Driving motor installed on electrified miscellaneous product

Abstract

A hybrid product includes a chassis, an energy storage device supported by the chassis, a left drive assembly, and a right drive assembly. Each of the left driving assembly and the right driving assembly comprises a driving motor connected with the energy storage device, an axle connected with the left traction element or the right traction element, and a transmission device located between the driving motor and the axle. The transmission includes a housing having a first end and a second end. The housing defines a first interface located at the first end and engaged with the drive motor, a second interface located at the second end and receiving the axle, a third interface proximate the second end and extending from the housing in a first direction, and a fourth interface proximate the second end and extending from the housing in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction.

Description

Cross - reference to Related Patent Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 415,865, filed on October 13, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0002] For outdoor power equipment including lawn mowers, current trends include increasing the number of electrified components (such as batteries, battery packs, electric motors, blade motors, drive / traction motors, etc.) to replace or supplement the power traditionally provided by internal combustion engines. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One embodiment relates to an electrified chore product. The electrified chore product includes a chassis, an energy storage device supported by the chassis, a left traction element, a right traction element, a left drive assembly connected to the chassis, and a right drive assembly connected to the chassis. Both the left drive assembly and the right drive assembly include a drive motor connected to the energy storage device, an axle connected to a corresponding one of the left traction element or the right traction element, and a transmission located between the drive motor and the axle. The transmission includes a housing having a first end and a second end. The housing defines a first interface located at the first end and engaged with the drive motor, a second interface located at the second end and accommodating the axle, a third interface near the second end and extending from the housing in a first direction, and a fourth interface near the second end and extending from the housing in a second direction that is generally opposite to the first direction. The left drive assembly and the right drive assembly can be mounted on the chassis in the following orientations: (a) a first orientation in which the third interface of the left drive assembly is aligned with the fourth interface of the right drive assembly; or (b) a second orientation in which the third interface of the left drive assembly is aligned with the third interface of the right drive assembly.

[0004] Another embodiment relates to a power transmission system for an electrified chore product. The power transmission system includes a first drive assembly, a second drive assembly, and a lateral support assembly extending between the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly. Both the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly include a drive motor, an axle configured to be connected to a traction element, and a transmission, the transmission including a housing having (a) a first end connected to the drive motor and (b) a second end longitudinally offset from the first end and connected to the axle. The first drive assembly and the second drive assembly can be mounted on the frame of the electrified chore product in different orientations to provide different track widths.

[0005] Another embodiment relates to a powertrain for an electrified chore product. The powertrain includes a first drive assembly configured to be connected to a first lateral side of the chassis of the electrified chore product and a second drive assembly configured to be connected to a second lateral side of the chassis. Each of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly includes a drive motor, an axle configured to be connected to a traction element, and a transmission including a housing having (a) a first end connected to the drive motor and (b) a second end longitudinally offset from the first end and connected to the axle. The first drive assembly and the second drive assembly are configured to be arranged in a plurality of orientations, the plurality of orientations including: (a) a first orientation in which the drive motors of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly are longitudinally aligned along a longitudinal axis of the chassis; and (b) a second orientation in which the drive motors of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly at least partially overlap laterally.

[0006] Yet another embodiment relates to a powertrain for an electrified chore product. The powertrain includes a drive assembly configured to be connected to a lateral side of the chassis of the electrified chore product. The drive assembly includes a drive motor, an axle (defining a lateral axis) configured to be connected to a traction element, and a transmission including a housing having (a) a first end connected to the drive motor and (b) a second end longitudinally offset from the first end and connected to the axle. The drive assembly is configured to be arranged in a plurality of orientations, the plurality of orientations including a first orientation in which the drive motor is at least partially located on a front side of the lateral axis; and a second orientation in which the drive motor is at least partially located on a rear side of the lateral axis.

[0007] The present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not limiting in any way. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the apparatus or process described herein will become apparent from the detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a chore product according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a chore product according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 is according to an exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 and Figure 2 a schematic view of the chore product shown.

