JPH057609A - Motor-driven walking machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To offer the motor-driven walking machine for attaching importance to safety by stopping a rotation of a wheel, in the case a user is caught in the walking machine or a comes into collision with an obstacle. CONSTITUTION:The motor-driven walking machine is provided with a wheel 1 attach to a car body main body 6 so as to be freely rotatable, a motor-driven driving unit 3 provided with a driving roller 4 which is attached to the car body main body 6 so as to be freely oscillatable, abuts on the wheel 1, and gives driving force to the wheel part, a spring 16 for giving energizing force for pressing the driving roller 4 against the wheel 1, and a fixed screw 18 for adjusting the energizing force of the spring 16.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric walker,
The present invention relates to a walking machine having a wheeled walking training machine that is electrically operated to reduce the work force of a caregiver, safely move a disabled person at a constant speed, and give an appropriate exercise.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a walking training machine, as shown in FIG. 18, a simple structure in which a front wheel 51 and a rear wheel 52 are attached to a main body 50 made of a pipe frame is used.

However, in such a walking training machine, if the road training machine has an inclination or unevenness, the walking training machine is poor in straightness and stability. For this reason, it is difficult to perform walking training only by the user of the walking machine, and a helper is required.

In order to solve this problem, an electric walker has been proposed in which drive units such as an electric motor are provided at two places on the left and right of the walking training machine, and wheels directly connected to the walking train are attached to the main body. This electric walker is configured so as to serve as a rudder by controlling the rotation of the wheels, and is kept at a constant speed according to the road surface by controlling the motor rotation and its output.

[0005]

However, in the above electric walker, since the wheels are directly connected to the drive unit and attached, even when the user is caught in the walker or collides with an obstacle, The wheels continued to rotate, and there was a risk of a runaway, which was a safety issue.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electric walker with an emphasis on safety.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An electric walker according to the present invention includes a wheel rotatably mounted on a vehicle body and a wheel swingably mounted on the vehicle body so that the wheel portion abuts on the wheel portion. An electric drive unit having a drive roller for applying a drive force to the wheel, an urging means for applying an urging force for pressing the drive roller to a wheel, and an adjusting means for adjusting the urging force of the urging means. Be prepared.

Further, it is preferable that the vehicle body is provided with a regulating means for regulating the swinging movement of the electric drive unit in the wheel direction so as to regulate the movement of the drive roller in the wheel direction by a certain amount or more.

[0009]

According to the present invention, the urging means is arranged so that the drive roller slips when a load is applied to the wheels above a certain level, such as when the user is caught in the vehicle or collides with an obstacle. Can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent runaway of the walker and ensure safety.

Further, by restricting the movement of the drive roller in the direction of the wheel beyond a certain amount, even if the wheel punctures, the wheel will not be damaged.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 are external views of an electric walker according to an embodiment using the device of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view.
2 is a side view and FIG. 3 is a top view.

First, the overall structure of the electric walker according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In these figures, 1 is a front wheel and 2 is a rear wheel, which are rotatably attached to the vehicle body 6. 30 is a side frame, which connects the vehicle body 6 and the U-shaped side support 31
The armpit support 31 is fixed to the main body 6.

Reference numeral 32 is a driving lever for controlling the output of the electric motor and the moving direction of the walking machine. Reference numeral 20 is an exterior cover, and 41 is a foldable auxiliary chair attached to the side frame 30 so as to be openable and closable.

In this walking machine, the front wheels 1 are driven by the electric drive unit 3 provided in the exterior cover 20, and the rear wheels 2 are free wheels.

Next, the drive structure for the front wheels, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an essential part of the electric walking machine of this embodiment seen from the front with the exterior cover removed, and FIG. 5 is a state in which the drive roller and the front wheel of the electric walking machine of this embodiment are in pressure contact with each other. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the same state.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a state where power is prevented from being transmitted from the drive roller to the front wheels, that is, a released state. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the same state.

In these drawings, reference numeral 4 denotes a drive roller which is interlocked with the electric drive unit 3. The drive roller 4 is brought into pressure contact with the front wheel 1 by a pressure contact force applying means described later, and the front wheel 1 is rotationally driven. The units 3 and 3 are provided on the left and right, and control the rotational force of each unit to form a rudder. The wheel 1 is supported by a bracket 25 connected to the vehicle body 6 by welding or the like.

First, the structure of the pressure contact mechanism will be described.

Reference numeral 7 is a support portion joined to the vehicle body 6 by welding or the like, 8 is a support rod connecting the electric drive unit 3 and the support portion 7, and the electric drive unit 3 includes the support rod 8 and the support portion. It is attached to the vehicle body 6 via 7.

Reference numeral 10 is a fixing pin fixed to the vehicle body frame 9. The fixing pin 10 serves as a fulcrum of the pressure contact lever 5 that performs the pressure contact and the opening operation of the drive roller 4, and is fixed to the vehicle body frame 9 by the stop ring 11 or the like.

