JP2008038993A - Wheel driving device and wheelchair - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wheel driving device or a wheelchair capable of reducing a torsion angle of a switching member while maintaining a flexible property of the switching member switching the mode of a force transmission mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: A lever 12 extends in a curved shape. The force transmission mechanism 40 is arranged between the lever 12 and a wheel. When the lever 12 is rocked, rotation force is imparted to the X direction with respect to the wheel and the wheel is loosely rolled to the Y direction when the force transmission mechanism 40 is in a first mode, and the rotation force is imparted to the Y direction and the wheel is loosely rolled to the X direction when the force transmission mechanism 40 is in a second mode. The switching member 72 is provided for switching the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40. The switching member 72 includes a linear non-flexible member 721 wherein a rotation angle of one end and a rotation angle of the other end is substantially identical, and a bendable wire 722 having one end fixed to the non-flexible member 721. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is used for a moving body that travels by rotation of a wheel, and is capable of rotating the wheel by swinging a lever with respect to the wheel, and a wheelchair provided with the wheel drive device. About.

  In this specification, a case where a wheelchair is adopted as an example of the moving body and the wheel driving device is used for a wheelchair will be described below.

  In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for moving a mobile body represented by a wheelchair by lever operation. A conventional example of a wheelchair provided with a lever for rotating a wheel is described in Patent Document 1, for example.

  In the wheelchair described in Patent Document 1, a force transmission mechanism that applies a rotational force to the wheel in the first direction or the second direction when the lever is swung is provided between the lever and the wheel (that is, Provided at the base end of the lever).

  The force transmission mechanism is configured to be switchable between the first mode and the second mode. In the case of the first mode, the rotational force is applied in the first direction with respect to the wheel by the swing of the lever. Is granted. On the other hand, in the case of the second mode, a rotational force is applied to the wheel in the second direction by the swing of the lever.

  Furthermore, this wheelchair has a switching member for switching the mode of the force transmission mechanism. When the mode of the force transmission mechanism is switched by the switching member, the direction of the rotational force applied to the wheel, that is, the traveling direction of the wheelchair is changed.

  Moreover, the lever provided in the wheelchair extends in a curved shape from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side of the wheel. This makes the lever aesthetic and makes it easier for a seated occupant to grip the tip of the lever.

  Note that the switching member uses a wire in order to provide flexibility because the lever is curved. This wire extends from the distal end of the lever (the end opposite to the proximal end) to the proximal end, and the axis of rotation of the wire is rotated by the switching operation section provided at the distal end of the lever. It is configured to be rotatable as a center. And when a wire rotates, the direction of the rotational force provided with respect to a wheel is switched with rocking | fluctuation of a lever.

Japanese Patent No. 3689101

  However, when the wire is rotated around the axis of the wire as the rotation center, there is a risk that a phase difference will occur between the rotation angle at the distal end of the lever and the rotation angle at the proximal end of the lever. If there is a phase difference between the rotation angle at the distal end of the lever and the rotation angle at the proximal end of the lever, switching of the mode of the force transmission mechanism becomes insufficient, and the user of the moving body (wheelchair seated person) There is a problem that it is difficult to run a wheelchair such as a moving body in a desired direction.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and maintains the flexibility of the switching member for switching the mode of the force transmission mechanism, while maintaining the rotation angle of the switching member and the lever base at the tip of the lever. Provided is a wheel drive device and a wheelchair that can efficiently move a moving body in a direction desired by a user of the moving body by reducing a phase difference between the rotation angle of the switching member at the end portion. For the purpose.

  The mobile body to which the present invention can be applied is a non-electrically powered mobile body that manually rotates a wheel without an electric drive means, and is represented by a self-propelled wheelchair, for example, a bicycle. A non-electric two-wheeled vehicle, a non-electric three-wheeled vehicle, and a toy imitating these can be considered.

  In the present invention, the following features are provided alone or in combination as appropriate.

  The wheel drive device according to the present invention for solving the above problems is used in a moving body that travels by rotation of a wheel, and is provided to extend from the approximate center of the wheel toward the outside of the diameter of the wheel, A wheel drive device for rotating the wheel by swinging with respect to the wheel, the lever extending in a curved shape and having a grip at one end, the lever and the lever are provided And is switchable to at least the first mode or the second mode, and when provided in the moving body, when the lever swings, the first mode is changed to the first mode or the second mode. In some cases, a rotational force is applied to the wheel in one direction, and the wheel rotates in another direction opposite to the one direction. On the other hand, in the second aspect, the wheel is rotated. Other direction A force transmission mechanism that applies a rotational force and idles in the one direction, and a shaft-shaped member that is provided along the lever, and has a mode of the force transmission mechanism when rotated about an axis. A switching member that switches, and a force transmission mode switching mechanism that is provided in the vicinity of the gripping part and that rotates the switching member, and the switching member has a rotation angle at one end. And a linear non-flexible member whose rotation angle of the other end is substantially the same, and a bendable member that has one end fixed to the non-flexible member and can be bent. It is characterized by that.

  According to the above configuration, when the wheel driving device according to the present invention is used for a moving body having a frame that rotatably supports the wheel, the lever is curved from the approximate center of the wheel toward the outer diameter of the wheel. It is provided extending in a shape. Therefore, since the switching member provided along the lever cannot be linear, the switching member has substantially the same rotation angle at one end and the rotation angle at the other end. It includes a linear non-flexible member, and a flexible member having one end fixed to the non-flexible member and capable of being bent. The switching member rotates in the same direction as the switching operation unit when the switching operation unit provided in the vicinity of the gripping portion of the lever is rotated in a rotation direction centering on the longitudinal direction of the lever.

  A wheelchair according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is supported by a frame having a seat part so as to be rotatable, and a plurality of wheels arranged at least one on both sides sandwiching the seat part, A lever provided on at least one of the wheels so as to be swingable, extending in a curved shape from the approximate center of the wheel toward the outer diameter of the wheel, and having a gripping portion at an end of the outer diameter of the wheel; The first mode is arranged between the lever and the wheel provided with the lever, and is switchable to at least the first mode or the second mode, and when the lever swings. In this case, a rotational force is applied to the wheel in one direction, and the wheel rotates in the other direction opposite to the one direction. On the other hand, in the second aspect, the wheel Apply rotational force in the other direction A force transmission mechanism that swings in the one direction, a shaft-shaped member provided along the lever, and a switching member that switches the mode of the force transmission mechanism when rotated about an axis. A force transmission mode switching mechanism provided in the vicinity of the grip portion and having a switching operation unit for rotating the switching member, wherein the switching member has a rotation angle of one end and the other end. A linear non-flexible member having substantially the same rotation angle, and one end portion fixed to the non-flexible member and bendable. .

