A clutch assembly, a self-propelled drive device, and garden tools

Abstract

This application discloses a clutch assembly, a self-propelled drive device, and a garden tool. The self-propelled drive device includes: a drive component whose output end is connected to a drive gear; the drive gear meshes with an intermediate gear, the intermediate gear is sleeved on a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft has a second sun gear connected to a planetary gear assembly, the planetary gear assembly has an output portion connected to a drive shaft, the drive shaft has a clutch assembly sleeved on it, the clutch assembly has a first gear and a second gear sleeved on it; and a drive shaft with a driven gear and a third gear sleeved on it, wherein the driven gear meshes with the first gear, the third gear meshes with the second gear via a fourth gear, and the axis of the drive shaft is parallel to the axis of the drive shaft. By optimizing the clutch mechanism of the self-propelled drive device, the transmission is made more stable, and the structure is simple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of garden equipment, specifically to a clutch assembly, a self-propelled drive device, and garden tools. Background Technology

[0002] In garden tools, such as self-propelled garden tools like push lawnmowers, the output gear of the drive component meshes with the gear of the drive shaft through a clutch device. Currently, such clutch devices have complex structures, increasing the difficulty of operation. In addition, the clutch device has many parts and its structure is not compact enough, which affects the transmission efficiency.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the existing self-propelled drive system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, the purpose of this application is to provide a self-propelled drive device and garden tool, which optimizes the clutch mechanism of the self-propelled drive device to make the transmission more stable and the structure simple.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A clutch assembly for a self-propelled drive system, comprising:

[0007] Outer steel sleeve, cage, clutch block and drive shaft,

[0008] The cage has a plurality of protrusions extending along its axial direction, and the side of the cage away from the protrusions has a hollow sleeve for housing the second gear.

[0009] The clutch block is sleeved on the drive shaft, and its cross-section is polygonal. The clutch block is located within the contour of the protrusion. The accommodating cavity formed by the combination of two adjacent protrusions and the outer side of the clutch block is provided with rollers extending axially along the cage.

[0010] One side surface of the outer steel sleeve has a mounting portion extending axially therein for mounting the first gear. The side of the outer steel sleeve away from the mounting portion has a receiving portion for accommodating the clutch block and the protrusion.

[0011] One end of the drive shaft is connected to a transmission component.

[0012] Driven by the transmission component, the transmission shaft rotates, which in turn causes the clutch block and the cage to rotate, so that the rollers abut against the receiving part, thereby causing the outer steel sleeve to rotate. The rotation of the outer steel sleeve drives the first gear to rotate to transmit power.

[0013] Preferably, the radial cross-section of the clutch block is hexagonal, and the outer engagement plane of the clutch block is parallel to the projection line of the axis of the drive shaft on the inner engagement plane of the outer steel sleeve.

[0014] Preferably, the outer diameter of the roller is between 3-15 mm.

[0015] Preferably, the number of protrusions is at least three.

[0016] A self-propelled drive device, comprising:

[0017] The aforementioned clutch assembly, drive shaft, and drive components,

[0018] A driven gear and a third gear are fitted on the drive shaft, and the driven gear meshes with the first gear;

[0019] The driving component has an output end, which is connected to a driving gear;

[0020] The drive gear meshes with an intermediate gear, which is sleeved on a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is connected to a transmission component, which is connected to the drive shaft.

[0021] A second gear is fitted onto the sleeve.

[0022] The second gear meshes with the fourth gear, and the fourth gear meshes with the third gear, or...

[0023] The second gear meshes with the third gear.

[0024] The axis of the transmission shaft is parallel to the axis of the drive shaft. When the clutch is disengaged, the second and third gears rotate in opposite directions. Alternatively, when internally meshed, the second and third gears rotate in opposite directions.

[0025] A self-propelled drive device, comprising:

[0026] A drive component, the output of which is connected to a drive gear;

[0027] The drive gear meshes with an intermediate gear, the intermediate gear is sleeved on a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft is provided with a second sun gear, the second sun gear is connected to a planetary gear assembly, the planetary gear assembly has an output section, the output section is connected to a drive shaft, a clutch assembly is sleeved on the drive shaft, and a first gear and a second gear are sleeved on the clutch assembly; and

[0028] The drive shaft has a driven gear and a third gear mounted on it.

