Assist device

Abstract

Provided is an assisting device which is broadly usable and with which it is simple to change connection positions in accordance with attaching positions on a prescribed object to which assisting force is to be applied.　The assisting device (1) applies assisting force for moving a prescribed object (200) when the prescribed object (200) is to be moved. The assisting device (1) comprises a drive source (M) which applies the assisting force, a driving wheel (3) which is driven by driving force from the drive source (M), and an inserting part (51) into which a holder part (70), which is a portion of an attachment (50) connected to the prescribed object (200), is inserted. The attachment (50) comprises the holder part (70) and a connecting part (60) which is connected to the prescribed object (200). The connecting part (60) comprises connecting end members (61, 62), said connecting end members (61, 62) being configured such that it is possible to change the connection positions of the connecting end members in accordance with the attaching positions on the prescribed object (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assist device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an assist device that assists a predetermined article with a moving force has been known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Patent Document 1 describes a cart and a main body of a movement assist device having drive wheels. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the cart and the main body are connected in a state where an engagement plate of the main body is inserted into a connection unit bolted to the cart. Patent Document 2 discloses a power assist device provided with a pair of L-shaped connection arms in the width direction. In Patent Document 2, the cart and the power assist device are connected by hooking the support portion in the width direction of the cart with the connection arms that rotate at a fixed position in the width direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technologies described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, since the assist device and the article to be assisted are connected by dedicated connection parts provided in the assist device, there is a problem of lacking versatility. For this reason, in order to connect the assist device to various articles, it is necessary to make dedicated connection parts for each article to be assisted, which is likely to be troublesome and costly. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a highly versatile assist device that can easily change the connection position according to the attachment position on the side of a predetermined article to which an assist force is to be applied.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An assist device is an assist device that applies an assist force for movement to a predetermined article when moving the predetermined article. The assist device includes a drive source that applies an assist force, a drive wheel that is driven by the driving force of the drive source, and an insertion portion into which a holder portion, which is a part of an attachment connected to the predetermined article side, is inserted. The attachment includes the holder portion and a connection portion connected to the predetermined article side. The connection portion includes a connection end member, and the connection end member is configured to be able to change the connection position of the connection end member according to the attachment position on the predetermined article side.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] It is possible to provide a highly versatile assist device that can easily change the connection position according to the attachment position on the side of a predetermined article to which an assist force is to be applied.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, the directions such as front, rear, left, right, up, and down are used based on the assist device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 unless otherwise specified. Also, the reference signs FR, LH, and UP shown in each figure indicate the front, left, and upper directions, respectively.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assist device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a handcart 200 assisted by the assist device 1. FIG. 2 is a left side view of the assist device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and the handcart 200 assisted by the assist device 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the assist device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and the handcart 200 assisted by the assist device 1. The assist device 1 includes a main body 2 having a box-like appearance, drive wheels 3 supported by the main body 2, auxiliary wheels 4 supported behind the drive wheels 3, a handle shaft 5 extending upward from the main body 2, a handle bar 6 supported at the upper end of the handle shaft 5, and a grip 7 provided on the handle bar 6. The assist device 1 is an assist device that assists in moving a predetermined article.

[0010] The predetermined article is not particularly limited as long as the assist device 1 can be connected thereto. However, a vehicle having a frame 210 and wheels 220 supported by the frame 210 and in which a person pushes to rotate the wheels 220 is desirable. Hereinafter, as an example of the predetermined article, a case where the assist device 1 is connected to a large handcart 200 capable of carrying an infant will be described. The handcart 200 is also referred to as a large cart, a push vehicle, a stroller, or a walking cart. This handcart 200 can carry a plurality of infants and is used, for example, when an operator such as a nursery teacher moves infants from a nursery facility to an arbitrary place such as a park.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the handcart 200 has a frame body 210. The frame body 210 is framed in a box shape. Specifically, the frame body 210 has a lower frame 211 arranged in a rectangular shape on the bottom surface of the handcart 200. At the four corners of the lower frame 211, column frames 212, 213, 214, 215 extending in the vertical direction are provided. An upper frame 216 facing the lower frame 211 is supported above the column frames 212 to 215. Between the lower frame 211, the column frames 212 to 215, and the upper frame 216, a wall member 217 is appropriately supported to form a storage shape 218 with an open upper part.

[0012] The rear column frames 212 and 213 are connected in a substantially U shape in the left - right direction (width direction) above. Also, the front column frames 214 and 215 are connected in a substantially U shape in the left - right direction (width direction) above. A grip frame 219 that curves backward is supported on the rear column frames 212 and 213. The grip frame 219 is substantially U - shaped in plan view and protrudes backward with respect to the column frames 212 and 213.

[0013] A pair of main wheels 221 that constitute the wheels 220 are supported in the width direction on the lower frame 211. Also, casters 222 that constitute the wheels 220 are supported at the lower ends of the column frames 212 to 215. When the assist device 1 is not connected, when an operator pushes the handcart 200, the grip frame 219 is gripped to push the handcart 200. Thereby, the main wheels 221 and the casters 222 rotate, and the handcart 200 moves forward. The assist device 1 can be connected to the rear part of the handcart 200.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assist device 1 seen from the front. An attachment 50 for connecting the assist device 1 and the handcart 200 is attached to the assist device 1. The assist device 1 basically refers to the assist device 1 in a state where the attachment 50 is not connected. The assist device 1 corresponds to a power unit. The attachment 50 and the assist device 1 are separate bodies. However, in a state where the attachment 50 is attached to the assist device 1, in the sense of indicating the whole of the assist device 1 and the attachment 50, it may also be referred to as the assist device 1.

