JP2009162370A - Wheel driving device and wheelchair - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wheel driving device and a wheelchair allowing a user of a movable body to start swing operation of a lever without excessively placing a burden on the user. <P>SOLUTION: The lever 12 swingable relative to a wheel is provided for the wheelchair. A force transmission mechanism 40 is provided between the lever 12 and the wheel, in an application for the movable body. The force transmission mechanism 40 could be a driving mode in which the lever 12 gives rotation force to the wheel when it swings to a direction X while idling to a direction Y, or a neutral mode in which the lever 12 idles to the both directions X, Y. The modes of the force transmission mechanism 40 can be switched by a force transmission switching mechanism 70. The force transmission switching mechanism 70 switches between the driving mode and the neutral mode when the lever 12 is positioned at a specific position. When the lever 12 is on a side of the direction X from the specific position, the force transmission switching mechanism 70 keeps the driving mode, and when the lever 12 is on a side of the direction Y from the specific position, the force transmission switching mechanism 70 keeps the neutral mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wheel drive device that is used for a moving body that moves by the rotation of a wheel and can rotate the wheel by swinging a lever with respect to the wheel, and a wheelchair equipped with the wheel drive device. .

  In this specification, a case where a wheelchair is adopted as an example of the moving body and the wheel driving device is used for a wheelchair will be described below.

  In recent years, a technique capable of moving a moving body represented by a wheelchair by lever operation has been disclosed. A conventional example of a wheelchair that can travel by swinging a lever with respect to a wheel is described in Patent Document 1, for example.

  The wheelchair described in Patent Literature 1 includes a wheel drive device having a lever and a force transmission mechanism. The force transmission mechanism is provided between the lever and the wheel. When the lever is rocked, the rocking force of the lever is transmitted to the wheel via the force transmission mechanism, and the wheelchair moves forward or backward.

  The force transmission mechanism can be switched between a driving mode (the position of the knob 10a is the forward position α or the reverse position γ) and a neutral mode (the position of the knob 10a is a neutral position β). When the position of the knob 10a is the forward movement position α, when the lever is swung forward, a rotational force is applied to the wheel in the direction in which the wheel moves forward. Moreover, when the position of the knob | pick part 10a is the retreat position (gamma), if a lever is rock | fluctuated back, rotational force will be provided with respect to the said wheel in the direction which a wheel reverses. On the other hand, when the position of the knob 10a is the neutral position β, the lever rotates freely (idle) without any rotational force being applied to the wheel regardless of whether the lever is swung in the front-rear direction.

Japanese Patent No. 3689101

  However, when the force transmission mechanism is in the driving mode, it may be difficult to swing the lever depending on the position of the lever. For example, when the moving body is a wheelchair, there are ergonomically positions where the seated person can easily swing the lever and positions where it is difficult to swing the lever. For example, when sitting on a wheelchair, the lever operation becomes easy near the seated person's knee, and the lever operation tends to become difficult as the position approaches the backrest portion. When the lever is stopped at a position where it is difficult to perform the swing operation, an excessive load may be generated on the seated person when starting the swing operation of the lever.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a wheel drive device or a wheelchair that can rotate a wheel by swinging a lever, a user of a moving body (if the moving body is a wheelchair). It is an object of the present invention to provide a wheel drive device and a wheelchair that can start a lever swinging operation without giving an excessive load to a seated person.

  Note that the moving body to which the wheel driving device of the present invention can be applied is a non-electric moving body that manually rotates the wheel, for example, without an electric driving means. Type motorcycles, non-electric tricycles, non-electric four-wheel vehicles, and toys that imitate these.

  Further, the wheel drive device of the present invention may be applicable even if the moving body is a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle with an electric drive means. For example, in the case of a vehicle loaded with a heavy object or a vehicle having a large weight, it may be difficult to start the movement from a stopped state although it can be moved by the electric driving means once the movement is started. At this time, the transmission of force by the wheel drive device of the present invention can be used alone or as an auxiliary role of the electric drive means.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  In the present invention, the following features are provided alone or in combination as appropriate.

  A wheel drive device according to the present invention for solving the above problems is a wheel drive device that is used for a moving body that moves by rotation of a wheel and is capable of rotating the wheel, and is used for the moving body. A lever that extends from the approximate center of the wheel toward the outside of the diameter and that can swing within a certain range with respect to the wheel, and when used in the moving body, the lever It is arranged between the wheels and when the lever swings in one direction, it applies rotational force to the wheel in one direction, while idling in the other direction opposite to the one direction. A force transmission mechanism that can be a driving mode for driving the vehicle, or a neutral mode that idles with respect to the wheel even when the lever swings in the one direction or the other direction, and the force transmission mechanism The drive mode and the neutral A force transmission switching mechanism that is switchable between the power transmission mechanism and the force transmission switching mechanism, wherein the force transmission switching mechanism is configured such that when the lever reaches a specific position within the certain range, the drive The mode is switched between the mode and the neutral mode, and when the lever is in the one direction side with respect to the specific position, the driving mode is held, while the lever is in the other direction than the specific position. When in the direction side, the neutral mode is maintained.

  According to the said structure, when the wheel drive device concerning this invention is used for the mobile body which moves (runs) by rotation of a wheel, a lever is extended toward the radial outer side from the approximate center of a wheel. The lever is swingable with respect to the wheel within a certain range. When the lever is swung with respect to the wheel, the wheel rotates and the moving body moves forward or backward. This wheel drive device includes a force transmission mechanism between the lever and the wheel, and when the lever is swung, it is possible to apply a rotational force to the wheel via the force transmission mechanism. The force transmission mechanism can be at least a drive mode or a neutral mode. The drive mode is a mode in which when the lever is swung in one direction, a rotational force is applied to the wheel in the one direction, and the wheel rotates in the other direction opposite to the one direction. . The neutral mode is a mode that idles with respect to the wheel even when the lever is swung in one direction or the other direction. This force transmission mechanism can be switched between a driving mode and a neutral mode by a force transmission switching mechanism. This force transmission switching mechanism switches the mode of the force transmission mechanism between the driving mode and the neutral mode when the lever position reaches a specific position within a certain range. When it is on the direction side, it is held in the driving mode, while when the lever is on the other direction side than the specific position, it is held in the neutral mode.

  A wheelchair according to the present invention for solving the above-described problem is provided such that a plurality of wheels that are rotatably supported by a frame having a seat portion and are arranged at least one on both sides sandwiching the seat portion, and a substantially center of the wheel A lever extending from the outer diameter to the outside of the wheel and swingable within a certain range with respect to the wheel, and disposed between the lever and the wheel, and the lever swings in one direction. A driving mode that sometimes applies rotational force to the wheel in one direction while idling in another direction opposite to the one direction, or the lever moves in the one direction and the other direction. A force transmission mechanism that can be a neutral mode that idles with respect to the wheel even when the wheel is swung, and a force that can switch the mode of the force transmission mechanism between the drive mode and the neutral mode. A transmission switching mechanism, and The switching mechanism switches the mode of the force transmission mechanism between the driving mode and the neutral mode when the position of the lever reaches a specific position within the certain range, and the lever is When the lever is on the one direction side than the position, it is held in the driving mode, while when the lever is on the other direction side than the specific position, it is held in the neutral mode.

  According to the said structure, there exists an effect similar to the mobile body in which the wheel drive device which concerns on this invention for solving the said subject was used. That is, a force transmission mechanism is provided between the lever and the wheel, and when the lever is swung, a rotational force can be applied to the wheel via the force transmission mechanism. The force transmission mechanism can be at least a drive mode or a neutral mode. The drive mode is a mode in which when the lever is swung in one direction, a rotational force is applied to the wheel in the one direction, and the wheel rotates in the other direction opposite to the one direction. . The neutral mode is a mode that idles with respect to the wheel even when the lever is swung in one direction or the other direction. This force transmission mechanism can be switched between a driving mode and a neutral mode by a force transmission switching mechanism. This force transmission switching mechanism switches the mode of the force transmission mechanism between the driving mode and the neutral mode when the lever position reaches a specific position within a certain range. When it is on the direction side, it is held in the driving mode, while when the lever is on the other direction side than the specific position, it is held in the neutral mode.

  Therefore, according to the wheel drive device or the wheelchair, when the lever is in a direction other than the specific position, the force transmission mechanism is held in a neutral state. When a lever is swung in one direction, the lever idles with respect to the wheel. And when a lever will be in a specific position, a force transmission mechanism will be in a drive mode, and a rotational force will be provided with respect to a wheel. Accordingly, it is possible to start the lever swinging operation without imposing an excessive load on the user of the moving body (a seated person if the moving body is a wheelchair). Moreover, when the lever is swung in one direction from the other direction side than the specific position, the lever is swung vigorously until the lever reaches the specific position by using the idle rotation of the lever. Can do. Thereby, even after the lever reaches a specific position, it can be easily swung using the momentum of the lever. Furthermore, even if the lever is located at a position where the swing operation is easy, if the position is in the driving mode, a considerable swing force is required from the beginning when the lever is started to swing in one direction. In such a case, the lever can be easily swung using the momentum of the lever by swinging the lever once in another direction.

  In the above configuration, it is preferable that the specific position can be freely changed to one direction side or the other direction side. Thereby, a specific position can be changed according to the physique of a user (a seated person if a mobile body is a wheelchair). Specifically, since the range in which it is difficult to perform the lever swinging operation varies depending on the user, the specific position can be changed according to the user, which further increases the user's size. The risk of giving a heavy load is reduced.

  In the wheel drive device or the wheelchair according to the present invention for solving the above-described problem, the one direction is a direction in which the moving body moves forward, and the force transmission switching mechanism is configured to change the force transmission mechanism to the driving mode. A force transmission drive holding member for holding, and a force transmission neutral switching member for switching the force transmission mechanism held in the drive mode by the force transmission drive holding member from the drive mode to the neutral mode. The force transmission drive holding member is arranged so that the force transmission mechanism is held in the drive mode at least when the lever is on the one direction side with respect to the specific position. When the lever that swings in the other direction reaches the specific position, the force transmission mechanism switches the force transmission mechanism from the driving mode to the neutral mode. It is preferable to impart an opposing force against said holding force so that relative to the force transmission mechanism.

  According to the above configuration, the one direction is a direction in which the moving body moves forward. Then, when the lever is in a specific position by swinging the lever from the front to the rear than the specific position, a counter force that opposes the holding force held in the driving mode is applied to the force transmission mechanism. Is granted. Thereby, the mode of the force transmission mechanism is switched from the driving mode to the neutral mode. In other words, when the lever is in front of a specific position, the moving body moves forward when the lever is swung forward, and idles when swung backward, and the lever is moved backward from the specific position. In some cases, even if the lever is swung in either the forward direction or the backward direction, it will idle with respect to the wheel. That is, when the lever is swung from the specific position toward the front to the front, the lever is idle with respect to the wheel until the lever reaches the specific position, and after the lever reaches the specific position, On the other hand, a rotational force is applied in the forward direction. On the other hand, when the lever swings from the front to the rear, the lever idles with respect to the wheel regardless of the position of the lever. Thereby, moving bodies, such as a wheelchair, can be advanced, without giving an excessive load to the user (a seated person if a moving body is a wheelchair).

