Snowblower auger device

Abstract

[Problem] To suppress a reduction in work efficiency while spacing a side disk apart from an auger claw. [Solution] This auger device for a snow remover comprises: an auger shaft 33; an auger claw 34 fixed to the auger shaft 33; and a pair of side disks 35 arranged on both outer sides of the auger claw in a prescribed direction and fixed to the auger shaft 33. Each of the side disks 35 is spaced apart from the auger claw 34, and an auxiliary claw 102 is provided in the inner surface of the side disk 35 so as to protrude toward the inside in the prescribed direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an auger device for a snow removal machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a snow removal machine has an auger device for crushing and collecting snow in front of it.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a snow removal machine including an auger shaft horizontally passed through an auger housing, a plurality of auger claws attached to the auger shaft for crumbling and gathering snow, and side disks attached to both ends of the auger shaft for cutting into the snow near the side walls of the auger housing and serving as protectors for the auger claws.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When the materials of the auger claws and the side disks are different, depending on the combination of the materials, it may be impossible to weld the auger claws and the side disks to each other. In such a case, in order to suppress the contact between the side disks and the auger claws due to dimensional variations during manufacturing or elastic deformation of the auger claws during snow removal work, it is preferable to arrange the side disks at an appropriate interval (clearance) with respect to the auger claws. However, when such an interval is provided between the side disks and the auger claws, a region where snow cannot be crushed may occur between the side disks and the auger claws, and there is a risk that the working efficiency (crushing efficiency for snow) of the auger device will decrease.

[0006] In view of the above background, the object of the present invention is to provide an auger device that can suppress a decrease in work efficiency while arranging the side discs at a distance from the auger claws. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is an auger device (7) for a snowblower (1), comprising: an auger housing (31); an auger shaft (33) supported by the auger housing so as to be rotatable about an axis (X) extending in a predetermined direction; an auger claw (34) fixed to the auger shaft; and a pair of side discs (35) arranged on both sides of the auger claw in the predetermined direction and fixed to the auger shaft, wherein each side disc is spaced apart from the auger claw, and each side disc is provided with an auxiliary claw (102) protruding inward in the predetermined direction.

[0008] According to the above embodiment, snow that enters the gap between each side disc and the auger claw can be crushed by the auxiliary claw. Therefore, it is possible to arrange each side disc at a distance from the auger claw while suppressing a decrease in the working efficiency of the auger device (snow crushing efficiency).

[0009] In the above embodiment, the auger claw is inclined outward in the predetermined direction with respect to its rotational direction, and the auxiliary claw may be positioned adjacent to the outer end (86A) of the auger claw in the predetermined direction.

[0010] According to this embodiment, the gap between the outer end of the auger claw in a predetermined direction and the auxiliary claw can be narrowed, thereby more effectively suppressing the decrease in the working efficiency of the auger device.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the auxiliary claw may be positioned on the extension line of the end of the auger claw that is on the outer side in the predetermined direction.

[0012] According to this embodiment, the snow crushed by the auxiliary claws can be smoothly transported inward in a predetermined direction by the auger claws.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the auxiliary claw may be provided with an inclined surface that is inclined outward in the predetermined direction with respect to the rotational direction of the auger claw.

[0014] According to this embodiment, the snow crushed by the auxiliary claws can be conveyed more smoothly inward in a predetermined direction by the auger claws.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the auxiliary claw may be positioned at a distance (Y) in the circumferential direction of the auger axis from the end of the auger claw that is on the outer side in the predetermined direction.

[0016] According to this embodiment, when the auger claw is elastically deformed outward in a predetermined direction, it is possible to prevent the outer end of the auger claw in that predetermined direction from coming into contact with the auxiliary claw.

[0017] In the above embodiment, the auger device further comprises a pair of connecting members (36) connecting the auger shaft and the pair of side disks, each of which includes a plurality of connecting shafts (106) extending radially in the direction of the auger shaft in a side view, and one of the plurality of connecting shafts may be positioned radially inward of the auxiliary claws.

[0018] In this configuration, the connecting shaft is hidden radially inward of the auxiliary claw, making it less likely for the connecting shaft to interfere with the auxiliary claw digging into the snow surface.

[0019] In the above embodiment, the auxiliary claw may be formed separately from each of the side discs and may be joined to the inner surface of each of the side discs.