  According to the wheelchair configured as described above, the lever is provided to extend in a curved shape from the approximate center of the wheel toward the outside of the diameter of the wheel. Therefore, since the switching member provided along the lever cannot be linear, the switching member has substantially the same rotation angle at one end and the rotation angle at the other end. It includes a linear non-flexible member, and a flexible member having one end fixed to the non-flexible member and capable of being bent. The switching member rotates in the same direction as the switching operation unit when the switching operation unit provided in the vicinity of the gripping portion of the lever is rotated in a rotation direction centering on the longitudinal direction of the lever.

  In the wheel drive device or wheelchair according to the present invention, a bevel gear is provided at the other end of the bending member, and the force transmission mechanism includes an outer race having a substantially circular hollow portion, and the outer race. A substantially circular inner race that is disposed in the hollow portion and fixed to the lever, a pedestal formed with a notch that is screwed into the bevel gear in the circumferential direction, and is placed on the pedestal and the outer race and the A plurality of rollers that are disposed between the inner race and have substantially the same diameter; a support member that is erected from the pedestal and that is disposed between the rollers adjacent to each other and supports each roller; and the plurality of rollers And a wedge-clamping element having an elastic member that urges each of the rollers toward the outer race or the inner race, and the inner race has the outer race from the outer peripheral surface of the inner race. A narrow portion where the distance to the inner peripheral surface of the roller is smaller than the diameter of the roller, and a wide portion where the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the inner race to the inner peripheral surface of the outer race is larger than the diameter of the roller. A plurality of rollers are formed, and one roller is disposed between two narrow portions sandwiching one wide portion, and the switching member is rotated about the axis by the switching operation portion. When the pedestal is rotated in the circumferential direction by the bevel gear, the roller moves between the two wide portions sandwiching the one narrow portion, whereby the force transmission mechanism is It is preferable to switch between the mode and the second mode.

  According to the above configuration, the inner race rotates when the lever is swung. Moreover, the roller is mounted on the pedestal and is disposed one by one between two narrow portions sandwiching the wide portion. The distance between the wide portion and the outer race is larger than the diameter of the roller, and the distance between the narrow portion and the outer race is smaller than the diameter of the roller. Therefore, when the roller is arranged in the vicinity of one of the two narrow portions, if the lever is swung toward the other narrow portion, the inner race and the outer race are connected by the wedge tightening effect. It becomes. On the other hand, when the lever is swung toward the narrow portion on the side where the roller is disposed, the inner race and the outer race are disconnected from each other, and the inner race is idle with respect to the outer race. The position of this roller can be switched by rotating a bevel gear that is screwed into the notch of the pedestal. Note that the bevel gear is provided at an end portion of the bending member and thus the switching member.

  In the wheel drive device or the wheelchair according to the present invention, at least one end of the non-flexible member is formed in a square shape, and the non-flexible member formed in a square shape in the switching operation portion. It is preferable that a square hole is formed in which one end of each is fitted.

  In the wheel drive device or wheelchair according to the present invention, the force transmission mechanism is configured so as to be grasped by the rotational position of the switching operation unit, and the bending member and the non-flexing It is preferable that the members are connected and fixed to each other by a connecting member that can be connected at an arbitrary angle with respect to the rotation direction about the axis.

  According to the first and fifth aspects of the present invention, the switching member includes a linear non-flexible member in which the rotation angle at one end and the rotation angle at the other end are substantially the same. The one end portion is fixed to the non-flexible member and includes a bendable flexible member. Therefore, the phase difference between the rotation angle of the switching member at the distal end portion of the lever and the rotation angle of the switching member at the proximal end portion of the lever is maintained while maintaining the flexibility of the switching member for switching the mode of the force transmission mechanism. Can be small. As a result, the moving body can be efficiently driven in the direction desired by the user of the moving body.

  According to the second and sixth aspects of the invention, when the inner race and the outer race are not connected, the distance between the inner race and the outer race is larger than the diameter of the roller. Even if it is moved, the inner race rotates freely with respect to the outer race. Thereby, an impact is not added to the hand holding the lever. Further, since the bevel gear is provided at the end of the switching member, the mode of the force transmission mechanism can be switched by rotating the switching operation unit provided in the vicinity of the gripping portion of the lever. That is, since the mode of the force transmission mechanism can be switched while holding the lever, the moving direction of the moving body can be switched without imposing a physical burden on the user of the moving body, such as a seated person in a wheelchair. Can do.

  According to the third and seventh aspects of the present invention, by inserting one end of the non-flexible member into the square hole formed in the switching operation portion, the non-flexion is caused by the rotation of the switching operation portion. The bending member and thus the switching member can be rotated. Thereby, it becomes possible to connect a switching operation part and a switching member easily.

  According to invention of Claim 4 and Claim 8, both a bending member and a non-flexing member can connect both in arbitrary rotation angles. Accordingly, it is possible to easily perform a correction operation for making the mode of the force transmission mechanism coincide with the mode of the force transmission mechanism that can be grasped by the rotational position of the switching operation unit, and it is possible to improve workability.

  Hereinafter, an example of a suitable embodiment of a wheel drive device concerning the present invention and a wheelchair to which this wheel drive device was attached is explained, referring to each figure. In the present embodiment, the rotation direction of the wheel when the wheelchair moves forward is referred to as the X direction, and the rotation direction of the wheel when the wheelchair moves backward is referred to as the Y direction. The X direction corresponds to “one direction” of the present invention, and the Y direction corresponds to “other direction” of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a wheel drive device according to the present invention.

  The wheel drive device 10 is used in, for example, a wheelchair that travels by rotation of a wheel, and when attached to the wheelchair, a manual lever 12 that can swing with respect to the wheel, a rotating unit 20, and a fixed unit 30. And a force transmission mechanism 40 and a force transmission mode switching mechanism 70.

  The lever 12 extends in a curved shape and has a grip 121 at the end. The lever 12 is formed in a curved shape from the viewpoint of aesthetics and from the viewpoint of making it easier for a seated person in a wheelchair to grip the grip portion 121, for example.

  The rotating portion 20 is a portion that rotates relative to the wheelchair as the lever 12 swings when the wheel drive device 10 is attached to the wheelchair, and includes a cup body 22 and a hub 24.

  The cup body 22 is fixed and attached to the end portion of the lever 12 (more specifically, the end portion opposite to the gripping portion 121), and is a substantially circular member formed in a tray shape or a bowl shape. . The hub 24 is a longitudinal member having a substantially circular disc portion formed at the center, and one end portion is formed in a T shape. Then, both end portions are integrally attached to the cup body 22 such that the disc portion is disposed at the center of the cup body 22.

