JPH11310186A - Bicycle having double-hand drive mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To drive a bicycle at high speed with the rider using both hands in addition to both legs and making movements like rowing a boat; to allow the bicycle to climb up a steep slope like normal bicycles with the rider in a standing pedaling position; and to apply the bicycle to a wheelchair type three-wheeled vehicle so that the three-wheeled vehicle can be driven and steered with the rider gripping a handle bar. SOLUTION: When a drive lever 6 is swung longitudinally by gripping a handle bar 2 in both hands, an output shaft 10 rotates only in one direction, i.e., an advancing direction, and drives a rear wheel 39. Cranks 31 are provided at both ends of the output shaft 10 so that the bicycle can be driven by both legs at the same time. Steering is achieved by transmitting the rotation of the handle bar 2 to the lower part of a frame by means of a universal joint 5, and a front fork 20 is controlled from the lower part. Also, a crank 35 for standing pedaling is provided so that the bicycle can climb up a steep slope as normal bicycles do with the rider in a standing pedaling position.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bicycle having a two-hand drive mechanism, and more particularly to a bicycle which can be driven by both hands and simultaneously controlled in direction.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a bicycle driven with both hands,
There is a type in which a single driving column pivotally attached to a frame is rocked back and forth with both hands and feet, thereby driving a rear wheel by rotating a sprocket wheel in a fixed direction. (Japanese Patent Publication No. 53-46331). Further, a front-wheel drive bicycle is known in which a crankshaft for both hands for driving the front wheels and a pedal for both feet are separately provided, and the bicycle runs using both hands and both feet. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,255). Furthermore, the applicant's previous application (Japanese Patent Application No. 9-116002)
), The front sprocket is rotated in one direction by a drive lever that swings back and forth with both hands to steer the front wheels while driving the rear wheels. Also, both ends of the drive shaft are provided with cranks for rowing with both feet, and the bicycle is run in a motion like rowing a boat with both hands and feet.

[0003] Among other bicycles driven by both hands, there is a three-wheeled bicycle used for a wheelchair marathon or the like. In this type of bicycle, the rider runs while rotating the ring attached to the side of the rear wheel with both hands, and reaches a steering wheel when approaching a corner to steer. That is, driving and steering are separate.

[0004]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention
In the 331 bicycle, the upper and lower sides of one drive column are to be rowed with both hands and both feet at the same time. It may be difficult to make settings like this. In this case, it is practically difficult to run with only both hands or only with both feet. In the case of the bicycle disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,255, the crankshaft for both hands is rotated in the same manner as a pedal, so that a particularly large load is applied from the shoulder to the arm of the upper body, and the bicycle is used for a long time. Not suitable for

[0005] Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 9-116002 has been proposed in view of the above problems, but as a result of subsequent studies, some difficulties have been found. One of them is that it is disadvantageous in weight as a bicycle due to the large number of parts such as links. Also, with this configuration, the rider can only drive the rear wheel in a position actually sitting on the seat, so the wheelbase is long and the front wheel load becomes too light, and there is a concern that the front wheel will rise when climbing a steep slope. is there.

In the current wheelchair-type three-wheeled vehicle, the driving and the steering are separated as described above.
During the operation of the steering wheel, the driving becomes sparse, which is disadvantageous for improving the recording.

[0007] The present invention proposes to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to allow a rider to use both hands in addition to both feet to effectively convert the muscular strength of the whole body into driving force and travel. An object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle having a small and lightweight two-hand drive mechanism while realizing it. Further, in some cases, the object is to provide a bicycle that can stand up from a seat like a normal bicycle and climb a steep slope by so-called rowing. Furthermore, by applying the two-handed drive mechanism to a wheelchair-type tricycle to provide a bicycle that can drive and steer the rear wheel while holding the handlebar even for a handicapped rider, Trying to solve the problems that belong to tricycles.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a bicycle having a two-hand drive mechanism according to the present invention swings a drive lever back and forth with both hands, and uses a one-way rotation mechanism to drive the drive lever in the forward direction. At the same time, the rotation of the handlebar integrally attached to the drive lever is transmitted to the lower part of the frame by a universal joint, from which the front fork with the front wheel mounted is moved by a rod to steer. The one-way rotation mechanism is configured so that the drive lever is not only rotatable in the forward direction, but also rotatable in the backward direction, so that all the swinging of the drive lever in the front-rear direction can be performed without waste. It is transmitted to the rear wheels as driving force.

