JP4850527B2 - Auxiliary power unit for wheels - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides an auxiliary power device for a wheel, and particularly stores a rotational power as elastic energy automatically on a downhill by a simple mechanism, and automatically supplies the elastic energy as a rotational power to a rear wheel on an uphill. The present invention relates to a wheel auxiliary power device that can reduce the labor of the driver.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, for example, electric bicycles that assist the labor of a person pedaling with an electric motor such as a motor have become widespread. In these electric bicycles, since the torque of the motor is added to the rotational force of the person pushing the pedal, the person can drive the bicycle with a small rotational force. In addition, these electric bicycles require a large capacity battery for supplying electric power to the motor. Therefore, when the electric energy of the battery is exhausted, the electric bicycle cannot be run. On the other hand, as for electric bicycles, there are electric bicycles equipped with a charging system for charging a battery using a counter electromotive force generated by a motor when a driver applies a brake. However, since the number of brakes is not large, the battery is quickly consumed even in an electric bicycle equipped with a charging system. Therefore, a user who uses an electric bicycle as a daily foot must frequently charge the battery. Furthermore, since these bicycles are equipped with a battery and a motor, they are much heavier than ordinary bicycles, and handling other than riding is very troublesome.
On the other hand, there is also known a spring-assisted bicycle that assists a person's pedaling operation by an elastic force of a spring instead of an assist by a motor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, these spring-assisted bicycles are configured to compress the spring and store it as elastic energy on the downhill, and to stretch the spring and convert the elastic energy to rotational energy on the uphill. Further, switching between the process of compressing the spring and the process of releasing the spring is manually performed by a person using a lever or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-108089

In the above-described electric bicycle, the user needs to charge the battery frequently, and the capacity of the electric energy that can be stored in the battery is limited. As a result, the user is limited in the travel distance. is there. Further, the number of times the battery is charged is limited, and when the battery reaches the end of its life, the user needs to purchase an expensive battery separately. Furthermore, there is a problem that the motor and the drive circuit of the motor fail due to input from the road surface during traveling. That is, there is a problem that the electric bicycle is expensive to maintain. On the other hand, conventional spring-assisted bicycles require a person to switch between the process of compressing the spring and the process of releasing the spring, and if they forget to compress the spring on the downhill, they cannot receive the assistance of the spring There is a problem.
Therefore, the present invention has been developed in view of the above circumstances, and in particular, by a simple mechanism, rotational power is automatically stored as elastic energy on a downhill, and the elastic energy is used as rotational power on an uphill. An object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary power device for a wheel that can be automatically supplied to the wheel to reduce the labor of the driver.

In order to achieve the object, an auxiliary power device for a wheel according to claim 1 is a power transmission means for transmitting rotational power, energy storage means for storing rotational power as elastic energy, and converting rotational force into translational force. First motion converting means, second motion converting means for converting a translational force into a rotational force, an inclination detecting means having a natural state in the vertical direction and rotatably supported , and operation of the energy storage means before traveling An auxiliary power device for a wheel comprising safety means for restricting the movement and operation restriction means for preventing the elastic energy from being released on a downhill or preventing the elastic energy from being accumulated on an uphill. Te,
The energy storage means includes an elastic material, a piston that compresses the elastic material, a rod that reciprocates by being coupled to the piston, and a container that accommodates these, and the container is in a natural state at the upper end. It is fixedly supported so that it can be held vertically and rotated, and
The rod has first plate-like teeth constituting the first motion converting means and second plate-like teeth constituting the second motion converting means on both sides of the outer periphery, and is identical to each other by rotational power from the rear wheel. Fixedly supported so as to be positioned in the middle of the first gear constituting the first motion converting means and the second gear constituting the second motion converting means rotating in the direction;
The container is held between the first gear and the second gear by a container locking mechanism that suppresses the rotation of the container, and is configured in a pendulum form to constitute the inclination detection means that detects the inclination of the road. When the container locking mechanism is released by the rotational restoring force of the tilt detection rod, the first plate-like teeth and the first gear automatically engage with each other on the downhill, the rod moves upward, and the rotational power of the wheel is reduced. On the other hand, on the uphill, the second plate teeth and the second gear are automatically meshed with each other so that the rod moves downward and the elastic energy is supplied to the wheels as rotational power. It is configured.
In the wheel auxiliary power device described above, when an opening occurs between the indicated direction of the inclination detection means and the vertical direction, for example, when the bicycle changes from a flat road to a downhill or an uphill with the traveling direction on the left side, the inclination detection means On the other hand, a rotational restoring force that returns from gravity to a natural state (vertical direction) acts. Therefore, by configuring the energy storage means to be unlocked by its rotational restoring force, when the bicycle goes down to the left on a downhill, the rotational restoring force acts clockwise on the energy storage means, and the energy The stockpiling means rotates clockwise. On the other hand, when the bicycle goes up to the left on the uphill, the rotational restoring force acts on the energy storage means counterclockwise, and the energy storage means rotates counterclockwise. In other words, the direction of the rotational restoring force differs depending on whether it changes from flat to downhill or from flat to uphill. By arranging the energy power conversion means so as to face the rotation direction of the energy storage means, the rotational power can be stored as elastic energy on the downhill, and the elastic energy is converted into rotational power on the uphill. can do. As a result, part of the rotational power of the wheel is automatically stored as elastic energy on the downhill, while elastic energy is automatically supplied to the wheel as rotational power on the uphill. As a result, the driver's effort to pedal is greatly reduced.

In the wheel auxiliary power device, the above configuration causes the elastic energy more than the capacity to accumulate in the energy storage means and the energy storage means becomes inoperable, or the rotational power of the driver is lost to the energy conversion means. On the contrary, the driver's load is prevented from increasing .