[0029] In this design, the driven gear meshes with the first gear, the third gear meshes with the second gear via a fourth gear, and the axis of the transmission shaft is parallel to the axis of the drive shaft. This design results in a self-propelled drive device with a simple structure and reliable clutch function.

[0030] Preferably, the output end of the drive component is connected to a speed regulating component, the speed regulating component comprising:

[0031] An end plate, on which a first sun gear is disposed, the first sun gear being connected to the output end of the drive component;

[0032] A plurality of first planetary gears are fixed to a first bracket by locating pins, and a rotating shaft is provided on the side of the first bracket away from the upper first planetary gear;

[0033] A drive gear is fitted onto the rotating shaft, and the axis of the rotating shaft is parallel to the axis of the drive shaft.

[0034] Preferably, the planetary gear assembly includes:

[0035] A plurality of planetary gears mesh with the second sun gear, and each planetary gear is connected to a second bracket via a locating pin. The second bracket has an irregularly shaped slot extending through its axial direction, and the drive shaft is embedded in the slot.

[0036] The rotation of the second bracket drives the rotation of the transmission shaft.

[0037] Preferably, the drive shaft is fitted with an outer steel sleeve. One side of the outer steel sleeve has a mounting portion, on which a first gear is mounted. The side of the outer steel sleeve away from the mounting portion has a receiving portion that houses a retainer. The retainer is fitted onto a connecting member. The connecting member has a through slot extending axially. The connecting member is fitted onto the drive shaft, and its rotation is driven by the rotation of the drive shaft. The combination of the outer steel sleeve, retainer, connecting member, and roller constitutes a clutch assembly. It is fitted onto the drive shaft, and the rotation of the drive shaft drives the connecting member to rotate. The rotating connecting member's outer surface abuts against the pressing roller, causing the roller to abut against the inner wall of the receiving portion of the outer steel sleeve. This clutch structure is simple.

[0038] Preferably, one side of the retainer has spaced protrusions on its circumferential direction, and rollers are disposed in the gap between adjacent protrusions. The protrusions and rollers are sleeved on the connector, and the protrusions and rollers are located within the receiving portion.

[0039] A hollow sleeve is provided in the middle of the side of the cage away from the protrusion. The sleeve is fitted onto the rotating shaft, and a second gear is fitted onto the sleeve.

[0040] Preferably, the outer diameter of the connector is between 3-15 mm.

[0041] Preferably, the connector has a polygonal outline. More preferably, it is hexagonal, in which case the number of rollers is also 6.

[0042] Preferably, the sleeve has a circular cross-section.

[0043] Preferably, the number of rollers is between 3 and 8, and the number of rollers matches the number of polygons in the outline of the corresponding connector.

[0044] This application provides a garden tool having the aforementioned self-propelled drive device.

[0045] Beneficial effects

[0046] The self-propelled drive device proposed in this application optimizes the mechanism of the clutch assembly connected to the intermediate gear, making the transmission more stable and the structure simple, thus reducing manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The accompanying drawings are provided to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the technical solutions of this disclosure and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of this disclosure. The shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings do not reflect actual proportions and are only intended to illustrate the content of this application.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the self-propelled drive device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The main view;

[0050] Figure 3 and Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the self-propelled drive device according to an embodiment of the application, viewed from one angle.

[0051] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the drive motor is omitted.

[0052] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram with the drive gear and intermediate gear hidden in the middle;

[0053] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the hidden output speed regulating gear set;

[0054] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram with the planetary gears hidden in the middle;

[0055] Figure 9for Figure 8 A schematic diagram with the first gear hidden in the middle;

[0056] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram with the second gear hidden in the middle;

[0057] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a self-propelled drive unit.

[0058] Figure 13 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an explosion involving a self-propelled drive unit;

[0059] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a hollow sleeve connecting to a second gear according to an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the meshing of the second gear and the third gear according to an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the second and third gears meshing. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The above-described solution will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. The implementation conditions used in the embodiments may be further adjusted according to the conditions of specific manufacturers, and the implementation conditions not specified are generally those in routine experiments.

[0063] This application discloses a clutch assembly, a self-propelled drive device, and a garden tool. The self-propelled drive device has a compact structure, increases the strength of the transmission mechanism, makes the transmission more stable, and has a simple structure. This self-propelled drive device is used in garden tools such as push lawnmowers.

[0064] Next, we will combine the appendix Figures 1-13 This application describes the self-propelled drive device proposed in this application.