  When the lever is swung from the specific position toward the front to the rear, a rotational force is applied in the backward direction with respect to the wheel until the lever reaches the specific position, and the lever reaches the specific position. After that, while the lever is idling with respect to the wheel, when the lever is swung from the rear to the front, it is preferable that the lever can be switched to the idling state with respect to the wheel regardless of the position of the lever. .

  In the wheel drive device or the wheelchair according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems, the force transmission mechanism is disposed in an outer insert having a substantially circular hollow portion, and in the hollow portion of the outer insert, A polygonal insert that is fixed, a pedestal that is rotatable in the circumferential direction with the approximate center of the insert as a center of rotation, and is placed on the pedestal and between the outer insert and the insert And a plurality of rollers each having substantially the same diameter, a support member that is erected from the pedestal and that is disposed between adjacent rollers and supports each roller, and each of the plurality of rollers. A wedge-clamping element having the outer insert or an elastic member that biases the insert toward the inner insert, the inner insert from the outer periphery of the insert to the inner periphery of the outer insert The maximum diameter portion where the distance to the roller is smaller than the diameter of the roller, and The inner diameter of the outer insert to the inner periphery of the outer insert is formed into a polygon having a plurality of minimum diameter portions larger than the diameter of the roller. The rollers are arranged one by one between the maximum diameter portion on the other direction side and the maximum diameter portion on the one direction side adjacent to the one maximum diameter portion, and the force transmission drive holding The member has a biasing force that biases the base toward the other direction as the holding force so that the roller is disposed in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion on the other direction side. The force transmission neutral switching member is applied as the counter force so that when the lever swinging in the other direction reaches the specific position, the roller is disposed in the vicinity of the minimum diameter portion. , The base in the one direction with the approximate center of the insert as the center of rotation. It is preferable to impart rotational force to the rolling with respect to the pedestal.

  According to the above configuration, the insert rotates when the lever is swung. Here, in the maximum diameter portion, the distance from the outer periphery of the insert to the inner periphery of the outer insert is smaller than the diameter of the roller, and in the minimum diameter portion, from the outer periphery of the insert to the inner periphery of the outer insert. The distance is greater than the roller diameter. Of the two maximum diameter portions adjacent to each other, the maximum diameter portion on the other direction side is defined as one maximum diameter portion, and the maximum diameter portion on one direction side is defined as the other maximum diameter portion. When it is arranged near the maximum diameter portion, the force transmission mechanism becomes a driving mode. On the other hand, when the roller is disposed in the vicinity of the minimum diameter portion, the force transmission mechanism is in a neutral mode. More specifically, when the lever is swung in one direction when the roller is disposed in the vicinity of the one maximum diameter portion, the insert is rotated in the other direction. At this time, due to the wedge tightening effect (effect in which the roller is caught between the inner and outer inserts), the inner and outer inserts are connected. On the other hand, if the lever is swung in the other direction when the roller is arranged in the vicinity of the one largest diameter portion, the inner insert and the outer insert are disconnected, and the inner insert is removed. Idle against the inset. Also, even if the lever is swung in one direction or the other when the roller is arranged near the minimum diameter part, the inner insert and the outer insert are not connected. The interpolated body is idle with respect to the extrapolated body. Here, the insertion member and the outer insertion member are disconnected from each other because a gap is generated between the roller and the outer insertion member when the roller is biased toward the insertion member. This is because a gap is generated between the roller and the inner insert if it is biased toward the insert. Further, the pedestal is biased in the other direction so that the roller is disposed in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion on the other direction side. As a result, a holding force is applied to the force transmission mechanism so that the force transmission mechanism is always held in the driving mode. Then, by swinging the lever from the specific position toward the rear from the specific position, when the lever reaches the specific position, the roller is arranged in the vicinity of the minimum diameter portion with respect to the base. Opposition is given. Accordingly, only the swinging operation of the lever for moving the moving body is performed without performing the operation only for changing the driving mode by the user (if the moving body is a wheelchair). Thus, a specific configuration in which the mode of the force transmission mechanism is switched can be realized.

  In the wheel drive device or the wheelchair according to the present invention for solving the above-described problem, the force transmission switching mechanism further includes a pedestal rotating member that is disposed outside the pedestal and rotates in the circumferential direction together with the pedestal. The force transmission neutral switching member moves in the circumferential direction along with the swing of the lever when the lever swings with respect to the wheel, and has a predetermined position outside the pedestal rotating member as a fulcrum. The lever is oscillating clockwise and counterclockwise, and a longitudinal rotating member that contacts the pedestal rotating member when rotated clockwise with the predetermined position as a fulcrum, and the lever swings relative to the wheel. A fixing member that is fixed to the wheel side without moving in the circumferential direction as the lever swings. It has a contact portion that contacts the rotating member when swinging in another direction, and when the lever swinging in the other direction reaches the specific position, the rotating member comes into contact with the rotating member to rotate the rotating member. The member is rotated clockwise with the predetermined position as a fulcrum, and the rotating member and the pedestal rotating member are brought into contact with each other to apply the rotational force to the pedestal. However, it is preferable that the distance from the predetermined position is substantially constant when the rotating member moves in the circumferential direction as the lever swings.

  According to the above configuration, the contact portion of the fixed member is formed such that the distance from the predetermined position serving as the fulcrum of the rotating member is substantially constant when the rotating member moves in the circumferential direction as the lever swings. Has been. Therefore, the lever is swung from the front to the rear than the specific position, and when the lever reaches the specific position, the pedestal rotates to place the roller near the minimum diameter portion. Is positioned further rearward beyond a specific position, the pedestal will not rotate any further (ie, until the roller is positioned in the vicinity of the other largest diameter portion). Thus, when the lever is on the front side of the specific position, the force transmission mechanism is in the drive mode, and when the lever is on the rear side of the specific position, the force transmission mechanism is in the neutral mode. Can be realized.

  In the wheel drive device or the wheelchair according to the present invention for solving the above-described problem, the force transmission neutral switching member further includes an attachment member that fixedly attaches the fixing member to the wheel side, and the fixing member includes A mounting hole for mounting on the wheel side is formed by the mounting member, and the mounting hole moves from the predetermined position when the rotating member moves in the circumferential direction as the lever swings. The distance is preferably formed so as to be substantially constant.

  According to the said structure, the specific structure for changing a specific position freely to one direction or another direction is realizable. Thereby, according to the physique of a user (a seated person if a mobile body is a wheelchair), a specific position can be changed only by changing the position of the fixing member attached to the wheel side by an attachment member. As a result, the risk of overloading the user is reduced without complicated operations.

  Hereinafter, an example of a suitable embodiment of a wheel drive device concerning the present invention and a wheelchair to which this wheel drive device was attached is explained, referring to each figure. In the present embodiment, the rotation direction of the wheel when the wheelchair moves forward is referred to as the X direction, and the rotation direction of the wheel when the wheelchair moves backward is referred to as the Y direction.

  In the inventions according to claims 1 and 6, one of the X direction and the Y direction corresponds to “one direction”, and a direction opposite to the “one direction” is “other direction”. It becomes. In the inventions according to claims 2 to 5 and 7 to 10, the X direction corresponds to “one direction” and the Y direction corresponds to “other direction”.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a wheel drive device according to the present invention.

  The wheel drive device 10 is used in, for example, a wheelchair that travels when a plurality of wheels rotate, and a manual lever 12 that is swingable with respect to the wheel when attached to the wheelchair, and a rotating unit 20. The fixed portion 30, the force transmission mechanism 40, and the force transmission switching mechanism 70 are provided.

  The wheel drive device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a wheel drive device that is disposed on the right side when viewed from a seated person seated on a seat of the wheelchair when used in a wheelchair. Further, the wheel drive device arranged on the left side as viewed from the seated person sitting on the seat of the wheelchair is symmetrical with the wheel drive device 10 shown in FIG.

  The lever 12 is a rod-shaped member that is curved and extends, and has a grip 121 at the end. One lever 12 is provided corresponding to each wheel described later.

  In addition, a button-type operation unit 122 for operating the force transmission switching mechanism 70 is provided at the tip of the lever 12 on the gripping part 121 side. The button-type operation unit 122 can be pushed downward (along the longitudinal direction of the lever 12) with, for example, a thumb while gripping the grip unit 121. One button type operation unit 122 is provided for one lever 12.

  The rotating unit 20 is a part that rotates relative to the wheelchair as the lever 12 swings when the wheel drive device 10 is provided in the wheelchair, and includes a cup body 22 and a hub 24.

  The cup body 22 is fixedly attached to the base end portion of the lever 12 (that is, the end portion opposite to the side where the gripping portion 121 is provided), and has a substantially circular shape formed in a tray shape or a bowl shape. It is a member.

  The hub 24 is a longitudinal member having a substantially circular disc portion formed at the center, and one end portion is formed in a T shape. Then, both end portions of the hub 24 are integrally attached to the cup body 22 so that the center of the disc portion of the hub 24 and the center portion of the cup body 22 are concentric. Further, the hub 24 is formed with a receiving portion 241 (shown in FIGS. 9 to 13 to be described later) for limiting the rotation of the rotating portion 20 in the X direction and hence the swing of the lever 12.

  When the wheel drive device 10 is provided in a wheelchair, the fixed portion 30 is a portion that does not rotate with the swing of the lever 12, that is, the rotation in the X direction or the Y direction is restricted even if the lever 12 swings. As described above, the portion is fixed to the wheelchair, and includes a shaft member 32 and a shaft base material 34.

  The shaft member 32 is fixed to the wheelchair frame through the wheel of the wheelchair described below. The shaft base member 34 is a plate-like longitudinal member, and a plate-like flat portion is substantially orthogonal to the shaft member 32, and a second gear 44 described later is fixed to one end portion. It is attached. In addition, a recess 341 is formed at the other end of the shaft base material 34 to which the second gear 44 is fixedly attached.

  The force transmission mechanism 40 is accommodated in a concave portion of the cup body 22 formed in a tray shape or a bowl shape. In other words, the force transmission mechanism 40 is arrange | positioned between the lever 12 and the wheel of the wheelchair mentioned later. The force transmission mechanism 40 can be switched to any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect.

  When the wheel drive device 10 is attached to a wheelchair, when the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the first mode or the second mode, if the lever 12 is swung, it will move in either direction with respect to the wheel. A rotational force is applied. In the case of the third mode, even if the lever 12 is swung, the lever 12 idles with respect to the wheel, and no rotational force is applied in any direction. Details of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect will be described later.

  In the inventions according to claims 1 and 6, any one of the first and second aspects corresponds to a “driving aspect”, and the third aspect corresponds to a “neutral aspect”. In the inventions according to claims 2 to 5 and 7 to 10, the first aspect corresponds to a “driving aspect” and the third aspect corresponds to a “neutral aspect”.

