JP2018204628A - Driving device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a driving device having high degree of freedom in layout of input/output portions, and capable of transmitting power to the output portion with high efficiency with simple constitution, and being miniaturized.SOLUTION: In a driving device 1, a number of steel balls 5, an endless circulation passage portion 2 for housing a number of steel balls circularly movably in a full state, an input portion 3 including a sprocket-shaped input rotation engagement body 31, and an output portion 4 including a sprocket-shaped output rotation engagement body 41 are integrally constituted by a base portion 6. The steel balls 5 are respectively engaged with a plurality of input engagement portion 34 of the input rotation engagement body 31 and a plurality of output engagement portions 44 of the output rotation engagement body 41, the steel balls 5 are pushed out from the input engagement portion 34 at a discharge position when the input rotation engagement body 31 is rotated, a number of steel balls 5 are pressed and moved by following steel balls 5, and the steel balls 5 are engaged with the output engagement portion 44 of the output rotation engagement body 41 at a supply position, thus the output rotation engagement body 41 is rotated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a drive device that pushes a large number of power transmission bodies arranged in a circulation path from a subsequent power transmission body to circulate and extracts an output from the power transmission body that circulates.

  In addition to the wire rope type driving device that transmits the driving force of the input pulley to the output pulley by the wire rope, a steel belt type driving device that transmits the driving force of the input pulley to the output pulley by the steel belt has been proposed (Patent Document 1). .

  The steel belt type drive device has a configuration in which a steel transmission belt is wound between a pair of opposed input pulleys and a pair of opposed output pulleys, and the rotation of the input pulley is transmitted to the output pulley. It is called “CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)”. The transmission belt in the steel belt type CVT has a structure in which a large number of flat elements are aligned and attached to an endless metal belt without any gaps. The element is pressed against the opposing surface of the opposing input pulley and the opposing surface of the opposing output pulley by the tension of the metal belt, and power is transmitted from the input pulley to the output pulley by the pressing force of the element. A large number of elements are guided by a metal belt on a linear track from the input pulley to the output pulley, and are pressed by the subsequent elements to move in close pressure contact. On a linear track from the output pulley to the input pulley, It moves sparsely and turns endlessly between the input pulley and the output pulley.

  The metal belt generates frictional force by pressing the element against the tapered opposing surfaces of the input pulley and the output pulley, and the driving force of the input pulley is transmitted to the output pulley via the element. By changing the distance between the opposing surfaces of the opposing input pulley and output pulley, the diameter with which the element contacts is changed, and the gear ratio is changed.

JP 2000-220697 A

  Since the conventional steel belt type driving device is configured such that a large number of elements are guided by a metal belt, the endless circulation path of the large number of elements is limited to a two-dimensional plane around the input pulley and the output pulley. For this reason, the input shaft of the input pulley and the output shaft of the output pulley cannot be set in any direction.

  Further, in order to transmit the driving force from the input pulley to the element, and to transmit the driving force from the element to the output pulley, a configuration using a frictional force generated by the pressing force of the metal belt is used. For this reason, complication of a structure is caused and power transmission efficiency falls. In particular, when a continuously variable transmission is not employed, the presence of a metal belt is disadvantageous for miniaturization and causes a complicated structure.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a drive device that has a high degree of freedom in arrangement of input / output units, can transmit power to an output unit with high efficiency with a simple configuration, and can be miniaturized.

  A first configuration of a drive device that realizes the object of the present invention is to circulate and move a large number of rigid power transmission bodies, the outer periphery of which is formed on a spherical surface or a cylindrical surface, and the plurality of power transmission bodies in a row. An endless circulation path portion that is possible, and an input rotation engagement body that is arranged in the circulation path portion and that has a plurality of input engagement portions formed along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery, and the rotation of the input rotation engagement body The power transmission body supplied from the upstream side in the circulation direction and the input engagement portion are sequentially engaged in the circulation path portion to push the power transmission body downstream in the circulation direction; A plurality of output rotation engaging bodies arranged on the outer peripheral portion along the circumferential direction, the power transmission body being pressed and supplied from the upstream side in the circulation direction and the output mechanism; The output rotation is achieved by sequentially engaging the joints. Coalescence is rotated, and an output unit for pushing the power transmitting member in the direction of circulation downstream.

  According to a second configuration of the driving apparatus for realizing the object of the present invention, in the first configuration, the power transmission body is any one of a sphere, a disk, and a roller.

  According to a third configuration of the drive device that realizes the object of the present invention, in the first or second configuration, the engaging portion of the input rotation engagement body and the output rotation engagement body is the engagement of the power transmission body to be engaged. It is formed on the inner peripheral surface that matches the outer peripheral shape.

  According to a fourth configuration of the driving apparatus that realizes the object of the present invention, in any one of the configurations described above, the circulation path section includes a first turning path section that turns a moving direction of the power transmission body that circulates and a second turning path section. It has at least a turning path section.

  According to a fifth configuration of the driving apparatus that realizes the object of the present invention, in any one of the configurations described above, the circulation path section includes a connection path section that connects the input section and the output section in series. To do.

  According to a sixth configuration of the driving apparatus for realizing the object of the present invention, in the fifth configuration, the output section is further provided in the connection path section.

  According to a seventh configuration of the drive device that realizes the object of the present invention, in any one of the configurations described above, the rotation axis of the input rotation engagement body of the input unit and the output rotation engagement body of one or a plurality of the output units are provided. The input rotation engagement body and the output rotation engagement body are arranged so that rotation axes intersect with each other.

  An eighth configuration of the drive device that achieves the object of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the fifth to seventh configurations, the connection path portion is formed in a cylindrical shape.

  According to a ninth configuration of the driving apparatus that realizes the object of the present invention, in any one of the configurations described above, the circulation path unit, the input unit, and the one or more output units are integrally provided. It is characterized by that.

