Drive system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a driving system. The driving system comprises a base part; the paired side plates are arranged on the two transverse sides of the base part; the bracket is connected to the side plate to rotate around a transverse virtual axis; the actuator is at least partially arranged in the base part and can transmit power to the bracket; wherein the actuator is connected to a clutch mechanism, and the clutch mechanism is arranged in the mode that when the support is manually rotated, power transmission between the actuator and the support is cut off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a drive system, particularly a drive system with a virtual axis and overload protection. Background Art

[0002] Drive systems are common mechanical mechanisms, which are typically used to move or rotate objects. For example, in the application environments of vehicles or aircraft, a drive system is required to rotate a display between an open position and a closed position.

[0003] In such usage environments, objects such as displays have a relatively large volume. For aesthetic and stability purposes, it is desirable to provide a non-physical rotating axis for the drive system. For manual control purposes, it is desirable to provide overload protection, i.e., a clutch mechanism, for the drive system. Additionally, to meet market demands, it is desirable for the drive system as a whole to have a compact structure. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The present application discloses a drive system, including: a base; a pair of side plates disposed on the transverse two sides of the base; a bracket connected to the side plates to rotate about a transverse virtual axis; an actuator at least partially disposed in the base and capable of transmitting power to the bracket; wherein, the actuator is connected to a clutch mechanism, and the clutch mechanism is configured such that when the bracket is manually rotated, the power transmission between the actuator and the bracket is disconnected.

[0005] In one embodiment, each of the side plates is provided with an arc-shaped guiding groove, and the two transverse sides of the bracket are respectively slidably engaged with one of the guiding grooves, such that the bracket rotates about the virtual axis.

[0006] In one embodiment, the bracket is provided with a slider on either of its transverse sides, the slider is arc-shaped and inserted into the corresponding guiding groove to guide the bracket to rotate about the virtual axis; and / or the bracket is provided with a plurality of rollers on either of its transverse sides, and the plurality of rollers are inserted into the corresponding guiding grooves to guide the bracket to rotate about the virtual axis.

[0007] In one embodiment, the drive system further includes a gearbox, the gearbox is connected to the actuator and the bracket, such that the actuator transmits power to the bracket through the gearbox; the drive system includes a rack, the rack is fixed to the bracket or formed integrally with the bracket, and the rack engages with the gearbox.

[0008] In one embodiment, the gearbox and the actuator are disposed transversely between the two side plates and vertically between the base and the bracket.

[0009] In one embodiment, the bracket rotates between a folded position and an unfolded position; the base is provided with a first stop and a second stop, and the bracket abuts against the first stop and the second stop when in the folded position and the unfolded position respectively, so as to limit the rotation range of the bracket.

[0010] In one embodiment, the drive system includes a first switch and a second switch; the bracket triggers the first switch and the second switch in the folded position and the unfolded position respectively, so that the first switch and the second switch respectively send signals to stop the actuator.

[0011] In one embodiment, the clutch mechanism includes: an input gear engaged with the actuator; a clutch shaft engaged with the input gear; an output gear engaged with the bracket; and at least one torque element disposed between the clutch shaft and the output gear and configured to disconnect the power transmission between the clutch shaft and the output gear when the output gear is overloaded or externally driven.

[0012] In one embodiment, the torque element is in a sheet shape, and a plurality of the torque elements are stacked axially along the clutch shaft, and the plurality of torque elements include torque elements arranged in opposite directions to generate symmetric torque; or the torque element is in a sleeve shape sleeved on the clutch shaft; or the torque element is in a fork shape clamped on the clutch shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment, the bracket is connected to the display screen and drives the display screen to rotate between a folded position and an unfolded position. The display screen is substantially parallel to the base in the folded position and forms an angle with the base in the unfolded position. Description of the Drawings

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in further detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0015] Figures 1A to 1F are respectively the front view, rear view, left view, right view, top view, and bottom view of the drive system according to the present application;

