Snow outlet direction adjusting mechanism of snow sweeper

Abstract

The utility model relates to a direction adjusting mechanism for a snow outlet of a snowplow, which adjusts a snow pressing cap to rotate around a horizontal axis through a traction piece so as to control the snow outlet direction and comprises a support, a rotating piece and an operating piece. The support is provided with a plurality of tooth parts which are arranged in sequence, the rotating piece is rotatably installed on the support, the operating piece is installed on the rotating piece in a sliding mode, and the bottom end of the operating piece is provided with clamping teeth which are meshed with the tooth parts; the rotating piece is sleeved with an elastic piece, the elastic piece is located between the rotating piece and the operating piece, and the elastic piece applies pre-tightening force to the operating piece so that the clamping teeth can be meshed with the tooth parts; the clamping teeth and the tooth part form a one-way locking mechanism, and the control piece keeps meshing when moving in the first direction and overcomes elastic force to release meshing when applying pressure in the second direction. The utility model has the advantages that the adjusting steps are obviously reduced, and the use is more labor-saving.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of snowplow technology, specifically to a snowplow outlet direction adjustment mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In winter, snow accumulation can cause numerous inconveniences to road traffic and people's daily lives. Snowplows, as efficient snow removal equipment, play a vital role in clearing snow from roads and ensuring smooth traffic flow. In the actual use of snowplows, adjusting the snow-throwing angle is an important function, allowing the snow to be thrown to different locations to adapt to various snow removal scenarios, such as roads, squares, and parking lots, ensuring the snow is accurately thrown to designated areas.

[0003] Snowplows typically adjust the snow-throwing angle by rotating the snow discharge tube circumferentially and tilting the snow groomer cap vertically. The vertical tilting of the snow groomer cap is primarily adjusted via a handle, which traditionally comes in two types: multi-stage adjustment and stepless adjustment. Stepless adjustment utilizes the dynamic and static friction between a friction plate and the handle rod to adjust the handle's rotation and maintain stability. Specifically, a certain force needs to be applied to the friction plate along the rotation axis to ensure the handle rod remains stable at a specific angle. However, this method has a significant drawback. With increased use, the friction plate gradually wears down, reducing the static friction between it and the handle rod. This makes it difficult for the handle rod to maintain a stable angle, affecting the accuracy and stability of the snow-throwing angle.

[0004] Multi-stage adjustment achieves the snow-throwing angle adjustment function through the positional relationship between the limiting rack and the handle. Typically, the rack's teeth are aligned with the handle's axial direction, thus limiting the handle's movement. During adjustment, the user first needs to apply axial force to overcome the meshing resistance between the rack and the handle, and then apply tangential force to rotate the handle. Both steps require additional force, especially when the meshing between the rack and handle is tight, making it difficult to apply axial force and requiring greater effort. Existing multi-stage snow-throwing angle adjustment mechanisms have some shortcomings. Traditional adjustment methods often require significant axial force to achieve the angle adjustment, making operation laborious, and the exposed rack is prone to injury to the operator, posing a safety risk. Therefore, there is an urgent need in the market for a more convenient, labor-saving, and safer snow-throwing angle adjustment structure. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides a snowplow outlet direction adjustment mechanism to solve the technical problems of being laborious to operate and not flexible and convenient enough in the adjustment process.

[0006] To solve the above problems, this utility model provides a snowplow outlet direction adjustment mechanism. The mechanism controls the snow discharge direction by adjusting the rotation of the snow-pressing cap around a horizontal axis using a traction component. The adjustment mechanism includes a support, a rotating component, and an operating component. The support has multiple sequentially arranged teeth. The rotating component is rotatably mounted on the support. The operating component is slidably mounted on the rotating component, and its bottom end has locking teeth that mesh with the teeth. An elastic element is sleeved on the rotating component, located between the rotating component and the operating component. The elastic element applies a preload force to the operating component, causing the locking teeth to mesh with the teeth. The locking teeth and the teeth form a one-way locking mechanism. The operating component remains engaged when moving in a first direction, and disengages against the elastic force when pressure is applied in a second direction.