  The force transmission mechanism 40 includes a first gear 42, a second gear 44, a third gear 46, a fourth gear 48, an insertion body 50 inserted in the hollow portion 421 of the first gear 42, and a hollow portion 421. A wedge element 52 is provided. The first gear 42 corresponds to the “extrapolated body” of the present invention.

  The configuration of the force transmission mechanism 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the force transmission mechanism 40.

  The first gear 42 has a substantially circular hollow portion 421 and is disposed so as to be screwed with a second gear 44 (see FIG. 1) fixedly attached to the shaft base material 34. Further, the third gear 46 is concentric with the second gear 44 and is disposed so as to be integrated with the second gear 44. Further, the fourth gear 48 (see FIG. 1) is disposed so as to be concentric with the first gear 42 and screwed with the third gear 46. The fourth gear 48 is fixed to a wheel described later.

  Thus, when the first gear 42 rotates, the second gear 44 (see FIG. 1) that is screwed with the first gear 42 rotates. When the second gear 44 rotates, the third gear 46 that is concentric and integral with the second gear 44 rotates. Further, when the third gear 46 rotates, a fourth gear 48 (see FIG. 1) that is screwed with the third gear 46 rotates. Here, since the fourth gear 48 is fixed to the wheel, when the first gear 42 rotates, the rotational force of the first gear 42 is transmitted via the second gear 44, the third gear 46 and the fourth gear 48. Transmitted to the wheels.

  In addition, a wedge fastening element 52 and an insert 50 are disposed in the hollow portion 421 of the first gear 42. More specifically, the wedge-clamping element 52 is disposed on the inner side of the first gear 42, and the insert 50 is disposed on the inner side of the wedge-clamping element 52. That is, the wedge tightening element 52 is disposed between the first gear 42 and the insertion body 50.

  Further, the shaft member 32 passes through the center O (see FIG. 2) of the insert 50 so as to be rotatable with respect to the insert 50. Here, the insert 50 is concentric with the disc portion of the hub 24 and is fixed and attached integrally with the hub 24. Furthermore, as described above, the hub 24 is integrally attached to the cup body 22 (see FIG. 1). Accordingly, when the lever 12 (see FIG. 1) is swung with respect to the wheelchair, the insertion body 50 rotates with the cup body 22 and the hub 24 in the swinging direction of the lever 12.

  On the other hand, the shaft member 32 is fixed to the frame of the wheelchair. Therefore, when the lever 12 (see FIG. 1) is swung while the wheel driving device 10 (see FIG. 1) is attached to the wheelchair, the insert 50 rotates with respect to the shaft member 32.

  Here, the shape of the insert 50 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an example of the insertion body 50 fixedly attached to the hub 24.

  The insertion body 50 is a member formed in a polygon in plan view. The corner of this polygon is the maximum diameter portion 501 having the largest distance from the center O. Here, all the distances from the center O to the corners of each polygon are substantially the same (that is, the number of corners of the polygon and the number of maximum diameter portions 501 are the same).

  An arc that is recessed toward the center O is formed between the one maximum diameter portion 501 and another maximum diameter portion 501 adjacent to the one maximum diameter portion 501, and The portion having the smallest distance to the outer periphery is the minimum diameter portion 502.

  Next, the configuration of the wedge tightening element 52 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing an example of the wedge tightening element 52.

  The wedge-clamping element 52 includes a base 54, a plurality of rollers 56, a plurality of support columns 58, and a plate spring 60 as a plurality of elastic members.

  The pedestal 54 has a substantially circular shape having a substantially perfect hollow portion 542. The pedestal 54 is formed with a hole 541 connected to a later-described pedestal rotating member 74 constituting the force transmission switching mechanism 70 (see FIG. 1) in a part of the outer peripheral side surface.

  A plurality of cylindrical rollers 56 each having substantially the same diameter r are placed on the pedestal 54 so as to be arranged along the periphery of the hollow portion 542. More specifically, when the insertion body 50 is arranged inside the wedge-clamping element 52, one maximum diameter portion 501 (see FIG. 3) and another adjacent to the one maximum diameter portion 501 are provided. The rollers 56 are arranged and placed on the pedestal 54 so that the rollers 56 are arranged one by one between the maximum diameter portion 501. Therefore, the number of maximum diameter portions 501 of the insert 50 and the number of rollers 56 are the same. Further, the pitch between the rollers 56 is substantially the same as the pitch between the maximum diameter portions 501.

  Further, a support column 58 is erected from the pedestal 54 toward the side on which the roller 56 is placed. The support column 58 is configured integrally with the pedestal 54. The support pillars 58 are provided one by one between the rollers 56 adjacent to each other (that is, between one roller and another roller), and support the rollers 56. Further, between the rollers 56 adjacent to each other, a leaf spring 60 is disposed as an elastic member that urges the rollers 56 toward the inner diameter of the base 54.

  Since the insert 50 (see FIG. 3) is arranged inside the pedestal 54, “toward the inside of the pedestal 54” has the same meaning as “towards the insert 50”. It is.

  Next, the operation of the force transmission mechanism 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the A part shown in FIG. 2 and shows the force transmission mechanism 40 in the first mode. FIG. 6 is a detailed view of part A shown in FIG. 2 and shows the force transmission mechanism 40 in the second mode. FIG. 7 is a detailed view of part A shown in FIG. 2 and shows the force transmission mechanism 40 in the third mode.

  5-7, the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the insertion body 50 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is the distance from the maximum diameter portion 501 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42. σ is the smallest, and the distance ξ from the smallest diameter portion 502 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is the largest. The distance σ from the maximum diameter portion 501 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is smaller than the diameter r of the roller 56, and the distance ξ from the minimum diameter portion 502 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is It is larger than the diameter r. That is, a relationship of “ξ> r> σ” is established between σ, ξ, and r.

  Further, in the vicinity of the minimum diameter portion 502, the insert 50 has a relatively gentle shape without significant change in the distance from the outer periphery of the insert 50 to the inner periphery of the first gear 42. On the other hand, in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion 501, the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the insert 50 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is greatly changed. In other words, it has a mountain shape from both sides of the maximum diameter portion 501 to the maximum diameter portion 501, and the tip of the maximum diameter portion 501 has a sharp shape.

  In the first mode shown in FIG. 5, the roller 56 disposed between the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side and the maximum diameter portion 501b on the X direction side adjacent to the maximum diameter portion 501a is Y It is arranged in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion 501a on the direction side. At this time, since the pitch between the rollers 56 and the pitch between the maximum diameter portions 501 are substantially the same, all the rollers 56 are arranged in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion 501 on the Y direction side.

  When the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the first mode (see FIG. 5), when the lever 12 (see FIG. 1) is swung in the X direction, the hub 24 and the cup body 22 (see FIG. 1) are interposed. The insert 50 that is integral with the lever 12 rotates in the X direction. At this time, due to the wedge tightening effect of the roller 56, the inner insert 50 and the first gear 42 are connected in the X direction, and the insert 50 and the first gear 42 are integrally rotated in the X direction. Here, the wedge tightening effect of the roller 56 is exerted and the inner insert 50 and the first gear 42 are connected to each other from the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42. This is because the distance σ is smaller than the diameter r of the roller 56. That is, when the insert 50 is rotated in the X direction, the roller 56 is engaged between the outer peripheral surface of the insert 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side. Because it is included. As a result, the swinging force of the lever 12 in the X direction and the rotational force of the insert 50 in the X direction are transmitted to the wheels described later via the gears 42, 44, 46 and 48.

  On the other hand, when the lever 12 (see FIG. 1) is swung in the Y direction when the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the first mode, the lever 12 and thus the insertion body 50 idles with respect to the first gear 42. The insertion body 50 and the first gear 42 are disconnected from each other in the Y direction. Here, the reason why the insertion body 50 and the first gear 42 are not connected is that the outer peripheral surface of the insertion body 50 and the first gear 42 extend from the maximum diameter portion 501a to the minimum diameter portion 502 (X direction). This is because the wedge fastening effect is not exhibited because the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the steel plate is large. That is, when the insert 50 is rotated in the Y direction, the roller 56 is disengaged between the outer peripheral surface of the insert 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42, and is inserted by the leaf spring 60. This is because a gap is generated between the roller 56 biased toward the body 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42.

  In the second mode shown in FIG. 6, a roller disposed between a maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side and a maximum diameter portion 501b on the X direction side adjacent to the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side. 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion 501b on the X direction side. At this time, since the pitch between the rollers 56 and the pitch between the maximum diameter portions 501 are substantially the same, all the rollers 56 are arranged in the vicinity of the corresponding maximum diameter portion 501 on the X direction side.

  When the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the second mode (see FIG. 6), if the lever 12 (see FIG. 1) is swung in the Y direction, the hub 24 and the cup body 22 (see FIG. 1) are interposed. The insert 50 that is integral with the lever 12 rotates in the Y direction. At this time, due to the wedge tightening effect of the roller 56, the inner insert 50 and the first gear 42 are connected in the Y direction, and the insert 50 and the first gear 42 are integrally rotated in the Y direction. Here, the wedge tightening effect of the roller 56 is exhibited and the inner insert 50 and the first gear 42 are connected to each other from the maximum diameter portion 501b on the X direction side to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42. This is because the distance σ is smaller than the diameter r of the roller 56. That is, when the insertion body 50 rotates in the Y direction, the roller 56 engages between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion body 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion 501b on the X direction side. Because it is included. As a result, the swinging force of the lever 12 in the Y direction and the rotational force of the insert 50 in the Y direction are transmitted to the wheels described later via the gears 42, 44, 46 and 48.

  On the other hand, when the lever 12 (see FIG. 1) is swung in the X direction when the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the second mode, the lever 12 and thus the insertion body 50 idles with respect to the first gear 42. The insertion body 50 and the first gear 42 are disconnected from each other in the X direction. Here, the reason why the insertion body 50 and the first gear 42 are disconnected is that the outer peripheral surface of the insertion body 50 and the first gear 42 extend from the maximum diameter portion 501b to the minimum diameter portion 502 (Y direction). This is because the wedge fastening effect is not exhibited because the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the steel plate is large. That is, when the insert 50 is rotated in the X direction, the roller 56 is released from being caught between the outer peripheral surface of the insert 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42, and is inserted by the leaf spring 60. This is because a gap is generated between the roller 56 biased toward the body 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42.

  In the third aspect shown in FIG. 7, a roller disposed between the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side and the maximum diameter portion 501b on the X direction side adjacent to the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side. 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the minimum diameter portion 502. At this time, since the pitch between the rollers 56 and the pitch between the maximum diameter portions 501 are substantially the same, all the rollers 56 are disposed in the vicinity of the corresponding minimum diameter portion 502.

  When the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the third mode (see FIG. 7), even if the lever 12 (see FIG. 1) is swung in either the X direction or the Y direction, the lever 12 and thus the insertion body 50 are moved. It idles with respect to the first gear 42. That is, the insertion body 50 and the first gear 42 are disconnected from each other in both the X direction and the Y direction. Here, the insertion body 50 and the first gear 42 are disconnected from each other because the distance between the outer circumferential surface of the insertion body 50 and the outer circumferential surface of the first gear 42 in the minimum diameter portion 502 is the diameter of the roller 56. This is because it is larger than r. That is, a gap is generated between the roller 56 biased toward the insert 50 by the leaf spring 60 and the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42.

