Outdoor operation vehicle and drive axle system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an outdoor operation vehicle and a drive axle system, the outdoor operation vehicle comprises a frame, an operation assembly, a power supply system, a vehicle power supply, a controller and drive axle assemblies, the outdoor operation vehicle comprises a left drive axle assembly and a right drive axle assembly, and the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly are both mechanically connected with a drive motor and drive wheels; the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly each comprise a first shell and a second shell, the first shell of the left drive axle assembly is located above the second shell, and the second shell of the right drive axle assembly is located above the first shell. A plurality of gears capable of being in meshing transmission are arranged in shells of the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly, and at least two gears are arranged in each of the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly and can be switched between a meshing state and a separating state. The left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly share the shell, and the production cost can be saved.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle drive axle technology, and in particular to an outdoor work vehicle and drive axle system. [Background Technology]

[0002] Existing outdoor work vehicles transmit power from the drive motor to the drive wheels via drive axle assemblies to travel on the ground for operation. Most outdoor work vehicles have two drive wheels, each matched with a drive axle assembly located on both sides of the vehicle. Since the drive axle assemblies on both sides of the vehicle are symmetrically arranged, their structures are generally different. This increases the number and complexity of molds for manufacturing the left and right drive axle assemblies, thereby increasing the production and assembly costs of the left and right drive axle assemblies.

[0003] Therefore, it is indeed necessary to provide an improved outdoor work vehicle to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. [Utility Model Content]

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide an outdoor work vehicle and drive axle system that can save on the production cost of the left and right drive axles.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this application to solve the existing technical problems is: an outdoor work vehicle, comprising:

[0006] Frame;

[0007] The work assembly is detachably mounted to the vehicle frame and configured to perform outdoor work;

[0008] A power supply system is mounted on the vehicle frame and configured to supply power to the outdoor work vehicle;

[0009] A controller, fixed to the frame and configured at least to control the movement of the outdoor work vehicle;

[0010] The drive axle assembly includes a left drive axle assembly and a right drive axle assembly, both of which are mechanically connected to a drive motor and a drive wheel.

[0011] Both the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly include a first housing and a second housing, wherein the first housing of the left drive axle assembly is located above the second housing, and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly is located above the first housing.

[0012] Both the left and right drive axle assemblies contain multiple meshing gears within their housings, and each of the left and right drive axle assemblies contains at least two gears that can switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state.

[0013] In some embodiments, two gear shifting devices are further included, one configured to be connected to the first housing of the left drive axle assembly and the other configured to be connected to the second housing of the right drive axle assembly. Each gear shifting device is capable of driving the gear within the left drive axle assembly or the right drive axle assembly in which it is located to move and engage or disengage with the adjacent gear.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first housing of the left drive axle assembly and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly are both provided with mounting holes that communicate between the inside and outside of the housings;

[0015] The gear shifting device includes a connecting shaft installed in the mounting hole, an operating handle connected to the connecting shaft, and an intermediate component. The intermediate component can be connected to a gear inside its housing. The connecting shaft can drive the intermediate component to move under the drive of the operating handle, and drive the gear connected to the intermediate component to move closer to or away from another adjacent gear.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first housing of the left drive axle assembly and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly are provided with mounting holes that communicate with the inside and outside of the housings. An inner liner is provided in the mounting hole, and the connecting shaft is disposed in the inner liner and is capable of rotating or moving axially within the inner liner.

[0017] In some embodiments, a sealing ring is provided between the liner and the connecting shaft to seal the gap between them.

[0018] In some embodiments, an elastic element is provided between the first housing or the second housing and the corresponding operating handle thereon, the elastic element being capable of applying a force to the operating handle to keep the two gears in the left drive axle assembly or the right drive axle assembly engaged or disengaged.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least one of the first housing of the left drive axle assembly and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly is provided with a first sensing element, and a second sensing element is provided on the operating handle on the first housing or the second housing corresponding to the first sensing element. The first sensing element and the second sensing element are signal-connected, and at least one of the first sensing element and the second sensing element is signal-connected to the controller.

[0020] This application also provides an outdoor work vehicle, including:

[0021] Frame;

[0022] A seating mechanism is mounted on the vehicle frame and configured for use by a user.

[0023] The work assembly is detachably mounted to the frame and configured to perform outdoor work;

[0024] The drive axle assembly includes a left drive axle assembly and a right drive axle assembly, both of which are mechanically connected to a drive motor and a drive wheel.

[0025] Both the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly include a first housing and a second housing, wherein the first housing of the left drive axle assembly is located above the second housing, and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly is located above the first housing.

[0026] The housings of both the left and right drive axle assemblies contain multiple meshing gears, and each of the left and right drive axle assemblies contains at least two gears that can switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state.

[0027] Two gear shifting devices are provided, one configured to be connected to the first housing of the left drive axle assembly and the other configured to be connected to the second housing of the right drive axle assembly. Each gear shifting device is capable of driving the gear within the left or right drive axle assembly in which it is located to move and engage or disengage with the adjacent gear. The gear shifting devices are located at least partially directly below the riding mechanism.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first housing of the left drive axle assembly and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly are both provided with mounting holes that communicate between the inside and outside of the housings;

[0029] The gear shifting device includes a connecting shaft installed in the mounting hole, an operating handle connected to the connecting shaft, and an intermediate component. The intermediate component can be connected to a gear inside its housing. The connecting shaft can drive the intermediate component to move under the drive of the operating handle and drive the gear connected to the intermediate component to move closer to or away from another adjacent gear.

[0030] This application also provides a drive axle system, including:

[0031] A drive axle assembly, including a left drive axle assembly and a right drive axle assembly, both of which are configured to mechanically connect drive wheels;

[0032] Both the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly include a first housing and a second housing, wherein the first housing of the left drive axle assembly is located above the second housing, and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly is located above the first housing.

[0033] Both the left and right drive axle assemblies contain multiple meshing gears within their housings, and each of the left and right drive axle assemblies contains at least two gears that can switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0035] In this application, the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly adopt a first housing and a second housing. The first housing and the second housing are arranged one above the other on the left drive axle assembly, and the positions of the first housing and the second housing are interchanged on the right drive axle assembly (i.e., one below the other). In this way, the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly use housings with the same result, which saves mold opening costs, simplifies the parts required to assemble the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly, and improves the assembly efficiency of the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly. [Image Description]

[0036] The specific embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a side view structural diagram of the outdoor work vehicle of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the drive axle assembly of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first gear inside the drive axle assembly of this application when it is in the neutral position;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first gear inside the drive axle assembly of this application when it is in the gear position;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gear shifting device and the first gear of the drive axle assembly of this application;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the gear shifting device of the drive axle assembly of this application;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drive axle assembly of this application when the external operating handle is in the first position (first handle position);

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drive axle assembly of this application when the external operating handle is in the second position (second handle position);

[0045] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drive axle assembly of this application when the external operating handle is in the third position (the second rotation center is located on the force direction dividing line);

[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the operating handle outside the drive axle assembly is in the first position (the first gear inside the drive axle housing abuts against its coaxial bearing) in another embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the external operating handle of the drive axle assembly of this application, which is in the first position (first handle position) when driven by the second compression spring;

[0048] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the external operating handle of the drive axle assembly of this application, which is in the second position (second handle position) when driven by the second compression spring;

[0049] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the external operating handle of the drive axle assembly of this application when it is in the third position (the second rotation center is located on the dividing line of the force direction) driven by the second compression spring;

[0050] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the first handle area and the second handle area where the operating handle outside the drive axle assembly of this application is located;

[0051] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first gear inside the drive axle assembly of this application;

[0052] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second gears inside the drive axle assembly of this application;

[0053] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first gear and cam drive engagement inside the drive axle assembly of this application;

[0054] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drive axle assembly with mounting holes as described in this application;

[0055] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second gears inside the drive axle assembly of this application when they are engaged in transmission.

[0056] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram showing the meshing relationship between the first gear and the second gear inside the housing when the operating handle on the drive axle assembly of this application is in the third position;

[0057] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second gears inside the drive axle assembly of this application when they are separated;

[0058] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly of this application;

[0059] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gears inside the drive axle assembly of this application transmitting power at a first gear ratio;

[0060] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drive axle assembly of this application, in which gears transmit power at a second gear ratio. [Detailed Implementation]

[0061] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0062] Please see Figures 1 to 24 The image shows an outdoor work vehicle disclosed in this application, which includes a frame 1, an energy source system 2, an operating component 3, a riding mechanism 4, a power output component 5, and a walking component 6.