The auxiliary power device for a wheel according to claim 1 , wherein safety means for restricting the operation of the energy storage means before traveling, the elastic energy is prevented from being released on a downhill, or the elastic energy on an uphill. And an operation limiting means for preventing the accumulation of.
In the wheel auxiliary power device, by adopting the above configuration, the rotational power can be suitably stored as elastic energy or can be released.

In the auxiliary power device for a wheel according to claim 1 , the energy storage means includes an elastic material, a piston that compresses the elastic material, a rod that is coupled to the piston and reciprocates, and a container that accommodates the rod. The main configuration is such that the container has a natural state in the vertical direction at the upper end and is fixedly supported so as to be rotatable.
In the above auxiliary power device for wheels, by adopting the above-described configuration, the counterclockwise or clockwise rotational restoring force that returns the container to the vertical direction in response to the road changing from flat to downhill or uphill. Works. Accordingly, one of the two rotational restoring forces corresponds to the case where the rotational power of the wheel is stored as elastic energy, and the other corresponds to the case where the stored elastic energy is automatically released as rotational power, It is possible to automatically store or release the elastic energy according to the inclination of the road.

In the auxiliary power device for a wheel according to claim 1 , the rod has first plate-like teeth and second plate-like teeth for converting rotational force into translational force on both sides of the outer periphery, and rotational power from the rear wheel. Therefore, it is fixedly supported so as to be positioned between the first gear and the second gear rotating in the same direction.
With the above-described wheel auxiliary power unit, the above configuration allows the rod moving direction when the first plate teeth of the rod mesh with the first gear and the second plate teeth of the rod mesh with the second gear. The moving directions of the rods at the time are opposite to each other. Therefore, by appropriately setting the rotation direction of the gear so that the rod rises in the direction of rotation of the gear meshing when the rod tilts on the downhill, and on the other hand, the rod moves down on the uphill. Accumulation or discharge can be automatically performed according to the inclination of the road.

In the auxiliary power device for a wheel according to claim 1 , the container is held between the first gear and the second gear by a container lock mechanism that suppresses rotation of the container, and is attached in the form of a pendulum. When the container locking mechanism is released by the rotational restoring force of the inclination detection rod that detects the inclination of the road, the rod meshes with one of the first gear and the second gear, and moves upward on the downhill. On the other hand, the uphill is configured to move downward.
In the wheel auxiliary power device, by adopting the above-described configuration, the piston is pushed up on the downhill, while the piston is pushed down on the uphill. As a result, the rotational power of the wheel can be suitably stored as elastic energy, or the stored elastic energy can be suitably released as rotational power.

The auxiliary power unit for a wheel according to claim 2 , wherein a columnar planar structure having four columns parallel to the rod is suspended from the inner peripheral surface of the top of the container via a spring, and the elastic member is disposed on the inner side. The two inner struts extend and contract between the two outer struts, and the two inner struts are disposed through the piston, and the piston is connected to the two inner struts. It was supposed to be configured to move along.
In the wheel auxiliary power device, by adopting the above-described configuration, the movement of the piston and the rod can be linked to the support column structure.

The auxiliary power device for a wheel according to claim 3 , wherein one end has a rotating shaft attached at right angles to the support plane structure, and the other end of the rotating shaft is bent to form an intermediate joint of the articulated rod. The first joint gear and the second guide gear are configured so as to be rotatable around the intermediate joint and sandwiching and engaging the rod.
In the wheel auxiliary power unit, the support structure and the rod can be linked via the first guide gear and the second guide gear as well as the first guide gear and the second guide gear. It becomes possible. Accordingly, the first guide gear and the second guide gear can be rotated in accordance with the movement of the support plane structure, and the rod can be rotated. Conversely, the first guide gear and the second guide gear can be rotated in accordance with the rotation of the rod. Can be rotated to move the support plane structure.

In the auxiliary power device for wheels according to claim 4 , the upper portion of the inclination detection rod is hooked and locked to the bottom portion of the support column structure.
In the above wheel auxiliary power device, the above configuration allows the tilt detection rod to rotate from the vertical direction to the axial direction of the rod when the support column structure is raised, and the container lock mechanism can be made effective. Become.

In the auxiliary power device for a wheel according to claim 5 , a first fixed pin that is extendable and retractable is disposed on a side surface of the piston, and the two outer support columns of the support column structure are connected to the first fixed pin. The first recesses to be fitted are each formed.
With the above-described wheel auxiliary power device, with the above configuration, the piston can be stopped, raised, or lowered according to the movement of the support plane structure.

The auxiliary power device for a wheel according to claim 6 , wherein the inner peripheral surface of the body portion of the container is provided with a telescopic second fixing pin that acts perpendicularly to the axial direction of the rod, and the two inner support columns of the support column structure. And the second recesses to be fitted into the second fixing pins.
In the wheel auxiliary power device, the above configuration makes it possible to stop, raise, or lower the rod in accordance with the movement of the support plane structure.

In the wheel auxiliary power device according to claim 7, when the piston is lifted, a first protrusion provided near the top dead center of the piston is pushed up by the piston and formed at the top of the columnar planar structure. By fitting in the narrow portion, the support plane structure is raised, and the first fixing pin is fitted into the first recess and the second fixing pin is separated from the second recess, whereby the piston and the The rod stops moving, and further, the rotation of the first guide gear releases the coupling of the rod with the first gear, the rotation is restricted by the operation restricting means, and the tilt detection rod is connected to the support plane structure. By being parallel, the container locking mechanism works, the container returns to the middle between the first gear and the second gear, and the accumulation of elastic energy is completed. It was.
With the above-described wheel auxiliary power device, the rotational power can be suitably stored as elastic energy by adopting the above configuration.