[0011] Figure 4 is according to an exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 and / or Figure 2Perspective view of the power transmission system of the illustrated utility product in a first orientation.

[0012] Figure 5 is according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 4 Bottom view of the illustrated power transmission system.

[0013] Figure 6 is according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 4 Side view of the illustrated power transmission system.

[0014] Figure 7 is according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Perspective view of the power transmission system of the illustrated utility product in a second orientation.

[0015] Figure 8 is according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 7 Bottom view of the illustrated power transmission system.

[0016] Figure 9 is according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 7 Side view of the illustrated power transmission system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Before turning to the drawings that illustrate exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used is for descriptive purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0018] Generally, a lawn mower uses a prime mover to drive one or more cutting blades to cut material (such as grass), and to drive the traction element of the lawn mower to move the lawn mower along a travel path. Traditionally, the prime mover is an internal combustion engine. The lawn mower in the present disclosure uses an independent electric motor to replace the traditional internal combustion engine to drive the cutting blades and the traction element. According to an exemplary embodiment, the power transmission system of the lawn mower includes an independent traction motor for each driven traction element. Such independent traction motors can be arranged in a variety of orientations to provide different track widths to support different styles or types of lawn mowers that require different track widths without replacing the drive components (such as motors, transmissions, axles, etc.) of the power transmission system.

[0019] As used herein, a "chore product" refers to any type of equipment, machine, or vehicle that can be used to perform chores (such as outdoor chores, indoor chores, lawn care, etc.). For example, a chore product may include an electric motor, a pump, an actuator, a compressor, and / or other equipment that is driven by electricity to operate certain functions of the chore product, thereby facilitating the performance of chores. In some embodiments, a chore is a task that is performed by a user or autonomously at or near a home, farm, agricultural facility, building, sidewalk, park, parking lot, forest, field, and / or lawn. In some embodiments, the chore product transports an operator and performs the chore. In some embodiments, the chore product operates autonomously to perform the chore without the operator physically / manually operating on or with the chore product. Chore product

[0020] According to Figures 1 to 3 the exemplary embodiment shown, a chore product (such as an equipment, machine, vehicle, outdoor power equipment, indoor power equipment, lawn care vehicle or device, lawn mower, etc.) is shown as chore product 10, which is configured as an electrified chore product. In some embodiments, chore product 10 is a fully electric chore product (i.e., does not include an internal combustion engine). According to Figure 1 the exemplary embodiment shown, chore product 10 is configured as a zero-turn radius ("ZTR") lawn mower. According to Figure 2 the exemplary embodiment shown, chore product 10 is configured as a stand-on lawn mower. In some embodiments, chore product 10 is configured as a ride-on lawn mower (i.e., a ride-on lawn mower with a non-zero turn radius). In some embodiments, chore product 10 is configured as a walk-behind lawn mower.

[0021] Although the utility product 10 is illustrated as configured as a lawn mower, it is contemplated that the utility product 10 can be configured as other electrified utility products or “light” electrified vehicles, machines, or equipment, or that its functionality can be implemented on other electrified utility products or “light” electrified vehicles, machines, or equipment, including outdoor power equipment, indoor power equipment, light vehicles, floor care equipment, golf carts, forklifts and other industrial vehicles, pavement treatment equipment, recreational utility vehicles, industrial utility vehicles, lawn and garden equipment, and / or other suitable vehicles, machines, or equipment. Outdoor power equipment can include lawn mowers, riding tractors, snow blowers, pressure washers, tillers, log splitters, walk-behind lawn mowers, riding lawn mowers, and lawn equipment such as sod cutters, aerators, spreaders, sprayers, seeders, power rakes, and blowers. For example, outdoor power equipment can use one or more electric motors to drive tools such as the rotary blades of a lawn mower, the pump of a pressure washer, the auger of a snow blower, the alternator of a generator, and / or the drive train of the outdoor power equipment. Indoor power equipment can include floor sanders, floor polishers, vacuum cleaners, etc. Recreational utility vehicles can include all-terrain vehicles (“ATV”), utility task vehicles (“UTV”), etc. Industrial utility vehicles can include forklifts, aircraft tugs, aerial work equipment such as scissor lifts and boom lifts, etc.

