Electronically controlled clutch structure of actuator

Abstract

This application relates to an electrically controlled clutch structure for an actuation device, comprising a driver, a cam, a clutch wheel, and a transmission wheel. The driver is fixed to a gearbox; the cam is connected to and driven by the driver, and includes a first actuating part and a second actuating part; the clutch wheel is connected to a rotating shaft and rotates with it, with a portion of the clutch wheel straddling the cam, and the cam operablely actuates the clutch wheel; the transmission wheel is connected to the rotating shaft and configured corresponding to the clutch wheel; wherein when the clutch wheel is in the first actuating part, the clutch wheel and the transmission wheel are in a disengaged state, and when the clutch wheel is in the second actuating part, the clutch wheel and the transmission wheel are in an engaged state. This enables weeding operations that can adapt to uneven terrain in the grass, adjusting their position according to the grass's contours.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to the technology of an actuation device, and more particularly to an electronically controlled clutch structure of an actuation device. [Previous Technology]

[0002] The use of lawnmowers in golf courses and various grass-covered fields for rapid and large-scale weeding is quite common and widespread. When weeding, it is generally desirable that the height of the cut turf is uniform and flat.

[0003] However, most existing weeders do not have the ability to adjust their height according to the terrain of the grass. Therefore, during weeding operations, the blades often have uneven force application when digging hard soil due to the high-speed rotation of the blades, which can easily result in residual weeds, machine shaking, vibration, and difficulty in control. In addition, the high-speed rotation of the blades can easily cause soil, grass, debris, and other objects to fly everywhere, which can often cause the operator to be injured by the flying debris.

[0004] In view of this, the creator has devoted himself to researching and applying theoretical principles to address the shortcomings of the existing technology, and has made every effort to solve the above-mentioned problems, which has become the creator's goal of improvement. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] One objective of this application is to provide an electronically controlled clutch structure for an actuation device, which can be used to perform weeding work by operating the actuation device through the electronically controlled clutch structure to change the terrain of the grass, adapting to the unevenness of the grass.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, this application provides an electrically controlled clutch structure for an actuation device. The actuation device has a gearbox and an electric motor. The electric motor has a rotating shaft. The electrically controlled clutch structure is disposed in the gearbox and configured corresponding to the electric motor. It includes a driver, a cam, a clutch wheel, and a transmission wheel. The driver is fixed to the gearbox. The cam is connected to and driven by the driver. The cam includes a first actuating part and a second actuating part. The clutch wheel is connected to the rotating shaft and rotates with it. A portion of the clutch wheel is mounted on the cam. The cam is operable to actuate the clutch wheel. The transmission wheel is connected to the rotating shaft and configured corresponding to the clutch wheel. When the clutch wheel is in the first actuating part, the clutch wheel and the transmission wheel are in a disengaged state. When the clutch wheel is in the second actuating part, the clutch wheel and the transmission wheel are in an engaged state.

[0007] This application also has the following effect: by setting up a signal detector and a trigger, it can be clearly known whether the clutch wheel and the transmission wheel are in a disengaged state or an engaged state.

Implementation Method

[0017] The detailed description and technical content of this application are illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are provided for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0018] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5. This application provides an electronically controlled clutch structure for an actuation device, wherein the actuation device 8 mainly includes a gearbox 81, a motor 82, a reduction mechanism 83, a transmission mechanism 84, an electronically controlled clutch structure 1, and other related components or devices.

[0019] The gearbox 81 mainly includes a base 811 and a cover 815 corresponding to the base 811. The reduction mechanism 83 is mounted on the base 811 and includes a plurality of spur gears of different sizes. The motor 82 and the transmission mechanism 84 are mounted on the base 811 and are transmitted through the connection of the reduction mechanism 83. The transmission mechanism 84 has a push rod 841 and related components. Since the aforementioned components or mechanisms are all prior art, they will not be described in detail one by one.

[0020] The electronically controlled clutch structure 1 of this application is disposed in the gearbox 81 and is configured corresponding to the motor 82, and mainly includes a driver 10, a cam 20, a clutch wheel 30 and a transmission wheel 40.

[0021] The driver 10 mainly includes a motor body 11, a bracket 12 and a plurality of screw elements 13. The aforementioned base 811 is provided with a plurality of studs 812. The motor 82 has a rotating shaft 821. The bracket 12 is locked to the studs 812 of the base 811 through the screw elements 13. The motor body 11 is housed and fixed in the bracket 12 and formed on one side of the rotating shaft 821.

[0022] The cam 20 is connected to and driven by the aforementioned motor body 11 to rotate. Its upper end face has a curved profile and mainly includes a first actuating part 21, a second actuating part 22, and two inclined surfaces 23. The first actuating part 21 and the second actuating part 22 are arranged opposite each other and form a height difference. Each inclined surface 23 is connected between the first actuating part 21 and the second actuating part 22. A trigger body 24 protrudes from the lower end face of the cam 20.

