JP4189509B2 - Electric walking assist vehicle - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electric walking assist vehicle. Specifically, the present invention relates to an electric walking assist vehicle that has a simple structure and is easy to operate.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a walking assistance device used when an elderly person or a person with a disability in a lower limb walks, there are a walking assistance vehicle and a wheelchair.
[0003]
The walking assist vehicle is generally configured to be able to walk with a part of the weight of the pedestrian supported by a frame with wheels, and not only functional recovery training but also daily life It is also used to assist walking in
[0004]
For example, a walking assistance vehicle described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-253506 is a walking assistance vehicle configured such that a pedestrian travels by himself / herself, and a portion of the pedestrian's arms from the elbow on the handlebar. An elbow rest is provided to place the armrest, and a semi-annular grip provided on the upper surface of the elbow rest is gripped to perform a steering operation.
[0005]
On the other hand, there is provided a walking auxiliary vehicle configured to run by a motor, such as those described in JP-A-9-168570 and JP-A-2001-170119.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The walking assistance vehicle configured to travel by itself as described above requires a certain amount of force to use because the user must walk while pushing the walking assistance vehicle. Therefore, these walking assistance vehicles can be used only by persons who have a light obstacle and a certain level of physical strength. Moreover, long-distance movement is also difficult.
[0007]
On the other hand, a walking assistance vehicle that runs on a motor uses the driving force of the motor, so even a person without physical strength can walk at a certain speed and can be used in various situations.
[0008]
However, like the electric walking assist vehicle described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-168570, if it is configured such that the horizontally extending handle bar provided at the rear end of the frame is gripped with fingers, It is difficult to fully support weight. Therefore, those who can use it are limited.
[0009]
On the other hand, if it is configured to hold the tip part from the elbow parallel to both sides of the pedestrian, as in the walking assist vehicle described in JP-A-11-253506 and JP-A-2001-170119, the weight is reduced. Walking is easy because it can be fully supported. However, since the weight is supported by the elbow, it is necessary to twist the upper body to change the traveling direction, and it is difficult to steer without turning a small turn. Therefore, it is difficult to use for persons with disabilities in the upper body and lower back. In addition, it is difficult to control the direction of the handle bar with an arm supported in parallel to the side of the body.
[0010]
In particular, in an electric walking assist vehicle, driving wheels, batteries, and the like must be mounted, which increases the weight and makes it difficult to change the traveling direction. In order to solve the above problem, in the electric walking assist vehicle described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-170119, the steering mechanism is configured by using two motors. Cost increases significantly.
[0011]
In addition, if the configuration is such that the walking is assisted by a motor or the like, the walking speed is increased, so that a braking device is required. In addition, a braking device corresponding to a person with weak finger strength is required.
[0012]
Furthermore, it is difficult to maintain a walking posture or a standing posture in which a part of body weight is supported by an elbow or an arm for a long time. For this reason, it is necessary to be able to take a resting posture in order to put it into practical use such as a walk.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.
[0014]
The electric walking assist vehicle according to the present invention basically includes a driving wheel driven by a motor, a driven wheel, a steering device for operating a traveling direction of the driving wheel or the driven wheel, the driving wheel, and the driven wheel. And a frame to which the steering device is attached,A brake device for braking the driving wheel and / or the driven wheel;It is configured with.
[0015]
The steering device includes a handle post that is rotatably held by the frame, and a handle bar that has a central portion connected to an upper end portion of the handle post and extends in an arc shape from the front center portion of the user toward both sides. And a pair of gripping portions that extend upward from both sides of the central portion of the handle bar and can be gripped by the left and right fingers of the user, and the left and right sides of the handle bar.From the middle part to the rear endProvided between the elbow rest portion on which the user's elbow can be placed and the lower end portion of the handle post and the driving wheel or the driven wheel in a posture in which the pair of gripping portions are gripped by the left and right fingers. And a steering coupling mechanism that changes the traveling direction of the drive wheel or the driven wheel in accordance with the rotation of the handle post.
[0016]
In the present invention, the traveling direction of the drive wheel or the driven wheel is changed by the turning operation of the handle post. Since the traveling direction can be changed using the rotation of the handle post, the apparatus can be simplified.
[0017]
The handle bar is connected at the center to the upper end of the handle post, and is formed to extend from the front center of the user toward both sides. It is desirable that the handle post is moved up and down so that the height of the handle bar can be adjusted according to the height of the user.
