Patent Description:
Instead of conventional manual screwdrivers, electric screwdrivers are used at construction sites and the like in recent years in order to shorten work time and improve work efficiency, and to reduce the burden on operators and save labor.

The electric screwdrivers are mainly used for tightening screws at construction sites and the like. It is known that by connecting the output shaft of the motor and the screwdriver bit via a torsion coil spring, the impact caused by the reaction at the time of tightening the screw can be alleviated and the tightening torque of the screw can be stabilized. However, the electric screwdriver is used not only for tightening the screw but also for removing it, and the screwdriver bit rotates in forward and reverse directions. Therefore, there is a problem that the torsion coil spring is easily damaged due to the repeated alternating load. Additionally, there is also a problem that the rotation of the output shaft is not easily transmitted to the screwdriver bit, the force to loosen the screw becomes weakened, and workability is reduced, since the torsion coil spring is twisted and deformed in the direction of increasing the outer diameter thereof when removing (loosening) the screw.

Therefore, for example, Patent Document <NUM> discloses an electric screwdriver in which a torsion coil spring is interposed in series in the power transmission mechanism between the output shaft of the motor and the screwdriver bit so that the diameter of the torsion coil spring becomes smaller when the torsion coil spring is received a torsion force in the screw tightening direction, and a non-fixed sleeve is fitted and arranged around the torsion coil spring.

Patent Document <NUM> discloses the preamble of claims <NUM> and <NUM> and relates to an electric motor-driven food processor with a stirring bowl and a stirring mechanism arranged therein and having an output shaft. Patent Document <NUM> relates to a torque transmission device for coupling shafts. Patent Document <NUM> relates to a drive shaft for a vehicle. Patent Document <NUM> relates to a claw coupling for connecting a drive shaft of a motor vehicle engine to a downstream component. Patent Document <NUM> relates to a balancer driven gear of an engine.

In the electric screwdriver of Patent Document <NUM>, the torsion coil spring is twisted and deformed in a direction of decreasing the outer diameter thereof only when the screw is tightened, and when the screw is removed, the deformation (expansion) is restricted by the non-fixed sleeve. Therefore, the repeated alternating load does not act, and damage is less likely to occur. Furthermore, since the outer diameter of the torsion coil spring hardly changes when the screw is removed (loosened), the rotation of the output shaft is easily transmitted to the screwdriver bit, and the screw can be efficiently loosened with a strong force.

However, although such an electric screwdriver is convenient, it is mainly used by a trader or the like, and is not widely used in general households or the like. In particular, it was unfamiliar to young people, women, the elderly, etc., it took time to get used to it, and it was not easy to use.

On the other hand, in most electric rotary tools such as small drills and hand mixers, the rotary shaft of the tool is simply connected to the output shaft of the motor to rotate the tool, and a structure for efficiently transmitting the input energy from the motor to the rotary shaft, a structure for reducing the load applied to the motor when the rotary shaft rotates, and the like have not been studied.

Moreover, with a rotation tool such as a reel for fishing or a winch, in which the tip side of the rotary shaft is used as the input unit or an input unit such as a handle is attached to the tip side of the rotary shaft, and the rotary shaft is rotated manually or electrically to wind a fishing line, rope, wire, etc., a large resistance is applied at the time of initial movement or during operation, and the rotation may become unstable or stop.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a rotation assist tool capable of efficiently transmitting rotational energy input from the outside and an assist-attached rotation tool with excellent labor saving that can improve the stability of operation and the efficiency of rotation transmission, and effectively utilize the input energy by equipping this rotation assist tool.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention is specified by the independent claims.

According to a first aspect not covered by the invention, there is provided a rotation assist tool attached to a base side of a rotary shaft having an output unit or an input unit on a front side thereof, comprising:.

Here, the rotation assist tool can transmit the rotational energy input to the first rotating body or the second rotating body to the second rotating body or the first rotating body via the elastically deformable body, and rotate the rotary shaft fixed to the second rotating body or the first rotating body to output from the output unit. Further, the rotation assist tool can also rotate the first rotating body or the second rotating body together with the rotary shaft when rotational energy is input from the rotary shaft (input unit), and transfer the rotational energy to the second rotating body or the first rotating body via the elastically deformable body to output.

In the rotation assist tool according to the first aspect it is preferred that the first rotating body includes a main body portion with a rotary shaft mounting portion for fixing the base side of the rotary shaft and one or more first convex portions provided on an outer circumference of the main body portion;.

In the rotation assist tool according to the first aspect the first rotating body may include a main body portion and one or more first convex portions provided on an outer circumference of the main body portion;.

In the rotation assist tool according to the invention. the first rotating body includes a main body portion with a rotary shaft mounting portion for fixing the base side of the rotary shaft, a plurality of arc-shaped space portions penetrating the main body portion in an axial direction and curved concentrically around an axial center of the main body portion be formed in the main body portion, and each of the elastically deformable bodies be housed on one side and another side in a circumferential direction in each of the space portions;.

In the rotation assist tool according to an alternative solution of the present invention,.

In the rotation assist tool according to the first aspect it is further preferred that the first and the second rotating bodies include at least one set of guide means, the guide means of the first rotating body and the guide means of the second rotating body being engaged with each other, the set of guide means moving the second rotating body toward one side of the first rotating body while rotating the second rotating body during forward and reverse rotations of the second rotating body located on another side of the first rotating body, or the set of guide means moving the first rotating body located on one side of the second rotating body toward another side of the second rotating body while rotating the first rotating body during forward and reverse rotations of the first rotating body.

In the rotation assist tool according to the first aspect the first rotating body can include a pressed portion pressed toward a front side of the rotary shaft by the second rotating body upon the second rotating body moving to the one side of the first rotating body, and the second rotating body can include a pressed portion pressed toward a front side of the rotary shaft by the first rotating body upon the first rotating body moving to the another side of the second rotating body.

In the rotation assist tool according to the first aspect it is preferred that the first rotating body include a main body portion with a rotary shaft mounting portion for fixing the base side of the rotary shaft on one side thereof;.

In the rotation assist tool according to the first aspect the first rotating body may include a main body portion;.

In the rotation assist tool according to the first aspect of the present invention, the second rotating body can have a drive means connecting portion for connecting a rotation drive means, and the first rotating body can have a drive means connecting portion for connecting a rotation drive means.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assist-attached rotation tool comprising the rotation assist tool according to the first aspect of the present invention provided on a base side of a rotary shaft having an output unit or an input unit on a front side thereof.

In the assist-attached rotation tool according to the second aspect of the present invention, the rotary shaft may be formed integrally with the rotation assist tool.

