garden windmill

Abstract

This utility model discloses a garden windmill, including a pole and a rotating sleeve rotatably fitted onto the pole. The rotating sleeve is movably connected to at least one connecting rod via a hinge shaft. The connecting rod is also equipped with blades. The connecting rod can freely rotate around the hinge shaft in a vertical plane, causing the blades to switch between an unfolded working state and a folded, retracted state: under the influence of gravity, the connecting rod naturally droops to a horizontal position, and the blades unfold to form an effective windward surface; when an external force is applied, the connecting rod is flipped upwards, and the blades fold towards the center of the rotating sleeve to achieve a compact fold. The rotating sleeve and the pole are connected by a bearing to ensure smooth rotation, and the spiked part at the bottom of the pole can be inserted into the ground for fixation. The blades can adopt a decorative structural design to suit outdoor scenes. Through its hinged, foldable structure, this design solves the problems of large transport volume and cumbersome installation of traditional windmills, offering advantages such as convenient operation, compact structure, and suitability for garden decoration, children's toys, and other scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of windmill technology, specifically to a garden windmill. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of windmill technology, traditional windmills, especially garden windmills widely used in outdoor decoration, children's toys, landscaping, and ecological monitoring, have long relied on fixed connection structures for their rotating components. This results in the blades not being able to fold, leading to core problems such as high transportation costs, cumbersome installation, and inconvenient storage. Although some improvements have emerged in existing technologies regarding detachable connections for the rotating device, the fundamental defect of non-foldable blades remains unresolved.

[0003] For example, Chinese invention patent application No. 201510732487.7, entitled "A Rotating Device and a Windmill Using a Rotating Device," discloses a technical solution for achieving a detachable connection between the bearing sleeve and the bearing through fasteners. Its rotating device, using components such as snap rings, sleeves, and shafts, achieves a rotatable connection between the bearing sleeve and the inner ring of the bearing, attempting to improve the ease of windmill assembly. However, the blades in this solution are directly fixed to the bearing sleeve, and the overall structure remains a rigid connection, making it impossible to fold or retract the blades. For instance, the unfolded diameter of a single rotating unit's blade is approximately 25cm, requiring it to be kept intact during transport, resulting in a packaging volume no different from traditional windmills, and thus no reduction in logistics costs. Furthermore, although the connection between the bearing and the bearing sleeve is simplified through fasteners, the foldable design of the blade structure is not addressed, requiring users to assemble the blades and bearing sleeve individually, meaning the installation steps are not substantially reduced.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a windmill with foldable and retractable blades that is easy to operate, in order to solve the problems of large transportation volume and complicated installation in the existing technology, is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a garden windmill with foldable and retractable blades that is convenient and quick to operate, in light of the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: The garden windmill includes a pole and a rotating sleeve that can be rotatably sleeved on the pole. At least one connecting rod is provided on the rotating sleeve that can be flipped. The connecting rod is provided with blades, and the blades can move synchronously with the connecting rod.

[0007] When the rotating sleeve is in the first vertical position, the connecting rod naturally hangs down to the set position under the action of gravity and unfolds, and then the blades unfold to form the windward surface.

[0008] When the rotating sleeve is in the second vertical position, the connecting rod flips and retracts towards the center of the rotating sleeve, forming a folded shape. The aforementioned first and second vertical positions are in an inverted relationship.

[0009] To enhance the structural stability and decorative effect of the garden windmill, preferably, the rotating sleeve is provided with multiple layers of connecting rods spaced apart along the axial direction of the upright, each layer of connecting rods including...

[0010] At least one pair of the connecting rods are provided, and each connecting rod is located on the same horizontal plane;

[0011] The blades are respectively fixed on each connecting rod;

[0012] When the connecting rods of each layer are deployed in their working state, they are arranged in a horizontal radial pattern with the rotating sleeve as the center.

[0013] The design of the multi-layer symmetrical linkage group can improve rotational stability by increasing the wind-receiving surface. The horizontal radial distribution allows the wind force to be applied evenly to each blade, reducing swaying caused by unilateral force. The synchronous flipping and folding feature ensures the structural compactness when folded and avoids interference between the multi-layer linkages.