[0063] The frame 1 extends in one direction, and the energy source system 2 is located at the rear of the frame 1. The energy source system 2 includes a battery pack, a power management device for controlling the output and input of the battery pack, and a battery compartment for mounting the battery pack. The battery pack is electrically connected to the battery compartment via its terminal contacts to provide power to the outdoor work vehicle. The battery pack includes a first type of battery pack and a second type of battery pack. Preferably, the battery compartment can be configured to accommodate first type and second type battery packs of different capacities or sizes to increase the compatibility of the outdoor work vehicle with different battery packs. The battery pack can also be detached to power other power tools, increasing its versatility. In some embodiments, the first type of battery pack includes a ternary lithium battery pack, and the second type of battery pack includes a lithium iron phosphate battery pack.

[0064] The control component 3 includes a left control lever and a right control lever located on the left and right sides of the outdoor work vehicle, respectively. Users control the outdoor work vehicle to move forward, backward, or turn by manipulating the left and right control levers. The control component 3 can also be a steering wheel for controlling the outdoor work vehicle.

[0065] In some embodiments, the operating component 3 is provided with control buttons for adjusting the operating speed of the power output component 5 and the walking component 6, so as to facilitate the user to quickly and accurately control the operation of the outdoor work vehicle. Furthermore, the operating component 3 may also be provided with buttons for adjusting the brightness of the vehicle's headlights.

[0066] The seating mechanism 4 includes a seat and a shock-absorbing structure connected between the seat and the frame 1 to absorb ground impact and cushion the user's body. The left and right control levers are located close to the seat and on the left and right sides of the seat, so that the user sitting in the seat can operate the left and right control levers to control the operation of the outdoor work vehicle.

[0067] The power output assembly 5 serves as the component that enables the tool's function. In some embodiments, the outdoor work vehicle is a ride-on lawnmower, and the power output assembly 5 is specifically a cutting component, located below the frame 1. It is used to output power to enable the lawnmower's mowing function.

[0068] Of course, the power output component 5 can also be removed from the outdoor work vehicle. In some embodiments, it is understood that the power output component 5 can be replaced with other components to meet the usage needs of different garden operations. Therefore, the outdoor garden lawnmower can not only cut vegetation, but the cutting component can also be replaced with functional components such as snow shoveling, snow sweeping, snow blowing, and rinsing. Those skilled in the art should be able to adapt and replace various functional components without creative effort, and all of the above should be included within the protection scope of this embodiment.

[0069] The walking assembly 6 includes a drive wheel 61 mounted on the frame 1, a drive axle assembly 62 driven by the drive wheel 61, and a drive motor 63 driven by the drive axle assembly 62. It also includes a caster wheel not connected to the drive motor 63, mounted on the front of the frame 1.

[0070] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, to prevent the rotation of the drive wheel 61 from causing a discharge effect on the control circuit board of the drive motor 63 during vehicle towing, this application provides a drive axle assembly 62. The drive axle assembly 62 includes a housing 621 and a first transmission member and a second transmission member located within the housing 621 that are tractably connected. The first transmission member has a neutral position when tractively connected to the second transmission member (e.g., in a gear position). Figure 4 ) and the neutral position when disengaged from the second transmission component (e.g. Figure 3 The first and second transmission components can also be two gears that mesh with each other.

[0071] In order to drive the first transmission member and the second transmission member to freely switch between the gear position and the neutral position, this application also provides a gear shifting device 622, which is drivenly connected to the first transmission member. The gear shifting device 622 is configured to drive the first transmission member to switch between the neutral position and the gear position.

[0072] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, this application also includes a holding member connected to the housing 621 and the gear shifting device 622. When in the gear position, the holding member is configured to apply a force to the gear shifting device 622 to hold the first transmission member in the gear position, and the drive unit can drive the wheels via the drive axle assembly 62. When in the neutral position, the holding member is configured to apply a force to the gear shifting device 622 to hold the first transmission member in the neutral position, and the drive axle assembly 62 disconnects the power transmission between the drive unit and the wheels. With this configuration, when in the gear position, by pulling the gear shifting device 622 with the holding member, a limiting force is applied to the first transmission member to keep it engaged with the second transmission member, maintaining the transmission between the first and second transmission members. In this state, the drive unit can apply driving force to the drive wheels 61 via the drive axle assembly 62, allowing the outdoor work vehicle to travel on the ground. When towing is required, the gear shifting device 622 drives the first transmission member to the neutral position, and the holding member applies a force to the gear shifting device 622 to keep it stationary, thereby indirectly keeping the first transmission member in the neutral position. In this state, the vehicle can be towed. Since the internal drive of the drive axle assembly 62 is disconnected, the driving force will not be transmitted to the drive device due to the rotation of the drive wheel 61. In some embodiments, the drive device is a drive motor 63 or a drive shaft or other structure that can provide power to the drive axle assembly 62.

[0073] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, specifically, the holding element is a tension spring 623, one end of which is connected to the housing 621, and the other end is connected to the gear shifting device 622. When in the gear position, the tension spring 623 always applies a tension force to the gear shifting device 622 to keep the first transmission member in the gear position; when in the neutral position, the tension spring 623 always applies a tension force to the gear shifting device 622 to keep the first transmission member in the neutral position. By applying a tension force to the gear shifting device 622 through the tension spring 623, which in turn applies a force to the first transmission member, the first transmission member can be moved to the gear position and remain in the gear position, and it can also be moved to the neutral position and remain in the neutral position.

[0074] like Figures 2 to 9As shown, the gear shifting device 622 further includes an operating handle 6221 rotatably mounted on the housing 621 and an intermediate component connecting the operating handle 6221 and the first transmission member. When the operating handle 6221 rotates, it can drive the intermediate component to move, thereby driving the first transmission member to move. The housing 621 is provided with a first connecting part 628, and the operating handle 6221 is provided with a second connecting part 62214. One end of the tension spring 623 is connected to the first connecting part 628 and can rotate relative to the first connecting part 628 about a first rotation center. The other end of the tension spring 623 is connected to the second connecting part 62214 and can rotate relative to the second connecting part 62214 about a second rotation center. The operating handle 6221 is connected to the housing 621 and can rotate about a third rotation center. The second rotation center can move circumferentially relative to the third rotation center.

[0075] The straight line passing through the first rotation center and the third rotation center is defined as the force direction dividing line 633. When the operating handle 6221 rotates and drives the second connecting part 62214 on it to move from one side of the force direction dividing line 633 to the other side, the direction of the motion tendency generated by the tension spring 623 on the operating handle 6221 switches between clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0076] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in this application, the operating handle 6221 is connected to the intermediate component and can drive the intermediate component to move. The intermediate component is connected to the first transmission component and can drive the first transmission component to move. By rotating the operating handle 6221, the first transmission component inside the housing 621 can be engaged or disengaged from the second transmission component. When the operating handle 6221 is rotated by the user, the second rotation center on the operating handle 6221 will rotate with the operating handle 6221 from one side of the force direction dividing line 633, through the force direction dividing line 633, to the other side of the force direction dividing line 633. During this process, the first transmission component gradually moves away from the second transmission component and separates from it, or gradually moves closer to the second transmission component and can be connected to it for transmission. During this process, the tension of the operating handle 6221 under the tension of the spring 623 also changes continuously. That is, the tension increases as the second rotation center gradually approaches the force direction dividing line 633. When the second rotation center is located on the force direction dividing line 633, the tension of the operating handle 6221 under the tension of the spring 623 is the greatest. When the operating handle 6221 continues to rotate, the tension of the spring 623 under it decreases again.

[0077] like Figures 7 to 9As shown, taking the first transmission component moving from the gear position to the neutral position as an example, during this process, the first transmission component gradually moves away from the second transmission component and disconnects from it, moving from the gear position where it was connected to the second transmission component, to the neutral position. During this process, due to the pulling action of the tension spring 623, the operating handle 6221 is subjected to a counterclockwise rotational force. In order to move the operating handle 6221, the user needs to apply an external force to the operating handle 6221, causing it to resist the pulling force of the tension spring 623 and rotate clockwise, gradually moving towards the force direction dividing line 633.

[0078] When the second rotation center of the operating handle 6221 moves to the force direction dividing line 633, the tension on the operating handle 6221 is located on the force direction dividing line 633. At this time, the tension of the tension spring 623 on the operating handle 6221 neither tends to move towards the gear position nor towards the neutral position.

[0079] When the second rotation center of the operating handle 6221 moves to the force direction dividing line 633, the rotating support shaft 6222 is located between the first connecting part 628 and the second connecting part 62214.

[0080] When the second rotation center of the operating handle 6221 continues to rotate beyond the force direction dividing line 633, under the pulling action of the tension spring 623, the operating handle 6221 is subjected to a clockwise rotational force, and the operating handle 6221 can automatically enter the neutral position without the user applying external force.