In the case of the rotation assist tool according to the first aspect of the present invention and the assist-attached rotation tool according to the second aspect of the present invention, while the first rotating body and the second rotating body rotate relative to each other (forward and reverse rotations), the elastically deformable body can be elastically deformed to store a part of the input energy and to reduce the load at the time of initial movement. By appropriately restoring the elastically deformable body during the rotation of the first and second rotating bodies, the accumulated elastic energy can be converted into rotational energy and the energy can be effectively used to reduce the input energy. At the same time, even if the input energy becomes small or is about to be interrupted, the fluctuation of the output energy can be suppressed and the rotation can be stabilized.

Subsequently, with reference to the accompanying drawings, descriptions will be given for a better understanding of the present invention.

A rotation assist tool <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> is attached to the base side of a rotary shaft <NUM> having an output unit <NUM> similar to a flat-bladed screwdriver on the front side of the rotary shaft <NUM>, and efficiently transmits the input energy to the rotary shaft <NUM> and output as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the rotation assist tool <NUM> has a first rotating body <NUM> and a second rotating body <NUM> held by the first rotating body <NUM> so as to be able to rotate in the forward and reverse directions. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first rotating body <NUM> includes a main body portion <NUM> with a rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> for fixing the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM>, and a plurality of (three in this case) first convex portions <NUM> provided on the outer circumference of the main body portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> is formed at the axis of the cylindrical main body portion <NUM> and has a hexagonal hole shape according to the shape of a hexagonal columnar shaft fixing portion <NUM> that is formed on the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM> and fitted to the rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM>. However, the shape and size of the rotary shaft mounting portion can be appropriately selected according to the shape and size of the shaft fixing portion. Furthermore, the rotary shaft mounting portion only needs to be able to fix the base side of the rotary shaft, and the fixing method can be appropriately selected.

Moreover, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the second rotating body <NUM> includes an outer cylindrical portion <NUM> that covers the outer circumference of the first rotating body <NUM>, and a plurality of (three in this case) second convex portions <NUM> provided on the inner circumference of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> and each arranged alternately with each of the first convex portions <NUM>. And elastically deformable bodies <NUM> each are arranged between each of the first convex portions <NUM> and each of the second convex portions <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In this embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> has a semicircular cross section and is attached to the front and back surfaces of each of the first convex portions <NUM> along the longitudinal direction of the first convex portion <NUM>, but its shape and length can be appropriately selected. For example, each elastically deformable body can also be attached intermittently in the longitudinal direction of each first convex portion. Further, each elastically deformable body may be attached to the front and back surfaces of each second convex portion. As a member of the elastically deformable body <NUM>, an elastomer is preferable. A thermoplastic elastomer is more preferably used, but synthetic rubber such as butadiene rubber, urethane rubber, and silicone rubber can also be used. The number of the first and second convex portions can be appropriately selected, and may be one for each. Moreover, when the first and second rotating bodies have a plurality of first and second convex portions, respectively, the first and second convex portions are arranged at equal angular intervals.

With the above configuration, in the rotation assist tool <NUM>, the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> are elastically deformed due to the relative rotation of the first rotating body <NUM> and the second rotating body <NUM>, and the rotation can be transmitted between the first rotating body <NUM> and the second rotating body <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Here, as described above, the second rotating body <NUM> is held by the first rotating body <NUM> so as to be able to rotate in the forward and reverse directions, and at the same time, it can move in the axial direction of the first rotating body <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the first rotating body <NUM> has a cylindrical first guide portion <NUM> and a columnar second guide portion <NUM>. The first guide portion <NUM> is located on one side (here, the left side of each of the drawings) in the axial direction of the main body portion <NUM> (first rotating body <NUM>) and abuts on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>, and the second guide portion <NUM> is located on the other side (here, the right side of each of the drawings) in the axial direction of the main body portion <NUM> (first rotating body <NUM>) and abuts on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a guide groove <NUM> in which a first groove <NUM> and a second groove <NUM> are paired is formed at each of the three locations on the outer circumference of the second guide portion <NUM>. The first groove <NUM> is curved clockwise toward one side of the second guide portion <NUM> from the other side of the second guide portion <NUM> when viewed from the other side in the axial direction of the main body portion <NUM>, and the second groove <NUM> branches from the first groove <NUM> located on the other side of the second guide portion <NUM> and is curved counterclockwise toward the one side of the second guide portion <NUM>. In addition, a hemispherical protrusion <NUM> is formed at each of the three locations on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> corresponding to the position of the other end of each of the guide grooves <NUM>. Each of the guide grooves <NUM> and each of the protrusions <NUM> corresponding thereto constitutes a set of guide means <NUM>.

Therefore, the guide groove <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> of each of the three sets of guide means <NUM> are engaged with each other, and as a result, the second rotating body <NUM> can be smoothly moved toward one side of the first rotating body <NUM> while rotating, when the second rotating body <NUM> (in the initial position) located on the other side of the first rotating body <NUM> rotates in the forward and reverse directions. For example, assuming that the clockwise rotation as described above is forward rotation, when the second rotating body <NUM> rotates in the forward direction (clockwise) on the other side of the first rotating body <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM> of each of the three sets of guide means <NUM> moves along the first groove <NUM> of each of the guide grooves <NUM>. As a result, the second rotating body <NUM> moves toward one side of the first rotating body <NUM> while rotating. Furthermore, when the second rotating body <NUM> rotates in the reverse direction (counterclockwise) on the other side of the first rotating body <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM> of each of the three sets of guide means <NUM> moves along the second groove <NUM> of each of the guide groove <NUM>. As a result, the second rotating body <NUM> moves toward one side of the first rotating body <NUM> while rotating. That is, the second rotating body <NUM> located on the other side of the first rotating body <NUM> can move toward one side of the first rotating body <NUM> regardless of the rotation direction thereof.

A case of tightening a minus screw (an example of an object) using an assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> provided with the rotation assist tool <NUM> on the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM> having the output unit <NUM> similar to a flat-bladed screwdriver on the front side thereof will be described below as illustrated in <FIG>. The minus screw is a right-hand screw. When the output unit <NUM> is pressed against the split (minus type recess) of the head of the minus screw, and the second rotating body <NUM> is rotated clockwise on the other side of the first rotating body <NUM>, as explained earlier, the second rotating body <NUM> moves toward one side of the first rotating body <NUM> while rotating by the action of the guide means <NUM>. At this time, the second rotating body <NUM> can be rotated with almost no load. Then, when each of the second convex portions <NUM> comes into contact with the elastically deformable body <NUM>, compression (elastic deformation) of the elastically deformable body <NUM> starts between the first convex portion <NUM> and the second convex portion <NUM>. Each of the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> stores a part of input (rotational) energy while being compressed. When the amount of compression (elastic deformation amount) of the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> reaches a predetermined amount, the first rotating body <NUM> and the rotary shaft <NUM> fixed to the first rotating body <NUM> are integrated with the second rotating body <NUM> and start to rotate, and the minus screw can be tightened by the output unit <NUM>. In the process of continuing to rotate the second rotating body <NUM>, compression and restoration of the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> occur, so that the elastic energy stored in the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> at the time of compression is converted into rotational energy at the time of restoration. Then the rotation of the rotary shaft <NUM> is assisted. As a result, the load on the operator can be reduced and the tightening work can be performed smoothly.

