Wheels and mobile vehicles

Abstract

To provide a vehicle wheel which enables efficient attachment of a tire to a wheel, and to provide a transportation vehicle including the vehicle wheel.SOLUTION: A rear wheel of a rollator includes a wheel 31 and a tire 32 fitted in an outer periphery side of the wheel 31. In the wheel 31, a first engaged part 34 and a second engaged part 35 which protrude to the outer periphery side are provided at both ends as seen in its width direction. The tire 32 enters a space between the first engaged part 34 and the second engaged part 35 and engages with the respective engaged parts 34, 35 in a width direction of the tire 32. A portion of the tire 32 which engages with the first engaged part 34 is referred to as a first engaging part 36 and a portion which engages with the second engaged part 35 is referred to as a second engaging part 37. At the tire 32, an inner periphery side edge is formed so that the second engaging part 37 side is located at the outer periphery side relative to the first engaging part 36 in the width direction. A protruding side end of the first engaged part 34 is located at the inner periphery side relative to a protruding side end of the second engaged part 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel used in a vehicle and a vehicle equipped with the wheel. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a mobility vehicle for assisting the movement of people and luggage, there have been known mobility vehicles for assisting the walking of elderly people and the like, and carry carts, wheelchairs, strollers, etc. used for transporting luggage. A mobility vehicle has wheels at its lower end. The wheels have a wheel and a tire attached to the outer periphery of the wheel (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-282314 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In transportation vehicles, when the tires on the wheels wear out or deteriorate, they may be replaced with new ones. However, ideally, it would be best to keep the existing wheels and replace only the tires with new ones. Therefore, a wheel structure that allows the tires to be attached to the wheels efficiently is required.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its main object is to provide a wheel that allows a tire to be efficiently attached to the wheel, and a vehicle equipped with such a wheel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the wheel of the first invention is a wheel used in a mobile vehicle, and comprises a wheel and a tire fitted onto the outer periphery of the wheel, the wheel has a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion that protrude outward from both ends of the wheel in the width direction, the tire fits between the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion and engages with each of the engaged portions in the width direction, the portion of the tire that engages with the first engaged portion is the first engaging portion, and the portion that engages with the second engaged portion is the second engaging portion, the tire is formed so that its inner edge is located more outer than the first engaging portion in the width direction on the side of the second engaging portion, and the protruding end of the first engaged portion is located more inner than the protruding end of the second engaged portion.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion are provided at both widthwise ends of the wheel, each protruding outward, and the tire fits between the engaged portions and engages with each of them. This prevents the tire from shifting in the widthwise direction relative to the wheel, making it less likely for the tire to come off the wheel.

[0008] The tire has an inner peripheral edge located closer to the second engaging portion than to the first engaging portion in the tire width direction. The protruding end of the first engaged portion of the wheel is located closer to the inner peripheral side than the protruding end of the second engaged portion. This configuration prevents the tire from interfering with the first engaged portion when fitting the tire onto the wheel from the first engaged portion side. This allows the tire to be mounted efficiently on the wheel while preventing the tire from coming off.

[0009] The wheel of the second invention is the same as the wheel of the first invention, wherein the tire is formed so that, in the width direction, the entire portion of the tire on the second engaging portion side of the first engaging portion is located more outer than the first engaged portion.

[0010] According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the tire is fitted onto the wheel from the first engaged portion side, interference between the tire and the first engaged portion can be significantly reduced, thereby enabling the tire to be mounted onto the wheel more efficiently.

[0011] The wheel of the third invention is the wheel of the first or second invention, wherein a concave portion recessed toward the outer periphery is formed on the inner periphery of the tire between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, and a raised portion protruding toward the outer periphery and extending into the concave portion is provided on the outer periphery of the wheel.

[0012] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the raised portions on the outer periphery of the wheel are fitted into the recessed portions on the inner periphery of the tire, which further prevents the tire from shifting in the width direction relative to the wheel, making it even more difficult for the tire to come off the wheel.

[0013] The wheel of the fourth invention is the third invention, wherein the side of the raised portion on the first engaging portion side is a guide portion that guides the second engaging portion when the tire is fitted onto the wheel from the first engaged portion side, and the guide portion is gradually displaced outward from the first engaging portion side toward the second engaging portion side.