[0022] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the utility product 10 includes: a chassis, illustrated as frame assembly 12; a chassis cover, illustrated as utility product body 14, located above the frame assembly 12 and extending along at least a portion of the frame assembly 12 (e.g., its rear half, its rear portion, and / or its middle portion, etc.); an operator area, illustrated as operator area 16, including various operator interfaces, illustrated as operator controls 18; a tool assembly, illustrated as mowing deck 20, connected to the frame assembly 12 and located in front of the utility product body 14 and the operator area 16; a power storage device (e.g., a battery pack, a battery array, etc.), illustrated as battery module 30, connected to the frame assembly 12 or otherwise supported by the frame assembly 12; various traction elements, including a first traction element, illustrated as rear wheels 40, and a second traction element, illustrated as front wheels 42; a power distribution system, illustrated as electrical bus 50; and a powertrain or power transmission system, illustrated as power transmission system 100, connected to the frame assembly 12 and supported by the frame assembly 12. In some embodiments, the rear wheels 40 and / or the front wheels 42 are replaced with track elements. As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, (a) the frame assembly 12 defines a first axis, illustrated as the longitudinal axis 2, which is centered and extends longitudinally from the front end to the rear end of the utility product 10; and (b) the power transmission system 100 (such as the half shaft 140) defines a second axis, illustrated as the transverse axis 4, which transversely passes through the center of the rear wheel 40 and through the utility product 10.

[0023] According to Figure 1 the exemplary embodiment shown, the operator area 16 is a seating area, including a seat, for the operator to sit on when driving or otherwise controlling the operation of the utility product 10. According to Figure 2 the exemplary embodiment shown, the operator area 16 is a standing area, including a platform, for the operator to stand on when driving or otherwise controlling the operation of the utility product 10. In some embodiments, the operator area 16 is or includes a handle or a steering wheel, behind which the operator walks. The operator control device 18 may include various input and / or output devices to facilitate the operator to control the utility product 10 (such as a joystick, a steering wheel, a shifter, a throttle or an accelerator pedal, a brake lever or a brake pedal, a switch, a knob, a display, an instrument, etc.).

[0024] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the mowing platform 20 includes: a housing, illustrated as the shroud 22; one or more tool motors, illustrated as the tool motor 24, connected to the shroud 22; and a plurality of tools, illustrated as the cutting blades 26, connected to and driven by the tool motor 24. Although the mowing platform 20 is illustrated as being near the front of the utility product 10, in other embodiments, the mowing platform 20 is located below the operator area 16 (such as on a riding mower) or is towed behind the utility product 10 and pulled by it. In other embodiments, the mowing platform 20 may be replaced or supplemented by various other types of tools according to the intended end use of the utility product 10 (such as the auger assembly of a snow blower, the punching mechanism of a hole puncher, etc.). In such non-mower embodiments, the tool motor 24 may drive other types of tools different from the cutting blades 26 (such as a blower, a spreader, a power rake, a polisher, an auger, a hole puncher, etc.).

[0025] As Figure 1 shown, the battery module 30 is located behind the operator area 16 and the utility product body 14. As Figure 2 shown, the battery module 30 is located below the utility product body 14. In other embodiments, the battery module 30 is arranged in other ways (such as above the mowing platform 20, towed, etc.). As Figure 3As shown, the battery module 30 is electrically connected via an electrical bus 50 to various electrical components or systems of the utility product 10 (such as a powertrain 100, a tool motor 24, an operator control device 18, lights, a display, etc.) and is configured to supply power thereto. The battery module 30 may include a plurality of battery packs and / or battery cells. In some embodiments, the battery module 30 is detachable. In some embodiments, the battery module 30 is rechargeable. The battery cells of the battery module 30 may have one or more battery chemistries, including but not limited to lithium-ion, lithium iron phosphate, lithium polymer, nickel-cadmium, lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride, etc. The battery module 30 may be interchangeable between different utility products (such as between the utility product 10, a lawn mower, a snow blower, a UTV, an ATV, a golf cart, a hole puncher, etc.). In some embodiments, the battery module 30 can be detached without tools. For example, the battery module 30 may be detachably connected to the utility product 10 by one or more latches, straps, claws, magnets, electrical connectors, slots, compartments, etc. or any combination thereof. Powertrain