Here, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second rotating body <NUM> has a closing plate <NUM> that closes the other side of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>, and a plate-shaped elastic member <NUM> made of synthetic rubber or the like is attached to the inner surface of the closing plate <NUM> (on one side). Then, in the state illustrated in <FIG>, when the second rotating body <NUM> finishes moving from the other side of the first rotating body <NUM> to one side, and the first rotating body <NUM> and the second rotating body <NUM> start to rotate integrally, the elastic member <NUM> is in contact with an end surface <NUM> of the other side of the second guide portion <NUM>. Therefore, since the second rotating body <NUM> can press the first rotating body <NUM> toward the front side of the rotary shaft <NUM> with the second guide portion <NUM> (end surface <NUM>) as a pressed portion, the minus screw can be strongly tightened while being pushed in the axial direction by the output unit <NUM>. The elastic member may be attached to the second guide portion <NUM> side.

When the second rotating body <NUM> located on the other side of the first rotating body <NUM> is rotated in the forward and reverse directions, the guide means <NUM> move the second rotating body <NUM> toward one side of the first rotating body <NUM> while rotating the second rotating body <NUM>. However, when the second rotating body <NUM> located on one side of the first rotating body <NUM> is rotated in the forward and reverse directions, the guide means <NUM> can move the second rotating body <NUM> toward the other side of the first rotating body <NUM> while rotating the second rotating body <NUM>. Therefore, in addition to continuing to rotate the second rotating body <NUM> in the same direction with the second rotating body <NUM> located on one side of the first rotating body <NUM>, it is also possible to move the second rotating body <NUM> from one side to the other side of the first rotating body <NUM> with rotating only the second rotating body <NUM> during the work, and without rotating the rotary shaft <NUM> and the first rotating body <NUM> in the reverse direction. As a result, even if the second rotating body <NUM> is repeatedly rotated in the forward and reverse directions, the minus screw does not loosen, the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> can be repeatedly compressed, the elastic energy stored in the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> is used repeatedly, and the minus screw can be tightened efficiently.

In this embodiment, the guide grooves <NUM>, in which the first and second grooves <NUM> and <NUM> formed on the outer circumference of the second guide portion <NUM> are paired, and the protrusion <NUM> formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> are used as a set of guide means <NUM>, but guide grooves may be formed on the inner circumferential surface side of the outer cylindrical portion, and protrusions may be formed on the second guide portion side. Moreover, the shape of a protrusion is not limited to a hemispherical shape, and may be formed in a columnar shape, or a rotator that rotates when a protrusion moves along a guide groove may be attached to the tip of the protrusion. In addition, the number and arrangement of the guide means can be appropriately selected. Further, instead of providing the guide means only on the second guide portion side, the guide means may be provided only on the first guide portion side, or may be provided on both the first guide portion side and the second guide portion side.

The operation when tightening the minus screw has been described above, but even if a plus screw having a plus-shaped depression, a screw having one of the depressions of various shapes such as a hexagon or a star, a screw in which the outer shape of the head in a plane view is formed into a polygonal shape such as a quadrangle or a hexagon or the like is used, the tightening operation can be performed with the assist-attached rotation tool by selecting the shape of the output unit according to the shape of the screw. In addition, the assist-attached rotation tool can be used not only for tightening these screws but also for loosening them. The operation when loosening these screws by using the assist-attached rotation tool is basically only to reverse (counterclockwise) the rotation direction of the second rotating body <NUM>. First, when the second rotating body <NUM> is rotated counterclockwise on the other side of the first rotating body <NUM>, the second rotating body <NUM> moves toward one side of the rotating body <NUM> while being rotated by the action of the guide means <NUM>, as described above. Usually, when loosening a screw, a large force is required first, but the second rotating body <NUM> can be rotated with almost no load until the second convex portions <NUM> come into contact with the elastically deformable bodies <NUM>. Then, when the second rotating body <NUM> is further rotated and the second convex portions <NUM> come into contact with the elastically deformable bodies <NUM>, the compression (elastic deformation) of the elastically deformable body <NUM> starts between the first convex portion <NUM> and the second convex portion <NUM>.

Therefore, even when the screw is loosened, the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> can be elastically deformed with a small force while reducing the load at the time of initial movement, and a part of the input (rotational) energy can be accumulated while each of the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> is compressed. When the amount of compression (elastic deformation amount) of the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> reaches a predetermined amount, the first rotating body <NUM> and the rotary shaft <NUM> fixed to the first rotating body <NUM> start to rotate integrally with the second rotating body <NUM> and the screw can be loosened by the output unit <NUM>. In the process of continuing to rotate the second rotating body <NUM>, compression and restoration of the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> occur, so that the elastic energy accumulated in the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> at the time of compression is converted into rotational energy at the time of restoration and the rotation of the rotary shaft <NUM> is assisted. Therefore, the operator can efficiently loosen the screw with a small force. At this time, if the screw is hard, the elastic energy accumulated in the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> becomes large, and the rotational energy generated when the compressed elastically deformable bodies <NUM> are restored also becomes large, so that the screw can be easily and surely loosened without increasing the load on the operator.

Incidentally, it is also possible to rotate the second rotating body by providing a drive means connecting portion on the second rotating body and connecting a rotation drive means such as an electric motor to the drive means connecting portion instead of manually rotating the second rotating body. Moreover, the rotation assist tool <NUM> can be attached to the base side of a rotary shaft having an input unit on the front side thereof instead of the rotary shaft <NUM> having the output unit <NUM> on the front side thereof. In that case, the first rotating body can be rotated together with the rotary shaft by the rotational energy input from the input unit, and the rotation can be transmitted to the second rotating body via the elastically deformable bodies. Therefore, for example, if a blade or the like is attached to the outer circumference of the second rotating body as the output unit and an electric motor or the like is connected to the input unit, the assist-attached rotation tool can be used as a propeller, a screw or the like. Furthermore, if a handle is attached as the input unit and the second rotating body (outer cylindrical portion) itself is used as a spool, or a spool is attached to the second rotating body, the fishing line can be wound around the spool by rotating the rotary shaft with the handle, and it can also be used as a reel for fishing. Further, if the same configuration is enlarged and electrified, it can be applied to a winch or the like.