  According to a tenth configuration of the drive device that realizes the object of the present invention, in any one of the fourth to ninth configurations, the input section is engaged with the first turning path section and the input engagement section. And an input side separation claw portion that contacts the power transmission body moving downstream in the circulation direction and separates the power transmission body from the input engagement portion, and has an inner circumference of the first turning path portion A guide portion that guides the power transmission body is provided on a side surface of the side, and an opening through which the input engagement portion enters the first turning path portion is formed.

  An eleventh configuration of the drive device that realizes the object of the present invention is the driving device according to any one of the fourth, fifth, seventh, eighth, and ninth configurations, wherein the output section includes the second turning path section and the output An output-side separation claw portion that contacts the power transmission body that moves downstream in the circulation direction while engaging with the engagement portion, and separates the power transmission body from the output engagement portion; A guide portion that guides the power transmission body is provided on an inner peripheral side surface of the turning path portion, and an opening through which the output engagement portion enters the second turning path portion is formed.

  In a twelfth configuration of the drive device that achieves the object of the present invention, in any one of the configurations described above, the input rotation engagement body and the output rotation engagement body have the same diameter or different diameters.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the driving force is output by rotating the output rotation engagement body of the output unit by using the force of the multiple power transmission bodies circulating and moving in the circulation path portion by the pressing of the power transmission body. To do. For this reason, an input / output part can be freely arranged by arrangement of a circulation path part. Further, if the size of the power transmission body is reduced, the sizes of the input rotation engagement body and the output rotation engagement body can be reduced, and the apparatus can be miniaturized. Furthermore, since the power transmission is performed by pressing the subsequent power transmission body, the power can be transmitted to the output unit with high efficiency with a simple configuration.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the power transmission body can employ an inexpensive member having a simple structure such as a sphere, a disk, or a roller, and can transmit power with high efficiency.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the power transmission body such as a steel ball can be reliably engaged and moved to the discharge position, and discharged without losing the pushing force.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 4, the path | route of a circulation path part can be set freely.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 5, an input part and an output part can be arrange | positioned in the arbitrary positions of a circulation path part.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 6, several output parts can be arrange | positioned with respect to one input part, and the output part arrange | positioned at a connection path | route part engages with the power transmission body which moves a linear path | route, for example Only a simple configuration can be obtained.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 7, the arrangement position and direction of an input rotation engagement body and an output rotation engagement body can be set freely.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 8, the connection path | route part can move the power transmission body to accommodate reliably.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 9, a drive device can be reduced in size and mounting | wearing to another apparatus can be performed easily.

  According to the invention which concerns on Claim 10, 11, the power transmission body which moves a turning path | route part can be reliably moved along a regular movement locus | trajectory.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, not only constant speed driving but also acceleration / deceleration driving is possible.

1A and 1B show a first embodiment of a drive device according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a front view and FIG. (A) is a BB arrow line view of Drawing 1 (b), (b) is a CC arrow line view of Drawing 1 (a). It is DD arrow enlarged view of FIG.1 (b). It is an enlarged view which shows the state which removed the 1st cover from the figure shown to Fig.1 (a). It is the EE arrow enlarged view of FIG.1 (b). It is an enlarged view which shows the state which removed the 2nd cover from the figure shown in FIG.2 (b). It is FF arrow expanded sectional view of FIG.1 (b). It is GG arrow expanded sectional view of FIG.1 (b). It is the HH arrow enlarged view of FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the drive device by this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows 3rd Embodiment of the drive device by this invention. It is an II arrow directional view of FIG. FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view showing a circulation path portion on the output portion side in the drive device shown in FIG. 11. It is an enlarged view which shows the circulation path part by the side of the input part in the drive device shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows 4th Embodiment of the drive device by this invention. It is a general | schematic external appearance perspective view which shows 5th Embodiment of the drive device by this invention. It is a top view which shows 6th Embodiment of the drive device by this invention. It is a top view which shows 7th Embodiment of the drive device by this invention. 8 shows an eighth embodiment of the drive device according to the present invention, wherein (a) is a schematic perspective view of a disk as a power transmission body and a circulation path portion, and (b) is a perspective view of a roller as a power transmission body and the circulation path portion. It is a schematic perspective view.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the drawings.
First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a drive device according to the present invention, in which (a) is a front view, (b) is a view taken along the line AA of (a), and FIG. 2 (a) is FIG. FIG. 2B is a BB arrow view of FIG. 1B, and FIG. 2B is a CC arrow view of FIG. 3 is an enlarged view taken along the line DD in FIG. 1B, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing a state in which the first cover is removed from the view shown in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 5 is a view shown in FIG. It is an EE arrow enlarged view. 6 is an enlarged view showing a state in which the second cover is removed from the view shown in FIG. 2B, FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 1B, and FIG. 8 is FIG. GG arrow enlarged sectional view of FIG. 9, FIG. 9 is a HH arrow enlarged view of FIG. In these figures, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are three axes orthogonal to each other. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the input rotation engagement body 31 is attached to the first cover 33, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the input rotation engagement body 31 is removed from the first base 32. FIG. 5 shows a state where the output rotation engagement body 41 is attached to the second cover 43, and FIG. 6 shows a state where the output rotation engagement body 41 is removed from the second base 42.

1 to 9, the drive device 1 has a circulation path portion 2, an input portion 3, an output portion 4, and a number of steel balls 5 as power transmission bodies, and the circulation route The part 2, the input part 3, and the output part 4 are integrally provided on the base part 6.

