Flexible steering device and snow sweeper

By adopting a drive-driven transmission component and rolling element design in the snow sweeper, flexible steering of the snow sweeper is achieved, solving the problems of inflexible steering and high noise, improving operating comfort and steering accuracy, simplifying the structure, and adapting to stable performance in cold environments.

CN223736110UActive Publication Date: 2025-12-30ZHEJIANG YAT ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423316836.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-31
Publication Date
2025-12-30
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing snowplows are not flexible in steering, have a large turning radius, have a complex mechanical structure, generate a lot of noise, and suffer from severe electromagnetic noise transmission, which affects the comfort of operation.

Method used

The first and second transmission components, driven by a driver, move circumferentially in the receiving groove via rolling elements, enabling flexible rotation of the first and second output shafts. This simplifies the structure, reduces friction and noise, and the driver is not integrated into the wheel, thus reducing the propagation of electromagnetic noise.

Benefits of technology

It enables flexible steering of the snowplow, reduces noise, improves operating comfort and steering precision, simplifies the mechanical structure, reduces reliance on electronic control systems, and improves stable performance in cold environments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a flexible steering device, which belongs to the field of snow sweepers, solves the problems of complicated structure, inflexible steering and loud steering sound in the prior art, and adopts the technical scheme that the flexible steering device comprises a driver, a first transmission part, a second transmission part, a first output shaft, a second output shaft and a rolling body, the first output shaft and the second output shaft are rotationally connected, the first output shaft and the second output shaft are fixedly connected with second transmission parts respectively, the first transmission part is provided with a containing groove, the rolling body is rotationally arranged in the containing groove, and the rotating first transmission part drives the rolling body and the containing groove to move in the circumferential direction. And the rolling body is in contact with the second transmission piece to drive the second transmission piece to rotate, so that the first output shaft and the second output shaft are driven to rotate. According to the snow sweeper, the structure is simpler, steering is more flexible, and steering sound is smaller.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of snowplows, and in particular to a flexible steering device and a snowplow. Background Technology

[0002] A snowplow is a tool used to clear snow. Snowplows can greatly save the time and manpower spent on manual snow removal. In actual use, there will be relatively many turning requirements. If the machine is not flexible in turning or has a large turning radius, it will make it difficult to turn and turn, which will greatly increase the time required to clear a snow pile and also bring an uncomfortable experience to the operator. To address this, existing technologies, such as the invention patent CN113322879A, disclose a snowplow that uses a hub motor. When the snowplow is pushed in a straight line, it will tilt, and the pushing trajectory will have a slight "S" shape. Because the hub motor is integrated into the wheel hub, its mechanical structure is more complex, including a reduction mechanism (such as planetary gears) to match the speed and torque requirements of the wheel. During operation, these gears will generate mechanical vibration and noise due to the meshing between the teeth. The bearing system of the hub motor must withstand various complex working conditions during the operation of the snowplow, such as road bumps, frequent acceleration and deceleration. This harsh working environment makes the bearings more prone to wear and vibration, resulting in greater steering noise. Since the hub motor is directly installed near the wheel, its electromagnetic shielding is relatively weak. When the hub motor is running, the electromagnetic noise generated by the changes in the internal electromagnetic force is more likely to propagate outward. The heat dissipation system of the hub motor may generate greater noise because it must adapt to the space and working conditions of the snowplow. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible steering device that solves the problems of complex structure, inflexible steering, and loud steering noise in existing devices, making the structure simpler while making steering more flexible and quieter.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a flexible steering device, comprising a driver, a first transmission component, a second transmission component, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, and a rolling element. The driver is used to drive the first transmission component to rotate. The first output shaft and the second output shaft are rotatably connected. The first output shaft and the second output shaft are respectively fixedly connected to the second transmission component. The first transmission component is provided with a receiving groove. The rolling element is rotatably disposed in the receiving groove. The rotating first transmission component drives the rolling element to move circumferentially with the receiving groove, so that the rolling element contacts or separates from the second transmission component. The contact between the rolling element and the second transmission component drives the second transmission component to rotate, thereby driving the first output shaft and the second output shaft to rotate.

