Painting module

Abstract

A painting module is adapted to be combined with an intelligent self-propelled vehicle, and the painting module includes a supporting frame, a clamping seat, a painting brush and a switching mechanism. The supporting frame is disposed on a top surface of the smart self-propelled vehicle. The clamping seat is rotatably connected to the supporting frame. The painting brush is disposed in the clamping seat. The switching mechanism is disposed on the supporting frame and is located at a side of the clamping seat and the painting brush. The switching mechanism has a motor, a clutch and a cam. The clutch is securely disposed on a driving shaft of the motor. The cam is rotatably engaged with the clutch and contacts the clamping seat. The switching mechanism is suitable for raising or lowering the clamping seat and the painting brush.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a painting field, and more particularly to a painting module integrated into a smart self-driving vehicle. [Previous Technology]

[0002] The painting function of existing smart self-driving vehicles is achieved by raising and lowering an additional paintbrush to switch between drawing and storage modes. Most existing technical solutions use a motor to raise and lower the brush, thereby controlling the horizontal height of the brush. When the brush is away from the paper, it is in storage mode; when the brush is in contact with the paper, it is in drawing mode. However, the current motor-driven raising and lowering structure has drawbacks. If the brush is subjected to external force during the raising and lowering process, such as being stuck by a foreign object or being pressed by a user's finger, the external force will be transmitted through the brush to the motor, thus hindering the motor from raising and lowering the brush. If the motor is obstructed for too long, it may be damaged, thereby causing the smart self-driving vehicle's painting function to fail. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] The present invention provides a painting module suitable for integration with a smart self-driving vehicle. The painting module has a storage mode, a usage mode and an idle mode, wherein the idle mode can prevent the painting module from being damaged when it is obstructed by external forces.

[0004] The painting module of the present invention is suitable for integration into a smart self-driving vehicle, and the painting module includes a support frame, a clamping seat, a paintbrush, and a switching mechanism. The support frame is disposed on a top surface of the smart self-driving vehicle. The clamping seat is rotatably connected to the support frame. The paintbrush is disposed on the clamping seat. The switching mechanism is disposed on the support frame and located on one side of the clamping seat and the paintbrush. The switching mechanism has a motor, a clutch, and a cam, the clutch being fixed to a drive shaft of the motor, and the cam being rotatably engaged with the clutch and in contact with the clamping seat. The switching mechanism is adapted to raise or lower the clamping seat and the paintbrush.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cam has a receiving space and a plurality of slots, the plurality of slots being recessed into an inner annular surface of the receiving space, the clutch having at least one spring arm and at least one locking point, the at least one spring arm being located on one side of the clutch, and the at least one locking point being formed on the at least one spring arm and engaging with one of the slots.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, in an idle mode, an external force is applied to the cam, and the motor drives the clutch to rotate relative to the cam, at least one locking point is pressed to push at least one spring arm to produce elastic deformation and at least one locking point moves to the next locking slot.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the switching mechanism described above has a locking fastener, the cam has a through hole communicating with the receiving space, the clutch has a steering portion rotatably disposed in the through hole, and the locking fastener passes through the steering portion and is screwed onto the drive shaft.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned fastener is closely attached to the steering part and there is a gap between it and the cam.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, a reset elastic member is further included, having two ends, a top support section and two pivot sections. The two ends abut against the clamping seat, the top support section abuts against the bearing frame, and the two pivot sections are rotatably sleeved on the two rotating shafts of the clamping seat.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned support frame has a side opening, the motor part passes through the side opening and the motor has two positioning plates, the two positioning plates are fixed to an outer wall surface of the support frame.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the motor drives the cam to rotate through the clutch and pushes the clamping seat to rotate relative to the support frame, so that the paintbrush rises from a horizontal plane to form a storage mode.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the motor drives the cam to rotate via the clutch to release the pusher of the clamping seat, and the clamping seat rotates relative to the support frame to drive the pen to descend toward the horizontal plane to form a usage mode.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cam has a lifting part and a resetting part. The straight distance between the lifting part and the drive shaft is greater than the straight distance between the resetting part and the drive shaft. In the storage mode, the lifting part abuts against the clamping seat, and in the use mode, the resetting part abuts against the clamping seat.

[0014] Based on the above, the painting module of the present invention is suitable for integration with a smart self-driving vehicle. In the usage mode, the switching mechanism lowers the clamping seat and the paintbrush, and the smart self-driving vehicle moves on the paper according to control commands, allowing the paintbrush to draw on the paper. In the storage mode, the switching mechanism raises the clamping seat and the paintbrush, moving the paintbrush away from the paper. In the idling mode, the switching mechanism attempts to raise the clamping seat and the paintbrush, but the paintbrush and the clamping seat are obstructed by external force. When the external force exceeds the preset value of the switching mechanism, the clutch driven by the motor will rotate relative to the cam to form idling, thereby preventing the motor from being damaged by excessive resistance.