Configuration of Circulation Path Part 2 In the circulation path part 2, a large number of steel balls 5 are accommodated in a row in an inner path 2 a having a hollow circular cross-sectional shape formed in the base 6. A large number of steel balls 5 are pushed forward by the following steel balls 5 to advance and circulate in the inner path 2a. The circulation path section 2 includes a first turning path section 21 provided in the input section 3, a second turning path section 22 provided in the output section 4, a first connection path section 23, and a second connection path section 24. . The first connection path part 23 connects one end 21 a of the first turning path part 21 and one end 22 a of the second turning path part 22, and the second connection path part 24 is the other end 21 b of the first turning path part 21. And the other end 22b of the second turning path portion 22 are connected.

  The 1st turning path part 21 and the 2nd turning path part 22 change the direction of the circulating movement direction of the steel ball 5 accommodated, and are changing 180 degree | times in this embodiment. The circulation path part 2 connects the first turning path part 21, the second turning path part 22, the first connection path part 23, and the second connection path part 24 in series, whereby a number of steel balls are formed in the inner path 2 a. 5 enables circulation movement. The number of steel balls 5 that are filled in the inner path 2a of the circulation path section 2 is accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the first connection path portion 23 and the second connection path portion 24 are curved at an angle of 90 degrees in the ZX plane. The first turning path portion 21 is arranged in the ZY plane as shown in FIG. 1A, and the second turning path portion 22 is arranged in the XY plane as shown in FIG. 2B. The interval between the first connection path portion 23 and the second connection path portion 24 is formed so that the first turning path portion 21 side is wide and the second turning path portion 22 side is narrow.

  In addition, although the 1st connection path | route part 23 and the 2nd connection path | route part 24 are integrally formed in the base 6, you may comprise with the tube provided separately from the base 6. FIG.

Configuration of Input Unit 3 The input unit 3 includes a sprocket-shaped input rotation engagement body 31, a first base 32, and a first cover 33. The input rotation engagement body 31 has a plurality of concave input engagement portions 34 formed at equal intervals on the outer periphery of the input rotation body main body 31a. An input shaft 35 is integrally formed at the center of rotation of the input rotator main body 31a. As for the input shaft 35 rotating around the X axis, a first shaft portion 35a and a second shaft portion 35b are expended on both sides of the input rotating body main body 31a. The first shaft portion 35a is pivotally supported through a bearing hole 33a provided in the first cover 33 described later. The second shaft portion 35b is pivotally supported in a bearing hole 32a provided in the first base 32 described later (see FIG. 7).

  The steel ball 5 accommodated in the inner path 2a of the first turning path section 21 is engaged with the input engaging section 34. The inner peripheral surface of the input engaging portion 34 is formed into a spherical surface that matches the outer peripheral surface of the steel ball 5 to be engaged. The outer peripheral end of the input engaging portion 34 reaches the position on the near side of the equator of the steel ball 5 to be engaged, and the steel ball 5 can be smoothly engaged and detached from the input engaging portion 34. The rotation locus of the input engagement portion 34 due to the rotation of the input rotation engagement body 31 reaches the inside of the inner diameter path 2 a of the first turning path portion 21. The input engaging portion 34 contacts the equator of the steel ball 5 at the center position in the thickness (height) direction. In order to prevent the steel ball 5 from falling out of the regular rotation trajectory of the steel ball 5 and falling inward, and to ensure that the steel ball 5 can circulate along the regular rotation trajectory, as shown in FIG. Edge portions 361c and 361d are provided as guide portions to be described later. In order to avoid interference between the edge portions 361c and 361d, the input engaging portion 34 has both ends in the height direction of the input engaging portion 34 positioned inside the upper and lower ends of the steel balls 5. In the present embodiment, 16 input engaging portions 34 are formed, and the diameter of the input rotating body main body 31a is set with an interval at which the steel balls 5 engaged with the adjacent input engaging portions 34 do not contact each other. Has been.

  By covering the first base 32 with the first cover 33 and screwing the screw S1 into the first base 32, the input rotation engagement body 31 is rotatably accommodated in the first base 32 and the first cover 33. An intermediate position in the thickness direction of the input engagement portion 34 is arranged in accordance with the first contact surface L1 of the first base 32 and the first cover 33. A first U-groove 36a and a second U-groove 36b are formed on the opposing surfaces of the first base 32 and the first cover 33, which are U-shaped in plane and constituting the first turning path portion 21, and have a semicircular cross section. (See FIGS. 3, 4, and 7).

  The first concave groove 36a formed in the first base 32 and the second concave groove 36b formed in the first cover 33 are formed symmetrically across the first contact surface L1. In a state where the input rotation engagement body 31 is mounted on the first base 32, the equator of the steel ball 5 engaged with the input engagement portion 34 coincides with the first contact surface L1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the first cover 33, the second groove 36 b forming one half of the first turning path portion 21 has a Y-axis direction centered on the Z-axis line passing through the rotation center of the input shaft 35 ( It is formed symmetrically in the left-right direction). Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the first base 32 has a first concave groove 36 a that forms the other half of the first turning path portion 21, with the Y axis passing through the rotation center of the input shaft 35 as a center. It is formed symmetrically in the axial direction (left-right direction).

  The first turning path portion 21 is configured by connecting a first straight portion 37b and a second straight portion 37c to both ends of a semicircular arc-shaped first arc portion 37a. The tip of the first straight portion 37 b forms one end 21 a of the first turning path portion 21, and the tip of the second straight portion 37 c forms the other end 21 b of the first turning passage portion 21.

  Here, when the input rotation engaging body 31 rotates in the clockwise direction CW, one end 21a of the first turning path portion 21 forms an inlet port of the steel ball 5 that circulates and the other end 21b circulates and moves. Of the exhaust port. Conversely, when the input rotation engagement body 31 rotates in the counterclockwise direction CCW, the one end 21a of the first turning path portion 21 forms a discharge port for the steel ball 5 that circulates and the other end 21b circulates and moves. Form the entrance port of the sphere 5. In the present embodiment, both the clockwise direction CW and the counterclockwise direction CCW can be rotated.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rotation locus of the outer peripheral end of the input rotation engagement body 31 is P1, and the center of the steel ball 5 that engages with the input engagement portion 34 and rotates integrally with the input rotation engagement body 31 is shown. Let P2 be the rotation trajectory.