[0005] After adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages: The first transmission component drives the rolling element to move circumferentially with the receiving groove, so that the rolling element contacts or separates from the second transmission component, thereby realizing the rotation of the first and second output shafts. This allows for more precise control of the rotation of the first and second output shafts, achieving flexible steering operation and overcoming the problems of inflexible turning or large turning radius in existing snowplows. It also simplifies the mechanical structure; fewer components mean fewer potential noise sources. Especially under conditions of frequent turning, acceleration, deceleration, and road bumps, the overall noise level can be significantly improved. During turning, the separation of the rolling element and the second transmission component greatly reduces the noise generated by both. The friction between the rollers reduces steering noise. When steering is not required (i.e., the first and second output shafts need to rotate synchronously), the contact between the rollers and the second transmission component ensures consistent transmission on both sides, ensuring that the snowplow moves smoothly in a straight line as much as possible. This minimizes problems such as "S" shaped trajectories and effectively improves steering flexibility and operational precision in practical use scenarios such as snow removal. This smooth motion path also avoids potential impacts and vibrations between transmission structures, reducing unnecessary vibrations and shaking, thereby reducing noise. Furthermore, since the drive is not integrated into the wheels, its electromagnetic force changes do not directly affect the area near the wheels, reducing the propagation of electromagnetic noise and creating a relatively quiet and comfortable working environment for the operator, thus improving the operating experience.

[0006] Furthermore, the receiving groove extends along the circumferential direction of the first transmission member, and the height of the two end regions of the bottom wall of the receiving groove is higher than the height of the middle region of the bottom wall of the receiving groove. When the rolling element is located in the two end regions of the receiving groove, it contacts the second transmission member, and when the rolling element is located in the middle region of the receiving groove, it disengages from the second transmission member.

[0007] Using the aforementioned technical solution, when the rolling element is located at either end of the bottom of the receiving groove, due to the higher height at this location, the rolling element will contact the second transmission component. This causes the first and second output shafts to rotate synchronously, resulting in smoother straight-line travel. Conversely, when the rolling element is located in the middle area of ​​the bottom wall of the receiving groove, it will disengage from the second transmission component, greatly reducing friction between them and lowering mechanical noise. The rotational speed of one output shaft slows down or stops, while the other continues to rotate, thus achieving steering. This also reduces the need for electronic control systems. This means that even in cold conditions (such as the low-temperature environments common in snow removal operations), stable performance can be maintained, unaffected by potential impacts on electronic components.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom wall of the receiving groove is an arc-shaped wall, a V-shaped wall, or a U-shaped wall.

[0009] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, a height difference is achieved between the bottom walls of the receiving groove, thereby enabling the rolling element to contact or disengage from the second transmission component.

[0010] Furthermore, the first transmission member and the second transmission member are coaxially arranged, and the first transmission member is provided with a plurality of receiving grooves along the circumferential direction, and each receiving groove is provided with the rolling element.

[0011] By employing the aforementioned technical solution, multiple receiving slots and corresponding rolling elements mean that torque control of the output shafts on both sides can be achieved simultaneously or separately at different positions. This not only enhances steering flexibility but also allows for more precise adjustment of the speed difference between the two wheels according to actual needs, providing a smoother and more controllable steering experience. Multiple rolling elements share the task of transmitting power from the drive, resulting in lower pressure on each rolling element, reducing wear rate, and ensuring the service life of the components.

[0012] Furthermore, the first transmission component includes a transmission gear and transmission rings fixedly disposed on both sides of the transmission gear. The second transmission component includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The outer side of the transmission ring is provided with the receiving groove. The inner rings of the two second transmission components are fixedly connected to the first output shaft and the second output shaft respectively. The outer rings of the two second transmission components are respectively sleeved on the outer side of the transmission rings on both sides of the transmission gear.