Implementation Method

[0015] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a painting module combined with a smart self-driving vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B is an exploded view of the components of the painting module and the smart self-driving vehicle in Figure 1A. Figure 1C is an exploded view of the components of the painting module and the smart self-driving vehicle in Figure 1A from another angle. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the painting module in Figure 1A along line segment AA.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1A, the drawing module 100 of the present invention is adapted to be integrated into a smart self-driving vehicle 200, wherein the smart self-driving vehicle 200 includes a vehicle body 210, a rear wheel 220, two drive motors 230, and two front wheels 240. The vehicle body 210 has an internal space for housing a computing chip, sensors, signal receivers, batteries, or other similar components (not shown in the figure). The smart self-driving vehicle 200 is adapted to move automatically via remote control or a built-in program. The rear wheel 220 is rotatably disposed at the center of the front end of the vehicle body 210, the two drive motors 230 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle body 210, and the two front wheels 240 are respectively connected to the two drive motors 230.

[0017] Referring to Figures 1A to 1C, the painting module 100 includes a support frame 110, a clamping seat 120, a paintbrush 130, a switching mechanism 140, and a reset elastic element 150.

[0018] The support frame 110 is disposed on a top surface TS of the vehicle body 210 of the intelligent self-driving vehicle 200. Specifically, the support frame 110 is fixed to the top surface TS of the vehicle body 210 by screwing. The clamping seat 120 passes through the support frame 110 and has two rotating shafts 121, which are rotatably connected to the support frame 110. The pen 130 is disposed in the clamping seat 120 and is positioned by the clamp CP.

[0019] Referring to Figures 1B and 2, the switching mechanism 140 is disposed on the support frame 110 and located on one side of the clamping seat 120 and the brush 130. The switching mechanism 140 has a motor 141, a clutch 142, and a cam 143. The clutch 142 is fixed to a drive shaft 1411 of the motor 141, indicating that the clutch 142 rotates synchronously with the drive shaft 1411. The cam 143 is rotatably engaged with the clutch 142 and contacts the clamping seat 120. The switching mechanism 140 is adapted to raise or lower the clamping seat 120 and the brush 130.

[0020] Referring to Figures 1B, 1C and 2, the cam 143 has a receiving space AS and a plurality of slots FG, the plurality of slots FG being recessed into an inner annular surface of the receiving space AS. The clutch 142 is disposed in the receiving space AS and has at least one spring arm 1421 and at least one locking point 1422, the at least one spring arm 1421 being located on one side of the clutch 142, and the at least one locking point 1422 being formed on the at least one spring arm 1421 and engaging with one of the slots FG.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the clutch 142 has two spring arms 1421 and two locking points 1422, with the two spring arms 1421 respectively located on opposite sides of the clutch 142. Furthermore, the clutch 142 forms two deformation grooves DG, and the two spring arms 1421 are adapted to undergo elastic deformation in the two deformation grooves DG. The two locking points 1422 are respectively formed on the two spring arms 1421 and engage with two opposite locking slots FG in the cam 143. Furthermore, when the two locking points 1422 engage with the two opposite locking slots FG of the cam 143, it indicates that the cam 143 and the clutch 142 are connected as one unit, and the motor 141 synchronously drives the cam 143 and the clutch 142 to rotate via the drive shaft 1411.

[0022] Furthermore, the clutch may also have three or more sets of spring arms and locking points, that is, simultaneously engaging with three or more locking slots. In short, the engagement force between the clutch and the cam increases with the increase in the number of spring arms and locking points, which means that a greater external force needs to be applied to disengage the clutch from the cam. In addition, the thickness of each spring arm also affects the engagement force between the clutch and the cam; the greater the thickness, the greater the engagement force.

[0023] Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, in addition, the vehicle body 210 drives the two front wheels 240 by rotating the two motors 141 at the same speed to achieve straight-line forward movement. The vehicle body 210 achieves turning by rotating one of the motors 141, rotating the other motor 141 at a slow speed, or rotating it in reverse to create a speed difference between the two front wheels 240.

[0024] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the pen 130 is tilted from the lower left to the upper right, so the direction of travel is from the rear wheel 220 to the front wheel 240, in order to avoid damage to the pen 130. In other embodiments, the pen can also be configured vertically to the vehicle body, so that the direction of travel of the vehicle body can be from the rear wheel to the front wheel or from the front wheel to the rear wheel.