[0007] The present invention also includes the following technical solution: the bracket includes a left bracket and a right bracket, and the bottom of the left bracket and the right bracket are provided with a first connecting hole.

[0008] This utility model also includes the following technical solution: both the left and right brackets are provided with mounting holes, and are installed in the snow sweeper body by fasteners.

[0009] The present invention also includes the following technical solutions: the rotating component includes a rotating plate and a connecting column, the upper end of the rotating plate is provided with a second connecting hole, the lower end is provided with a hinge hole for connecting with the traction component, the second connecting hole and the first connecting hole are connected by a rotating shaft, and the upper end of the connecting column is provided with a limiting component.

[0010] This utility model also includes the following technical solution: at least one end of the rotating shaft is provided with a protrusion, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the shaft hole of the left and right brackets to form an axial positioning structure.

[0011] The present invention also includes the following technical solutions: the operating member has a long strip structure, and a limiting groove adapted to the limiting member is provided at the bottom end of the operating member. The limiting member slides up and down in the limiting groove. The limiting groove restricts the limiting member from rotating around the axis of the connecting column. A boss is provided on the top of the operating member.

[0012] The present invention also includes the following technical solution: the adjustment mechanism further includes a gripping member, which is detachably mounted on the boss.

[0013] The present invention also includes the following technical solution: the gripping member has an L-shaped structure, and the surface of the transverse section of the gripping member is covered with an elastic anti-slip layer.

[0014] The present invention also includes the following technical solution: a gasket is provided at the lower end of the elastic element, the gasket being a planar spring gasket with its top surface facing the elastic element to provide axial preload compensation.

[0015] This utility model also includes the following technical solution: the teeth of the bracket are arc-shaped racks, and the tooth profile is concentric with the rotation trajectory of the rotating component.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model, through an adjustment mechanism composed of a bracket, a rotating component, a control component, and a limiting component, allows the operator to achieve multi-level directional adjustment of the snow groomer's forward rotation angle simply by pushing the control component with one hand to apply tangential force, which is relatively simple and convenient. When adjusting the snow groomer's reverse rotation, it is necessary to press down on the control component to apply radial force. Overcoming the elastic force of the elastic component allows the locking teeth to disengage from the teeth. Then, a backward tangential force is applied to push the control component. Applying radial force is simpler than applying axial force, and since the teeth are installed inside the snowplow body along with the bracket, avoiding external exposure, it is safer for the operator. Therefore, this adjustment mechanism is more convenient and labor-saving than traditional multi-level adjustment mechanisms, significantly reducing adjustment steps, providing a smoother operating experience, and enhancing safety. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily understood by reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example and not limitation, and like or corresponding reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a side view of the snow sweeper in this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the adjustment mechanism and the snow grooming cap in this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the adjustment mechanism and the snow grooming hat from another perspective in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism in this utility model.

[0022] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the adjusting mechanism in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the right support in this utility model;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the rotating component in this utility model;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the control component in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the control component in this utility model.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0028] 100. Snowplow body; 200. Snowplow bucket; 300. Snow discharge tube;

[0029] 1. Traction component; 2. Snow groomer; 3. Adjustment mechanism; 31. Bracket; 31a. Left bracket; 31b. Right bracket; 31c. First connecting hole; 31d. Mounting hole; 311. Gear; 32. Rotating component; 321. Rotating plate; 321a. Second connecting hole; 321b. Hinge hole; 322. Connecting post; 33. Operating component; 331. Snap-fit ​​tooth; 332. Limiting groove; 333. Boss; 34. Elastic component; 35. Rotating shaft; 36. Limiting component; 37. Grip component; 38. Gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are only some, not all, of the embodiments disclosed. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0031] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or explained, the term "multiple" refers to two or more; the terms "connected," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment according to the specific circumstances. Specific Implementation

[0032] In this embodiment, the direction in which the control member moves forward and backward along the support is defined as the first direction, and the direction in which the control member moves up and down along the support is defined as the second direction. The above definitions are only for the purpose of understanding the technical solution and do not have any special meaning.