  The tip (second separation claw) 37d of the inner peripheral wall portion 371 of the first straight portion 37b and the tip (first separation claw) 37e of the inner peripheral wall portion 372 of the second straight portion 37c exceed the rotation locus P2, and the rotation locus P1. It has reached before this. The second separation claw 37d and the first separation claw 37e are engaged with the input engagement portion 34 of the input rotation engagement body 31 to interfere with the steel ball 5 moving in the circulation direction, and cause the steel ball 5 to enter the input engagement portion 34. Acts as a separation claw to separate from.

  When the input rotation engagement body 31 rotates in the clockwise direction CW, the steel ball 5 moves from the other end 21b forming the inlet port to the second linear portion 37c and reaches the one end (supply position) of the arc portion 37a. Engage with part 34. Furthermore, the steel ball 5 moves to one end (discharge position) of the first arc portion 37a while maintaining the state engaged with the input engagement portion 34 by the clockwise rotation CW of the input rotation engagement body 31, and the tangential direction. In combination with the moving force, the first separation claw 37e separates the input engagement portion 34 from the input engagement portion 34. Conversely, when the input rotation engagement body 31 rotates in the counterclockwise direction CCW, the steel ball 5 that moves by engaging with the input engagement portion 34 is separated from the input engagement portion 34 by the second separation claw 37d.

  The first slit 25 for the input engagement portion 34 of the input rotation engagement body 31 to enter the inner path 2a is formed in the inner circumferential wall portion 371 of the first arc portion 37a of the first turning path portion 21 along the arc direction. It is formed (see FIGS. 7 and 9). As shown in FIG. 9, the first slit 25 is formed on the inner peripheral side of the notch 361 a formed on the inner peripheral side of the first concave groove 36 a of the first base 32 and the second concave groove 36 b of the first cover 33. The formed notch 361b is formed together. The edge 361c forming the guide part of the notch 361a and the edge 361d forming the guide part of the notch 361b are in contact with the steel ball 5 to restrict the steel ball 5 from moving out of the normal rotation path. To do.

  For example, when the handle (not shown) is fixed to the input shaft 35 and the handle is rotated in the clockwise direction CW, the input unit 3 rotates the input rotation engagement body 31 in the clockwise direction CW. The steel ball 5 engaged with the input engagement portion 34 of the input rotation engagement body 31 moves the first arc portion 37a toward the first straight portion 37b, and is input by the first separation claw 37e at the discharge position. It separates by being pushed out from the joint part 34. The steel ball 5 pushed out from the input engaging portion 34 pushes the steel ball 5 located in front toward the front in the circulation direction. Thereby, the many steel balls 5 accommodated in the inner path 2a of the circulation path portion 2 move by one. The output shaft 45 of the output unit 4 which will be described later is rotated by the circular movement of the steel ball 5, and the steel ball 5 is supplied from the upstream side in the circulation direction to the input engagement unit 34 of the input rotation engagement body 31 of the input unit 3 at the supply position. Engage. By continuously performing this series of operations, the output shaft 45 of the output unit 4 rotates and the output is taken out.

Configuration of Output Unit 4 The output unit 4 is basically formed in the same configuration as the input unit 3.

  The output unit 4 includes a sprocket-shaped output rotation engagement body 41, a second base 42, and a second cover 43. The output rotation engagement body 41 has a plurality of concave output engagement portions 44 formed at equal intervals on the outer periphery of the output rotation body main body 41a. An output shaft 45 is integrally formed at the rotation center of the output rotator body 41a. As for the output shaft 45 rotating around the X axis, a third shaft portion 45a and a fourth shaft portion 45b are expended on both sides of the output rotating body main body 41a. The third shaft portion 45a is pivotally supported through a bearing hole 43a provided in the second cover 43 described later. The fourth shaft portion 45b is pivotally supported in a bearing hole 42a provided in the second base 42 described later (see FIG. 8).

  The steel ball 5 accommodated in the inner path 2a of the second turning path part 22 is engaged with the output engaging part 44. The inner peripheral surface of the output engagement portion 44 is formed into a spherical surface that matches the outer peripheral surface of the steel ball 5 to be engaged. The outer peripheral end of the output engaging portion 44 reaches a position on the near side of the equator of the steel ball 5 to be engaged, and the steel ball 5 can be smoothly engaged and detached from the output engaging portion 44. The rotation locus of the output engagement portion 44 due to the rotation of the output rotation engagement body 41 reaches the inside of the inner diameter path 2 a of the second turning path portion 22. The output engaging portion 44 is in contact with the equator of the steel ball 5 at the center position in the thickness direction, and the thickness of the output engaging portion 44 is made thinner than the diameter of the steel ball 5. In the present embodiment, twelve output engaging portions 44 are formed, and the diameter of the output rotating body main body 41a is set with an interval at which the steel balls 5 engaged with the adjacent output engaging portions 44 do not contact each other. Has been.

  In the present embodiment, since the number of output engagement portions 44 is smaller than the number of input engagement portions 34, the diameter of the output rotation engagement body 41 is set smaller than the diameter of the input rotation engagement body 31. In other words, in the driving device 1 of the present embodiment, the output unit 4 increases the speed of the rotation of the input unit 3 and outputs it. Of course, the number of the input engaging portions 34 of the input portion 3 and the number of the output engaging portions 44 of the output portion 4 are made equal, and the number of the output engaging portions 44 is made larger than the number of the input engaging portions 34. You can also slow down.