[0014] To avoid mutual obstruction of the multi-layered linkage assemblies during deployment and to improve the overall aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine, preferably, the linkages of adjacent layers are arranged at an angle on the horizontal projection plane, and the deployment directions of each layer of linkage assemblies are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. This staggered distribution creates a three-dimensional wind-receiving structure for each layer of blades in space, which not only reduces wind loss caused by inter-layer obstruction but also generates more complex rotational dynamic effects through the angle difference, enhancing visual appeal.

[0015] To optimize the three-dimensional shape of the garden windmill and adapt to different wind conditions, preferably, the length of the connecting rods in the multi-layer connecting rod assembly decreases sequentially from the middle to both ends. This gradual length design gives the windmill a dynamic arc or elliptical profile when rotating, enriching its visual appeal. The structure, longer in the middle and shorter on both sides, balances the effects of wind at different heights. In strong winds, shortening the outer connecting rods reduces wind resistance, while in light winds, the longer inner connecting rods improve wind efficiency.

[0016] To simplify the limiting structure of the connecting rod in its deployed state and improve stability, preferably, the outer wall of the rotating sleeve is provided with a protruding hinge seat, and the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the hinge seat via a hinge shaft; the end of the hinge seat forms a limiting part that can restrict the connecting rod from further rotating. Utilizing the end of the hinge seat as a natural limiting part eliminates the need for additional limiting parts, allowing for automatic positioning of the connecting rod through gravity, simplifying the assembly process. The contact between the limiting part and the circumferential surface of the connecting rod effectively prevents excessive drooping of the connecting rod, ensuring the consistency of the blade deployment angle.

[0017] To enhance the decorative and personalized appeal of the garden windmill, the blades are preferably shaped like at least one of floral forms, animal silhouettes, or geometric patterns. Diverse shapes and surface treatments can adapt to different outdoor decorating styles (such as pastoral or modern styles). Three-dimensional textures or openwork patterns create light and shadow effects during rotation, enhancing visual appeal. Simultaneously, the openwork structure reduces blade weight and improves rotational sensitivity.

[0018] To reduce frictional resistance between the rotating sleeve and the upright and ensure smooth rotation, preferably, each end of the rotating sleeve has a mounting groove, within which a bearing is installed, and the upright passes through the bearing. The bearings convert the sliding friction between the rotating sleeve and the upright into rolling friction, significantly reducing rotational resistance, allowing the windmill to rotate flexibly even in light winds.

[0019] To ensure a more secure and stable connection between the bearing and the rotating sleeve, and to improve ease of use and maintenance, preferably, the bearing is contained within the mounting groove by a retaining ring, the top of the upright is exposed above the upper end of the rotating sleeve, a locking nut is screwed onto the exposed part of the upright, and a decorative cover is provided at the bottom of the locking nut to abut against the top of the rotating sleeve.

[0020] To adapt to different assembly needs and facilitate transportation and storage, the rotating sleeve preferably includes at least two detachable rotating sleeve units, which are assembled through threaded connections, snap-fit ​​connections, or plug-in connections. The modular design allows the windmill to flexibly adjust the number of layers according to the usage scenario (such as courtyard size or exhibition layout). Disassembling it into independent units during transportation significantly reduces packaging volume. The diverse connection structures (threads, snap-fits, etc.) balance ease of assembly with robust connection.

[0021] To enhance the ground stability of the garden windmill and improve its portability, the bottom of the pole preferably has a spike for insertion into the ground. The pole comprises at least two detachable sections, which are assembled via threaded connections, snap-fit ​​connections, or plug-in connections. The spike can be quickly and securely inserted into soft ground such as grass or sand, preventing the windmill from tipping over. The multi-section detachable pole allows users to flexibly adjust the total length according to their installation height requirements. After disassembly, it can be placed in a backpack or suitcase, greatly improving its convenience for outdoor carrying.