[0026] As Figures 3 to 9 shown, the powertrain 100 includes: (a) a first drive assembly, illustrated as a left drive assembly 102, connected to a first rear wheel or a left rear wheel 40 located on the left side of the utility product 10; and (b) a second drive assembly, illustrated as a right drive assembly 104, connected to a second rear wheel or a right rear wheel 40 located on the right side of the utility product 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the components of the left drive assembly 102 and the right drive assembly 104 are substantially the same, except for their specific configurations or orientations (such as being mirrored / flipped about a longitudinal axis 2 and / or about a transverse axis 4, symmetrically oriented, nestedly oriented, etc.).

[0027] As Figures 4 to 9 shown, both the left drive assembly 102 and the right drive assembly 104 include: a traction motor, illustrated as a drive motor 110; a transmission, illustrated as a shaft transmission 120; an axle, illustrated as a half shaft 140; and a wheel hub, illustrated as a wheel hub 150. The drive motor 110 includes a housing, illustrated as a motor housing 112. According to an exemplary embodiment, the drive motor 110 is electrically connected via the electrical bus 50 to the battery module 30 and is powered thereby.

[0028] As Figures 4 to 9As shown, the shaft drive assembly 120 includes a main housing, illustrated as the drive housing 122, which has: a first end, illustrated as the motor end 124, and an opposite second end, illustrated as the axle end 128. The motor end 124 of the drive housing 122 defines a first interface, illustrated as the motor flange 126, which is connected to the motor housing 112 to facilitate connection of the motor housing 112 to the drive housing 122. The axle end 128 of the drive housing 122 defines a second interface, illustrated as the axle body 130, which receives the half shaft 140 to facilitate connection of the half shaft 140 to the shaft drive assembly 120. The wheel hub 150 is connected to the free end of the half shaft 140 and is configured to facilitate connection of the corresponding rear wheel 40 to the half shaft 140 and the remainder of the left drive assembly 102 or the right drive assembly 104.

[0029] According to Figures 4 to 9 the exemplary embodiment shown, the shaft drive assembly 120 is structured such that the drive motor 110 is offset relative to the half shaft 140. More specifically, the axis along which the output of the drive motor 110 extends is parallel to the transverse axis 4 along which the half shaft 140 extends and is offset therefrom. According to the exemplary embodiment, the shaft drive assembly 120 includes various internal components (such as input drive components, output drive components, connecting drive components, gears, pulleys, sprockets, drive belts, chains, etc.) that facilitate connection of the drive motor 110 to the half shaft 140 such that the drive motor 110 can drive the half shaft 140 and, in turn, the corresponding rear wheel 40. More specifically, the output of the drive motor 110 interfaces with the input drive component of the shaft drive assembly 120 disposed within the motor end 124 of the drive housing 122, and the input of the half shaft 140 interfaces with the output drive component of the shaft drive assembly 120 disposed within the axle end 128 of the drive housing 122, where the input drive component is connected to the output drive component.

[0030] As Figure 5 and Figure 8 shown, the axle body 130 is connected to the first lateral side or the opposite second lateral side of the frame assembly 12 (such as by fasteners, bolts, etc.), and thus, the axle body 130 connects the remainder of the left drive assembly 102 or the right drive assembly 104 and the corresponding rear wheel 40 to the frame assembly 12. As Figures 4 to 9As shown, the transmission housing 122 defines or includes: one or more (e.g., one, two, three, etc.) third interfaces (e.g., flanges, brackets, lugs, mounts, tabs, protrusions, extensions, connection seats, connection interfaces, etc.), illustrated as connection seats 132, and one or more fourth interfaces, illustrated as connection seats 134, which are located near the axle end 128. The connection seat 132 extends outward from the transmission housing 122 in a first direction (e.g., upward), and the connection seat 134 extends outward from the transmission housing 122 in a second direction (e.g., downward) that is substantially opposite to the first direction. In other words, the connection seat 132 and the connection seat 134 are located on opposite sides of the transmission housing 122, or are mirror-symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 2.