A V-shaped crank is attached to both sides of the output shaft of the one-way rotation mechanism via a one-way clutch.
It is also possible to provide a two-leg drive mechanism for rotating this with a pedal arm having a pedal and a link. According to the two-leg drive mechanism, the rider sits on the seat and alternates both legs,
Alternatively, if the driver steps in a straight line, the driving force is transmitted to the output shaft. And when you return your foot,
The pedal returns to the original position by the action of the provided return spring.

Further, in addition to the crank of the two-leg drive mechanism described above, a standing crank is attached to both ends of the output shaft. This crank is used particularly for climbing a steep hill. A rider stands up from a seat and can stand in a posture similar to that of a normal bicycle while leaning forward.

The bicycle having the two-hand drive mechanism of the present invention is configured as described above, and can select various drive types according to running conditions. First of all, when aiming for high-speed running, you can use your both hands and feet to effectively convert the muscular strength of the whole body into driving force by running like a boat and run the bicycle. Then lean your upper body on the seat, pull the handlebar close to you, and row using only your feet,
It can run long distances in a relaxed posture like a so-called recumbent bicycle. And once you are on a steep hill, you can switch to a standing crank and climb up the hill. Finally, if the two-hand drive mechanism of the present invention is applied to a three-wheeled bicycle used for a wheelchair marathon or the like, since the rider can drive and steer while holding the handlebar, the physical burden is lighter than a conventional tricycle. Thus, recording can be improved.

[0012]

1 to 8 show a first embodiment of a bicycle having a two-hand drive mechanism according to the present invention. The bicycle includes a frame 1, a handlebar 2, a steerable front wheel 38, and a drive chain 24. And a rear wheel 39 driven and rotated by a two-hand drive mechanism.

The two-hand drive mechanism has a lower end pivotally attached to the frame 1 and is provided to be swingable in the front-rear direction. The forward and reverse swing of the drive lever 6 is used as a rotational force only in the forward direction. It is composed of a one-way rotation mechanism for transmitting to the drive sprocket 21.

The lower end of the drive lever 6 is pivotally attached to the frame 1 so as to sandwich the down tube 1a. The intermediate shaft of the universal joint 5 connected to the handlebar 2 is rotatably mounted on the upper end. Have been.
In addition, the bending point at the lower end of the universal joint 5 is aligned with the pivot point at the lower end of the drive lever 6, so that the two swing back and forth integrally. (See FIGS. 3 and 7).

The upper end of the universal joint 5 is fixed to the handlebar mounting shaft 3 rotatably inserted into the steering bracket 4, and the lower end is fixed to the intermediate shaft 16 rotatably inserted into the down tube 1a of the frame. .

Numeral 14 denotes a parallel link, the length of the upper and lower mounting portions being the same as the length between the upper and lower bending points of the universal joint 5, the upper end being rotatably mounted on the steering bracket 4 and the lower end being mounted on the down tube 1a. With this configuration, the handle operation is facilitated by keeping the handle mounting shaft 3 vertical at all times while the handlebar 2 swings back and forth. (See FIG. 1).

Reference numeral 1b denotes a top tube of the frame 1, which has a shape slightly projecting to the right side of the vehicle body so as not to hinder the drive lever 6 from swinging back and forth. The swing stopper 15 attached to the top tube 1b limits the further forward lean of the handlebar 2 by receiving the parallel link 14.

The drive sprocket 21 shown in FIG.
Is mounted with a drive chain 24, and is bridged between a multi-stage sprocket 22 attached to a rear wheel axle and a transmission 23. The transmission 23 controls the position of the drive chain on the multi-stage sprocket 22, and is provided with a transmission lever (not shown) attached to the grip of the handlebar 2.
It is the same as a normal bicycle that can be operated to select an arbitrary gear ratio.

The drive lever 6 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 has a shaft on which the intermediate link 7 is mounted at the upper end of the left side surface, and three pins provided at the front edge below the shaft. The intermediate link 7 is generally U-shaped, and has a recess formed on the front edge of the upper half thereof to fit the three pins of the drive lever 6. Reference numeral 8 denotes an input lever. The upper end of the input lever and the drive lever 6 are connected by an intermediate link 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive lever 6 is in the most inclined position, and the intermediate link 7 is in the shape of an arrow.
The upper half overlaps with the drive lever 6, and the three pins and the recess at the front edge are in contact. Then, the input lever 8 is pulled forward.