Next, with reference to <FIG>, a rotation assist tool <NUM> and an assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> provided with the rotation assist tool <NUM> will be described. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference signs as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The difference in the configuration of the rotation assist tool <NUM> and the rotation assist tool <NUM> is that in the rotation assist tool <NUM>, the rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> is formed on the main body portion <NUM> of the first rotating body <NUM>, whereas in the rotation assist tool <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, a drive means connecting portion <NUM>, to which a drive shaft <NUM> (see <FIG>) of a rotation drive means (not illustrated) such as an electric motor is connected, is formed on one side of a main body portion <NUM> of a first rotating body <NUM>, and as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> is formed on one side of a second rotating body <NUM> and a rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> is formed on the other side (outside of the closing plate <NUM>) of the second rotating body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM>, the base side of a rotary shaft <NUM> having a drill-shaped output unit <NUM> on the front side thereof is fixed to the rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> of the rotation assist tool <NUM>. However, the shape of the output unit can be appropriately selected.

Further, the difference between the operation of the rotation assist tool <NUM> and the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> and the operation of the rotation assist tool <NUM> and the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> is that in the rotation assist tool <NUM> and the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM>, the rotation of the second rotating body <NUM> is transmitted to the first rotating body <NUM> via the elastically deformable bodies <NUM>, whereas in the rotation assist tool <NUM> and the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the rotation of the first rotating body <NUM> is transmitted to the second rotating body <NUM> via the elastically deformable bodies <NUM>. Therefore, the guide means <NUM> act to move the first rotating body <NUM> toward the other side of the second rotating body <NUM> while rotating the first rotating body <NUM> when the first rotating body <NUM> located on one side of the second rotating body <NUM> rotates in the forward and reverse directions. Additionally, when the first rotating body <NUM> moves to the other side of the second rotating body <NUM>, the closing plate <NUM> (the elastic member <NUM>) on the other side of the second rotating body <NUM> becomes a pressed portion that is pressed toward the tip side of the rotary shaft <NUM> by the first rotating body <NUM>. At this time, an elastic member may be attached to the other side of the second guide portion of the first rotating body.

The above difference is only in the transmission path of rotation, and there is no difference in the obtained action and effect. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first rotating body <NUM> is rotated by the rotation drive means, but it is also possible to manually rotate the first rotating body by providing a grip portion (handle) instead of the drive means connecting portion on one side of the first rotating body.

When the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> is used, the tip of the output unit <NUM> is pressed against the object to be machined, so that the second rotating body <NUM> becomes in a fixed state (the object to be machined acts as a resistance and the rotation is hindered ). Therefore, the first rotating body <NUM> can be rotated relative to the second rotating body <NUM> to deform (compress) the elastically deformable bodies <NUM>.

Next, with reference to <FIG>, a rotation assist tool <NUM> and an assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> provided with the rotation assist tool <NUM> according to the invention will be described. The same components as those in the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference signs as those in the first and second embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> provided with the rotation assist tool <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the rotation assist tool <NUM> is attached to the base side of a rotary shift <NUM> having a stirring blade-shaped output unit <NUM> on the front side thereof as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>.

In the rotation assist tool <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a first rotating body <NUM> has a main body portion <NUM> to which the base side of the rotary shift <NUM> is fixed. In this embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, an anti-rotation protrusion <NUM> is formed at each of the two locations on the outer circumference of the large diameter portion <NUM> on the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM>, and a rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> is formed at the axial center of the main body portion <NUM> in accordance with the shapes of the large diameter portion <NUM> and the anti-rotation protrusions <NUM>. However, the shape of the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM> can be appropriately selected, and the shape of the rotary shaft mounting portion can also be appropriately selected according to the shape of the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM>. Furthermore, the main body portion only needs to be able to fix the base side of the rotary shaft, and the fixing method can be appropriately selected.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a plurality of arc-shaped space portions <NUM> (here, each is formed at each of the four locations) that each penetrates the main body portion <NUM> in the axial direction and is curved concentrically around the axis of the main body portion <NUM> is formed in the main body portion <NUM>. Then, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, each elastically deformable body <NUM> is housed along the axial direction of the main body portion <NUM> on one side and the other side in the circumferential direction of each space portion <NUM>. As the material of elastically deformable body <NUM>, the same material as that of elastically deformable body <NUM> is preferably used.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second rotating body <NUM> in the rotation assist tool <NUM> includes a rotating plate <NUM> on one side and a rotating plate <NUM> on the other side, and a plurality of connecting shafts <NUM>. The rotating plates <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged to face each other on both sides in the axial direction of the main body portion <NUM>, respectively. Each of the connecting shafts <NUM> passes between the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> accommodated on one side and the other side in the circumferential direction of each space portion <NUM> and penetrates the space portion <NUM>, and connects the rotating plate <NUM> on one side and the rotating plate <NUM> on the other side. Then, the base side (large diameter portion <NUM>) of the rotary shaft <NUM> penetrates the rotating plate <NUM> on one side and is fixed to the main body portion <NUM>, and the second rotating body <NUM> can rotate in forward and reverse directions with respect to the rotary shaft <NUM> and the first rotating body <NUM>.

In this embodiment, in order to facilitate deformation when each elastically deformable body <NUM> is pressed by the connecting shaft <NUM>, a small protrusion <NUM> is formed on a side portion of each elastically deformable body <NUM> on the connecting shaft <NUM> side (contact portion pressed by the connecting shaft <NUM>). The shape of the small protrusion can be appropriately selected, and may be formed so as to form continuous ridges along the longitudinal direction of each elastically deformable body <NUM>, or may be formed intermittently (divided into a plurality of parts). In particular, when the small protrusion is formed intermittently, the shape is preferably hemispherical, conical or truncated conical (frustum of cone), but is not limited thereto. In addition, such a small protrusion can also be formed on the connecting shaft side. By forming the small protrusion on the connecting shaft side, the force at the time of pressing is concentrated on the tip of the small protrusion, and the elastically deformable body can be efficiently compressed. Further, the small protrusion may be omitted depending on the elasticity (hardness) of the elastically deformable body. When the small protrusion is not provided, the elastically deformable body is preferably formed in a columnar shape, but is not limited to this.