[0018]
Further, the bow shape and length of the handle rod are not particularly limited, but the elbow is placed on the elbow rest with the user positioned on the inner side of the bow shape. The material, cross-sectional shape and the like of the handle rod are not particularly limited, and a steel pipe material used for a bicycle or the like can be used.
[0019]
In the present invention, a pair of gripping portions are provided that extend integrally upward from both sides of the central portion of the handle bar and can be gripped by the left and right fingers of the user. Since the gripping part is provided inward in the width direction from the elbow pad, the user grips the gripping part in a posture in which the arm with the elbow bent is shaped like a letter C in plan view. Since the gripping part extends upward from the handle bar, it is very easy to grip the arm with the above-mentioned posture in which the arm has a C-shape in plan view. Further, in order to make it easier to grip in the above posture, it is preferable to extend from the both sides of the central portion of the handle bar in a diagonally upward direction. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the upper end portion is inclined and extended so as to be directed toward the center of the body frame in the width direction.
[0020]
The shape of the gripping part is not particularly limited as long as it can be gripped with the fingers of the user. For example, it can be formed using the same pipe material as the handle rod. Also, the method of attaching the gripping part to the handle bar is not particularly limited, and the handle part can be integrally joined to the handle bar by welding or the like, or another member can be connected using a screw or the like.
[0021]
The elbow rest is provided on the left and right of the handlebar so that the user's elbow can be placed in a posture in which the pair of gripping portions are gripped with left and right fingers.From the middle part to the rear endProvided.
[0022]
The form of the elbow rest is not particularly limited, but it is desirable that the elbow rest can be steered by applying a pressing force to the handle bar between the elbow or the elbow and the wrist. Further, the size of the elbow rest is not particularly limited, and can be configured to support the elbow and the vicinity thereof, and support between the elbow and the wrist continuously or intermittently. It can also be configured as follows. Moreover, it is preferable that the position and angle of the elbow rest are provided on the handle bar so that the position of the elbow rest can be adjusted according to the physique of the user.
[0023]
In the present invention, the distal end side from the elbow of the user's arm takes a generally C-shaped posture in plan view. Thereby, in the posture where the upper body of the user is inclined forward, it is possible to support the body weight without difficulty in the handlebars. Therefore, fatigue of the arm supporting the weight can be reduced. On the other hand, weight does not act on the fingers that grip the gripping part. Thus, not only can the steering operation be performed easily, but also the speed control operation and braking operation of the drive wheels can be performed safely without difficulty, as will be described later.
[0024]
In the present invention, the handle bar can be rotated using both the elbow rest and the gripping part. For this reason, even a person with weak power can surely perform the steering operation. On the other hand, a powerful person can perform a steering operation by gripping only the rear end portion or the grip portion of the handle bar. Therefore, it is possible to operate by various methods depending on the degree of failure.
[0025]
Further, a steering coupling mechanism is provided between the lower end portion of the handle post and the drive wheel or the driven wheel to change the traveling direction of the drive wheel or the driven wheel according to the rotation of the handle post. .
[0026]
As the steering coupling mechanism, various mechanisms can be employed as long as the driving direction of the driving wheel or the driven wheel as the steering wheel can be controlled. For example, a winding transmission mechanism such as a chain or a timing belt, a link mechanism, or the like can be employed.
[0027]
In the present invention, there is provided a brake device that can be easily steered even when the user's arm is in the above-described posture and that can be operated even by a person with weak finger strength. The brake device integrally includes a lever holding portion attached to the handle post and left and right operation portions arranged to face each other with a gap that allows a finger to be passed over the left and right gripping portions. A brake operating lever configured to be pivotally coupled, and the aboveBrake operation leverThe lower end portion of the lever holding portion is rotatably connected to and supported by the lever holding portion.
[0028]
By providing the operation part facing the gripper,Brake operation is easy by extending a part of the finger that grips the gripping part and hooking it on the operation part.Can be performed. Moreover, in the present invention, since the weight of the user is supported by the elbow rest, the weight does not act on the fingers that grip the grip. For this reason, it is possible to sufficiently cope with a quick brake operation.
[0029]
The braking method in the brake device is not particularly limited. As employed in a bicycle, the driving wheel and / or the rim of the driven wheel can be configured to be clamped and braked via a brake wire, or the driving wheel can be configured to be electrically braked. You can also.