  The fixing unit 30 is fixed to the wheelchair so that rotation in the X direction or the Y direction is restricted when the wheel driving device 10 is attached to the wheelchair, that is, a portion that does not rotate with the swing of the lever 12. And includes a shaft member 32 and a limiting member 34.

  The shaft member 32 is fixed to the wheelchair frame through the wheel of the wheelchair described below. The restricting member 34 is a member for restricting the rotation range of the rotating unit 20, that is, the swinging range of the lever 12 by contacting the hub 24 when the rotating unit 20 rotates.

  The force transmission mechanism 40 is housed in a recess formed in a cup shape or a bowl shape of the cup body 22. In other words, it is arranged between the lever 12 and a wheel of a wheelchair described later. The force transmission mechanism 40 can be switched to any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect.

  When the wheel drive device 10 is attached to a wheelchair, if the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the first mode or the second mode, the lever 12 is swung in either direction with respect to the wheel. A rotational force can be applied. In the case of the third mode, even if the lever 12 is swung, it rotates freely with respect to the wheel, and the rotational force cannot be applied in any direction (that is, the third mode is “neutral”. Become). Details of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect will be described later.

  The force transmission mechanism 40 includes a first gear 42, a second gear 44, a third gear 46, a fourth gear 48, an inner race 50, and a wedge tightening element 52. The first gear 42 corresponds to the “outer race” of the present invention.

  The configuration of the force transmission mechanism 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the force transmission mechanism 40.

  The first gear 42 has a substantially circular hollow portion 421 and is arranged so as to be screwed with a second gear 44 (see FIG. 1) fixedly attached to the limiting member 34 (see FIG. 1). Yes. Further, the third gear 46 is concentric with the second gear 44 and is disposed so as to be integrated with the second gear 44. Further, the fourth gear 48 (see FIG. 1) is disposed so as to be concentric with the first gear 42 and screwed with the third gear 46. The fourth gear 48 is fixed to a wheel described later.

  Accordingly, when the first gear 42 rotates, the second gear 44 that is screwed to the first gear 42 rotates. And if the 2nd gear 44 rotates, the 3rd gear 46 integral with this will rotate. Further, when the third gear 46 rotates, the fourth gear 48 screwed with the third gear 46 rotates. Since the fourth gear 48 is fixed to the wheel, when the first gear 42 rotates, this rotational force is transmitted to the wheel via the second gear 44, the third gear 46 and the fourth gear 48.

  A wedge tightening element 52 and an inner race 50 are disposed in the hollow portion 421 of the first gear 42. More specifically, the wedge tightening element 52 is disposed inside the first gear 42, and the inner race 50 is disposed inside the wedge tightening element 52. That is, the wedge tightening element 52 is disposed between the first gear 42 and the inner race 50.

  Further, the shaft member 32 penetrates through the center O of the inner race 50 so as to be rotatable with respect to the inner race 50. Here, the inner race 50 is concentric with the disc portion of the hub 24 and is fixedly attached integrally with the hub 24. Therefore, when the lever 12 is swung, the inner race 50 is rotated with the rotation of the hub 24. Rotate.

  On the other hand, the shaft member 32 is fixed to the frame of the wheelchair. That is, when the wheel drive device 10 is attached to the wheelchair, the inner race 50 rotates with respect to the shaft member 32 when the lever 12 is swung.

  Here, the shape of the inner race 50 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an example of the periphery of the inner race 50.

  The inner race 50 is a plate-like member formed in a polygon. The corner of this polygon is the maximum diameter portion 501 having the longest distance from the center O to the outer periphery. Thereby, the number of corners of the polygon and the number of maximum diameter portions 501 are the same.

  An arc that is recessed toward the center O is formed between one maximum diameter portion 501 and another maximum diameter portion 501 adjacent to the one maximum diameter portion 501. Thus, the smallest diameter portion 502 having the smallest distance from the center O to the outer periphery is formed between the one largest diameter portion 501 and another largest diameter portion 501 adjacent to the one largest diameter portion 501. The Rukoto. The maximum diameter portion 501 corresponds to the “narrow portion” of the present invention, and the minimum diameter portion 502 corresponds to the “wide portion” of the present invention.

  A bevel gear 76 connected to a wire 722 (described later) is disposed in the vicinity of the disc portion of the hub 24.

  Next, the configuration of the wedge tightening element 52 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing an example of the wedge tightening element 52.

  The wedge-clamping element 52 includes a pedestal 54, a plurality of rollers 56, a plurality of support columns 58, and a plurality of elastic members 60. The support column 58 corresponds to the “support member” of the present invention.

  The pedestal 54 has a substantially circular shape having a hollow portion 542, and a cutout portion 541 that is screwed into the bevel gear 76 is formed along a portion of the outer peripheral surface.

  On this pedestal 54, a plurality of cylindrical rollers 56 having substantially the same diameter r are arranged and arranged around the hollow portion 542. More specifically, when the inner race 50 is disposed on the inner diameter side of the wedge-clamping element 52, the one largest diameter portion 501 and the other largest diameter portion 501 adjacent to the one largest diameter portion 501. The rollers 56 are arranged and placed on the pedestal 54 so that the rollers 56 are arranged one by one.

  Further, a support column 58 is erected from the pedestal 54 toward the side on which the roller 56 is placed. The support columns 58 are provided one by one between the rollers 56 adjacent to each other (that is, between one roller and another roller), and support the rollers 56. Further, between the rollers 56 adjacent to each other, a leaf spring is disposed as an elastic member 60 that urges each roller 56 toward the inside of the diameter of the base 54.

  In addition, since the inner race 50 is disposed on the inner side of the base 54, “toward the inner side of the base 54” in the present embodiment has the same meaning as “toward the inner race” of the present invention.

  Next, the operation of the force transmission mechanism 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a detailed view of part A shown in FIG. 2 and shows the case where the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the first mode. FIG. 6 is a detailed view of part A shown in FIG. 2 and shows the case where the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the second mode. FIG. 7 is a detailed view of part A shown in FIG. 2 and shows the case where the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the third mode.

  5-7, the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the inner race 50 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is the distance σ from the maximum diameter portion 501 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42. Is the smallest, and the distance ξ from the smallest diameter portion 502 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is the largest. The distance σ from the maximum diameter portion 501 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is smaller than the diameter r of the roller 56, and the distance ξ from the minimum diameter portion 502 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is It is larger than the diameter r.