[0013] The aforementioned technical solution, with its layered and nested modular design, makes the installation and disassembly of each component relatively easy. During installation, the inner ring of the second transmission component can be fixedly connected to the output shaft first, then the outer ring can be fitted onto the outside of the transmission ring, and finally the transmission gear can be installed. When maintenance or replacement of components is required, the operation can be performed in reverse order.

[0014] Furthermore, the first transmission member contacts the side wall of the second transmission member, and the first and second transmission members are wrapped with a wrapping member, with the first and second transmission members positioned inside the wrapping member.

[0015] Through the above technical solution, the sidewalls of the first and second transmission components are in direct contact. This close contact provides better support and reduces noise caused by vibration. The enclosure wraps around the first and second transmission components, providing additional fixation and support, helping to keep each component in the correct position and preventing displacement caused by vibration or impact. The enclosure effectively isolates and absorbs vibrations from the first and second transmission components. The enclosure can be made of materials with shock-absorbing and noise-reducing properties (such as rubber, foam, etc.) to further reduce noise transmission.

[0016] Furthermore, the driver is located near the area where the first output shaft and the second output shaft are rotatably connected.

[0017] Using the aforementioned technical solution, the hub is typically located at the end furthest from the first and second output shafts, keeping the drive away from the hub and thus away from sensitive areas near the wheel. This reduces the impact of electromagnetic force changes on the external environment, particularly reducing the propagation path of electromagnetic noise. With all critical components concentrated in the same area, it facilitates centralized vibration damping measures. High-efficiency damping pads or springs can be installed between the drive, the first output shaft, and the second output shaft to effectively absorb and isolate vibrations, reducing noise. It also alters the primary location of heat generation, preventing heat concentration at the hub and reducing the negative impact of localized overheating on the hub and the overall device's performance and lifespan. This contributes to more stable and reliable long-term operation. Furthermore, since the hub is not involved in the overall fit, hub maintenance is simpler, and similarly, tire maintenance is also simplified as it is not affected by the hub.

[0018] Furthermore, the flexible steering device also includes a housing, which is rotatably connected to the second transmission member via a bearing, and the drive is mounted on the housing.

[0019] With the above technical solution, the driver is mounted on the housing. The modular design facilitates disassembly and installation. Compared with the method of dispersing the driver, the structure of the device is more compact and the integration is higher. Noise reduction materials, such as shock absorbers made of rubber or plastic, can be used inside the housing to further reduce noise transmission.

[0020] Furthermore, the first output shaft and the second output shaft are connected by a connecting pin.

[0021] The connecting pin, as described above, is a simple and effective connection method that provides a stable connection. It ensures that the first and second output shafts will not easily loosen or separate during power transmission and collaborative operation, guaranteeing a reliable connection even under complex working conditions (such as driving on uneven roads or experiencing significant forces during steering) in equipment like snowplows. The installation process is also relatively simple; the connecting pin is simply inserted into the pre-designed connection holes on the first and second output shafts, eliminating the need for complex assembly tools.

[0022] Another objective of this utility model is to provide a snowplow, including a body, a snow scraper mounted on the body, and a tire, and also including a flexible steering device as described in any of the above technical solutions, wherein the tire is fixed on a first output shaft and a second output shaft.

[0023] The above technical solutions improve the snowplow's steering flexibility and operational stability, enabling it to turn more precisely and quickly, minimizing instability during straight-line driving, and simplifying the structure while reducing steering noise. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible steering device in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the flexible steering device in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the flexible steering device in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission component in this utility model;

[0029] In the diagram, 10 is the driver; 11 is the output gear; 20 is the first transmission component; 21 is the receiving groove; 22 is the transmission gear; 23 is the transmission ring; 24 is the mounting arm; 25 is the mounting groove; 30 is the second transmission component; 31 is the inner ring; 32 is the outer ring; 40 is the first output shaft; 50 is the second output shaft; 60 is the rolling element; 70 is the housing; 80 is the connecting pin; 90 is the connecting hole; and 100 is the enclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0031] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of the utility model described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0032] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this utility model, the number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0033] It should be understood that in this invention, "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product or device.