[0033] like Figures 1-3As shown, this application relates to an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical snow removal of a snowplow. The snowplow includes a snowplow body 100, a snow hopper 200, and a snow discharge tube 300. The snow hopper 200 is installed at the front end of the snowplow body 100 to collect snow from the road surface. The snow discharge tube 300 is rotatably mounted on the snow hopper 200 to discharge the snow collected in the snow hopper 200. To adjust the vertical snow removal effect of the snow discharge tube 300, a snow compressor 2 is provided at the top of the snow discharge tube 300. The adjustment mechanism 3 controls the pitch angle of the snow compressor 2 driven by the traction member 1 to achieve precise control of the snow removal direction. In this embodiment, the traction member 1 is preferably a cable mechanism, but it is not limited to this structure. This ensures that the operator can make flexible responses to the steering mechanism when adjusting the vertical snow removal angle, while reducing the number of steps required to adjust the rotation angle, resulting in a better operating experience.

[0034] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the adjustment mechanism 3 includes a bracket 31, a rotating member 32, an operating member 33, an elastic member 34, a rotating shaft 35, a limiting member 36, a gripping member 37, and a pad 38. In this embodiment, the bracket 31 is mounted on the snow sweeper body 100 to ensure the stability of the bracket 31. The rotating member 32 is rotatably mounted on the bracket 31, allowing the rotating member 32 to rotate freely around its rotation axis. The operating member 33 is slidably mounted on the rotating member 31, and the elastic member 34 is sleeved on the rotating member 32, with the elastic member 34 positioned between the rotating member 31 and the operating member 33. A preload is applied to the operating member 33, causing the engaging teeth 331 and the teeth 311 to mesh with each other. In this embodiment, the elastic member 34 is preferably a spring, but a compression spring, tension spring, rubber, etc., can also be selected.

[0035] When it is necessary to adjust the snow groomer 2 to rotate downwards, the operator only needs to apply a tangential force to push the control member 33. Since the engaging teeth 331 and the teeth 311 remain engaged, the control member 33 moves along the first direction, causing the rotating member 32 to rotate. The rotating member 32 transmits force to the snow groomer 2 through the traction member 1, causing the snow groomer 2 to rotate downwards around the horizontal axis, thus adjusting the snow throwing angle. During the adjustment process, since only a tangential force needs to be applied, the operation is relatively easy.

[0036] When it is necessary to adjust the snow groomer 2 to rotate in the opposite direction, the operator first presses down on the control member 33, applying radial force to make the control member 33 overcome the preload force of the elastic member 34, and the engaging teeth 331 and teeth 311 disengage. Then, a rearward tangential force is applied to push the control member 33, which drives the rotating member 32 to rotate in the opposite direction. The rotating member 32 causes the snow groomer 2 to rotate in the opposite direction through the traction member 1. After the adjustment is completed, the control member 33 is released, and the preload force of the elastic member 34 causes the engaging teeth 331 and teeth 311 to re-engage, locking the adjusted angle.