  In the first mode shown in FIG. 5, the roller 56 disposed between the X direction maximum diameter portion 501a and the Y direction maximum diameter portion 501b adjacent to the X direction maximum diameter portion 501a is Y It arrange | positions in the direction side largest diameter part 501b vicinity.

  In the case where the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the first mode, when the lever 12 (see FIG. 1) is swung in the X direction, the inner race 50 rotates in the X direction. At this time, due to the wedge tightening effect of the roller 56, the inner race 50 and the first gear 42 are connected in the X direction, and the inner race 50 and the first gear 42 rotate together in the X direction. Here, the wedge tightening effect of the roller 56 is exhibited, and the inner race 50 and the first gear 42 are connected to each other from the outer peripheral surface of the inner race 50 from the minimum diameter portion 502 to the Y direction side maximum diameter portion 501b. This is because the distance from the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 gradually decreases. Thereby, the rotational force of the inner race 50 is transmitted to the wheels, which will be described later, via the gears 42, 44, 46, 48.

  On the other hand, when the lever 12 (see FIG. 1) is swung in the Y direction, the hub 24 and the inner race 50 are idle (i.e., idle) with respect to the first gear 42. That is, the inner race 50 and the first gear 42 are disconnected from each other in the Y direction. This is because since the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the inner race 50 and the outer peripheral surface of the first gear 42 gradually increases from the Y direction side maximum diameter portion 501b to the minimum diameter portion 502, the wedge tightening effect is not exhibited.

  In the second mode shown in FIG. 6, the roller 56 disposed between the X direction maximum diameter portion 501a and the Y direction maximum diameter portion 501b adjacent to the X direction maximum diameter portion 501a includes an X It arrange | positions in the direction side largest diameter part 501a vicinity.

  When the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the second mode, when the lever 12 (see FIG. 1) is swung in the Y direction, the inner race 50 rotates in the Y direction. At this time, due to the wedge tightening effect of the roller 56, the inner race 50 and the first gear 42 are connected in the Y direction, and the inner race 50 and the first gear 42 rotate together in the Y direction. Here, the wedge tightening effect of the roller 56 is exerted so that the inner race 50 and the first gear 42 are connected to each other from the outer peripheral surface of the inner race 50 from the minimum diameter portion 502 to the X direction maximum diameter portion 501a. This is because the distance from the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 gradually decreases. Thereby, the rotational force of the inner race 50 is transmitted to the wheels, which will be described later, via the gears 42, 44, 46, 48.

  On the other hand, when the lever 12 (see FIG. 1) is swung in the X direction, the hub 24 and the inner race 50 are idle with respect to the first gear 42. That is, the inner race 50 and the first gear 42 are disconnected from each other in the X direction. This is because since the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the inner race 50 and the outer peripheral surface of the first gear 42 gradually increases from the X direction side maximum diameter portion 501a to the minimum diameter portion 502, the wedge tightening effect is not exhibited.

  In the third mode shown in FIG. 7, the roller 56 disposed between the X direction side maximum diameter portion 501a and the Y direction side maximum diameter portion 501b adjacent to the X direction side maximum diameter portion 501a It is arranged near the small diameter portion 502.

  In the case where the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the third mode, the hub 24 and the inner race 50 are moved relative to the first gear 42 even if the lever 12 (see FIG. 1) is swung in either the X direction or the Y direction. Hop around. That is, the inner race 50 and the first gear 42 are not connected in both the X direction and the Y direction. This is because the distance ξ from the minimum diameter portion 502 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is larger than the diameter r of the roller 56, so that the wedge tightening effect is not exhibited.

  Further, when the inner race 50 rotates freely with respect to the first gear 42, a gap is formed between the inner race 50 and the first gear 42. Rotate continuously. That is, when the lever 12 is swung, it does not receive an impact as in the case of the ratchet type.

  Here, when the inner race 50 and the first gear 42 are in a disconnected state, the rollers 56 are not affected by the swinging of the lever 12 by the elastic members 60 inside the pedestal 54. It is because it is energized towards. That is, even when the roller 56 is disposed at a position where the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the inner race 50 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is larger than the diameter of the roller 56, the elastic member This is because a gap is generated between the roller 56 and the first gear 42 by the urging action of 60, and the impact generated by the rotation of the inner race 50 transmitted to the first gear 42 can be reduced. .

  In addition, about the arrangement position (namely, aspect of the force transmission mechanism 40) of each roller 56, it can switch by rotating the base 54 (refer FIG. 4) to the circumferential direction. A force transmission mode switching mechanism 70 for rotating the pedestal 54 in the circumferential direction (that is, switching the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the force transmission mode switching mechanism 70.

  The force transmission mode switching mechanism 70 includes a switching member 72, a switching operation unit 74, the above-described bevel gear 76, and a connecting member 78.

  The switching member 72 has a shaft shape and is provided along the lever 12 (see FIG. 1). Specifically, a through hole (not shown) is formed along the longitudinal direction of the lever 12, and the switching member 72 is disposed inside the through hole. When the switching member 72 rotates about the axis 720, the pedestal 54 (see FIG. 4) rotates in the circumferential direction via the bevel gear 76, whereby the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40 (see FIG. 1) is changed. Can be switched. The switching member 72 includes a non-flexing member 721 whose one end is connected and fixed to the switching operation unit 74 and a wire 722 whose one end is connected to the other end of the non-flexing member 721. It consists of and. A bevel gear 76 is integrally fixed to the other end of the wire 722. The wire 722 corresponds to the “flexible member” of the present invention.

  The non-flexing member 721 is made of, for example, a rod-shaped steel material, and is a linear member that does not bend. And when it rotates centering on the shaft center 720, the rotation angle of one edge part and the rotation angle of the other edge part become substantially the same.

  Here, “the rotation angle of one end and the rotation angle of the other end are substantially the same” means a twist angle (rotation angle of one end) when rotating about the axis 720. And the difference between the rotation angle of the other end and the rotation angle of the other end means substantially the same.

  Note that “substantially the same” means that even if the non-flexible member 721 is a steel material, the twist angle when rotating about the axis 720 as a rotation center is physically completely 0 degrees. It is because it cannot be said completely. Accordingly, it is sufficient that the non-flexible member 721 is very close to 0 degrees, for example, the twist angle when rotating about the axis 720 as the rotation center is less than 1 degree, for example.

  The wire 722 is a bendable member (that is, a flexible member that flexes flexibly). However, like the non-flexible member 721, when rotating around the axis 720, the rotation angle at one end and the rotation angle at the other end are substantially the same (ie, twisted). It is preferable that the angle is extremely small. In the present embodiment, this twist angle is within 5 degrees.