Reference numeral 12 is a connecting rod fixed to the electric drive unit 3 by a nut or the like, and 13 is a connecting plate connected to the connecting rod 12 by a nut or the like. Reference numeral 14 is a connecting pin connecting the pressure contact lever 5 and the connecting plate 13. Reference numeral 22 is a lever handle fixed to the pressure contact lever 5.

Further, the electric drive unit 3 includes a guide rod 15
Are joined by welding or the like, and a compression spring 16 as an urging means is attached to the guide rod 15. Reference numeral 17 is a spring bearing that receives a compression spring, and 18 is a fixing screw that fixes the spring bearing 17.

Then, by tightening the fixing screw 18, the spring pressure of the compression spring 16 is changed, and the driving roller 4
The pressure contact force for contacting the front wheel 1 is adjusted. Then, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electric drive unit 3 is biased toward the front wheel 1 by the biasing force of the compression spring 16, and the drive roller 4 is pressed against the front wheel 1 with a predetermined pressure contact force. To be done.

Numeral 19 is a stopper for preventing the pressing lever 5 from further rotating when the drive roller 4 and the front wheel 1 are separated from each other, that is, in the state shown in FIG.

When the lever handle 22 is held by hand from the state shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and the pressure contact lever 5 is lifted, the connecting pin 14 rotates about the fixed pin 10 as a fulcrum, and the connecting plate 13 is used. The connecting rod 12 is pushed out. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the drive roller 4 that is interlocked with the electric drive unit 3 separates from the front wheel 1.
Further, in the state of FIG. 7, the center of the connecting pin 14 is the fixing pin 1.
It is located in a region below the line segment connecting the center of 0 and the center of the connecting rod 12. Moreover, due to the spring pressure of the pressure contact spring 16,
The connecting pin 14 receives a downward force. However, the stopper 19 allows the pressing lever 5 to stop at this position without rotating any further.

When transmitting the power, the pressing roller 5 is applied with a force in the direction of rotation of the clock, so that the drive roller 4 is moved to the front wheel 1.
Be pushed to.

As described above, by tightening the fixing screw 18, the spring pressure of the compression spring 16 is changed to adjust the pressure contact force of the drive roller 4 against the front wheel 1.
Therefore, if the user is caught in the electric walker of the present invention or if it collides with an obstacle, the drive roller 4 slips and the pressure can be adjusted so as not to transmit power to the front wheels 1. . Compared with the direct connection type that directly transmits power, the pressure contact type of the present invention has a structure in which the transmission of power can be intentionally blocked and runaway is particularly emphasized, and a proper movement can be performed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the front wheel 1 is flat. In this device, a part of the electric drive unit 3 is in contact with the frame 9 provided on the vehicle body 6, and the drive roller 4 does not approach the wheel of the front wheel 1 any more. Therefore, the wheel drive roller 4 does not damage the wheel drive roller 4.

Next, an embodiment in which the electric walker according to the present invention is provided with an auxiliary chair will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which the auxiliary chair is used, FIGS. 11 and 12 are rear views of the essential parts of this embodiment, FIG. 11 shows a state in which the auxiliary chair is stored, and FIG. The respective states of using the chair are shown. FIG. 13 shows FIG.
It is a bottom view seen from the arrow B direction of 2.

In these figures, 47 and 48 are L-shaped brackets attached to the auxiliary chair 41 by screws 49 or the like. 50 is a joint joined to the side frame 30 by welding or the like, 51 is a bracket 47, 48
Is a connecting rod for connecting the joint 50 and the joint 50. 52 is a connecting rod 5
It is the retaining ring of No. 1.

Reference numeral 53 is a slide shaft fixed to the bracket 47, and the slide shaft 53 moves in the elongated hole 55 of the guide rod 54 with the connecting rod 11 as a fulcrum.

Reference numeral 56 is a support portion joined to the side frame 30 by welding or the like, and reference numeral 57 is a connection portion for connecting the support portion and the guide rod 54. Then, the guide rod 54 moves around the connecting portion 57 as a fulcrum. Reference numeral 58 denotes a spring that pulls the guide bar 54 so that the auxiliary chair does not rotate and fall around the connecting rod 54 as a fulcrum when the auxiliary chair 41 is stored.

Thus, in this embodiment, the folding auxiliary chairs 41, 4 are attached to the left and right side frames 30, 30, respectively.
1 is provided and is stored along the side frame 30 when not in use, as shown in FIG. 11, and when in use, FIG.
It is sufficient to rotate the tip of the auxiliary chair 41 and take it out as described above.