9. The auxiliary power device for a wheel according to claim 8 , wherein when the piston is lowered, the second protrusion provided near the lowest dead center of the piston is pushed down by the piston and can be expanded and contracted to the inner peripheral surface of the container. By actuating a third fixing pin attached to the rod, the support plane structure is raised, and the second fixing pin is separated from the second recess, whereby the rod stops moving, and the The container is locked by releasing the coupling of the rod to the second gear by the rotation of the two-guide gear, limiting the rotation by the operation limiting means, and further allowing the tilt detection rod to be parallel to the support column structure. It was decided that the function of the mechanism consisted of being automatically enabled.
With the above-described wheel auxiliary power device, elastic energy can be suitably released as rotational power by adopting the above configuration.

In the auxiliary power device for a wheel according to claim 9 , the third fixing pin has a cam for driving a long-axis object that moves while sliding in parallel with the support column structure, and the cam has the cam. The columnar planar structure is configured to be lifted by sliding resistance generated when the long shaft is pushed up.
In the wheel auxiliary power unit, the support plane structure is raised by the above configuration, and the movement of the rod is stopped by separating the second fixing pin from the second recess.

  According to the auxiliary power device for a wheel of the present invention, the energy storage means automatically couples to the energy power conversion means when it goes downhill, and a part of the rotational power of the wheel is stored as elastic energy, When the elastic energy is accumulated, the coupling with the energy power conversion means is automatically released. On the other hand, when it goes uphill, the energy storage means automatically couples to the energy power conversion means, supplies the stored elastic energy to the wheel as rotational power, and automatically when a predetermined elastic energy is released The connection with the energy power conversion means is released. Therefore, when the auxiliary power device for a wheel of the present invention is applied to a bicycle, when the driver goes uphill, the rotational power from the elastic energy is automatically supplied to the wheel. It will be possible. Moreover, it is not necessary to charge like an electric bicycle, and the travel distance is not limited. In addition, since a part of the rotational power of the wheels is automatically stored as elastic energy on the downhill, the braking force acts to suitably prevent so-called overspeed.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited thereby.

FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory view showing a main part of a spring assist bicycle 200 to which an elastic auxiliary power device 100 of the present invention is applied.
This spring-assisted bicycle 200 enables the elastic auxiliary power device 100 to be operable and also includes a saddle portion 1 as a safety means for prohibiting the operation of the elastic auxiliary power device 100 before traveling, and a pendulum having a natural state in the vertical direction. Inclination detection unit 10 as an inclination detection means for releasing the fixation of main body portion 20 below by rotational restoring force that is freely supported in the form and returns to the natural state, and on the downhill, the rotational power of the rear wheels is accumulated as elastic energy. On the other hand, on the uphill, the main body 20 as energy storage means for releasing the accumulated elastic energy as rotational power, and a part of the rotational power of the rear wheel is taken out and transmitted to the main body 20 or from the main body 20. The power transmission unit 30 as power transmission means for transmitting rotational power to the rear wheels, and the movement of the gear from rotation to translational motion or its The motion conversion unit 40 as first and second motion conversion means that converts rotational power into elastic energy or vice versa by converting the power into motion, and the operation switching unit 50 that smoothly guides each operation of the main body unit 20. And an operation restricting unit 60 as an operation restricting means for restricting the operation of the main body 20 so as to prohibit the release of elastic energy on the downhill or the accumulation of elastic energy on the uphill, and the frame to which the main body 20 and the like are attached. A portion 70 and a human power portion 80 including a pedal 81, an activation gear 82, a drive chain 83, and a drive gear 84 are provided. In addition, the inclination detection unit 10, the main body unit 20, the power transmission unit 30, the motion conversion unit 40, and the operation switching unit 50 will be described later with reference to FIGS. The operation of the elastic auxiliary power device 100 of the present invention will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The saddle portion 1 includes a pad portion 2 attached to the upper inner peripheral surface of the saddle where a person's buttocks hit, and a saddle engaging member 25 that is coupled to the pad portion 2 and protrudes from a slit provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 20. -8, a crank member 3 that supports the pad portion 2, and a cylinder 5 that houses the spring. With this configuration, the saddle engagement member 25-8 is held at a certain height by the spring force that pushes the pad portion 2. As a result, the movement of the columnar planar structure 25 in the vertical direction is restricted, and the elasticity The auxiliary power unit 100 does not function at all. Although the details will be described later, the columnar planar structure 25 has a function of locking the piston 22 and the rack 23 constituting the main body 20, and the columnar planar structure 25 is relatively relative to the piston 22 and the rack 23. By being displaced, the lock is released.

  The operation restricting portion 60 hits the upper portion of the main body portion 20 and prevents rotation of the main body portion around the main body rotation shaft 72. The rotation restricting rods 61-1 and 61-2 and the recesses 63-1 and 63-2 of the main frame 71 are provided. And rotating shafts 62-1 and 62-2. By disposing the rotation shafts 62-1 and 62-2 in the recesses 63-1 and 63-2, when the rotation restraining rods 61-1 and 61-2 are displaced by a certain angle, the recesses 63-1, 63-2 You will not be able to rotate any further by hitting the mouth of the. In other words, by arranging the rotating shafts 62-1 and 62-2 in the recesses 63-1 and 63-2, the rotation range of the rotation suppression rods 61-1 and 61-2 is naturally limited, and as a result, the main body The rotation range of the unit 20 is also limited.

  The frame unit 70 includes a main frame 71 and a sub frame 73 to which the gears of the power transmission unit 30 and the gears of the motion conversion unit 40 are rotatably attached, and a main body rotation shaft 72 that rotatably supports the main body 20. And a mounting plate 74 for supporting the main body rotating shaft 72.

FIG. 2 is a view taken in the direction of arrow A in FIG.
The inclination detecting unit 10 is attached to the subframe 73 as shown in the figure, and the first and second engaging portions 11-1 and 11-2 (11-2 not shown) are arranged at the bottom of the columnar planar structure 25. It is hanging and locked. Moreover, the inclination detection part 10 is engaging with the main-body-part locking mechanism 18 of the main-body part 20 so that it may mention later (circle part on a figure).