  It is noted that the lever 12 (and thus the insert 50) idles relative to the first gear 42 regardless of whether the lever 12 (see FIG. 1) is swung in either the X direction or the Y direction. Is in the third mode (that is, when the roller 56 is positioned at the minimum diameter portion 502). If the roller 56 is disposed at a position where the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion body 50 and the outer peripheral surface of the first gear 42 in the minimum diameter portion 502 is larger than the diameter r of the roller 56, the lever 12 is moved in the X direction and the Y direction. Regardless of which direction it is swung, the lever 12 and thus the insert 50 will idle with respect to the first gear 42.

  By the way, when the insert 50 rotates idly with respect to the first gear 42, a gap is formed between the insert 50 and the first gear 42. Without idling or with reduced impact. That is, when the lever 12 is swung, there is no feeling as in the case of the ratchet type.

  As described above, when the insert 50 rotates idly with respect to the first gear 42, the insert 50 does not receive an impact from the first gear 42, or the impact is reduced and each roller rotates. This is because 56 is urged toward the inside of the base 54 by the leaf spring 60. That is, if the roller 56 is disposed at a position where the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the inner insert 50 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is larger than the diameter r of the roller 56, even if the insert 50 rotates. This is because a gap is generated between the roller 56 and the first gear 42 by the biasing action of the leaf spring 60.

  Further, with respect to the arrangement positions of the rollers 56 (that is, the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40), the base 54 (see FIG. 4) is rotated in the circumferential direction around the center O (see FIG. 3) of the insert 50 (see FIG. 3). (In this specification, rotating the center O of the insertion body 50 as the center of rotation is simply referred to as “turning around”).

  Specifically, when the pedestal 54 is rotated in the Y direction (clockwise) with respect to the insert 50, the roller 56 is also rotated in the Y direction with respect to the insert 50, and the roller 56 is rotated in the Y direction. It can arrange | position in the vicinity of the largest diameter part 501a of a direction side (1st aspect). On the other hand, when the pedestal 54 is rotated in the X direction with respect to the insert 50, the roller 56 is also rotated in the X direction with respect to the insert 50, and the roller 56 is rotated to the maximum diameter portion 501b on the X direction side. (Second mode). Further, when the force transmission mechanism 40 (see FIG. 1) is in the first mode, the roller 56 is rotated in the X direction (counterclockwise) with respect to the insertion body 50 by rotating the base 54 in the minimum diameter portion 502. When the force transmission mechanism is in the second mode, the roller 56 is arranged in the vicinity of the minimum diameter portion 502 by rotating the pedestal 54 in the Y direction with respect to the insertion body 50. (Both are the third aspect).

  As described above, the arrangement position of each roller 56 (that is, the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40) can be switched by rotating the pedestal 54 (see FIG. 4) with respect to the insertion body 50 from the pedestal 54. This is because the roller 56 is supported by the provided support column 58 (see FIG. 4).

  In addition, the rotation to the circumferential direction with respect to the insertion body 50 of the base 54 (refer FIG. 4) is limited in the fixed range. That is, one roller 56 disposed between the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side and the maximum diameter portion 501b on the X direction side has the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side or the maximum diameter on the X direction side. It is impossible to get over the portion 501b. This is because the distance σ from the outer peripheral surface of the insert 50 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 at the maximum diameter portion 501 is smaller than the diameter r of the roller 56.

  Next, the configuration of the force transmission switching mechanism 70 will be described with reference to FIG. The force transmission switching mechanism 70 is a mechanism for switching the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40, and FIG. 8 is an example of a plan view including the rotating unit 20, the fixing unit 30, the force transmission mechanism 40, and the force transmission switching mechanism 70. It is. However, for the force transmission mechanism 40, the fourth gear 48 is not shown for convenience.

  The force transmission switching mechanism 70 includes a wire 72, a base rotation member 74, a link member 76 that connects the wire 72 and the base rotation member 74, a pin 78 that fixes the link member 76 to the cup body 22, and a rotary piece 80. A rotating piece fixing pin 82, an outer diameter plate 84, a plate fixing bolt 86, and a coil spring 88 (the rotating piece 80, the rotating piece fixing pin 82, the outer diameter plate 84, the plate fixing bolt 86). For the coil spring 88, see FIG.

  The wire 72 is made of metal, and has one end connected to a button-type operation unit 122 (see FIG. 1). When the button-type operation unit 122 is pressed with, for example, a thumb, the wire 72 moves along the pressed direction (that is, the longitudinal direction of the wire 72 and the direction shown in FIG. 8). In order to reduce the bending of the wire 72 as much as possible when the button type operation unit 122 is pressed, it is preferable that a guide member for supporting the wire 72 is provided along the lever 12 (see FIG. 1).

  The pedestal rotating member 74 is a member extending from the center O toward the radially outer side of the pedestal 54 (see FIG. 4), and is connected to a hole 541 (see FIG. 4) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pedestal 54. The pedestal rotating member 74 includes a rectangular bottom portion 741 extending from the center O toward the outer side of the pedestal 54, and an X direction side erected substantially orthogonally to the bottom portion 741 along the long side of the bottom portion 741. 1st wall part 742 and the 2nd wall part 743 of the Y direction side erected from the said bottom part 741. According to this, the first wall portion 742 and the second wall portion 743 are parallel to each other along the direction from the center O toward the radially outer side of the pedestal 54. In other words, the shape of the pedestal rotating member 74 is such that the cross section orthogonal to the direction from the center O toward the radially outer side of the pedestal 54 is formed in a U shape.

  The link member 76 includes a first piece 761 slidably connected to the end of the wire 72 and a second piece 762 slidably connected to the end of the bottom 741 of the base rotating member 74. In addition, the first piece 761 and the second piece 762 are a substantially L-shaped member formed integrally. The link member 76 is rotatably attached to the cup body 22 by a pin 78 at a substantially L-shaped corner (that is, the boundary between the first piece 761 and the second piece 762).

  The second piece 762 of the link member 76 is disposed between the first wall portion 742 and the second wall portion 743 of the pedestal rotating member 74.

  Further, the second piece 762 and the first wall portion 742 or the first wall portion 742 or the second wall portion 743 of the link member 76 are brought into contact with the first wall portion 742 or the second wall portion 743 of the pedestal rotating member 74 at the front end. In order to reduce sliding resistance that may occur between the two wall portions 743, a roller 763 is provided.

  The rotating piece 80 has a longitudinal shape (bar shape), and a base end portion is fixed to the hub 24 by a rotating piece fixing pin 82. The rotary piece fixing pin 82 is configured to be rotatable about the fulcrum. The rotating piece fixing pin 82 is disposed outside the pedestal rotating member 74 and the position where the rotating piece fixing pin 82 acting as a fulcrum of the rotating piece 80 is disposed corresponds to the “predetermined position” of the present invention. To do.

  The outer diameter plate 84 is a plate-like plate disposed on the outer diameter side of the first gear 42 so as to be substantially concentric with the insertion body 50, and the shaft base material 34 to which the second gear 44 is fixedly attached. At the other end, which is different from the one end, is fixedly attached by a plate fixing bolt 86.

  The radially outer plate 84 is a fan-shaped member along a substantially circular virtual arc C1 with a radially outer side 842 centered on the center O. Here, since the lever 12 swings in the X direction and the Y direction with the center O as the swing center, the rotary piece 80 also rotates in the X direction and Y direction (that is, the circumference) with the center O as the rotation center as the lever 12 swings. Direction). Therefore, the outer side edge 842 of the outer diameter plate 84 is formed along a substantially circular virtual arc C1 centered on the center O, so that the rotary piece 80 is moved in the X direction as the lever 12 swings. When moving in the direction or the Y direction, the distance between the radially outer side 842 of the radially outer plate 84 and the rotating piece fixing pin 82 is constant.

  The rotating piece 80 and the outer diameter plate 84 are each independently equivalent to the “rotating member” and the “fixing member” of the present invention. The combination of the rotating piece 80 and the outer diameter plate 84 corresponds to the “force transmission neutral switching member” of the present invention. Further, the radially outer side 842 of the outer diameter plate 84 corresponds to the “contact portion” of the present invention.

  The coil spring 88 always urges the pedestal rotating member 74 and the pedestal 54 (see FIG. 4) toward the Y direction. One end of the coil spring 88 is fixedly attached to the hub 24, and the other end is fixedly attached to the first wall portion 742 of the base rotating member 74. Since this coil spring 88 always urges the base rotating member 74 in the Y direction with respect to the hub 24 and thus the inner insert 50, the base 54 and thus the roller 56 is moved in the Y direction with respect to the inner insert 50. It will always be energized towards. As a result, the roller 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion 501a (see FIGS. 5 to 7) on the Y direction side, and consequently, the force transmission mechanism 40 is held in the first mode. The coil spring 88 corresponds to the “force transmission drive holding member” of the present invention, and the urging force of the coil spring 88 against the pedestal 54 corresponds to the “holding force” of the present invention.

  The coil spring 88 is not limited to always urging the base rotating member 74 in the Y direction with respect to the hub 24 and hence the inner insert 50, and is directed toward the hub 24 and thus the insert 50 in the X direction. May always be energized. At this time, the roller 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion 501b (see FIGS. 5 to 7) on the X direction side, and thus the force transmission mechanism 40 is held in the second mode.

  In the present embodiment, the pedestal rotating member 74 is always urged toward the Y direction by the coil spring 88 in the Y direction. If it is an elastic member which can always be urged | biased toward, it will not be restricted to a coil spring.

  Here, the positional relationship in the front-rear direction of the paper surface among the pedestal rotating member 74, the rotating piece 80, and the outer diameter plate 84 will be described.

  Even if the lever 12 swings in the Y direction, the pedestal rotation member 74 does not contact the outer diameter plate 84 (the second wall portion 743 and the outer diameter plate 84 do not contact each other). It is arrange | positioned in the back | inner side rather than the radial outer plate 84 in the direction.

  On the other hand, the rotating piece 80 is thicker than the base rotating member 74 and the outer diameter plate 84 in the longitudinal direction of the drawing. When the rotating piece 80 rotates clockwise with the rotating piece fixing pin 82 as a fulcrum, the rotating piece 80 comes into contact with the second wall portion 743 of the pedestal rotating member 74. Further, when the lever 12 swings in the Y direction and the rotating piece 80 rotates in the Y direction, the rotating piece 80 and the outer diameter plate 84 come into contact with each other.

  The outer diameter plate 84 is disposed on the front side of the coil spring 88 in the front-rear direction of the drawing.