[0014] In the third aspect of the present invention, the first and second engagement portions of the tire are disposed on either side of the raised portion of the wheel, and therefore, when fitting the tire onto the wheel from the first engaged portion side, in other words, when fitting the tire onto the wheel with the second engagement portion side as the leading edge, the second engagement portion needs to climb over the raised portion.

[0015] In view of this, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the side of the raised portion on the first engaging portion side serves as a guide portion that guides the second engaging portion when fitting the tire onto the wheel from the first engaged portion side. The guide portion gradually displaces outward from the first engaging portion side toward the second engaging portion side. Therefore, when the second engaging portion rides over the raised portion, it is gradually guided outward by the guide portion, making it easier to ride over the raised portion. This makes it possible to efficiently mount a tire on a wheel having a raised portion.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a wheel according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the tire is formed so as not to protrude outward in the width direction beyond the engaged portions.

[0017] If the tire protrudes outward in the width direction beyond the engaged portions of the wheel, the protruding portions may get caught on nearby obstacles, causing the tire to turn over. In this regard, in the fifth invention, the tire is formed so that it does not protrude outward in the width direction beyond the engaged portions, thereby preventing the tire from turning over. This makes it more difficult for the tire to come off the frame.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a wheel according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, wherein one of the outer circumferential portion of the wheel and the inner circumferential portion of the tire has a convex portion extending in the width direction and protruding toward the other, and the other has a concave portion extending in the width direction and into which the convex portion fits.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the tire can be prevented from rotating relative to the wheel, making it more difficult for the tire to come off the wheel.

[0020] The seventh invention of the mobile vehicle is a mobile vehicle comprising a main frame and a wheel of any one of the first to sixth inventions provided on the side of the main frame, wherein the wheel of the wheel is attached to the main frame via a rotation axis, and in this attached state the second engaged portion is located on the main frame side and the first engaged portion is located on the opposite side of the main frame.

[0021] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to change tires while the wheels are still attached to the main body frame of a vehicle. Since the second engaged portion of the wheel is located on the main body frame side and the first engaged portion is located on the opposite side from the main body frame, a new tire can be fitted onto the wheel from the side of the first engaged portion. This allows the tire to be efficiently fitted onto the wheel while the wheel remains attached to the main body frame. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the walker seen from diagonally front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view showing a rear wheel, and FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view showing a wheel and a tire that constitute the rear wheel. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the area within frame A in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the procedure for changing a tire. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a walker 10 as seen from diagonally forward. In the following description, the direction of movement of the walker 10 is defined as the front-to-rear direction, and the direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is defined as the left-to-right direction.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the walker 10 comprises a pair of left and right frame sections 11 extending in the vertical direction, and front wheels 12 and rear wheels 13 provided at the lower end of each frame section 11. Each frame section 11 is made of a light metal such as aluminum and is connected to each other via connecting members 14. The walker 10 corresponds to a mobility vehicle. Each frame section 11 constitutes a main body frame.

[0025] Each frame portion 11 has a lower frame 15 provided at its lower portion and extending in the front-to-rear direction, and a vertical frame 16 extending upward from the middle of the lower frame 15. Front wheels 12 are attached to the front end of the lower frame 15, and rear wheels 13 are attached to the rear end. The front wheels 12 are swiveling casters. The rear wheels 13 are attached to the outer side of the lower frame 15. The rear wheels 13 correspond to wheels.

[0026] A handle 21 and an armrest 22 are provided at the upper end of the vertical frame 16. The handle 21 is a part that the user grips when moving the walker 10, and is provided to protrude forward from the vertical frame 16. The armrest 22 is a part that the user places their elbow on when moving the walker 10, and is provided to protrude rearward from the vertical frame 16.

[0027] A front lever 24 and a rear lever 25 are attached to the upper end of each vertical frame 16 via an attachment portion 23. The front lever 24 and the rear lever 25 are levers for applying the brakes to the walker 10. The front lever 24 is provided below the handle 21, and the rear lever 25 is provided below the armrest 22. When the front lever 24 or the rear lever 25 is operated, a brake operating portion 26 provided on the lower frame 15 is activated, and a braking force is applied to the rear wheel 13.