[0081] It should be noted that the operation steps for moving the first transmission component from the neutral position to the gear position are the opposite of the operation steps for moving the first transmission component from the gear position to the neutral position described above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0082] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in some embodiments, when in the gear position, the second rotation center is located to the left of the force direction dividing line 633, and the tension spring 623 applies a pulling force to the operating handle 6221 to keep it on the left. When in the neutral position, the second rotation center is located to the right of the force direction dividing line 633, and the tension spring 623 applies a pulling force to the operating handle 6221 to keep it on the right. In this embodiment, the left and right sides are described with reference to the force direction dividing line 633, that is, one side of the force direction dividing line 633 is defined as the left side, and the other side is defined as the right side. The operating handle 6221 rotates horizontally to switch between the left and right sides of the force direction dividing line 633.

[0083] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, in order to keep the first transmission component in the gear position or neutral position, the tension spring 623 needs to be able to apply tension to the operating handle 6221 at all times. This requires limiting the rotation angle of the operating handle 6221 to a certain range, and preventing the operating handle 6221 from rotating excessively, so that the tension spring 623 can not generate tension on the operating handle 6221. To address the above problem, a limiting block 632 is provided on the outside of the housing 621 in this application. The limiting block 632 is at least partially located in the area that the operating handle 6221 passes through when it rotates circumferentially.

[0084] like Figure 10 As shown, when the first transmission component is in the neutral position, the tension spring 623 continuously pulls the operating handle 6221, causing it to tend to rotate counterclockwise. The operating handle 6221 applies a force to the first transmission component through the intermediate component to keep the first transmission component in the neutral position. At this time, the axial end face of the first transmission component abuts against the end face of the bearing provided on the first shaft 625 to prevent the operating handle 6221 from rotating excessively counterclockwise. That is, the tension spring 623 always applies a tension force to the operating handle 6221.

[0085] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the limiting block 632 may also abut against the operating handle 6221 to prevent the operating handle 6221 from rotating excessively in the counterclockwise direction, that is, the tension spring 623 always applies tension to the operating handle 6221.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, when the first transmission component is in the neutral position, the tension spring 623 continuously pulls the operating handle 6221, causing it to tend to rotate clockwise. The operating handle 6221 applies a force to the first transmission component through the intermediate component, keeping the first transmission component in the neutral position. At this time, the limiting block 632 abuts against the operating handle 6221 to prevent the operating handle 6221 from rotating excessively clockwise. That is, the tension spring 623 always applies a tension force to the operating handle 6221. Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the operating handle 6221 includes a handle portion 62211 for gripping, an end portion 62213 for connecting with the tension spring 623, and a rotary connecting portion 62212 for rotatably connecting with the housing 621, with a second connecting portion 62214 located at the end portion 62213. In some embodiments, the end portion 62213 of the operating handle 6221 is also configured to abut against the limiting block 632.

[0087] like Figures 11 to 13As shown, in some embodiments, the holding member is a second compression spring 636, one end of which is connected to the housing 621 and the other end to the gear shifting device 622. When in the gear position, the second compression spring 636 consistently applies a thrust to the gear shifting device 622 to keep the first transmission member in the gear position. When in the neutral position, the second compression spring 636 consistently applies a thrust to the gear shifting device 622 to keep the first transmission member in the neutral position. By applying a thrust to the gear shifting device 622 through the second compression spring 636, which causes the first transmission member to exert a force on the first transmission member, it is possible to move the first transmission member to the gear position and maintain it there, and also to move the first transmission member to the neutral position and maintain it there.

[0088] The gear shifting device 622 includes an operating handle 6221 rotatably mounted on the housing 621 and an intermediate component connecting the operating handle 6221 and the first transmission component. When the operating handle 6221 is rotated, it can drive the intermediate component to move, thereby driving the first transmission component to move.

[0089] Furthermore, compared to the method where the tension spring 623 pulls the operating handle to keep the first transmission member in the gear position or neutral position, the method of pushing the operating handle 6221 by the second compression spring 636 in this application is specifically as follows: one end of the second compression spring 636 is connected to the first connecting part of the housing, and the other end is connected to the third connecting part on the end of the operating handle 6221. Specifically, when in the gear position, the second compression spring 636 applies a pushing force to the third connecting part 639 on the operating handle 6221 to push the operating handle, thereby pushing the first transmission member to keep it in the gear position through the intermediate component connected to the operating handle 6221. When in the gear position, the pushing force generated by the second compression spring 636 on the operating handle 6221 causes the operating handle 6221 to have a counterclockwise rotation force.

[0090] When in neutral, the second compression spring 636 applies a pushing force to the third connecting portion 639 on the operating handle 6221 to push the operating handle 6221, thereby pushing the first transmission member to remain in neutral through the intermediate component connected to the operating handle 6221. When in gear, the pushing force generated by the second compression spring 636 on the operating handle 6221 causes the operating handle 6221 to have a counterclockwise rotational force.

[0091] In some embodiments, when the third connecting portion 639 rotates to the force direction dividing line 633, the third connecting portion 639 is located between the first connecting portion 628 and the rotating support shaft 6222. It should be noted that the structure of the intermediate component used when the second compression spring 636 pushes the operating handle 6221 to adjust the first transmission member to the gear position and neutral position is the same as the structure of the intermediate component used when the tension spring 623 is used.

[0092] In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the end of the handle portion 62211 and the rotating support shaft 6222 is greater than or equal to 30 mm and less than or equal to 120 mm. Specifically, the vertical distance between the end of the handle portion 62211 and the rotating support shaft 6222 is the vertical distance from the farthest point on the end of the handle portion 62211 to the rotating support shaft 6222.

[0093] In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the end of the handle portion 62211 and the rotating support shaft 6222 is greater than or equal to 30mm, 50mm, 77mm, 85mm, 105mm or 120mm.

[0094] In some embodiments, when the end of the handle portion 62211 moves from the first position to the second position, the ratio of the amount of movement of the end of the handle portion 62211 to the amount of movement of the movable first gear 624 is greater than or equal to 1.5 and less than or equal to 10. In some embodiments, the ratio of the amount of movement of the end of the handle portion 62211 to the amount of movement of the movable first gear 624 is greater than or equal to 1.5, 5, 7, 8, or 10. This arrangement allows the operating handle 6221, which rotates outside the housing 621, to convert a larger amount of movement into a smaller amount of movement of the first gear 624, thereby saving the space required for the movement of the first gear 624 within the housing 621.

[0095] like Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the distance between the rotation center line of the operating handle 6221 and the end of the operating handle 6221 is greater than the distance between the axis of the first shaft 625 and the rotation center line of the operating handle 6221. Specifically, the operating handle 6221 rotates with the support of the rotating support shaft 6222, that is, it rotates around the rotation center line of the rotating support shaft 6222, which can be the aforementioned third rotation center. The greater distance between the end of the operating handle 6221 and the rotation center line than the greater distance between the first shaft 625 and the rotation center line allows the operating handle 6221, which rotates outside the housing 621, to convert a larger amount of motion into a smaller amount of motion for the first gear 624, thereby saving the space required for the movement of the first gear 624 within the housing 621.

[0096] In traditional outdoor work vehicles, in order to enable the drive axle assembly 62 to drive the drive wheel 61 as close as possible, the drive axle assembly 62 is positioned at the rear of the vehicle for direct drive connection with the drive wheel 61. This configuration results in the drive axle assembly 62 being installed at the rear of the seat, making it difficult for the user to operate the control handle 6221 while seated. To facilitate operation of the control handle 6221 from the seat, in this application, the rotation center line of the control handle 6221 is positioned on the side of the first shaft 625 closer to the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the frame 1. This configuration allows the control handle 6221 to be positioned closer to the seat, making it easier for the user to operate the control handle 6221 from the seat.

[0097] Specifically, the rotation center line of the operating handle 6221 is located in front of the first shaft 625, and the end of the operating handle 6221 is also located in front of the rotation center line. That is, with the position of the first shaft 625 unchanged, the above-mentioned structure positions the end of the operating handle 6221 in a position more easily controlled by the user sitting in the seat. This is not simply by lengthening the operating handle 6221 to an easily operable position, as an excessively long operating handle 6221 would be more prone to movement when touched by external force, causing the first gear 624 to disengage from its intended position. In other words, by positioning the rotation center line of the operating handle 6221 in front of the first shaft 625, the first gear 624 can remain more stably in its current position.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first shaft 625 extends generally along the left-right direction of the vehicle frame, and the rotation center line is generally perpendicular to the axis of the first shaft 625.