[0037] Specifically, in this embodiment, the bracket 31 has two opposing brackets, a left bracket 31a and a right bracket 31b, each equipped with teeth 311. The left bracket 31a and right bracket 31b provide a stable support base for the entire adjustment mechanism 3. Simultaneously, the brackets 31 can be installed inside the snowplow body 100, preventing the teeth 311 from being exposed outside the snowplow body 100. This ensures the meshing stability of the teeth 311 while improving operator safety and the aesthetics of the snowplow.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the left bracket 31a and the right bracket 31b have the same structure. Both the left bracket 31a and the right bracket 31b are provided with teeth 311, which are unidirectional inclined tooth structures and are key components for achieving adjustment and locking functions. The teeth 311 of the bracket 31 are arc-shaped racks, and their tooth profile is concentric with the rotation trajectory of the rotating component 32. The concentric structure of the arc-shaped rack and the rotating component 32 ensures that the tooth profile always matches the rotation trajectory, effectively avoiding the meshing misalignment, jamming, or abnormal wear problems caused by trajectory deviation in traditional straight racks. The bottom of both the left bracket 31a and the right bracket 31b is provided with a first connecting hole 31c for the rotating shaft 35 to pass through. Symmetrical installation of the left bracket 31a and the right bracket 31b is achieved through a unified axial reference, ensuring uniform force on the rotating shaft 35, avoiding structural deformation caused by uneven loading, and extending the service life of the left bracket 31a and the right bracket 31b.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown, mounting holes 31d are provided at the bottom of both the left bracket 31a and the right bracket 31b. The left bracket 31a and the right bracket 31b are installed into the snow sweeper body 100 by using fasteners passing through the mounting holes 31d. In this embodiment, bolts are preferred as fasteners, but screws, expansion bolts, or other structures are also acceptable, without excessive restrictions. Furthermore, the flanges used to create the mounting holes 31d enhance the structural strength of the bracket 31, ensure the stability of the entire adjustment mechanism 2, effectively distribute the working load of the bracket 31, reduce local stress concentration, and improve the vibration resistance between the bracket 31 and the snow sweeper body 100, preventing loosening of the connection.

[0040] like Figures 4-5 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the rotating component 32 includes a rotating plate 321 and a connecting post 322. The connecting post 322 is disposed at one end of the rotating plate 321. In this embodiment, the connecting post 322 is disposed at the top of the rotating plate 321. The rotating plate 321 and the connecting post 322 are an integral structure. Of course, a separate connection method can also be adopted, depending on the specific production situation.

[0041] like Figures 4-5As shown, the rotating plate 321 is rotatably mounted between the left support 31a and the right support 31b via a rotating shaft 35. The upper end of the rotating plate 321 has a second connecting hole 321a, which connects to the first connecting hole 31c via the rotating shaft 35, forming a dual radial and axial constraint. This ensures precise and controllable movement trajectory of the rotating plate 321, avoiding transmission interference or wear caused by swaying, and extending the service life of the mechanism. The lower end of the rotating plate 321 has a hinge hole 321b connected to the traction member 1. The rotation of the rotating plate 321 around the rotating shaft 35 pulls the traction member 1, controlling the flipping of the snow-pressing cap 2. Furthermore, at least one end of the rotating shaft 35 has a protrusion with a diameter larger than the shaft hole diameter of the left support 31a and the right support 31b, forming an axial positioning structure to prevent axial movement of the rotating shaft 35 during operation. A limiting member 36 is provided at the upper end of the connecting column 322. In this embodiment, the limiting member 36 is preferably a cotter pin structure.

[0042] like Figures 4-5 and Figures 8-9 As shown, in this embodiment, the operating member 33 is mounted on the connecting column 322 and has an elongated structure. The bottom of the operating member 33 has a limiting groove 332 that matches the limiting member 36. When the operator pushes the operating member 33 in the second direction, the limiting member 36 slides within the limiting groove 332, which restricts the limiting member 36 from rotating around the axis of the connecting column 322, ensuring that the operating member 33 can only move in a preset direction. The lower half of the operating member 33 is a long arm section, requiring only a small force to achieve damping adjustment during operation, significantly reducing operational intensity. The long arm section of the control member 33 has locking teeth 331 on both sides that mesh with the teeth 311, forming a one-way engagement. This allows the control member 33 to move towards the front of the bracket 31 while the teeth 311 are engaged with the locking teeth 331. However, to move the control member 33 towards the rear of the bracket 31, the teeth 311 must disengage from the locking teeth 331. A boss 333 is provided on the top of the control member 33, connecting with the grip 37 to form a modular assembly node. This simplifies the installation process and improves structural compactness through a split design, facilitating later maintenance and component replacement. It effectively prevents the adjustment mechanism 3 from accidentally loosening, ensuring precise control of the snow cap 2's steering angle. In other embodiments, the grip 37 and the boss 333 can also be integrated into a single structure.