[0030]
The operation portion is provided to face the grip portion, while the lever holding portion is provided to the handle post.
[0031]
Further, in the present invention, with the finger held on the gripping portion, one or both of the left and right operation portions are operated in proximity to the gripping portion to rotate the rotating rod. It is comprised so that brake operation can be performed.That is, the left and right pair of operation units are held so as to rotate integrally, and a brake operation can be performed by operating one or both operation units.It is doing.
[0032]
The form of the left and right operation units is not particularly limited. The left and right operation parts can be integrally formed of metal,As in the invention described in claim 2, it is also possible to provide an upper and lower connecting rod for connecting the upper and lower ends of the left and right operation portions, respectively, so as to be integrally rotated.
[0033]
That is, in the present invention,The brake device is configured so that the operation unit can be operated with one hand or both hands. Since the brake operation can be performed with both hands, even a person with weak finger strength can perform a sufficient braking operation, and the safety is greatly improved.
[0034]
Of this applicationClaim 3In the invention described in, a connecting portion that connects the upper end portions of the left and right gripping portions is formed integrally with the gripping portion.
[0035]
By providing the connecting portion, not only the attachment strength of the gripping portion is improved, but also various meters and switches can be attached at positions where they can be easily operated via the connecting portion. It is also possible to take a running posture that grips the connecting portion. The form of the said connection part is not specifically limited, For example, a grip part and a connection part can be integrally formed using a pipe material.
[0036]
Of this applicationClaim 4The invention described in 1 is provided with an operation switch for controlling the on / off operation of the drive wheel on one or both of the gripping portions.
[0037]
In the present invention, the weight does not act on the fingers that grip the grip portion, so that the drive wheels can be easily turned on and off. The form of the operation switch is not particularly limited, and a switch that can be pressed simultaneously with the gripping portion can be provided. In addition, a switch capable of controlling not only the on / off operation but also the traveling speed can be adopted by rotating the gripping part with a finger that grips the gripping part, like an accelerator of a motorcycle.
[0038]
Of this applicationClaim 5In the invention described in the above, a power switch and a space between the pair of gripping portions or in a space surrounded by the pair of gripping portions, the connecting portion, and the handle barCharge meterIs provided with an operation panel containing the.
[0039]
By providing the operation panel between the left and right gripping portions, the operation with the fingers gripping the gripping portion can be performed very easily. In addition, since the operation panel is positioned between the left and right hands that grip the grip portion, it is easy to check the instruments. Further, since the operation panel can be provided by using the gripping part or the connecting part for connecting the gripping part, the assembly can be easily performed.
[0040]
Of this applicationClaim 6In the walking assistance vehicle according to the invention described above, the steering coupling mechanism is configured such that the steering rotation angle of the handle post is enlarged and transmitted to the driving wheel or the driven wheel. As a result, the steering wheel can be turned at a small angle to change the steering direction. Therefore, the steering operation becomes easy and the small turn is also possible. Further, even a person with a disability in the upper body or lower back can easily steer. Depending on the purpose, a steering wheel can be connected to the lower end of the handle post via a fork, and the rotation angle of the handle post can be transmitted to the steering wheel as it is.
[0041]
As the steering coupling mechanism, for example,Claim 7As described in the invention described above, a winding transmission mechanism or a link mechanism that transmits the rotation of the handle post by connecting the driving wheel or the driven wheel and the lower end portion of the handle post can be employed. .
[0042]
A steering wheel or a driven wheel as a steering wheel is provided by being displaced from the handle post, and a lower end portion of the handle post and the steering wheel are connected to be steerable via the winding transmission mechanism or the link mechanism, The distance between the driven wheel and the drive wheel can be set long, and the stability when the weight is supported on the frame is increased.
[0043]
The drive system of the drive wheel according to the present invention is not particularly limited,Claim 8As described in the invention described above, it is preferable to employ a drive mechanism that is housed in the drive wheel and that rotates the drive mechanism itself around an axis that is non-rotatably supported by the frame.
[0044]
Since a drive mechanism such as a motor is provided inside the drive wheel, the drive mechanism can be configured simply by supplying power and a control signal to the drive wheel. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a drive wheel transmission mechanism or the like on the frame, and the structure of the apparatus can be simplified.