[0020] According to this embodiment, the degree of freedom in the shape of the auxiliary claw can be increased compared to the case in which the auxiliary claw is formed integrally with each side disc.

[0021] In the above aspect, the auxiliary claw is constituted by a plate-like member that curves so as to be convex toward the inside in the predetermined direction. Both end portions (102A) of the auxiliary claw in the circumferential direction of the auger shaft are joined to the inner surfaces of the respective side disks, and a space (S) that opens toward the outside in the radial direction of the auger shaft may be formed between each side disk and the auxiliary claw.

[0022] According to this aspect, by configuring the auxiliary claw with a plate-like member, it is possible to reduce the weight and cost of the auxiliary claw. Further, since the auxiliary claw curves so as to be convex toward the inside in the predetermined direction and a space is formed between each side disk and the auxiliary claw, the biting property of the auxiliary claw into the snow surface can be enhanced.

[0023] In the above aspect, a part of the auxiliary claw may protrude to the outer peripheral side with respect to the outer peripheral edge portion of each side disk.

[0024] According to this aspect, since a part of the auxiliary claw can be made to contact the snow surface prior to each side disk, the snow can be efficiently crushed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the above aspects, it is possible to provide an auger device that can suppress a decrease in work efficiency while arranging the side disks at an interval with respect to the auger claws.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] Side view showing a snow remover according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Front view showing an auger device according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 3] Side view showing an auger device according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view showing a side disk and its peripheral portion according to an embodiment of the present invention [Figure 5]Perspective view showing a side disk according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Side view showing a side disk and its peripheral portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Front view showing a side disk and its peripheral portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing a side disc and its peripheral portion according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Hereinafter, a snowblower 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, terms indicating directions such as front and back, left and right, up and down will be used based on the direction as seen from the perspective of the operator operating the snowblower 1. Arrows Fr appropriately attached to each figure indicate the front of the snowblower 1, arrows I appropriately attached to each figure indicate the inside of the snowblower 1 in the left and right directions, and arrows O appropriately attached to each figure indicate the outside of the snowblower 1 in the left and right directions.

[0028] First, with reference to Figure 1, let's explain the overall configuration of snowblower 1.

[0029] Snowblower 1 is a walk-behind type snowblower in which an operator walks behind it to perform snow removal work. Snowblower 1 has a frame 3 that forms its structure, a pair of travel devices 4 provided on both the left and right sides of the frame 3 (only the travel device 4 provided on the left side of the frame 3 is shown in Figure 1), a handle device 5 provided at the rear of the frame 3, a blower device 6 provided at the front of the frame 3, and an auger device 7 provided in front of the blower device 6.

[0030] An internal combustion engine (hereinafter referred to as "engine 10") is supported on the upper part of the aircraft body 3. The engine 10 has a crankshaft 11 (only its front end is shown in Figure 1) that is rotatable around an axis extending in the front-rear direction. In other embodiments, the crankshaft 11 may also be rotatable around an axis extending in the vertical direction. A transmission shaft 12 that is rotatable around an axis extending in the front-rear direction is provided at the lower front of the aircraft body 3. The transmission shaft 12 is connected to the crankshaft 11 via a reduction mechanism (not shown).

[0031] Each running gear 4 includes a running motor 14, a drive wheel 15 connected to the running motor 14, a driven wheel 16 located behind the drive wheel 15, and a crawler belt 17 wrapped around the drive wheel 15 and the driven wheel 16. In other embodiments, the driven wheel 16 may be located in front of the drive wheel 15.

[0032] The handle device 5 has left and right arms 20 (only the left arm 20 is shown in Figure 1) extending upward and rearward from the lower part of the machine body 3, and input devices 21 attached to the upper ends of the left and right arms 20. A grip 20a for the operator to grasp is provided at the upper end of each arm 20. The input device 21 is a device that receives input operations from the operator. The input device 21 includes, for example, a travel lever 22 that receives travel operations for the snowblower 1, and a snow removal switch 23 that receives operation operations for the blower device 6 and the auger device 7.

[0033] The blower device 6 includes a blower housing 26 fixed to the front of the machine body 3, a blower 27 housed in the blower housing 26, and a chute 28 extending upward from the upper end of the blower housing 26. The blower 27 is fixed to the rear of the transmission shaft 12.