[0016] Figures 1G to 1K are respectively the perspective views of the drive system from different angles;

[0017] Figure 2 is the exploded perspective view of the drive system;

[0018] Figure 3A and Figure 3B show the drive system with a display installed, wherein Figure 3A shows the drive system in a closed state, Figure 3BShows the drive system in the open state;

[0019] Figure 4 Shows a partially enlarged exploded view of the drive system including the base, right side plate, and bracket;

[0020] Figure 5 Shows a partially enlarged exploded view of the drive system including the base, left side plate, and bracket;

[0021] Figure 6 Shows a partially enlarged side view of the drive system including the bracket, first switch, and second switch;

[0022] Figure 7 Shows a partially enlarged bottom view of the drive system;

[0023] Figure 8 Shows a three - dimensional view of the drive system, where the side plates are omitted and the bracket is shown separately;

[0024] Figure 9 Is a three - dimensional view of the base, gearbox, input gear, output gear, and transmission gear of the drive system;

[0025] Figure 10 Is a three - dimensional view of the base, input gear, output gear, and transmission gear of the drive system;

[0026] Figure 11A Shows a three - dimensional view of the clutch mechanism of the drive system;

[0027] Figure 11B Shows an exploded three - dimensional view of the clutch mechanism;

[0028] Figure 12A Shows a torque element in the form of a sleeve and the state where the torque element is sleeved on the clutch shaft;

[0029] Figure 12B Shows a torque element in the form of a fork and the state where the torque element is clamped on the clutch shaft.

[0030] List of reference numerals

[0031] 100 Drive system

[0032] 110 Base

[0033] 111 First limit part

[0034] 112 Second limit part

[0035] 120 Side plate

[0036] 121 Guide groove

[0037] 130 Bracket

[0038] 131 Roller

[0039] 132 Slide Block

[0040] 133 First Protrusion

[0041] 134 Support

[0042] 135 Rack

[0043] 136 Second Protrusion

[0044] 140 Actuator

[0045] 150 Gearbox

[0046] 151 First Gear

[0047] 152 Second Gear

[0048] 153 Third Gear

[0049] 160 Clutch Mechanism

[0050] 161 Input Gear

[0051] 162 Output Gear

[0052] 163 Clutch Shaft

[0053] 164 Torque Element

[0054] 165 Positioning Part

[0055] 166 Gasket

[0056] 167 Positioning Rod

[0057] 171 First Switch

[0058] 172 Second Switch

[0059] 200 Display Screen

[0060] 210 Connecting Part

[0061] 220 Display Part

[0062] X Virtual Axis Detailed Implementation Manner

[0063] Although the present utility model is described and illustrated herein with reference to specific embodiments, the present utility model should not be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made to these details within the scope of equivalent solutions of the claims and without departing from the present utility model.

[0064] The directional descriptions such as "front", "rear", "upper", and "lower" involved in this text are only for convenience of understanding. The present utility model is not limited to these directions and can be adjusted according to actual situations.

[0065] Refer to Figures 1A to 2 Describe the drive system 100 according to the present application as a whole. The drive system 100 includes: a base 110, a pair of side plates 120, a bracket 130, an actuator 140, a gearbox 150, a clutch mechanism 160, a first switch 171, and a second switch 172.

[0066] The base 110 is configured to at least partially accommodate other components of the drive system 100. The base 110 is generally plate-shaped and extends longitudinally and transversely, but is not limited thereto. The pair of side plates 120 are disposed on the transverse sides of the base 110.

[0067] The bracket 130 is disposed above the base 110. The transverse ends of the bracket 130 are respectively slidably connected to the two side plates 120, such that the bracket 130 can rotate relative to the base 110 and the side plates 120 about a transverse virtual axis X (which will be described in detail later).