  By covering the second base 42 with the second cover 43 and screwing the screw S2 into the second base 42, the output rotation engagement body 41 is rotatably accommodated in the second base 42 and the second cover 43. An intermediate position in the thickness direction of the output engagement portion 44 is arranged in accordance with the second contact surface L <b> 2 of the second base 42 and the second cover 43. The opposing surfaces of the second base 42 and the second cover 43 are formed with a third U-groove 46a and a fourth U-groove 46b, which are U-shaped in plane and constitute the second turning path portion 22, and have a semicircular cross section. (See FIGS. 5, 6, and 8).

  The third groove 46a formed in the second base 42 and the fourth groove 46b formed in the second cover 43 are formed symmetrically with the second contact surface L2 in between. In a state where the output rotation engagement body 41 is mounted on the second base 42, the equator of the steel ball 5 engaged with the output engagement portion 44 coincides with the second contact surface L2.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the second cover 43, the fourth groove 46 b forming one half of the second turning path portion 22 has a Y-axis direction centered on the X-axis line passing through the rotation center of the output shaft 45 ( It is formed symmetrically in the left-right direction). Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the second base 42 has a third concave groove 46 a forming the other half of the second turning path portion 22, with the Y axis centering on the X axis passing through the rotation center of the output shaft 45. It is formed symmetrically in the axial direction (left-right direction).

  The second turning path portion 22 is configured by connecting a third straight portion 47b and a fourth straight portion 47c to both ends of a semicircular arc-shaped second arc portion 47a. The tip of the third straight portion 47 b forms one end 22 a of the second turning path portion 22, and the tip of the fourth straight portion 47 c forms the other end 22 b of the second turning route portion 22.

  Here, when the output rotation engagement body 41 rotates in the clockwise direction CW, one end 22a of the second turning path portion 22 forms an inlet port of the steel ball 5 that circulates and the other end 22b circulates and moves. Of the exhaust port. Conversely, when the output rotation engagement body 41 rotates in the counterclockwise direction CCW, the one end 22a of the second turning path portion 22 forms a discharge port for the steel ball 5 that circulates and the other end 22b circulates and moves. Form the entrance port of the sphere 5.

  The rotation locus of the outer peripheral end of the output rotation engagement body 41 is P3, and the rotation locus of the steel ball 5 that is engaged with the output engagement portion 44 and rotates integrally with the output rotation engagement body 41 is P4.

  The tip (third separation claw) 47d of the inner peripheral wall portion 471 of the third straight portion 47b and the tip (fourth separation claw) 47e of the inner peripheral wall portion 472 of the fourth straight portion 47c exceed the rotation locus P4, and the rotation locus P3. It has reached before this. The third separation claw 47d and the fourth separation claw 47e are engaged with the output engagement portion 44 of the output rotation engagement body 41 and interfere with the steel ball 5 moving in the circulation direction, so that the steel ball 5 is output to the output engagement portion 44. Acts as a separation claw to separate from.

  When the output rotation engagement body 41 rotates in the clockwise direction CW, the steel ball 5 moves from the one end 22a forming the inlet port to the third linear portion 47b and reaches the one end (supply position) of the second arc portion 47a. Engage with the engaging portion 44. Further, the clockwise rotation CW of the output rotation engagement body 41 maintains the state engaged with the output engagement portion 44, and the steel ball 5 moves to the other end (discharge position) of the second arc portion 47a. It is separated from the output engagement portion 44 by the four separation claws 47e. Conversely, when the output rotation engagement body 41 rotates in the counterclockwise direction CCW, the steel ball 5 that moves by engaging with the output engagement portion 44 is separated from the output engagement portion 44 by the third separation claw 47d.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the second slit through which the output engagement portion 44 of the output rotation engagement body 41 enters the inner peripheral wall portion 471 of the second arc portion 47a of the second turning path portion 22 into the inner path 2a. 26 is formed along the arc direction. Similarly to the first slit 25, the second slit 26 is formed by a notch 461a formed on the inner peripheral side of the third concave groove 46a and a 461b formed on the inner peripheral side of the fourth concave groove 46b. The guide portions 461c and 461d forming the edges of the notch portion 461a and the notch portion 461 prevent the steel ball 5 from falling out of the normal rotation trajectory. Since the 2nd slit 26 is comprised similarly to the 1st slit 25 shown in FIG. 9, detailed illustration and description are abbreviate | omitted.

  In the output unit 4, a load (not shown) is connected to the output shaft 45. When the handle of the input shaft 35 is rotated in the clockwise direction CW, the steel ball 5 is pushed out from the input engagement portion 34 of the input rotation engagement body 31 toward the one end 21 a of the first turning path portion 21. Since a large number of steel balls 5 are accommodated in the inner path 2a of the circulation path portion 2, the large number of steel balls 5 are pressed by the subsequent steel balls 5 located downstream in the circulation direction in the circulation movement direction. Move.

  For this reason, in the output part 4, the steel ball 5 moved to the one end 22a of the second arc part 47a in the path 2a of the second turning path part 22 is output rotated at one end (supply position) of the second arc part 47a. The output rotation engagement body 41 is rotated and driven in the clockwise direction CW by engaging with the output engagement portion 44 of the engagement body 41 so as to be pushed. The output rotation engagement body 41 rotates in the clockwise direction CW with the steel ball 5 engaged with each output engagement portion 44 in the region of the second arc portion 47a, and the other end (discharge) of the second arc portion 47a. At the position), a moving force in the tangential direction acts to be pushed out from the output engagement portion 44 by the output engagement portion 44 and disengaged. In that case, it isolate | separates reliably by contact | abutting with the 4th separation nail | claw 47e.