[0034] It should be understood that in this utility model, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, X and / or Y can represent: X alone, X and Y simultaneously, or Y alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "Contains X, Y, and Z", "Contains X, Y, and Z" means that all three X, Y, and Z are contained; "Contains X, Y, or Z" means that one of X, Y, and Z is contained; "Contains X, Y, and / or Z" means that any one, two, or three of X, Y, and Z are contained.

[0035] The technical solution of this utility model will be described in detail below with specific embodiments. The following specific embodiments can be selected to be combined or substituted with each other according to the actual situation, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments.

[0036] Example 1:

[0037] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this utility model provides a flexible steering device, including a driver 10, a first transmission member 20, a second transmission member 30, a first output shaft 40, a second output shaft 50, and a rolling element 60. The driver 10 is used to drive the first transmission member 20 to rotate. The first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 are rotatably connected. The first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 are respectively fixedly connected to the second transmission member 30. The first transmission member 20 is provided with a receiving groove 21. The rolling element 60 is rotatably disposed in the receiving groove 21. The rotating first transmission member 20 drives the rolling element 60 to move circumferentially with the receiving groove 21, so that the rolling element 60 contacts or separates from the second transmission member 30. The contact between the rolling element 60 and the second transmission member 30 drives the second transmission member 30 to rotate, thereby driving the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 to rotate.

[0038] The first transmission member 20 drives the rolling element 60 to move circumferentially with the receiving groove 21, so that the rolling element 60 contacts or separates from the second transmission member 30, thereby realizing the rotation of the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50. This allows for more precise control of the rotation of the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50, thus achieving flexible steering operation. This overcomes the problems of inflexible turning or large turning radius in existing snow sweepers, and also simplifies the mechanical structure. Fewer parts mean fewer potential noise sources, especially under conditions of frequent turning, acceleration, deceleration, and road bumps, the overall noise level can be significantly improved. During turning, because the rolling element 60 separates from the second transmission member 30, the noise level between them is greatly reduced. The friction is reduced, resulting in quieter steering. When steering is not required (i.e., the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 need to rotate synchronously), the rolling element 60 contacts the second transmission component 30 to ensure consistent transmission on both sides, ensuring that the snow sweeper moves smoothly in a straight line and minimizing problems such as "S" shaped trajectories. This effectively improves steering flexibility and operational precision in actual use scenarios such as snow clearing. This smooth motion path also avoids potential impacts and vibrations between transmission structures, reducing unnecessary vibrations and shaking, thereby reducing noise. Furthermore, since the drive 10 is not integrated into the wheel, its electromagnetic force changes will not directly affect the area near the wheel, reducing the propagation of electromagnetic noise and creating a relatively quiet and comfortable working environment for the operator, thus improving the operating experience.

[0039] Specifically, the receiving groove 21 extends along the circumference of the first transmission member 20. The height of the two ends of the bottom wall of the receiving groove 21 is higher than the height of the middle section of the bottom wall of the receiving groove 21. When the rolling element 60 is located in the two ends of the receiving groove 21, it contacts and presses against the second transmission member 30, causing the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 to rotate synchronously, making straight-line travel smoother. When the rolling element 60 is located in the middle section of the receiving groove 21, it disengages from the second transmission member 30, greatly reducing the friction between the two, reducing mechanical noise, and reducing the need for electronic control systems. Even in cold conditions (such as the low-temperature environment commonly seen in snow removal operations), it can maintain relatively stable performance and is not affected by the electronic components.