  The other end portion of the non-flexible member 721 and the one end portion of the wire 722 can be connected at an arbitrary angle with respect to the rotation direction (α direction and β direction) about the axis 720 as a rotation center. Are connected and fixed together. That is, when connecting the non-flexible member 721 and the wire 722, both the non-flexible member 721 and the wire 722 can connect both at an arbitrary angle. In other words, when the non-flexible member 721 and the wire 722 are connected, the two can be connected without being limited by the rotation angle in the rotation direction with the longitudinal direction of the lever 12 as the rotation center.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation direction about the axis 720 and the rotation direction about the longitudinal direction of the lever 12 (that is, the direction in which the lever 12 extends) are substantially the same direction. is there.

  Here, a method of connecting the non-flexure member 721 and the wire 722 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a detailed view of part B shown in FIG.

  A male screw is formed at the other end of the non-flexure member 721. On the other hand, a long nut 781 that is screwed with a male screw formed at the other end of the non-flexible member 721 is fixedly attached to one end of the wire 722. The other end of the non-flexible member 721 is threaded through a short nut 782 that is threadedly engaged with a male screw formed at the other end of the non-flexible member 721, and then the long nut 781 is attached. Screw together. Thereafter, the short nut 782 is tightened toward the long nut 781 side. Thereby, the rotation of the non-flexing member 721 relative to the wire 722 is restricted, and the non-flexing member 721 and the wire 722 are connected and fixed. The reason why the non-flexing member 721 and the wire 722 are connected and fixed is considered to be due to the action of frictional force on the surface where the long nut 781 and the short nut 782 contact each other.

  Returning to FIG. 8, the switching operation unit 74 is provided in the vicinity of the grip part 121 of the lever 12 (more specifically, the end part side of the lever 12 further than the grip part 121) (see FIG. 1). The switching operation unit 74 is rotatable in the α direction and the β direction.

  In addition, the switching operation unit 74 includes an operation main body 741 and a head 742 that is integrally fixed to the operation main body 741. The operation main body 741 is formed with a knob so that the operation main body 741 can be easily rotated in the α direction and the β direction. A non-flexible member 721 is fixedly attached to the head 742.

  Here, a method of fixing the switching member 72 and the switching operation unit 74 (head 742) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a method for fixing the head 742 and the non-flexible member 721 of the switching operation unit 74.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the head portion 742 has a substantially square insertion hole 745 into which the non-flexible member 721 can be fitted at the approximate center on the side where the non-flexible member 721 is fixed. The insertion hole 745 is formed by an insertion frame 746. The fitting frame 746 is supported by ribs 747 that extend radially. The insertion hole 745 corresponds to the “square hole” of the present invention.

  On the other hand, the non-flexing member 721 is a member having a substantially circular cross section that crosses substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. However, the end portion on the side to be inserted into the insertion hole 745 is formed in the same shape (substantially square) with substantially the same dimensions as the insertion hole 745 so that it can be press-fitted into the insertion hole 745. Then, one end of the non-flexure member 721 is inserted into the insertion hole 745 of the head 742. In this way, the non-flexing member 721 and the switching operation unit 74 are integrally configured.

  In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the configuration of the force transmission mechanism 40 can be grasped according to the rotational position of the switching operation unit 74. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the switching operation unit 74 (viewed from above in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8), in which the force transmission mechanism 40 shows a third mode (that is, the switching operation unit 74 has Neutral position).

  The operation main body 741 displays “front” and “rear” around the head 742. Then, when the operation main body 741 is rotated from the neutral position toward the “front” direction by a predetermined angle (45 degrees in the present embodiment), the force transmission mechanism 40 becomes the first mode and can move forward. Further, when the operation main body 741 is rotated by a predetermined angle (45 degrees in the present embodiment) from the neutral position toward the “rear” direction, the aspect of the force transmission mechanism 40 becomes the second aspect and can be retracted.

  In addition, according to the aspect illustrated in FIG. 11, since “front” and “rear” are displayed on the operation main body 741, “front” and “rear” are displayed as the operation main body 741 rotates. Also rotates. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode, and the operation main body 741 may rotate with respect to the “front” and “rear” displays. That is, when the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the first mode, the indicating unit (for example, a knob) of the operation main unit 741 indicates “front”, and when the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the second mode, the operation unit 741 The instruction unit may indicate “back”. If the aspect of the force transmission mechanism 40 can be grasped by the rotational position of the switching operation unit 74, the aspect is not limited to a specific aspect.

  Next, the operation of the force transmission mode switching mechanism 70 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 8, when the operation main body 741 is rotated in the α direction or the β direction, the head 742 is rotated in the same direction. As the head 742 rotates, the non-flexing member 721, the wire 722, and the bevel gear 76 rotate in the same direction as the head 742.

  As described above, the bevel gear 76 is disposed so as to be screwed with the notch 541 (see FIG. 4) formed in the pedestal 54 (see FIG. 4). 54 moves in the circumferential direction (that is, the X direction or the Y direction). As a result, the roller 56 (see FIGS. 5 to 7) moves relative to the inner race 50 (more specifically, moves between the X direction side maximum diameter portion 501a and the Y direction side maximum diameter portion 501b). As described above, by rotating the operation main body 741 in the α direction or the β direction, the aspect of the force transmission mechanism 40 is changed to any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect. Can do.

  In this embodiment, the number of teeth of the bevel gear 76 and the notch 541 (see FIG. 4) of the pedestal 54 include the α direction or β that causes the operation main body 741 to face “front” or “rear” from the neutral position. The pedestal 54 (see FIG. 4) is formed to rotate approximately 13 degrees when rotated 45 degrees in the direction (that is, when the bevel gear 76 rotates 45 degrees). However, the relationship between the rotation angle of the operation main body 741 and the rotation angle of the pedestal 54 is not limited to this.

  By the way, this wheel drive device 10 needs to make the aspect of the force transmission mechanism 40 and the position in the rotation direction of the operation main body 741 coincide. That is, if the force transmission mechanism 40 is the third mode, the position of the operation main body 741 in the rotation direction needs to be a neutral position. In the present embodiment, when connecting the non-flexible member 721 and the wire 722, the connecting member 78 does not limit the rotation angle in the rotation direction with the longitudinal direction (axis 720) of the lever 12 as the rotation center. Both can be connected. Thereby, the correction | amendment work for making the aspect of the force transmission mechanism 40 and the rotation position in the rotation direction of the operation main-body part 741 correspond becomes easy.