[0022] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: by hinged to a freely rotating connecting rod on the rotating sleeve, and rigidly connecting the blades to the connecting rod, the blades can be deployed or folded synchronously with the connecting rod; through the mechanical characteristic of the connecting rod naturally drooping to a horizontal position under its own weight, the blades automatically form a stable windward surface without the need for additional locking devices; users can not only manually flip the blades upward to retract them, but also invert the windmill to allow the connecting rod to automatically flip and fold under gravity, achieving "one-click" quick storage and rapidly reducing the overall size of the windmill. This "one-click" quick storage structure greatly improves ease of use and is particularly suitable for outdoor applications requiring frequent deployment and retrieval. Because the windmill structure adopts a purely mechanical design, the stable switching between the two states can be achieved through the simple cooperation of the hinge shaft and the limiting part. Therefore, it has the characteristics of simple and reliable structure and convenient operation, ensuring efficient operation of the windmill in the deployed state and greatly improving the convenience of transportation and storage, making it particularly suitable for promotion and application as an outdoor decorative item. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of this embodiment (the connecting rod is in the unfolded state);

[0024] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of this embodiment (the connecting rod is in a folded state);

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled state in this embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure in this embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the top view structure of this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0029] Figures 1-5 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of this embodiment. The garden windmill in this embodiment mainly includes components such as pole 1, rotating sleeve 2, connecting rod 3, blade 4, hinge shaft 2a, bearing 2c1, retaining ring 2c2, locking nut 2c3, and decorative cover 2c4. Each component achieves the folding, storage, and rotation functions of the windmill through a specific connection method.

[0030] The bottom of the upright 1 is provided with a spike 1a, and the top passes through the rotating sleeve 2 and is rotatably connected through the bearing 2c1. The outer wall of the rotating sleeve 2 is connected to a multi-layer linkage group through the hinge shaft 2a. Each linkage group includes symmetrically arranged connecting rods 3 and blades 4. The connecting rods 3 can rotate around the hinge shaft 2a in the vertical plane to realize the switching between the unfolded working mode and the folded storage mode.

[0031] The specific structure and installation method of each component are described in detail below.

[0032] Construction of pole 1: Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the pole 1 can be multi-segmented. In this embodiment, it is specifically a three-segment detachable structure, including three pole segments 11 connected by assembly. Each pole segment 11 is assembled by threaded connection. The bottom end of the lowest pole segment 11 extends into a spike 1a, with the tip angle adapted to insert into the ground. First, the lower pole segment 11 is inserted into the ground through the spike 1a to ensure vertical stability. Then, the middle and upper pole segments 11 are screwed in sequentially. Anti-loosening adhesive is applied to the threaded connection to ensure overall rigidity. An external thread is machined at the top of the upper pole segment 11 for installing a locking nut 2c3.

[0033] Assembly of Adapter 2: Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the rotating sleeve 2 can also be a split, detachable structure, specifically comprising two rotating sleeve units 21 connected by a plug-in connection. Both the upper and lower rotating sleeve units 21 have mounting grooves 2c at their ends, and each mounting groove 2c contains a bearing 2c1. The two rotating sleeve units 21 are aligned and pressed together through the insertion holes, ensuring that the two bearings 2c1 are coaxial. To prevent relative rotation between the two rotating sleeve units 21, circumferential limiting can be achieved by setting mutually compatible positioning pins 2d at the joint of the two rotating sleeve units 21. The bearings 2c1 here are generally rolling bearings, and their outer diameter is appropriately fitted to the inner wall of the mounting groove 2c.

[0034] Installation of connecting rod assembly and blade 4: Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the outer wall of the rotating sleeve 2 is axially spaced with multiple layers of connecting rods, and the spacing between the layers is evenly distributed. Each layer of connecting rods includes at least one pair of oppositely arranged connecting rods 3, and the connecting rods 3 of each layer are located on the same horizontal plane. The connecting rods of adjacent layers are staggered, so that the horizontal projection planes of adjacent layers have a certain angular phase difference, and the unfolding direction of each layer of connecting rods is spaced apart in the circumferential direction to avoid overlap when the blades 4 are folded and unfolded. In addition, the connecting rods adopt a gradually changing length design, so that the connecting rods in the middle layer are the longest, and the lengths of the upper and lower layers decrease sequentially, forming an arc-shaped or elliptical three-dimensional arrangement.