Moreover, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a first cylindrical portion <NUM> and a second cylindrical portion <NUM> are formed on one side and the other side in the axial direction of the main body portion <NUM> of the first rotating body <NUM>, respectively, and as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, cylindrical first and second guide portions <NUM> and <NUM> that abut on the inner circumferential surfaces of the first and second cylindrical portions <NUM> and <NUM> are formed inside of the rotating plates <NUM> and <NUM> on one side and the other side of the second rotating body <NUM>, respectively. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, similar to the first embodiment, the guide groove <NUM> in which the first groove <NUM> and the second groove <NUM> are paired is formed at each of the three locations on the outer circumference of the first guide portion <NUM>, and the hemispherical protrusion <NUM> is formed at each of the three locations on the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion <NUM> corresponding to the position of the other end of each of the guide grooves <NUM>. Each of the guide grooves <NUM> and each of the protrusions <NUM> corresponding thereto constitutes a set of guide means <NUM>. As a result, the second rotating body <NUM> can move smoothly toward one side of the first rotating body <NUM> while rotating, when the second rotating body <NUM> located on the other side of the first rotating body <NUM> (at the initial position) is rotated in the forward and reverse directions. At this time, the end surface <NUM> on the other side of the first rotating body <NUM> (main body portion <NUM>) becomes a pressed portion.

In the rotation assist tool <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a drive means connecting portion <NUM>, to which a drive shaft <NUM> of a rotation drive means (not illustrated) such as an electric motor is connected, is formed on the other side of the second rotating body <NUM> (here, the left side of each of the drawings and the outside of the rotating plate <NUM> on the other side).

With the above configuration, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the rotation assist tool <NUM>, when the first rotating body <NUM> and the second rotating body <NUM> rotate relative to each other, each of the connecting shafts <NUM> can reliably elastically deform the elastically deformable body <NUM> and rotation can be transmitted between the first rotating body <NUM> and the second rotating body <NUM>. Therefore, a liquid (viscous fluid), a fluid, or the like can be agitated by the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM>. In this case, the output unit <NUM> receives resistance due to the influence of the viscosity of the object to be agitated, etc. and the rotation of the first rotating body <NUM> is hindered. As a result, the elastically deformable bodies <NUM> can be deformed (compressed) by rotating the second rotating body <NUM> relative to the first rotating body <NUM>.

The assist-attached rotation tool can be used for various purposes by changing the shape of the output unit.

Next, with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, a rotation assist tool <NUM> and an assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> provided with the rotation assist tool <NUM> as an alternative of the present invention will be described. The same components as those in the first to third embodiments are designated by the same reference signs as those in the first to third embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The difference in the configuration of the rotation assist tool <NUM> and the rotation assist tool <NUM> is that in the rotation assist tool <NUM>, the rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> is formed on the main body portion <NUM> of the first rotating body <NUM>, and the main body portion <NUM> (the first rotating body <NUM>) and the rotary shaft <NUM> are fixed, whereas in the rotation assist tool <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a rotary shaft insertion hole <NUM> is formed in a main body portion <NUM> of a first rotating body <NUM> and the main body portion <NUM> is externally inserted on the base side of a rotary shaft <NUM> and held on the rotary shaft <NUM> so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions, and the rotating plates <NUM> and <NUM> on one side and the other side of a second rotating body <NUM> are fixed to the rotary shaft <NUM>.

In this embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the anti-rotation protrusion <NUM> is formed at each of the two locations on the outer circumference of the other side in the axial direction of the rotary shaft <NUM> (here, the left side of each of the drawings and the front side of the rotary shaft <NUM>). Then, a rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> is formed at the axis of the rotating plate <NUM> on the other side according to the shapes of the rotary shaft <NUM> and the anti-rotation protrusions <NUM>. Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a hexagonal columnar fitting joint protrusion <NUM> is formed on one side in the axial direction of the rotary shaft <NUM> (here, the right side of each of the drawings and the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM>), and a rotary shaft fitting portion <NUM> is formed at the axis of the rotating plate <NUM> on one side according to the shape of the fitting protrusion <NUM>.

As a result, the rotary shaft <NUM> can be reliably fixed to the second rotating body <NUM> (the rotating plates <NUM>, <NUM> on one side and the other side), but the fixing method can be appropriately selected.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> has a Phillips head screwdriver-shaped output unit <NUM> on the tip side of the rotary shaft <NUM> , and the shape of the output unit can be appropriately selected.

Furthermore, the difference between the operation of the rotation assist tool <NUM> and the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> and the operation of the rotation assist tool <NUM> and the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> is that in the rotation assist tool <NUM> and the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM>, the rotation of the second rotating body <NUM> is transmitted to the first rotating body <NUM> via the elastically deformable bodies <NUM>, whereas in the rotation assist tool <NUM> and the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotation of the first rotating body <NUM> is transmitted to the second rotating body <NUM> via the elastically deformable bodies <NUM>. At this time, an end surface <NUM> on one side of the second guide portion <NUM> of the second rotating body <NUM> becomes a pressed portion.

The above difference is only in the transmission path of rotation, and there is no difference in the obtained action and effect. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the first rotating body <NUM> is manually rotated, but it is also possible to electrically rotate the first rotating body by providing a drive means connecting portion in the first rotating body and connecting a rotation drive means to the drive means connecting portion.

Next, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a rotation assist tool <NUM> and an assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> provided with the rotation assist tool <NUM> will be described. The same components as those in the first to fourth embodiments are designated by the same reference signs as those in the first to fourth embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> provided with the rotation assist tool <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the rotation assist tool <NUM> is attached to the base side of a rotary shaft <NUM> having a flat-bladed screwdriver-shaped output unit <NUM> on the front side thereof.

In the rotation assist tool <NUM>, a first rotating body <NUM> includes a main body portion <NUM> on one side of which a rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> for fixing the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM> is formed. The method of fixing the rotary shaft <NUM> can be appropriately selected, but a method of fitting the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM> into the rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> is preferably used. In particular, idling can be prevented by forming the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM> into a polygonal shape or by providing an anti-rotation protrusion on the outer circumference of the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM>.