  The steel ball 5 pushed out from the output engagement portion 44 presses the steel ball 5 in the fourth straight portion 47c pushed out immediately before, so that a large number of steel balls 5 in the inner path 2a of the circulation path portion 2 are 1 Circulate and move individually. A steel ball 5 that moves from the upstream side in the circulation direction is supplied to and engaged with the input engagement portion 34 of the input rotation engagement body 31 of the input portion 3 at the other end (supply position) of the first arc portion 37a. A large number of steel balls 5 continuously circulate and move within the inner diameter portion 2a of the circulation path portion 2 to drive a load (not shown) with the output of the output shaft 45 rotated at an increased speed.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation axis of the input rotation engagement body 31 of the input unit 3 is in the X-axis direction, and the rotation axis of the output rotation engagement body 41 of the output unit 4 is in the Z-axis direction. The input shaft 35 of the unit 3 and the output shaft 45 of the output unit 4 are orthogonal to each other. The rotation axis in the Z-axis direction of the output rotation engagement body 41 is arranged so as to coincide with the Z axis passing through the rotation axis of the input rotation engagement body 31. For example, the rotation axis of the output rotation engagement body 41 is Y You may arrange | position by shifting in an axial direction. In this case, the rotational axis position of the output rotation engagement body 41 can be set at an arbitrary position by appropriately setting the lengths, bending directions, and the like of the first connection path portion 21 and the second connection path portion 22.

Configuration of the Base 6 The base 6 is formed integrally with the first base 32 of the input unit 3 and the second base 42 of the output unit 4 and is formed in a side L shape as shown in FIG. ing. On the back side of the first base 32 of the input unit 3 and the second base 42 of the output unit 4, a pair of reinforcing ribs 61 are provided on the left and right along the Y-axis direction with the Z-axis interposed therebetween. The pair of reinforcing ribs 61 increases the bending rigidity and the like of the first base 32 and the second base 42, and enables stable driving.

  The drive unit 1 is made compact by integrating the input unit 3 and the output unit 4 by the base unit 6.

  According to the present embodiment, the rotational force is transmitted to the output rotation engagement body 41 using the circular movement that occurs when a large number of steel balls 5 arranged in a line without any gap are pressed by the subsequent steel balls 5. Therefore, there is no drive transmission loss and highly efficient power transmission can be realized.

  Further, since the plurality of steel balls 5 move in the press contact state in the inner path 2a of the circulation path portion 2 without being connected to the front and rear steel balls 5, the circulation path portion 2 can be freely arranged in the three-dimensional space. And can be easily incorporated into other devices.

  Furthermore, since the moving member is only the steel ball 5, the configuration of the driving device 1 can be simplified. In particular, there is a configuration using bevel gears, etc., as a drive device in which the input / output shafts are orthogonal, but depending on the distance between the input / output shafts and the shaft angle, the production of the gear and the gear shape may be limited, In the present embodiment, the input rotation engagement body 31 of the input unit 3 and the output rotation engagement body 41 of the output unit 4 are not subject to such restrictions.

  Moreover, if the diameter of the steel ball 5 is reduced, the sizes of the input unit 3 and the output unit 4 can be reduced.

Second Embodiment FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a second embodiment of the driving apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, when the member shown in FIG. 10 is the same as the member shown in FIGS. 1-9, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  1 A of drive devices of this embodiment are set as the structure which formed the input part 3 and the output part 4 integrally by the base 6, like the drive device 1 of 1st Embodiment. When the handle h attached to the input shaft 35 of the input unit 3 is operated and rotated, as in the first embodiment, a number of steel balls (not shown) accommodated in the inner path 2a of the circulation path unit 2 (not shown). 5 moves along a predetermined circulation direction and rotationally drives the output shaft 45.

  The rotation axis of the input shaft 35 and the rotation axis of the output shaft 45 are along the X1 axis and the Z axis direction orthogonal to each other, but the rotation axis X1 of the input shaft 35 is shifted by y1 in the Y axis direction from the intersection with the Z axis. Are arranged. Since the input shaft 35 and the output shaft 45 are shifted by y1 in the Y-axis direction, the first connection path portion 23 and the second connection path portion 24 indicated by the broken line of the circulation path portion 2 have an interval on the input portion 3 side. The first turning path 21 and the second turning path 22 are connected to each other.

  By narrowing the distance between the first connection path part 23 and the second connection path part 24 in this way, the external shape of the second base 42 of the input part 4 is formed in a substantially isosceles triangle shape. For this reason, 1 A of drive devices can be reduced more. A motor may be connected instead of the handle h.

Third Embodiment FIGS. 11 to 14 show a third embodiment of the drive device according to the present invention, FIG. 11 is an external perspective view, FIG. 12 is a view taken along the line II of FIG. 11, and FIG. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view showing the circulation path portion on the input portion side in the drive device shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing the circulation route portion on the output portion side in the drive device. In addition, when the member shown in FIGS. 11-14 is the same as the member shown in FIGS. 1-9, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The drive device 1B of this embodiment has a configuration in which the input unit 3 and the output unit 4 are integrally provided on the base 6 as in the first and second embodiments.

  The rotation axis of the input shaft 35 of the input unit 3 is located on the X axis, and the output shaft 45 of the output unit 4 has an angle α (0 ° <α <90 °) with respect to the Z axis in the YZ plane. Arranged. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the rotational axes of the input shaft 35 and the output shaft 45 are arranged inside the circulation path section 2. The second turning path part 22 on the output part 4 side has one end 22a close to one end 21a of the first turning path part 21 on the input part 3 side, and the other end 22b of the second turning path part 22 and the first turning path part. 21 is far from the other end 21b.

  For this reason, the 1st connection path part 23 which connects the one end 22a of the 2nd turning path | route part 22 and the 1 end 21a of the 1st turning path | route part 21 has the structure bent by the 1st bending part K1. The second connection path part 24 that connects the other end 22b of the second turning path part 2 and the other end 21b of the first turning path part 21 is bent at two places, the second bent part K2 and the third bent part K3. Have a configuration.