[0099] like Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, the distance L1 between the rotation center line of the operating handle 6221 and the end of the operating handle 6221 is greater than or equal to 50 mm and less than or equal to 150 mm. In some embodiments, the distance L1 between the rotation center line of the operating handle 6221 and the end of the operating handle 6221 is 50 mm, 77 mm, 80 mm, 100 mm, or 150 mm. This setting facilitates the user's grip to rotate the operating handle 6221.

[0100] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the distance L2 between the rotation center line and the axis of the first shaft 625 is greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the distance L2 between the rotation center line and the axis of the first shaft 625 is greater than or equal to 5 mm, 8.8 mm, 15 mm, 26 mm, 35 mm, or 50 mm.

[0101] In some embodiments, this application also includes a seat mounted on the frame 1 for a user to sit on, wherein the horizontal distance between the front end of the seat and the rotation center line is greater than or equal to 300 mm and less than or equal to 450 mm. In some embodiments, the horizontal distance between the front end of the seat and the rotation center line is greater than or equal to 300 mm, 350 mm, 400 mm, 380 mm, or 450 mm. This distance is set to facilitate the user's operation of setting the drive axle assembly 62 to neutral or gear while seated.

[0102] In some embodiments, a slide rail is provided at the bottom of the seat, and the seat can move back and forth on the slide rail relative to the frame 1 to achieve position adjustment. The aforementioned dimension setting of the distance between the front end of the seat and the rotation center line in the horizontal direction being greater than or equal to 300 mm and less than or equal to 450 mm is included in the case where the seat can slide on the slide rail.

[0103] In some embodiments, the drive wheel 61 includes a left drive wheel located on the left side of the frame 1 and a right drive wheel located on the right side of the frame 1. The operating handle 6221 is located between the left and right drive wheels, and the projection of the operating handle 6221 in the left-right direction at least partially overlaps with the projections of the left and right drive wheels in the left-right direction. By having the left and right drive wheels shield the operating handle 6221 in the left-right direction, the external environment of the vehicle can be effectively prevented from exerting force on the operating handle 6221 during vehicle operation, thereby preventing the operating handle 6221 from rotating under non-human-driven action.

[0104] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figures 7 to 9 As shown, in some embodiments, when the second rotation center moves from one side of the force direction dividing line 633 to the other side under the action of the operating handle 6221, the operating handle 6221 is always subjected to the tension force of the tension spring 623, which moves the first transmission member towards the neutral position. When the second rotation center moves from the force direction dividing line 633 to the other side, the operating handle 6221 is always subjected to the tension force of the tension spring 623, which moves the first transmission member towards the neutral position. When the second rotation center of the operating handle 6221 moves from the force direction dividing line 633 to either side, it will continuously be subjected to the tension force of the tension spring 623, moving towards that side.

[0105] In this application, the intermediate component is configured to convert the rotational motion of the operating handle 6221 into linear motion of the first transmission member moving closer to or away from the second transmission member.

[0106] like Figure 5 and Figure 15As shown, the first transmission component is a first gear 624, which is rotatably mounted on the housing 621 via a first shaft 625. The outer wall of the first shaft 625 is provided with an external spline 6251, and the inner ring of the first gear 624 is provided with an internal spline 6242 that can be clearance-fitted with the external spline 6251. The first transmission component can move axially on the first shaft 625 to connect or disconnect with the second transmission component. Simultaneously, due to the engagement of the external spline 6251 and the internal spline 6242, the first gear 624 can rotate with the first shaft 625, thus enabling the first gear 624 to rotate circumferentially with the first shaft 625 and move axially relative to the first shaft 625. In some embodiments, bearings are provided at both ends of the first shaft 625, and the first gear 624 is located between the two bearings. The bearings are fixedly installed inside the housing 621 of the drive axle assembly 62, and the first gear 624 rotates with the first shaft 625 on the bearings. Of course, the first transmission component can also be a connector that can be connected between the first gear 624 and the first shaft 625, enabling transmission connection and separation between the two.

[0107] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the second transmission component is a second gear 627, which is fixedly sleeved on the second shaft 626 and can rotate circumferentially with the second shaft 626. Bearings are also provided at both ends of the second shaft 626, and the bearings are fixed inside the housing 621 of the drive axle assembly 62. The second transmission component can also be a connector that can connect the second gear 627 and the second shaft 626, enabling a transmission connection between the two.

[0108] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the intermediate component includes a linkage 6224, a motion conversion component 6223, and a rotary support shaft 6222. The linkage 6224 is disposed within the housing 621, and is connected to the first transmission component, enabling it to drive the first transmission component to perform axial reciprocating motion. In some embodiments, the end 62213 of the first gear 624 is further provided with an annular body, the outer wall of which forms an annular groove 6241 from the outside to the inside. The linkage 6224 is a Y-shaped shift fork, the two arms 62243 of which can be inserted into the annular groove 6241 of the first gear 624, and can move the first gear 624 axially reciprocating on the first shaft 625.

[0109] A motion converter 6223 is disposed within the housing 621. The motion converter 6223 has a plug-in portion 62231. A portion of the linkage 6224 can be plugged into the plug-in portion 62231 and can move from one end of the plug-in portion 62231 to the other end. In some embodiments, a protrusion 62241 is provided at the end of the fork away from the support wall 62243. The plug-in portion 62231 is a slot, and the protrusion 62241 can be inserted into the slot and can reciprocate between the two ends of the slot. In some embodiments, the linkage 6224 performs a swinging motion.

[0110] The rotating support shaft 6222 is rotatably mounted on the housing 621 and connects the inside and outside of the housing 621. One end of the rotating support shaft 6222 is fixedly connected to the motion conversion component 6223 and can drive the motion conversion component 6223 to swing. The other end of the rotating support shaft 6222 is fixedly connected to the operating handle 6221 and can rotate with the operating handle 6221.

[0111] See also Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 15 In some embodiments, the housing 621 is provided with a mounting hole 634 penetrating both the interior and exterior of the housing 621. A rotating support shaft 6222 is installed in the mounting hole 634 and can rotate within it. A portion of the rotating support shaft 6222 is located outside the housing 621 and is fixedly connected to the operating handle 6221, allowing it to rotate under the rotation of the operating handle 6221. Another portion of the rotating support shaft 6222 is located inside the housing 621 and is connected to the motion conversion component 6223. Driven by the rotation of the operating handle 6221, the rotating support shaft 6222 can rotate and drive the motion conversion component 6223 to swing.

[0112] like Figure 5 and Figure 15 As shown, the rotating support shaft 6222 is subjected to a biasing force during rotation. If it directly contacts and wears against the inner wall of the mounting hole 634, the mounting hole 634 will eventually enlarge, affecting the sealing effect. Replacing the housing 621 with a new one is costly. To solve the problem of high cost of replacing the housing 621 due to direct wear between the rotating support shaft and the inner wall of the mounting hole 634, an inner liner 62221 is provided inside the mounting hole 634, and the rotating support shaft 6222 is housed inside the inner liner 62221. This way, after long-term wear, only the inner liner 62221 needs to be replaced, without replacing the housing 621, saving costs and maintenance time. In some embodiments, a sealing ring is provided between the rotating support shaft 6222 and the inner liner 62221 to improve the sealing effect. In some embodiments, the sealing ring is an O-ring.

[0113] like Figure 5 As shown, since the protrusion 62241 of the linkage 6224 is located inside the insertion portion 62231 of the motion converter 6223, under the driving force of the swinging motion of the motion converter 6223, the inner wall of the insertion portion 62231 contacts the protrusion 62241 and pushes the entire linkage 6224 to move axially. In this way, the rotation of the operating handle 6221 drives the rotation of the rotating support shaft 6222, and the rotation of the rotating support shaft 6222 drives the motion converter 6223 to swing. The swinging motion of the motion converter 6223 then drives the linkage 6224 to move axially, thereby driving the first gear 624 to move linearly axially.

[0114] In traditional drive axles, at least a portion of the rod-shaped structure reciprocates inside and outside the housing during gear shifting. This means that at least a portion of the rod-shaped structure is constantly outside the housing, while at other times it moves inside. During this reciprocating motion, dust and other impurities from outside the housing can adhere to the rod-shaped structure and enter the housing. This not only contaminates the internal environment, leading to poor lubrication and excessive gear wear, but also causes significant wear on the housing's sealing structure as dust and impurities enter the drive axle housing. Therefore, compared to the traditional method where the drive axle uses a rod-shaped structure inserted into the housing 621 and its axial movement to engage and disengage gears, this application connects the inside and outside of the housing 621 solely through a rotating support shaft 6222. The rotational movement of the rotating support shaft 6222 effectively reduces the amount of dust entering the housing 621 through it, thereby minimizing its impact on the effectiveness of the internal lubricating grease.