[0031] As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the left drive assembly 102 and the right drive assembly 104 can be mounted on the frame assembly 12 in a first orientation or a symmetrical orientation, in which the left drive assembly 102 and the right drive assembly 104 are symmetrically connected to the frame assembly 12 about the longitudinal axis 2, such that: (a) the connection seat 132 of the transmission housing 122 of the left drive assembly 102 is aligned with the connection seat 134 of the transmission housing 122 of the right drive assembly 104, and (b) the connection seat 134 of the transmission housing 122 of the left drive assembly 102 is aligned with the connection seat 132 of the transmission housing 122 of the right drive assembly 104. Accordingly, the left drive assembly 102 is in a mirror or flipped state relative to the right drive assembly 104 about the longitudinal axis 2, such that: (a) the drive motors 110 are aligned with each other and there is a first gap therebetween, illustrated as the lateral motor spacing 114, and (b) the drive motors 110 are at least partially (e.g., partially, fully, etc.) located behind the lateral axis 4. In other embodiments, the drive motors 110 are at least partially (e.g., partially, fully, etc.) located in front of the lateral axis 4. As Figure 5As shown, a connecting or coupling assembly, illustrated as a lateral support assembly 160, includes one or more first connecting members or rods (e.g., corresponding to the number of the connection seats 132 and 134), illustrated as first cross bars 162, which extend between the connection seat 134 of the right drive assembly 104 and the connection seat 132 of the left drive assembly 102 to connect the left drive assembly 102 and the right drive assembly 104 together. According to an exemplary embodiment, the lateral support assembly 160 provides enhanced or increased rigidity to the power transmission system 100 to withstand external loads (e.g., when the debris product 10 moves, travels, etc.) and / or internal loads (e.g., torque loads from the drive motor 110, the shaft drive 120, the half shafts 140, etc.). In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the first cross bars 162 extend between the connection seat 132 of the right drive assembly 104 and the connection seat 134 of the left drive assembly 102 (e.g., in embodiments where upper and lower first cross bars 162 are used simultaneously, in embodiments where the left drive assembly 102 and the right drive assembly 104 rotate 180 degrees about the lateral axis 4, etc.).

[0032] As Figures 7 to 9 shown, the left drive assembly 102 and the right drive assembly 104 can be mounted to the frame assembly 12 in a second orientation or nested orientation, in which the left drive assembly 102 and the right drive assembly 104 are connected to the frame assembly 12 such that the drive motors 110 are in a nested state, and: (a) the connection seat 132 of the transmission housing 122 of the right drive assembly 104 is aligned with the connection seat 132 of the transmission housing 122 of the left drive assembly 102, and, (b) the connection seat 134 of the transmission housing 122 of the right drive assembly 104 is aligned with the connection seat 134 of the transmission housing 122 of the left drive assembly 102. Thus, (a) the left drive assembly 102 is mirror - imaged or flipped relative to the right drive assembly 104 about the longitudinal axis 2, and (b) the left drive assembly 102 is mirror - imaged or flipped relative to the right drive assembly 104 about the lateral axis 4, such that: (i) the drive motors 110 at least partially overlap in the lateral direction, and / or (ii) the drive motors 110 are longitudinally offset along the longitudinal axis 2 with a second gap therebetween, illustrated as the longitudinal motor spacing 116, where the first of the drive motors 110 is at least partially (e.g., partially, completely, etc.) in front of the lateral axis 4 and the second is at least partially (e.g., partially, completely, etc.) behind the lateral axis 4. As Figure 8As shown, the lateral support assembly 160 includes one or more second connectors or connecting rods (e.g., corresponding to the number of the connection seats 132), illustrated as second crossbars 164, which extend between the connection seats 132 of the right drive assembly 104 and the connection seats 132 of the left drive assembly 102 to connect the left drive assembly 102 and the right drive assembly 104 together. In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the second crossbars 164 extend between the connection seats 134 of the right drive assembly 104 and the connection seats 134 of the left drive assembly 102 (e.g., in embodiments where upper and lower second crossbars 164 are used simultaneously, in embodiments where the left drive assembly 102 and the right drive assembly 104 rotate 180 degrees about the lateral axis 4, etc.). In some embodiments, the length of the second crossbars 164 is different from the length of the first crossbars 162, and the length of the second crossbars 164 is shorter.