[0045]
Of this applicationClaim 9The invention described in (1) includes a front frame disposed in front of the user, and left and right rear frames extending so as to sandwich the user from both sides of the rear portion of the front frame. The present invention relates to a walking assist vehicle in which a steering device and one drive wheel whose steering direction is controlled by the steering device are held, and a pair of driven wheels are held in the left and right rear frames.
[0046]
By adopting one driving wheel and using the driving wheel as a steering wheel, the steering mechanism can be easily configured. In addition, by using one drive wheel as a steered wheel, a force required for steering is reduced, and even a person without power can easily and reliably perform a steering operation. Moreover, the weight of the user can be stably supported by arranging the driven wheel on both sides of the user.
[0047]
Of this applicationClaim 10The invention described in 1 can be rotated on the frame so that a storage position along the handle post and a pull-out position held in a spanning manner between the left and right frames holding the driven wheel can be taken. A holding stool is provided.
[0048]
Many people who use walking assistance vehicles do not have physical strength, and it may be difficult to walk for a long time with their weights supported by the walking assistance vehicles. Moreover, even when not walking, many people cannot take a standing posture unless their weight is supported by the walking assistance vehicle. When such a person uses, if there is nothing to sit nearby, it will be a heavy burden on the user.
[0049]
In the present invention, a stool portion is provided in a walking assistance vehicle so as to cope with the above-described case.
[0050]
The stool is configured so that it can be placed in the storage position along the handle post when not in use. For this reason, it does not get in the way when walking.
[0051]
On the other hand, the stool portion can take a drawer position that is held in a spanning manner between the left and right frames that hold the driven wheel. For this reason, a very stable stool can be configured. In addition, since the stool portion can be pulled out between the left and right driven wheels on which the user walks, the stool portion can be easily pulled out from the walking posture. In addition, it is possible to easily shift from the walking posture to the pulled-out stool.
[0052]
Of this applicationClaim 11The invention described in 1 is provided with a lock mechanism that regulates the rotation of the driving wheel and / or the driven wheel by pulling out the seat portion.
[0053]
The structure of the lock mechanism is not particularly limited as long as it can be operated by a pulling operation of the stool. For example,Claim 12As described in the invention described above, the lock mechanism is configured to pull the intermediate portion of the brake wire provided between the drive wheel and / or the driven wheel from the brake lever by pulling out the seat portion. can do.
[0054]
Moreover, it can also comprise so that the power supply of a driving wheel may be turned off by pulling out the said seat part.
[0055]
By providing the locking mechanism, the safety at rest is significantly improved. Even when not resting, the seat can be pulled out and used like a side brake of an automobile.
[0056]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0057]
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a walking assist vehicle according to the present invention as viewed obliquely from the front.
[0058]
As shown in this figure, the walking auxiliary vehicle 1 includes a single drive wheel 2 driven by a motor, a pair of left and right driven wheels 3 and 3, a steering device 4 for operating the traveling direction of the drive wheel 2, and the above The driving wheel 2, the driven wheels 3 and 3, and the frame 5 to which the steering device 4 is attached are configured.
[0059]
Although not shown, the drive wheel 2 contains all drive components such as a motor therein, and is configured such that the drive wheel itself including the motor is rotated around an axis fixed to the frame 5. Yes. By adopting the drive wheel provided with the drive mechanism therein, the drive mechanism can be configured very simply, and the drive mechanism can be reduced in size.
[0060]
The frame 5 includes a front frame 6 that holds the driving wheel 2 and left and right rear frames 7 and 7 that hold a pair of driven wheels 3 and 3 on both sides of the user. The front frame 6 is formed in a triangular shape in plan view and is entirely covered with a cover. Further, a flat space is provided on the upper surface so that the luggage basket 41 can be placed thereon.
[0061]
On the other hand, the rear frames 7 and 7 are formed so as to extend in parallel from both sides of the rear portion of the front frame 6 with an interval where the user walks, and the driven wheels 3 and 3 are formed at the rear end portion. It is held rotatably via a bearing or the like.