[0015] The main body 2 of the assist device 1 (see FIG. 2) has a frame 11 (see FIG. 6). An exterior cover 12 is supported by the frame 11. The exterior cover 12 has a front cover 12A, a rear cover 12B (see FIG. 1), a pair of left and right side covers 12C, 12D (see FIGS. 1 and 4), and an upper lid 12F. The side covers 12C, 12D are substantially vertically long rectangular shapes in side view, and the four corners are rounded. In other words, the side covers 12C, 12D are substantially oval shapes that are vertically long. The lid 12F curves forward and backward along the outer peripheral shape of the upper part of the side covers 12C, 12D in side view.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 4, an insertion opening 12A1 extending in the width direction is formed in the front cover 12A. The attachment 50 is inserted into the inside of the main body 2 through the insertion opening 12A1. Above the insertion opening 12A1, a port opening 12A2 extending in the width direction is formed. A power supply port 13 is exposed forward from the port opening 12A2. The port opening 12A2 is closably closed by a plate-shaped shutter 12A3. The shutter 12A3 is supported by the front cover 12A so as to be able to move up and down. When the power supply port 13 is not used, the shutter 12A3 can protect the power supply port 13.

[0017] The power supply port 13 includes a plurality of output terminals. The power supply port 13 of the present embodiment includes a USB port 13A and an AC output terminal 13B. USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. AC is an abbreviation for Alternating Current.

[0018] Power is supplied to the power supply port 13 from the battery 14 (see FIG. 6). Since the assist device 1 is provided with the power supply port 13, while assisting the handcart 200 with the assist device 1, an electronic device such as a smartphone (not shown) can be charged. Further, even when the assist device 1 is not used for the handcart 200, it can be used as an emergency power supply.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the power supply port 13 is arranged on the front cover 12A side. Instead of this, the power supply port 13 may be provided on the rear cover 12B side. In this case, it is easy for the electric cable (not shown) connected to the power supply port 13 and the handcart 200 to be separated. Therefore, it is difficult for the handcart 200 side and the electric cable to interfere with each other, and it is easy to keep them away from infants and the like. Further, since the power supply port 13 is on the rear cover 12B side and on the operator side who operates the assist device 1, it is easy for the operator to access the power supply port 13, and the convenience can be improved.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 2. The side covers 12C and 12D have outer peripheral frame portions 12G and 12H having a columnar cross section. The outer peripheral frame portions 12G and 12H are formed of a soft material that is softer than the front cover 12A and the rear cover 12B. Specifically, for example, the outer peripheral frame portions 12G and 12H are manufactured from urethane resin or PMMA. PMMA is an abbreviation for polymenthyl methacrylate. The outer peripheral frame portions 12G and 12H protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from the main body surfaces 12J and 12K of the side covers 12C and 12D. Therefore, even if the assist device 1 falls over, it is easy to contact the ground G0 from the outer peripheral frame portions 12G and 12H, and it is easy to absorb the impact by the outer peripheral frame portions 12G and 12H. Note that the ground G0 also means a road surface, a floor surface, or the like.

[0021] In side covers 12C and 12D, decorative panels 12M and 12N are detachably fitted into the recessed shapes formed by the surrounding shapes of outer peripheral frame portions 12G and 12H and main body surfaces 12J and 12K. Patterns, emblems, advertisements, etc. are attached to decorative panels 12M and 12N. By replacing decorative panels 12M and 12N, the appearance of assist device 1 can be easily changed. Decorative panels 12M and 12N are curved toward the main body surfaces 12J and 12K as they approach the outer peripheral frame portions 12G and 12H. The outer peripheral portions of decorative panels 12M and 12N are recessed inward in the vehicle width direction from outer peripheral frame portions 12G and 12H. As shown in FIG. 5, a hollow is formed between decorative panels 12M and 12N and main body surfaces 12J and 12K. Therefore, even if assist device 1 falls over, it is easy to contact the ground G0 from outer peripheral frame portions 12G and 12H. Moreover, even if decorative panels 12M and 12N come into contact, they are recessed and easily absorb impacts. Further, even if decorative panels 12M and 12N are damaged, they can be easily replaced.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a left side view of assist device 1 with the illustration of side cover 12C omitted. A box-shaped battery housing portion 15 with an open upper side is supported by frame 11. A battery 14 is detachably mounted in battery housing portion 15. Battery 14 supplies power to an in-wheel motor (drive source) M of drive wheel 3, a power supply port 13 (see FIG. 4), a control device (not shown), etc. The in-wheel motor M of drive wheel 3 is an electric motor housed in drive wheel 3 and having a drive shaft coaxial with the axle 3A1 of drive wheel 3. The in-wheel motor M of drive wheel 3 is controlled by a control device (not shown) supported by main body portion 2. The control device includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. In the control device, a processor executes a computer program stored in a memory device or the like to realize various functions of assist device 1.

[0023] The battery housing portion 15 is supported by the lid 12F so as to be openable and closable. The lid 12F is rotatably supported by the hinge shaft 12F1 on the front side and is opened as shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 6. Since the lid 12F is rotated in a direction away from the handle shaft 5, it is easy to rotate it greatly regardless of the presence or absence of the handle shaft 5. Therefore, it is easy for the operator to access the battery housing portion 15 through a large opening and to easily replace the battery 14. The periphery of the hinge shaft 12F1 of the lid 12F is rounded, and even if it opens due to an impact or the like, the rounded side is likely to be close to the handcart 200.

