JP6903159B2 - Wheel - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to wheels, and more particularly to omni-wheel type wheels used for wheelchairs and the like.

As an omni-wheel type wheel (omnidirectional moving wheel), it has a hub member including a center of rotation, and a plurality of large-diameter rollers and small-diameter rollers having a substantially barrel-shaped or substantially conical trapezoidal shape, and each large-diameter roller and each small-diameter roller. Is rotatably arranged around the tangential direction of the hub member (direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the hub member in a plane orthogonal to the central axis of the hub member) on the outer peripheral portion of the hub member, and has a plurality of large diameters. It is known that a combination of a roller and a small-diameter roller is configured so that the outer peripheral contour becomes a substantially circular shape concentric with the central axis of the hub member (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-191704 JP-A-2015-85750

The conventional omni-wheel type wheel described above has a problem that the number of parts of the support structure for individually rotating each of the plurality of large-diameter rollers and small-diameter rollers is large.

An object to be solved by the present invention is to reduce the number of parts in an omni-wheel type wheel.

The wheels according to one embodiment of the present invention include a hub member (30) including a center of rotation, and a plurality of rollers arranged in the circumferential direction of the hub member (30) and fixed to the hub member (30), respectively. The support member (40) and each roller support member (40) can rotate around an axis extending in the tangential direction of circles concentric with each other about the center of rotation of the hub member (30). In a wheel having a substantially conical trapezoidal large-diameter roller (72) and a substantially conical trapezoidal small-diameter roller (84) supported by the entire roller so that the outer peripheral contour becomes a substantially circular shape concentric with the center of rotation, the respective rollers. The support member (40) has a base portion (42) extending in the circumferential direction and fixed to the hub member (30), and respective ends (42A, 42B) of the base portion (42) in the circumferential direction. The hub member (30) includes a support column for a large-diameter roller (44) and a support column for a small-diameter roller (46) extending outward in the radial direction about the center of rotation, and is used for the large-diameter roller. The support column (44) has a roller support shaft (56) extending from the free end of the large-diameter roller support column (44) in the tangential direction of a circle centered on the rotation center of the hub member (30). The large-diameter roller is provided on the small-diameter roller support column (46) in the tangential direction of a circle centered on the rotation center of the hub member (30) from the free end of the small-diameter roller support column (46). A roller support shaft (60) extending to the side of the support column (44) is provided, and the roller support shaft (56) of each large-diameter roller support column (44) holds the large-diameter roller (72). Rotatably supported so that the large-diameter side of the substantially conical trapezoidal shape is located on the side of the large-diameter roller support column (44), and the roller support shaft (60) of each small-diameter roller support column (46) is said. The small-diameter roller (84) is rotatably supported so that the large-diameter side of a substantially conical trapezoidal shape is located on the side of the small-diameter roller support column (46).

According to this configuration, only one type of roller support member (40) is required, and the number of parts can be reduced.

In the wheel, preferably, the roller support member (40) overlaps the base portion (42) of the roller support member (40) adjacent to the roller support member (40) in the circumferential direction when viewed in the axial direction of the hub member (30). The roller support shaft (56) of the large-diameter roller support column (44) and the roller support shaft (60) of the small-diameter roller support column (46) are located on the same axis. The roller support members (40) adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are co-tightened to the hub member (30) by fasteners (64, 66) at the overlapping portions.

According to this configuration, the number of fastening points of the roller support member (40) to the hub member (30) is reduced.

In the wheels, preferably, all of the roller support members are aligned and arranged in the circumferential direction.

According to this configuration, only one type of roller support member (40) is required, the number of parts can be reduced, and the axial dimension of the hub member (30) does not increase.

In the wheel, preferably, each roller support member (40) attaches both ends (42A, 42B) of the base portion (42) in the circumferential direction to the hub member (30) by fasteners (64, 66), respectively. It is fixed.

According to this configuration, each roller support member (40) is fixed to the hub member (30) by fasteners (64, 66) at two locations separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the base portion (42), so that the number of fasteners is small. The roller support member (40) is efficiently and firmly fixed to the hub member (30) by the tool (64, 66).

In the wheel, preferably, the large-diameter roller (72) includes a recess (80) at an end adjacent to the small-diameter roller (84) to receive the end of the small-diameter roller (84) in a non-contact state.