  Further, the rotational power from the rear wheels includes the first rear wheel direct-coupled small gear 32-1, the first induction gear 34-1, the first induction gear drive shaft 35-1, the first induction gear 34-1 and the first intermediate gear. Transmission is performed in the order of the large gear 36-1 and the first intermediate small gear 36-2. Accordingly, one first guide gear 34-1 is provided on each of the main frame 71 side and the sub frame 73 side. Although not shown, one second guide gear 34-2 is also arranged on the main frame 71 side and the sub frame 73 side, respectively.

  Further, the main body 20 is provided with a first slit 26-3 so that a saddle engaging member 25-8, which is a part of the support post structure 25, can move in the vertical direction, and further a rotation restraining rod 61. A second slit 26-4 is provided so that the first action rod 28-2 that disables the function -1 can move in the vertical direction. Moreover, although not shown in figure, the 2nd slit 26-4 is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the main-body part 20 so that it can move to a perpendicular direction also with respect to the 2nd action | operation rod 29-2.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the tilt detection unit 10, the power transmission unit 30, and the motion conversion unit 40. For easy understanding, the main body lock mechanism 18 for removing a part of the sub-frame 73 and the lower cover of the main body 20 and suppressing the rotation of the main body 20 is shown. As such, these parts are not visible.
The inclination detection unit 10 lifts the inclination detection rod 11 made so that the weight is concentrated on the long axis and the lower end, the rotation shaft 12, and the fixing pins 16-1 and 16-2 of the main body lock mechanism 18. And a lift lever 13. Further, the inclination detecting rod 11 is attached to the subframe 73 via the rotating shaft 12. Further, the upper first and second locking portions 11-1 and 11-2 are hooked and locked to the bottom of the columnar planar structure 25 of the main body 20 as shown in FIG. For this reason, when the columnar structure 25 is raised, the inclination detecting rod 11 is interlocked with it.

  The main body portion locking mechanism 18 is incorporated in the subframe 73 and prevents the fixing pins 16-1 and 16-2 that fix the main body portion 20 from both sides and the fixing pins 16-1 and 16-2 from rising. Wedge-shaped spring heads 14-1, 14-2, springs 15-1, 15-2 for pressing the spring heads 14-1, 14-2, spring heads 14-1, 14-2 and springs 15-1, 15- It consists of stepped holders 17-1 and 17-2 for accommodating 2. The stepped holders 17-1 and 17-2 are formed with grooves on the back, and the spring heads 14-1 and 14-2 move in the grooves and the springs 15-1 and 15-2 expand and contract. It has a configuration. As will be described later, when the tilt detection rod 11 rotates, for example, clockwise, the fixing pin 16-1 is lifted and the spring head 14-1 is pushed by the lift lever 13, and as a result, the fixing pin 16-1 is The stepped holder 17-1 is raised one stage to hold the main body portion 20. On the other hand, the fixing pin 16-2 is pushed by the spring head 14-2 when the lift lever 13 is lowered, and the main body 20 is pushed down the stepped holder 17-2.

  The power transmission unit 30 includes two systems: a first system that supplies rotational power from the rear wheel to the rack 23 and a second system that supplies rotational power from the rack 23 to the rear wheel. Specifically, in the first system, the rotational power of the rear wheels is generated by the first rear wheel direct-coupled gear 32-1, the first chain 33-1, the first guide gears 34-1, 34-1 (two as described above). The first drive shaft 35-1, the first intermediate large gear 36-1, the first intermediate drive shaft 37-1, the first intermediate small gear 36-2, and the first pinion gear 38-1 are transmitted in this order. When the first pinion gear 38-1 and the first plate-like teeth 23-1 of the rack 23 mesh with each other, the rack 23 rises and the piston 22 compresses the large spring 21, and as a result, elastic energy is accumulated. On the other hand, in the second system, when the second pinion gear 38-2 and the second plate-like teeth 23-2 of the rack 23 mesh with each other, the elastic energy is in turn reversed to the second pinion gear 38-2 and the second intermediate small gear 36. -4, second intermediate large / small gear drive shaft 37-2, second intermediate large gear 36-3, second induction gears 34-2, 34-2 (consisting of two as described above), second chain 33-2 The second rear wheel direct connection gear 32-2 is transmitted in this order, and rotational power is supplied to the rear wheels.

  The motion conversion unit 40 is constituted by the first pinion gear 38-1 and the first plate-like teeth 23-1, or the second pinion gear 38-2 and the second plate-like teeth 23-2.

FIG. 4 is a structural explanatory view showing a main part of the main body 20 along the AA ′ cross section of FIG. 2.
The main body 20 includes a large spring 21 that stores elastic energy, a piston 22 that acts on the large spring 21, and a rack 23 that is coupled to the piston 22 and includes first and second plate-like teeth 23-1, 23-2. And move relative to the piston 22 and the rack 23 to fit the piston fixing pin 22-1 and the rack solid pin 23-3 to restrict the movement thereof, or to make the inclination detecting rod 11 parallel to the rack 23. The columnar planar structure 25 that enables the locking mechanism of the rack 23, the outer container 26 that accommodates these, the mounting hole 26-1 in which the main body rotation shaft 72 is fitted, and the small column that holds the columnar planar structure 25. The spring 26-2, the first slit 26-3 that allows the saddle engagement member 25-8 to move in the vertical direction, the first action rod 28-2 and the second action rod 29-2 are in the vertical direction. A second slit 26-4 that enables movement to An inner container 27 that accommodates the large spring 21 and the piston 22 in the container 26, an upper limit indicating rod 28-1 that triggers completion of the piston push-up, and a first rotation engaging rod 61-1. The action rod 28-2, the upper limit pin 28-3 fitted to the narrow portion 25-9 of the support column structure 25, the lower limit indicating cam 29-1 that triggers the completion of the piston push-down, and the rotation suppression rod 61- A second action rod 29-2 that engages with the second action rod 29-2, a second action rod engaging pin 29-3 that is pushed by the lower limit indicating cam 29-1 and pushes up the second action rod 29-2, The sliding contact 29-5 and the cylindrical container 29-6 through which the second action rod 29-2 passes are configured. The contact 29-5 is preferably an elastic body such as a spring or rubber.