[0023] The clutch wheel 30 mainly includes a disc 31 and a column 32 extending from the disc 31. A positioning hole 33 is provided at the center of the disc 31 and the column 32. A plurality of fitting blocks 34 are provided on the end face of the disc 31 facing away from the column 32. A part of the disc 31 spans the curved profile of the aforementioned cam 20. The cam 20 is the disc 31 that can operably actuate the clutch wheel 30. The aforementioned rotating shaft 821 has a positioning plane 822. The clutch wheel 30 is sleeved on the positioning plane 822 of the rotating shaft 821 through its positioning hole 33, thereby causing the clutch wheel 30 to rotate by the rotating shaft 821.

[0024] The transmission wheel 40 is movably connected to the aforementioned rotating shaft 821 and is formed below the clutch wheel 30. It meshes with the gears of the aforementioned reduction mechanism 83 for transmission. The transmission wheel 40 has a plurality of engagement slots 41 at positions corresponding to the engagement blocks 34 of the clutch wheel 30, so as to engage or disengage with each other. The aforementioned "movable connection" means that when the transmission wheel 40 is disengaged from the clutch wheel 30, the transmission wheel 40 can rotate freely (or idle) relative to the rotating shaft 821, while the rotating shaft 821 and the clutch wheel 30 remain fixed.

[0025] In one embodiment, the electronically controlled clutch structure 1 of this application further includes a signal detector 50, which is disposed inside the gearbox 81 and configured corresponding to the trigger body 24 of the aforementioned cam 20. The signal detector 50 mainly includes a first detection unit 51 and a second detection unit 52. When the clutch wheel 30 and the transmission wheel 40 are in a disengaged state, the first detection unit 51 is triggered by the trigger body 24; when the clutch wheel 30 and the transmission wheel 40 are in a engaged state, the second detection unit 52 is triggered by the trigger body 24.

[0026] In one embodiment, the electronically controlled clutch structure 1 of this application further includes a processor 60, wherein the driver 10, the signal detector 50 and the motor 82 are electrically connected to the processor 60.

[0027] In one embodiment, the electronically controlled clutch structure 1 of this application further includes a return spring 35. The aforementioned rotating shaft 821 includes a first retaining ring 823 and a washer 824. The first retaining ring 823 is embedded in the rotating shaft 821 and stops the washer 824. The return spring 35 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the column 32 of the clutch wheel 30 and is elastically clamped between the disc 31 and the washer 824.

[0028] In one embodiment, the electronically controlled clutch structure 1 of this application further includes two wear-resistant pads 36, and the aforementioned rotating shaft 821 further includes a second retaining ring 825 and a retaining ring 826. The second retaining ring 825 is embedded in the rotating shaft 821, and each wear-resistant pad 36 is sleeved on the aforementioned rotating shaft 821. One wear-resistant pad 36 is disposed between the retaining ring 826 and the transmission wheel 40; the other wear-resistant pad 36 is disposed between the transmission wheel 40 and the second retaining ring 825.

[0029] In one embodiment, the electronically controlled clutch structure 1 of this application further includes a force detector 70, which is disposed on the transmission mechanism 84 to detect whether the push rod 841 is subjected to load or force.

[0030] Please refer to Figures 6 to 9. In use, when the push rod 841 of the transmission mechanism 84 extends outward to the upper limit position, the user outputs a control signal by pressing a button (not shown). The processor 60 controls the driver 10 to run, and the motor body 11 of the driver 10 drives the cam 20 to rotate. At this time, the disc 31 of the clutch 30 is lifted by the first actuating part 21 of the cam 20, causing the clutch 30 to move upward and disengage from the transmission wheel 40 (each fitting block 34 and each fitting groove 41 disengage, that is, in a disengaged state). At this time, the rotating shaft 821 remains stationary, while the transmission wheel 40 rotates freely relative to the shaft 821. At the same time, when the trigger body 24 of the cam 20 rotates to the position of the first detection unit 51, it transmits a signal to the processor 60. After receiving the signal that the clutch 30 has disengaged from the transmission wheel 40, the processor 60 controls the motor 82 to stop operating. At this time, the push rod 841 can easily extend and retract under the action of external force. That is, when this actuation device 8 is applied to a lawnmower, it can enable the lawnmower to quickly adjust the height of the blades to conform to the ground according to the undulations of the ground, thereby reducing the area of ​​turf that has not been cut.