[0024] A rear frame 21 is disposed behind the battery housing portion 15. The handle shaft 5 is rotatably supported by the rear frame 21. At the upper end of the handle shaft 5, a handle bar 6 extending in the left-right direction is supported as shown in Fig. 2. An operable grip 7 is provided on the handle bar 6. A sensor (not shown) is provided on the grip 7, and operations of the grip 7 such as the operator gripping the grip 7 or rotating the grip 7 are detected, and the detection information is input to a control device (not shown). By operating the grip 7, for example, the magnification of the magnitude of the driving force generated when the assist device 1 is pushed can be set.

[0025] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the inside of the main body portion 2 as seen from the left front. A gear 16 is supported at the lower end of the handle shaft 5. An endless belt-shaped belt 17 is wound around the gear 16. The belt 17 extends forward and is wound around the gear 18 of the drive wheel 3. Tension is applied to the belt 17 by a pulley 19. The drive wheel 3 has a drive wheel body 3A. The drive wheel body 3A is rotatably supported by a substantially U-shaped axle frame 3B via an axle 3A1 (see Fig. 6). On the upper surface of the axle frame 3B, a wheel steering shaft 3C extending upward is formed. A gear 18 is supported on the wheel steering shaft 3C. When the handle shaft 5 is rotated by the handle bar 6, the drive wheel 3 is steered via the gear 16, the belt 17, and the gear 18.

[0026] Between the battery housing portion 15 and the wheel steering shaft 3C, an insertion portion 51 into which the attachment 50 is inserted is formed. The insertion portion 51 communicates with the outside through the insertion opening 12A1. An upper guide roller 52 (see FIG. 7) is disposed behind the upper part of the insertion opening 12A1. The upper guide roller 52 guides the upper surface of the attachment 50. Below the upper guide roller 52, side guide rollers 53 provided in the width direction are disposed. The side guide rollers 53 guide the side surfaces of the attachment 50. The insertion portion 51 of the present embodiment is formed by a space that extends rearward from the insertion opening 12A1 and is surrounded by the upper guide roller 52 and the side guide rollers 53.

[0027] Here, the battery 14 is disposed on the steering shaft center 3C1 (see FIG. 6) of the wheel steering shaft 3C and is disposed directly above the wheel steering shaft 3C (see FIG. 6). Therefore, since the heavy battery 14 is disposed directly above the drive wheel 3, it is easy to handle the assist device 1. Further, the handle shaft 5 is offset to the rear side (one side) with respect to the steering shaft center 3C1 of the wheel steering shaft 3C, and the insertion opening 12A1 into which the attachment 50 is inserted is provided on the front side (the other side) with respect to the steering shaft center 3C1. Therefore, since the handle shaft 5 is provided at a position away from the handcart 200, it is easy to separate the handlebar 6 from the handcart 200, and as shown by the broken line and the alternate long and short dash line in FIGS. 2 and 3, the handlebar 6 can be prevented from interfering with the handcart 200.

[0028] The insertion opening 12A1 into which the attachment 50 is attached is the front surface of the main body portion 2 on the side of the handcart 200, and the entire attachment 50 is disposed below the upper end of the main body portion 2. Therefore, the main body portion 2 of the assist device 1 and the handcart 200 can be connected closer to each other. Also, there is no hindrance to the movement of the handlebar 6.

[0029] Further, the center position 14A of the battery 14 is set behind the center of the steering axis 3C1 in a side view. Specifically, the center position 14A of the battery 14 is disposed between the center of the steering axis 3C1 and the auxiliary wheel 4 in a side view. Therefore, the center of gravity is set between the drive wheel 3 and the auxiliary wheel 4, and the assist device 1 can be easily made self-standing by the drive wheel 3 and the auxiliary wheel 4.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rear frame 21 as viewed from the rear left side. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the rear frame 21 as viewed from the front left side. The frame 11 has a rear frame 21. The rear frame 21 is plate-shaped with a left-right width and extending in the vertical direction. At the lower end of the rear frame 21, a pair of left and right notches 21A (see FIG. 9) that are notched upward in a rectangular shape are formed.

[0031] A guide member 22 is supported on the lower rear surface of the rear frame 21. A handle hole 22A in the shape of a through hole extending in the vertical direction is formed at the center in the width direction of the guide member 22. A handle shaft 5 is inserted into the handle hole 22A. The handle shaft 5 is rotatably supported by the guide member 22.

[0032] Guide holes 22B extending in the vertical direction are formed on the left and right sides of the handle hole 22A. A lifting shaft 23 extending in the vertical direction is inserted through the guide hole 22B. The lifting shaft 23 is supported by the guide member 22 so as to be movable up and down. An auxiliary wheel support member 30 is supported at the lower end of the lifting shaft 23.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the auxiliary wheel support member 30 as viewed from the front left side. The auxiliary wheel support member (lower movement means) 30 is a member having a thickness in the front-rear direction and extending in the vertical direction. A pair of left and right auxiliary wheel housing portions 31 cut in a substantially L shape are formed at the lower portion of the auxiliary wheel support member 30. Each auxiliary wheel housing portion 31 houses an auxiliary wheel 4. Each auxiliary wheel 4 is rotatably supported by the auxiliary wheel support member 30. By disposing the auxiliary wheel 4 in the auxiliary wheel housing portion 31, the auxiliary wheel 4 can be supported by the auxiliary wheel support member 30 while suppressing the amount by which the auxiliary wheel 4 projects in the width direction.

[0034] On the upper part of the auxiliary wheel support member 30, fitting holes 32 extending from above downward are formed. A pair of left and right fitting holes 32 are formed. The lifting shaft 23 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) is fitted into the fitting holes 32. Thereby, the lifting shaft 23, the auxiliary wheel support member 30, and the auxiliary wheel 4 can move integrally in the vertical direction. At the rear part of the fitting hole 32, a wide cover part 33 extending upward is formed. The cover part 33 protects the fitting position of the lifting shaft 23 and the fitting hole 32 from the rear.