[0028] A seat 27 on which a person can sit is provided between each vertical frame 16. A storage basket 28 in which items can be stored is provided on the underside of the seat 27. In addition, a tray 29 on which items can be placed is provided below the handle 21.

[0029] Here, the walker 10 of this embodiment is characterized by the configuration of the rear wheel 13. The configuration of the rear wheel 13 will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 to 4. Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view showing the rear wheel 13, and Fig. 2(b) is a perspective view showing the wheel 31 and tire 32 that make up the rear wheel 13. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the rear wheel 13. Note that Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of the rear wheel 13 cut along a plane passing through its central axis. Also, Fig. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the area within frame A in Fig. 3.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 3, the rear wheel 13 includes a wheel 31 and a tire 32 fitted around the outer periphery of the wheel 31. The wheel 31 is made of synthetic resin, for example, glass fiber reinforced 66 nylon. An insertion portion 33 through which the rotating shaft 19 is inserted is provided in the center of the wheel 31. The wheel 31 is attached to the lower frame 15 via the rotating shaft 19 inserted into the insertion portion 33. This allows the wheel 31, and therefore the rear wheel 13, to rotate around the rotating shaft 19. For convenience, the rotating shaft 19 and the lower frame 15 are indicated by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 3. The tire 32 is made of synthetic rubber, for example, SBR.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the outer periphery of the wheel 31 and the inner periphery of the tire 32 will be described with reference to FIG. 2(b) and FIG.

[0032] 2(b) and 4, the outer periphery of the wheel 31 is provided with a first engaged portion 34 and a second engaged portion 35 that protrude outward from both ends in the width direction (in other words, the left-right direction) of the wheel 31. Of the engaged portions 34, 35, the first engaged portion 34 is disposed on the outer side in the left-right direction, and the second engaged portion 35 is disposed on the inner side in the left-right direction. In other words, the first engaged portion 34 is disposed on the opposite side from the lower frame 15, and the second engaged portion 35 is disposed on the lower frame 15 side.

[0033] Each of the engaged portions 34, 35 extends in the circumferential direction of the wheel 31, and more specifically, extends continuously over the entire circumferential area of ​​the wheel 31. Furthermore, while each of the engaged portions 34, 35 has the same protruding dimension, the positions of the protruding end portions are different. The protruding end portion of the first engaged portion 34 is located more inward than the protruding end portion of the second engaged portion 35. For reference, in Figure 4, the position of the protruding end portion of the first engaged portion 34 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0034] Moreover, the engaged portions 34, 35 are formed so as to protrude outward in the width direction (left-right direction) beyond the tire 32. In other words, the tire 32 is formed so as not to protrude outward in the width direction beyond the engaged portions 34, 35.

[0035] The inner circumferential portion of the tire 32 fits between the engaged portions 34, 35 of the wheel 31. A first engaging portion 36 and a second engaging portion 37 that protrude inward are provided on both ends of the tire 32 in the width direction on the inner circumferential portion of the tire 32. Of the engaging portions 36, 37, the first engaging portion 36 engages with the first engaged portion 34 of the wheel 31 from the inside in the width direction. Furthermore, the second engaging portion 37 engages with the second engaged portion 35 of the wheel 31 from the inside in the width direction. This prevents the tire 32 from shifting in the width direction relative to the wheel 31.

[0036] The tire 32 has an inner peripheral edge (end) located closer to the second engaging portion 37 in the width direction than the first engaging portion 36. Therefore, the end of the second engaging portion 37 on the protruding side (in other words, on the inner peripheral side) is located closer to the outer peripheral side than the end of the first engaging portion 36 on the protruding side. Also, the entire tire 32 on the second engaging portion 37 side of the first engaging portion 36 in the width direction is located closer to the outer peripheral side than the first engaged portion 34 of the wheel 31.

[0037] A recessed portion 38 recessed toward the outer periphery is formed between the engagement portions 36, 37 on the inner periphery of the tire 32. The recessed portion 38 is provided over the entire circumferential area of ​​the tire 32. Meanwhile, a raised portion 39 is provided on the outer periphery of the wheel 31, protruding toward the outer periphery and recessed into the recessed portion 38. The raised portion 39 is provided over the entire circumferential area of ​​the wheel 31.