[0068] The base 110, the two side plates 120, and the bracket 130 form an accommodation space, and the actuator 140, the gearbox 150, and the clutch mechanism 160 are at least partially accommodated in this accommodation space. The actuator 140 is, for example, a stepper motor, which outputs driving power according to an electrical signal. The clutch mechanism 160 transmits the power of the actuator 140 to the gearbox 150. The gearbox 150 includes at least one gear, for example, including a first gear 151, a second gear 152, and a third gear 153. These gears transmit the power of the clutch mechanism 160 to the bracket 130. Therefore, the actuator 140 drives the bracket 130 to rotate through the clutch mechanism 160 and the gearbox 150.

[0069] The clutch mechanism 160 is arranged such that when the bracket 130 is manually rotated, the power transmission between the actuator 140 and the bracket 130 is disconnected. The clutch mechanism 160 will be described in detail later.

[0070] Refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B Describe the state where the drive system 100 according to the present application is connected to the display screen 200. It should be understood that the display screen 200 in this embodiment is only an example. According to the usage environment, the form of the display screen 200 can be changed or can be replaced by other objects. The display screen 200 includes a connection portion 210 and a display portion 220, wherein the connection portion 210 is fixedly connected to the support portion 134 of the bracket 130, such that the bracket 130 drives the display screen 200 to rotate about the transverse virtual axis X. The display portion 220 is the part for the user to view.

[0071] InFigure 3A In the folded state as shown, the display unit 220 is substantially parallel to the base 110. Thus, the entire drive system 100 and the display screen 200 together form a substantially rectangular shape, which is beneficial for saving space and presenting a neat appearance. In Figure 3B In the unfolded state as shown, the display unit 220 forms an angle with the base 110, for example, an angle between 30° and 90°, so as to facilitate the user to view the display unit 220.

[0072] As Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown, the drive system 100 of the present application rotates around a virtual axis X, and there is no physical rotation axis at the virtual axis X. Thanks to the virtual axis X, components of the drive system 100, such as the bracket 130, the gearbox 150, and the clutch mechanism 160, do not need to avoid a physical rotation axis. Therefore, the drive system 100 can have a more compact structure.

[0073] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 the connection between the base 110, the side plates 120, and the bracket 130 will be specifically described.

[0074] It should be understood that although Figure 4 , Figure 5 show the base 110 and the two side plates 120 in a separated manner, in use, the two side plates 120 are respectively fixed to both sides of the base 110. In other embodiments, the side plates 120 can also be integrally formed with the base 110.

[0075] Each side plate 120 is provided with an arc-shaped guide groove 121, and the two lateral sides of the bracket 130 are respectively slidably engaged with a guide groove 121, so that the bracket 130 rotates around the laterally extending virtual axis X.

[0076] More specifically, as Figure 4 shown, the bracket 130 is provided with a plurality of rollers 131 on one of its lateral sides, and these rollers 131 are inserted into the guide groove 121 to guide the bracket 130 to rotate around the virtual axis X. The rollers 131 can be rotatably connected to the lateral side of the bracket 130 by connection means known in the art such as rivets and bolts. The plurality of rollers 131 are arranged along the extension direction of the guide groove 121, so that the bracket 130 rotates along the extension direction of the guide groove 121.

[0077] Figure 4Also shown are a first switch 171 and a second switch 172 mounted to the base 110. For ease of description, the direction in which the bracket 130 is in the folded position is referred to as the front, and the direction in which the bracket 130 is in the deployed position is referred to as the rear. The first switch 171 and the second switch 172 are respectively trigger switches, which are respectively arranged in the front and the rear of the bracket 130, and are arranged to contact the bracket 130 when the bracket 130 moves to the folded position and the deployed position, so as to send a stop signal to the actuator 140. More specifically, the first switch 171 and the second switch 172 can be connected to the actuator 140 through wires or wirelessly connected to the actuator 140. For example Figure 4 The bracket 130 in the folded position is shown, at this time the bracket 130 contacts the first switch 171, so that the first switch 171 sends a stop signal to the actuator 140, causing the actuator 140 to stop driving the bracket 130.