The support plane structure 25 includes a first outer support 25-1, a second outer support 25-2, a first inner support 25-3, and a second inner support 25-4, which straddle the rack 23 at the bottom. They are connected (see FIG. 2). Further, at the upper part, the first outer strut 25-1 and the first inner strut 25-3 are connected, and the second outer strut 25-2 and the second inner strut 25-4 are connected. As a result, the narrow portion 25-9 is connected. Is formed at the top.
Moreover, the support | pillar planar structure 25 is suspended by the small spring 26-2 in the upper part in the form which penetrates the inner container 27. FIG. Piston fixing holes 22-2 and 22-2 are formed inside the first and second outer struts 25-1 and 25-2 to fit the piston fixing pins 22-1 and 22-1. The container 27 is formed with through holes 22-3 and 22-3 through which the piston fixing pins 22-1 and 22-1 pass. Furthermore, rack fixing holes 23-4 and 23-4 for fitting with the rack fixing pins 23-3 and 23-3 are formed inside the first and second inner support posts 25-3 and 25-4. .

  Moreover, the support | pillar planar structure 25 has penetrated the 1st action | operation rod 28-2. Therefore, the support column structure 25 normally moves independently of the first action rod 28-2. However, when the upper limit pin 28-3 is fitted into the narrow portion 25-9, the support column structure 25 is not moved to the first action rod 28-2. Moves in conjunction with 28-2. Further, when the upper limit pin 28-3 is pushed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, the contact is contracted, and the contact is returned to the original state by the elasticity of the spring.

  The second action rod engaging pin 29-3 has a spring that pulls itself to the left in the figure, and when the piston 22 in the figure is lowered, the lower limit instruction cam 29-1 acts to the right in the figure. And is engaged with the cam operating shaft 29-4. As a result, the second action rod 29-2 is pushed up and is stationary (see FIG. 2). Therefore, when the piston 22 moves up and the lower limit instruction cam 29-1 does not act on the second action rod engaging pin 29-3, the second action rod engaging pin 29-3 moves to the left in the figure. As a result, the second action rod 29-2 moves downward. In this case, the rotation suppression rod 61-2 is not engaged with the second action rod 29-2, and the main body portion 20 can rotate around the main body portion rotation shaft 72.

FIG. 5 is a configuration explanatory view showing the operation switching unit 50.
The operation switching unit 50 includes a first arm 51-1 attached to the subframe 73, a second arm 51-2, a connecting arm 52 connecting them, and a first arm 51-1 and a connection at one end. The first crankshaft 54-1 is supported by the support column structure 25 while the arm 52 is connected and the first rack guide gear 53-1 is rotatably supported at the other end, and the second arm 51-2 and the connecting arm 52 are supported at one end. And a second crankshaft 54-2 supported by the support plane structure 25 while rotatably supporting the second rack guide gear 53-2 at the other end. Accordingly, when the first rack guide gear 53-1 falls to the left (or right), the second rack guide gear 53-2 also falls to the left (or right). For example, when the weight of the rack 23 acts on the first rack guide gear 53-1 and the first rack guide gear 53-1 tends to fall, the second rack guide gear 53-2 causes the rack 23 to rotate. Act on.
Further, the operation switching unit 50 links the rack 23, the columnar planar structure 25, and the first and second pinion gears 38-1 and 38-2. For example, when the rack 23 rotates in the clockwise direction, the first rack guide gear 53-1 falls in the counterclockwise direction, thereby moving the columnar planar structure 25 downward.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing each operation of the elastic auxiliary power unit 100 for getting off, getting on, and horizontally traveling.
Before the person gets on (gets off), the crank member 3 supports the saddle engaging member 25-8. As a result, the columnar planar structure 25 cannot be moved downward by the crank member 3, and the spring 4 And it comes to rest at a position that balances the spring force of the small spring 26-2. Further, the rack 23 cannot be moved upward by the left and right rack fixing pins 23-3 and 23-3. Further, the first and second rack guide gears 53-1, 53-2 are in an upright position, and as a result, the rack 23 can mesh with the left and right first and second pinion gears 38-1, 38-2. Absent.