As described above, in this embodiment, the auxiliary chair is divided into two parts even if the auxiliary chair has the same size, so that an extra large storage space is not required. In addition, the auxiliary chair 41
When storing or using, the auxiliary chair 41 need only be moved up and down, so that it can be installed quickly, easily and safely with one hand. Further, during storage, it is placed between the side frames 30 and 30 and the body, so that the side frames 30 and 30 are prevented from directly contacting with each other for some reason and receiving an impact, and the auxiliary chair 41 absorbs the impact. . That is, it also plays a cushioning role to protect the body from danger.

Next, in the electric walker according to the present invention, depending on the condition of the road surface, straightness can be achieved without floating the wheels.
An embodiment in which the rear wheel can be displaced according to the unevenness of the road surface so as to maintain stability will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the essential portions showing a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the essential portions when no load is applied, and FIG.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a main part when a load is applied, and FIG.

The electric walker in this embodiment has a total of four wheels, two front wheels 1 and two rear wheels 2. The front wheels 1 are drive wheels and the rear wheels 2 are free wheels. Has been done.

In this embodiment, the rear wheel 2 is provided with a mechanism that can be displaced according to the unevenness of the road surface. This mechanism will be described with reference to the drawings.

In FIGS. 14 to 17, 64 is a caster for holding the rear wheel 2 and 65 is a turning shaft for turning the rear wheel 2. The swivel shaft 65 is provided with a bearing 66 provided on a support portion 67 attached to the vehicle body 6 by welding or the like.
It is rotatably supported by 66.

Reference numeral 68 denotes an upper spring receiving portion, and the lower end of the turning shaft 65 penetrates and is joined to the lower end of the turning shaft 65 by welding or the like. Reference numeral 69 denotes a lower spring receiving portion, and the casters 64 are joined to the lower spring receiving portion by welding or the like.

Reference numeral 70 is a connecting rod for connecting the upper spring receiving portion 68 and the lower spring receiving portion 69. Reference numeral 71 is an adjusting screw, which adjusts the downward displacement of the rear wheel 2 which moves up and down with the connecting rod 70 as a fulcrum. The lower spring receiving portion 69 has the connecting rod 70.
Rotate around as a fulcrum.

Reference numeral 72 denotes a spring, which is fitted to the lower end of the swivel shaft 65, the upper portion is received by the upper spring receiving portion 68, and the lower portion is received by the lower spring receiving portion 69, which expands and contracts according to the road surface condition. To do.

Reference numeral 73 is a stopper portion for bending the end portion of the lower spring receiving portion 69 into an L shape to prevent the spring 72 from being completely contracted and damaged.

When the rear wheel 2 enters a recessed portion of the road surface, as shown in FIG. 15, the rear wheel 2 is displaced below the normal state shown in FIG. That is, the rear wheel 2 is in a no-load state.

When the rear wheel 2 hits a convex portion on the road surface,
As shown in FIG. 16, it is displaced above the normal state. That is, the rear wheel 2 is in a loaded state.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the unevenness of the road surface is absorbed by the urging force of the spring 72, the influence of the road surface is less likely to occur and the walking training can be carried out safely.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the wheel is loaded with a certain amount of load such as when the user is caught in the vehicle or collides with an obstacle, the driving is performed. Since the biasing means can be adjusted so that the rollers slip, it is possible to prevent runaway of the walker and ensure safety.

Further, by restricting the movement of the drive roller in the direction of the wheel beyond a certain amount, even if the wheel punctures, the wheel will not be damaged.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing an external view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view showing an external view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a main part of the embodiment of the present invention with the cover removed, as viewed from the front.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a drive roller and a front wheel are in pressure contact with each other in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the same state.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a state in which the pressure contact of the drive roller is released in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the same state.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the electric drive unit when the tire of the front wheel is flat in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of essential parts showing a state in which an auxiliary chair is stored in the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of an essential part showing a state in which an auxiliary chair is used in the second embodiment.

13 is a bottom view seen from the direction of arrow B in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts when no load is applied in the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts when a load is applied in the third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the main parts of the third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a conventional walking training machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 front wheel 2 rear wheels 3 Electric drive unit 4 drive roller 5 Pressing lever 6 Body 7 Support 8 support rods 9 Body frame 10 fixing pin 11 stop ring 12 connecting rods 13 Connection plate 14 Connecting pin 15 Guide rod 16 Compression spring 17 Spring support 18 fixing screw 19 stopper 20 exterior cover 21 wheels 22 Lever handle

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An electric drive comprising a wheel rotatably attached to a vehicle body, and a drive roller rotatably attached to the vehicle body and abutting against the wheel to apply a driving force to the wheel portion. An electric walker comprising a unit, an urging means for applying an urging force for pressing the drive roller to a wheel, and an adjusting means for adjusting the urging force of the urging means. 2. The vehicle body is provided with a regulating means for regulating the swinging motion of the electric drive unit in the wheel direction, and the movement of the drive roller in the wheel direction by a certain amount or more is regulated. The electric walker according to Item 1.