[0034] The auger device 7 includes an auger housing 31 fixed to the front of the blower housing 26, a transmission 32 housed in the auger housing 31, an auger shaft 33 rotatably supported in the auger housing 31, and auger claws 34 fixed to the auger shaft 33. The auger shaft 33 is connected to the transmission shaft 12 via the transmission 32. Further details of the auger device 7 will be described later.

[0035] Next, we will explain the overall operation of snowblower 1.

[0036] When an operator controls the snowblower 1 using the travel lever 22 on the input device 21, the travel motors 14 of each travel device 4 rotate. The rotation of the travel motors 14 is transmitted to the crawler belts 17 via the drive wheels 15, causing the crawler belts 17 to rotate. This causes the snowblower 1 to move.

[0037] Furthermore, when the operator operates the blower device 6 and auger device 7 using the snow removal switch 23 on the input device 21, the crankshaft 11 of the engine 10 rotates. The rotation of the crankshaft 11 is transmitted to the transmission shaft 12 via a reduction mechanism (not shown), and the transmission shaft 12 and the blower 27 rotate together. The rotation of the transmission shaft 12 is transmitted to the auger shaft 33 via the transmission 32, and the auger shaft 33 and the auger claws 34 rotate together. When the auger claws 34 rotate, the snow in front of the snowblower 1 is crushed by the auger claws 34 and collected in the center of the auger housing 31 in the left-right direction. This collected snow is introduced into the blower housing 26 and projected in the desired direction via the chute 28 by the blower 27.

[0038] Next, we will describe the configuration of the auger device 7 in detail.

[0039] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the auger device 7 includes, in addition to the auger housing 31, transmission 32, auger shaft 33, and auger claws 34 described above, a pair of side discs 35 positioned on the left and right outer sides of the auger claws 34 and fixed to the auger shaft 33, and a pair of connecting members 36 that connect the auger shaft 33 and the pair of side discs 35. Hereinafter, when simply referred to as radial or circumferential direction, it refers to the radial or circumferential direction of the auger shaft 33.

[0040] The auger housing 31 of the auger device 7 is box-shaped with openings facing forward and downward. The auger housing 31 has a main plate 41 extending in the left-right direction and a pair of side plates 42 fixed to both the left and right ends of the main plate 41.

[0041] The main plate 41 defines the top and rear surfaces of the auger housing 31. A circular communication hole 44 is provided in the center of the main plate 41 in the left-right direction, and the internal space of the auger housing 31 and the internal space of the blower housing 26 (see Figure 1) are in communication with each other through this communication hole 44.

[0042] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the pair of side plates 42 define the left and right sides of the auger housing 31. The pair of side plates 42 are symmetrical to each other.

[0043] Each side plate 42 has a first flat plate portion 46 defining its outermost surface 42A (the outermost surface in the left-right direction), a second flat plate portion 47 positioned inward in the left-right direction and radially inward from the first flat plate portion 46, a third flat plate portion 48 positioned inward in the left-right direction and radially inward from the second flat plate portion 47, a fourth flat plate portion 49 positioned radially outward and inward in the left-right direction from the first flat plate portion 46, a first connecting portion 50 connecting the first flat plate portion 46 and the second flat plate portion 47, a second connecting portion 51 connecting the second flat plate portion 47 and the third flat plate portion 48, and a third connecting portion 52 connecting the first flat plate portion 46 and the fourth flat plate portion 49.

[0044] The first to fourth flat plate sections 46 to 49 are provided along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. A bulge 54 is provided in the center of the third flat plate section 48, bulging outwards in the left-right direction. A through hole 55 is provided in the center of the bulge 54. A support bracket 57 is fixed to the inner surface of the third flat plate section 48 via a pair of bolts 56.

[0045] The first to third connecting parts 50 to 52 are inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. More specifically, the first and second connecting parts 50 and 51 are inclined radially inward toward the left-right inward direction, and the third connecting part 52 is inclined radially outward toward the left-right inward direction.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the transmission 32 of the auger device 7 is housed in the left-right central part of the auger housing 31. The transmission 32 includes a gear case 60, a first drive gear 61 housed in the gear case 60, and a pair of second drive gears 62 housed in the gear case 60 and positioned on both the left and right outer sides of the first drive gear 61.

[0047] The gear case 60 is suspended from the upper center of the main plate 41 of the auger housing 31 via a mounting bracket 64 that extends vertically.

[0048] The first drive gear 61 meshes with the transmission gear 12A provided on the transmission shaft 12 and is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction R1 (clockwise in this embodiment when viewed from the left side) in accordance with the rotation of the transmission shaft 12.