[0035] Hinged and limiting structure: The outer wall of the rotating sleeve 2 is provided with a hinge seat 2b, and a groove adapted to the outer diameter of the connecting rod 3 is also formed on the hinge seat 2b. One end of the connecting rod 3 is rotatably connected to the hinge seat 2b through the hinge shaft 2a. The two ends of the hinge shaft 2a are appropriately fixed by elastic pins or other fixing methods. When the connecting rod 3 hangs down naturally, its circumferential surface contacts the limiting part 2b1 at the end of the hinge seat 2b, forming an approximately 90° unfolded state, and keeping the axis of the connecting rod 3 basically perpendicular to the axis of the rotating sleeve 2.

[0036] Blade 4 Installation: Reference Figure 3 As shown, the blade 4 is rigidly connected to the end of the connecting rod 3 by welding or other fixing methods. The blade 4 adopts a decorative structural design, and its outline can imitate the shape of animals or natural flowers, such as the common butterfly shape or rose petal shape. This design is not only highly decorative, adding a romantic and natural atmosphere to the garden, but also has unique advantages in aerodynamic performance.

[0037] Furthermore, three-dimensional textures can be added to the surface of blade 4. These textures not only enhance the visual depth and three-dimensionality of the blades but also alter the airflow pattern on the blade surface to some extent. When airflow passes over the textures, it creates tiny vortices. These vortices can further disturb the surrounding airflow, enhancing the blades' ability to capture wind power and thus improving the windmill's dynamic performance.

[0038] Alternatively, a perforated pattern can be set on the surface of blade 4. This design reduces the weight of the blade and the inertial force that the windmill needs to overcome when rotating, while also allowing some airflow to pass through the perforated area, forming a special vortex street effect. When the airflow passes through the perforated pattern, it will generate regular changes in rotational resistance behind the blade. This not only helps to improve the stability of the windmill at different wind speeds, but also helps children to intuitively feel the wind speed by observing the changes in the windmill's rotation speed (the faster the rotation speed, the higher the vortex street frequency).

[0039] For the installation of other key components, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the bearing 2c1 can be axially fixed by a retaining ring 2c2. The retaining ring 2c2 is embedded into the mounting groove 2c in the set position to physically restrict the axial movement of the bearing 2c1. The locking nut 2c3 is connected to the top of the pole 1 by a thread. The bottom of the locking nut 2c3 is also provided with a decorative cover 2c4 that rests on the top of the rotating sleeve 2. The locking nut 2c3 is pressed against the top of the rotating sleeve 2 by the decorative cover 2c4, which serves both a decorative purpose and a further fixing purpose, improving the aesthetics of the windmill and allowing for quick disassembly for daily maintenance.

[0040] The unfolding and folding principle of the garden car in this embodiment is explained as follows:

[0041] A rotating connecting rod 3 is installed on the rotating sleeve 2, and blades 4 are mounted on the connecting rod 3, allowing the blades 4 to unfold or fold synchronously with the connecting rod 3. After the windmill is placed vertically (i.e., the rotating sleeve 2 is in the first vertical position), the connecting rod 3 and the blades 4 rotate downwards around the hinge axis 2a under the action of gravity. When the connecting rod 3 reaches the horizontal position, the limiting part 2b1 prevents it from swinging downwards further. The gravitational torque and the supporting force of the limiting part 2b1 are balanced, and the blades 4 form a horizontal radial windward surface. Utilizing the mechanical property that the connecting rod 3 naturally droops to the horizontal position under its own weight, the blades 4 can automatically form a stable windward surface without the need for an additional locking device.