[0038] The raised portion 39 is formed between the first engaged portion 34 and the second engaged portion 35. A groove portion 41 that is open to the outer periphery is formed between the raised portion 39 and the first engaged portion 34, and a groove portion 42 that is open to the outer periphery is formed between the raised portion 39 and the second engaged portion 35. Each of the groove portions 41, 42 is formed over the entire circumferential direction of the tire 32. The first engaging portion 36 of the tire 32 fits into the groove portion 41, and the second engaging portion 37 of the tire 32 fits into the groove portion 42.

[0039] The raised portion 39 has a first surface 39a which is the tip surface on the raised side (in other words, the outer peripheral end surface) and a second surface 39b which is the side surface on the first engaging portion 36 side of the tire 32. The first surface 39a is located outer than the end of the first engaged portion 34 on the protruding side, and is located inner than the end of the second engaged portion 35 on the protruding side.

[0040] The raised portion 39 further has a first inclined surface 39c connecting the first surface 39a and the second surface 39b, and a second inclined surface 39d connecting the first surface 39a and the bottom surface of the groove portion 42. The first inclined surface 39c is inclined so as to gradually shift outward in the width direction of the wheel 31 from the first engagement portion 36 side toward the second engagement portion 37 side. Furthermore, the inner peripheral end of the first inclined surface 39c is located at the same position in the radial direction of the wheel 31 as the protruding-side (inner peripheral side) end of the second engagement portion 37 of the tire 32. Note that the inner peripheral end of the first inclined surface 39c may be located more inward than the protruding-side end of the second engagement portion 37.

[0041] The second inclined surface 39d is inclined so as to gradually shift outward in the width direction of the wheel 31 from the second engagement portion 37 side to the first engagement portion 36 side. The inclination angle of the second inclined surface 39d with respect to the first surface 39a is slightly larger than the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 39c with respect to the first surface 39a. The second inclined surface 39d forms the side surface of the groove portion 42.

[0042] The inner surface 38a of the recessed portion 38 of the tire 32 is formed along each of the surfaces 39a to 39d of the raised portion 39. Therefore, the inner surface 38a of the recessed portion 38 is in close contact with each of the surfaces 39a to 39d of the raised portion 39.

[0043] 2(b), recesses 45 extending in the width direction of the wheel 31 and recessed toward the inner periphery are provided on the outer periphery of the wheel 31. A plurality of recesses 45 are provided at predetermined intervals (more specifically, at equal intervals) in the circumferential direction of the wheel 31. Each recess 45 is formed in the raised portion 39 of the wheel 31, and both sides in the width direction communicate with each of the grooves 41, 42.

[0044] Meanwhile, the inner circumferential portion of the tire 32 is provided with protruding portions 46 that extend in the width direction of the tire 32 and protrude toward the outer periphery. A plurality of protruding portions 46 are provided in the circumferential direction of the tire 32 at the same intervals as the recessed portions 45. Each protruding portion 46 is formed in the recessed portion 38 of the tire 32, and both ends in the width direction are connected to the respective engaging portions 36, 37. Furthermore, each protruding portion 46 fits into the recessed portion 45 of the wheel 31. This prevents the tire 32 from shifting circumferentially relative to the wheel 31.

[0045] Continuing to explain the recessed portion 45 and the protruding portion 46, the width of the recessed portion 45 of the wheel 31 increases from the second engaged portion 35 side toward the first engaged portion 34 side. Correspondingly, the width of the protruding portion 46 of the tire 32 increases from the second engaging portion 37 side toward the first engaging portion 36 side. In short, both the recessed portion 45 and the protruding portion 46 are formed so that their width increases from the inside to the outside in the left-right direction.

[0046] Next, the procedure for replacing the tire 32 of the rear wheel 13 with a new tire 32 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the procedure for replacing the tire 32. Here, it is assumed that the tire 32 is replaced while the wheel 31 of the rear wheel 13 remains attached to the lower frame 15 of the walker 10. In the following, to distinguish between the existing tire 32 and the new tire 32, the existing tire 32 will be marked with A and the new tire 32 will be marked with B.