[0049] Each second drive gear 62 is connected to the first drive gear 61 via a pair of idler gears (not shown) and is configured to rotate in a second rotation direction R2 (counterclockwise in this embodiment when viewed from the left side) opposite to the first rotation direction R1 in response to the rotation of the first drive gear 61.

[0050] The auger shaft 33 of the auger device 7 extends along the left-right direction. The auger shaft 33 is supported by the auger housing 31 so as to be rotatable about an axis X that extends in the left-right direction. The auger shaft 33 has a main shaft portion 66, a pair of inner shaft portions 67 provided on the outer circumference of both the left and right sides of the main shaft portion 66, and a pair of outer shaft portions 68 arranged on the left and right outer sides of the pair of inner shaft portions 67.

[0051] The main shaft portion 66 is a solid rod. The main shaft portion 66 penetrates the gear case 60 of the transmission 32 in the left-right direction. The main shaft portion 66 is fixed to the first drive gear 61 of the transmission 32 and is configured to rotate integrally with the first drive gear 61 in the first rotational direction R1.

[0052] Each inner shaft portion 67 is pipe-shaped. Each inner shaft portion 67 is not fixed to the main shaft portion 66, but is provided to be rotatable relative to the main shaft portion 66. Each inner shaft portion 67 is fixed to a corresponding second drive gear 62 in the left-right direction, and is configured to rotate integrally with the second drive gear 62 in the second rotation direction R2.

[0053] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, each outer shaft portion 68 is pipe-shaped. The left-right ends of the main shaft portion 66 are fitted into the left-right inner portion of each outer shaft portion 68. In this way, each outer shaft portion 68 is fixed to the main shaft portion 66 and configured to rotate integrally with the main shaft portion 66 in the first rotational direction R1. A cylindrical mounting piece 70 is fitted into the left-right outer portion of each outer shaft portion 68. The mounting piece 70 is attached via a bearing 71 to a support bracket 57 fixed to each side plate 42 of the auger housing 31. In this way, the auger shaft 33 is rotatably supported by the pair of side plates 42. The inner circumferential surface of the mounting piece 70 is provided with a female thread 72, and a bolt 73 is screwed into the female thread 72 from the left-right outer side. The head 73a of the bolt 73 is housed in the bulge 54 of each side plate 42 and locks the bearing 71 from the left-right outer side.

[0054] Referring to Figure 2, the auger claws 34 of the auger device 7 are so-called cross-auger type auger claws and are made of spring steel. The auger claws 34 have a pair of inner claw portions 80 provided on the left and right outer sides of the transmission 32, and a pair of outer claw portions 81 provided on the left and right outer sides of the pair of inner claw portions 80. Each inner claw portion 80 and each outer claw portion 81 are not connected to each other and are spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0055] Each inner claw portion 80 is composed of a pair of inner blades 82 arranged so that their circumferential angular positions are different from each other. Each inner blade 82 is roughly C-shaped in side view. The outer edge of each inner blade 82 is arc-shaped with respect to the auger shaft 33. Each inner blade 82 is fixed to an inner bracket 83 fixed to the outer circumferential surface of each inner shaft portion 67 of the auger shaft 33 via a pair of bolts 84. In this way, each inner blade 82 is detachably fixed to each inner shaft portion 67 via the inner bracket 83 and is configured to rotate integrally with each inner shaft portion 67 in the second rotational direction R2. Each inner blade 82 is inclined outward in the left-right direction toward the second rotational direction R2.

[0056] Each outer claw portion 81 is composed of a pair of outer blades 86 arranged so that their circumferential angular positions are different from each other. Each outer blade 86 is roughly C-shaped in side view. The outer edge of each outer blade 86 is arc-shaped with respect to the auger shaft 33. Each outer blade 86 is fixed to an outer bracket 87 fixed to the outer circumferential surface of each outer shaft portion 68 of the auger shaft 33 via a pair of bolts 88. In this way, each outer blade 86 is detachably fixed to each outer shaft portion 68 via the outer bracket 87 and is configured to rotate integrally with each outer shaft portion 68 in the first rotational direction R1. Each outer blade 86 is inclined outward in the left-right direction toward the first rotational direction R1. That is, each outer blade 86 is inclined in the opposite direction to each inner blade 82.