When the drive lever 6 starts swinging backward, first, the three pins on its side work in order from the bottom to push the depression of the intermediate link 7, and the input lever 8 is moved through the intermediate link 7. Push backward. When the drive lever 6 further swings, and the three pins move away from the recesses, the entire intermediate link 7 operates and the input lever 8 swings to the end. (See FIG. 3). Next, when the drive lever 6 reverses and swings forward, the input lever 8 swings to the front end by being pulled by it. In the above configuration, the drive lever 6
When the swing angle of the input lever 8 is 70 °, the swing angle of the input lever 8 is enlarged to 1.7 ° that is 120 °.

The one-way rotating mechanism shown in FIGS.
A gear, a sprocket, and a one-way clutch are combined with two shafts of the output shaft 10 and are supported by bearings 9a and 10a and mounted on the frame 1. Output shaft 1
At 0, a drive sprocket 21 is mounted via a centrifugal clutch 25.

An input lever 8 is fixed to the left end of the input shaft 9, and a gear 11a is mounted adjacent to the input lever 8 via a one-way clutch 13a. Further, the right end of the input shaft 9 is connected to the sprocket 12 via a one-way clutch 13b.
a is attached. A gear 11b is directly attached to the output shaft 10 at a position where the gear 11a meshes with the gear 11a of the input shaft 9, and a sprocket 12b is directly attached at a position aligned with the sprocket 12a, and both sprockets 12a and 12b are mounted in a chain. .

Here, the one-way clutch 13a of the base of the gear 11a is mounted so as to engage clockwise of the input shaft 9 and idle free counterclockwise. Conversely, the one-way clutch 13b at the base of the sprocket 12a is mounted so as to rotate clockwise of the input shaft 9 and engage counterclockwise.

In the one-way rotation mechanism configured as described above, when the input lever 8 rotates the input shaft 9 clockwise, the one-way clutch 13a at the base of the gear 11a is engaged and meshes with the gear 11a. The gear 11b and the output shaft 10 are turned counterclockwise. Then, the sprocket 12b fixed to the output shaft 10 turns the sprocket 12a mounted on the chain counterclockwise. In this case, the one-way clutch 13b at the base of the sprocket 12a idles, so that the rotation of the input shaft 9 and the output shaft 10 is not hindered.

Next, when the input lever 8 is reversed and the input shaft 9 is turned counterclockwise, the one-way clutch 13b at the base of the sprocket 12a is engaged, and the one-way clutch 13a at the base of the gear 11a idles. . Thus, the sprocket 12a rotates the sprocket 12b and the output shaft 10 counterclockwise. In this case, the gear 11b rotates the gear 11a clockwise, but does not hinder the rotation of the input shaft 9 or the output shaft 10 because the one-way clutch 13a idles as described above. As is apparent from the above description, the forward and backward swinging of the input lever 8 causes the output shaft 10 of the one-way rotating mechanism to rotate counterclockwise, that is, to rotate one direction without any break in the forward direction.

The above-described one-way rotating mechanism is basically composed of the input shaft 9.
Of the swinging rotations in the forward and reverse directions, the forward direction is directly transmitted to the output shaft 10 by the sprocket and the chain, and the movement of the adjacent gear is invalidated by idle rotation of the one-way clutch. Conversely, the reverse direction is reversed by gears in the forward direction, and this time the sprocket is disabled. Therefore, the mounting position of the one-way clutch is not limited to the above embodiment, and the mounting position may be on either side of the pair of gears or the pair of sprockets as long as the engagement direction is appropriate.

FIG. 6 shows the centrifugal clutch 25, in which the cylindrical inner shaft 26 fixed to the output shaft 10 and the outer frame 2 are shown.
7, and a claw 28. The claw 28 is rotatably held on the inner shaft 26 by a pivot 29, and is urged inward by a spring 30 at rest, so as not to engage with the outer frame 27.

The centrifugal clutch 25 performs the following functions. That is, if the drive sprocket 21 is fixed directly to the output shaft 10 like a normal bicycle, and the bicycle is moved backward, the output shaft 10 rotates clockwise (reverse rotation).
Try to turn to. (See FIG. 4). Then, the gear 11b fixed to the output shaft 10 tries to rotate the meshed gear 11a counterclockwise, and the sprocket 12b similarly fixed to the output shaft 10 tries to rotate the sprocket 12a mounted in a chain clockwise. . At this time, the one-way clutches 13a and 13b mounted between the gear 11a, the sprocket 12a and the input shaft 9 are respectively engaged, and the input shaft 9 obtains a rotational force in opposite directions from both ends. Lock it. As a result, the bicycle cannot be retracted. This is inconvenient to handle,
The centrifugal clutch 25 described above is provided between the output shaft 10 and the drive sprocket 21 so as not to engage with the drive sprocket 21 unless the output shaft 10 rotates.