[0115] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the insertion portion 62231 is an elongated groove, and the protrusion 62241 is a cylinder. The distance between the two long sides of the elongated groove is slightly larger than the diameter of the protrusion 62241. This arrangement ensures that the protrusion 62241 and the inner wall of the insertion portion 62231 are in a plug-in fit without excessive play between them. This arrangement allows the motion conversion member 6223 to effectively convert the oscillating motion into the axial execution motion of the linkage member 6224, thus preventing excessive play between the protrusion 62241 and the insertion portion 62231. In some embodiments, the distance between the two long sides of the elongated groove is 1mm to 2mm larger than the distance between the protrusion 62241. In some embodiments, the distance between the two long sides of the elongated groove is 1mm to 5mm larger than the distance between the protrusion 62241.

[0116] In some embodiments, the protrusion 62241 and the groove can be interchanged, that is, the protrusion 62241 is provided on the motion conversion member 6223 and the groove is provided on the linkage member 6224.

[0117] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the linkage 6224 in this application is provided with a guide engagement portion 62242 between the protrusion 62241 and the support arm 62243. A guide member 6225 is provided on the inner wall of the housing 621. The guide member 6225 is inserted into the guide engagement portion 62242. When the linkage 6224 moves, it can provide stable support and guidance for the reciprocating motion of the linkage 6224 through the guide engagement portion 62242 and the guide member 6225, so that the entire intermediate component can operate stably during gear switching.

[0118] like Figure 17 As shown, in some embodiments, the intermediate component includes a cam 631 and a rotary support shaft 6222. The cam 631 is disposed inside the housing 621, with a portion of the cam 631 located within the annular groove 6241 of the first gear 624. The sidewall of the cam 631 corresponds to the inner sidewall of the annular groove 6241. The rotary support shaft 6222 is rotatably mounted on the housing 621 and connects the interior and exterior of the housing 621. One end of the rotary support shaft 6222 is fixedly connected to the cam 631, and the other end is fixedly connected to the operating handle 6221 and can rotate with the operating handle 6221, thereby driving the cam 631 to rotate. During rotation, the rotary support shaft 6222 can push the first gear 624 to perform axial linear motion and change its engagement with the second gear 627 from a meshed state to a disengaged state, thereby achieving the neutral setting of the drive axle assembly 62.

[0119] like Figure 17 As shown, in order to push the first gear 624 to reset so as to re-engage with the second gear 627, in this application, a first compression spring 635 is sleeved on the first shaft 625. The first compression spring 635 is configured to always apply a pushing force to the first gear 624 to move it toward the second gear 627.

[0120] Furthermore, bearings are respectively provided at both ends of the first shaft 625. The first shaft 625 is connected to the housing 621 through the bearings at both ends, so that the first shaft 625 can rotate under the support of the two bearings. The first gear 624 is sleeved on the first shaft 625 and located between the two bearings. The first compression spring 635 is disposed between the first gear 624 and one of the bearings, and applies an elastic force to the first gear 624 and the bearing. When the cam 631 releases the thrust applied to the annular groove 6241, under the pushing action of the first compression spring 635, the first gear 624 will move on the first shaft 625 and approach the second gear 627 to mesh with the second gear 627, thereby realizing the gear setting of the drive axle assembly 62.

[0121] like Figures 7 to 14As shown, in some embodiments, the gear shifting device 622 of this application is movably connected to the drive axle assembly 62. The gear shifting device 622 includes an operating handle 6221, which has a first handle position when the first transmission member and the second transmission member are connected, and a second handle position when the first transmission member and the second transmission member are separated. An automatic shifting device is connected to the operating handle 6221. When the operating handle 6221 is located in the first handle area S1, the automatic shifting device can drive the operating handle 6221 to move to the first handle position. When the operating handle 6221 is located in the second handle area S2, the automatic shifting device can drive the operating handle 6221 to move to the second handle position.

[0122] In some embodiments, the automatic shifting device is a tension spring 623, and the gear shifting device 622 includes an operating handle 6221 rotatably mounted on the housing 621 and an intermediate component connecting the operating handle 6221 and the first transmission member. When the operating handle 6221 rotates, it can drive the intermediate component to move, thereby driving the first transmission member to move.

[0123] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, a first connecting portion 628 is provided on the housing 621, and a second connecting portion 62214 is provided on the operating handle 6221. One end of the tension spring 623 is connected to the first connecting portion 628 and can rotate relative to the first connecting portion 628 about a first rotation center. The other end of the tension spring 623 is connected to the second connecting portion 62214 and can rotate relative to the second connecting portion 62214 about a second rotation center. The operating handle 6221 is connected to the housing 621 and can rotate about a third rotation center. The second rotation center can rotate circumferentially relative to the third rotation center. In some embodiments, the third rotation center is the rotation center of the rotating support shaft 6222.

[0124] The straight line passing through the center points of both the first and third rotation centers is defined as the force direction boundary line 633.

[0125] When the operating handle 6221 is rotated and the second connecting part 62214 on it moves from one side of the force direction dividing line 633 to the other side, the direction of the motion tendency generated by the tension spring 623 on the operating handle 6221 switches between clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0126] In some embodiments, when the second rotation center moves from one side of the force direction dividing line 633 to the other side of the force direction dividing line 633, the operating handle 6221 enters the first handle region S1. When the second rotation center moves from the other side of the force direction dividing line 633 to the other side of the force direction dividing line 633, the operating handle 6221 enters the second handle region S2.

[0127] like Figure 14As shown in this application, the first handle area S1 is the starting position of the first handle area S1 when the second rotation center on the operating handle 6221 moves from the force direction dividing line 633 to one side of the force direction dividing line 633. When the first gear 624 and the second gear 627 complete meshing and the operating handle 6221 abuts against the limiting block 632, the position of the operating handle 6221 is the ending position of the first handle area S1 (the aforementioned first handle position). The area swept by the operating handle 6221 from the starting position to the ending position of the first handle area S1 is the first handle area S1. Within the first handle area S1, the operating handle 6221 is always subjected to a pulling force that tends to mesh with the first gear 624 and the second gear 627.

[0128] In some embodiments, the operating handle 6221 rotates counterclockwise in the first region under the force of the tension spring 623.

[0129] like Figure 14 As shown, based on the description of the first handle area S1 above, the second handle area S2 in this application is the starting position of the operating handle 6221 when the second rotation center on the operating handle 6221 moves from the force direction dividing line 633 to the other side of the force direction dividing line 633 (i.e., when the movement direction is opposite to that of the first handle area S1). When the first gear 624 and the second gear 627 have completely separated and the operating handle 6221 abuts against the limiting block 632, the position of the operating handle 6221 at this time is the ending position of the second handle area S2 (the aforementioned second handle position). The area swept by the operating handle 6221 from the starting position to the ending position of the second handle area S2 is the second handle area S2. Located within the second handle area S2, the operating handle 6221 is always subjected to the tension force of the tension spring 623, which tends to separate the first gear 624 and the second gear 627.

[0130] In some embodiments, the operating handle 6221 rotates clockwise within the second handle area S2 under the pulling action of the tension spring 623.

[0131] like Figures 19 to 21As shown, in some embodiments, when the drive axle assembly 62 of this application is in gear, the first gear 624 and the second gear 627 are engaged, and the drive axle assembly 62 can transmit the power of the drive motor 63 to the drive wheel 61. When the drive axle assembly 62 is in neutral, the first gear 624 and the second gear 627 are disengaged, and the drive axle assembly 62 disconnects the power transmission between the drive motor 63 and the drive wheel 61. A gear shifting device 622 is connected to the housing 621 and is configured to drive the first gear 624 to engage or disengage with the second gear 627. An automatic shifting device is connected to the gear shifting device 622. When the first gear 624 is in the first gear region, the automatic shifting device can drive the gear shifting device 622 to engage the first gear 624 with the second gear 627. When the first gear 624 is in the second gear region, the automatic shifting device can drive the gear shifting device 622 to disengage the first gear 624 from the second gear 627.

[0132] In some embodiments, the automatic shifting device is a tension spring 623, and the gear shifting device 622 includes an operating handle 6221 rotatably mounted on the housing 621 and an intermediate component connecting the operating handle 6221 and the first gear 624. When the operating handle 6221 rotates, it can drive the intermediate component to move, thereby driving the first gear 624 to move.