[0078] As Figure 5 shown, a slider 132 is provided on the other lateral side of the bracket 130. The slider 132 is arc-shaped and inserted into the corresponding guide groove 121 to guide the bracket 130 to rotate around the virtual axis X. More specifically, the shape of the slider 132 can be an arc extending along the guide groove 121, so as to allow the slider 132 to be inserted into the guide groove 121 and slide along the guide groove 121.

[0079] Figure 5 Also shown are a first limiting portion 111 and a second limiting portion 112 of the base 110. The first limiting portion 111 and the second limiting portion 112 are respectively arranged in the front and the rear of the bracket 130. A first protrusion 133 extending laterally outward is provided on the bracket 130. When the bracket 130 is in the folded position and the deployed position, the first protrusion 133 abuts against the first limiting portion 111 and the second limiting portion 112 respectively to limit the rotation range of the bracket 130. The first protrusion 133 extends laterally inward, for example, thereby saving lateral space and being beneficial to the compact structure of the drive system 100.

[0080] Refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , in which the states where the bracket 130 in the folded position and the deployed position contacts the first switch 171 and the second switch 172 are respectively shown. More specifically, Figure 7 The bracket 130 is shown to be provided with a second protrusion 136 extending laterally inward. The bracket 130 contacts the first switch 171 and the second switch 172 through the second protrusion 136, which is beneficial to the compact structure of the drive system 100.

[0081] It should be understood that although in combination with Figure 4 , Figure 5An embodiment is described in which sliders 132 and rollers 131 are respectively provided on both sides of the bracket 130. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, sliders 132 or rollers 131 may be provided on both sides of the bracket 130. Although an embodiment is described in which the first switch 171 and the second switch 172 are provided on one side of the bracket 130, and the first limiting portion 111 and the second limiting portion 112 are provided on the other side of the bracket 130. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the first switch 171, the second switch 172, the first limiting portion 111, and the second limiting portion 112 may be provided on the same side of the bracket 130.

[0082] Referring to Figures 8 to 10 Describe the specific structure of the gearbox 150, and the connections between the gearbox 150, the clutch mechanism 160, and the bracket 130.

[0083] The gearbox 150 is vertically arranged above the base 110, longitudinally arranged from the middle to the rear of the base 110, and laterally arranged from the middle to one side of the base 110. The clutch mechanism 160 is arranged in the gearbox 150. The actuator 140 is connected to the lateral outside of the gearbox 150.

[0084] It can be seen that the overall layout of the drive system 100 is that the moving space occupied by the bracket 130 is in front of the base 110, and the space occupied by the gearbox 150 and the actuator 140 is behind the base 110. Due to the structure of the virtual axis X, the space of the base 110 is fully utilized, and the actuator 140, the clutch mechanism 160, and the gearbox 150 are respectively allowed to have larger volumes, which is beneficial to the performance and stability of the drive system 100.

[0085] More specifically, the input gear 161 of the clutch mechanism 160 is connected to the actuator 140. The output gear 162 and the input gear 161 are coaxially arranged laterally, and the clutch mechanism 160 will be described in detail later. The actuator 140 drives the output gear 162, and the input gear 161 drives the output gear 162.

[0086] The first gear 151, the second gear 152, and the third gear 153 of the gearbox 150 respectively rotate around the lateral axis. The first gear 151 and the second gear 152 are torsionally connected by a key shaft, for example. The output gear 162 is connected to the first gear 151, the first gear 151 then drives the second gear 152, the second gear 152 then drives the third gear 153, and the third gear 153 then drives the rack 135 of the bracket 130 (referring to Figure 8 , the rack 135 is connected above the third gear 153). Therefore, the actuator 140 drives the bracket 130 to rotate through multiple gears of the clutch mechanism 160 and the gearbox 150.