[0057] The pair of side discs 35 of the auger device 7 are spaced apart to the left and right outward of the pair of outer claw portions 81 of the auger claws 34. In other words, the pair of side discs 35 are not welded to the auger claws 34. The pair of side discs 35 are spaced apart to the left and right inward of the pair of side plates 42 of the auger housing 31.

[0058] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, each side disc 35 is formed from a single sheet of metal and has a disc shape centered on the auger shaft 33. Each side disc 35 is formed from a different metal material than the auger claws 34.

[0059] Each side disc 35 has an annular outer peripheral edge portion 91, an annular outer flat plate portion 92 positioned inward in the left-right direction and radially inward from the outer peripheral edge portion 91, an annular inner flat plate portion 93 positioned inward in the left-right direction and radially inward from the outer flat plate portion 92, a substantially annular central flat plate portion 94 positioned inward in the left-right direction and radially inward from the inner flat plate portion 93, an annular outer connecting portion 95 connecting the outer peripheral edge portion 91 and the outer flat plate portion 92, an annular inner connecting portion 96 connecting the outer flat plate portion 92 and the inner flat plate portion 93, and a pair of central connecting portions 97 connecting the inner flat plate portion 93 and the central flat plate portion 94. The outer peripheral edge portion 91, the outer flat plate portion 92, the inner flat plate portion 93, the outer connecting portion 95, and the inner connecting portion 96 are each spaced apart from the first flat plate portion 46, the second flat plate portion 47, the third flat plate portion 48, the first connecting portion 50, and the second connecting portion 51 of each side plate 42.

[0060] The outer peripheral edge portion 91, the outer flat plate portion 92, the inner flat plate portion 93, and the central flat plate portion 94 are provided along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. The outer diameter of the outer flat plate portion 92 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral edge portion 91, the outer diameter of the inner flat plate portion 93 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer flat plate portion 92, and the outer diameter of the central flat plate portion 94 is smaller than the outer diameter of the inner flat plate portion 93. The outer peripheral edge portion 91 is arranged on the same plane as the second flat plate portion 47 of each side plate 42, and the outer flat plate portion 92 is arranged on the same plane as the third flat plate portion 48 of each side plate 42. A circular fitting hole 99 is provided in the center of the central flat plate portion 94. Each outer shaft portion 68 of the auger shaft 33 is fitted into the fitting hole 99. In this way, each side disc 35 is fixed to each outer shaft portion 68 and is configured to rotate integrally with each outer shaft portion 68 in the first rotational direction R1.

[0061] The outer connection portion 95, the inner connection portion 96, and the pair of central connection portions 97 are inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. More specifically, the outer connection portion 95, the inner connection portion 96, and the pair of central connection portions 97 are inclined radially inward toward the left-right inward direction. The pair of central connection portions 97 extend from the outer peripheral edge of the central plate portion 94 toward opposite sides and are connected to the inner peripheral edge of the inner plate portion 93. A pair of communication openings 100 are formed at the circumferential spacing between the pair of central connection portions 97.

[0062] The radial width W1 of the outer flat plate portion 92 is wider than the radial width W2 of the inner flat plate portion 93 (more specifically, the portion of the inner flat plate portion 93 whose circumferential position overlaps with each communication opening 100). However, in other embodiments, the radial width W1 of the outer flat plate portion 92 may be approximately equal to the radial width W2 of the inner flat plate portion 93, or it may be narrower than the radial width W2 of the inner flat plate portion 93.

[0063] The surface areas of the outer plate portion 92 and the inner plate portion 93 are larger than the surface areas of the outer peripheral edge portion 91, the outer connecting portion 95, and the inner connecting portion 96. The left-right spacing D1 between the outer peripheral edge portion 91 and the outer plate portion 92 (more specifically, the pitch between the center of the outer peripheral edge portion 91 in the thickness direction and the center of the outer plate portion 92 in the thickness direction; the same applies hereinafter) is narrower than the left-right spacing D2 between the outer plate portion 92 and the inner plate portion 93. The left-right spacing D2 between the outer plate portion 92 and the inner plate portion 93 is narrower than the left-right spacing D3 between the inner plate portion 93 and the central plate portion 94.

[0064] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, each side disc 35 is provided with a pair of auxiliary claws 102 that protrude inward in the left-right direction on the inner surface of its outer peripheral edge 91. The pair of auxiliary claws 102 are positioned on opposite sides of each other, straddling each outer shaft portion 68 of the auger shaft 33. The outer edge of each auxiliary claw 102 protrudes further outward than the outer peripheral edge 91 of each side disc 35.