[0062]
The steering device 4 according to the present embodiment includes a handle post 8 that is rotatably held by the frame 5, and a central portion connected to the upper end of the handle post 8, and both sides from the front central portion of the user. And a pair of gripping portions 10 and 11 which extend integrally from both sides of the central portion of the handle rod 9 and can be gripped by the left and right fingers of the user. And a pair of elbow rests 12, 13 on which the user's elbow can be placed in a posture in which the pair of gripping parts 10, 11 are gripped by the left and right fingers. And a steering coupling mechanism 14 provided between the lower end portion of the handle post 8 and the drive wheel 2 and changing the traveling direction of the drive wheel 2 in response to the rotation of the handle post 8. The
[0063]
In the embodiment, the handle post 8 is supported at the center of the rear part of the front frame 6 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. Note that the handle post 8 can be inclined. Although not shown, the handle post 8 is configured by connecting an upper part and a lower part so as to be capable of relative movement in the axial direction so that the height of the handle bar 9 can be changed. On both sides of the handle post 9, there are provided a pair of support columns 15, 16 that are held on the front frame 6 so as to be adjustable in height, and a connection bar 42 that connects the upper ends of these support columns 15, 16. An intermediate portion of the handle post 8 is rotatably supported at the center portion. By raising and lowering the support columns 15 and 16, the height of the handle post can be changed to match the height of the handle bar 9 with the user.
[0064]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the handle bar 9 is connected to the handle post 8 in a relatively non-rotatable manner at the center and is extended in an arc shape on both sides of the user. The extension length is not particularly limited, but is set so that the user can place the elbow on the elbow rests 12 and 13 with the upper body located inside the arcuate shape.
[0065]
The elbow rests 12 and 13 are provided at the rear end of the handle bar 9 so as to extend inward. The elbow rest is integrally formed of resin, and is mounted so as to fit over both ends of the handle bar 9. In the embodiment, the elbow pad portions 12 and 13 are fixedly provided at the rear end portion of the handle bar 9, but can be provided so that the position thereof can be adjusted along the handle bar 9. Further, the handle rod 9 may be further extended from the elbow pad portions 12 and 13 so that the rear end portion of the handle rod 9 can be gripped with fingers.
[0066]
A pair of gripping portions 10 and 11 are provided which extend integrally upward from both sides of the central portion of the handle bar 9 and can be gripped by the left and right fingers of the user. In the embodiment, it is formed so as to be inclined forward and inward in the width direction of the handle bar 9, and can be easily gripped with fingers in a posture in which the arm is aligned with the handle bar 9 in a substantially C shape. It is configured as follows.
[0067]
The gripping portions 10 and 11 are formed of the same pipe material as that of the handle bar 9, and a connecting portion 19 that connects the upper end portions is integrally formed. The gripping portions 10 and 11 and the connecting portion 19 are integrally joined to the handle bar 9 by welding.
[0068]
An operation panel 20 of the drive wheel 2 is attached to a space surrounded by the handle bar 9, the gripping portions 10, 11 and the connecting portion 19. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 20 is provided with a speed adjustment knob 21, a battery charge meter 22, a power switch 24, and a pilot lamp 23. On the other hand, an on / off switch 17 of the drive wheel 2 that can be operated with a finger that grips the grip 10 is attached to the inside of the right grip 10. The on / off switch 17 is for driving the drive wheel 2 and is arranged so that it can be easily operated with a finger that grips the grip portion 10. The operation panel 20 is connected to a control device 61 and the like housed in the front frame 6 through a cord 43, and can control the rotation of the drive wheels 2 and the like.
[0069]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the control device 61 of the drive wheel 2, the storage battery 62, and the like are accommodated in the front frame 6, and the drive unit 2 has an internal drive mechanism. The power and control signals can be supplied.
[0070]
In the present invention, a part of the weight of the user can be supported by the elbow rests 12 and 13, while the gripping parts 10 and 11 have almost no weight. Therefore, the operation panel 20 and the on / off switch 17 can be easily and reliably operated. In the embodiment, the switch 17 is connected to the operation panel, and is configured such that the driving wheel 2 is driven while the on / off switch 17 is pressed.
[0071]
Furthermore, in this Embodiment, the brake device 25 which can be operated with the finger | toe which grips the said holding parts 10 and 11 is provided.
[0072]
The brake device 25 includes a brake operation lever 26 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, left and right caliper brakes 27 and 27 for clamping the rims of the left and right driven wheels 3 and 3, the brake operation lever 26 and the caliper. An operation cable 28 for connecting the brakes 27 and 27 is provided. The caliper brakes 27, 27 are general ones used in bicycles, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0073]
The brake operation lever 26 is configured such that left and right operation portions 29 and 30 provided so as to face the gripping portions 10 and 11 respectively, and an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the left and right operation portions 29 and 30 are integrally formed. The upper and lower connecting rods 31 and 32 to be connectedWith. Central part of the connecting rods 31, 32Have theseRotating rod 33 connected and extending downwardIs providedThe lower end of the rotary rod 33ButHandle post 9 aboveProvided inLever holding part 34Is pivotally supported by.