[0087] In other embodiments, the number and axial direction of the gears in the gearbox 150 can be changed to adjust the transmission ratio and the transmission direction. In other embodiments, the gearbox 150 can also be replaced by other transmission mechanisms.

[0088] Refer to Figure 11A and Figure 11B The clutch mechanism 160 will be specifically described. The clutch mechanism 160 includes an input gear 161, an output gear 162, a clutch shaft 163, a torque element 164, a positioning member 165, a gasket 166, and a positioning rod 167.

[0089] The clutch shaft 163 extends transversely. The input gear 161 and the output gear 162 are respectively sleeved at different transverse positions of the clutch shaft 163. As described above, the input gear 161 is connected to the actuator 140 to receive drive, and the output gear 162 is connected to the bracket 130 through the gearbox 150 to transmit drive.

[0090] The output gear 162 is not directly connected to the clutch shaft 163, but is connected to the clutch shaft 163 through the torque element 164. More specifically, the torque element 164 is disposed in the non-circular hole of the output gear 162, and there is at least a partial interference fit between the two, so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. The clutch shaft 163 is inserted into the torque element 164, and there is an interference fit between the two to generate a large frictional force. The input gear 161 remains engaged with the clutch shaft 163, for example, through spline engagement and cannot rotate relative to each other to maintain power transmission. The torque element 164 is sleeved on the clutch shaft 163 and is disposed between the clutch shaft 163 and the output gear 162. The torque element 164 is, for example, a sheet-shaped hook-shaped member, which has a hook portion sleeved on the clutch shaft 163 and a handle portion extending from the hook portion. The hook portion of each torque element 164 is frictionally connected to the clutch shaft 163, and the handle portion of each torque element 164 is fixed to the inside of the output gear 162 by the positioning member 165 and the positioning rod 167, so that the torque element 164 cannot rotate relative to the output gear 162.

[0091] Therefore, the clutch shaft 163 can drive the output gear 162 to rotate through the torque element 164, but when the torque between the output gear 162 and the clutch shaft 163 exceeds a certain threshold, the torque element 164 will slip relative to the clutch shaft 163 to disconnect the power transmission between the output gear 162 and the clutch shaft 163. For example, when the user manually rotates the display screen 200 and the bracket 130, the bracket 130 will drive the output gear 162 through the gearbox 150, and the power transmission between the output gear 162 and the clutch shaft 163 is disconnected, so that the output gear 162 will not drive the input gear 161 through the clutch shaft 163, thereby avoiding overloading of the actuator 140.

[0092] In this embodiment, the torque element 164 is in the form of a sheet, and a plurality of torque elements 164 are stacked axially along the clutch shaft 163. Among the plurality of torque elements 164, there are torque elements 164 arranged in opposite directions to generate symmetric torque. In other embodiments, the torque element 164 may have different forms and quantities, and the torque threshold can be adjusted according to the usage environment. For example Figure 12A shows a torque element 164 in the form of a sleeve, which is sleeved on the clutch shaft 163 to generate frictional force. Figure 12B shows a torque element 164 in the form of a fork, which clamps the clutch shaft 163 to generate frictional force.

[0093] In addition, due to the provision of the torque element 164, the bracket 130 can also be held in the deployed position or the folded position when the actuator does not output power.

[0094] Therefore, the driving system 100 of the present application operates in such a way that the user sends a signal to the actuator 140 wirelessly or through a signal line (not shown), causing the actuator 140 to drive the bracket 130 to rotate towards the deployed position or the folded position through the clutch mechanism 160 and the gearbox 150. When the bracket 130 reaches the deployed position or the folded position, the bracket 130 is restricted by the first limiting portion 111 or the second limiting portion 112 and cannot continue to rotate, and at the same time the bracket 130 contacts the first switch 171 or the second switch 172 to stop the actuator 140. When the user manually rotates the bracket 130, the clutch mechanism 160 disconnects the power transmission between the bracket 130 and the actuator 140 to avoid overloading the actuator 140.