According to this configuration, the outer peripheral contour of the wheel becomes a shape closer to the concentric circle of the center of rotation of the hub member (30), and the rotation around the center axis of the wheel in the grounded state becomes smooth rotation with less unevenness. Become.

In the wheel, preferably, the roller support shaft (56) of the large-diameter roller support pillar (44) and the roller support shaft (60) of the small-diameter roller support pillar (46) have the same shaft length. It is a shaped part.

According to this configuration, the number of parts can be further reduced by standardizing the parts.

In the wheel, the hub member (30) includes, as one embodiment, a boss member (36) and two disc members (38) extending radially outward from the boss member (36). Including, the two disc members (38) support each roller support member (40) so as to sandwich the boss member (36) from both sides in the axial direction. Further, the hub member (30) includes, as another embodiment, a boss member (36) and a single disc member (38) extending radially outward from the boss member (36). The disc member (38) supports each roller support member (40) at a position at an intermediate portion in the axial direction of the boss member (36) or at a position at one end.

Due to such variations in the configuration of the hub member (30), wheels that meet various demands such as durability, reliability, and weight reduction can be easily provided.

According to the wheel according to the present invention, the number of parts is reduced.

A perspective view showing an embodiment of an electric wheelchair in which wheels according to the present invention are used. Side view of the wheel according to the first embodiment Vertical cross-sectional view of the wheel according to the first embodiment (cross-sectional view taken along the lines III-III of FIG. 2) An exploded perspective view of a main part of the wheel according to the first embodiment. Perspective view of the roller support portion of the wheel according to the first embodiment. Side view of the wheel according to the second embodiment Perspective view of the main part of the wheel according to the second embodiment Longitudinal section of the wheel according to another embodiment Longitudinal section of the wheel according to another embodiment

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the wheel according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an electric wheelchair in which the wheels of the first embodiment are used. The electric wheelchair is a four-wheel wheelchair having a flat and substantially rectangular body frame 10, left and right front wheels 12 and left and right rear wheels 14 supported by the body frame 10. The sizes (outer diameters) of the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 14 are approximately the same, whereby the flat body frame 10 extends substantially parallel to the ground.

On the vehicle body frame 10, an electric motor (not shown) for individually driving each rear wheel 14 and an electrical box 16 containing a control device (not shown), a battery (not shown), and the like are provided. A seat 20 is provided above the electrical box 16 by a post 18 erected from the vehicle body frame 10. The seat 20 includes a seat cushion 22, a seat back 24, and left and right armrests 26. Each armrest 26 is provided with a traveling operation unit 28 using a joystick or the like.

The wheels of the first embodiment are applied to each front wheel 12. Details of the front wheels (wheels) 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. The parts constituting the front wheel 12 are made of a metal material if the material is not particularly described.

The front wheel 12 has a hub member 30 including a center of rotation (center axis X), as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The hub member 30 is fixed to the boss member 36 to which the bearing bush 34 through which the axle 32 (see FIG. 1) penetrates is fixed, and both ends in the axial direction of the boss member 36, and extends radially outward from the boss member 36. It has two disc members 38 having the same shape and the same shape.

Twelve roller support members 40 spaced at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the hub member 30 are fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the hub member 30. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each roller support member 40 has a base portion 42 extending in the circumferential direction of the hub member 30 (hereinafter referred to as the circumferential direction) and the base portion 42 in the circumferential direction. A large-diameter roller support column 44 extending outward in the radial direction centered on the center of rotation of the hub member 30 from one end 42A, and the hub member 30 from the other end 42B in the circumferential direction of the base 42. It integrally has a small-diameter roller support column 46 extending outward in the radial direction centered on the center of rotation, and has a substantially staple shape.

In each roller support member 40, the base end of the roller support shaft 56 extending from the free end of the large diameter roller support column 44 to the side of the small diameter roller support column 46 is a bolt 58 on the large diameter roller support column 44. Is fixed by. In each roller support member 40, the base end of the roller support shaft 60 extending from the free end of the small diameter roller support pillar 46 to the side of the large diameter roller support pillar 44 is attached to the small diameter roller support pillar 46 by a bolt 62. It is fixed.

In each roller support member 40, the base 42 is adjacent to the two disc members 38 in the circumferential direction, and the large-diameter roller support columns 44 are adjacent to each other and the small-diameter roller support columns 46 are adjacent to each other. The ends 42A and 42B of the base 42 of the roller support members 40 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction overlap each other in the axial direction of the hub member 30 (hereinafter referred to as the axial direction), and the rollers adjacent to each other overlap each other. The support shaft 56 and the roller support shaft 60 are staggered so as to be located on the same axis.