[0074]
An outer cable 35 of a brake operation cable 28 composed of a tubular outer cable 35 and an inner cable 36 inserted inside the outer cable is fixed to the lever holding portion 34, while the inner cable 36 is It is connected to the lower end of the rotary rod 33. By bringing the left and right operation portions 29, 30 close to the gripping portions 10, 11, the inner cable 36 is pulled with respect to the outer cable 35, and a caliper brake described later is caused by relative movement of these cables. 27 is activated.
[0075]
In the present embodiment, the left and right operation units 29 and 30 can be operated with fingers of both hands. In addition, it can be operated very easily with fingers placed between the left and right gripping portions 10 and 11 and the left and right operation portions 29 and 30. For this reason, even a person with weak finger strength can perform a reliable brake operation, and driving safety is improved. Moreover, since the weight does not act on the fingers that grip the gripping portions 10 and 11, a reliable operation can be performed. In addition, since the brake operation can be performed by rotating one of the left and right operation units 29 and 30, the brake operation can be performed even for a person with an obstacle on one of the left and right fingers. Can do.
[0076]
In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a cable branching device 18 is provided in the middle portion of the operation cable 28, and is provided on the left and right driven wheels 3, 3 with a single cable that is pulled by the brake operation lever. The left and right caliper brakes 27, 27 can be braked simultaneously.
[0077]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the present embodiment, a stool portion 40 is provided between the pair of rear frames 7 and 7 so that it can be pulled out.
[0078]
The stool 40 has a front end rotatably connected to the front frame 6 and is supported between the storage position along the handle post 8 and the upper edges of the rear frames 7 and 7. It is configured to be able to take the pulled out position. The stool is configured to be positioned and held at the storage position and the drawer position by a spring (not shown). Further, a backrest 46 is provided between the pair of support columns 15 and 16 in a spanning manner.
[0079]
By providing the stool 40, it is possible to rest easily during walking. The seat 40 is disposed at a storage position where it can be easily pulled out with the fingers of a user taking a walking posture, and is pulled out to a position where it can be easily seated from the walking posture. For this reason, even a person with a disability in a leg can easily shift from a walking posture to a sitting posture.
[0080]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the stool portion 40 is rotated and pulled out, the wire locking piece 45 provided in the vicinity of the rotation fulcrum of the stool portion 40 is rotated, and the middle of the brake operation cable 28 is rotated. In this section, the inner cable 36 is pulled and the brake is operated. For this reason, the walking auxiliary vehicle does not move carelessly in the sitting posture, and the safety is greatly improved.
[0081]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, in the present embodiment, a chain mechanism is employed as the steering coupling mechanism 14 provided between the lower end portion of the handle post 8 and the drive wheel 2.
[0082]
The steering coupling mechanism 14 includes a first sprocket 51 coupled to a lower end portion of the handle post 8 and a second sprocket 52 provided on an upper portion of the driving wheel 2 and rotated integrally with the driving wheel 2. And a chain 53 hung around the two sprockets.
[0083]
The first sprocket 51 is rotated through the handle post 8 by the turning operation of the handle bar 9, and the drive wheel 2 rotates around the vertical axis through the chain 53 and the second sprocket 52. Be moved.
[0084]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the number of teeth of the first sprocket 51 is set larger than the number of teeth of the second sprocket 52. Thereby, the rotation operation of the handle bar 9 can be enlarged to control the traveling direction of the drive wheel 2. For this reason, the user can change the traveling direction without significantly rotating the handle bar 9. For this reason, even a person with an obstacle on the upper body or lower back can easily perform the steering operation.
[0085]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In the embodiment, the chain mechanism is employed as the steering coupling mechanism 14 between the handle post 8 and the drive wheel 2, but other mechanisms such as a link mechanism and a timing belt can be employed.
[0086]
Further, the ratio of the number of teeth of the first sprocket and the number of teeth of the second sprocket is set to, for example, about 2 to 1, and the driving wheel 2 is moved relative to the driven wheel 3 by the turning operation of the handle rod. It can also comprise so that it may be rotated to a right angle direction and a walk auxiliary vehicle can be turned on the spot.