[0095] In summary, the present application provides a driving system in which the bracket rotates around a virtual axis to facilitate a compact structure. The actuator drives the bracket through a clutch mechanism to allow the user to manually rotate the bracket and avoid overloading the actuator. The driving system also has a first limiting portion, a second limiting portion, a first switch, and a second switch to limit the rotation range of the bracket and provide an automatic stop function for the bracket.

[0096] Although the preferred embodiments have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that these embodiments are given by way of example only. Those skilled in the art will envision many variations, changes, and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drive system, characterized in that: The drive system comprises: base (110); A pair of side panels (120) arranged on two lateral sides of the base (110); a bracket (130) connected to the side plate (120) so as to rotate around a transverse virtual axis (X); an actuator (140), at least partially disposed in the base (110), capable of transmitting power to the bracket (130); The actuator (140) is connected to a clutch mechanism (160), and the clutch mechanism (160) is configured such that when the bracket (130) is manually rotated, the power transmission between the actuator (140) and the bracket (130) is disconnected.

2. The drive system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the side plates (120) is provided with an arc-shaped guide groove (121), and the lateral sides of the bracket (130) are respectively slidably engaged with one of the guide grooves (121), so that the bracket (130) rotates around the virtual axis (X).

3. The drive system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support (130) is provided with a slider (132) on any lateral side thereof, the slider (132) being arc-shaped and inserted into the corresponding guide groove (121) to guide the support (130) to rotate around the virtual axis (X); and / or The support (130) is provided with a plurality of rollers (131) on any lateral side thereof, and the plurality of rollers (131) are inserted into corresponding guide grooves (121) to guide the support (130) to rotate around the virtual axis (X).

4. The drive system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The drive system further comprises a gear box (150), wherein the gear box (150) is connected to the actuator (140) and the bracket (130), so that the actuator (140) transmits power to the bracket (130) through the gear box (150); The drive system includes a rack (135) fixed to the bracket (130) or formed integrally with the bracket (130), and the rack (135) is engaged to the gear box (150).

5. The drive system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The gear box (150) and the actuator (140) are disposed between the two side plates (120) in the transverse direction and between the base (110) and the bracket (130) in the vertical direction.

6. The driving system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket (130) rotates between a folded position and an unfolded position; The base (110) is provided with a first stopper and a second stopper, and the bracket (130) abuts against the first stopper and the second stopper respectively when in the folded position and the unfolded position, so as to limit the rotation range of the bracket (130).

7. The drive system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The driving system comprises a first switch (171) and a second switch (172); The bracket (130) triggers the first switch (171) and the second switch (172) respectively in the folded position and the unfolded position, so that the first switch (171) and the second switch (172) respectively send signals to stop the actuator (140).

8. The driving system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clutch mechanism (160) comprises: an input gear (161) engaged to the actuator (140); a clutch shaft (163) engaged to the input gear (161); an output gear (162) coupled to the bracket (130); and At least one torque element (164) is arranged between the clutch shaft (163) and the output gear (162), and is arranged to disconnect the power transmission between the clutch shaft (163) and the output gear (162) when the output gear (162) is overloaded or receives external drive.

9. The driving system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The torque element (164) is in a sheet shape, and a plurality of the torque elements (164) are superimposed along the axial direction of the clutch shaft (163), and the plurality of torque elements (164) include torque elements (164) arranged in opposite directions to generate symmetrical torque; or The torque element (164) is in the shape of a sleeve sleeved on the clutch shaft (163); or The torque element (164) is in the shape of a fork clamped on the clutch shaft (163).

10. The driving system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket (130) is connected to the display screen (200) and drives the display screen (200) to rotate between a folded position and an unfolded position. The display screen (200) is substantially parallel to the base (110) in the folded position and is at an angle to the base (110) in the unfolded position.

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