[0025] Referring to Figure 2, the switching mechanism 140 has a locking fastener 144, the cam 143 has a through hole TH communicating with the receiving space AS, and the clutch 142 has a steering portion 1423 rotatably disposed in the through hole TH. The locking fastener 144 passes through the steering portion 1423 and is screwed to the drive shaft 1411. Furthermore, the locking fastener 144 is in close contact with the steering portion 1423 and there is a gap GP between it and the cam 143, indicating that there is no friction between the locking fastener 144 and the cam 143.

[0026] Referring to Figures 1B and 1C, the support frame 110 has a side opening SH, and the motor 141 is partially inserted through the side opening SH, that is, the drive shaft 1411 enters the support frame 110 and the motor 141 has two positioning plates 1412, which are fixed to an outer wall surface OS of the support frame 110.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1B to 2, the reset elastic member 150 has two ends 151, a top support section 152 and two pivot sections 153. The two ends 151 are inserted through the clamping seat 120, the top support section 152 abuts against the bearing frame 110 and the two pivot sections 153 are rotatably sleeved on the two rotating shafts 121 of the clamping seat 120.

[0028] Figure 3A is a side view of the painting module in Figure 1B switched to storage mode. Figure 3B is a side view of the painting module in Figure 3A switched to usage mode.

[0029] Referring to Figures 2 and 3A, in one embodiment of the storage mode, the motor 141 drives the clutch 142 and the cam 143 to rotate synchronously in a first direction D1 via the drive shaft 1411. This causes the cam 143 to push against the clamping seat 120 and rotate relative to the support frame 110 with the two rotating shafts 121 as the center. The clamping seat 120 causes the brush 130 to rise from a horizontal plane PL to form the storage mode. At the same time, the clamping seat 120 pushes the two ends 151 closer to the top support section 152, and the two pivot sections 153 elastically bend to accumulate elastic force. In detail, the cam 143 pushes the clamping seat 120 and the brush 130 upward, causing the brush 130 to move away from the paper on the horizontal plane PL, thereby turning off the function of the drawing module 100.

[0030] Referring to Figures 2 and 3B, in one embodiment of the usage mode, the motor 141 drives the clutch 142 and cam 143 to rotate synchronously in a first direction D1 or a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 via the drive shaft 1411 to release the push against the clamping seat 120, so that the two pivot sections 153 release the elastic force, and push the clamping seat 120 to rotate relative to the support frame 110 with the two rotating shafts 121 as the center through the two ends 151. The clamping seat 120 with the animation pen 130 descends towards the horizontal plane PL to form the usage mode. In detail, the clamping seat 120 with the animation pen 130 descends, so that the pen 130 contacts the paper on the horizontal plane PL, thereby activating the function of the drawing module 100.

[0031] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the cam 143 has a lifting portion 1431 and a resetting portion 1432. The straight-line distance G1 of the lifting portion 1431 relative to the drive shaft 1411 is greater than the straight-line distance G2 of the resetting portion 1432 relative to the drive shaft 1411. In the storage mode, the lifting portion 1431 abuts against the clamping seat 120, and in the use mode, the resetting portion 1432 abuts against the clamping seat 120. Additionally, the rotation angle of the lifting portion 1431 and the resetting portion 1432 of the cam 143 in Figure 3A is 180 degrees. In other embodiments, the shape of the cam can be adapted to the rotation angle requirements of the motor, and the rotation angle of the lifting portion and the resetting portion can be 90 degrees, 60 degrees, or any other arbitrary angle. This invention does not impose any limitations on these aspects.

[0032] Figure 4A is a side view of the painting module in Figure 3A when it is obstructed by an external force. Figures 4B to 4D are schematic diagrams of the painting module in Figure 4A switching to idle mode.

[0033] Referring to Figure 4A, in an embodiment of an idle mode, when the pen 130 is lifted, an external force F is applied to the pen 130 and the clamping seat 120. At the same time, the motor 141 drives the clutch 142 and the cam 143 to rotate approximately 90 degrees in the first direction D1 via the drive shaft 1411. At this time, the side of the cam 143 contacts the clamping seat 120 and is obstructed by the external force F. Referring to Figures 4B to 4D, when the external force F is greater than the preset deformation value of the clutch 142, the drive shaft 1411 will drive the clutch 142 to rotate relative to the cam 143. That is, the two locking points 1422 of the clutch 142 are pressed to push the two spring arms 1421 to produce elastic deformation, thereby releasing the engagement connection between the clutch 142 and the cam 143. The two locking points 1422 will move to the next set of opposing two slots FG to form an idle mode. If the external force F continues to exist, the two locking points 1422 of the clutch 142 will continue to rotate along the multiple slots FG of the cam 143, so as to avoid damage to the motor 141 caused by the external force F.