[0065] Each auxiliary claw 102 is made of a plate-shaped member that is curved so as to be convex inward in the left-right direction. In other words, each auxiliary claw 102 is formed separately from each side disc 35. The circumferential ends 102A of each auxiliary claw 102 are fixed to the inner surface of the outer peripheral edge 91 of each side disc 35 by welding. The radially inner edge 102B of each auxiliary claw 102 is fixed to the outer connection portion 95 of each side disc 35 by welding. With this configuration, a space S opening radially outward is formed between each side disc 35 and each auxiliary claw 102.

[0066] Each auxiliary claw 102 is positioned adjacent to the left-right outer end 86A of each outer blade 86 (in Figures 6 and 7, only one of a pair of outer blades 86 is shown) that constitutes each outer claw portion 81 of the auger claw 34. More specifically, each auxiliary claw 102 is positioned on the extension line E of the left-right outer end 86A of each outer blade 86. Each auxiliary claw 102 is positioned at a distance Y in the circumferential direction of the auger axis 33 relative to the left-right outer end 86A of each outer blade 86. An inclined surface 104 is provided on the inner surface of each auxiliary claw 102. The inclined surface 104 is inclined left-right outward toward the first rotational direction R1 (the rotational direction of each outer blade 86). That is, the inclined surface 104 is inclined in the same direction as each outer blade 86. The angle formed by the inclined surface 104 and the surface perpendicular to the left-right direction is approximately equal to the angle formed by the left-right outer end 86A of each outer blade 86 and the surface perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0067] Each connecting member 36 of the auger device 7 has the aforementioned outer bracket 87 and a plurality (four in this embodiment) of connecting shafts 106 that extend radially from the outer bracket 87.

[0068] Multiple connecting shafts 106 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. One of the multiple connecting shafts 106 is positioned radially inward of one auxiliary claw 102, such that its circumferential position overlaps with that of the auxiliary claw 102. Another of the multiple connecting shafts 106 is positioned radially inward of the other auxiliary claw 102, such that its circumferential position overlaps with that of the other auxiliary claw 102.

[0069] Each connecting shaft 106 extends radially in a side view. The radially inner end of each connecting shaft 106 is joined (welded) to the outer bracket 87. The radially outer end of each connecting shaft 106 is joined (welded) to the inner surface of the outer flat plate portion 92 of each side disc 35.

[0070] Next, the operation of the auger device 7 will be explained in detail.

[0071] As described above, when the crankshaft 11 of the engine 10 rotates, the rotation of the crankshaft 11 is transmitted to the transmission shaft 12 via a reduction mechanism (not shown), causing the transmission shaft 12 to rotate. When the transmission shaft 12 rotates in this way, the first drive gear 61 of the transmission 32, the main shaft portion 66 and pair of outer shaft portions 68 of the auger shaft 33, the pair of outer claw portions 81 of the auger claws 34, and the pair of side discs 35 rotate together in the first rotational direction R1. As a result, the snow in front of the snowblower 1 is crushed by the pair of outer claw portions 81 of the auger claws 34 and the pair of side discs 35, and conveyed toward the center in the left-right direction of the auger housing 31.

[0072] Furthermore, as described above, when the pair of side discs 35 rotate in the first rotational direction R1, the pair of auxiliary claws 102 provided on the inner surface of each side disc 35 also rotate in the first rotational direction R1. As a result, snow that enters the gap between each side disc 35 and each outer claw portion 81 of the auger claw 34 is crushed by the pair of auxiliary claws 102.

[0073] Furthermore, as described above, when the transmission shaft 12 rotates, each second drive gear 62 of the transmission 32, each inner shaft portion 67 of the auger shaft 33, and each inner claw portion 80 of the auger claw 34 rotate together in the second rotational direction R2. That is, each inner claw portion 80 of the auger claw 34 rotates in the opposite direction to each outer claw portion 81 and each side disc 35 of the auger claw 34. As a result, the snow in front of the snowblower 1 is crushed by each inner claw portion 80 of the auger claw 34 and conveyed toward the center in the left-right direction of the auger housing 31.