[0035] At the central part of the pair of left and right fitting holes 32, a shaft avoidance part 34 recessed downward is formed. The gear 16 of the handle shaft 5 can relatively enter the shaft avoidance part 34 from above. On the left side of the shaft avoidance part 34, a pin engagement hole (first hole) 35 recessed rearward is formed.

[0036] Below the pin engagement hole 35, on the front surface of the auxiliary wheel support member 30, protruding support parts 38 protruding forward are formed. A pair of left and right protruding support parts 38 are formed. In the protruding support parts 38, support holes 38A extending from above downward are formed. A holder lock pin 39 extending upward is supported in the support holes 38A. At the rear part of the auxiliary wheel support member 30, a foot pedal part (lever member) 37 protruding rearward is formed. The foot pedal part 37 extends in the width direction. The foot pedal part 37 is located below the rear frame 21. The foot pedal part 37 can be stepped on by an operator's foot.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the upper ends of the pair of left and right lifting shafts 23 are connected by a tie bar 24 extending in the width direction. Thereby, the lifting shafts 23 are held in parallel by the upper tie bar 24 and the lower auxiliary wheel support member 30. The lifting shafts 23 move up and down along the guide holes 23B. By the lifting shafts 23, the auxiliary wheel 4 is supported so as to be able to move up and down between a lower position in contact with the ground G0 (see FIG. 11) and an upper position above the lower position (see FIG. 2).

[0038] To the tie bar 24, an upwardly extending biasing member (first biasing member) 25A is connected. A pair of biasing members 25A are provided in the width direction. The biasing member 25A is configured to be windable around a winding portion 25 provided above. The winding portion 25 is fixed to the upper part of the rear surface of the rear frame 21. The biasing member 25A and the winding portion 25 can be constituted by, for example, a clockwork spring. By the biasing member 25A, a force to move the auxiliary wheel 4 etc. from a lower position to an upper position acts on the auxiliary wheel 4 etc. via the tie bar 24, the elevating shaft 23, and the auxiliary wheel support member 30. Further, when the auxiliary wheel 4 is moved to the upper position by the biasing member 25A, a force to hold the auxiliary wheel 4 at the upper position acts.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 9, a lock mechanism 40 is provided in front of the rear frame 21. The lock mechanism 40 has a block-shaped lock member 41 extending in the width direction. The lock member 41 is fixed to the rear frame 21. In the lock member 41, lock holes 41A penetrating in the vertical direction are formed. A pair of lock holes 41A are formed on the left and right. When the auxiliary wheel support member 30 moves to the upper position, a holder lock pin 39 is inserted into the lock holes 41A.

[0040] Below the lock member 41, a link support portion 42 is provided. The link support portion 42 is fixed to the rear frame 21. A link rotation shaft 43 extending in the vertical direction is rotatably supported by the link support portion 42. The link rotation shaft 43 is longer in the vertical direction than the link support portion 42. At the upper end of the link rotation shaft 43, a first link 44 extending in the radial direction is fixed. The middle part in the longitudinal direction of the first link 44 is supported by the link rotation shaft 43. The first link 44 extends to both sides in the radial direction of the link rotation shaft 43.

[0041] At the right end (one end) 44A of the first link 44, a contact pin (contact portion) 44A1 protruding upward is supported. At the left end (the other end) 44B of the first link 44, a tension spring 45 as an example of a second biasing member engages. In the present embodiment, one end of the tension spring 45 is connected to the left end 44B of the first link 44. The other end of the tension spring 45 is connected to a mounting portion 46 provided on the rear frame 21. The tension spring 45 biases the left end 44B of the first link 44 rearward. In other words, the tension spring 45 biases the right end 44A of the first link 44 forward. The members 43, 44, and 47 constitute a rotary link mechanism R as an example of the rotating member of the present embodiment.

[0042] A second link 47 is fixed to the lower end of the link rotation shaft 43. The second link 47 extends radially to the other side. An auxiliary wheel lock pin 48 is connected to the left end (tip) 47A of the second link 47 with play. The auxiliary wheel lock pin 48 extends rearward. The auxiliary wheel lock pin 48 is slidably inserted into a guide hole 49A of a support member 49. The support member 49 is fixed to the rear frame 21. The auxiliary wheel lock pin 48 enters the pin engagement hole 35 when the auxiliary wheel support member 30 moves to the lower position. The members 39, 41 to 49 constitute the lock mechanism 40 of the present embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which the attachment 50 and the assist device 1 are separated. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the attachment 50. The attachment 50 includes a connection portion 60 connected to the handcart 200 and a holder portion 70 connected to the connection portion 60. The connection portion 60 and the holder portion 70 are separate bodies. The connection portion 60 includes a pair of left and right hook portions (connection end members) 61 and 62 that are hooked on the handcart 200, slide rods (shaft portions) 63 and 64 that support the hook portions 61 and 62, and a base portion 65 that slidably supports the slide rods 63 and 64.

[0044] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the attachment 50 as viewed from the left front. The connecting portion 60 has a prismatic base portion 65 that extends in the width direction. The base portion 65 includes a base body 66, a frame portion 67 disposed in front of the base body 66, a front cover portion 68 disposed in front of the frame portion 67, and a pressing portion 69 (see FIG. 14) disposed inside the frame shape of the frame portion 67 between the front cover portion 68 and the base body 66.

[0045] The first slide rod 63 and the second slide rod 64 are supported by the base portion 65. The slide rods 63 and 64 are supported by the base portion 65 in a state of penetrating in the width direction. A plurality of each of the slide rods 63 and 64 are supported. The slide rods 63 and 64 are alternately arranged vertically.