The roller support members 40 are all the same parts (parts having the same shape and the same dimensions), and are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction so as to be alternately inverted in the circumferential direction. Large-diameter roller support columns 44 and small-diameter roller support columns 46 are adjacent to each other.

Each roller support member 40 has two disc members formed by a bolt 64 that penetrates the end portions 42A and 42B of the disc member 38 and the base portion 42 in the axial direction and a nut 66 (see FIG. 3) that is screw-engaged with the bolt 64. The boss member 36 is fixed to the hub member 30 so as to be sandwiched between the boss members 36 from both sides in the axial direction.

More specifically, bolt through holes 68 and 70 (see FIG. 5) are formed at the ends 42A and 42B of each roller support member 40, and the bolt through holes 68 of the adjacent roller support members 40 are adjacent ends. Due to the overlap between the 42A, the bolt through holes 70 extend on the same axis in the axial direction due to the overlap between the end portions 42B.

In this way, one bolt 64 is passed through each of the bolt through holes 68 and 70 aligned in the two adjacent roller support members 40, and the nut 66 is fastened, so that the two are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The roller support members 40 are fastened together with the hub member 30.

Each roller support shaft 56 extends in the tangential direction of a circle centered on the rotation center of the hub member 30 at its own circumferential arrangement position, and has a large diameter via a bush 74 externally fitted to the roller support shaft 56. The roller 72 is rotatably supported.

Each large-diameter roller 72 has a cylindrical boss member 76 into which the bush 74 is fitted, and a rubber body 78 having a substantially conical trapezoidal shape made of vulcanized and bonded rubber on the outer circumference of the boss member 76. Is mounted on the roller support shaft 56 so that the large diameter side of the is located on the side of the large diameter roller support column 44. The boss member 76 has a diameter-expanded cylindrical portion 80 (see FIG. 4) having an inner diameter larger than the fitting portion of the bush 74 on the small diameter side (opposite side of the support column 44 for the large diameter roller) of the substantially conical trapezoid of the roller body 78. including. The large-diameter rollers 72 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction form a substantially barrel-shaped roller in a form in which the intermediate portions in the axial direction are supported by the support columns 44 for the large-diameter rollers.

Each roller support shaft 60 extends in the tangential direction of a circle centered on the rotation center of the hub member 30 at its own arrangement position in the circumferential direction, and is a small-diameter roller via a bush 82 outerly fitted to the roller support shaft 60. The 84 is rotatably supported.

As a result, each of the large-diameter rollers 72 and each of the small-diameter rollers 84 can be rotated by the corresponding roller support member 40 around the axis extending in the tangential direction of the circles concentric with each other around the rotation center of the hub member 30. In addition, the entire roller supports the hub member 30 so that the outer peripheral contour becomes a substantially circular shape concentric with the rotation center of the hub member 30.

Each small-diameter roller 84 is a smaller diameter than the large-diameter roller 72, and the boss member 86 of the cylindrical bushing 82 is fitted, rubber substantially frustoconical roller body which is vulcanized in the outer periphery of the boss member 8 6 It has 88, and is mounted on the roller support shaft 60 so that the large diameter side of a substantially conical trapezoid is located on the side of the small diameter roller support column 46. The small-diameter rollers 84 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction form a substantially barrel-shaped roller in a form in which the intermediate portions in the axial direction are supported by the support columns 46 for the small-diameter rollers.

In each small diameter roller 84, a part of the roller body 88 on the large diameter side, more specifically, a portion where the end portion of the roller body 88 on the large diameter side is located on the rotation center side of the hub member 30 is adjacent to the circumferential direction. It enters the enlarged cylindrical portion 80 of the matching large-diameter roller 72 in a non-contact state. In this way, the diameter-expanded cylindrical portion 80 forms a recess for receiving the ends of adjacent small-diameter rollers 84 in a non-contact state.