[0074] As described above, in the auger device 7 according to this embodiment, a pair of auxiliary claws 102 that protrude inward in the left-right direction are provided on the inner surface of each side disc 35. With this configuration, snow that enters the gap between each side disc 35 and the auger claws 34 can be crushed by the pair of auxiliary claws 102. Therefore, while arranging each side disc 35 with an appropriate gap (clearance) in the left-right direction when viewed from the front of the machine body 3, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the working efficiency (snow crushing efficiency) of the auger device 7.

[0075] Furthermore, if each side disc 35 is welded to the auger claw 34, when the auger claw 34 is damaged, it becomes necessary to replace both the auger claw 34 and each side disc 35 together. In contrast, in this embodiment, since each side disc 35 is not welded to the auger claw 34, when the auger claw 34 is damaged, only the auger claw 34 can be replaced while leaving the side discs 35 in place. This improves the maintainability of the auger device 7. In addition, since each side disc 35 and the auger claw 34 can be made of different materials that cannot be welded to each other, the range of material choices for each side disc 35 and the auger claw 34 is broadened.

[0076] Furthermore, each outer blade 86 constituting each outer claw portion 81 of the auger claw 34 is inclined outward in the left-right direction toward the first rotational direction R1, and each auxiliary claw 102 is positioned adjacent to the left-right outer end 86A of each outer blade 86. This allows the distance between the left-right outer end 86A of each outer blade 86 and each auxiliary claw 102 to be narrowed, thereby more effectively suppressing the decrease in the working efficiency of the auger device 7.

[0077] Furthermore, each auxiliary claw 102 is positioned on the extension line E of the left-right outer end 86A of each outer blade 86. This allows the snow crushed by each auxiliary claw 102 to be smoothly transported inward in the left-right direction by each outer blade 86.

[0078] Furthermore, each auxiliary claw 102 is provided with an inclined surface 104 that slopes outward in the left-right direction toward the first rotation direction R1 (the rotation direction of each outer blade 86). This allows the snow crushed by each auxiliary claw 102 to be transported more smoothly inward in the left-right direction by each outer blade 86.

[0079] Furthermore, each auxiliary claw 102 is positioned with a circumferential spacing Y relative to the left-right outer end 86A of each outer blade 86. This prevents the left-right outer end 86A of each outer blade 86 from contacting each auxiliary claw 102 when each outer blade 86 undergoes elastic deformation toward the left-right outer side.

[0080] Furthermore, one of the multiple connecting shafts 106 is positioned radially inward of one auxiliary claw 102, and another of the multiple connecting shafts 106 is positioned radially inward of the other auxiliary claw 102. As a result, each connecting shaft 106 is hidden radially inward of each auxiliary claw 102, making it less likely for each connecting shaft 106 to interfere with each auxiliary claw 102 biting into the snow surface.

[0081] Furthermore, each auxiliary claw 102 is formed separately from each side disc 35 and is joined to the inner surface of each side disc 35. This allows for greater freedom in the shape of each auxiliary claw 102 compared to the case where each auxiliary claw 102 is formed integrally with each side disc 35.

[0082] Furthermore, each auxiliary claw 102 is made of a plate-shaped member. Therefore, the weight and cost of each auxiliary claw 102 can be reduced. In addition, each auxiliary claw 102 is curved so as to be convex inward in the left-right direction, and a space S that opens radially outward is formed between each side disc 35 and each auxiliary claw 102. This improves the ability of each auxiliary claw 102 to bite into the snow surface.

[0083] Furthermore, the outer edge of each auxiliary claw 102 protrudes further outward than the outer edge 91 of each side disc 35. This allows the outer edge of each auxiliary claw 102 to contact the snow surface before the side disc 35, thus enabling efficient snow crushing.

[0084] In this embodiment, when viewed from the side, the outer edges of each outer blade 86 constituting each outer claw portion 81 of the auger claw 34 also protrude further outward than the outer peripheral edge 91 of each side disc 35 (see Figure 6). As a result, the outer edges of each outer blade 86 can come into contact with the snow surface before the side discs 35, thus enabling more efficient snow crushing.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the inner claw portion 80 and the outer claw portion 81 of the auger claw 34 are spaced apart in the left-right direction. On the other hand, in other embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the inner claw portion 80 and the outer claw portion 81 of the auger claw 34 may be connected to each other, so that the auger claw 34 is continuous in a spiral shape.