[0047] First, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the existing tire 32A is removed from the wheel 31 of the rear wheel 13. In this case, the tire 32A is removed outward in the left-right direction from the wheel 31. In other words, the tire 32A is removed from the first engaged portion 34 side of the wheel 31. To remove the tire 32A, first, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the tire 32A is shifted outward in the left-right direction to disengage the first engaging portion 36 and the second engaging portion 37 of the tire 32A from the groove portions 41, 42 of the wheel 31, respectively. Then, the tire 32A is moved outward in the left-right direction and removed from the wheel 31.

[0048] When removing the tire 32A from the wheel 31, the second engagement portion 37 of the tire 32A needs to climb over the raised portion 39 of the wheel 31. In this regard, because the raised portion 39 is formed with the second inclined surface 39d, the second engagement portion 37 is gradually guided toward the outer periphery along the second inclined surface 39d and reaches the first surface 39a. This makes it easier for the second engagement portion 37 to climb over the raised portion 39. In addition, with this configuration, the side portion 48 of the raised portion 39 on the second engagement portion 37 side, which includes the second inclined surface 39d, can be said to function as a guide portion that guides the second engagement portion 37 when the tire 32A is removed from the wheel 31 from the first engagement portion 36 side.

[0049] Next, the new tire 32B is mounted on the wheel 31. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the tire 32B is mounted on the wheel 31 from the outside in the left-right direction, that is, from the first engaged portion 34 side. When mounting the tire 32B, the tire 32B is press-fitted onto the outer periphery of the wheel 31. At this time, the tire 32B is fitted onto the wheel 31 with the respective convex portions 46 of the tire 32B aligned with the respective concave portions 45 of the wheel 31.

[0050] When fitting the tire 32B onto the wheel 31 from the first engaged portion 34 side, the second engaging portion 37 of the tire 32B first passes over the outer periphery of the first engaged portion 34 of the wheel 31 (see FIG. 5(b)). In this case, the end of the protruding side (inner periphery side) of the second engaging portion 37 is located on the outer periphery side of the first engaged portion 34, making it easier for the second engaging portion 37 to pass through.

[0051] Thereafter, the second engaging portion 37 rides over the raised portion 39 of the wheel 31 toward the second engaged portion 35. In this regard, because the raised portion 39 is formed with the first inclined surface 39c, the second engaging portion 37 is gradually guided along the first inclined surface 39c toward the outer periphery and reaches the first surface 39a. This makes it easier for the second engaging portion 37 to ride over the raised portion 39. Furthermore, in this configuration, the side portion 49 of the raised portion 39 on the first engaging portion 36 side, which includes the first inclined surface 39c, can be said to function as a guide portion that guides the second engaging portion 37 when the tire 32B is fitted onto the wheel 31 from the first engaged portion 34 side.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5(c), the second engagement portion 37 moves along the first surface 39a of the raised portion 39, and then, as shown in FIG. 5(d), enters into the groove portion 42 of the wheel 31. As a result, the second engagement portion 37 engages with the second engaged portion 35 of the wheel 31. At this time, the first engagement portion 36 of the tire 32B climbs over the first engaged portion 34 of the wheel 31 and enters into the groove portion 41. As a result, the first engagement portion 36 engages with the first engaged portion 34. Furthermore, the raised portion 39 of the wheel 31 enters into the recessed portion 38 of the tire 32B. As a result, the tire 32B is fitted onto the outer periphery of the wheel 31.

[0053] According to the configuration of this embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

[0054] A first engaged portion 34 and a second engaged portion 35 that protrude outward from both ends of the wheel 31 in the width direction are provided, and the tire 32 fits between these engaged portions 34, 35 and engages with each of the engaged portions 34, 35. This prevents the tire 32 from shifting in the width direction relative to the wheel 31, making it difficult for the tire 32 to come off the wheel 31.