With the above-mentioned support structure, the pair of large-diameter rollers 72 supported by the large-diameter roller support columns 44 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction to form a substantially barrel shape, and the small-diameter roller support columns 46 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. A pair of small-diameter rollers 84 that are supported and have a substantially barrel shape are alternately provided in the circumferential direction, and the outer peripheral contour becomes a concentric substantially circular shape of the rotation center of the hub member 30 by the whole of these rollers. Since the small-diameter roller 84 is fitted into the enlarged-diameter cylindrical portion 80 of the adjacent large-diameter rollers 72, the adjacent large-diameter rollers 72 and the small-diameter rollers 84 are in the circumferential direction as compared with the case where they are not fitted. The gap becomes smaller, and the outer peripheral contour becomes a shape closer to a concentric circle at the center of rotation of the hub member 30. As a result, the rotation of the front wheel 12 around the central axis X in the grounded state becomes a smooth rotation with less unevenness.

According to the structure of the first embodiment described above, the number of roller support members 40 and the set of roller support members 40 with respect to the hub member 30 as compared with the case where the large diameter roller 72 and the small diameter roller 84 are attached to individual roller support members. The number of man-hours required is halved. Moreover, since each large-diameter roller 72 and each small-diameter roller 84 are attached to each roller support member 40 in pairs, it is not necessary to prepare different roller support members 40 for the large-diameter roller 72 and the small-diameter roller 84. By standardizing parts, the number of parts (types of parts) can be reduced.

Further, in the first embodiment, the roller support shaft 56 of the large-diameter roller 72 and the roller support shaft 60 of the small-diameter roller 84 are parts having the same shaft length and the same shape. Is reduced.

Further, in the first embodiment, the two roller support members 40 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are fastened together with the hub member 30, so that the fixing points of the roller support member 40 to the hub member 30, the bolts 64, and the nuts 66 are fixed. The number of parts and the screw fastening work are halved as compared with the case where the roller support member 40 is individually fixed to the hub member 30.

Further, in the first embodiment, the support structure of the large-diameter roller 72 and the small-diameter roller 84 has a simpler structure as compared with the conventional omni-wheel type wheel including the large-diameter roller and the small-diameter roller, and has durability and reliability. Is improved, and the weight is reduced at the same time.

Further, in the first embodiment, the bolts 64 and nuts of the base portion 42 of the roller support member 40 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, as compared with the case where the roller support members are separate for the large diameter roller and the small diameter roller. The two mounting positions according to 66 can be greatly separated without increasing the peripheral length of the hub member 30. As a result, the roller support member 40 is attached to the hub member 30 with high attachment strength without causing the hub member 30 to become large.

Next, the details of the wheel (front wheel 12) of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the parts corresponding to FIGS. 2 to 5 are designated by the same reference numerals as those given in FIGS. 2 to 5, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the front wheel 12 of the second embodiment, all of the roller support members 40 are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction. The large-diameter roller support columns 44 and the small-diameter roller support columns 46 of the roller support members 40 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are in contact with each other back to back with their axial positions aligned with each other.

Each roller support member 40 is individually fixed to the hub member 30 by bolts 64 and nuts 66 at two ends 42A and 42B.

Also in the second embodiment, since each large diameter roller 72 and each small diameter roller 84 are attached to each roller support member 40 in a pair, it is necessary to prepare different roller support members for the large diameter roller 72 and the small diameter roller 84. The number of parts (types of parts) can be reduced by standardizing parts. In the second embodiment, the axial dimension of the hub member 30 does not increase.

8 and 9 each show a front wheel 12 according to another embodiment in which the structure of the hub member 30 is different.

In the front wheel 12 shown in FIG. 8, the hub member 30 includes a boss member 36 and one disc member 38 extending radially outward from the boss member 36, and the disc member 38 supports each roller. The member 40 is supported at a position corresponding to the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the boss member 36.

In the front wheel 12 shown in FIG. 9, the hub member 30 includes a boss member 36 and one disc member 38 extending radially outward from the boss member 36, and the disc member 38 supports each roller. The member 40 is supported at a position corresponding to one end of the boss member 36 in the axial direction.

Due to such variations in the configuration of the hub member 30, the front wheel 12 that meets various demands such as durability, reliability, and weight reduction can be easily provided.

Although the present invention has been described above with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, the roller support shafts 56 and 60 of the first embodiment need only extend in the tangential direction of the circle centered on the center of rotation of the hub member 30, and in each roller support member 40, the support column 44 for a large diameter roller The roller support shaft 56 of the small-diameter roller support column 46 extends to the side opposite to the large-diameter roller support column 44, even if the roller support shaft 56 of the small-diameter roller support column 46 extends to the opposite side of the large-diameter roller support column 46. It may be out. The number of roller support members 40 is not limited to 12, and may be a plurality of other four. The fixing of each roller support member 40 to the hub member 30 is not limited to that of the bolt 64 and the nut 66, and may be performed by other fasteners such as rivets.