  Thus, even if a plurality of bent portions are provided in the three-dimensional plane in the circulation path portion 2, the circulation path portion 2 is simply bent with a curvature that does not prevent the smooth movement of the steel ball 5. A number of steel balls 5 in the path 2a can be smoothly circulated.

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the driving apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, when the member shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the member shown in FIGS. 1-9, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The drive device 1 </ b> C of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the input unit 3 and the output unit 4 are attached to both sides of the connection unit 27. The first base 32 of the input unit 3 and the second base 42 of the output unit 4 are configured separately. The connection part 27 is provided with a first connection path part 23 and a second connection path part 24.

  According to the present embodiment, the drive device 1 </ b> C having a required length can be provided by preparing a plurality of connection portions 27 having different lengths. In addition, a plurality of input units 3 having input rotation engagement bodies 31 having different numbers of input engagement portions 34 are prepared, and output units 4 having output rotation engagement bodies 41 having similarly different numbers of output engagement portions 44. It is possible to change the speed increase / decrease ratio by preparing a plurality.

Fifth Embodiment FIG. 16 is a schematic external perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the driving apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, when the member shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the member shown in FIGS. 1-9, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the drive device 1D of the present embodiment, a base (not shown) of the input unit 3 and a base (not shown) of the output unit 4 are configured separately, and the first connection path unit 23 and the second connection path are configured. The unit 24 is connected. The rotation axis of the input shaft 35 provided in the input rotation engagement body 31 of the input unit 3 has the Z axis direction, the rotation axis of the output shaft 45 provided in the output rotation engagement body 41 has the X axis direction, and the Y axis The structure is twisted at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the surroundings. Even if the rotational axes of the input shaft 35 and the output shaft 45 intersect (non-parallel), the first connection path portion 23 and the second connection path portion 24 are straightened in accordance with the torsion of the input shaft 35 and the output shaft 45. By constructing in a simple manner, the path lengths of the first connection path part 23 and the second connection path part 24 can be minimized, and the circulation and movement efficiency of a large number of steel balls 5 can be improved.

Sixth Embodiment FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a sixth embodiment of the driving apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, when the member shown in FIG. 17 is the same as the member shown in FIGS. 1-9, FIG. 15, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The drive device 1E of the present embodiment has a configuration in which, in the drive device 1C shown in FIG. 15, a second output unit 4A is provided in addition to the output unit (first output unit) 4. Unlike the first output unit 4, the second output unit 4 </ b> A does not have the second turning path part 22, and the output engagement part 44 </ b> A provided in the second output rotation engagement body 41 </ b> A is the second connection path part 24. It enters into the path 2a. In the second output rotation engagement body 41A, the steel balls 5 circulating and moving to the output engagement portion 44A are engaged one by one and rotated, and the steel balls 5 are discharged downstream in the circulation direction.

  Since the second output unit 4A is disposed outside the circulation path unit 2, the rotation direction of the second output shaft 45A is opposite to the output shaft (first output shaft) 45 of the first output unit 4. . If the second output unit 4 </ b> A is disposed inside the circulation path unit 2, the rotation direction of the second output shaft 45 </ b> A becomes the same direction as the first output shaft 45. If the number of output engagement portions 44A of the second output rotation engagement body 41A is different from the number of output engagement portions 44 provided in the first output rotation engagement body 41 of the first output portion 4, Output units 4 and 4A are obtained. The second output unit 4A may be provided on the first connection path unit 23 side.

Seventh Embodiment FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a seventh embodiment of the driving apparatus according to the present invention. In addition, when the member shown in FIG. 18 is the same as the member shown in FIGS. 1-9, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the drive device 1F of the present embodiment, the path lengths of the first connection path section 23A and the second connection path section 24 that individually connect the input section 3 and the output section 4 are different. The first connection path portion 23A has a U-turn path portion 23a, whereas the second connection path portion 24 is formed in a straight line shape. The output unit 4 may be additionally arranged in the U-turn path unit 23a.

  Even if the path lengths of the first connection path portion 23A and the second connection path portion 24 are different, there is no change in that a large number of steel balls 5 accommodated in the inner path 2a of the circulation path section 2 circulate and move. The rotation of the output shaft 45 of the output unit 6 is not affected.

Eighth Embodiment FIG. 19 shows an eighth embodiment of the drive device according to the present invention, where (a) is a schematic perspective view of a disk as a power transmission body and a circulation path portion, and (b) is a roller as a power transmission body. It is a schematic perspective view of a perspective view and a circulation path part. In addition, when the member shown in FIG. 19 is the same as the member shown in FIGS. 1-9, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the steel ball 5 is taken as an example of the power transmission body, but is not limited to this, and is moved by being pushed by the subsequent power transmission body in the inner path 2a of the circulation path portion 2A. Any configuration may be employed as long as it is engaged with the input engagement portion 34 of the input rotation engagement body 31 and pushed out and engaged with the output engagement portion 44 of the output rotation engagement body 41.

  This embodiment shows a disk 5A formed in a disk shape shown in FIG. 19A and a roller 5B shown in FIG. 19B as other configurations of the power transmission body. The disk 5A is pressed in a line contact state with the outer peripheral surface of another subsequent disk 5A along the circulation direction. For this reason, the disk 5A can be pressed straight and stably. The inner path 2a of the circulation path portion 2A in which the disk 5A is accommodated has a flat cross-sectional opening.

  The roller 5B is pressed in line contact with the outer peripheral surface of another roller 5B that follows the same as the disk 5A. The inner path 2a of the circulation path portion 2B in which the roller 5B is accommodated has a box-shaped cross section opening.