[0040] To improve steering stability, the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 are coaxially arranged. The first transmission component 20 has multiple receiving grooves 21 along the circumferential direction. Each receiving groove 21 contains a rolling element 60. The multiple rolling elements 60 jointly undertake the task of transmitting force from the driver 10, so that the pressure on each rolling element 60 is smaller, reducing the wear rate and ensuring the service life of the components. This not only enhances the steering flexibility, but also allows for more precise adjustment of the speed difference between the two wheels according to actual needs, providing a smoother and more controllable steering experience.

[0041] For ease of installation, the first transmission component 20 includes a transmission gear 22 and transmission rings 23 fixedly disposed on both sides of the transmission gear 22. The second transmission component 30 includes an inner ring 31 and an outer ring 32. A receiving groove 21 is provided on the outer side of the transmission ring 23. The inner rings 31 of the two second transmission components 30 are fixedly connected to the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50, respectively. The outer rings 32 of the two second transmission components 30 are respectively fitted onto the outer sides of the transmission rings 23 on both sides of the transmission gear 22. This layered and nested modular design makes the installation and disassembly of each component relatively easy. During installation, the inner rings 31 of the second transmission components 30 can be fixedly connected to the output shaft first, then the outer rings 32 can be fitted onto the outer sides of the transmission rings 23, and finally the transmission gear 22 can be installed. When maintenance or replacement of components is required, the operation can be performed in reverse order.

[0042] Specifically, the two transmission rings 23 are provided with radially extending mounting arms 24, and the inner side of the transmission gear 22 is provided with a mounting groove 25. The mounting arms 24 of the two transmission rings 23 are attached to each other and inserted into the mounting groove 25 of the transmission gear 22 to achieve a fixed connection.

[0043] The transmission gear 22 is rotatably connected to the outer side of the inner ring 31 via a bearing. The bearing provides a more precise and stable rotation interface, which is conducive to the smooth and accurate rotation of the transmission gear 22. It can also avoid the problem of difficulty in turning caused by the transmission gear 22 driving the second transmission component 30.

[0044] Furthermore, the sidewalls of the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 are in contact, providing better support and reducing noise caused by vibration. To achieve proper positioning of the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30, they are encased in a covering component 100, with the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30 positioned within the covering component 100. The covering component 100 provides additional fixation and support, helping to keep the components in the correct position and preventing displacement due to vibration or impact. The presence of the covering component 100 also effectively isolates and absorbs vibrations from the first transmission component 20 and the second transmission component 30. The covering component 100 can be made of materials with shock-absorbing and noise-reducing properties (such as rubber, foam, etc.) to further reduce noise transmission.

[0045] To enhance the power performance of the device, the output shaft of the driver 10 is equipped with an output gear 11. The output gear 11 and the transmission gear 22 have different numbers of teeth. According to the torque amplification principle of gear transmission, when the output shaft of the driver 10 rotates, the torque output by the driver 10 can be amplified and transmitted to the transmission gear 22 through the meshing of the output gear 11 and the transmission gear 22. When clearing thick snow or working on roads with a certain slope, the amplified torque enables the device to overcome resistance more easily, ensuring stable operation and enhancing the device's power performance. The difference in the number of teeth between the output gear 11 and the transmission gear 22 can also be used for speed regulation. The driver 10 outputs power at a certain speed, and through this gear transmission method, the transmission gear 22 can rotate at a lower speed, further facilitating the device's steering.

[0046] To minimize the impact on the wheel hub, the driver 10 is located near the area where the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 are rotatably connected, while the wheel hub is typically located at the end furthest from the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50. This arrangement keeps the driver 10 away from the wheel hub, placing it away from sensitive areas near the wheel and reducing the impact of electromagnetic force changes on the external environment, particularly reducing the propagation path of electromagnetic noise. Concentrating all critical components in the same area facilitates centralized vibration damping measures. High-efficiency damping pads or springs can be installed between the driver 10, the first output shaft 40, and the second output shaft 50 to effectively absorb and isolate vibrations, reduce noise, and alter the primary location of heat generation. This prevents heat from concentrating at the wheel hub, reducing the negative impact of localized overheating on the wheel hub and the overall device's performance and lifespan, contributing to more stable and reliable long-term operation. Since the driver does not involve wheel hub-related components, wheel hub maintenance is simpler, and similarly, tire maintenance is also simpler as it is not involved on the wheel hub.