[0046] The first slide rod 63 is disposed offset to the left side (one side in the width direction) with respect to the second slide rod 64. In the first slide rod 63, a hook portion 61 is supported at one end, and a fixing member 63A is supported at the other end. A through hole 63A1 through which the second slide rod 64 is inserted is formed in the fixing member 63A.

[0047] The second slide rod 64 is configured substantially symmetrically with respect to the first slide rod 63 in the left-right direction. That is, the second slide rod 64 is disposed offset to the right side (the other side in the width direction) with respect to the first slide rod 63, a hook portion 62 is supported at the other end, and a fixing member 64A is supported at one end. Further, the first slide rod 63 is inserted into the through hole 64A1 of the fixing member 64A.

[0048] Since both ends of the slide rods 63 and 64 in the width direction are supported, they are easily held in parallel and are easily slid in the width direction with respect to the base portion 65. Also, both ends of the slide rods 63 and 64 are prevented from coming off with respect to the base portion 65.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 13. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the front cover portion 68 extends in the width direction. The front cover portion 68 is supported by the base body 66 via the frame portion 67. A protruding portion 68A that protrudes rearward is formed at the central portion of the front cover portion 68 in the vertical direction. A recessed portion 68B (see FIG. 13) that is recessed forward is formed at the central portion of the protruding portion 68A in the width direction. Female screw holes 68C that extend in the front-rear direction are formed on both sides in the width direction of the recessed portion 68B. A male screw portion 82A (see FIG. 14) of the pressing knob (pressing adjustment member, second fastening member) 82 is fastened to the female screw hole 68C. The pressing knob 82 is inserted through the insertion hole 66A of the base body 66.

[0050] On the rear surface of the front cover portion 68, a pair of concave grooves 68D and 68E that extend in the width direction are formed vertically above the protruding portion 68A. Also, on the rear surface of the front cover portion 68, a pair of concave grooves 68D and 68E that extend in the width direction are formed vertically below the protruding portion 68A. Each of the concave grooves 68D and 68E is recessed forward. At the upper and lower portions of the protruding portion 68A respectively, the first slide rod 63 is disposed in the lower concave groove 68D. The second slide rod 64 is disposed in the upper concave groove 68D.

[0051] A pressing portion 69 is disposed between the front cover portion 68 and the base body 66. The pressing portion 69 extends in the width direction. A recessed portion 69A that is recessed rearward is formed in the pressing portion 69. The protruding portion 68A of the front cover portion 68 is accommodated in the recessed portion 69A. The protruding portion 68A is accommodated in the recessed portion 69A in a state with play in the front-rear direction. A pair of through holes 69B are formed in the width direction in the recessed portion 69A. The inner diameter of the through hole 69B is formed to be larger than the male screw portion 82A of the pressing knob 82. The male screw portion 82A of the pressing knob 82 is inserted through the through hole 69B.

[0052] On the pressing knob 82, a large-diameter portion 82B is formed corresponding to the position of the rear surface of the pressing portion 69. The large-diameter portion 82B is formed with an outer diameter larger than that of the through-hole 69B of the pressing portion 69. Therefore, when the pressing knob 82 is screwed into the female screw hole 68C of the front cover portion 68, the large-diameter portion 82B of the pressing knob 82 presses the pressing portion 69 forward.

[0053] On the front surface of the pressing portion 69, pressing surfaces 69C are formed above and below the concave portion 67A respectively. When the male screw portion 82A is screwed in, the pressing surface 69C approaches the inner surface of the front cover portion 68 and presses the slide rods 63, 64 toward the front cover portion 68. As a result, the positions of the slide rods 63, 64 that are slidable in the width direction are fixed in the width direction.

[0054] Here, in the attachment 50, the hook portions 61, 62 of the connection portion 60 are engaged with the support frames 212, 213. The hook portions 61, 62 of the present embodiment are curved so as to be hookable from the width direction with respect to the rod-shaped members extending in the vertical direction. The left and right positions of the hook portions 61, 62 are adjusted by sliding the slide rods 63, 64 with respect to the base portion 65. By adjusting the left and right positions of the hook portions 61, 62, the hook portions 61, 62 are hooked on the support frames 212, 213 so as to sandwich the support frames 212, 213 corresponding to the rod-shaped members from the width direction. In this state, when the slide rods 63, 64 are fixed to the base portion 65, the left and right positions of the hook portions 61, 62 are fixed and the hook portions 61, 62 are connected to the support frames 212, 213.

[0055] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the attachment 50 can be connected while adjusting the connection position of the connection portion 60 according to the attachment position on the handcart 200 side, specifically, according to the left and right widths. Further, the attachment 50 can be removed from the handcart 200 by operating the pressing knob 82 to move the slide rods 63 and 64. Since the attachment 50 of the present embodiment can easily adjust the interval in the width direction between the hook portions 61 and 62, it is easy to attach the attachment 50 to articles having various left - right widths. Also, since the attachment 50 can be attached to articles having various left - right widths, it is easy to connect the assist device 1 to articles having various left - right widths via the attachment 50.

[0056] FIG. 15 is a left - side view of the attachment 50 showing a state where the inserted portion 72 is held at the insertion position. FIG. 16 is a left - side view of the attachment 50 showing a state where the inserted portion 72 is held at the storage position. The holder portion 70 has an insertion portion 71 that is substantially L - shaped in a side view. The upper part of the insertion portion 71 is inserted into the base portion 65 from below. A screw hole portion 71A (see FIG. 12) that penetrates in the front - rear direction is formed in the upper part of the insertion portion 71. A fixing knob 81 engages with the screw hole portion 71A. The screw portion of the fixing knob 81 is screwed into the screw hole portion 71A through a hole provided in the back surface of the base body 66. When the screw portion of the fixing knob 81 penetrates the screw hole portion 71A, it can enter the recess 68B of the front cover portion 68. The holder portion 70 is detachably connected to the base portion 65 by the fixing knob 81.