Next, a second rotating body <NUM> in the rotation assist tool <NUM> has an outer cylindrical portion <NUM> that covers the outer circumference of the first rotating body <NUM>. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, an elastically deformable body <NUM> includes a first elastically deformable portion <NUM> attached helically between the main body portion <NUM> and the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>, and a second elastically deformable portion <NUM> attached helically between the main body portion <NUM> and the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>. One side (here, the left side of each of the drawings) in a longitudinal direction of the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> is fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>, and the other side (here, the right side of each of the drawings) is fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the main body portion <NUM>. Additionally, the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> deforms from a neutral state toward a direction of reducing a diameter thereof (see <FIG>) during a forward rotation of the second rotating body <NUM> (here, upon rotating clockwise when viewed from the other side ( the right side of <FIG> ) in the axial direction of the second rotating body <NUM>), and deforms from a neutral state toward a direction of increasing a diameter thereof (see <FIG>) during a reverse rotation of the second rotating body <NUM> (here, upon rotating counterclockwise when viewed from the other side ( the right side of <FIG> ) in the axial direction of the second rotating body <NUM>). One side (here, the left side of each of the drawings) in a longitudinal direction of the second elastically deformable portion <NUM> is fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the main body portion <NUM>, and the other side (here, the right side of each of the drawings) is fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>. Additionally, the second elastically deformable portion <NUM> deforms from a neutral state toward a direction of increasing a diameter thereof (see <FIG>) during a forward rotation of the second rotating body <NUM>, and deforms from a neutral state toward a direction of reducing a diameter thereof (see <FIG>) during a reverse rotation of the second rotating body <NUM>.

In <FIG>, due to the forward rotation of the second rotating body <NUM>, the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> deforms from a neutral state toward a direction of reducing a diameter thereof (the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> deforms in the direction of winding around the main body portion <NUM>), and the second elastically deformable portion <NUM> deforms from a neutral state toward a direction of increasing a diameter thereof (the second elastically deformable portion <NUM> deforms in the direction of being wound from the main body portion <NUM>). At this time, the pitch of the spiral of the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> is narrower than that in the neutral state, and the pitch of the spiral of the second elastically deformable portion <NUM> is wider than that in the neutral state. Therefore, the first rotating body <NUM> (the main body portion <NUM>) moves toward one side of the second rotating body <NUM>.

In <FIG>, due to the reverse rotation of the second rotating body <NUM>, the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> deforms from a neutral state toward a direction of increasing a diameter thereof (the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> deforms in the direction of being wound from the main body portion <NUM>), and the second elastically deformable portion <NUM> deforms from a neutral state toward a direction of reducing a diameter thereof (the second elastically deformable portion <NUM> deforms in the direction of winding around the main body portion <NUM>). At this time, the pitch of the spiral of the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> is wider than that in the neutral state, and the pitch of the spiral of the second elastically deformable portion <NUM> is narrower than that in the neutral state. Therefore, the first rotating body <NUM> (the main body portion <NUM>) moves toward the other side of the second rotating body <NUM>. Incidentally, even when the first rotating body <NUM> moves toward the other side of the second rotating body <NUM>, if the output unit <NUM> is used by pressing it against the head of a slotted head screw (an example of an object), the slotted head screw can be rotated without any problem.

As the elastically deformable body <NUM>, a metal coil spring is preferably used, but the pitch and the number of turns of the spiral can be appropriately selected. In addition, by forming the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> and the second elastically deformable portion <NUM> in flat shapes like royal ferns, compactness can be achieved. The first elastically deformable portion <NUM> and the second elastically deformable portion <NUM> may be integrally (continuously) formed, or may be divided at the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion <NUM>. One and the other ends of the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> are respectively fixed to the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> and the main body portion <NUM> by the fixing portions <NUM>, and one and the other ends of the second elastically deformable portion <NUM> are respectively fixed to the main body portion <NUM> and the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> by the fixing portions <NUM>. However, the shape of the fixing portion <NUM> and its fixing method can be appropriately selected.

Furthermore, first and second protective plates <NUM> and <NUM> are attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second rotating body <NUM> (outer cylindrical portion <NUM>). Insertion holes <NUM> through which the main body portion <NUM> is inserted are formed in the first and second protective plates <NUM> and <NUM>. By forming the hole diameter of each of the insertion holes <NUM> larger than the outer diameter of the main body portion <NUM> (providing a gap between the outer circumference of the main body portion <NUM> and the inner circumference of each of the insertion holes <NUM>), the main body portion <NUM> and the insertion hole <NUM> do not interfere with each other, and smooth rotation can be obtained, when rotating the first rotating body <NUM> and the second rotating body <NUM> relative to each other. Incidentally, a bearing may be attached instead of providing a gap between the main body portion <NUM> and the insertion hole <NUM>.

Since the first rotating body <NUM> (the main body portion <NUM>) and the second rotating body <NUM> (the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>) are supported by the elastically deformable body <NUM> so that their axes are substantially aligned with each other, either one or both of the second protective plates <NUM> and <NUM> can be omitted. However, by providing these, foreign matter can be prevented from entering the inside of the second rotating body <NUM>. Thereby, the elastically deformable body <NUM> can be protected and the stability and durability of the operation of the rotation assist tool <NUM> can be improved.

In this embodiment, the drive means connecting portion <NUM> for connecting the drive shaft <NUM> of the rotation drive means (not illustrated) such as an electric motor is formed on the outside of the second protective plate <NUM>, but it is also possible to omit the second protective plate <NUM> and provide a drive means connecting portion on the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the second rotating body <NUM> is rotated by the rotation drive means, but the second rotating body may be manually rotated by providing a grip portion (handle) instead of the drive means connecting portion on the other side of the second rotating body (the outer cylindrical portion or the second protective plate). Alternatively, the second rotating body can be rotated by directly gripping the outer cylindrical portion with providing neither the drive means connecting portion nor a grip portion (handle).

The assist-attached rotation tool can be used for various purposes by changing the shape of the output unit. Further, the rotation assist tool <NUM> can be attached to the base side of the rotary shaft having the input unit on the front side thereof, instead of the rotary shaft <NUM> having the output unit <NUM> on the front side thereof, In that case, the first rotating body can be rotated together with the rotary shaft by the rotational energy input from the input unit, and the rotation can be transmitted to the second rotating body via the elastically deformable body.

Next, with reference to <FIG>, a rotation assist tool <NUM> and an assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> provided with the rotation assist tool <NUM> will be described. The same components as those in the first to fifth embodiments are designated by the same reference signs as those in the first to fifth embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> provided with the rotation assist tool <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the rotation assist tool <NUM> is attached to the base side of a rotary shaft <NUM> having a rotary blade-shaped output unit <NUM> such as a hand mixer on the front side thereof.