[0065] The self-propelled drive unit has a clutch assembly, which includes:

[0066] Outer steel sleeve, cage, clutch block, and drive shaft connected in series.

[0067] The cage has circumferentially spaced protrusions extending axially on one side (at least three protrusions, preferably between three and ten), and the side of the cage away from the protrusions has a hollow sleeve.

[0068] The clutch block is fitted onto the drive shaft, and its (radial) cross-section is polygonal (such as hexagonal). The clutch block is located within the contour of the protrusions (the inner space of multiple protrusions). The cavity formed by the combination of two adjacent protrusions and the outer side of the clutch block contains rollers extending axially along the cage.

[0069] One side surface of the outer steel sleeve has a mounting portion for mounting the first gear, and the side of the outer steel sleeve away from the mounting portion has a receiving portion for accommodating the clutch block and the protrusion (along with the rollers).

[0070] One end of the drive shaft is connected to the transmission components.

[0071] The drive shaft of the transmission component rotates, which in turn drives the clutch block and the cage to rotate. The rollers abut against the outer steel sleeve, which in turn drives the outer steel sleeve to rotate, causing the first gear to rotate to transmit power.

[0072] The self-propelled drive unit includes:

[0073] A drive component 300 has its output end connected to a speed regulating component 310, and the output end of the speed regulating component 310 is equipped with a drive gear 320.

[0074] The drive gear 320 meshes with the intermediate gear 210, which is connected to the planetary gear assembly via a rotating shaft 211. The planetary gear assembly is connected to the drive shaft 237.

[0075] A clutch assembly is fitted onto the drive shaft 237. The clutch assembly is coaxially arranged with the drive shaft 237, and a first gear 220 and a second gear 230 are fitted onto the clutch assembly.

[0076] The first gear 220 meshes with the driven gear 110 on the drive shaft 100, and the drive shaft 100 is also fitted with a third gear 120 (also called an auxiliary gear), and

[0077] The fourth gear 240 meshes with the third gear 120 and the second gear 230 respectively.

[0078] The axis of the drive component 300 is parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the drive shaft 100. The drive component 300 can be a brushless DC motor, an external rotor motor, etc. In this embodiment, the first gear 220 is rigidly connected to the clutch assembly, while the second gear 230 is non-rigidly connected to the clutch assembly.

[0079] Speed ​​regulating component 310 includes:

[0080] An end plate 311 is provided with a first sun gear 314, which is connected to a plurality of first planetary gears 312. The first planetary gears 312 are fixed to a first bracket 312a by a positioning pin. A rotating shaft 313a is provided on the side of the first bracket 313 away from the first planetary gears 312. A drive gear 320 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 313a.

[0081] The drive gear 320 meshes with the intermediate gear 210, which is mounted on the rotating shaft 211. A second sun gear 212 is located at one end of the rotating shaft 211, meshing with a plurality of planetary gears 235. The planetary gears 235 are connected to the second bracket 236 via locating pins 235a. The second bracket 236 has an axially oriented groove 236a through which the drive shaft 237 passes. The groove 236a is irregularly shaped (e.g., U-shaped, D-shaped, or flat), thus rigidly connecting the drive shaft 237 to the second bracket 236. Rotation of the second bracket 236 drives the drive shaft 237 to rotate. The planetary gears 235 on the second bracket 236 are matched with an internal gear ring 238.

[0082] The drive shaft 237 is fitted with an outer steel sleeve 232. One side of the outer steel sleeve 232 has a mounting portion 232a, and a first gear 220 is fitted on the mounting portion 232a. The first gear 220 is rigidly connected to the outer steel sleeve 232.

[0083] The outer steel sleeve 232 has a receiving portion on one side, which houses the retainer 232c. The retainer 232c is fitted onto the clutch block 232d. The clutch block 232d has a through groove 232d1 in its axial direction. The clutch block 232d is fitted onto the drive shaft 237, and the rotation of the drive shaft 237 drives the clutch block 232d to rotate. Preferably, the drive shaft 237 has a mounting portion with a matching shape to the groove 232d1, so that after the clutch block 232d is fitted onto the mounting portion, the rotation of the drive shaft 237 drives the clutch block 232d to rotate. The cage 232c has circumferentially spaced protrusions 232a arranged along its axial direction on one side. A roller 232b is provided in the gap between two adjacent protrusions 232a. The roller 232b abuts against the outer side surface 232d2 of the clutch block 232d and sometimes against the inner wall of the outer steel sleeve 232 (the interior of the storage part). The plane on which the outer side surface 232d2 of the clutch block 232d is located is parallel to the axis of the drive shaft 237.