[0057] A hinge portion 71C (see FIG. 12) is formed at the lower part of the insertion portion 71. The hinge portion 71C has a stepped portion 71D whose upper - rear part is cut out in a side view. In other words, the stepped portion 71D is cut out in an L - shape. The stepped portion 71D includes a first positioning surface 71D1 (see FIGS. 15 and 16) that extends in the front - rear direction and a second positioning surface 71D2 (see FIGS. 15 and 16) that extends in the up - down direction. Support piece portions 71E (see FIG. 12) that protrude with respect to each surface 71D1, 71D2 are formed on the stepped portion 71D. The support piece portions 71E are provided at intervals in the left - right direction. The inserted portion 72 is rotatably supported by the support piece portions 71E, 71E.

[0058] The inserted part 72 has a support piece part 72E that protrudes forward corresponding to the support piece part 71E of the insertion part. The support piece part 72E is formed as a pair at the left and right outer ends. The support piece part 72E is arranged so as to overlap with the support piece part 71E of the hinge part 71C in a side view. A rotation shaft 73 extending in the left - right direction penetrates and is supported by the support piece part 71E and the support piece part 72E. The rotation shaft 73 is fixed to the support piece part 72E of the inserted part 72 and rotates integrally. The inserted part 72 is rotatably supported between an insertion position extending rearward (see FIG. 15) and a storage position rotated upward from the insertion position and standing upright (see FIG. 16).

[0059] As shown in FIG. 12, a recess 72B is formed on the lower surface of the inserted part 72. The recess 72B extends to the rear of the inserted part 72. A protruding part 72C in a protruding shape is provided in the recess 72B. The protruding part 72C is formed at a position corresponding to the contact pin 44A1 (see FIG. 9). A contact bolt 79 is screwed to the protruding part 72C from the front. By turning the contact bolt 79, the protruding amount of the contact bolt 79 with respect to the protruding part 72C can be adjusted.

[0060] The rear end of the inserted part 72 has a rounded corner. Since the rear end has a rounded corner, it is easier to insert the inserted part 72 into the insertion opening 12A1. The inserted part 72 is inserted into the insertion part 51 from the insertion opening 12A1. A pair of locking holes (second holes) 72A in the width direction are formed in the inserted part 72. The locking holes 72A penetrate in the up - down direction. When the inserted part 72 is inserted and mounted on the insertion part 51, the holder lock pin 39 (see FIGS. 6 and 13) is inserted and penetrated from below. Thereby, the state where the attachment 50 is connected to the assist device 1 is maintained.

[0061] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the attachment 50. FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the periphery of the operation member 74 and showing the state where the operation member 74 has moved to the fixed position. FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the periphery of the operation member 74 and showing the state where the operation member has moved to the release position. Below the insertion part 71, a lever housing part 71B recessed upward is formed. An operation member 74 is disposed in the lever housing part 71B. The operation member 74 includes a lever part 74A (see FIG. 17) having a substantially U-shaped cross section when viewed from the bottom surface. A shaft part 74B that is rotatably supported is formed on the lever part 74A via a shaft 78 supported by the side wall of the lever housing part 71B. A cam part 74C that protrudes in the radial direction is formed on the shaft part 74B.

[0062] The operation member 74 is rotatably supported about the shaft 78. The operation member 74 is movably supported between a fixed position (see FIG. 18) housed in the lever housing part 71B and a release position (see FIG. 19) that moves from the fixed position and extends downward. At this time, the cam part 74C rotates integrally with the lever part 74A. The cam part 74C protrudes upward in the fixed position and protrudes forward in the release position.

[0063] A rotation restricting spring 75 is disposed between the operation member 74 and the insertion part 71. The rotation restricting spring 75 is inserted into the lever housing part 71B from the hinge part 71C. The rotation restricting spring 75 has an annular shaft clamping part 75A with a cross section C that presses against the rotation shaft 73. The inner diameter of the shaft clamping part 75A substantially matches the outer diameter of the rotation shaft 73 of the inserted part 72. The inner peripheral surface of the shaft clamping part 75A can contact the outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft 73.

[0064] A plate-shaped fixing piece part 75B is formed at the upper (one) open end of the pair of open ends of the shaft clamping part 75A. The fixing piece part 75B enters the lever housing part 71B from the hinge part 71C side and is fixed to the upper surface inside the lever housing part 71B. A plate-shaped pressing piece part 75C that faces the fixing piece part 75B is formed at the lower (the other) open end of the pair of open ends of the shaft clamping part 75A of the fixing piece part 75B. The pressing piece part 75C is supported so as to be able to approach and separate from the fixing piece part 75B. By the pressing piece part 75C approaching and separating from the fixing piece part 75B, the inner diameter of the shaft clamping part 75A changes so as to increase or decrease, and the force with which the shaft clamping part 75A clamps the rotation shaft 73 increases or decreases.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 18, when the operation member 74 moves to the fixed position, the lever portion 74A is housed in the lever housing portion 71B, the cam portion 74C protrudes upward, and presses the pressing piece portion 75C of the fixed piece portion 75B upward. Therefore, the rotation shaft 73 is tightened by the shaft tightening portion 75A, and the rotation of the rotation shaft 73 is restricted by the frictional force. That is, the rotation position of the inserted portion 72 is fixed. At this time, when the operation member 74 is rotated from the fixed position to the release position, the lever portion 74A protrudes downward, and the cam portion 74C rotates from above to the left. For this reason, since the cam portion 74C separates from the pressing piece portion 75C, the rotation restricting spring 75 elastically restores, the tightening force of the shaft tightening portion 75A weakens, and the rotation shaft 73 becomes rotatable.