[0133] The housing 621 is provided with a first connecting part 628, and the operating handle 6221 is provided with a second connecting part 62214. One end of the tension spring 623 is connected to the first connecting part 628 and can rotate relative to the first connecting part 628 about a first rotation center. The other end of the tension spring 623 is connected to the second connecting part 62214 and can rotate relative to the second connecting part 62214 about a second rotation center. The operating handle 6221 is connected to the housing 621 and can rotate about a third rotation center. The second rotation center can move circumferentially relative to the third rotation center.

[0134] The straight line passing through the first rotation center and the third rotation center is defined as the dividing line of the force direction 633.

[0135] When the operating handle 6221 is rotated and the second connecting part 62214 on it moves from one side of the force direction dividing line 633 to the other side, the first gear 624 switches between the first gear area and the second gear area.

[0136] Combination Figures 7 to 9 as well as Figures 19 to 21In this application, the first gear region is defined as the initial position of the first gear 624 when the second rotation center on the operating handle 6221 moves from the force direction dividing line 633 to one side of the force direction dividing line 633. When the first gear 624 and the second gear 627 are fully engaged and the operating handle 6221 abuts against the limiting block 632, the position of the first gear 624 is the final position of the first gear region. The area swept by the first gear 624 as it moves axially from the initial position to the final position of the first gear region is the first gear region. Within the first gear region, the operating handle 6221 is always subjected to the tension force of the tension spring 623, which tends to engage the first gear 624 and the second gear 627.

[0137] Based on the description of the first gear region above, the second gear region in this application is the starting position of the first gear 624 when the second rotation center on the operating handle 6221 moves from the force direction dividing line 633 to the other side of the force direction dividing line 633. When the first gear 624 and the second gear 627 are completely separated and the operating handle 6221 abuts against the limiting block 632, the position of the first gear 624 is the ending position of the second handle region S2. The area swept by the operating handle 6221 from the starting position to the ending position of the second handle region S2 is the second handle region S2. Within the second gear region, the operating handle 6221 is always subjected to the tension force of the tension spring 623, which tends to separate the first gear 624 and the second gear 627.

[0138] Combination Figure 9 and Figure 20 As shown, in some embodiments, when the second rotation center of the operating handle 6221 is located at the force direction dividing line 633, the first gear 624 meshes with the second gear 627.

[0139] In some embodiments, this application includes a drive axle assembly 62 capable of driving a drive motor 63 and a drive wheel 61. The drive axle assembly 62 includes a housing 621 and two drive-connected transmission members located within the housing 621. In some embodiments, the two drive-connected transmission members may be the first gear 624 and the second gear 627 described above.

[0140] like Figures 7 to 14 As shown, the operating handle 6221 is rotatably connected to the housing 621. The operating handle 6221 can drive one of the two transmission components to move and can be connected or disconnected from the other transmission component. The operating handle 6221 has a first position when the two transmission components are connected, a second position when the two transmission components are disconnected, and a third position between the first position and the second position.

[0141] An elastic element, connected to the housing 621 and the operating handle 6221, can apply a pushing force to the operating handle 6221 to maintain the two transmission components in a transmission connection state, and can also apply a pushing force to the operating handle 6221 to maintain the two transmission components in a disengaged state. When the operating handle 6221 switches between a first position and a second position and passes through a third position, the elastic force applied by the elastic element to the operating handle 6221 causes the direction of the movement tendency generated by the operating handle 6221 to switch from one direction to another.

[0142] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, when the operating handle 6221 is in the third position, the force exerted by the elastic member on the operating handle 6221 keeps the operating handle 6221 in the third position.

[0143] In some embodiments, a first connecting portion 628 is provided on the housing 621, and a second connecting portion 62214 is provided on the operating handle 6221. One end of an elastic member is connected to the first connecting portion 628 and can rotate relative to the first connecting portion 628 about a first rotation center. The other end of the elastic member is connected to the second connecting portion 62214 and can rotate relative to the second connecting portion 62214 about a second rotation center. The operating handle 6221 is connected to the housing 621 and can rotate about a third rotation center. The second rotation center can rotate circumferentially relative to the third rotation center. A straight line passing through the first rotation center and the third rotation center is defined as the force direction dividing line 633. When the operating handle 6221 is in the third position, the second rotation center is located on the force direction dividing line 633.

[0144] like Figures 2 to 14As shown, this application also discloses a drive axle system including the aforementioned drive axle assembly 62. The drive axle assembly 62 includes: a drive axle housing 621; a first gear 624 and a second gear 627 located within the drive axle housing 621; the first gear 624 having a first gear position when engaged with the second gear 627 and a second gear position when disengaged from the second gear 627; a gear shifting device 622, drivably connected to the first gear 624, configured to drive the first gear 624 between the first gear position and the second gear position; and a holding member connected to the housing 621 and the gear shifting device 622. When the first gear 624 is in the first gear position, the holding member is configured to apply a force to the gear shifting device 622 to hold the first gear 624 in the first gear position. When the first gear 624 is in the second gear position, the holding member is configured to apply a force to the gear shifting device 622 to hold the first gear 624 in the second gear position. The drive axle system in this application enables the first gear 624 to remain in the gear position after gear shifting. The drive axle assembly 62 in this application can be a single-stage transmission system including the above-mentioned two meshing gears, or a two-stage transmission system with three gears (i.e., the first gear 624 is mounted on the first shaft 625, the second gear 627 is mounted on the second shaft 626, and the fifth gear 630 is mounted on the third shaft 629; the first gear 624 meshes with the second gear 627, and an auxiliary gear is provided on the second shaft 626, which meshes with the fifth gear 630 to transmit power from the second gear 627 to the fifth gear 630), or a multi-stage transmission system with more than three gears.

[0145] It should be noted that the energy source system 2 and the power supply system in this application are devices with the same functional attributes, used to supply power to outdoor work vehicles or outdoor garden lawn mowers.

[0146] In some embodiments, the number of wheels in this application is set to four, including two front wheels 64 located on both sides of the frame 1 and two rear wheels located on both sides of the frame 1. The two front wheels 64 can be two omnidirectional wheels, and the two rear wheels are two drive wheels 61.

[0147] In some embodiments, two drive axle assemblies 62 are provided: a left drive axle assembly 6201 located on the left side of the frame 1 and a right drive axle assembly 6202 located on the right side of the frame 1. The left drive axle assembly 6201 is connected to one drive wheel 61 and can drive the drive wheel 61 to travel on the ground. The right drive axle assembly 6202 is connected to the other drive wheel 61 and can drive the drive wheel 61 to travel on the ground, thereby enabling the entire outdoor work vehicle to travel on the ground.

[0148] In some embodiments, the frame 1 is further provided with a seat for a user to sit on. The drive axle assembly 62 includes a left drive axle assembly 6201 and a right drive axle assembly 6202 located on both sides of the seat. The left drive axle assembly 6201 and the right drive axle assembly 6202 are respectively driven and connected to a drive motor 63 and a drive wheel 61. Both the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the right drive axle assembly 6202 are provided with operating handles 6221. When the user is sitting in the seat, he / she can simultaneously operate the operating handles 6221 on the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the right drive axle assembly 6202 to rotate in opposite directions.

[0149] In some embodiments, the gear switching device 622 can be a cylinder structure. In this embodiment, there is no need for the operating handle 6221, tension spring 623 (or second compression spring 636), rotating support shaft 6222 and motion conversion component 6223. It is only necessary to connect the piston end of the cylinder structure to the linkage component 6224. Under the driving force of the cylinder structure's push and pull back, the first gear 624 and the second gear 627 can be switched between the meshing state and the disengagement state.

[0150] In some embodiments, the gear shifting device 622 can also be a lead screw structure, which includes a lead screw and a servo motor that drives the lead screw to rotate. In this embodiment, there is no need for the operating handle 6221, tension spring 623 (or second compression spring 636), rotary support shaft 6222, and motion conversion component 6223. It is only necessary to provide a threaded hole on the linkage component 6224, and thread the lead screw into the threaded hole. The servo motor drives the linkage component 6224 to move by rotating forward or in reverse, thereby pushing the first gear 624 and the second gear 627 to switch between the meshing state and the disengagement state.

[0151] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 23 and Figure 24As shown, in some embodiments, the drive axle assembly 62 includes a housing 621 and a first gear 624 and a second gear 627 located within the housing 621. The first gear 624 has a first gear position when engaged with the second gear 627 and a second gear position when disengaged from the second gear 627. A gear shifting device 622 is drivenly connected to the first gear 624 and configured to drive the first gear 624 to switch between the first gear position and the second gear position. A holding member is connected to the housing 621 and the gear shifting device 622. When the first gear 624 is in the first gear position, the holding member is configured to apply a force to the gear shifting device 622 to hold the first gear 624 in the first gear position. When the first gear 624 is in the second gear position, the holding member is configured to apply a force to the gear shifting device 622 to hold the first gear 624 in the second gear position. In some embodiments, the first gear position is the position when the first gear 624 and the second gear 627 are engaged in transmission, and the second gear position is the position when the first gear 624 and the second gear 627 are disengaged.