[0055] The inner peripheral edge of the tire 32 is located closer to the outer periphery of the second engaging portion 37 than to the first engaging portion 36 in the width direction of the tire 32. Furthermore, the protruding end of the first engaged portion 34 of the wheel 31 is located closer to the inner periphery than the protruding end of the second engaged portion 35. In this case, when the tire 32 is fitted onto the wheel 31 from the first engaged portion 34 side, interference between the tire 32 and the first engaged portion 34 can be suppressed. This makes it possible to efficiently mount the tire 32 on the wheel 31 while making it difficult for the tire 32 to come off.

[0056] The tire 32 is formed so that, in the width direction, the entire portion of the tire 32 closer to the second engaging portion 37 than the first engaging portion 36 is located closer to the outer periphery than the first engaged portion 34 of the wheel 31. In this case, when the tire 32 is fitted onto the wheel 31 from the first engaged portion 34 side, interference between the tire 32 and the first engaged portion 34 can be greatly reduced. This allows the tire 32 to be mounted on the wheel 31 more efficiently.

[0057] The raised portions 39 provided on the outer periphery of the wheel 31 fit into the recessed portions 38 formed on the inner periphery of the tire 32, which further prevents the tire 32 from shifting in the width direction relative to the wheel 31. This makes it even more difficult for the tire 32 to come off the wheel 31.

[0058] A side portion 49 of the raised portion 39 on the first engaging portion 36 side serves as a guide portion that guides the second engaging portion 37 when fitting the tire 32 onto the wheel 31 from the first engaged portion 34 side. Because the guide portion (side portion 49) is gradually displaced toward the outer periphery from the first engaging portion 36 side toward the second engaging portion 37 side, when the second engaging portion 37 rides over the raised portion 39, it can be gradually guided toward the outer periphery by the guide portion and can ride over the raised portion 39 easily. This makes it possible to efficiently mount the tire 32 on a wheel 31 that has a raised portion 39.

[0059] Since the tire 32 is formed so as not to protrude outward in the width direction beyond the engaged portions 34, 35, it is possible to prevent the tire 32 from getting caught on surrounding obstacles and being turned over. This makes it more difficult for the tire 32 to come off the wheel 31.

[0060] Since the protrusions 46 of the tire 32 fit into the recesses 45 of the wheel 31, the tire 32 can be prevented from rotating relative to the wheel 31. This makes it more difficult for the tire 32 to come off the wheel 31.

[0061] The width of the recess 45 of the wheel 31 increases from the second engaged portion 35 side toward the first engaged portion 34 side. Similarly, the width of the protrusion 46 of the tire 32 increases from the second engaging portion 37 side toward the first engaging portion 36 side. This makes it easier for the protrusion 46 of the tire 32 to fit into the recess 45 of the wheel 31 when fitting the tire 32 onto the wheel 31 from the first engaged portion 34 side. Therefore, even though the wheel 31 and tire 32 each have a recess 45 and a protrusion 46, the tire 32 can be mounted on the wheel 31 efficiently.