[0066] Therefore, the inserted portion 72 can be rotated between the insertion position and the storage position. Further, with the inserted portion 72 moved to the insertion position or the storage position, by rotating the operation member 74 to the fixed position, the inserted portion 72 can be fixed at those positions. In this embodiment, the hinge portion 71C of the insertion portion 71 has a stepped portion 71D, and positioning surfaces 71D1, 71D2 (see Figs. 15 and 16) are formed. Therefore, when rotating the inserted portion 72, by bringing the inserted portion 72 into contact with the positioning surfaces 71D1, 71D2, the inserted portion 72 can be positioned at the insertion position and the storage position.

[0067] In this embodiment, the assist device 1 can be connected to the handcart 200 via the attachment 50. Since this attachment 50 is separable from the assist device 1, the handcart 200 and the assist device 1 can be stored separately, improving convenience. At this time, with the attachment 50, by operating the operation member 74 to move the inserted portion 72 to the storage position, it can be stored more compactly. Also, by operating the fixing knob 81, the holder portion 70 can be removed, and a storage method can be adopted according to the operator's preference.

[0068] As described above, according to the present embodiment to which the present invention is applied, in an assist device 1 that applies an assist force for movement to a predetermined article 200 when moving the predetermined article 200, the assist device 1 includes an in-wheel motor M that applies the assist force, a drive wheel 3 that is driven by the driving force of the in-wheel motor M, and an insertion portion 51 into which a holder portion 70 that is a part of an attachment 50 connected to the predetermined article 200 side is inserted. The attachment 50 includes a holder portion 70 and a connection portion 60 connected to the predetermined article 200 side. The connection portion 60 includes hook portions 61 and 62 corresponding to connection end members, and the hook portions 61 and 62 are configured to be able to change the connection positions of the hook portions 61 and 62 according to the attachment positions on the predetermined article 200 side.

[0069] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a highly versatile assist device 1 that can easily change the connection position according to the attachment position on the predetermined article 200 side to which the assist force is to be applied. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the positions in the width direction of the hook portions 61 and 62 are adjustable and the connection positions in the width direction can be changed, the attachment 50 can be attached to various articles having different connection positions in the width direction. Therefore, the assist device 1 can be attached to various articles having different connection positions in the width direction via the attachment 50. At this time, it is only necessary for the predetermined article 200 to be provided with a shape that can be hooked and connected by the hook portions 61 and 62, so dedicated parts for connection are not required on the predetermined article 200 side. Therefore, it is easy to replace the assist device 1 with various predetermined articles 200, and the versatility of the assist device 1 is high.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the attachment 50 is configured separately from the assist device 1 as a power unit having the in-wheel motor M. According to this configuration, when the assist device 1 is not in use, the assist device 1 can be stored separately from the predetermined article 200.

[0071] In addition, in the present embodiment, the connecting portion 60 includes hook portions 61 and 62 provided at the left and right ends of the first slide rod 63 and the second slide rod 64, respectively, and the lengths of the slide rods 63 and 64 are configured to be variable. According to this configuration, since the lengths of the slide rods 63 and 64 in the width direction can be changed with respect to the base portion 65, the left and right positions of the hook portions 61 and 62 can be changed, and it is possible to connect to a predetermined article 200 having different left and right widths.

[0072] In addition, in the present embodiment, the hook portions 61 and 62 include hook portions 61 and 62 that can be hooked on rod-shaped members 212 and 213. According to this configuration, since the attachment 50 can be connected using the rod-shaped members 212 and 213, it is easy to connect the attachment 50 to various articles provided with the rod-shaped members 212 and 213.

[0073] In addition, in the present embodiment, the holder portion 70 and the connecting portion 60 are provided separately, and the holder portion 70 and the connecting portion 60 can be integrally formed by a fixing knob 81. According to this configuration, since the holder portion 70 and the connecting portion 60 can be separated by removing the fixing knob 81, the attachment 50 can be stored compactly.

[0074] In addition, in the present embodiment, the holder portion 70 includes an inserted portion 72 to be inserted into the insertion portion 51, and an insertion portion 71 that is connected to the connecting portion 60 and rotatably supports the inserted portion 72. According to this configuration, since the inserted portion 72 can be rotated, the posture of the inserted portion 72 can be changed to improve the storage property of the attachment 50.

[0075] In addition, in the present embodiment, the inserted portion 72 includes a rotation shaft 73 that rotates integrally, and the insertion portion 71 includes a hinge portion 71C that rotatably supports the rotation shaft 73, and an operation member (cam member) 74 that allows or restricts the rotation of the rotation shaft 73. The operation member 74 includes an operable lever portion 74A. According to this configuration, by operating the lever portion 74A, the rotation of the inserted portion 72 can be allowed to change the rotation posture, or the inserted portion 72 can be fixed, so that the storage property of the attachment 50 can be improved.