The handlebar 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 is fitted on a handlebar mounting shaft 3 rotatably inserted into a steering bracket 4, and a universal joint 5 is fixed to a lower end of the mounting shaft 3. I have. The lower end of the universal joint 5 is fixed to an intermediate shaft 16 rotatably inserted into the down tube 1a of the frame 1. Further, a link plate 1 having an upwardly projecting shaft at both ends at a lower end of the intermediate shaft 16 via a universal joint 17.
8 is fixed. On the other hand, the front fork 20 with the front wheel is also provided with a protruding shaft at both shoulder portions upward, so that the link plate 18 and the front fork 20
Are connected by steering rods 19, 19.

According to the steering mechanism configured as described above, the left and right rotation of the handlebar 2 is transmitted from the handlebar mounting shaft 3 to the universal joint 5, and is transmitted through the intermediate shaft 16 and the universal joint 17. The link plate 18 is rotated. Then, the front fork 20 and the front wheel 38 connected by the steering rod 19 are steered.

At both ends of the output shaft 10 shown in FIG. 5, a total of four cranks for rowing using both feet are provided.
Of these, V-shaped cranks 31, 31 for sitting and rowing on a seat 37 are mounted on the inside, and are mounted on the output shaft 10 via one-way clutches 13c, 13c. The one-way clutch 13c is mounted so as to engage counterclockwise (forward direction) in FIG.

Then, a pedal arm 33 having a pedal 34 attached to the tip thereof is flexibly connected to the link 32, and the connection point is placed on the tip recess of the upper arm 31a of the V-shaped crank 31, and the other end of the link 32 Is rotatably attached to the tip of the arm 31b. Then, a return spring 33a is provided at a connection point between the pedal arm 33 and the link 32, and a return spring 32a is provided at a connection point between the link 32 and the V-shaped crank 31.
Are attached. Further, the return spring 31c has one end fixed to the lower portion of the frame 1 and the other end fixed to the arm 31a of the V-shaped crank 31. (FIGS. 5 and 8). However, regarding the V-shaped crank 31 on the right side of the vehicle body, since the drive sprocket 21 becomes an obstacle, a return spring 31c is attached to the arm 31a via an auxiliary fitting 31d to avoid this.

Mounted directly on the outside of the V-shaped crank 31 are standing cranks 35, 35 having pedals 36. The left and right sides are 180.degree. It is stuck to. (See FIG. 1).

In the V-shaped crank 31 for sitting posture of the two-leg drive mechanism, when the pedal 34 is depressed forward from the original position as shown in FIG. 8, the connecting portion between the pedal arm 33 and the link 32 is first suspended. Of the upper arm 31a of the V-shaped crank, and then the link 32
Continues to rotate the arm 31b. During this time, the one-way clutch 13c mounted on the base of the V-shaped crank 31 is engaged, and the output shaft 10 is rotated in the forward direction. Next, when the stepped foot is returned, the return springs 31c, 32
The pedals 34 and the V-shaped crank 31 return to their original positions by the action of a and 33a. At this time, the one-way clutch 13
c idles. As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, the output shaft 10 obtains the driving force from both hands and both feet simultaneously or separately.

The rowing crank 35 is fixed to the output shaft 10 as described above. When the rider approaches a steep slope, he pushes the handlebar 2 forward, and the pedal 36
You will have to stand up and climb the hill as you would with a normal bicycle. Although the crank 35 continues to rotate while the rider is running in a sitting position, the crank 35 does not interfere with the rider's feet even in this case.

[0036]

As described above, in the bicycle of the present invention, referring to the rowing motion, the trajectory in which the rider pushes and pulls both hands back and forth on the seat 37 and the trajectory in which both feet step forward and backward are assumed first. Each of them is set so that the handlebar 2 and the pedal 34 operate so as to overlap with the trajectory. Therefore, the rider is able to drive the bicycle by using his / her strength to the maximum. In particular, the structure of the two-hand drive mechanism is greatly changed as compared with the previous application (Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 9-116002), so that it is smaller and lighter, and has the effect of shortening the wheelbase of the bicycle. By newly providing a standing row crank 35, it is easy to climb a steep slope.