[0062] The wheel 31 is attached to the lower frame 15 via the rotation shaft 19, and in this attached state, the second engaged portion 35 is located on the lower frame 15 side, and the first engaged portion 34 is located on the opposite side of the lower frame 15. In this case, when attaching a new tire 32 to the wheel 31, the tire 32 can be fitted onto the wheel 31 from the side of the first engaged portion 34 while the wheel 31 remains attached to the lower frame 15. This allows the tire 32 to be efficiently attached to the wheel 31 while the wheel 31 remains attached to the lower frame 15.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented, for example, as follows.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the entire portion of the tire 32 on the second engaging portion 37 side of the first engaging portion 36 in the width direction is located more outer than the first engaged portion 34 (specifically, the end portion on the protruding side) of the wheel 31. However, for example, a portion of the tire 32 on the second engaging portion 37 side of the first engaging portion 36 may extend more inward than the end portion on the protruding side of the first engaged portion 34. Even in this case, if the inner peripheral edge (end portion) of the tire 32 on the second engaging portion 37 side is located more outer than the first engaging portion 36 in the width direction, it is possible to prevent the tire 32 from interfering with the first engaged portion 34 when fitting the tire 32 onto the wheel 31 from the first engaged portion 34 side.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the engaged portions 34, 35 of the wheel 31 are provided continuously over the entire circumferential area of ​​the wheel 31, but this may be modified so that the engaged portions 34, 35 are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the wheel 31. Similarly, the engaging portions 36, 37 of the tire 32 may also be provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction in correspondence with the engaged portions 34, 35.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the wheel 31 is provided with a raised portion 39 on its outer periphery, and the tire 32 is provided with a recessed portion 38 into which the raised portion 39 fits on its inner periphery. However, the raised portion 39 and the recessed portion 38 may not be provided on the wheel 31 and the tire 32, respectively. In this case, the tire 32 fits entirely between the engaged portions 34, 35 of the wheel 31, and the fitted portion engages with the engaged portions 34, 35 in the width direction of the tire 32. Specifically, of the fitted portion of the tire 32, the end on the first engaged portion 34 side engages with the first engaged portion 34, and the end on the second engaged portion 35 side engages with the second engaged portion 35. Therefore, the end of the fitted portion on the first engaged portion 34 side corresponds to the first engagement portion, and the end on the second engaged portion 35 side corresponds to the second engagement portion.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the protrusions 46 of the tire 32 are fitted into the recesses 45 of the wheel 31, but the relationship between the recesses and the protrusions may be reversed. That is, a recess may be formed in the tire 32, and a protrusion may be formed in the wheel 31 that fits into the recesses of the tire 32.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the wheel of the present invention is applied to the rear wheel 13, but it may also be applied to the front wheel 12.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the wheel of the present invention is applied to a walker 10 for assisting elderly people and the like in walking. However, the present invention is not limited to walkers 10 and can be applied to various types of mobility vehicles, such as strollers, carry carts, wheelchairs, hand trucks, and wheeled transport vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10...walker as a mobility vehicle, 13...rear wheel as a wheel, 31...wheel, 32...tire, 34...first engaged portion, 35...second engaged portion, 36...first engaging portion, 37...second engaging portion, 38...concave portion, 39...raised portion.

Claims

1. A wheel used in a transportation vehicle, A wheel and a tire fitted to the outer periphery of the wheel, The wheel is provided with a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion that protrude outward from both ends in the width direction of the wheel, the tire is inserted between the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion and engaged with each of the engaged portions in the width direction, a portion of the tire that engages with the first engaged portion is a first engaging portion, and a portion of the tire that engages with the second engaged portion is a second engaging portion, the tire is formed such that an inner peripheral edge portion thereof is located more outer peripherally on the second engaging portion side than on the first engaging portion in the width direction, a protruding end of the first engaged portion is located more inward than a protruding end of the second engaged portion, a recessed portion recessed toward the outer periphery between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is formed in an inner periphery of the tire, a raised portion that protrudes toward the outer periphery and enters the recessed portion is provided on the outer periphery of the wheel; an outer peripheral end surface of the raised portion is located outer peripherally of an end portion of the first engaged portion on a protruding side, A wheel, wherein an inner peripheral end of the second engaging portion is located more outer than a protruding end of the first engaged portion.

2. The wheel according to claim 1 , wherein the tire is formed such that the entire portion of the tire that is closer to the second engaging portion than the first engaging portion in the width direction is located more outer circumferentially than the first engaged portion.

3. a side portion of the raised portion on the side of the first engaging portion serves as a guide portion that guides the second engaging portion when the tire is fitted onto the wheel from the first engaged portion side, The wheel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide portion is gradually displaced toward the outer periphery from the first engaging portion toward the second engaging portion.

4. 4. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein the tire is formed so as not to extend beyond the first engaged portion in the width direction, and is formed so as not to extend beyond the second engaged portion in the width direction.

5. 5. The wheel according to claim 1, wherein one of an outer circumferential portion of the wheel or an inner circumferential portion of the tire has a convex portion extending in the width direction and protruding toward the other, and the other has a concave portion extending in the width direction and into which the convex portion fits.

6. The body frame and A vehicle comprising the wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, provided on a side surface of the main body frame, The wheel of the vehicle is attached to the main body frame via a rotation axis, and in this attached state, the second engaged portion is located on the main body frame side and the first engaged portion is located on the opposite side from the main body frame.

Images