[0034] Referring to Figure 4B or Figure 4D, after the external force F is released, the two spring arms 1421 elastically recover to drive the two locking points 1422 of the clutch 142 to engage with the two opposing locking slots FG of the cam 143, so that the clutch 142 and the cam 143 are reconnected as one.

[0035] In summary, the painting module of the present invention is suitable for integration with a smart self-driving vehicle. In the usage mode, the switching mechanism lowers the clamping seat and the paintbrush, and the smart self-driving vehicle moves on the paper according to control commands, allowing the paintbrush to draw on the paper. In the storage mode, the switching mechanism raises the clamping seat and the paintbrush, moving the paintbrush away from the paper. Furthermore, when the switching mechanism attempts to raise the clamping seat and the paintbrush, but the paintbrush and the clamping seat are obstructed by an external force, if the external force exceeds the preset value of the switching mechanism, the clutch driven by the motor will rotate relative to the cam and idle to form an idle mode, thereby preventing the motor from being damaged by excessive resistance. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0036] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a painting module combined with a smart self-driving vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B is an exploded view of the components of the painting module and the smart self-driving vehicle in Figure 1A. Figure 1C is an exploded view of the components of the painting module and the smart self-driving vehicle in Figure 1A from another angle. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the painting module in Figure 1A. Figure 3A is a side view of the painting module in Figure 1B switched to storage mode. Figure 3B is a side view of the painting module in Figure 3A switched to usage mode. Figure 4A is a side view of the painting module in Figure 3A obstructed by external force. Figures 4B to 4D are schematic diagrams of the operation of the painting module in Figure 4A switched to idle mode.

Claims

1. A painting module suitable for integration into a smart self-driving vehicle, wherein the painting module comprises: A support frame is mounted on the top surface of the intelligent self-driving vehicle; a clamping seat is rotatably connected to the support frame; A paintbrush is disposed on the clamping seat; and a switching mechanism is disposed on the support frame and located on one side of the clamping seat and the paintbrush, wherein the switching mechanism has a motor, a clutch and a cam, the clutch is fixed to a drive shaft of the motor, and the cam is rotatably engaged with the clutch and contacts the clamping seat, wherein the switching mechanism is adapted to raise or lower the clamping seat and the paintbrush.

2. The drawing module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cam has a receiving space and a plurality of slots recessed into an inner annular surface of the receiving space, the clutch has at least one spring arm and at least one locking point, the at least one spring arm being located on one side of the clutch, and the at least one locking point being formed in the at least one spring arm and engaging with one of the slots.

3. The painting module as claimed in claim 2, wherein when the brush is lifted, an external force is applied to the cam, and the motor drives the clutch to rotate relative to the cam, the at least one locking point is pressed to push the at least one spring arm to produce elastic deformation, and the at least one locking point moves to the next slot to form an idle mode.

4. The drawing module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switching mechanism has a locking fastener, the cam has a through hole communicating with a receiving space, the clutch has a steering portion rotatably disposed in the through hole, and the locking fastener passes through the steering portion and is screwed to the drive shaft.

5. The painting module as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking fastener is tightly abutted against the steering portion and there is a gap between it and the cam.

6. The painting module as claimed in claim 1 further includes a reset elastic member having two ends, a top support section and two pivot sections, the two ends abutting against the clamping seat, the top support section abutting against the support frame, and the two pivot sections rotatably sleeved on the two rotating shafts of the clamping seat.

7. The drawing module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support frame has a side opening, the motor portion passes through the side opening and the motor has two positioning plates fixed to an outer wall of the support frame.

8. The painting module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor drives the cam to rotate via the clutch and pushes the clamp to rotate relative to the support frame, causing the paintbrush to rise from a horizontal plane to form a storage mode.

9. The painting module as claimed in claim 8, wherein the motor drives the cam to rotate via the clutch to release the push against the clamp, and the clamp rotates relative to the support frame to drive the paintbrush down toward the horizontal plane to form a usage mode.

10. The drawing module as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cam has a lifting portion and a resetting portion, the lifting portion being at a greater linear distance from the drive shaft than the resetting portion being at a greater linear distance from the drive shaft, the lifting portion abutting against the clamping seat in the storage mode, and the resetting portion abutting against the clamping seat in the use mode.

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