To describe the actual riding of a bicycle having such a two-hand drive mechanism, the rider sits on the seat 37, pulls the handlebar 2 forward, and alternately rows the pedals 34 as in a normal bicycle. Then the V-shaped crank 31
When the output shaft 10 rotates, the centrifugal clutch 25 is engaged and the drive sprocket 2
1 is driven to rotate the rear wheel 39 via the drive chain 24, and the bicycle starts moving forward. When the speed increases, the handlebar 2 is rocked back and forth as if to row a boat, and both feet are aligned. Thereafter, when this operation is repeated, the bicycle driven by both hands and feet runs at high speed. Next, if you propose a more relaxed way of riding, lean your upper body against the seat 37 and bend your elbows like a so-called recumbent type bicycle, and pull the handlebar 2 close to you. It is also possible to go long distances by rowing the cranks 31 alternately.
When the vehicle is approaching a steep slope, the handlebar 2 is pushed to the swing stopper 15, the pedal 36 is depressed, and the rider goes uphill while standing with the center of gravity in front of the vehicle.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment, in which the present invention is applied to a wheelchair-type three-wheeled bicycle. That is, in this embodiment, as shown in the figure, the vehicle height is lowered, two rear wheels 39 are provided, and the front wheels 38 are steered while driving the rear wheel axle by the two-hand drive mechanism. The rear wheel is also provided with a conventional ring 40 so that it can be driven directly by hand. Except for this point, the overall configuration of the frame 1 is different, and the two-wheel drive mechanism is not used.
In the present embodiment, the rider does not take an unreasonable posture imposed by the conventional tricycle, but drives up while steering while holding the handlebar 2 with both hands while holding the upper body.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first embodiment having a two-hand drive mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which the drive lever in the above is tilted forward.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state in which the drive lever in the above is tilted most rearward.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a one-way rotation mechanism in the same.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the output shaft in the above.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the centrifugal clutch in the same.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a steering mechanism in the same.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing the two-foot drive mechanism in the same.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a second embodiment having the two-hand drive mechanism of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Frame 2 Handlebar 5 Universal joint 6 Drive lever 7 Intermediate link 8 Input lever 9 Input shaft 10 Output shaft 11a, 11b Gear 12a, 12b Sprocket 13a, 13b, 13c One-way clutch 16-20 Steering mechanism 21 Drive sprocket 31-34 Double-leg drive mechanism

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A drive lever (6) which is swingable in the front-rear direction with a frame lower part (1a) as a fulcrum, is connected to the drive lever (6) by an intermediate link (7), and swings in both forward and reverse directions. A rear wheel (39) driven by a drive sprocket (21) having a dynamically rotating input lever (8) fixed to an input shaft (9) of a one-way rotation mechanism and attached to an output shaft (10) of the same direction rotation mechanism. And the drive lever (6)
A bicycle having a two-hand drive mechanism including front wheels that can be steered by a handlebar (2) attached to an upper part of the bicycle. 2. The one-way rotation mechanism according to claim 1, wherein one of the input shaft (9) and the output shaft (10) is attached to a gear (11a, 11).
b) and the other sprocket (1)
2a, 12b) and one of the two gears (11a, 11b) and one of the two sprockets (12a, 12b) are mounted on a one-way clutch (13a, 12b). The bicycle having a two-hand drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle is attached to the input shaft (9) or the output shaft (10) via 13b). 3. The intermediate link (7) has a hiragana-shaped configuration, and the upper half of the intermediate link (7) is driven when the drive lever (6) is at the most inclined position. 2. The bicycle with a two-hand drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a protrusion overlapping the lever (6) and locking the front edge of the intermediate link (7) is provided on the drive lever (6). 4. A V-shaped crank (31) is provided at both ends of the output shaft (10) via a one-way clutch (13c), and a pedal (33) having a pedal (34) attached to the tip and a link (32). ) Are flexibly connected, and the connection is connected to the upper arm (31) of the V-shaped crank (31).
a '), the other end of the link (32) is connected to the tip of the lower arm (31b) of the V-shaped crank, and the link is returned between the V-shaped crank (31) and the frame (1). A spring (31C), a return spring (32a) between the link (32) and the V-shaped crank (31), and a return spring (33a) between the pedal arm (33) and the link (32).
A bicycle having the two-hand drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle is mounted. 5. The steering mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a universal joint (5) attached to a lower end of the handlebar (2) is rotatably inserted into a lower portion (1a) of the frame.
6), a link plate (18) is fixed to a lower end of the intermediate shaft (16) via a universal joint (17), and a projection shaft provided at both ends of the link plate (18) and a front fork ( The bicycle having a two-hand drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the protruding shafts provided on both shoulders of (20) are connected by steering rods (19, 19). 6. The bicycle having a two-hand drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle is a wheelchair-type tricycle having two rear wheels.