  Furthermore, the wheel drive device 10 of the present embodiment includes a retraction holding plate spring 90 for restricting the rotation of the rotating unit 20 relative to the fixed unit 30 by connecting the rotating unit 20 and the fixed unit 30 to each other. The retraction holding plate spring 90 is formed with a curved portion 901 that engages with a concave portion 341 formed at the other end of the shaft base material 34, and when the curved portion 901 and the concave portion 341 are engaged with each other. Further, the rotating unit 20 and the fixed unit 30 are connected to each other. When the rotating unit 20 and the fixed unit 30 are connected to each other in this way, the swing of the lever 12 with respect to the wheel is restricted (that is, the swing of the lever 12 with respect to the wheel is prohibited). The retract holding plate spring 90 is fixedly attached to the hub 24 by a plate spring fixing bolt 92.

  Next, the operation of the force transmission switching mechanism 70 will be described. Note that the force transmission switching mechanism 70 in the present embodiment has an active function in which the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40 is switched by pressing the button type operation unit 122 and the lever 12 is swung with respect to the wheel. And a passive function in which the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40 is switched.

  First, the active function of the force transmission mechanism 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 9 is an example of a plan view including the rotating unit 20, the fixed unit 30, the force transmission mechanism 40, and the force transmission switching mechanism 70 as in FIG. 8.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the force transmission mechanism 40 in the first mode, while FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the force transmission mechanism 40 in the second mode. In FIG. 8, the button type operation unit 122 (see FIG. 1) is not pressed, and in FIG. 9, the button type operation unit 122 is pressed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the button-type operation unit 122 (see FIG. 1) is not pressed, the second piece 762 of the link member 76 has the first wall portion 742 and the second wall portion of the base rotation member 74. 743. At this time, the second piece 762 does not apply a load to either the first wall portion 742 or the second wall portion 743. The roller 56 is located at the maximum diameter portion 501a (see FIGS. 5 to 7) on the Y direction side.

  When the button type operation unit 122 (see FIG. 1) is pressed, the wire 72 moves in the pressing direction of the button type operation unit 122 (direction shown in FIG. 8) as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the link member 76 rotates clockwise around the pin 78 as a fulcrum. At this time, the second piece 762 applies a load to the first wall portion 742, and as a result, the pedestal rotating member 74 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the insert 50. Accordingly, the pedestal 54 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the insertion body 50, and accordingly, the roller 56 also rotates with respect to the insertion body 50 counterclockwise. Then, when the roller 56 rotates around to the maximum diameter portion 501b on the X direction side, the force transmission mechanism 40 becomes the second mode.

  In this manner, when the button type operation unit 122 is pressed and pushed along the longitudinal direction of the lever 12 (the pressing direction of the button type operation unit 122), the button type operation unit 122 is displaced to the pressing position ( The force transmission mechanism 40 held in the first mode by the coil spring 88 by the force transmission switching mechanism 70 is the first mode. To the second mode.

  The force transmission mechanism 40 switched to the second mode is held in the second mode as long as the button type operation unit 122 (see FIG. 1) is pressed, but from the button type operation unit 122. When the pressing is released by releasing the finger or the like, the base rotating member 74 rotates clockwise about the center O as the center of rotation. This is because the pedestal rotating member 74 and the pedestal 54 are urged toward the Y direction side with respect to the insert 50 by the coil spring 88. As a result, the force transmission mechanism 40 is again switched to the first mode by the coil spring 88 and is held in the first mode unless the button-type operation unit 122 is pressed.

  Then, when the pedestal rotating member 74 rotates clockwise with respect to the insertion body 50, the first wall portion 742 applies a load to the second piece 762, and as a result, the link member 76 reacts with the pin 78 as a fulcrum. Rotate clockwise. Then, the wire 72 moves in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the button type operation unit 122, and the button type operation unit 122 (see FIG. 1) returns to the position before being pressed (that is, in FIG. 8). Return to the embodiment).

  In this way, the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40 (the first mode or the second mode) can be actively switched by the seated person's intention to perform the pressing operation of the button type operation unit 122.

  When the pressing is released by releasing the finger from the button-type operation unit 122 or the like, the pedestal rotating member 74 is urged toward the Y direction by the coil spring 88 in the Y direction, thereby transmitting force. A biasing member such as a coil spring is provided in the vicinity of the operation unit so that the button-type operation unit 122 smoothly returns from the pressing position to the protruding position, although the operating unit 122 returns from the pressing position to the protruding position via the switching mechanism 70. Is preferably provided.

  Thus, when the button-type operation unit 122 (see FIG. 1) is not pressed, a load is always applied in the direction opposite to the pressing direction by the coil spring 88 via the force transmission switching mechanism 70. Yes. At this time, the button-type operation unit 122 is in a protruding position protruding from the end of the lever 12 (see FIG. 1).

  Next, a passive function of the force transmission mechanism 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13 are all examples of plan views including the rotating unit 20, the fixed unit 30, the force transmission mechanism 40, and the force transmission switching mechanism 70, in the case where the lever is swung with respect to the wheel. It is a figure which shows the effect | action of the force transmission switching mechanism. The lever 12 shows only a part of the base end side. Moreover, Z shown on drawing is the vertically upper direction in the state which the wheel of the said wheelchair installed in the ground, when the wheel drive device 10 of this embodiment is used for a wheelchair.

  FIG. 10 is an example of a plan view including the rotating unit 20, the fixed unit 30, the force transmission mechanism 40, and the force transmission switching mechanism 70, and is a view showing the force transmission mechanism 40 in the first mode. At this time, the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the first mode because, as described above, the pedestal rotating member 74 and the pedestal 54 (see FIG. 4) are constantly urged toward the Y direction side by the coil spring 88. Because. The position of the lever 12 shown in FIG. 10 is the first position.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the lever 12 is in the first position, there is a certain distance between the rotating piece 80 and the radially outer plate 84 and they are not in contact with each other.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a plan view including the rotating unit 20, the fixed unit 30, the force transmission mechanism 40, and the force transmission switching mechanism 70, and the lever 12 is moved by swinging the lever 12 with respect to the wheel. It is the figure which moved to the Y direction side rather than the 1st position (around). The position of the lever 12 at this time is defined as a second position. At this time, the force transmission mechanism 40 remains in the first mode.

  When the lever 12 is swung in the Y direction with respect to the wheel, the rotating unit 20 circulates clockwise (Y direction) with respect to the fixed unit 30.

  Here, since the outer diameter plate 84 is fixedly attached to the shaft base material 34 as the fixed portion 30, even if the lever 12 is swung with respect to the wheel, the lever 12 is swung. The position in the circumferential direction is unchanged without rotating around.

  On the other hand, when the lever 12 is swung with respect to the wheel, the rotating piece 80, the pedestal rotating member 74, the wedge tightening element 52, and the insertion body 50 circulate as the lever 12 swings.

  Therefore, when the lever 12 is in the first position, the rotary piece 80 and the outer diameter plate 84 are not in contact with each other, but when the lever 12 moves to the second position, the tip of the rotary piece 80 (rotation) The end portion on the opposite side to the base end side fixed by the single fixing pin 82 and the radially outer plate 84 abut each other. At this time, there is a certain distance between the tip of the rotating piece 80 and the second wall portion 743 of the pedestal rotating member 74 and they are not in contact with each other.

  FIG. 12 is an example of a plan view including the rotating unit 20, the fixed unit 30, the force transmission mechanism 40, and the force transmission switching mechanism 70. By further swinging the lever 12 with respect to the wheel, the position of the lever 12 is illustrated. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing movement (circulation) to the Y direction side from the second position. The position of the lever 12 at this time is defined as a third position. Note that, when the lever 12 reaches the third position, the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the third mode as will be described later. Therefore, the third position corresponds to the “specific position” of the present invention.

  Even if the lever 12 is swung with respect to the wheel and the position of the lever 12 becomes the third position, the position of the outer diameter plate 84 in the circumferential direction is not changed. A clockwise load with the pin 82 as a fulcrum is applied from the outer diameter plate 84, and the rotation piece fixing pin 82 is rotated clockwise with the rotating piece fixing pin 82 as a fulcrum. Then, the tip of the rotating piece 80 comes into contact with the second wall portion 743 of the pedestal rotating member 74, and the pedestal rotating member 74 is given a load (rotational force) from the outer diameter plate 84 through the rotating piece 80. It becomes. As a result, the base rotation member 74 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the insert 50.

  When the lever 12 is further swung with respect to the wheel so that the position of the lever 12 moves (circulates) in the Y direction from the second position, the pedestal is moved from the outer plate 84 via the rotating piece 80. The counterclockwise load (rotational force) applied to the rotating member 74 corresponds to the “counterforce” of the present invention.

  In this way, the pedestal rotating member 74 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the insert 50, whereby the pedestal 54 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the insert 50, and as a result, the roller 56 has a maximum diameter portion. The force transmission mechanism 40 is disposed in the vicinity of the minimum diameter portion 502 (see FIGS. 5 to 7) from the vicinity of 501 and the force transmission mechanism 40 is the third mode.

  FIG. 13 is an example of a plan view including the rotating unit 20, the fixed unit 30, the force transmission mechanism 40, and the force transmission switching mechanism 70. By further swinging the lever 12 with respect to the wheel, the position of the lever 12 is illustrated. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing movement (circulation) to the Y direction side from the third position. The position of the lever 12 at this time is defined as a fourth position.

  Here, as described above, the radially outer plate 84 has a radially outer side 842 along a substantially circular virtual arc C1 (see FIG. 8) centered on the center O. Therefore, after the rotating piece 80 and the outer diameter plate 84 are in contact with each other and the tip of the rotating piece 80 is along the outer side edge 842 of the outer diameter plate 84, the base rotating member 74 further moves the lever 12 in the Y direction. No further load is applied from the outer diameter plate 84 via the rotating piece 80 even if the head is swung toward the front.

  More specifically, even if the lever 12 swings after the rotating piece 80 and the outer diameter plate 84 come into contact with each other and the tip of the rotating piece 80 is along the outer side edge 842 of the outer diameter plate 84, The tip of the rotating piece 80 only moves while sliding along the radially outer side 842 of the outer diameter plate 84, and the rotating piece 80 does not rotate any more with the rotating piece fixing pin 82 as a fulcrum. As a result, even if the lever 12 swings further in the Y direction beyond the third position, the force transmission mechanism 40 is maintained in the third mode.

  In the present embodiment, a roller 801 is provided at the tip of the rotating piece 80 in order to reduce the sliding resistance between the tip of the rotating piece 80 and the outer side edge 842 of the outer diameter plate 84.

  As described above, the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the first mode when the lever 12 is on the X direction side from the third position, for example, in the first position or the second position, and the lever 12 is in the third position. Is switched from the first mode to the third mode. When the lever 12 is on the Y direction side with respect to the third position, the third mode is maintained.

  Therefore, when the wheelchair seat occupant swings the lever 12 in the X direction, the lever 12 is idled with respect to the wheel without being applied with rotational force until the third position is reached. Then, when swinging further in the X direction from the third position, a rotational force is applied to the wheel. Further, when the seated person in the wheelchair swings the lever 12 in the Y direction, the lever 12 idles with respect to the wheel regardless of the position of the lever 12.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 13, when the lever 12 is in the fourth position, the curved portion 901 formed in the retracting holding plate spring 90 and the concave portion 341 of the shaft base material 34 are engaged. Thereby, the rotation part 20 and the fixing | fixed part 30 are mutually connected, and the rocking | fluctuation of the lever 12 with respect to a wheel is restrict | limited (prohibited).