[0152] like Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, this application further includes a third gear 637 capable of meshing with the first gear 624 and a fourth gear 638 coaxially rotating with the second gear 627, with the third gear 637 and the fourth gear 638 meshing together. When in the first gear position, the first gear 624 and the second gear 627 mesh, and the drive device can drive the wheels at a first gear ratio via the drive axle assembly 62. When in the second gear position, the first gear 624 and the third gear 637 mesh, and the drive device can drive the wheels at a second gear ratio via the drive axle assembly 62. The aforementioned gear shifting device enables switching between gears with different gear ratios and maintains the gear in the current position after shifting. The holding member can be the aforementioned tension spring 623 or the second compression spring 636.

[0153] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, in order to facilitate the meshing of the two gears 624 and 627, which are capable of meshing and disengaging, the drive axle assembly 62 of this application has a guide surface 62431 provided on at least one gear tooth 6243. When one gear moves toward and contacts the other gear, the guide surface 62431 of one gear abuts against the tooth 6243 of the other gear and can generate a force that causes the two gears to rotate relative to each other.

[0154] When one gear moves along the axis and begins to contact the other gear, they generate a mutual abutting force. (See attached reference.) Figure 15If the guide surface of one gear contacts the other gear first, the direction of the contact force F between the two gears at this time is the normal direction of the guide surface at the corresponding position. From the force analysis, it can be seen that the contact force F has an axial component X and a tangential component Y. This component Y can cause the two gears to rotate relative to each other until they enter a fully meshed state.

[0155] The greater the force that drives the gear to move axially, the greater the aforementioned resisting force F, and the greater the tangential component force Y, the faster the two gears can generate relative rotation until they are fully engaged.

[0156] It should be noted that the guide surface 62431 of the gear tooth 6243 is set on the end faces of the two gears that are adjacent to each other.

[0157] In some embodiments, each of the teeth 6243 of the two gears is provided with a guide surface 62431 that can contact the other.

[0158] In some embodiments, the ratio of the projected area of ​​the guide surface 62431 of a single gear in the axial direction of the gear to the projected area of ​​a single tooth 6243 in the axial direction of the gear is greater than or equal to 0.3 and less than or equal to 0.95. In some embodiments, the ratio of the projected area of ​​the guide surface 62431 of a single gear in the axial direction of the gear to the projected area of ​​a single tooth 6243 in the axial direction of the gear is 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, or 0.95. The larger the ratio of the projected area of ​​the guide surface 62431 of a single gear in the axial direction of the gear to the projected area of ​​the single gear in the axial direction of the gear, the higher the probability that the guide surface of one gear will contact the other gear first when the two gears are in contact. This increases the likelihood of generating a circumferential force that causes one gear to rotate, thereby allowing the two gears to smoothly enter the meshing state and improving the success rate of gear meshing.

[0159] This application also includes a gear shaft for fitting onto the inner ring of a gear, wherein one gear is axially movable relative to the gear shaft to move closer to or further away from another gear. In some embodiments, the gear is the first gear 624 described above, and the gear shaft is the first shaft 625 described above.

[0160] In some embodiments, the guide surface 62431 is at least partially planar. The inclined surface is provided to increase the success rate of meshing between the two gears. In some embodiments, the angle between the normal line of the planar surface and the axial line of the gear shaft is greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 60°. Further, the angle between the normal line of the planar surface and the axial line of the gear shaft is greater than or equal to 10°, 20°, 30°, or 60°. As described above, when the guide surface 62431 of one gear contacts the other gear first, the magnitude of the component force that causes the two gears to rotate axially is the product of the contact force between the two gears and the sine of the angle. Therefore, the larger the angle, the greater the component force that causes the two gears to rotate, and the easier it is to fully engage.

[0161] In some embodiments, the guide surface 62431 can be a combination of multiple planes with different slopes.

[0162] In some embodiments, the guide surface 62431 is at least partially curved. The radius of curvature of the curved surface is greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm. Further, the radius of curvature of the curved surface is greater than or equal to 2 mm, 5 mm, or 6 mm. The curved surface arrangement facilitates both meshing of the two gears and stable contact between them during meshing.

[0163] In some embodiments, this application further includes a gear drive device connected to one of the two gears and capable of driving the gear connected thereto to move axially and mesh with the other gear.

[0164] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this application, the gear drive device includes a linkage 6224, a motion conversion component 6223, a rotary support shaft 6222, an operating handle 6221, and an elastic component. The linkage 6224 is disposed within the drive axle housing 621, and is connected to one of the gears, driving the gear to perform axial reciprocating motion. The motion conversion component 6223 is disposed within the housing 621, and has a insertion portion 62231. A portion of the linkage 6224 can be inserted into the insertion portion 62231 and can move from one end of the insertion portion 62231 to the other end. The rotary support shaft 6222 is rotatably mounted on the housing 621 and connects the interior and exterior of the housing 621. One end of the rotary support shaft 6222 is fixedly connected to the motion conversion component 6223 and can drive the motion conversion component 6223 to swing; the other end of the rotary support shaft 6222 is connected to the operating handle 6221 and can rotate with the operating handle 6221. The elastic element is connected to the drive axle housing 621 and the operating handle 6221. When one of the two gears moves toward the other and makes contact, the elastic element always applies a force to the operating handle 6221 to bring the two gears closer together.

[0165] This application also provides a drive axle system, including a drive axle assembly 62 in the outdoor work vehicle or outdoor garden lawnmower described in the above embodiments. The drive axle assembly 62 includes a drive axle housing 621 and two meshing gears located within the drive axle housing 621. At least one gear has a guide surface 62431 on its teeth 6243. One of the two gears can move closer to or further away from the other. When one gear moves toward and contacts the other gear, the guide surface 62431 of one gear abuts against the teeth 6243 of the other gear, generating a force that causes the two gears to rotate relative to each other.

[0166] like Figure 18 and Figure 22 As shown, in some embodiments, the drive axle assembly 62 of this application includes a left drive axle assembly 6201 and a right drive axle assembly 6202, both of which are mechanically connected to a drive motor 63 and a drive wheel 61. To save on mold opening costs, both the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the right drive axle assembly 6202 use a first housing 6211 and a second housing 6212 as the drive axle housing 621. Since the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the right drive axle assembly 6202 are symmetrically arranged on the vehicle, the first housing 6211 of the left drive axle assembly 6201 is located above the second housing 6212, and the second housing 6212 of the right drive axle assembly 6202 is located above the first housing 6211. Both the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the right drive axle assembly 6202 have multiple meshing gears within their housings 621. Each of the left and right drive axle assemblies 6201 and 6202 has at least two gears that can switch between engaged and disengaged states. The first housing 6211 and the second housing 6212 are arranged one above the other on the left drive axle assembly 6201, while on the right drive axle assembly 6202, the positions of the first housing 6211 and the second housing 6212 are interchanged (i.e., one below the other). This allows the left and right drive axle assemblies 6201 and 6202 to use the same structure, saving mold costs, simplifying the components required for assembling the left and right drive axle assemblies 6201 and 6202, and improving the assembly efficiency of the left and right drive axle assemblies 6201 and 6202.

[0167] Two gear shifting devices 622 are provided, one configured to be connected to the first housing 6211 of the left drive axle assembly 6201, and the other configured to be connected to the second housing 6212 of the right drive axle assembly 6202. Each gear shifting device 622 can drive the gear within its respective left drive axle assembly 6201 or right drive axle assembly 6202 to move and switch between engaging and disengaging states with its adjacent gear. This arrangement ensures that the respective gear shifting devices 622 on the left drive axle assembly 6201 and right drive axle assembly 6202 are located at the top, facilitating gear shifting operations for the user, especially while seated.

[0168] like Figure 18 As shown, in some embodiments, mounting holes 634 communicating between the inside and outside of the housing 621 are provided on the first housing 6211 of the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the second housing 6212 of the right drive axle assembly 6202. The gear shifting device 622 includes a connecting shaft mounted in the mounting hole 634, an operating handle 6221 connected to the connecting shaft, and an intermediate component. The intermediate component can be connected to a gear inside its housing 621. The connecting shaft can drive the intermediate component to move under the drive of the operating handle 6221, and drive the gear connected to the intermediate component to move closer to or away from another adjacent gear.

[0169] It should be noted that the connecting shaft mentioned above can be the rotary support shaft 6222 in the above embodiment.