[0033] As Figure 5 shown, the symmetric orientation of the left drive assembly 102 and the right drive assembly 104 causes the power transmission system 100 to have a first track width W1 extending between the wheels 150 and have a first width. As Figure 7 shown, the nested orientation of the left drive assembly 102 and the right drive assembly 104 causes the power transmission system 100 to have a second track width W2 extending between the wheels 150 and have a second width. According to an exemplary embodiment, the nested orientation helps to eliminate the lateral motor spacing 114 between the drive motors 110 and "over-retract" the drive motors 110 such that the drive motors 110 are in a nested state and at least partially overlap in the lateral direction along the lateral axis 4. Thus, the second track width W2 can be less than the first track width W1. The nested orientation helps to install the power transmission system 100 on the utility product 10 when the utility product 10 requires a track width narrower than that provided by the symmetric orientation of the power transmission system 100 without replacing the drive motors 110, the shaft drive 120, or the half shafts 140, and still allows either orientation (i.e., different lateral support assemblies 160 can be replaced only) when the utility product 10 permits or requires a wider track width. In some embodiments, the shaft drive 120 extends or elongates in the longitudinal direction such that when in the nested orientation, the drive motors 110 can at least partially over-retract beyond the shaft drive 120 to achieve a more compact or narrower track width.

[0034] According to Figure 5 the exemplary embodiment shown, the first width of the first track width W1 is approximately 33.7 inches (about 856 mm) to accommodate the track width of a "small" ZTR mower. According to Figure 8In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second width of the second wheelbase W2 is approximately 29.8 inches (about 758 millimeters) to accommodate the wheelbase of a "compact" ZTR mower or a stand-on mower. The wheelbase dimensions described herein should be understood to provide only two possible examples of wheelbases and should not be considered limiting. Additionally, by employing a wider lateral support assembly 160, the width of the second wheelbase W2 can be increased to be the same as, or even greater than, the first wheelbase W1.

[0035] As used herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," and similar terms generally mean + / - 10% of the disclosed value. When these terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," and similar terms are applied to structural features (such as describing their shape, size, orientation, direction, etc.), these terms are intended to cover minor deviations in the structure that may result from the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the common and accepted usage of those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted to indicate that non-substantive or immaterial modifications or variations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0036] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and its variants as used herein to describe various embodiments are intended to indicate that these embodiments are possible examples, representatives, or illustrations (and these terms are not intended to imply that these embodiments are necessarily particularly outstanding or optimal examples).

[0037] The term "connected" and its variants as used herein refer to two components being directly or indirectly coupled to each other. Such coupling can be fixed (e.g., permanent or stationary) or movable (e.g., detachable or releasable). Such coupling can be achieved by directly connecting the two components to each other, or by using a single intermediate component to connect the two components to each other, and by using any additional intermediate components that are interconnected to connect the two components to each other, or by using an intermediate component that is integrally formed as a single unit with one of the two components to connect the two components to each other. If "connected" or its variants are modified by additional terms (e.g., "directly connected"), then the general definition of "connected" above is modified by the literal meaning of that additional term (e.g., "directly connected" means that two components are connected without any separate intermediate component), resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of "connected" above. Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or fluid.