  Therefore, when the wheel drive device 10 of the present embodiment is used in a wheelchair, when the seated person of the wheelchair is tired, for example, the lever 12 is placed in the fourth position to keep gripping the lever 12. There is no need.

  Further, when the wheelchair is moved by a third party other than the seated person (for example, a caregiver), the force transmission mechanism 40 becomes the third mode when the lever 12 is arranged at the fourth position, and the wheel and thus the main body of the wheelchair. The wheelchair can be moved by a third party in a state where the lever 12 is fixed.

  In the present embodiment, when the lever 12 is in the fourth position, the lever 12 cannot be swung further in the Y direction. Therefore, the fourth position can swing the lever 12. This is the end in the Y direction.

  On the other hand, the terminal end in the X direction in which the lever 12 can be swung is when the other end of the shaft base 34 abuts on the receiving portion 241 formed on the hub 24.

  As described above, the lever 12 can swing in the X direction and the Y direction with respect to the wheel only within a predetermined range.

  Furthermore, in the wheel drive device 10 of the present embodiment, a plate fixing bolt mounting hole 841 for fixing the outer diameter plate 84 to the shaft base material 34 by the plate fixing bolt 86 is formed. The plate fixing bolt mounting hole 841 is along a substantially circular virtual arc C2 (see FIG. 8) centered on the center O. Therefore, when the rotary piece 80 moves in the X direction or the Y direction as the lever 12 swings, the distance between the plate fixing bolt mounting hole 841 and the rotary piece fixing pin 82 is constant.

  Thereby, the position where the outer diameter plate 84 is arrange | positioned can be changed along the virtual arc C2 of the substantially perfect circle centering on the center O. FIG. Thus, since the position of the lever 12 when the rotating piece 80 and the outer diameter plate 84 abut can be changed, the force transmission mechanism 40 is switched between the first mode and the third mode. The position of the lever 12 can be changed according to the physique of the seated person in the wheelchair.

  When the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the third mode by performing a pressing operation on the button-type operation unit 122, even if the lever 12 is swung in the Y direction, the rotating piece 80 and the second There is no contact with the wall portion 743. This is because, before the rotating piece 80 and the second wall portion 743 come into contact with each other, the curved portion 901 formed on the retracting holding plate spring 90 and the concave portion 341 of the shaft base material 34 are engaged. That is, when the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the third mode by pressing the button type operation unit 122, the rotating piece 80 and the second wall portion 743 do not come into contact with each other. Regardless of the position of 12, the force transmission mechanism 40 is always in the third mode.

  Next, a method of attaching the wheel drive device 10 described above to a wheelchair will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is an external perspective view showing an example of the wheel drive device 10, the wheel 102 of the wheelchair, and the frame 106. In FIG. 14, only one wheel 102 is illustrated, but it is common that at least one wheel 102 is disposed on both sides of the seat portion 104 (see FIG. 15). Generally, the wheel driving device 10 is provided with two wheel driving devices 10 corresponding to the respective wheels arranged on both sides of the seat portion 104.

  When attaching the wheel drive device 10 to a wheelchair, first, the shaft member 32 is passed through the through hole 1021 formed in the center of the wheel 102. Since the fourth gear 48 is attached to the central portion of the wheel 102 so as to be concentric with the wheel 102, the shaft member 32 is formed in the central portion of the through hole 1021 and the fourth gear 48. It penetrates through both of the through holes 481.

  The shaft member 32 that passes through the through holes 481 and 1021 is supported by the frame 106. More specifically, the shaft member 32 is fixed to the fixing plate 112 fixed to the frame 106 by the shaft member fixing portion 114.

  “The shaft member 32 is fixed by the shaft member fixing portion 114” means that the rotation of the shaft member 32 in the direction around the axis is limited.

  Since the bearing is provided inside the through hole 1021, the wheel 102 is rotatably supported by the shaft member 32. That is, the wheel 102 is rotatably supported by the frame 106 via the shaft member 32.

  Furthermore, a shaft member guide hole 116 for guiding the shaft member 32 is formed in the shaft member fixing portion 114. For example, it is possible to easily guide the shaft member 32 to the shaft member guide hole 116 by using the shaft member 32 as a polygonal column and forming the inside of the shaft member guide hole 116 as a polygonal hole corresponding to the shaft member 32. Become.

  In this manner, the wheel drive device 10 can be easily attached to the wheelchair simply by passing the shaft member 32 through the through holes 481 and 1021 and supporting the shaft member 32 on the frame 106. The wheelchair to which the wheel drive device 10 is attached in this way is shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is an external perspective view showing an example of a wheelchair to which the wheel drive device 10 is attached.

  In addition, this wheelchair 100 is also provided with the backrest part 108 and the caster 110 similarly to a general wheelchair.

  The wheel drive device 10 extends from the approximate center of the wheel 102 toward the outside of the diameter of the wheel 102, and is provided so as to be swingable with respect to the wheelchair 100. The seated person can move the wheelchair 100 forward or backward by swinging the lever 12 of the wheel drive device 10 in the X direction or the Y direction.

  More specifically, when the button-type operation unit 122 is not pressed, the force transmission mechanism 40 (see FIG. 1) is in the first mode (the mode illustrated in FIG. 5). When the wheel 12 is swung in the X direction, the wheel 102 rotates in the X direction and the wheelchair 100 moves forward. On the other hand, even if the lever 12 is swung in the Y direction, it only idles.

  Further, when the seated person swings the lever 12 in the Y direction in a state in which the button-type operation unit 122 is pressed with, for example, a thumb (the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the second mode illustrated in FIG. 6), The wheel 102 rotates in the Y direction and the wheelchair 100 moves backward. On the other hand, even if the lever 12 is swung in the X direction, it only idles.

  When the button-type operation unit 122 pressed by the seated person with, for example, the thumb is in a half-pressed state, the force transmission mechanism 40 (see FIG. 1) becomes the third mode (the mode illustrated in FIG. 7). Therefore, regardless of whether the occupant swings the lever 12 in the X direction or the Y direction, the wheel 102 does not move forward or backward, and the lever 12 only idles with respect to the wheel 102.

  As described above, the wheel driving device 10 according to the present embodiment can rotate the wheel 102 when used in, for example, the wheelchair 100 that moves (runs) by the rotation of the wheel 102. The lever 12 that extends from the approximate center of the wheel 102 toward the outside of the diameter and is swingable within a certain range with respect to the wheel 102, and the lever 12 when used in a wheelchair. 1st aspect which is arrange | positioned between the wheel 102 and the said wheel 102, and when the said lever 12 rock | fluctuates in a X direction, while providing a rotational force with respect to the said wheel 102 in a X direction, or idling in a Y direction, Even if the lever 12 swings in either the X direction or the Y direction, the force transmission mechanism 40 that can be idle with respect to the wheel 102, and the aspect of the force transmission mechanism 40, 1 state And a force transmission switching mechanism 70 that can be switched between the first mode and the third mode. The force transmission switching mechanism 70 changes the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40 to a third position within a certain range. When it reaches, it switches between the 1st mode and the 3rd mode. The force transmission switching mechanism 70 is held in the first mode when the lever 12 is on the X direction side with respect to the third position, while the lever 12 is on the Y direction side with respect to the third position. Is held in the third mode.

  According to this, when the lever 12 is swung, a rotational force can be applied to the wheel 102 via the force transmission mechanism 40. The force transmission mechanism 40 can be the first aspect or the third aspect. The first mode is a mode in which when the lever 12 is swung in the X direction, a rotational force is applied to the wheel 102 in the X direction, while the wheel 12 idles in the Y direction. The third aspect is an aspect in which the lever 12 idles with respect to the wheel 102 even when the lever 12 is swung in either the X direction or the Y direction. The force transmission mechanism 40 can be switched between the first mode and the third mode by a force transmission switching mechanism 70. The force transmission switching mechanism 70 switches the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40 between the first mode and the third mode when the position of the lever 12 reaches a third position within a certain range. When the lever 12 is closer to the X direction than the third position, the first mode is maintained, while when the lever 12 is closer to the Y direction than the third position, the third mode is maintained.

  Therefore, when the lever 12 is on the Y direction side with respect to the third position, the force transmission mechanism 40 is held in the third mode, so that the lever 12 on the Y direction side with respect to the third position is moved in the X direction. When swinging in the direction toward the wheel 102, the lever 12 is idled. Then, when the lever 12 is in the third position, the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the first mode, and a rotational force is applied to the wheel 102. As a result, the swinging operation of the lever 12 can be started without imposing an excessive load on the seated person. Moreover, when the lever 12 is swung from the predetermined position in the Y direction toward the X direction from the third position, the idle rotation of the lever 12 is used to move the lever 12 until the lever 12 reaches the third position. Can swing vigorously. Thereby, even after the lever 12 reaches the third position, it can be easily swung using the momentum of the lever 12. Furthermore, even if the lever 12 is at a position where the swing operation is easy (for example, the second position), when the lever 12 starts to swing from the position in the X direction, a considerable amount of swing is required from the beginning. Power is required. However, even in such a case, it is possible to easily swing the lever 12 using the momentum of the lever 12 by swinging the lever 12 once in the Y direction.

  The force transmission mechanism 40 includes a first gear 42 having a substantially circular hollow portion 421, a polygonal insert 50 disposed in the hollow portion 421 of the first gear 42 and fixed to the lever 12, A pedestal 54 that is rotatable in the circumferential direction with the center O of the insert 50 as the center of rotation, and is placed between the first gear 42 and the insert 50 and is substantially the same diameter. A plurality of rollers 56, a support column 58 that is disposed between the rollers 56 that are erected from the pedestal 54 and that are adjacent to each other, and the first gear 42 for each of the plurality of rollers 56. Or a wedge-clamping element 52 having a coil spring 88 biased toward the inner insert 50, and the first gear 42 has a roller distance from the outer periphery of the insert 50 to the inner periphery of the first gear 42. Maximum diameter portion 50 smaller than 56 diameter r , And a polygon having a plurality of minimum diameter portions 502 each having a distance from the outer periphery of the insert 50 to the inner periphery of the first gear 42 that is larger than the diameter r of the roller 56. One roller 56 is disposed between the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side of the diameter portion 501, and the maximum diameter portion 501b on the X direction side adjacent to the maximum diameter portion 501a, and the coil spring 88 is The urging force for urging the pedestal 54 in the Y direction is applied to the pedestal 54 so that the roller 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side, and the rotating piece 80 and the outer diameter When the lever 12 that swings in the Y direction reaches the third position, the plate 84 has the center O of the insertion body 50 as the rotation center so that the roller 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the minimum diameter portion 502. Rotate pedestal 54 in the X direction The rotational force is imparted with respect to the base 54 as a counter force against the biasing force.