[0042] When folding the windmill, users can manually push the connecting rod 3 upwards to overcome gravity and rotate it upwards around the hinge axis 2a, allowing the blades 4 to retract towards the center of the rotating sleeve 2. Most importantly, by inverting the windmill (with the rotating sleeve 2 in the second vertical position), the connecting rod 3 automatically flips and folds under gravity, achieving a "one-click" quick folding and significantly reducing the overall size of the windmill. After folding, the center of gravity of the connecting rod 3 shifts to the inside of the hinge axis, and the gravity reverses, locking the folded state. The overall volume is compressed to the outer diameter of the rotating sleeve plus the thickness of the connecting rod. This dual folding method (manual + automatic) greatly improves ease of use, making it particularly suitable for outdoor applications requiring frequent deployment and folding. Because the structure uses a purely mechanical design, stable switching between the two states can be achieved through the simple cooperation of the hinge axis and the limiting part. Therefore, it features a simple and reliable structure and convenient operation, ensuring efficient operation of the windmill in the unfolded state while significantly improving the convenience of transportation and storage, making it particularly suitable for promotion and application as an outdoor decorative item.

[0043] It should be noted that in the description of this embodiment, the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "upper," and "lower," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. The terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

Claims

1. A garden pinwheel comprising a vertical pole (1) and a rotating sleeve (2) rotatably sleeved on the vertical pole (1), characterized in that: The rotating sleeve (2) is provided with at least one connecting rod (3) that can be flipped, and the connecting rod (3) is provided with a blade (4), which can move synchronously with the connecting rod (3); When the rotating sleeve (2) is in the first vertical position, the connecting rod (3) hangs down naturally to the set position under the action of gravity and unfolds, and then the blade (4) unfolds to form the windward surface; When the rotating sleeve (2) is in the second vertical position, the connecting rod (3) flips over and retracts towards the center of the rotating sleeve (2), forming a folded shape. The aforementioned first vertical position and second vertical position are in an inverted relationship.

2. The garden pinwheel of claim 1, wherein: The rotating sleeve (2) is provided with multiple layers of connecting rods spaced apart along the axial direction of the upright (1), each layer of connecting rods including At least one pair of the connecting rods (3) are provided, and each connecting rod (3) is located on the same horizontal plane; The blades (4) are respectively fixed on each connecting rod (3); When the connecting rods (3) of each layer of the connecting rod assembly are deployed in the working state, they are distributed horizontally radially with the rotating sleeve as the center.

3. A garden pinwheel according to claim 2, characterised in that: The connecting rods (3) of two adjacent connecting rod groups are arranged at an angle on the horizontal projection plane, and the unfolding direction of each connecting rod group is distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction.

4. The garden pinwheel of claim 2, wherein: In the multi-layer linkage group, the length of the connecting rod (3) decreases sequentially from both ends of the middle phase.

5. The garden pinwheel of claim 1, wherein: The outer wall of the rotating sleeve (2) is provided with a protruding hinge seat (2b), and the connecting rod (3) is rotatably connected to the hinge seat (2b) through the hinge shaft (2a); the end of the hinge seat (2b) forms a limiting part (2b1) that can restrict the connecting rod from continuing to rotate.

6. The garden pinwheel of claim 1, wherein: The outline shape of the leaf (4) is at least one of a flower shape, an animal silhouette, or a geometric pattern.

7. The garden pinwheel of claim 1, wherein: The rotating sleeve (2) has mounting grooves (2c) at both ends, and bearings (2c1) are provided in the mounting grooves (2c). The upright (1) is installed through the bearings (2c1).

8. A garden pinwheel according to claim 7, characterised in that: The bearing (2c1) is confined within the mounting groove (2c) by a retaining ring (2c2). The top of the upright (1) is exposed at the upper end of the rotating sleeve (2). A locking nut (2c3) is screwed onto the exposed part of the upright (1). A decorative cover (2c4) is provided at the bottom of the locking nut (2c3) to abut against the top of the rotating sleeve (2).

9. The garden windmill according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating sleeve (2) includes at least two detachable rotating sleeve units (21), and each rotating sleeve unit (21) is assembled with the others by threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection or plug-in connection.

10. The garden pinwheel of claim 1, wherein: The bottom of the pole (1) is formed with a spike (1a) for inserting into the ground; The pole (1) includes at least two detachable pole sections (11), and the pole sections (11) are assembled by threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection or plug-in connection.

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