[0086] In the above embodiment, each connecting member 36 has an outer bracket 87 and a plurality of connecting shafts 106. On the other hand, in other embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, each connecting member 36 may have only a plurality of connecting shafts 106. When such a configuration is adopted, it is preferable that the radially inner end of each connecting shaft 106 is directly joined (welded) to the auger shaft 33.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the radially outer end of each connecting shaft 106 is joined (welded) to the inner surface of the outer flat plate portion 92 of each side disc 35. On the other hand, in other embodiments, the radially outer end of each connecting shaft 106 may be joined (welded) to the inner surface of the inner flat plate portion 93 of each side disc 35.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the outer connecting portion 95 and the inner connecting portion 96 are inclined radially inward toward the left-right direction. On the other hand, in other embodiments, the outer connecting portion 95 and the inner connecting portion 96 may be provided parallel to the left-right direction.

[0089] In the above embodiment, each auxiliary claw 102 is provided on the inner surface of the outer peripheral edge 91 of each side disc 35. On the other hand, in other embodiments, each auxiliary claw 102 may be provided on the inner surface of the outer flat plate portion 92 or the inner flat plate portion 93 of each side disc 35.

[0090] In the above embodiment, each auxiliary claw 102 is provided separately from each side disc 35. On the other hand, in other embodiments, each auxiliary claw 102 may be provided integrally with each side disc 35.

[0091] In the above embodiment, a pair of auxiliary claws 102 are provided on the inner surface of each side disc 35. On the other hand, in other embodiments, only one auxiliary claw 102 may be provided on the inner surface of each side disc 35, or three or more may be provided.

[0092] In the above embodiment, an engine 10 is used as a drive source to drive the blower device 6 and the auger device 7. On the other hand, in other embodiments, an electric motor may be used as a drive source to drive the blower device 6 and the auger device 7, or both an engine 10 and an electric motor may be used.

[0093] In the above embodiment, a drive motor 14 is used as a drive source to drive the crawler belts 17 of each drive device 4. On the other hand, in other embodiments, an engine 10 may be used as a drive source to drive the crawler belts 17 of each drive device 4, or both an engine 10 and a drive motor 14 may be used.

[0094] This concludes the description of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments or modifications and can be broadly modified and implemented. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1: Snowblower 7: Auger device 31: Ogre Housing 33: Ogre axis 34: Ogre Claws 35: Side Disc 36: Connecting member 86: Outer blade 86A: Outer end in the left-right direction 91: Outer edge 102: Auxiliary claw 102A: Both ends in the circumferential direction 104: Inclined surface 106: Connecting shaft E: Extension line S: Space X: Axis line

Claims

1. This is an auger device for a snowblower. Ogre Housing and An auger shaft supported by the auger housing so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in a predetermined direction, The auger claws fixed to the auger shaft, The auger comprises a pair of side discs positioned on both sides of the auger claws in the predetermined direction and fixed to the auger shaft, Each of the pair of side discs is positioned at a distance from the auger claws, and each of the pair of side discs is provided with an auxiliary claw that protrudes inward in the predetermined direction. The auger claws are inclined outward in the predetermined direction with respect to their rotational direction, The auxiliary claw is positioned adjacent to the outer end of the auger claw in the predetermined direction, The auxiliary claw is positioned on the extension line of the end of the auger claw that is on the outer side in the predetermined direction, The auger device of a snowblower is provided with an auxiliary claw having an inclined surface that slopes outward in a predetermined direction with respect to the rotational direction of the auger claw.

2. The auger device for a snowblower according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary claws are arranged at a distance in the circumferential direction of the auger axis from the end of the auger claw that is on the outer side in the predetermined direction.

3. The auger shaft and the pair of side discs are further provided with a pair of connecting members, Each of the pair of connecting members includes a plurality of connecting shafts that extend radially along the auger axis in a side view. The auger device for a snowblower according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the plurality of connecting shafts is arranged radially inward of the auxiliary claw.

4. The auger device for a snowblower according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the auxiliary claw is formed separately from each of the pair of side discs and is joined to the inner surface of each of the pair of side discs.

5. The auxiliary claw is made of a plate-shaped member that is curved so as to be convex inward in the predetermined direction, and both ends of the auxiliary claw in the circumferential direction of the auger shaft are joined to the inner surface of each of the pair of side discs. The auger device for a snowblower according to claim 4, wherein a space is formed between each of the pair of side discs and the auxiliary claw, opening radially outward from the auger shaft.

6. The auger device for a snowblower according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a portion of the auxiliary claw protrudes outward from the outer edge of each of the pair of side discs.

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