  According to this, when the lever 12 is swung, the insert 50 is rotated. Here, in the maximum diameter portion 501, the distance σ from the outer periphery of the insert 50 to the inner periphery of the first gear 42 is smaller than the diameter r of the roller 56, and in the minimum diameter portion 502, from the outer periphery of the insert 50. The distance ξ to the inner periphery of the first gear 42 is larger than the diameter r of the roller 56. Further, when the roller is disposed in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side, the force transmission mechanism 40 is the first mode. On the other hand, when the roller 56 is arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the minimum diameter part 502, the force transmission mechanism 40 becomes a 3rd aspect. More specifically, when the lever is swung in the X direction when the roller 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side, the insert rotates in the X direction accordingly. At this time, due to the wedge tightening effect (effect in which the roller is caught between the inner and outer inserts), the inner and outer inserts are connected. On the other hand, when the roller 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side and the lever 12 is swung in the Y direction, the insert 50 and the first gear 42 are disconnected. The insertion body 50 idles with respect to the first gear 42. Further, even if the lever 12 is swung in either the X direction or the Y direction when the roller 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the minimum diameter portion 502, the inner insert 50 and the first gear 42 are not connected. The connection state is established, and the insertion body 50 rotates idly with respect to the first gear 42. Here, the insertion body 50 and the first gear 42 are disconnected from each other because a gap is provided between the roller 56 and the first gear if the roller 56 is biased toward the insertion body 50. This is because if the roller 56 is urged toward the first gear, a gap is generated between the roller 56 and the insert 50. The pedestal 54 is urged by a coil spring 88 in the Y direction so that the roller 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion 501a on the Y direction side. As a result, the force transmission mechanism 40 is given a holding force so as to be always held in the first mode. Then, by swinging the lever 12 from the position ahead of the third position (for example, the first position or the second position) toward the rear (for example, the fourth position), the lever 12 is moved to the third position. When the position is reached, a counter force is applied to the base 54 so that the roller 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the minimum diameter portion 502. Thereby, the seated person of the wheelchair does not perform the operation only for changing the driving mode, but only performs the swinging operation of the lever 12 for the purpose of running the wheelchair. Switches.

  Further, the force transmission switching mechanism 70 further includes a pedestal rotating member 74 that is arranged on the outer side of the pedestal 54 and rotates in the circumferential direction together with the pedestal 54. Further, as a member for switching the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40, when the lever 12 swings with respect to the wheel 102, the member moves in the circumferential direction along with the swing of the lever 12, and is disposed outside the pedestal rotating member 74. The rotating piece fixing pin 82 can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise with the rotating piece fixing pin 82 as a fulcrum, and when the rotating piece fixing pin 82 is rotated clockwise with the rotating piece fixing pin 82 as a fulcrum, a long rotating piece that comes into contact with the base rotating member 74 80 and an outer diameter plate 84 that is fixed to the wheel 102 without moving in the circumferential direction as the lever 12 swings when the lever 12 swings relative to the wheel 102. Yes. The outer diameter plate 84 has a radially outer side 842 that comes into contact with the rotary piece 80 when the lever 12 swings in the Y direction, and when the lever 12 swinging in the Y direction reaches the third position, the rotary piece The rotating piece 80 is rotated clockwise with the rotating piece fixing pin 82 as a fulcrum by contacting with the rotating piece 80, and further rotated with respect to the pedestal 54 by contacting the rotating piece 80 with the pedestal rotating member 74. It gives power. Further, the outer side 842 of the rotating piece 80 is formed such that the distance from the rotating piece fixing pin 82 is substantially constant when the rotating piece 80 moves in the circumferential direction as the lever 12 swings. .

  According to this, when the rotary piece 80 moves in the circumferential direction as the lever 12 swings, the outer side edge 842 of the rotary piece 80 is a distance from the rotary piece fixing pin 82 that becomes a fulcrum of the rotary piece 80. Is formed to be substantially constant. Therefore, the lever 12 is swung from the third position toward the rear from the front, and the pedestal 54 rotates when the lever 12 reaches the third position, so that the roller 56 is brought close to the minimum diameter portion 502. Even though the lever 12 is positioned further rearward beyond the third position, the pedestal 54 rotates further (ie, until the roller 56 is disposed near the other largest diameter portion 501b). There is nothing to do. Thus, when the lever 12 is on the front side of the third position, the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the first mode, and when the lever 12 is on the rear side of the third position, the force transmission mechanism 40 is the first mode. This is the third aspect.

  The member for switching the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40 further includes a plate fixing bolt 86 for fixedly attaching the outer diameter plate 84 to the wheel 102 side, and the wheel 102 is attached to the outer diameter plate 84 by the plate fixing bolt 86. A plate fixing bolt mounting hole 841 for mounting on the side is formed. When the rotating piece 80 moves in the circumferential direction as the lever 12 swings, the plate fixing bolt mounting hole 841 is rotated. The distance from is substantially constant.

  Therefore, the third position can be freely changed in the X direction or the Y direction by changing the mounting position of the outer diameter plate 84 by the plate fixing bolt 86. Thus, only by changing the mounting position of the outer diameter plate 84 by the plate fixing bolt 86, the third position (between the first mode and the third mode) according to the physique of the seated person of the wheelchair. The position of the lever 12 to be switched) can be easily changed in the X direction or the Y direction. Thus, the risk of applying an excessive load when the seated person swings the lever 12 without complicated work is reduced.

  In addition, although this invention is described in said preferable embodiment, this invention is not restrict | limited only to it. Various embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the lever 12 swings in the Y direction, the rotating piece 80 and the outer diameter plate 84 come into contact with each other, and further, the rotating piece 80 comes into contact with the second wall portion 743, thereby making the base. Although the rotation member 74 is turning counterclockwise, it is not limited to this. For example, when the lever 12 swings in the Y direction, the second piece 762 of the link member 76 and the outer diameter plate 84 come into contact with each other, whereby the second piece 762 rotates clockwise around the pin 78, As a result, the pedestal rotation member 74 may circulate counterclockwise by the second piece 762 and the first wall 742 coming into contact with each other. At this time, even if the lever 12 is further swung in the Y direction, the second piece 762 further rotates due to the sliding of the tip of the second piece 762 and the side 842 outside the diameter of the rotating piece 80. It is preferable to avoid this. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the pedestal 54 from rotating until the roller 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the other maximum diameter portion 501b.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the lever 12 is on the X direction side with respect to the third position, the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the first mode, and when the lever 12 is on the Y direction side with respect to the third position. Although the force transmission mechanism 40 becomes a 3rd aspect, it is not restricted to this. For example, when the lever 12 is closer to the X direction than the third position, the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the third mode, and when the lever 12 is closer to the Y direction than the third position, the force transmission mechanism 40 is It may be the second aspect. In such a mode, for example, when the lever 12 swings in the Y direction, the rotating piece 80 and the outer diameter plate 84 come into contact with each other, so that the rotating piece 80 that rotates clockwise becomes the first piece 761. This can be realized by a configuration in contact. This is because when the rotating piece 80 comes into contact with the first piece 761, the second piece 762 comes into contact with the second wall portion 743 and the pedestal rotating member 74 can be rotated clockwise. Note that when the lever 12 swings in the Y direction and the rotating piece 80 and the outer diameter plate 84 come into contact with each other, the rotating piece 80 that rotates clockwise rotates in place of the first piece 761. A second rotating piece may be disposed between the piece 80 and the second wall portion 743. At this time, the lever 12 swings in the Y direction so that the rotating piece 80 and the outer diameter plate 84 come into contact with each other, whereby the rotating piece 80 that rotates clockwise contacts the second rotating piece 80 and rotates. The piece 80 may rotate counterclockwise, and as a result, the rotating piece 80 and the pedestal rotating member 74 may be in contact with each other. This is because even with such a configuration, the base rotation member 74 rotates clockwise.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the coil spring 88 is configured such that the force transmission mechanism 40 is held in the first mode by urging the pedestal rotating member 74 to the Y direction side, but is not limited thereto. Instead, the force transmission mechanism 40 may be held in the second mode by urging the base rotation member 74 in the X direction. At this time, the force transmission mechanism 40 is always held in the second mode, and when the button-type operation unit 122 is pressed, the force transmission switching mechanism 70 switches from the second mode to the first mode. It is done. However, if the frequency of moving forward is clearly higher than the frequency of moving a moving body such as a wheelchair, the force transmission mechanism 40 should be held in the first mode.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the button-type operation unit 122 is pressed, the wire 72 moves along the direction in which the operation unit 122 is pressed, and accordingly, the pedestal rotating member 74 is inserted into the insertion body 50. It rotates counterclockwise around the approximate center of the rotation, but is not limited to this. For example, a link member is provided between the operation unit 122 and the wire 72, and when the operation unit 122 is pressed, the wire 72 moves along a direction opposite to the direction in which the operation unit 122 is pressed. May be. At this time, if the force transmission mechanism 40 is configured to be held in the first mode, the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the second mode when the operation unit 122 is pressed, while the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the second mode. If it is the structure hold | maintained at an aspect, when the operation part 122 is pressed, the force transmission mechanism 40 will become a 1st aspect.

  In the above-described embodiment, the leaf spring 60 of the wedge-clamping element 52 urges the roller 56 toward the radially inner side of the pedestal 54 (that is, the insert 50). It may be a mode of biasing toward the radially outer side of 54 (that is, the first gear 42). When the roller 56 is disposed at a position where the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the insert 50 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is larger than the diameter of the roller 56 (for example, around the minimum diameter portion 502), It suffices if a gap is generated between the first gear 42 or the insert 50. This is because this gap can reduce the impact generated with the rotation of the insert 50 transmitted to the first gear 42.

  In the above-described embodiment, the wheelchair 100 is supported by a seat portion 104 that can be seated on a frame 106 that forms the entire skeleton. One wheel 102 that is rotatable with respect to the frame 106 is disposed on each side of the seat portion 104. However, the number of the wheels 102 is not limited to this, and for example, two wheels may be arranged in pairs on both sides of the seat portion 104.

  In the above-described embodiment, the wheelchair 100 is provided with one wheel driving device 10 for each wheel 102, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the wheel driving device 10 is provided only for one of the wheels 102. May be provided. In this case, it is preferable to connect the wheels 102 on both sides of the seat portion 104 so that the wheel 102 on the side where the wheel driving device 10 is provided is a driving wheel and the other wheels 102 are driven wheels. Thereby, even if it is a case where the wheel drive device 10 is provided only about one of the wheels 102 on both sides of the seat portion 104, the wheelchair 100 can be moved forward or backward.