[0084] A hollow sleeve 232e is provided in the middle of the side of the cage 232c away from the protrusion 232a. The outer contour of the sleeve 232e is circular, and the sleeve 232e is also fitted onto the rotating shaft 237. A second gear 230 is fitted on the sleeve 232e. A first washer 230a and a second washer 230b (near the cage 232c) are provided on both sides of the second gear 230. The rotating shaft 237 protrudes beyond the first washer 230a, and a bearing 231 is installed on the protruding part. The first washer 230a is made of metal. The second washer 230b is made of non-metallic materials such as rubber or plastic. The second washer 230b contacts the cage 232c to form a kinematic viscous resistance, which helps the clutch disengage when the rotating shaft 237 rotates.

[0085] Preferably, the first washer 230a is annular, with a first engaging portion 230a1 (which may be protruding or recessed) on its inner side, and a second engaging portion 232e2 (which may be recessed or protruding) on ​​the sleeve 232e, so that the first washer 230a cannot rotate after being fitted onto the sleeve 232e. The inner side of the sleeve 232e has a shaped groove 232e1 that extends along its axial direction, and a matching connecting portion 237a is provided on the rotating shaft 237, so that the rotation of the rotating shaft 237 drives the sleeve 232e to rotate.

[0086] The drive shaft 100 has a through hole in its radial direction, into which a first pin 111 and a second pin 121 are embedded. The first pin 111 is used to fix the driven gear 110, so that the driven gear 110 is rigidly connected to the drive shaft 100; the second pin 121 is used to fix the third gear 120, so that the third gear 120 is rigidly connected to the drive shaft 100. In this embodiment, the clutch block 232d has a hexagonal outline (the cross-section of the clutch block 232d is hexagonal, and the plane on which each face is located is parallel to the axis of the drive shaft 100). In other embodiments, it may be polygonal, such as triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, or octagonal, etc. When the clutch block 232d rotates, it drives the roller 232b to rotate. The roller 232b abuts against the inner wall of the outer steel sleeve 232, thereby driving the outer steel sleeve 232 to rotate. The rotation of the outer steel sleeve 232 drives the first gear 220 to rotate. The rotation of the first gear 220 meshes with the driven gear 110, thereby causing the drive shaft 100 to rotate. There are at least three rollers 232b. Their diameter is between 3-15mm. There are at least three protrusions 232a.

[0087] When the self-propelled drive device is in operation, the drive motor drives the drive gear 320 to rotate. The drive gear 320 meshes with the intermediate gear 210, causing it to rotate. The rotation of the intermediate gear 210 drives the rotating shaft 211 to rotate, which in turn drives the rotating shaft 237 to rotate. The rotation of the rotating shaft 237 drives the outer steel sleeve 232 to rotate, which in turn drives the first gear 220 on it to rotate. The rotation of the first gear 220 meshes with the driven gear 110, causing the drive shaft 100 to rotate. Simultaneously, the rotation of the first gear 220 drives the second gear 230 to rotate, which in turn drives the fourth gear 240 to rotate, causing the third gear 120 meshing with it to rotate. When used as a tool, rollers are installed on the mounting part 130 of the drive shaft 100, allowing the tool to move. Because the second gear 230 and the sleeve 232e are not rigidly connected, the rotation of the second gear 230, after the rotation of the fourth gear 240, cannot engage with the third gear 120. After the device stops, the hand-push tool rotates the drive shaft 100, causing the third gear 120 to rotate, which in turn causes the fourth gear 240 to rotate. The rotation of the fourth gear 240 then causes the second gear 230 to rotate, which in turn causes the sleeve 232e to rotate, thus rotating the roller. This releases the contact between the roller and the inner wall of the receiving part (equivalent to a clutch state). In this embodiment, the first to fourth gears can be made of plastic or metal, respectively. The diameter (circumscribed circle diameter) of the clutch block 232d is between 3mm and 15mm.