  More specifically, after the pedestal 54 is adjusted so that the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the third mode which is a neutral mode, the bevel gear 76 is screwed into the notch 541 formed in the pedestal 54. Further, the operation main body 741 is rotated in the α direction or the β direction so that the rotation position in the rotation direction of the operation main body 741 becomes a neutral position. In this state, the non-flexing member 721 and the wire 722 are connected by the connecting member 78. Thereby, the aspect of the force transmission mechanism 40 and the aspect of the force transmission mechanism 40 which can be grasped | ascertained from the rotation position in the rotation direction of the operation main-body part 741 will correspond.

  Note that “front” and “rear” displayed on the operation main body 741 indicate the angle between the “front” display position and the “rear” display position, and the force transmission mechanism 40 changes from the first mode to the second mode. It is displayed so that it may correspond with the rotation angle of the bevel gear 76 (namely, switching member 72) required until it switches to this mode. The middle between “front” and “back” is neutral.

  Next, a method for attaching the wheel drive device 10 to the wheelchair will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an external perspective view showing an example of the wheel driving device 10, the wheel 102 of the wheelchair, and the frame 106.

  When attaching the wheel drive device 10 to a wheelchair, first, the shaft member 32 is passed through the through hole 1021 formed in the center of the wheel 102. Since the fourth gear 48 is attached to the central portion of the wheel 102 so as to be concentric with the wheel 102, the shaft member 32 is formed in the central portion of the through hole 1021 and the fourth gear 48. It penetrates through both of the through holes 481.

  The shaft member 32 is supported by the frame 106 through the through holes 481 and 1021. More specifically, the shaft member 32 is fixed to the fixing plate 112 fixed to the frame 106 by the shaft member fixing portion 114.

  “The shaft member 32 is fixed by the shaft member fixing portion 114” means that the rotation of the shaft member 32 in the direction around the axis is limited.

  Since the bearing is provided inside the through hole 1021, the wheel 102 is rotatably supported by the shaft member 32. That is, the wheel 102 is rotatably supported by the frame 106 via the shaft member 32.

  Furthermore, a shaft member guide hole 116 for guiding the shaft member 32 is formed in the shaft member fixing portion 114. For example, it is possible to easily guide the shaft member 32 to the shaft member guide hole 116 by using the shaft member 32 as a polygonal column and forming the inside of the shaft member guide hole 116 as a polygonal hole corresponding to the shaft member 32. Become.

  In this manner, the wheel drive device 10 can be easily attached to the wheelchair simply by passing the shaft member 32 through the through holes 481 and 1021 and supporting the shaft member 32 on the frame 106. The wheelchair to which the wheel drive device 10 is attached in this way is shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing an example of a wheelchair to which the wheel driving device 10 is attached.

  In addition, this wheelchair 100 is also provided with the backrest part 108 and the caster 110 similarly to a general wheelchair.

  The wheel drive device 10 extends from the approximate center of the wheel 102 toward the outside of the diameter of the wheel 102, and is provided so as to be swingable with respect to the wheelchair 100. The seated person can move the wheelchair 100 in the X direction or the Y direction by swinging the lever 12 of the wheel drive device 10.

  More specifically, when the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the first mode, when the seated person swings the lever 12 in the X direction, the wheel 102 rotates in the X direction and the wheelchair 100 moves forward. On the other hand, even if the lever 12 is swung in the Y direction, it only rotates freely.

  When the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the second mode, when the seated person swings the lever 12 in the Y direction, the wheel 102 rotates in the Y direction and the wheelchair 100 moves backward. On the other hand, even if the lever 12 is swung in the X direction, it only rotates freely.

  Further, when the force transmission mechanism 40 is in the third mode, the wheel 102 does not move forward or backward without causing the wheel 102 to move forward or backward even if the seat occupant swings the lever 12 in either the X direction or the Y direction. Just do it.

  As described above, the wheel drive device 10 of the present embodiment is used for the wheelchair 100 that travels by the rotation of the wheels 102. The wheel 102 is provided so as to extend from the approximate center of the wheel 102 toward the outside of the diameter of the wheel 102, and the wheel 102 can be rotated by swinging with respect to the wheel 102. Thus, the wheelchair 100 travels as the wheel 102 rotates by the wheel driving device 10.

  The wheel driving device 10 is disposed between a lever 12 that extends in a curved shape and has a grip portion 121 at one end, and the lever 12 and the wheel 102 on which the lever 12 is provided. In the case of being in the first mode when the lever 12 is swung in the wheelchair 100, the mode can be switched to the mode (see FIG. 5) or the second mode (see FIG. 6). In the second mode, a rotational force is applied to the wheel 102 in the X direction and the Y direction rotates. On the other hand, in the second mode, the rotational force is applied to the wheel 102 in the Y direction and the X direction. A free-wheeling force transmission mechanism 40, a shaft-shaped member provided along the lever 12, a switching member 72 that switches the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40 when rotated about the shaft center 720, and a grip Near part 121 And a force transmission mode switching mechanism 70 having a switching operation unit 74 for rotating the switching member 72, and the switching member 72 has a rotation angle at one end and a rotation at the other end. A straight non-flexing member 721 having substantially the same corner and a wire 722 that has one end fixed to the non-flexing member 721 and can be bent are included.

  Therefore, while maintaining the flexibility of the switching member 72 for switching the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40, the rotation angle of the switching member 72 at the distal end portion of the lever 12 and the rotation angle of the switching member 72 at the proximal end portion of the lever 12 The phase difference between the two can be reduced. Thereby, it becomes possible to make a mobile body drive | work efficiently in the direction which the seated person of a wheelchair desires.

  The “tip portion of the lever 12” means the end portion on the side where the grip portion 121 is formed, and the “base end portion of the lever 12” means the end portion on the side where the force transmission mechanism 40 is disposed. Means.

  A bevel gear 76 is provided at the other end of the wire 722, and the force transmission mechanism 40 is connected to the first gear 42 having a substantially circular hollow portion 421 and the hollow portion 421 of the first gear 42. A substantially circular inner race 50 arranged and fixed to the lever 12; a pedestal 54 having a notch 541 threadedly engaged with the bevel gear 76; and a first gear 42 placed on the pedestal 54 and mounted on the pedestal 54; A plurality of rollers 56, which are arranged between the inner race 50 and all of which have substantially the same diameter, are erected from a pedestal 54, and are arranged between adjacent rollers 56 to support each roller 56. And a wedge-clamping element 52 having an elastic member 60 that urges each of the plurality of rollers 56 toward the first gear 42 or the inner race 50, and the inner race 50 includes the inner race 50. Perimeter From the outer peripheral surface of the inner race 50 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 and the maximum diameter portion 501 having a distance from the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 smaller than the diameter r of the roller 56. A plurality of minimum diameter portions 502 each having a diameter larger than the diameter r are formed, and one roller 56 is disposed between two maximum diameter portions 501 sandwiching one minimum diameter portion 502. When the member 72 is rotated about the axis 720 by the switching operation unit 74, the roller 56 has two maximum diameters sandwiching one minimum diameter part 502 as the pedestal 54 rotates in the circumferential direction by the bevel gear 76. By moving between the parts 501, the force transmission mechanism 40 switches between the first mode and the second mode.