In the rotation assist tool <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, the drive means connecting portion <NUM> for connecting the drive shaft <NUM> of the rotation drive means (not illustrated) such as an electric motor is formed on one side of a main body portion <NUM> of a first rotating body <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the rotation assist tool <NUM>, the rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> for fixing the shaft fixing portion <NUM> formed on the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM> is provided on the other side (outside of the second protective plate <NUM>) of a second rotating body <NUM> having the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> on one side thereof. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, an elastically deformable body <NUM> includes a first elastically deformable portion <NUM> attached helically between the main body portion <NUM> and the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>, and a second elastically deformable portion <NUM> attached helically between the main body portion <NUM> and the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>. One side (here, the left side of the drawing) in a longitudinal direction of the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> is fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>, and the other side (here, the right side of the drawing) is fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the main body portion <NUM>. Additionally, the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> deforms from a neutral state toward a direction of reducing a diameter thereof during a forward rotation of the first rotating body <NUM> (here, upon rotating clockwise when viewed from one side (the left side of <FIG>) in the axial direction of the first rotating body <NUM>), and deforms from a neutral state toward a direction of increasing a diameter thereof during a reverse rotation of the first rotating body <NUM> (here, upon rotating counterclockwise when viewed from one side (the left side of <FIG> ) in the axial direction of the first rotating body <NUM>). One side (here, the left side of the drawing) in a longitudinal direction of the second elastically deformable portion <NUM> is fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the main body portion <NUM>, and the other side (here, the right side of the drawing) is fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>. Additionally, the second elastically deformable portion <NUM> deforms from a neutral state toward a direction of increasing a diameter thereof during a forward rotation of the first rotating body <NUM>, and deforms from a neutral state toward a direction of reducing a diameter thereof during a reverse rotation of the first rotating body <NUM>.

Since the shape, structure, material, etc. of the elastically deformable body <NUM> (the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> and the second elastically deformable portion <NUM>) are the same as those of the elastically deformable body <NUM> (the first elastically deformable portion <NUM> and the second elastically deformable portion <NUM>), the description thereof will be omitted.

The assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> can rotate the first rotating body <NUM> with the rotational energy input from the drive shaft <NUM>, transmit the rotation to the second rotating body <NUM> via the elastically deformable body <NUM>, and output the rotation from the output unit <NUM> by rotating the rotary shaft <NUM> together with the second rotating body <NUM>.

The difference between the rotation assist tool <NUM> and the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM>, and the rotation assist tool <NUM> and the assist-attached rotation tool <NUM> described above lies only in the transmission path of rotation, and there is no difference in the obtained actions and effects.

Next, a rotation assist tool <NUM> according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>.

The rotation assist tool <NUM> according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> is attached to the base side of a rotary shaft <NUM> of an existing bicycle.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the rotary shaft <NUM> is rotatably held by a shaft support portion <NUM> provided on a frame of the bicycle (not illustrated), and left and right crank arms <NUM> and <NUM> are respectively attached to the front side and the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM> with a phase difference of <NUM> degrees. Then, a pedal (not illustrated) is rotatably provided on the front side of each of the crank arms <NUM> and <NUM>, and when the bicycle user (driver) pedals, the rotary shaft <NUM> together with the crank arms <NUM> and <NUM> rotates. Here, an insertion protrusion 112a having a quadrangular cross section is formed on the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM>, and a rotary shaft holding portion <NUM> having a insertion hole116 having a quadrangular cross-section through which the insertion protrusion 112a is inserted is formed on the base side of the crank arm <NUM>. As a result, the crank arm <NUM> and the crank arm <NUM> are integrated via the rotary shaft <NUM>. The crank arm <NUM> and the crank arm <NUM> need only be integrated (connected) via the rotary shaft <NUM>, and the structure thereof is not limited to this embodiment and can be appropriately selected. For example, the rotary shaft and the crank arms may be connected by thickening the rotary shaft to form an insertion hole in the axis of the rotary shaft, and inserting the insertion protrusion formed on the base side of each of the crank arms into the insertion hole.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the rotation assist tool <NUM> has a first rotating body <NUM> and a second rotating body <NUM> held by the first rotating body <NUM> so as to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions. Then, the first rotating body <NUM> has a main body portion <NUM> with a rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> to which the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM> is fixed. Here, the rotary shaft holding portion <NUM> of the crank arm <NUM> attached to the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM> is inserted and fixed to the rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM>, so that the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM> is indirectly fixed to the rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> via the rotary shaft holding portion <NUM>. Incidentally, the structure for fixing the base side of the rotary shaft <NUM> to the rotary shaft mounting portion <NUM> is not limited to this, and can be appropriately selected depending on the structure of the rotary shaft and the crank arm. For example, as described above, in the case of a structure in which the insertion protrusion formed on the base side of the crank arm is inserted into the insertion hole formed in the rotary shaft to connect the rotary shaft and the crank arm, or a structure in which the rotary shaft and the crank arm are integrally formed, the base side of the rotary shaft is directly fixed to the rotary shaft mounting portion.

A plurality of arc-shaped space portions <NUM> that each penetrates the main body portion <NUM> in the axial direction and is each concentrically curved around the axial center of the main body portion <NUM> is formed in the main body portion <NUM>, and an elastically deformable body 125a and an elastically deformable body 125b are housed on one side and the other side in the circumferential direction of each of the space portions, respectively. The shape and size of each elastically deformable body accommodated on one side and the other side in the circumferential direction of each space portion can be appropriately selected. The second rotating body <NUM> includes rotating plates <NUM>, <NUM> on one side and the other side that are arranged facing each other on both sides in the axial direction of the main body portion <NUM>, and a plurality of connecting shafts <NUM> that each passes between the elastically deformable body 125a and the elastically deformable body 125b accommodated on one side and the other side in the circumferential direction of each of the space portions <NUM> and penetrates the space portion <NUM>, and connects the rotating plates <NUM>, <NUM> on one side and the other side. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the chain ring of the bicycle is used as the rotating plate <NUM> on one side, but the chain ring may be attached to a rotating plate provided separately.

The base side of the rotary shaft <NUM> penetrates the rotating plate <NUM> on one side and is fixed to the main body portion <NUM>, and the second rotating body <NUM> can rotate in forward and reverse directions with respect to the rotary shaft <NUM> and the first rotating body <NUM>. The second rotating body <NUM> has a cylindrical portion <NUM> that covers the outer circumference of the first rotating body <NUM> and connects the rotating plates <NUM>, <NUM>. As a result, the first rotating body <NUM> can be protected by the second rotating body <NUM> to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the inside of the second rotating body <NUM>, and stable operation is possible.