[0031] After the push rod 841 moves in extension and retraction, the user can press the button again to output a control signal. The processor 60 controls the driver 10 to run. The motor body 11 of the driver 10 will drive the cam 20 to rotate in the opposite direction. At this time, the disc 31 of the clutch 30 is located at the second actuating part 22 of the cam 20. Through the elastic force of the return spring 35, the clutch wheel 30 moves down and the engagement blocks 34 of the clutch wheel 30 and the engagement slots 41 of the transmission wheel 40 engage with each other (i.e., in an engagement state). The clutch wheel 30 can drive the transmission wheel 40 to rotate. At the same time, when the trigger body 24 of the cam 20 rotates to the position of the second detection unit 52, the second detection unit 52 transmits the engagement signal of the engagement blocks 34 of the clutch wheel 30 and the engagement slots 41 of the transmission wheel 40 to the processor 60. The processor 60 controls the motor 82 to resume operation. At this time, the push rod 841 can extend or retract normally.

[0032] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the patent scope of this application. Other equivalent changes that utilize the patent spirit of this application should all fall within the patent scope of this application. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0008] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the electronically controlled clutch structure of this application combined with the actuation device.

[0009] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the electronically controlled clutch structure and motor of this application.

[0010] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the combination of the electronically controlled clutch structure and the electric motor of this application.

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the electronically controlled clutch structure combined with the actuator of this application.

[0012] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the combination of the electronically controlled clutch structure of this application with the actuation device.

[0013] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the meshing combination of the clutch wheel and the transmission wheel of this application.

[0014] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the engagement of the clutch wheel and the transmission wheel in this application.

[0015] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the separation of the clutch wheel and the transmission wheel in this application.

[0016] Figure 9 is a sectional view of the clutch wheel and transmission wheel of this application separated.

Claims

1. An electrically controlled clutch structure for an actuation device, the actuation device having a gearbox and an electric motor, the electric motor having a rotating shaft, the electrically controlled clutch structure being disposed in the gearbox and configured corresponding to the electric motor, and comprising: a driver fixed to the gearbox; a cam connected to and driven by the driver, the cam including a first actuating part and a second actuating part; a clutch wheel connected to and rotating with the rotating shaft, a portion of the clutch wheel spanning the cam, the cam being operable to actuate the clutch wheel; and a transmission wheel connected to the rotating shaft and configured corresponding to the clutch wheel; wherein when the clutch wheel is in the first actuating part, the clutch wheel and the transmission wheel are in a disengaged state, and when the clutch wheel is in the second actuating part, the clutch wheel and the transmission wheel are in an engaged state; The electronically controlled clutch structure also includes a return spring. The rotating shaft includes a first retaining ring and a washer. The first retaining ring is embedded in the rotating shaft and stops the washer. The clutch wheel includes a disc and a column extending from the disc. The return spring is sleeved on the column and elastically clamped between the disc and the washer.

2. The electrically controlled clutch structure of the actuation device as described in claim 1, wherein the clutch wheel includes a disc and a column extending from the disc, a positioning hole is provided at the center of the disc and the column, the rotating shaft has a positioning plane, and the clutch wheel is fitted into the positioning plane through the positioning hole, thereby causing the clutch wheel to rotate with the rotating shaft.

3. The electrically controlled clutch structure of the actuation device as described in claim 2, wherein the disc body is provided with a plurality of engagement blocks and the drive wheel is provided with a plurality of engagement slots that engage or disengage with each of the engagement blocks.

4. The electrically controlled clutch structure of the actuation device as described in claim 1, wherein the drive includes a motor body, a bracket and a plurality of screw elements, the gearbox is provided with a plurality of studs, the bracket is locked to each of the studs through each of the screw elements, and the motor body is housed and fixed in the bracket.

5. The electronically controlled clutch structure of the actuation device as described in claim 1 further includes two wear-resistant pads, the rotating shaft further includes a second retaining ring and a retaining ring, the second retaining ring is embedded in the rotating shaft, the two wear-resistant pads are sleeved on the rotating shaft, one of the wear-resistant pads is disposed between the retaining ring and the drive wheel, and the other wear-resistant pad is disposed between the drive wheel and the second retaining ring.

6. The electronically controlled clutch structure of the actuation device as described in claim 1, further comprising a signal detector, the cam further comprising a trigger body, the signal detector being disposed within the gearbox and configured corresponding to the trigger body.

7. The electronically controlled clutch structure of the actuation device as described in claim 6, wherein the signal detector includes a first detection unit and a second detection unit, wherein the first detection unit is triggered by the trigger body when the clutch wheel and the drive wheel are in the disengaged state, and the second detection unit is triggered by the trigger body when the clutch wheel and the drive wheel are in the engaged state.

8. The electronically controlled clutch structure of the actuation device as described in claim 6, further comprising a processor, wherein the driver, the signal detector and the electric motor are electrically connected to the processor.

9. The electrically controlled clutch structure of the actuation device as described in claim 1, further comprising a force detector, the actuation device having a transmission mechanism having a push rod, the force detector being disposed on the transmission mechanism for detecting whether the push rod is under load.

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