[0047] Furthermore, the transmission gear 22 can also be hollowed out to facilitate air circulation within the transmission gear 22 and reduce the rate of temperature rise of the transmission gear 22.

[0048] To further facilitate installation, the flexible steering device also includes a housing 70, which is rotatably connected to the second transmission component 30 via bearings. The drive unit 10 is mounted on the housing 70. The housing 70 provides physical protection for the internal components of the device. Noise-reducing materials, such as shock absorbers made of rubber or plastic, can be used inside the housing 70 to further reduce noise transmission. In actual use scenarios of snowplows and other equipment, various complex working conditions may be encountered, such as collisions with external objects and impacts from ice and snow. By enclosing key components such as the drive unit 10 inside the housing 70, direct physical damage to these components can be effectively prevented, improving the reliability and durability of the device. Furthermore, the modular design facilitates disassembly and installation, making the device structure more compact and highly integrated compared to the dispersed installation of the drive unit 10. Technicians can pre-install and debug the drive unit 10 on the housing 70 before connecting the housing 70 with the drive unit 10 to the second transmission component 30 via bearings. This installation method is more convenient and efficient.

[0049] Furthermore, the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 are connected by a connecting pin 80. Both the first and second output shafts have connecting holes 90. One end of the connecting pin 80 is inserted into the connecting hole 90 of the first output shaft 40 for rotatable connection, and the other end is inserted into the connecting hole 90 of the second output shaft 50 for rotatable connection. The connecting pin 80 is a simple and effective connection method, providing a relatively stable connection and ensuring that the first and second output shafts 40 and 50 will not easily loosen or separate during power transmission and collaborative work. This guarantees reliable connection between the first and second output shafts 40 and 50 even under complex working conditions (such as driving on uneven roads or experiencing large forces during turning) during the operation of equipment such as snowplows. The installation process of the connecting pin 80 is also relatively simple; the connection is completed simply by inserting the connecting pin 80 into the pre-designed connecting hole 90 of the first and second output shafts 40, without the need for complex assembly tools.

[0050] In this embodiment, the bottom wall of the mounting groove 21 is an arc-shaped wall, which makes the rolling element 60 move more smoothly in the mounting groove 21, thereby achieving a more stable differential speed between the two tires.

[0051] In operation, when turning is required, if one of the tires on the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 is subjected to an external force, the output shaft on the side subjected to the external force rotates at a lower speed than the output shaft on the side not subjected to the external force. This reduces the speed of the second transmission member 30. At this time, the second transmission member 30 subjected to the external force applies a force to the rolling element 60 in the opposite direction to the rotational speed of the transmission gear 22. The rolling element 60 moves within the receiving groove 21 and stops at a new equilibrium point, causing the rolling element 60 to disengage from the second transmission member 30. Therefore, the unforced end is not affected by the external force and maintains its original speed during turning. The speed difference between the force-bearing end and the unforced end allows the snowplow to turn flexibly. In this embodiment, the first output shaft 40 is located on the left and the second output shaft 50 is located on the right. Specifically, when an external force is applied to the left side, the speed of the first output shaft 40 decreases, and the device rotates to the left. When an external force is applied to the right side, the speed of the second output shaft 50 decreases, and the device rotates to the right.

[0052] It should be noted that the rolling element 60 can be either a ball or a roller. The driver 10 can be a drive motor.

[0053] It should be noted that the flexible steering device is not only applicable to snowplows, but can also be used in lawn mowers, cotton harvesters, etc.