[0088] In this embodiment, the outer steel sleeve, cage, connector, and rollers combine to form a clutch assembly. This clutch assembly is fitted onto the drive shaft 237, and the rotation of the drive shaft 237 drives the clutch block 232d to rotate, causing the first gear to mesh with the drive gear and output power. The outer steel sleeve, cage, connector, and rollers are coaxially arranged.

[0089] The clutch assembly, also known as the clutch mechanism, is driven by the rotation of the transmission shaft 237 during device operation and is disengaged by the rotation of the drive shaft 100. When this device is used on garden tools (such as lawnmowers), when the drive unit stops, the drive shaft of each wheel is in the inactive state of the corresponding clutch mechanism and can rotate freely in any direction of rotation. When the drive unit is working, the transmission shaft 237 rotates and drives the clutch block 232d to rotate. Each force-bearing surface of the clutch block engages with the outer steel sleeve 232 through cylindrical rollers. The rotational motion of the outer steel sleeve 232 is then transmitted to the drive shaft. In the disengagement stage, the drive shaft 100 drives the driven gear 110 and the third gear 120. The driven gear 110 rotates and drives the first gear 210 to rotate, which in turn drives the outer steel sleeve 232 to rotate. The third gear 120 rotates and drives the second gear 230 through the fourth gear. It is transmitted to the roller retainer 232c (sometimes also called the retainer) through non-rigid viscous resistance. At this time, the movement directions of the first gear 210 and the second gear 230 are opposite in the axial section. The clutch is then disengaged through the viscous resistance between the second gear 230 and the retainer 232c. In this embodiment, an elastic member 239 is fitted onto the sleeve (see...). Figure 14 The second gear 230 is fitted onto it. The elastic component 239 can be a spring, which provides the clamping force.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the second gear 230 is connected via a fourth gear and a third gear. In other embodiments, the second gear 230 may mesh with the third gear. Figure 15 and Figure 16 For ease of explanation, the numbering of some features will continue to be the same as above.

[0091] The auxiliary gear 1200 has an internal gear ring with a through hole 1201 for passing through the drive shaft 100. The internal gear ring is connected to a gear 2300, which may be the second gear 230 mentioned above.

[0092] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this application, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this application and implement it accordingly. They should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A self-propelled drive device, characterized in that, include: Clutch assembly, drive shaft and drive components, The clutch assembly includes an outer steel sleeve, a cage, a clutch block, and a drive shaft. The cage is provided with a plurality of protrusions extending along its axial direction. The cage has a hollow sleeve on the side away from the protrusion, and a first washer and a second washer are fitted on the sleeve, with the second washer closer to the protrusion. The clutch block is sleeved on the drive shaft, and its cross-section is polygonal. The clutch block is located within the contour of the protrusion. The accommodating cavity formed by the combination of two adjacent protrusions and the outer side of the clutch block is provided with rollers extending axially along the cage. One side surface of the outer steel sleeve has a mounting portion extending axially therein for mounting the first gear. The side of the outer steel sleeve away from the mounting portion has a receiving portion for accommodating the clutch block and the protrusion. One end of the drive shaft is connected to a transmission component. Driven by the transmission components, the transmission shaft rotates, causing the clutch block and the cage to rotate. This causes the rollers to abut against the receiving portion, which in turn drives the outer steel sleeve to rotate, thereby causing the first gear to rotate and transmit power. A driven gear and a third gear are fitted on the drive shaft, and the driven gear meshes with the first gear; The driving component has an output end, which is connected to a driving gear; The drive gear meshes with an intermediate gear, which is sleeved on a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is connected to a transmission component, which is connected to the drive shaft. A second gear is fitted onto the sleeve. The second gear meshes with a fourth gear, and the fourth gear meshes with a third gear, or the second gear meshes with the third gear. The axis of the transmission shaft is parallel to the axis of the drive shaft.

2. The self-propelled drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The clutch block has a hexagonal cross-section.

3. The self-propelled drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the roller is between 3-15 mm.

4. The self-propelled drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of protrusions is at least three.

5. The self-propelled drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second gear is located between the first washer and the second washer.

6. The self-propelled drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second washer is made of non-metallic material.

7. The self-propelled drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An elastic component is fitted onto the sleeve, and the second gear is fitted onto it.

8. The self-propelled drive device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission component includes: The second sun gear meshes with a planetary gear assembly having an output section connected to the drive shaft.

9. A garden tool, characterized in that, It has a self-propelled drive device as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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