  According to the above configuration, when the lever 12 is swung, the inner race 50 rotates. The rollers 56 are placed on the pedestal 54, and are arranged one by one between the two largest diameter portions 501 sandwiching the smallest diameter portion 502. The distance between the minimum diameter portion 502 and the first gear 42 is larger than the diameter r of the roller 56, and the distance between the maximum diameter portion 501 and the first gear 42 is smaller than the diameter r of the roller 56. Accordingly, when the roller 56 is disposed in the vicinity of the Y direction side maximum diameter portion 501b of the two maximum diameter portions 501, if the lever is swung toward the X direction, the inner race 50 and the The 1 gear 42 is connected. On the other hand, when the lever is swung in the Y direction, the inner race and the first gear 42 are disconnected from each other, and the inner race 50 rotates freely with respect to the first gear 42. The position of the roller 56 can be switched by rotating the bevel gear 76 that is screwed with the notch 541 of the base 54. The bevel gear 76 is provided at the end of the wire 722 and thus the switching member 72.

  Therefore, when the inner race 50 and the first gear 42 are not connected, the distance between the inner race 50 and the first gear 42 is larger than the diameter r of the roller 56, so that even if the lever 12 is swung. The inner race 50 idles continuously with respect to the first gear 42. Thereby, an impact is not applied to the hand holding the lever 12. Further, since the bevel gear 76 is provided at the end of the switching member 72, the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40 is switched by rotating the switching operation unit 74 provided in the vicinity of the grip part 121 of the lever 12. Can do. That is, since the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40 can be switched while gripping the lever 12, the moving direction of the wheelchair can be switched without imposing a physical burden on the wheelchair seated person.

  Further, the non-flexible member 721 has one end formed in a square shape (more specifically, a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the non-flexible member 721 is substantially square), and the switching operation portion 74 is formed with a fitting hole 745 into which one end of a non-flexing member 721 formed in a square shape is fitted. Note that one end of the non-flexible member 721 is formed in the same shape (substantially square) with substantially the same dimensions as the insertion hole 745 so that it can be press-fitted into the insertion hole 745.

  Therefore, by inserting one end portion of the non-flexible member 721 into the insertion hole 745 formed in the switching operation portion 74, the non-flexible member 721 and thus the switching member 72 rotate as the switching operation portion 74 rotates. Can be made. Thereby, the switching operation unit 74 and the switching member 72 can be easily connected.

  Further, the shape of the insertion hole 745 formed in the switching operation portion 74 corresponds to the shape of one end portion of the non-flexure member 721. That is, if the shape of one end of the non-flexible member 721 is square, it means that the fitting hole 745 is also a square having substantially the same dimensions as the one end of the non-flexible member 721. The “substantially the same dimension” means that the one dimension of the non-flexible member 721 is the same dimension so that it can be inserted into the insertion hole 745.

  In addition, the configuration of the force transmission mechanism 40 can be grasped by the rotational position of the switching operation unit 74, and the non-flexible member 721 and the wire 722 have the shaft center 720 as the center of rotation. They are connected and fixed to each other by a connecting member 78 that can be connected at an arbitrary angle in the rotational direction.

  Therefore, both the non-flexure member 721 and the wire 722 can be connected to each other at an arbitrary rotation angle. Accordingly, it is possible to easily perform a correction operation for making the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40 coincide with the mode of the force transmission mechanism 40 that can be grasped by the rotational position of the switching operation unit 74, and to improve workability. Can do.

  In addition, although this invention is described in said preferable embodiment, this invention is not restrict | limited only to it. Various embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the elastic member 60 of the wedge tightening element 52 urges the roller 56 toward the inner side of the pedestal 54 (that is, the inner race 50). It may be a mode in which it is biased toward the outer side of the diameter (that is, the first gear 42). When the roller 56 is disposed in a portion where the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the inner race 50 to the inner peripheral surface of the first gear 42 is larger than the diameter of the roller 56 (for example, around the minimum diameter portion 502), A gap may be generated between the gear 42 and the inner race 50. This is because the gap can reduce the impact generated with the rotation of the inner race 50 transmitted to the first gear 42.

  In the above-described embodiment, the wire 722 is used as the bending member. However, the wire 722 is not limited to the wire 722 as long as the rotation angle in the switching operation unit 74 can be efficiently transmitted to the bevel gear 76. However, a member having a small phase difference between the rotation angle at one end and the rotation angle at the other end is preferable.

  In the above-described embodiment, the wheelchair 100 is supported by a seat portion 104 that can be seated on a frame 106 that forms the entire skeleton. One wheel 102 that is rotatable with respect to the frame 106 is disposed on each side of the seat portion 104. However, the number of the wheels 102 is not limited to this, and for example, two wheels may be arranged in pairs on both sides of the seat portion 104.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the non-flexible member 721 is a member having a substantially circular cross section that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the end portion on the side to be inserted into the insertion hole 745 is the insertion hole 745. Although it is formed in the same shape (substantially square) with the same dimension as the insertion hole 745 so that press fitting is possible, it is not necessarily restricted to this. For example, the cross-sectional shape crossing substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction may be a substantially square over the entire length.

  In the above-described embodiment, the wheelchair 100 is provided with one wheel driving device 10 for each wheel 102, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the wheel driving device 10 is provided only for one of the wheels 102. May be provided. In this case, it is preferable to connect the wheels 102 on both sides of the seat portion 104 so that the wheel 102 on the side where the wheel driving device 10 is provided is a driving wheel and the other wheels 102 are driven wheels. Thereby, even if it is a case where the wheel drive device 10 is provided only about one of the wheels 102 on both sides of the seat portion 104, the wheelchair 100 can be moved forward or backward.