In the rotation assist tool <NUM> configured as described above , by inputting rotational energy from the rotary shaft <NUM> via the crank arms <NUM>, <NUM>, the first rotating body <NUM> together with the rotary shaft <NUM> is rotated, the elastically deformable body 125b is pressed against the connecting shaft <NUM> in each space portion <NUM>, and the rotational energy is transmitted to the second rotating body <NUM> and output from the rotating plate (chain ring) <NUM>. Therefore, while the first rotating body <NUM> and the second rotating body <NUM> rotate relatively, the elastically deformable bodies 125b are elastically deformed to accumulate a part of the input energy, and the load at the time of initial movement (at the start of operation) can be reduced. Then, when the input energy (rotation of the first rotating body <NUM>) is interrupted or weakened during the rotation, the elastically deformable bodies 125b are appropriately restored to convert the accumulated elastic energy into rotational energy. The second rotating body <NUM> can be rotated by effectively utilizing the rotational energy. Therefore, in the bicycle equipped with the rotation assist tool <NUM>, the input energy can be reduced and the load on the bicycle driver can be reduced. For example, even if the input energy becomes small or is likely to be interrupted on a slope or the like, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in output energy and perform stable driving. Further, the elastically deformable body 125a functions as a damper to prevent the connecting shaft <NUM> from directly colliding with the main body portion <NUM>.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the case where the rotation assist tool <NUM> is applied to the rotary shaft (drive shaft) of the bicycle has been described. However, if a hand rim instead of the crank is connected to the rotary shaft, and a wheel instead of the chain ring is attached to the second rotating body (cylindrical portion) via a plurality of spokes provided radially on the outer circumference of the second rotating body, the rotation assist tool can be applied to a wheelchair. Furthermore, It can also be applied to a fishing reel, a winch or the like. Additionally, this rotation assist tool can also be applied to a rotary shaft (drive shaft) of a car, a motorcycle or the like driven by a motor, etc..

Next, a rotation assist tool <NUM> according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The same components as those in the seventh embodiment are designated by the same reference signs as those in the seventh embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The rotation assist tool <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> differs from the rotation assist tool <NUM> in that it is attached to the base side of a rotary shaft (driven shaft) <NUM> of the rear wheel <NUM> of an existing bicycle. Further, in the rotation assist tool <NUM>, the chain ring is used as the rotation plate <NUM> on one side, but in the rotation assist tool <NUM>, a rotation plate <NUM> is provided on one side of the second rotating body <NUM>, and a plurality of (here, five) sprockets (gears) 135a to 135e for shifting are attached to the outer circumference of the second rotating body <NUM> (the cylindrical portion <NUM>). Then, the rotary shaft <NUM> is rotatably supported by a fixed shaft <NUM> whose both ends are held by the side frames 136a and 136b of the bicycle.

In the rotation assist tool <NUM> configured as described above , rotation energy is input to the second rotating body <NUM> via a chain wound around any one of the sprockets (gears) 135a to 135e, so that the connecting shaft 128a is pressed against the elastically deformable body 125c in each of the space portions124, the rotational energy is transmitted to the first rotating body <NUM>, the rotary shaft <NUM> rotates together with the first rotating body <NUM>, and the rotational energy is output from the rear wheel <NUM>. Therefore, while the first rotating body <NUM> and the second rotating body <NUM> rotate relatively, a part of the input energy can be stored by elastically deforming the elastically deformable bodies 125c, and the rotation assist tool <NUM> can obtain the same operation and effect as the rotation assist tool <NUM>.

Incidentally, in the rotation assist tool <NUM>, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting shaft 128a is formed in a semicircular shape or a bullet shape, and the contact surface between the connecting shaft 128a and the elastically deformable body 125c accommodated on one side in the circumferential direction of each space portion <NUM> is made planer (flat) so that the elastic energy stored in the elastically deformable bodies 125c can be efficiently used. The shapes of the connecting shaft 128a and the elastically deformable body 125c can also be applied to the connecting shaft and the elastically deformable body of the rotation assist tool <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the case where the rotation assist tool <NUM> is applied to the rotary shaft (driven shaft) <NUM> of the rear wheel of the bicycle has been described. However, the rotation assist member <NUM> can be similarly applied to the rotary shaft (driven shaft) of the rear wheel of a motorcycle, etc..

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the structures described in the above embodiments and includes other embodiments and variations conceivable within the scope of matters described in the scope of claims.

Of the parts constituting the rotation assist tool and the assist-attached rotation tool, a metal such as stainless steel is preferably used as the material of the parts for which the material is not specified, but depending on the application, the magnitude of the driving force (torque) and the like, various materials can be appropriately selected, and synthetic resin (including reinforced plastic) or wood can also be used.

The assist-attached rotation tool can be configured by attaching the rotation assist tool to the base side of the rotary shift of an existing tool or the like. However, when a new assist-attached rotation tool is manufactured, the rotary shaft thereof can be attached to and detached from the rotation assist tool, or can be formed integrally with the rotation assist tool.

By incorporating a rotation assist tool into a rotary shift of an object such as an existing rotation tool and a bicycle, the rotation energy input from the outside is efficiently transmitted to assist the rotation of the rotary shift, the burden on a worker (user) who use the object is reduced, and the object can be used effectively. In addition, by expanding the use of the assist-attached rotation tool with excellent operational stability, rotation transmission efficiency and labor saving, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of work efficiency and productivity.

Claim 1:
A rotation assist tool (<NUM>) attached to a base side of a rotary shaft (<NUM>) having an output unit or an input unit on a front side thereof, comprising:
a first rotating body (<NUM>);
a second rotating body (<NUM>) held by the first rotating body (<NUM>) to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions; and
at least one elastically deformable body (<NUM>) elastically deformed by relative rotation of the first rotating body (<NUM>) and the second rotating body (<NUM>) and transmitting rotation between the first rotating body (<NUM>) and the second rotating body (<NUM>),
wherein the base side of the rotary shaft (<NUM>) is fixed to the first rotating body (<NUM>), characterised in that the first rotating body (<NUM>) includes a main body portion (<NUM>) with a rotary shaft mounting portion (<NUM>) for fixing the base side of the rotary shaft (<NUM>), a plurality of arc-shaped space portions (<NUM>) penetrating the main body portion (<NUM>) in an axial direction and curved concentrically around an axial center of the main body portion (<NUM>) is formed in the main body portion (<NUM>), and each of the elastically deformable bodies (<NUM>) is housed on one side and another side in a circumferential direction in each of the space portions (<NUM>);
the second rotating body (<NUM>) includes rotating plates (<NUM>, <NUM>) on one side and another side arranged to face each other on both sides in the axial direction of the main body portion (<NUM>), and a plurality of connecting shafts (<NUM>) each passing between the elastically deformable bodies (<NUM>) housed on the one side and the another side in the circumferential direction in each of the space portions (<NUM>), penetrating the space portion (<NUM>) and connecting the rotating plates (<NUM>, <NUM>) on the one side and the another side; and
the base side of the rotary shaft (<NUM>) penetrates the rotating plate (<NUM>) on the one side and is fixed to the main body portion (<NUM>), and the second rotating body (<NUM>) is rotatable in forward and reverse directions with respect to the rotary shaft (<NUM>) and the first rotating body (<NUM>).