[0054] Understandably, in other embodiments, the bottom wall of the mounting groove can also be a V-shaped wall or a U-shaped wall, which can provide better lateral support for the rolling elements installed in the groove and reduce the instability of the device operation caused by shaking, offset, etc.

[0055] Example 2:

[0056] This embodiment discloses a snowplow, including a body, a snow scraper mounted on the body, and tires. It also includes a flexible steering device according to any of the above embodiments. The tires are fixed on a first output shaft and a second output shaft, which improves the steering flexibility and operational stability of the snowplow. It can turn more accurately and quickly, avoids instability when driving in a straight line as much as possible, and makes the structure simpler while reducing steering noise.

[0057] In addition to the preferred embodiments described above, there are other embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for flexible steering, characterized in that The device comprises a driver (10), a first transmission member (20), a second transmission member (30), a first output shaft (40), a second output shaft (50) and a rolling body (60), the driver (10) is used to drive the first transmission member (20) to rotate, the first output shaft (40) and the second output shaft (50) are rotationally connected, the first output shaft (40) and the second output shaft (50) are respectively fixedly connected with the second transmission member (30), the first transmission member (20) is provided with a containing groove (21), the rolling body (60) is rotationally arranged in the containing groove (21), the rotating first transmission member (20) drives the rolling body (60) to move circumferentially relative to the containing groove (21), so that the rolling body (60) contacts or separates from the second transmission member (30), the rolling body (60) and the second transmission member (30) contact to drive the second transmission member (30) to rotate, and then drive the first output shaft (40) and the second output shaft (50) to rotate.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein, The containing groove (21) extends along the circumferential direction of the first transmission member (20), the height of the two end regions of the bottom wall of the containing groove (21) is higher than the height of the middle region of the bottom wall of the containing groove (21), the rolling body (60) contacts the second transmission member (30) when being located at the two end regions of the containing groove (21), and the rolling body (60) separates from the second transmission member (30) when being located at the middle region of the containing groove (21).

3. The device of claim 2, wherein, The bottom wall of the containing groove (21) is an arc-shaped wall or a V-shaped wall or a U-shaped wall.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein, The first transmission member (20) and the second transmission member (30) are coaxially arranged, the first transmission member (20) is provided with a plurality of containing grooves (21) along the circumferential direction, and each containing groove (21) is provided with the rolling body (60).

5. The device of claim 1, wherein, The first transmission member (20) comprises a transmission gear (22) and a transmission ring (23) fixedly arranged on both sides of the transmission gear (22), the second transmission member (30) comprises an inner ring (31) and an outer ring (32), the outer side of the transmission ring (23) is provided with the containing groove (21), the inner rings (31) of the two second transmission members (30) are respectively fixedly connected with the first output shaft (40) and the second output shaft (50), and the outer rings (32) of the two second transmission members (30) are respectively sleeved on the outer sides of the transmission rings (23) on both sides of the transmission gear (22).

6. The device of claim 1, wherein, The side wall of the first transmission member (20) and the second transmission member (30) is in contact, the first transmission member (20) and the second transmission member (30) are wrapped with a wrapping member (100), and the first transmission member (20) and the second transmission member (30) are positioned in the wrapping member (100).

7. The device of claim 1, wherein, The driver (10) is arranged near the region where the first output shaft (40) and the second output shaft (50) are rotationally connected.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein, The flexible steering device further comprises a housing (70), the housing (70) is rotationally connected to the second transmission member (30) through a bearing, and the driver (10) is arranged on the housing (70).

9. The device of claim 1, wherein, The first output shaft (40) and the second output shaft (50) are connected by a connecting pin (80).

10. A snow thrower comprising a machine body, a snow thrower mounted on the machine body, and a tire, characterized by, Also included is the device for flexible steering according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the tire is fixed to the first output shaft (40) and the second output shaft (50).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Snow sweeper

    CN113322879A