[0076] [Other Embodiments] The above-described embodiments merely show one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the auxiliary wheel support member 30 is moved upward by the urging force of the urging member 25A has been described. Instead, for example, a sensor that detects whether or not the attachment 50 is inserted into the insertion portion 51, and an electric cylinder that is driven based on the detection result of the sensor may be provided, and the auxiliary wheel support member 30 may be configured to be raised and lowered by the electric cylinder. Note that an electric motor may be used instead of the electric cylinder.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the push cart 200 used when taking a walk is exemplified as an example of a predetermined article. However, for example, a wheelchair or a cart for carrying luggage may be used.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the moving means is exemplified by a foot pedal. However, for example, a lever provided at the upper part of the main body portion 2 and pushed by hand may be used.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the tension spring 45 is described as an example of the second urging member, but a compression spring may be used.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the number of drive wheels 3 and the number of auxiliary wheels 4 of the assist device 1 are not limited to the number of embodiments. For example, two drive wheels may be provided, or a pair of auxiliary wheels 4 may be further arranged on the front side of the drive wheel 3.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the connection part 60 has been described as being configured to be hooked while sandwiching the handcart 200 from the width direction, but it is not limited to this. For example, the slide rods 63 and 64 may extend in the vertical direction, and the handcart 200 may be hooked and connected while being sandwiched from the vertical direction with the vertical positions of the hook parts 61 and 62 being adjustable. Further, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the slide rods 63 and 64 are arranged and connected in both the width direction and the vertical direction, that is, in a cross shape.

[0083] [Configuration supported by the above-described embodiment] The above-described embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0084] (Configuration 1) In an assist device that applies an assist force for movement to a predetermined article when moving the predetermined article, the assist device includes a drive source that applies the assist force, drive wheels that are driven by the driving force of the drive source, and an insertion part into which a holder part that is a part of an attachment connected to the predetermined article side is inserted. The attachment includes the holder part and a connection part connected to the predetermined article side. The connection part includes a connection end member, and the connection end member is configured to be able to change the connection position of the connection end member according to the attachment position on the predetermined article side. The assist device is characterized by this. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a highly versatile assist device in which the connection position can be easily changed according to the attachment position on the predetermined article side to which the assist force is to be applied.

[0085] (Configuration 2) The assist device according to Configuration 1, wherein the attachment is configured separately from a power unit having the drive source. According to this configuration, when the assist device is not in use, the assist device can be stored separately from the predetermined article.

[0086] (Configuration 3) The assist device according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the connection part includes a shaft part and the connection end members provided at the left and right ends of the shaft part, and the length of the shaft part is configured to be variable. According to this configuration, since the length of the shaft portion can be changed, the left and right positions of the connection end member can be changed, and it can be connected to a predetermined article having different left and right widths.

[0087] (Configuration 4) The assist device according to Configuration 3, wherein the connection end member includes a hook portion that can be hooked on a rod-shaped member. According to this configuration, since the attachment can be connected using a rod-shaped member, it is easy to connect the attachment to various articles having a rod-shaped member.

[0088] (Configuration 5) The assist device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, wherein the holder portion and the connection portion are provided separately, and the holder portion and the connection portion can be integrally formed by a fastening member. According to this configuration, since the holder portion and the connection portion can be separated by removing the fastening member, the attachment can be stored compactly.

[0089] (Configuration 6) The assist device according to Configuration 5, wherein the holder portion includes an inserted portion to be inserted into the insertion portion, and a support portion that is connected to the connection portion and rotatably supports the inserted portion. According to this configuration, since the inserted portion can be rotated, the posture of the inserted portion can be changed to improve the storage property of the attachment.

[0090] (Configuration 7) The assist device according to Configuration 6, wherein the inserted portion includes a rotation shaft that rotates integrally, and the support portion includes a hinge portion that rotatably supports the rotation shaft, and a cam member that allows or restricts the rotation of the rotation shaft, and the cam member includes an operable lever portion. According to this configuration, by operating the lever portion, the rotation of the inserted portion can be allowed to change the rotation posture, or the inserted portion can be fixed, so that the storage property of the attachment can be improved.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0091] 1 Assist device (power unit) 3 Driving wheel 50 Attachment 70 Holder part 51 Insertion part 60 Connection part 61 Hook part (connection end member) 62 Hook part (connection end member) 63 First slide rod (shaft part) 64 Second slide rod (shaft part) 71 Insertion part (support part) 71C Hinge part 72 Inserted part 73 Rotation axis 75 Cam member 75A Lever part 81 Fixed knob (fastening member) 200 Handcart (predetermined article) 212 Support frame (rod-shaped member) 213 Support frame (rod-shaped member) M In-wheel motor (driving source)

Claims

1. In an assist device (1) that applies an assist force for movement to a predetermined article (200) when moving the predetermined article (200), the assist device (1) includes: a drive source (M) that applies an assist force; a drive wheel (3) driven by the driving force of the drive source (M); an insertion part (51) for inserting a holder part (70) which is a part of an attachment (50) connected to the predetermined article (200) side; and the attachment (50) includes the holder part (70) and a connection part (60) connected to the predetermined article (200) side; the connection part (60) includes connection end members (61, 62); the assist device is characterized in that the connection position of the connection end members (61, 62) can be changed according to the attachment position on the predetermined article (200) side.

2. The attachment (50) is configured separately from a power unit (1) having the drive source (M). The assist device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The connection part (60) includes: shaft parts (63, 64); the connection end members (61, 62) provided at the left and right ends of the shaft parts (63, 64); and the length of the shaft parts (63, 64) is configured to be variable. The assist device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The connection end members (61, 62) include hook parts (61, 62) that can be hooked on rod-shaped members (212, 213). The assist device according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. The holder part (70) and the connection part (60) are provided separately, and the holder part (70) and the connection part (60) can be integrally formed by a fastening member (81). The assist device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. The holder part (70) includes an inserted part (72) inserted into the insertion part (51), and a support part (71) connected to the connection part (60) and rotatably supporting the inserted part (72). The assist device according to claim 5, characterized by the above.

7. The inserted part (72) includes a rotation shaft (73) that rotates integrally, and the support part (71) includes a hinge part (71C) that rotatably supports the rotation shaft (73), and a cam member (74) that allows or restricts the rotation of the rotation shaft (73). The cam member (74) includes an operable lever portion (74A). The assist device according to claim 6, characterized by this.

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