the left front drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front drive steerable wheel 16R. The power transmission mechanism 26 is disposed rearward of the electric motor 24. Therefore, the rear end 26b of the power transmission mechanism 26 is positioned further rearward than the rear end of the electric motor 24. The upper end 26u of the power transmission mechanism 26 is positioned lower than the upper end 24u of the electric motor 24. The upper end 26u of the power transmitting mechanism 26 is positioned further upward than the upper surface 22Su of the electric energy storage device 22. The lower end 26d of the power transmission mechanism 26 is positioned lower than the lower end 24d of the electric motor 24. The lower end 26d of the power transmission mechanism 26 is positioned further upward than the lower surface 22Sd of the electric energy storage device 22.

The EV unit 27 is a control unit for controlling the entire two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 a. The EV unit 27 is provided above the electric motor 24 and the power transmission mechanism 26.

[ arrangement of side-by-side seats and electric energy storage device ]

Next, the arrangement of the side-by-side seat 15 and the electric energy storage device 22 is explained. When the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, a region surrounded by a triangle obtained by coupling the center of the left front driving steering wheel 16L, the center of the right front driving steering wheel 16R, and the center of the rear wheel 18 by a straight line is defined as a triangular region a. The triangular area A is in the shape of an isosceles triangle. The front end Af of the triangular area a corresponds to the base of an isosceles triangle. The rear end Ab of the triangular region a corresponds to the vertex of an isosceles triangle. When the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, the center of the left front drive steering wheel 16L is the intersection of a straight line parallel to the front-rear direction and passing through the center in the left-right direction of the left front drive steering wheel 16L and a straight line parallel to the left-right direction and passing through the center in the front-rear direction of the left front drive steering wheel 16L. Note that the definition of the center of the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R and the center of the rear wheel 18 is the same as that of the center of the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L, and therefore, the explanation thereof is omitted.

Assuming that the area surrounded by a triangle, which is obtained by coupling the center of the left front driving steering wheel 16L, the center of the right front driving steering wheel 16R, and the center of the rear wheel 18 by a straight line, is defined as a triangle area when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a satisfies the following conditions (a) and (B).

(A) The front ends of the side-by-side seats 15 are positioned further rearward in the front-rear direction than the center of gravity G0 of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a, the center of gravity G0 is disposed further forward than the midpoint WC of the wheel base, and at least a part of the side-by-side seats 15 is positioned within the triangular region a when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction.

(B) When the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device 22 overlaps with the feet 100 of the operator sitting on the side-by-side seat 15, and at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned in the triangular region a, and the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned such that the front end 22f thereof is located further forward than the center of gravity G0 of the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a and is positioned in the triangular region a, and the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned such that the left and right ends thereof in the left-right direction are between the right end of the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the left end of the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R.

Note that the center of gravity G0 of the two-front-wheel one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is the center of gravity of the two-front-wheel one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a in a state where no operator and no passenger are seated. As described above, the center of gravity G0 of the two-front-wheel, one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is positioned further forward than the midpoint WC of the wheel base. That is, the center of gravity G0 of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is positioned further forward in the front-rear direction than the midpoint WC between the right front axle AxR of the right front drive steering wheel 16R and the rear axle AxB of the rear wheel 18. The center of gravity G0 of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is, for example, a point within the right front axle of the right front drive steering wheel 16R and the rear axle of the rear wheel 18 at 1: 2.

When the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, the front end 22f of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned in the triangular region a. Therefore, when the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, the front end 22f of the electrical energy storage device 22 does not protrude from the triangular region a. However, when the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, a portion of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned outside the triangular region a. In the present embodiment, when the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, the vicinities of the right and left rear ends of the electrical energy storage device 22 are positioned outside the triangular region a. Further, when the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device 22 overlaps with the left seat 15L and the right seat 15R in the triangular region a. In the present embodiment, when the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, a portion of the electrical energy storage device 22 overlaps with the left seat 15L and the right seat 15R in the triangular region a.

The electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned such that the front end 22f thereof is further forward than the center of gravity Ag of the triangular region a in the front-rear direction. The maximum width W1 of the electrical energy storage device 22 in the left-right direction is smaller than the width W2 of the triangular region a in the left-right direction at the center of gravity Ag of the triangular region a. Further, the maximum width W1 of the electrical energy storage device 22 in the left-right direction is larger than the width W3 of the triangular region a in the left-right direction at the midpoint P10 between the center of gravity Ag of the triangular region a and the rear end Ab of the triangular region a.

Next, the position of the center of gravity G1 of the electrical energy storage device 22 is explained. When the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, the center of gravity G1 of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned near the intersection of the diagonals of the upper surface 22Su of the electrical energy storage device 22. When the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the leftward or rightward direction, the center of gravity G1 of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned near the intersection of the diagonals of the left or right surface of the electrical energy storage device 22.

The center of gravity G1 of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned further forward in the fore-aft direction than the midpoint WC of the wheelbase. The center of gravity G1 of the electrical energy storage device 22 is located further rearward in the fore-aft direction than an intermediate point C1 between the right front axle AxR and the midpoint WC of the right front drive steering wheel 16R. In the present embodiment, the center of gravity G1 of the electrical energy storage device 22 is located, for example, near a point within the right front axle that steers the right front drive steering wheel 16R and the rear axle of the rear wheel 18 at 1: 2.

The center of gravity G1 of the electric energy storage device 22 is set further rearward in the front-rear direction than the rear end 16Rb of the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R. Further, when the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 is viewed in the downward direction, the center of gravity G1 of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned further rearward than the rotational shafts 24LAx and 24RAx of the electric motor 24.

In the left-right direction, the center of gravity G1 of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned between the right end 50Lr of the left front drive steerable wheel movable region 50L through which the left front drive steerable wheel 16L passes when steering and the left end 50Rl of the right front drive steerable wheel movable region 50R through which the right front drive steerable wheel 16R passes when steering.

Next, the position of the side-by-side seat 15 is explained. When the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, at least a portion of the left seat 15L and/or at least a portion of the right seat 15R are positioned in the triangular region a. In the present embodiment, when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, a part of the left seat 15L is positioned in the triangular region a. When the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, a portion of the left seat 15L is positioned outside the triangular region a. When the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, a part of the right seat 15R is positioned in the triangular region a. When the two-front-wheel, single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, a portion of the right seat 15R is positioned outside the triangular region a. In the left-right direction, the left seat 15L and the right seat 15R are positioned between the right end of the left front drive steerable wheel 16L and the left end of the right front drive steerable wheel 16R.

A part of the electric motor 24 and/or a part of the power transmission mechanism 26 are positioned further forward in the front-rear direction than the front end Af of the triangular region a. In the present embodiment, the entire electric motor 24 is positioned further forward than the front end Af of the triangular region a in the front-rear direction. A part of the power transmission mechanism 26 is positioned further forward than the front end Af of the triangular region a in the front-rear direction.

[ Effect ]

According to the three-wheeled vehicle 10a with two front wheels and one rear wheel configured as described above, the three-wheeled vehicle 10a with two front wheels and one rear wheel travels by the torque generated by the electric motor 24. Thus, electrification of the two-front-wheel and one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is achieved.

In the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the load applied to the left front driving steering wheel 16L and the right front driving steering wheel 16R and also to suppress the occurrence of roll of the body frame 12 when the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a turns in the left direction or in the right direction, for the same reason as that of the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10.

According to the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a, when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, at least a portion of the left seat 15L and/or at least a portion of the right seat 15R are positioned in the triangular region a. Due to this configuration, when the double-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, at least a part of the operator and/or at least a part of the passenger are positioned in the triangular region a. Therefore, the operator and/or the passenger are disposed near the center in the left-right direction of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 a. Due to this configuration, it is also possible to suppress the roll of the body frame 12 when the two-front-wheel, one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a turns in the left direction or in the right direction.

According to the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a, when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, the left seat 15L and the right seat 15R are positioned between the right end of the left front driving steering wheel 16L and the left end of the right front driving steering wheel 16R. Due to this configuration, when the double front-wheel single rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, the operator and the passenger are positioned between the right end of the left front drive steering wheel 16L and the left end of the right front drive steering wheel 16R. Therefore, the operator and/or the passenger are disposed near the center in the left-right direction of the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 a. Due to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of roll of the body frame 12 when the two-front-wheel, one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a turns in the left direction or in the right direction.