[0087]
In the embodiment, the drive wheels are disposed in the front, but a pair of drive wheels may be disposed in the rear.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an electric walking assistance vehicle.
FIG. 2 is a front view of an upper portion (a handle bar and a brake operation unit) of the electric walking assist vehicle shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a left side view of the upper part (the steering wheel and the brake operation unit) of the electric walking assist vehicle shown in FIG.
4 is a rear view of an upper part (a handle bar and a brake operation unit) of the electric walking assist vehicle shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a left side view of the lower part of the electric walking assistance vehicle shown in FIG. 1;
6 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG.
7 is a bottom view of the walking assistance vehicle shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Electric walk assist vehicle
2 Drive wheels
3 driven wheels
4 Steering device
5 frames
8 Handle post
9 Handle 杆
10 Grip part
11 gripping part
12 Elbow rest
13 Elbow rest

Claims (12)

A driving wheel driven by a motor, a driven wheel, a steering device for operating a driving direction of the driving wheel or the driven wheel, a frame to which the driving wheel, the driven wheel and the steering device are attached, and the driving wheel or / And an electric walking auxiliary vehicle configured to include a brake device for braking the driven wheel,
The steering device is
A handle post rotatably held on the frame;
A handle bar that is connected to the upper end of the handle post and has a bow shape extending from the front center of the user toward both sides,
A pair of gripping portions that extend integrally upward from both sides of the central portion of the handle bar and can be gripped by the left and right fingers of the user;
An elbow rest that can be placed on the user's elbow in a posture that is provided from the left and right middle part to the rear end part of the handle bar and that grips the pair of gripping parts with left and right fingers;
A steering coupling mechanism provided between a lower end portion of the handle post and the driving wheel or the driven wheel, and changing a traveling direction of the driving wheel or the driven wheel according to the rotation of the handle post; ,
The brake device is
A lever holding part mounted on the handle post;
A brake operating lever constituted by connecting to integrally rotate the left and right operating parts which are respectively arranged opposite with a gap which can be passed over the fingers against the grip portion of the right and left,
A rotating rod extending downward from the central portion of the brake operating lever and having a lower end rotatably connected to and supported by the lever holding portion;
With the finger held on the gripping part, one or both of the left and right operating parts can be operated in proximity to the gripping part to rotate the rotating rod to perform a brake operation. An electric walking auxiliary vehicle configured to be able to . The electric walking assistance vehicle according to claim 1, comprising upper and lower connecting rods that respectively connect the upper and lower ends of the left and right operation units.   The electric walking assistance vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a connecting portion that connects upper end portions of the left and right gripping portions is formed integrally with the gripping portion.   The electric walking auxiliary vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an operation switch for controlling an on / off operation of the driving wheel is provided on one or both of the gripping portions. The electric panel according to claim 3 , wherein an operation panel containing a power switch and a charge meter is provided between the pair of gripping portions or in a space surrounded by the pair of gripping portions, the connecting portion, and the handle rod. Walking assistance vehicle.   The electric walking auxiliary vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the steering coupling mechanism is configured to expand and transmit a steering rotation angle of a handle post to the driving wheel or the driven wheel. .   The said steering connection mechanism is a winding transmission mechanism or a link mechanism that connects the driving wheel or the driven wheel and the lower end of the handle post to transmit the rotation of the handle post. The electric walking auxiliary vehicle according to any one of 6.   The electric walking auxiliary vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a driving mechanism is housed inside the driving wheel, and the driving wheel is rotated around an axis that is non-rotatably supported by the frame.   A front frame disposed in front of the user and left and right rear frames extending so as to sandwich the user from both sides of the rear of the front frame are provided, and the steering device and the operation by the steering device are provided on the front frame. The electric walking auxiliary vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a pair of driven wheels are held on the left and right rear frames while holding one driving wheel whose direction is controlled.     A stool that is pivotally held on the frame so that a storage position along the handle post and a pull-out position that is held between the left and right rear frames that hold the driven wheel can be taken. The electric direction assistance vehicle of Claim 9 provided with a part.   The electric walking assistance vehicle according to claim 10, wherein a lock mechanism that restricts the rotation of the driving wheel and / or the driven wheel by pulling out the seat is provided.   The lock mechanism is configured to pull an intermediate portion of a brake wire provided between the driving wheel and / or the driven wheel from the brake lever by an operation of pulling out the seat portion. The electric walking assistance vehicle described.

Images