  In addition, when a person gets on the vehicle and travels on a horizontal road, the crank member 3 is lowered by the weight of the person's buttocks, and the columnar planar structure 25 is released from the restraint of the crank member 3 and can move downward. It becomes. However, the spring force of the small spring 26-2 still stops at a position that balances the spring force. Further, when a person gets on and travels on a horizontal road, the rotational power generated when the person steps on the pedal 81 is transmitted to the first and second rear wheel direct connection gears 32-1, 32-2. First, the first rear wheel direct connection gear 32-1 transmits a part of its power to the first induction gear 34-1 on the main frame 71 side via the first chain 33-1, and then the power is the first induction. This is transmitted to the first guide gear 34-1 on the subframe 73 side via the gear drive shaft 35-1, and as a result, the first guide gear 34-1 rotates and the first intermediate large gear 36-1 meshing with it rotates. Then, the first intermediate small gear 36-2 having the first intermediate large / small gear drive shaft 37-1 which is the rotation shaft as the rotation shaft is rotated, and the first pinion gear 38-1 meshing with the first intermediate small gear 36-2 is rotated in the illustrated direction (counterclockwise). Direction). On the other hand, the second rear wheel direct connection gear 32-2 transmits the remaining power to the second induction gear 34-2 on the main frame 71 side via the second chain 33-2, and then the power is the second induction gear. This is transmitted to the second guide gear 34-2 on the subframe 73 side via the drive shaft 35-2. As a result, the second guide gear 34-2 rotates, and the second intermediate large gear 36-3 that meshes with it rotates. The second intermediate small gear 36-4 having the second intermediate large / small gear drive shaft 37-2, which is the rotating shaft, also rotates, and the second pinion gear 38-2 meshing with the second intermediate small gear 36-4 rotates in the direction shown (counterclockwise). ). However, the main body 20 cannot be moved upward by the left and right rack fixing pins 23-3 and 23-3 in the same manner as when getting off. Further, the first and second rack guide gears 53-1, 53-2 are in an upright position, and as a result, the rack 23 can mesh with the left and right first and second pinion gears 38-1, 38-2. Absent.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing accumulation of elastic energy in the downhill traveling of the elastic auxiliary power unit 100.
The tilt detection rod 11 rotates clockwise about the rotation shaft 12. As a result, the lift lever 13 of the inclination detecting rod 11 pushes the spring head 14-1 while lifting the fixing pin 16-1, and cancels the elastic force of the spring 15-1. As a result, the main body 20 is released from being fixed by the fixing pin 16-1, and rotates clockwise about the main body rotation shaft 72. As a result, the first rack guide gear 53-1 falls due to the weight of the rack 23, whereby the support plane structure 25 moves downward, and the rack 23 is linked to the first rack guide gear 53-1. The gear 53-2 is rotated to mesh with the first pinion gear 38-1. As a result, the rack fixing pin 23-3 is fitted into the rack fixing hole 23-4, and the rack fixing pin 23-3 is separated from the first and second plate-like teeth 23-1, 23-2. The rack 23 moves upward by the rotation of the first pinion gear 38-1 to push up the piston 22 and compress the large spring 21.

Further, when the piston 22 moves upward, the lower limit indicating cam 29-1 is released from the action of the piston 22 and moves upward. As a result, the second action rod engaging pin 29-3 is actuated by the cam 29-1. It is released from and moves to the left. As a result, the second action rod 29-2 moves downward, and the second rotation suppression rod 61-2 becomes free. However, the first rotation inhibiting rod 61-1 comes to engage with the first action rod 28-2, and as a result, the main body portion 20 takes a stable posture. The second action rod 29-2 is held at a position where the cam action shaft 29-4 is engaged with the second action rod engaging pin 29-3.
Further, the fixing pin 16-1 is lifted by the lift bar 13 of the inclination detecting rod 11 and pushed by the spring head 14-1, and as a result, supports the main body 20 with the stepped holder 17-1 raised one step. become. On the other hand, the fixing pin 16-2 is pushed by the spring head 14-2 when the lift bar 13 of the inclination detecting rod 11 is lowered, so that the stepped holder 17-2 is lowered by one step. The main body 20 is pushed. As a result, the main body 20 is prevented from rotating counterclockwise about the main body rotation shaft 72.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing completion of accumulation of elastic energy in the downhill traveling of the elastic auxiliary power device 100.
When the piston 22 moves upward and reaches the vicinity of the top dead center, it hits the upper limit indicating rod 28-1 and moves upward together with the upper limit indicating rod 28-1. The upper limit pin 28-3 fixed to the upper portion of the upper limit indicating rod 28-1 is fitted into the narrow portion 25-9 of the support plane structure 25, thereby moving the support plane structure 25 upward. As a result, the piston fixing pin 22-1 provided on the side surface of the piston 22 passes through the through hole 22-3 and fits into the piston fixing hole 22-2, and the rack fixing pin 23-3 is separated from the rack fixing hole 23-4. Is done. As a result, the piston 22 and the rack 23 move upward together with the support plane structure 25, but stop at a position that balances the spring force of the small spring 26-2, and the piston 22 compresses the large spring 21 further. Disappear.
Further, when the columnar planar structure 25 moves upward integrally with the piston 22 and the rack 23, the first and second engaging portions 11-1, 11-2 of the inclination detecting unit 10 are hooked at the bottom. Further, the support plane structure 25 moves upward, so that the posture in which the first rack guide gear 53-1 falls is changed to the upright posture raised about 90 degrees. As a result, the inclination detection rod 11 takes a posture parallel to the rack 23, and the first plate teeth 23-1 of the rack 23 are separated from the first pinion gear 38-1 and become free. As a result, the lift lever 13 of the inclination detecting unit 10 gradually increases the pressing against the spring head 14-2 while lifting the fixing pin 16-2 while gradually releasing the pressing against the spring head 14-1. As a result, the main body 20 is returned to an intermediate position between the first pinion gear 38-1 and the second pinion gear 38-2 by the action of the spring 15-1, that is, the main body 20 is parallel to the mounting plate 74. Come to take a posture. The main body 20 is fixed from both sides by fixing pins 16-1 and 16-2.

  When the piston 22 moves upward together with the upper limit indicating rod 28-1, the first action rod 28-2 moves upward in conjunction with these to rotate the rotation restraining rod 61-1 counterclockwise. The rotation inhibiting rod 61-1 abuts on the upper part of the outer container 26 of the main body 20 when the main body 20 is parallel to the mounting plate 74, and fixes the main body 20. As a result, the main body 20 is suppressed from rotating in the clockwise direction. As a result, the main body 20 is fixed by the rotation restraining rod 61-1, the columnar planar structure 25 is fixed by the small spring 26-2, the piston 22 is fixed by the piston fixing pin 22-1, and the rack 23 is the rack fixing pin. As a result, the piston 22 does not compress the large spring 21 and the accumulation of elastic energy is completed.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the release of elastic energy on the uphill of the elastic auxiliary power unit 100.
The tilt detection rod 11 rotates counterclockwise about the rotation shaft 12. As a result, the lift lever 13 of the inclination detecting rod 11 pushes the spring head 14-2 while lifting the fixing pin 16-2, thereby canceling the elastic force of the spring 15-2. As a result, the main body 20 is released from being fixed by the fixing pin 16-2 and rotates counterclockwise around the main body rotation shaft 72. As a result, when the second rack guide gear 53-2 falls due to the weight of the rack 23, the support plane structure 25 moves downward, and the rack 23 is linked to the second rack guide gear 53-2. It is rotated by 53-1 and meshes with the second pinion gear 38-2. As a result, the rack fixing pin 23-3 is fitted into the rack fixing hole 23-4, and the rack fixing pin 23-3 is separated from the first and second plate-like teeth 23-1, 23-2. The rack 23 can be moved downward. When the piston 22 is pushed down by the elastic force of the large spring 21, the rack 23 moves downward and adds rotational power to the second pinion gear 38-2. On the other hand, the added rotational power includes the second intermediate small gear 36-4, the second intermediate large gear 36-3, the second induction gear 34-2, the second induction gear drive shaft 35-2, and the second induction gear 34. -2, second chain 33-2, and second rear wheel direct connection gear 32-2 are transmitted in this order and used as power for rotationally driving the rear wheels. That is, the elastic energy accumulated in the large spring 21 is used as rotational power, so that the labor of a person driving the rear wheel on an uphill is greatly reduced.