  Since both of the outer peripheral surfaces of the roller 5B and the disk 5A are formed as arcuate surfaces, the engagement surfaces of the input engagement portion 34 and the output engagement portion 44 can be arcuate surfaces having a certain height. Therefore, the input engagement portion 34 and the output engagement portion 44 can stably hold and move the disk 5A and the roller 5B, and can be pushed out in the tangential direction at the separation position without loss. When the power transmission member is a steel ball 5, it is pressed from the subsequent steel ball 5 by point contact, so that a component force that moves the steel ball 5 outward in the radial direction is likely to be generated due to point contact displacement. For this reason, in order to suppress that the steel ball 5 moves with the said component force, a circulation path part is formed with high rigidity. On the other hand, the disk 5A generates less of the component force in the thickness direction, and the roller 5B generates less of the component force in the axial direction. For this reason, in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the rigidity of the circulation path portions 2A and 2B can also be strong on the side surface side and weak on the upper and lower surface sides.

  In the case where the disk 5A or the roller 5B is used as a power transmission body in a drive device in which the rotational axes of the input shaft 35 and the output shaft 45 intersect as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the circulation path portions 2A, 2B May be twisted by 90 °.

  The drive device of the present invention can be used in building products such as blind lifting / lowering / opening / closing drive, curtain opening / closing drive, window opening / closing drive, toys / entertainment products, agricultural equipment, industrial machinery, and the like.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F Driving device 2, 2A, 2B Circulation path part 2a Inner path 21 First turning path part 21a One end 21b The other end 22 The second turning path part 22a The other end 22b The other end 23, 23A 1st connection path part 23a U-turn path part 24 2nd connection path part 25 1st slit 26 2nd slit 27 Connection part 3 Input part 31 Input rotation engagement body 32 1st base 33 1st cover 31a Input rotation Body body 34 Input engaging portion 35 Input shaft 35a First shaft portion 35b Second shaft portion 32a, 33a Bearing hole 36a First groove 36b Second groove 37a First arc portion 37b First straight portion 37c Second straight portion 371 inner peripheral wall 37d tip (second separation claw)
372 inner peripheral wall 37e tip (first separation claw)
361a, 361b Notch portion 361c, 361d Edge 4 Output portion (first output portion) 4A Second output portion 41 Output rotation engagement body 41A Second output rotation engagement body 41a Output rotation body main body 42 Second base 43 Second cover 42a, 43a Bearing hole 44, 44A Output engaging portion 45 Output shaft (first output shaft) 45A Second output shaft 45a Third shaft portion 45b Fourth shaft portion 46a Third groove 46b Fourth groove 47a Second arc Portion 47b Third linear portion 47c Fourth linear portion 471 Inner peripheral wall portion 47d Tip (fourth separation claw)
472 Inner peripheral wall 47e Tip (first separation claw)
461a, 461b Notch portion 461c, 461d Guide portion 5 Steel ball 5A Disk 5B Roller 6 Base 61 Reinforcement rib h Handle K1 First bent portion K2 Second bent portion K3 Third bent portion L1 First abutting surface L2 Second abutting Surface S1, S2 Screw P1, P2, P3, P4 Rotation locus

Claims (12)

A large number of rigid power transmission bodies whose outer periphery is formed into a spherical surface or a cylindrical surface;
An endless circulation path portion that accommodates the multiple power transmission bodies in a row and is capable of circulating movement;
An input rotation engagement body that is disposed in the circulation path portion and has a plurality of input engagement portions formed along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral portion, and the rotation of the input rotation engagement body causes the inside of the circulation path portion from the upstream side in the circulation direction. An input section that sequentially engages the power transmission body to be supplied and the input engagement section to push the power transmission body downstream in the circulation direction;
One or more arrangements are provided in the circulation path part, and an output rotation engagement body having a plurality of output engagement parts formed in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral part, and the inside of the circulation path part is pressed and supplied from the upstream side in the circulation direction. An output portion that rotates the output rotation engagement body by sequentially engaging the power transmission body and the output engagement portion, and pushes the power transmission body downstream in the circulation direction;
A driving device having:   The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the power transmission body is one of a sphere, a disk, and a roller.   The engagement portion between the input rotation engagement body and the output rotation engagement body is formed on an inner peripheral surface that matches an outer peripheral shape of the power transmission body to be engaged. Drive device.   The drive according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the circulation path section includes at least a first turning path section and a second turning path section that turn the moving direction of the power transmission body that circulates and moves. apparatus.   5. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the circulation path unit includes a connection path unit that connects the input unit and the output unit in series.   The drive device according to claim 5, wherein the output path is further provided in the connection path section.   The input rotation engagement body and the output rotation engagement body are arranged such that the rotation axis of the input rotation engagement body of the input section intersects with the rotation axis of the output rotation engagement body of one or more output sections. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the drive device is a drive device.   The drive device according to claim 5, wherein the connection path portion is formed in a cylindrical shape.   9. The driving apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the circulation path unit, the input unit, and the one or more output units are integrally provided.   The input portion contacts the first turning path portion and the power transmission body that moves to the downstream side in the circulation direction while engaging the input engagement portion, and separates the power transmission body from the input engagement portion. An input side separation claw portion, and a guide portion that guides the power transmission body is provided on an inner peripheral side surface of the first turning path portion so that the input engaging portion is in the first turning path portion. The drive device according to claim 4, wherein an opening is formed.   The output portion abuts on the second turning path portion and the power transmission body that moves to the downstream side in the circulation direction while engaging with the output engagement portion, and separates the power transmission body from the output engagement portion. An output side separation claw portion, and a guide portion for guiding the power transmission body is provided on an inner peripheral side surface of the second turning path portion so that the output engaging portion is in the second turning path portion. The drive device according to claim 4, wherein an opening is formed.   The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the input rotation engagement body and the output rotation engagement body have the same diameter or different diameters.