  In the above-described embodiment, the “lever 12” has the same function of rotating the wheel 102, but may be generally referred to as “arm” or “handle”.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the wheel drive device which concerns on this invention. It is a front view which shows an example of a force transmission mechanism. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the insertion body fixedly attached to the hub. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of a wedge fastening element. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a portion A illustrated in FIG. 2, illustrating a state where the force transmission mechanism is in a first mode. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a portion A illustrated in FIG. 2, illustrating a state where the force transmission mechanism is in a second mode. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a portion A illustrated in FIG. 2, illustrating a state where the force transmission mechanism is in a third mode. It is an example of the top view containing a rotation part, a fixed part, a force transmission mechanism, and a force transmission switching mechanism, Comprising: It is a figure which shows when a force transmission mechanism exists in a 1st aspect. It is an example of the top view containing a rotation part, a fixed part, a force transmission mechanism, and a force transmission switching mechanism, Comprising: It is a figure which shows when a force transmission mechanism exists in a 2nd aspect. It is an example of the top view containing a rotation part, a fixed part, a force transmission mechanism, and a force transmission switching mechanism, Comprising: It is a figure which shows when a lever exists in a 1st position. It is an example of the top view containing a rotation part, a fixed part, a force transmission mechanism, and a force transmission switching mechanism, Comprising: It is a figure which shows when a lever exists in a 2nd position. It is an example of the top view containing a rotation part, a fixed part, a force transmission mechanism, and a force transmission switching mechanism, Comprising: It is a figure which shows when a lever exists in a 3rd position. It is an example of the top view containing a rotation part, a fixing | fixed part, a force transmission mechanism, and a force transmission switching mechanism, Comprising: It is a figure which shows when a lever exists in a 4th position. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of a wheel drive device, the wheel of a wheelchair, and a flame | frame. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the wheelchair with which the wheel drive device was attached.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Wheel drive device 12 Lever 40 Force transmission mechanism 42 1st gear (extrapolated body)
50 Inner body 52 Wedge clamping element 54 Base 56 Roller 58 Support pillar 60 Leaf spring (elastic member)
70 Force transmission switching mechanism 74 Base rotating member 80 Rotating piece (Rotating member)
84 Outside diameter plate (fixing member)
86 Plate fixing bolt (Mounting member)
88 Coil spring (force transmission drive holding member)
100 Wheelchair 102 Wheel 421 Hollow portion 501a Maximum diameter portion on Y direction side (one maximum diameter portion)
501b X direction side maximum diameter part (other maximum diameter part)
502 Minimum diameter portion 542 Hollow portion

Claims (10)

A wheel drive device that is used for a moving body that moves by rotation of a wheel and that can rotate the wheel,
A lever that, when used in the moving body, extends from the approximate center of the wheel toward the radially outer side and is swingable within a certain range with respect to the wheel;
When used in the moving body, it is disposed between the lever and the wheel, and when the lever swings in one direction, it applies a rotational force in one direction to the wheel. Driving mode that idles in another direction opposite to the one direction, or neutral that idles with respect to the wheel even when the lever swings in either the one direction or the other direction A force transmission mechanism that can be an aspect,
A force transmission switching mechanism capable of switching the mode of the force transmission mechanism between the driving mode and the neutral mode;
The force transmission switching mechanism is
When the lever reaches a specific position within the certain range, the mode of the force transmission mechanism is switched between the driving mode and the neutral mode,
When the lever is in the one direction side from the specific position, it is held in the driving mode, while when the lever is in the other direction side from the specific position, it is held in the neutral mode. The wheel drive device characterized by the above-mentioned. The one direction is a direction in which the moving body moves forward,
The force transmission switching mechanism is
A force transmission drive holding member for holding the force transmission mechanism in the drive mode;
A force transmission neutral switching member that switches the force transmission mechanism held in the drive mode by the force transmission drive holding member from the drive mode to the neutral mode;
The force transmission drive holding member is held with respect to the force transmission mechanism so that the force transmission mechanism is held in the drive mode at least when the lever is in the one direction side with respect to the specific position. Give power,
The force transmission neutral switching member opposes the holding force so that the force transmission mechanism is switched from the driving mode to the neutral mode when the lever swinging in the other direction reaches the specific position. The wheel drive device according to claim 1, wherein a counter force is applied to the force transmission mechanism. The force transmission mechanism is
An extrapolated body having a substantially circular hollow portion;
A polygonal insert that is disposed in a hollow portion of the outer insert and is fixed to the lever;
A pedestal that is rotatable in the circumferential direction with the approximate center of the insert as a center of rotation, and is placed on the pedestal and disposed between the outer insert and the insert, and both have substantially the same diameter. A plurality of rollers, a support member that is erected from the pedestal and that is disposed between the rollers adjacent to each other, and supports each roller; and the extrapolated body or the interpolated body with respect to each of the plurality of rollers A wedge element having an elastic member biased toward the
The inner insert has a maximum diameter portion in which the distance from the outer periphery of the insert to the inner periphery of the outer insert is smaller than the diameter of the roller, and the inner periphery of the outer insert from the outer periphery of the insert. A minimum diameter portion whose distance to the circumference is larger than the diameter of the roller is formed in a polygon formed by a plurality of each,
The rollers are arranged one by one between the maximum diameter portion on the other direction side among the plurality of maximum diameter portions and the maximum diameter portion on the one direction side adjacent to the one maximum diameter portion. And
The force transmission drive holding member has an urging force for urging the pedestal in the other direction as the holding force so that the roller is arranged in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion on the other direction side. Granted to the pedestal,
The force transmission neutral switching member has the internal force as the counter force so that when the lever swinging in the other direction reaches the specific position, the roller is disposed in the vicinity of the minimum diameter portion. The wheel driving device according to claim 2, wherein a rotational force that rotates the pedestal in the one direction with the approximate center of the insert as a rotation center is applied to the pedestal. The force transmission switching mechanism further includes a pedestal rotating member disposed outside the pedestal and rotating in the circumferential direction together with the pedestal,
The force transmission neutral switching member is
When the lever swings with respect to the wheel, the lever moves in the circumferential direction as the lever swings, and is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise around a predetermined position outside the pedestal rotating member. And a longitudinal rotating member that contacts the pedestal rotating member when rotated clockwise with the predetermined position as a fulcrum,
A fixing member that is fixed to the wheel side without moving in the circumferential direction along with the swinging of the lever when the lever swings with respect to the wheel;
The fixing member is
Having a contact portion that contacts the rotating member when the lever swings in the other direction;
When the lever swinging in the other direction reaches the specific position, the rotating member is rotated clockwise around the predetermined position by contacting the rotating member,
Furthermore, the rotating force is applied to the pedestal by bringing the rotating member and the pedestal rotating member into contact with each other.
The contact portion is formed so that a distance from the predetermined position is substantially constant when the rotating member moves in the circumferential direction as the lever swings. The wheel drive device described in 1. The force transmission neutral switching member further includes an attachment member that fixedly attaches the fixing member to the wheel side,
The fixing member has a mounting hole for mounting on the wheel side by the mounting member,
5. The mounting hole is formed so that a distance from the predetermined position is substantially constant when the rotating member moves in the circumferential direction as the lever swings. The wheel drive device described. A plurality of wheels that are rotatably supported by a frame having a seat portion and arranged at least one on each side sandwiching the seat portion;
A lever that extends from substantially the center of the wheel toward the outside of the diameter and that can swing within a certain range with respect to the wheel;
Arranged between the lever and the wheel, and when the lever swings in one direction, applies a rotational force to the wheel in one direction, while the other is opposite to the one direction. A force transmission mechanism that can be a driving aspect that idles in a direction, or a neutral aspect that idles with respect to the wheel even when the lever swings in either the one direction or the other direction;
A force transmission switching mechanism capable of switching the mode of the force transmission mechanism between the driving mode and the neutral mode;
The force transmission switching mechanism is
When the lever reaches a specific position within the certain range, the mode of the force transmission mechanism is switched between the driving mode and the neutral mode,
When the lever is in the one direction side from the specific position, it is held in the driving mode, while when the lever is in the other direction side from the specific position, it is held in the neutral mode. A wheelchair characterized by that. The one direction is a direction in which the wheelchair advances,
The force transmission switching mechanism is
A force transmission drive holding member for holding the force transmission mechanism in the drive mode;
A force transmission neutral switching member that switches the force transmission mechanism held in the drive mode by the force transmission drive holding member from the drive mode to the neutral mode;
The force transmission drive holding member is held with respect to the force transmission mechanism so that the force transmission mechanism is held in the drive mode at least when the lever is in the one direction side with respect to the specific position. Give power,
The force transmission neutral switching member opposes the holding force so that the force transmission mechanism is switched from the driving mode to the neutral mode when the lever swinging in the other direction reaches the specific position. The wheelchair according to claim 6, wherein a counter force is applied to the force transmission mechanism. The force transmission mechanism is
An extrapolated body having a substantially circular hollow portion;
A polygonal insert that is disposed in a hollow portion of the outer insert and is fixed to the lever;
A pedestal that is rotatable in the circumferential direction with the approximate center of the insert as a center of rotation, and is placed on the pedestal and disposed between the outer insert and the insert, and both have substantially the same diameter. A plurality of rollers, a support member that is erected from the pedestal and that is disposed between the rollers adjacent to each other, and supports each roller; and the extrapolated body or the interpolated body with respect to each of the plurality of rollers A wedge element having an elastic member biased toward the
The inner insert has a maximum diameter portion in which the distance from the outer periphery of the insert to the inner periphery of the outer insert is smaller than the diameter of the roller, and the inner periphery of the outer insert from the outer periphery of the insert. A minimum diameter portion whose distance to the circumference is larger than the diameter of the roller is formed in a polygon formed by a plurality of each,
The rollers are arranged one by one between the maximum diameter portion on the other direction side among the plurality of maximum diameter portions and the maximum diameter portion on the one direction side adjacent to the one maximum diameter portion. And
The force transmission drive holding member has an urging force for urging the pedestal in the other direction as the holding force so that the roller is arranged in the vicinity of the maximum diameter portion on the other direction side. Granted to the pedestal,
The force transmission neutral switching member has the internal force as the counter force so that when the lever swinging in the other direction reaches the specific position, the roller is disposed in the vicinity of the minimum diameter portion. The wheelchair according to claim 7, wherein a rotational force for rotating the pedestal in the one direction with the approximate center of the insert as a rotation center is applied to the pedestal. The force transmission switching mechanism further includes a pedestal rotating member disposed outside the pedestal and rotating in the circumferential direction together with the pedestal,
The force transmission neutral switching member is
When the lever swings with respect to the wheel, the lever moves in the circumferential direction as the lever swings, and is rotatable clockwise and counterclockwise around a predetermined position outside the pedestal rotating member. And a longitudinal rotating member that contacts the pedestal rotating member when rotated clockwise with the predetermined position as a fulcrum,
A fixing member that is fixed to the wheel side without moving in the circumferential direction along with the swinging of the lever when the lever swings with respect to the wheel;
The fixing member is
Having a contact portion that contacts the rotating member when the lever swings in the other direction;
When the lever swinging in the other direction reaches the specific position, the rotating member is rotated clockwise around the predetermined position by contacting the rotating member,
Furthermore, the rotating force is applied to the pedestal by bringing the rotating member and the pedestal rotating member into contact with each other.
The contact portion is formed so that a distance from the predetermined position is substantially constant when the rotating member moves in the circumferential direction as the lever swings. Wheelchair as described in The force transmission neutral switching member further includes an attachment member that fixedly attaches the fixing member to the wheel side,
The fixing member has a mounting hole for mounting on the wheel side by the mounting member,
The mounting hole is formed so that a distance from the predetermined position becomes substantially constant when the rotating member moves in the circumferential direction as the lever swings. The listed wheelchair.