  Further, when the main body 20 rotates about the main body rotation shaft 72, the first and second rotation restraining rods 61-1 and 61-2 do not join to the upper part of the main body 20. However, the second rotation inhibiting rod 61-2 comes into engagement with the second action rod 29-2, and as a result, the main body portion 20 takes a stable posture. The second action rod 29-2 is locked to the cam action shaft 29-4.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the completion of the release of elastic energy in the downhill traveling of the elastic auxiliary power unit 100.
When the piston 22 is moved downward by being pushed down by the elastic force of the large spring 21 and approaches the bottom dead center, it hits the lower limit instruction cam 29-1 and moves downward together with the lower limit instruction cam 29-1. Then, the lower limit instruction cam 29-1 is engaged with the second action rod engaging pin 29-3, and the second action rod engagement pin 29-3 is pushed by the lower limit instruction cam 29-1 and moves rightward in the figure. To do. As a result, the second action rod engaging pin 29-3 engages with the cam action shaft 29-4 and pushes up the second action rod 29-2. At that time, the second action rod 29-2 moves upward with respect to the columnar planar structure 25, and the contact point 29-5 slides on the second outer column 25-2 of the columnar planar structure 25. And the support | pillar plane structure 25 also moves upwards with the sliding resistance force which generate | occur | produces in that case. As a result, the rack fixing pin 23-3 is separated from the rack fixing hole 23-4, and the rack fixing pins 23-3 and 23-3 are fitted to the first and second plate-like teeth 23-1 and 23-2. Further, the columnar planar structure 25 moves upward, but stops at a position that balances with the spring force of the small spring 26-2 and the sliding resistance of the rack fixing pin 23-3, and the large spring 21 does not push down the piston 22 any more. .

  Moreover, when the support | pillar plane structure 25 moves upwards, the 1st and 2nd latching | locking parts 11-1 and 11-2 of the inclination detection part 10 are hooked in a bottom part. Further, the columnar planar structure 25 moves upward to raise the first rack guide gear 53-1 by about 90 degrees. As a result, the second rack guide gear 53-2 linked by the first rack guide gear 53-1 and the connecting arm 52 is also changed to a posture in which it is raised about 90 degrees. When the posture changes, the second rack guide gear 53-2 rotates the rack 23 in the clockwise direction. As a result, the inclination detecting rod 11 takes a posture parallel to the rack 23 and the second plate-like teeth 23 of the rack 23. -2 is separated from the second pinion gear 38-2 and becomes free. As a result, the lift lever 13 of the inclination detector 10 gradually increases the pressing against the spring head 14-1 while lifting the fixing pin 16-1 while gradually releasing the pressing against the spring head 14-2. As a result, the main body 20 is returned to an intermediate position between the first pinion gear 38-1 and the second pinion gear 38-2 by the action of the spring 15-2, that is, the main body 20 is parallel to the mounting plate 74. Come to take a posture. The main body 20 is fixed from both sides by fixing pins 16-1 and 16-2.

  At that time, the second action rod 29-2 moves upward to rotate the rotation restraining rod 61-2 clockwise. On the other hand, the rotation inhibiting rod 61-2 contacts the upper part of the outer container 26 of the main body 20 when the main body 20 is parallel to the mounting plate 74. As a result, the main body 20 is suppressed from rotating counterclockwise. As a result, the main body 20 is fixed by the rotation restraining rod 61-2, the columnar planar structure 25 is fixed by the small spring 26-2, and the rack 23 is fixed by the main body locking mechanism 18 and the rack fixing pin 23-3. As a result, the large spring 21 does not push down the piston 22 and the release of elastic energy is completed.

  According to the elastic auxiliary power device 100 of the present invention, the main body portion 20 is automatically coupled to the motion converting portion 40 automatically when going downhill, and a part of the rotational power of the wheel is accumulated as elastic energy, and is predetermined. When the elastic energy is accumulated, the coupling between the main body 20 and the motion converter 40 is automatically released. On the other hand, when the vehicle goes uphill, the main body 20 automatically couples to the motion converter 40, supplies the accumulated elastic energy to the wheel as rotational power, and automatically when a predetermined elastic energy is released. The connection between the main body 20 and the motion converter 40 is released. Therefore, in the case of the spring-assisted bicycle 200 to which the elastic auxiliary power device 100 of the present invention is applied, when the driver goes uphill, the rotational power from the elastic energy is automatically supplied to the wheels, so the uphill with less effort. You will be able to drive. Moreover, it is not necessary to charge like an electric bicycle, and the travel distance is not limited. Further, since a part of the rotational power of the wheel is automatically stored as elastic energy on the downhill, the braking force acts on the rear wheel, and as a result, it is possible to prevent excessive speed.

  The auxiliary power device for wheels of the present invention is not limited to a bicycle, and can be suitably applied to a vehicle that moves by rotating a wheel.