[0038] References to element positions in this document (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below") are for describing the orientations of various elements in the drawings only. It should be noted that, according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientations of various elements may be different, and these variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0039] It is worth mentioning that the structures and arrangements of the miscellaneous product 10 and the power transmission system 100 shown in various exemplary embodiments are for illustration only. In addition, any element disclosed in one embodiment can be combined with or used in any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element in one embodiment being combinable or usable in another embodiment is described above, it should be understood that other elements of each embodiment can also be combined with or used in any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An electrified chore product, comprising: A chassis; An energy storage device supported by the chassis; A left traction element; A right traction element; A left drive assembly connected to the chassis; And A right drive assembly connected to the chassis; Wherein, both the left drive assembly and the right drive assembly include: A drive motor connected to the energy storage device; An axle connected to a corresponding one of the left traction element or the right traction element; and A transmission device located between the drive motor and the axle, the transmission device including a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing defining: A first interface located at the first end, the first interface engaging with the drive motor; A second interface located at the second end, the second interface receiving the axle; A third interface near the second end, the third interface extending from the housing in a first direction; and A fourth interface near the second end, the fourth interface extending from the housing in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction; And, wherein the left drive assembly and the right drive assembly can be mounted on the chassis in any of the following orientations: (a) a first orientation, wherein the third interface of the left drive assembly is aligned with the fourth interface of the right drive assembly; or (b) a second orientation, wherein the third interface of the left drive assembly is aligned with the third interface of the right drive assembly.

2. The electrified chore product according to claim 1, wherein, The left drive assembly and the right drive assembly are mounted on the chassis in the first orientation.

3. The electrified chore product according to claim 2, wherein, The electrified chore product is a zero-turn radius lawn mower.

4. The electrified household chore product according to claim 1, wherein, The left drive assembly and the right drive assembly are mounted on the chassis in the second orientation.

5. The electrified chore product according to claim 2, wherein The electrified chore product is a riding lawn mower.

6. The electrified chore product according to claim 1, wherein, The chassis defines a longitudinal axis, and, when in the first orientation, the drive motors of the left drive assembly and the right drive assembly are longitudinally aligned and laterally offset along the longitudinal axis, such that there is a lateral gap therebetween, and the drive motors of the left drive assembly and the right drive assembly are at least partially located in front of the lateral axis defined by the axles of the left drive assembly and the right drive assembly or at least partially located behind the lateral axis.

7. The electrified chore product according to claim 1, wherein, The chassis defines a longitudinal axis, and, when in the second orientation, the drive motors of the left drive assembly and the right drive assembly at least partially overlap laterally and are longitudinally offset along the longitudinal axis, such that there is a longitudinal gap therebetween, wherein: (a) the drive motor of one of the left drive assembly or the right drive assembly is at least partially located in front of the lateral axis defined by the axles of the left drive assembly and the right drive assembly, and, (b) the drive motor of the other of the left drive assembly or the right drive assembly is at least partially located behind the lateral axis.

8. The electrified chore product according to claim 7, wherein The drive motor of the left drive assembly at least partially overlaps laterally with the transmission device of the right drive assembly, and, the drive motor of the right drive assembly at least partially overlaps laterally with the transmission device of the left drive assembly.

9. The electrified household chore product according to claim 1, wherein, The first end of the housing of the transmission is longitudinally offset relative to the second end of the housing of the transmission.

10. The electrified chore product according to claim 1, wherein, The third interface includes a first pair of connection seats, and the fourth interface includes a second pair of connection seats.

11. The electrified chore product according to claim 1, wherein, The third interface extends vertically upward, and the fourth interface extends vertically downward.

12. The electrified chore product according to claim 1, further comprising a lateral support assembly that extends between: (a) the third interface of the left drive assembly and the fourth interface of the right drive assembly; or (b) the third interface of the left drive assembly and the third interface of the right drive assembly.

13. The electrified chore product according to claim 12, wherein, The length of the lateral support assembly depends on whether the lateral support assembly extends between (a) the third interface of the left drive assembly and the fourth interface of the right drive assembly or (b) the third interface of the left drive assembly and the third interface of the right drive assembly.