  In the above-described embodiment, the “lever 12” has the same function of rotating the wheel 102, but may be generally referred to as “arm” or “handle”.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the wheel drive device which concerns on this invention. It is a front view which shows an example of a force transmission mechanism. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of an inner race periphery. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of a wedge fastening element. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a part A shown in FIG. 2, showing a case where the force transmission mechanism is in a first mode. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a portion A illustrated in FIG. 2, illustrating a case where the force transmission mechanism is in a second mode. FIG. 7 is a detailed view of part A shown in FIG. 2 and shows a case where the force transmission mechanism is in the third mode. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an example of a force transmission mode switching mechanism. FIG. 9 is a detail of a portion B illustrated in FIG. 8. It is a perspective view which shows the fixing method of the head of a switching operation part, and a non-flexible member. It is a top view of a switching operation part, Comprising: A force transmission mechanism is a figure which shows a 3rd aspect. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of a wheel drive device, the wheel of a wheelchair, and a flame | frame. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows an example of the wheelchair with which the wheel drive device was attached.

Explanation of symbols

10 wheel drive device 12 lever 40 force transmission mechanism 42 first gear (outer race)
50 Inner race 52 Wedge tightening element 54 Base 56 Roller 58 Support column (support member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 60 Elastic member 70 Force transmission mode switching mechanism 72 Switching member 74 Switching operation part 76 Bevel gear 78 Connection member 121 Grip part 501 Maximum diameter part (narrow part)
502 Minimum diameter part (wide part)
541 Notch 720 Shaft center of switching member 721 Non-flexing member 722 Wire (flexing member)
745 Insertion hole (square hole)

Claims (8)

Used for a moving body that travels by the rotation of a wheel, is provided extending from the approximate center of the wheel toward the outside of the diameter of the wheel, and rotates the wheel by rocking the wheel. A wheel drive device capable of
A lever that extends in a curved shape and has a gripping portion at one end;
When the lever is disposed between the lever and a wheel provided with the lever and can be switched to at least the first mode or the second mode, and when the lever is swung in the movable body In the case of the first aspect, the rotational force is applied to the wheel in one direction, and the wheel rotates in the other direction opposite to the one direction. On the other hand, Is a force transmission mechanism that applies a rotational force to the wheel in the other direction and idles in the one direction;
A shaft-shaped member provided along the lever, and a switching member that switches a mode of the force transmission mechanism when rotated about an axis, and a switching member that is provided in the vicinity of the grip portion, A force transmission mode switching mechanism having a switching operation unit for rotating;
With
The switching member includes a linear non-flexible member in which a rotation angle at one end and a rotation angle at the other end are substantially the same, and one end fixed to the non-flexible member. And a bendable bending member. A bevel gear is provided at the other end of the bending member,
The force transmission mechanism is
An outer race having a substantially circular hollow portion;
A substantially circular inner race disposed in a hollow portion of the outer race and fixed to the lever;
A pedestal formed with a notch that is threadedly engaged with the bevel gear in the circumferential direction, a plurality of rollers mounted on the pedestal and disposed between the outer race and the inner race, both having substantially the same diameter, A support member that is erected from the pedestal and arranged between adjacent rollers, and supports each roller, and urges each of the plurality of rollers toward the outer race or the inner race A wedge element having an elastic member,
The inner race includes a narrow portion where the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the inner race to the inner peripheral surface of the outer race is smaller than the diameter of the roller, and the inner peripheral surface of the outer race from the outer peripheral surface of the inner race. And a plurality of vast parts whose distances are larger than the diameter of the roller, respectively,
One roller is arranged between two narrow portions sandwiching one large portion,
When the switching member is rotated about the axis by the switching operation unit, the two widened parts sandwich the one narrow part as the pedestal is rotated in the circumferential direction by the bevel gear. The wheel drive device according to claim 1, wherein the force transmission mechanism is switched between the first mode and the second mode by moving between the two modes. The non-flexible member has at least one end formed in a square shape,
The wheel drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching operation portion is formed with a square hole into which one end of the non-flexible member formed in a square shape is fitted. . It is configured such that the force transmission mechanism can be grasped by the rotational position of the switching operation unit, and
The said bending member and the said non-flexing member are mutually connected and fixed by the connection member which can be connected with arbitrary angles about the rotation direction centering on an axis. The wheel drive device as described in one. A plurality of wheels that are rotatably supported by a frame having a seat portion and arranged at least one on each side sandwiching the seat portion;
At least one of the plurality of wheels is swingably provided, and extends in a curved shape from the approximate center of the wheel toward the outer diameter of the wheel, and is gripped by the outer end of the wheel. A lever having a portion;
When the lever is disposed between the lever and the wheel provided with the lever and can be switched to at least the first mode or the second mode, and when the lever swings, the first mode. In the second aspect, a rotational force is applied to the wheel in one direction and the other wheel is swung in the other direction opposite to the one direction. A force transmission mechanism that applies rotational force in a direction and idles in the one direction;
A shaft-shaped member provided along the lever, and a switching member that switches a mode of the force transmission mechanism when rotated about an axis, and a switching member that is provided in the vicinity of the grip portion, A force transmission mode switching mechanism having a switching operation unit for rotating;
With
The switching member includes a linear non-flexible member in which a rotation angle at one end and a rotation angle at the other end are substantially the same, and one end fixed to the non-flexible member. And a bendable bending member. A bevel gear is provided at the other end of the bending member,
The force transmission mechanism is
An outer race having a substantially circular hollow portion;
A substantially circular inner race disposed in a hollow portion of the outer race and fixed to the lever;
A pedestal formed with a notch that is threadedly engaged with the bevel gear in the circumferential direction, a plurality of rollers mounted on the pedestal and disposed between the outer race and the inner race, both having substantially the same diameter, A support member that is erected from the pedestal and arranged between adjacent rollers, and supports each roller, and urges each of the plurality of rollers toward the outer race or the inner race A wedge element having an elastic member,
The inner race includes a narrow portion where the distance from the outer peripheral surface of the inner race to the inner peripheral surface of the outer race is smaller than the diameter of the roller, and the inner peripheral surface of the outer race from the outer peripheral surface of the inner race. And a plurality of vast parts whose distances are larger than the diameter of the roller, respectively,
One roller is arranged between two narrow portions sandwiching one large portion,
When the switching member is rotated about the axis by the switching operation unit, the two widened parts sandwich the one narrow part as the pedestal is rotated in the circumferential direction by the bevel gear. The wheelchair according to claim 5, wherein the force transmission mechanism is switched between the first mode and the second mode by moving between the first mode and the second mode. The non-flexible member has at least one end formed in a square shape,
The wheelchair according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the switching operation portion is formed with a square hole into which one end portion of the non-flexible member formed in a square shape is inserted. It is configured such that the force transmission mechanism can be grasped by the rotational position of the switching operation unit, and
The said bending member and the said non-flexing member are mutually connected and fixed by the connection member which can be connected by arbitrary angles about the rotation direction centering on an axis. The wheelchair as described in one.