It is composition explanatory drawing which shows the principal part of the spring assist bicycle to which the elastic auxiliary power apparatus of this invention is applied. It is A arrow directional view of FIG. It is composition explanatory drawing which shows an inclination detection part, a power transmission part, and a motion conversion part. FIG. 3 is a configuration explanatory view showing a main part of the main body portion taken along the line A-A ′ of FIG. 2. It is composition explanatory drawing which shows an operation switching part. It is explanatory drawing which shows each operation | movement of getting off, boarding, and horizontal driving | running | working of an elastic auxiliary power device. It is explanatory drawing which shows accumulation | storage of the elastic energy in the downhill driving | running | working of an elastic auxiliary power device. It is explanatory drawing which shows completion of accumulation | storage of the elastic energy in the downhill driving | running | working of an elastic auxiliary power device. It is explanatory drawing which shows discharge | release of the elastic energy in the uphill of an elastic auxiliary power device. It is explanatory drawing which shows completion of discharge | release of the elastic energy in the downhill driving | running | working of an elastic auxiliary power device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Saddle part 10 Inclination detection part 11 Inclination detection rod 17 Rack lock mechanism 20 Main body part 21 Large spring 22 Piston 23 Rack 25 Strut planar structure 30 Power transmission part 40 Motion conversion part 50 Operation switching part 60 Operation restriction part 70 Frame part 80 Human power Part 100 Elastic auxiliary power unit 200 Spring assist bicycle

Claims (9)

Power transmission means for transmitting rotational power, energy storage means for storing rotational power as elastic energy, first motion conversion means for converting rotational force into translational force, and second motion conversion means for converting translational force into rotational force An inclination detection means that is supported in a freely rotating manner with a natural state in the vertical direction, a safety means that limits the operation of the energy storage means before traveling, and the elastic energy is prevented from being released on a downhill. Or an auxiliary power device for a wheel provided with an operation limiting means for preventing the elastic energy from accumulating on an uphill ,
The energy storage means includes an elastic material, a piston that compresses the elastic material, a rod that reciprocates by being coupled to the piston, and a container that accommodates these, and the container is in a natural state at the upper end. It is fixedly supported so that it can be held vertically and rotated, and
The rod has first plate-like teeth constituting the first motion converting means and second plate-like teeth constituting the second motion converting means on both sides of the outer periphery, and is identical to each other by rotational power from the rear wheel. Fixedly supported so as to be positioned in the middle of the first gear constituting the first motion converting means and the second gear constituting the second motion converting means rotating in the direction;
The container is held between the first gear and the second gear by a container locking mechanism that suppresses the rotation of the container, and is configured in a pendulum form to constitute the inclination detection means that detects the inclination of the road. When the container locking mechanism is released by the rotational restoring force of the tilt detection rod, the first plate-like teeth and the first gear automatically engage with each other on the downhill, the rod moves upward, and the rotational power of the wheel is reduced. On the other hand, on the uphill, the second plate teeth and the second gear are automatically meshed with each other so that the rod moves downward and the elastic energy is supplied to the wheels as rotational power. An auxiliary power device for wheels, characterized in that it is configured. A pillar planar structure having four pillars parallel to the rod is suspended from the inner peripheral surface of the top of the container via a spring, and the elastic material includes two inner pillars and two outer pillars. between the stretch movement, and two posts of said inner are disposed through said piston, said piston according to claim 1 which is configured to move along the two posts of the inner Auxiliary power unit for wheels described in 1. One end has a rotating shaft attached perpendicularly to the support plane structure, and the other end of the rotating shaft is bent to form an intermediate joint of an articulated rod, and is configured to be rotatable about the intermediate joint. The wheel auxiliary power unit according to claim 2 , further comprising a first guide gear and a second guide gear. 4. The auxiliary power device for a wheel according to claim 2 , wherein an upper portion of the inclination detection rod is hooked and locked to a bottom portion of the support column structure. 5. A first fixing pin that is extendable and retractable is disposed on a side surface of the piston, and first recesses that are fitted to the first fixing pin are formed on the two outer support columns of the support column structure. Item 5. The auxiliary power device for a wheel according to any one of Items 2 to 4 . A retractable second fixing pin that acts perpendicularly to the axial direction of the rod on the inner peripheral surface of the container, and a second fixing pin that fits the second fixing pin on the two inner support columns of the support column structure. The auxiliary power device for a wheel according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein a concave portion is formed. When the piston is lifted, the first projection provided near the top dead center of the piston is pushed up by the piston and fitted into a narrow portion formed at the top of the pillar planar structure, thereby the pillar planar structure. And the first fixing pin fits into the first recess and the second fixing pin separates from the second recess, whereby the piston and the rod stop moving, and the first guide gear further The rotation of the rod releases the coupling with the first gear, the rotation is restricted by the operation restricting means, and the tilt detection rod is parallel to the columnar plane structure, so that the container locking mechanism works. The wheel auxiliary power unit according to claim 4 , wherein the container returns to an intermediate position between the first gear and the second gear, and the accumulation of elastic energy is completed. When the piston is lowered, the second protrusion provided near the bottom dead center of the piston is pushed down by the piston, and the third fixing pin attached to the inner peripheral surface of the container is operated in a stretchable manner. The rod plane structure is raised and the second fixing pin is separated from the second recess, so that the rod stops moving, and the rod is further rotated by the rotation of the second guide gear. The function of the container locking mechanism is automatically enabled by releasing the coupling with the movement, limiting the rotation by the operation limiting means, and further making the tilt detection rod parallel to the support plane structure. The auxiliary power device for wheels according to claim 4 or 7 . The third fixing pin has a cam that drives a long-axis object that moves while sliding in parallel with the support column structure at the tip, and the sliding resistance generated when the cam pushes up the long-axis object The auxiliary power device for a wheel according to claim 8 , wherein the support plane structure is configured to rise.

Images