14. A power transmission system for an electrified chore product, the power transmission system comprising: A first drive assembly; A second drive assembly; And A lateral support assembly extending between the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly; Wherein, both the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly include: A drive motor; An axle configured to be connected to a traction element; and A transmission, which includes a housing having: (a) a first end connected to the drive motor and (b) a second end longitudinally offset relative to the first end and connected to the axle; And, the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly can be mounted on the frame of the electrified chore product in different orientations to provide different track widths.

15. The power transmission system according to claim 14, wherein, The different orientations include: A first orientation, in which the drive motors of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly are longitudinally aligned; and A second orientation, in which the drive motors of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly at least partially overlap laterally.

16. The power transmission system according to claim 15, wherein, In the first orientation, the drive motors of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly are at least partially located in front of the lateral axis defined by the axles of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly or at least partially located behind the lateral axis.

17. The power transmission system according to claim 16, wherein, In the second orientation, (a) the drive motor of one of the first drive assembly or the second drive assembly is at least partially located in front of the defined lateral axis, and (b) the drive motor of the other of the first drive assembly or the second drive assembly is at least partially located behind the lateral axis.

18. A power transmission system for an electrified chore product, the power transmission system comprising: A first drive assembly configured to be connected to the first lateral side of the chassis of the electrified chore product; And A second drive assembly configured to be connected to the second lateral side of the chassis; Wherein, both the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly include: A drive motor; An axle configured to be connected to a traction element; and A transmission device, which includes a housing having: (a) a first end connected to the drive motor and (b) a second end longitudinally offset from the first end and connected to the axle; Moreover, the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly are configured to be arranged in a plurality of orientations, the plurality of orientations including: A first orientation in which the drive motors of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly are longitudinally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the chassis; and A second orientation in which the drive motors of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly at least partially overlap laterally.

19. The power transmission system according to claim 18, wherein the first orientation provides a first track width, and the second orientation provides a second track width smaller than the first width.

20. The power transmission system according to claim 18, wherein, In the first orientation, the drive motor of the first drive assembly and the drive motor of the second drive assembly are at least partially laterally offset such that there is a lateral gap therebetween; and in the second orientation, the drive motor of the first drive assembly and the drive motor of the second drive assembly are longitudinally offset along the longitudinal axis such that there is a longitudinal gap therebetween.

21. The power transmission system according to claim 18, further comprising: A first lateral support assembly that extends between the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly when they are arranged in the first orientation; And A second lateral support assembly that extends between the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly when they are arranged in the second orientation; wherein the first lateral support assembly is longer than the second lateral support assembly.

22. The power transmission system according to claim 18, wherein the housing defines: A first interface provided near the second end of the housing, the first interface extending from the housing in a first direction; and A second interface provided near the second end of the housing, the second interface extending from the housing in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction; Among them, In the first orientation, the first interface of the housing of the first drive assembly is aligned with the second interface of the housing of the second drive assembly; wherein, in the second orientation, the first interface of the housing of the first drive assembly is aligned with the first interface of the housing of the second drive assembly.

23. The power transmission system according to claim 18, wherein, In the first orientation, the drive motors of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly are at least partially located in front of the lateral axis defined by the axles of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly, or at least partially located behind the lateral axis.

24. The power transmission system according to claim 18, wherein, In the second orientation, (a) the drive motor of one of the first drive assembly or the second drive assembly is at least partially located in front of the lateral axis defined by the axles of the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly, and (b) the drive motor of the other of the first drive assembly or the second drive assembly is at least partially located behind the lateral axis.

25. A power transmission system for an electrified chore product, the power transmission system comprising: A drive assembly configured to be connected to a lateral side of a chassis of the electrified chore product, the drive assembly comprising: A drive motor; An axle configured to be connected to a traction element, the axle defining a lateral axis; and A transmission comprising a housing having: (a) a first end connected to the drive motor and (b) a second end longitudinally offset relative to the first end and connected to the axle; Wherein the drive assembly is configured to be arranged in a plurality of orientations, the plurality of orientations including: A first orientation in which the drive motor is at least partially located on a front side of the lateral axis; and A second orientation in which the drive motor is at least partially located on a rear side of the lateral axis.

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