According to the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a, when the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a is viewed in the downward direction, a part of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned outside the triangular region a. Due to this configuration, the size of the electric energy storage device 22 becomes large and the capacity of the electric energy storage device 22 becomes large.

According to the three-wheeled vehicle 10a with double front wheels and single rear wheel, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the load applied to the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R. More specifically, the electric motor 24 and the power transmission mechanism 26 are heavy objects. Therefore, a part of the electric motor 24 and/or a part of the power transmission mechanism 26 are positioned further forward in the front-rear direction than the front end Af of the triangular region a. Due to this configuration, the load of the electric motor 24 and/or the load of the power transmission mechanism 26 tend to be exerted on the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R more greatly than on the rear wheels 18. As a result, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the load applied to the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R.

According to the three-wheeled vehicle 10a with double front wheels and single rear wheel, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the load applied to the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R. More specifically, the electrical energy storage device 22 is a weight. Then, the front end 22f of the electrical energy storage device 22 is positioned further forward than the center of gravity Ag of the triangular region a in the front-rear direction. Due to this configuration, the load of the electrical energy storage device 22 tends to be exerted more on the left front-drive steerable wheel 156L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R than on the rear wheels 18. As a result, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the load applied to the left front-drive steerable wheel 16L and the right front-drive steerable wheel 16R.

According to the two-front-wheel and one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a, it is possible to suppress the roll of the body frame 12 when the two-front-wheel and one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a turns in the left direction or in the right direction. More specifically, the maximum width W1 of the electrical energy storage device 22 in the left-right direction is smaller than the width W2 of the triangular region a at the center of gravity of the triangular region a in the left-right direction. Therefore, the maximum width W1 of the electrical energy storage device 22 in the left-right direction is small. Due to this configuration, it is possible to easily dispose the electric energy storage device 22 near the center in the left-right direction of the two-front-wheel, one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10 a. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of roll of the body frame 12 when the two-front-wheel, one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a turns in the left direction or in the right direction.

According to the two-front-wheel, one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicle 10a, since the maximum width W1 of the electrical energy storage device 22 in the left-right direction is large, the capacity of the electrical energy storage device 22 becomes large.

(other embodiments)

In the present specification, at least the embodiments and modifications described therein or illustrated by the drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure and not to limit the concept of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments and modifications may be changed or modified without departing from the spirit thereof.

The spirit includes equivalent elements, corrections, deletions, combinations (of features and modifications to some embodiments), improvements and changes that can be recognized by those of skill in the art based on the embodiments disclosed in the specification. The limitations in the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the terms used in the claims and should not be limited to the embodiments and modifications disclosed in the specification or the procedures of the present application. Such embodiments and modifications are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, the terms "preferably" and "may" as used in this specification are non-exclusive and mean "preferably but not limited to" and "may … … but not limited to," respectively.

In the two-front-wheel and one-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicles 10 and 10a, the electric motor 24 is disposed in front of the power transmission mechanism 26. However, the electric motor 24 may be provided above the power transmission mechanism 26 and also may be provided behind the power transmission mechanism 26, and may also be provided below the power transmission mechanism 26.

Note that in the two-front-wheel single-rear-wheel three-wheeled vehicles 10 and 10a, the rear wheels 18 may not be steered.

[ list of reference numerals ]

10. 10 a: three-wheeled vehicle with double front wheels and single rear wheel

12: vehicle body frame

13: rear wheel suspension system

14L: left front wheel suspension system

14R: right front wheel suspension system

15: side-by-side seat

15L: left seat

15R: right seat

16L: left front driving steering wheel

16R: right front driving steering wheel

18: rear wheel

20: front wheel steering mechanism

21: rear wheel steering mechanism

22: electric energy storage device

24: electric motor

24L: left front wheel electric motor

24 LAx: rotating shaft

24R: electric motor for right front wheel

24 RAx: rotating shaft

26: power transmission mechanism

50L: movable area of left front driving steering wheel

50R: movable area of right front driving steering wheel

A: triangular area

AxB: rear axle

AxL: left front axle

AxR: right front axle

G0, G1: the center of gravity.