[0170] In this application, mounting holes 634 are provided on the first housing 6211 and second housing 6212 of the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the first housing 6211 and second housing 6212 of the right drive axle assembly 6202. When the mounting holes 634 on the first housing 6211 above the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the second housing 6212 above the right drive axle assembly 6202 are used to install and connect the gear shifting device 622, the mounting holes 634 on the second housing 6211 below the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the first housing 6212 below the right drive axle assembly 6202 are sealed with plugs or other sealing components. The first housing 6211 and second housing 6212 of the left drive axle assembly 6201 are interchangeable with the first housing 6211 and second housing 6212 of the right drive axle assembly 6202.

[0171] In some embodiments, the first housing 6211 and the second housing 6212 have identical structures. Thus, when producing the first housing 6211 and the second housing 6212 of the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the first housing 6211 and the second housing 6212 of the right drive axle assembly 6202, only one set of molds is needed to produce the above four housings. Using the same set of molds saves costs in both design and production.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first housing 6211 and the second housing 6212 are identical in structure, except that one of the housings has a glue-applying groove for applying glue to achieve a better seal between the first housing 6211 and the second housing 6212.

[0173] In some embodiments, an elastic element is provided between the first housing 6211 or the second housing 6212 and its corresponding operating handle 6221. The elastic element can apply a force to the operating handle 6221 to keep the two gears in the left drive axle assembly 6201 or the right drive axle assembly 6202 engaged or disengaged. In some embodiments, the elastic element is a tension spring.

[0174] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, at least one of the first housing 6211 of the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the second housing 6212 of the right drive axle assembly 6202 is provided with a first sensing element 65. A second sensing element 66 is provided on the operating handle 6221 on the first housing 6211 or the second housing 6212 corresponding to the first sensing element 65. The first sensing element 65 and the second sensing element 66 are signal-sensitively connected, and at least one of the first sensing element 65 and the second sensing element 66 is signal-connected to the controller. On the left drive axle assembly 6201 or the right drive axle assembly 6202, since the second sensing element 66 is located on the operating handle 6221, the operating handle 6221 can rotate, thereby causing the second sensing element 66 to move closer to or away from the first sensing element 65. When the second sensing element 66 moves closer to or away from the first sensing element 65, it can generate a signal to each other and transmit the signal to the controller. The controller sends the signal to the display screen on the vehicle to remind the user that the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the right drive axle assembly 6202 are in gear or neutral, so as to prevent accidental operation. The controller is used at least to control the operation of the vehicle.

[0175] In some embodiments, both the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the right drive axle assembly 6202 are provided with a first sensing element 65 and a second sensing element 66 for sensing the geared state and the neutral state.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first sensing element 65 is a magnetic element, and the second sensing element 66 is a Hall effect sensor. Of course, the first and second sensing elements described above can also be photoelectric switches and mechanical switches, etc.

[0177] In some embodiments, the outdoor work vehicle is equipped with a seating mechanism 4, which includes a seat and a shock absorption device. The seat includes a seat cushion, a backrest, and armrests. A gear shifting device 622 is at least partially located directly below the seating mechanism 4. This arrangement allows the user to operate the gear shifting device 622 from the seat without having to get out of the vehicle, making operation convenient.

[0178] like Figure 3 , Figure 18 and Figure 22 This application also discloses a drive axle system, including the aforementioned left drive axle assembly 6201 and right drive axle assembly 6202, both configured to mechanically connect to drive wheels 61. Both the left drive axle assembly 6201 and right drive axle assembly 6202 include a first housing 6211 and a second housing 6212. The first housing 6211 of the left drive axle assembly 6201 is located above the second housing 6212, and the second housing 6212 of the right drive axle assembly 6202 is located above the first housing 6211. Each housing 621 of both the left and right drive axle assemblies 6201 and 6202 includes multiple meshing gears, with at least two gears inside each assembly capable of meshing or disengaging. The first housing 6211 and the second housing 6212 are arranged one above the other on the left drive axle assembly 6201. On the right drive axle assembly 6202, the positions of the first housing 6211 and the second housing 6212 are interchanged (i.e., one below the other). In this way, the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the right drive axle assembly 6202 share the housing 621, which saves mold opening costs and simplifies the parts required to assemble the left drive axle assembly 6201 and the right drive axle assembly 6202.

[0179] This application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that many alternative solutions exist without departing from the principles and scope of this application. The scope of protection of this application is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. An outdoor work vehicle, characterized in that, include: Frame; The work assembly is detachably mounted to the vehicle frame and configured to perform outdoor work; A power supply system is mounted on the vehicle frame and configured to supply power to the outdoor work vehicle; A controller, fixed to the frame and configured at least to control the movement of the outdoor work vehicle; The drive axle assembly includes a left drive axle assembly and a right drive axle assembly, both of which are mechanically connected to a drive motor and a drive wheel. Both the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly include a first housing and a second housing, wherein the first housing of the left drive axle assembly is located above the second housing, and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly is located above the first housing. Both the left and right drive axle assemblies contain multiple meshing gears within their housings, and each of the left and right drive axle assemblies contains at least two gears that can switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state.

2. The outdoor work vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes two gear shifting devices, one configured to be connected to the first housing of the left drive axle assembly and the other configured to be connected to the second housing of the right drive axle assembly. Each gear shifting device is capable of driving the gear within the left or right drive axle assembly in which it is located to move and engage or disengage with its adjacent gear.

3. The outdoor work vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first housing of the left drive axle assembly and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly are both provided with mounting holes that connect the inside and outside of the housing. The gear shifting device includes a connecting shaft installed in the mounting hole, an operating handle connected to the connecting shaft, and an intermediate component. The intermediate component can be connected to a gear inside its housing. The connecting shaft can drive the intermediate component to move under the drive of the operating handle, and drive the gear connected to the intermediate component to move closer to or away from another adjacent gear.

4. The outdoor work vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first housing of the left drive axle assembly and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly are both provided with mounting holes that connect the inside and outside of the housings. An inner liner is provided in the mounting hole, and the connecting shaft is disposed in the inner liner and can rotate or move axially within the inner liner.

5. The outdoor work vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: A sealing ring is provided between the inner liner and the connecting shaft to seal the gap between them.

6. The outdoor work vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: An elastic element is provided between the first housing or the second housing and the corresponding operating handle thereon. The elastic element can apply a force to the operating handle to keep the two gears in the left drive axle assembly or the right drive axle assembly engaged or disengaged.

7. The outdoor work vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least one of the first housing of the left drive axle assembly and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly is provided with a first sensing element, and a second sensing element is provided on the operating handle on the first housing or the second housing corresponding to the first sensing element. The first sensing element and the second sensing element are signal-connected, and at least one of the first sensing element and the second sensing element is signal-connected to the controller.

8. An outdoor work vehicle, characterized in that, include: Frame; A seating mechanism is mounted on the vehicle frame and configured for use by a user. The work assembly is detachably mounted to the vehicle frame and configured to perform outdoor work; The drive axle assembly includes a left drive axle assembly and a right drive axle assembly, both of which are mechanically connected to a drive motor and a drive wheel. Both the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly include a first housing and a second housing, wherein the first housing of the left drive axle assembly is located above the second housing, and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly is located above the first housing. The housings of both the left and right drive axle assemblies contain multiple meshing gears, and each of the left and right drive axle assemblies contains at least two gears that can mesh or disengage. Two gear shifting devices are provided, one configured to be connected to the first housing of the left drive axle assembly and the other configured to be connected to the second housing of the right drive axle assembly. Each gear shifting device is capable of driving the gear within the left or right drive axle assembly to move and switch between engaging and disengaging with its adjacent gear. The gear shifting devices are located at least partially directly below the riding mechanism.

9. The outdoor work vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first housing of the left drive axle assembly and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly are both provided with mounting holes that connect the inside and outside of the housing. The gear shifting device includes a connecting shaft installed in the mounting hole, an operating handle connected to the connecting shaft, and an intermediate component. The intermediate component can be connected to a gear inside its housing. The connecting shaft can drive the intermediate component to move under the drive of the operating handle and drive the gear connected to the intermediate component to move closer to or away from another adjacent gear.

10. A drive axle system, characterized in that, include: A drive axle assembly, including a left drive axle assembly and a right drive axle assembly, both of which are configured to mechanically connect drive wheels; Both the left drive axle assembly and the right drive axle assembly include a first housing and a second housing, wherein the first housing of the left drive axle assembly is located above the second housing, and the second housing of the right drive axle assembly is located above the first housing. Both the left and right drive axle assemblies contain multiple meshing gears within their housings, and each of the left and right drive axle assemblies contains at least two gears that can switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state.

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