[0043] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the grip 37 has an L-shaped structure, which facilitates the operator's grip and allows for precise angle adjustment. In this embodiment, the grip 37 is a handle mechanism. An elastic anti-slip layer is coated on the surface of the transverse section of the grip 37, effectively increasing the coefficient of friction of the grip contact surface. This ensures operational stability even in low-temperature and slippery conditions, significantly reducing the risk of slippage. Simultaneously, the elastic material coating also serves as a cushioning and shock-absorbing layer, effectively absorbing vibrations and impacts during operation and extending the handle's lifespan.

[0044] In this embodiment, the washer 38 is a planar spring washer with its top surface facing the spring 33 to provide axial preload compensation.

[0045] Based on the above description in this specification, those skilled in the art will also understand that the following terms used, such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "width," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," are terms indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification. They are only for the purpose of facilitating the explanation of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not explicitly or implicitly suggest that the device or element involved must have the specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above-mentioned orientation or positional relationship terms should not be understood or interpreted as limitations on the present invention.

[0046] In addition, in the description of this specification, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three or more, etc., unless otherwise expressly and specifically defined.

Claims

1. A snowplow outlet direction adjustment mechanism, wherein the snow discharge direction is controlled by adjusting the rotation of the snow-pressing cap (2) around a horizontal axis via a traction member (1), characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism (3) includes a bracket (31), a rotating component (32), and an operating component (33); The bracket (31) is provided with a plurality of teeth (311) arranged in sequence. The rotating member (32) is rotatably mounted on the bracket (31). The operating member (33) is slidably mounted on the rotating member (31). Its bottom end is provided with a snap-fit ​​tooth (331) that meshes with the teeth (311). An elastic member (34) is sleeved on the rotating member (32). The elastic member (34) is located between the rotating member (31) and the operating member (33). The elastic member (34) applies a preload force to the operating member (33) to make the snap-fit ​​tooth (331) mesh with the teeth (311). The snap-fit ​​tooth (331) and the teeth (311) constitute a one-way locking mechanism. When the operating member (33) moves in the first direction, it remains engaged. When pressure is applied in the second direction, it overcomes the elastic force and disengages.

2. The snowplow outlet direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket (31) includes a left bracket (31a) and a right bracket (31b), and the bottom of both the left bracket (31a) and the right bracket (31b) is provided with a first connecting hole (31c).

3. The snowplow outlet direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The left bracket (31a) and the right bracket (31b) are both provided with mounting holes (31d) and are installed in the snow sweeper body (100) by fasteners.

4. The snowplow outlet direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating component (32) includes a rotating plate (321) and a connecting column (322). The upper end of the rotating plate (321) is provided with a second connecting hole (321a), and the lower end is provided with a hinge hole (321b) connected to the traction component (1). The second connecting hole (321a) and the first connecting hole (31c) are connected by a rotating shaft (35). The upper end of the connecting column (322) is provided with a limiting component (36).

5. The snowplow outlet direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least one end of the rotating shaft (35) is provided with a protrusion, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the shaft hole of the left bracket (31a) and the right bracket (31b) to form an axial positioning structure.

6. The snowplow outlet direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The operating component (33) has a long strip structure. The bottom end of the operating component (33) is provided with a limiting groove (332) that is compatible with the limiting component (36). The limiting component (36) slides up and down in the limiting groove (332). The limiting groove (332) restricts the limiting component (36) from rotating around the axis of the connecting column (322). The top of the operating component (33) is provided with a boss (333).

7. The snowplow outlet direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism (3) also includes a grip (37) which is detachably mounted on the boss (333).

8. The snowplow outlet direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The grip (37) has an L-shaped structure, and the surface of the transverse section of the grip (37) is covered with an elastic anti-slip layer.

9. The snowplow outlet direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gasket (38) is also provided at the lower end of the elastic element (34). The gasket (38) is a flat spring gasket with its top surface facing the elastic element (34) to provide axial preload compensation.

10. The snowplow outlet direction adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The teeth (311) of the bracket (31) are arc-shaped racks, and their tooth profiles are concentric with the rotation trajectory of the rotating component (32).

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