In addition, not all of the components shown in the above embodiments are indispensable, and they can be appropriately selected as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

10: Body frame 12: Front wheels 14: Rear wheels 16: Electrical box 18: Post 20: Seat 22: Seat cushion 24: Seat back 26: Armrest 28: Traveling operation unit 30: Hub member 32: Axle 34: Bearing bush 36: Boss member 38: Disc member 40: Roller support member 42: Base 42A: End 42B: End 44: Support column for large diameter roller 46: Support column for small diameter roller 56: Roller support shaft 58: Bolt 60: Roller support shaft 62: Bolt 64: Bolt 66: Nut 68: Bolt through hole 70: Bolt through hole 72: Large diameter roller 74: Bush 76: Boss member 78: Roller body 80: Expanded diameter cylindrical part (recess)
82: Bush 84: Small diameter roller 86: Boss member 88: Roller body

Claims (8)

The hub member including the center of rotation and
A plurality of roller support members arranged in the circumferential direction of the hub member and fixed to the hub member, respectively.
Each roller support member is rotatable around an axis extending in the tangential direction of circles concentric with each other about the center of rotation of the hub member, and the outer peripheral contour of the entire roller is abbreviated as concentric with the center of rotation. In a wheel having a substantially conical trapezoidal large-diameter roller and a substantially conical trapezoidal small-diameter roller supported so as to be circular.
Each of the roller support members has a base portion extending in the circumferential direction and fixed to the hub member, and a radial direction centered on the rotation center of the hub member from each end of the base portion in the circumferential direction. Includes support columns for large-diameter rollers and support columns for small-diameter rollers that extend outward.
The large-diameter roller support column is provided with a large-diameter roller support shaft extending in the tangential direction of a circle centered on the rotation center of the hub member from the free end of the large-diameter roller support column. The roller support column is provided with a small diameter roller support shaft extending from the free end of the small diameter roller support column in the tangential direction of a circle centered on the rotation center of the hub member.
The large-diameter roller support shaft of each large-diameter roller support column supports the large-diameter roller so that the large-diameter side having a substantially conical trapezoidal shape is located on the side of the large-diameter roller support column.
The small-diameter roller support shaft of each small-diameter roller support column rotatably supports the small-diameter roller so that the large-diameter side of a substantially conical trapezoid is located on the small-diameter roller support column side.
A portion in which the base portion of the roller support member adjacent to the circumferential direction overlaps when viewed in the axial direction of the hub member is included.
The large-diameter roller support shafts of the large-diameter roller support columns of the roller support members adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are located on the same axis.
The small-diameter roller support shafts of the small-diameter roller support columns of the roller support members adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are located on the same axis.
The roller support members are staggered so that the positions of the hub members in the axial direction alternate in the circumferential direction.
A wheel in which the roller support members adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are co-tightened to the hub member by a fastener at the overlapping portion. Each of the large-diameter roller support columns of the roller support member adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction is bent toward the center of the hub member in the axial direction from the base portion to the tip end.
The wheel according to claim 1 , wherein each of the small-diameter roller support columns of the roller support member adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction is bent toward the center of the hub member in the axial direction from the base portion to the tip end. The wheel according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein each roller support member has both ends of the base portion in the circumferential direction fixed to the hub member by fasteners. The wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the large-diameter roller includes a recess at an end adjacent to the small-diameter roller that receives the end of the small-diameter roller in a non-contact state. The item according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the large-diameter roller support shaft of the large-diameter roller support pillar and the small-diameter roller support shaft of the small-diameter roller support pillar are parts having the same shaft length and the same shape. Described wheels. The hub member includes a boss member and two disc members extending radially outward from the boss member, and the two disc members hold each roller support member in the axial direction of the boss member. The wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , which is supported so as to be sandwiched from both sides. The hub member includes a boss member and a single disc member extending radially outward from the boss member, and the disc member places each roller support member in an axially intermediate portion of the boss member. The wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , which is supported at a corresponding position. The hub member includes a boss member and a single disc member extending radially outward from the boss member, and the disc member attaches each roller support member to one end of the boss member in the axial direction. The wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , which is supported at a position corresponding to the portion.

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