Electric power-assisted mechanical steering system of forklift

Abstract

The utility model discloses a forklift electric power-assisted mechanical steering system which comprises a connecting shaft, a torque sensor is installed at one end of the connecting shaft, a steering gear box is installed at the other end of the connecting shaft, and a steering mechanism driving the connecting shaft to rotate is arranged on the torque sensor. The torque sensor is connected with the steering controller, the steering controller is connected with the steering motor, and the steering motor is connected with the steering gear box and is configured to drive the steering execution mechanism to rotate. The power-assisted steering device is simple in structure, small in steering force and light in steering by adopting the steering motor for power-assisted steering, and clear in road feeling by adopting mechanical steering in which the steering wheel is directly connected with the steering wheel through a mechanical mechanism and the steering motor for power-assisted steering; when the steering system is in electrical failure, the forklift can still be steered through manual mechanical steering, and safety is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of forklift steering, in particular to an electric power-assisted mechanical steering system for a forklift. Background Art

[0002] The steering methods used in existing reach trucks include hydraulic steering and electric steering. The problems of hydraulic steering are: large steering force and heavy steering. The problems of electric steering are: no road feel feedback and poor steering feel. If the steering system fails electrically, steering will fail, which poses a safety risk. Therefore, an electric power-assisted mechanical steering system for a forklift is provided. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the utility model is to provide an electric power-assisted mechanical steering system for a forklift to solve the problems raised in the above-mentioned background technology.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the utility model provides the following technical solutions: an electric power-assisted mechanical steering system for a forklift, comprising a connecting shaft, a torque sensor is installed at one end of the connecting shaft, a steering gear box is installed at the other end of the connecting shaft, a steering mechanism for driving the connecting shaft to rotate is provided on the torque sensor, the torque sensor is connected to a steering controller, the steering controller is connected to a steering motor, the steering motor is connected to a steering gear box, and is configured to drive a steering actuator to rotate;

[0005] The steering gearbox includes a first output pinion mounted on the end of the connecting shaft and a first output gearwheel and a worm gear mounted on the steering actuator, the output pinion is meshed with the first output gearwheel, the worm gear is meshed with the worm, a second output gearwheel is mounted on the end of the worm, the second output gearwheel is meshed with the second output pinion, and the second output pinion is fixed to the end of the steering motor.

[0006] As a further solution of the present invention: the first output pinion gear has the same number of teeth as the second output pinion gear, and the first output gearwheel has the same number of teeth as the second output gearwheel.

[0007] As a further solution of the utility model: the steering actuator includes an output shaft, a steering pinion is installed at the end of the output shaft, the steering pinion is meshed with a steering gear, and the steering gear is connected to the steering wheel through a driving gear box.

[0008] As a further solution of the utility model: the steering gear box also includes a protective shell, the first output pinion, the first output gear, the worm wheel, the worm, the second output gear and the second output pinion are all arranged inside the protective shell, and the connecting shaft, the output shaft and the worm are all rotatably connected to the protective shell.

[0009] As a further solution of the utility model: the steering mechanism includes a steering wheel and a steering wheel seat for fixing the position of the steering wheel, and the torque sensor is mounted on the steering wheel seat and connected to the steering wheel.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the utility model are:

[0011] 1. The steering motor is used for power steering, which has small steering force and light steering. At the same time, the steering wheel is directly connected to the steering wheel through a mechanical mechanism + the steering motor is used for power steering, which has a clear sense of the road. When the steering system fails electrically, the manual mechanical steering can still make the forklift turn, which is highly safe.

[0012] 2. By arranging the first output pinion and the first output gear in the steering gearbox, the torque from the connecting shaft to the output shaft is increased, which can reduce the driver's operating force during manual steering, ensure that human power can rotate when the electric power assist does not work, and ensure steering safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of the utility model;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the steering gear box of the utility model;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the protective shell of the utility model;

[0016] In the figure: 1. steering wheel; 2. steering wheel seat; 3. torque sensor; 4. connecting shaft; 5. steering gearbox; 5-1. first output pinion; 5-2. first output gearwheel; 5-3. worm gear; 5-4. worm; 5-5. second output gearwheel; 5-6. second output pinion; 5-7. protective case; 6. output shaft; 7. steering pinion; 8. driving gearbox; 9. steering wheel; 10. steering gearwheel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the utility model to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0018] See also Figure 1-3In an embodiment of the utility model, an electric power-assisted mechanical steering system for a forklift includes a connecting shaft 4, a torque sensor 3 is installed at one end of the connecting shaft 4, a steering gear box 5 is installed at the other end of the connecting shaft 4, a steering mechanism for driving the connecting shaft 4 to rotate is provided on the torque sensor 3, the torque sensor 3 is connected to a steering controller 12, the steering controller 12 is connected to a steering motor 11, the steering controller 12 controls the steering motor 11 to work according to a signal from the torque sensor 3, and realizes electric power steering, further, the steering controller 12 is electrically connected to the torque sensor 3, receives an electrical signal output by the torque sensor 3, the steering motor 11 is electrically connected to the steering controller 12, the steering motor 11 is mechanically connected to the steering gear box 5, and the steering motor 11 is connected to the steering gear box 5, and is configured to drive the steering actuator to rotate;

[0019] The steering gearbox 5 includes a first output pinion 5-1 installed at the end of the connecting shaft 4 and a first output gearwheel 5-2 and a worm gear 5-3 installed on the steering actuator, that is, the first output gearwheel 5-2 and the worm gear 5-3 are installed together on the output shaft 6 and rotate together with the worm gear 5-3; the first output pinion 5-1 is meshed with the first output gearwheel 5-2, the worm gear 5-3 is meshed with the worm 5-4, the end of the worm 5-4 is equipped with a second output gearwheel 5-5, the second output gearwheel 5-5 is meshed with the second output pinion 5-6, and the second output pinion 5-6 is fixed to the end of the steering motor 11, wherein the first output pinion 5-1, the first output gearwheel 5-2, the second output gearwheel 5-5 and the second output pinion 5-6 can all be helical gears.

[0020] Through the design of the above technical solution, human-powered mechanical steering: the steering torque of the driver through the steering wheel 1 is transmitted to the first output pinion 5-1 through the connecting shaft 4, and then transmitted to the first output large gear 5-2 through the first output pinion 5-1, driving the output shaft 6 to rotate. Since the number of teeth of the first output pinion 5-1 is less than the number of teeth of the first output large gear 5-2, when the driver rotates the steering wheel 1, the torque to the output shaft 6 increases through the first output pinion 5-1 and the first output large gear 5-2, which can reduce the driver's operating force during human-powered steering, ensure that human power can rotate when the electric power assist does not work, and ensure steering safety.

[0021] Electric power steering: the steering motor 11 drives the second output pinion 5-6 to rotate, the second output pinion 5-6 drives the second output gearwheel 5-5 to rotate, the second output gearwheel 5-5 drives the worm 5-4 to rotate, the worm 5-4 drives the worm wheel 5-3 to rotate, and the worm wheel 5-3 drives the output shaft 6 to rotate; two-stage reduction is achieved from the steering motor 11 to the output shaft 6, that is, the second output pinion 5-6 to the second output gearwheel 5-5 gear reduction, and the worm 5-4 to the worm wheel 5-3 reduction, which can reduce the output torque of the steering motor 11, reduce the current of the steering motor 11, and improve efficiency.

[0022] See also Figure 1 In one embodiment, in this embodiment, preferably, the first output pinion 5-1 has the same number of teeth as the second output pinion 5-6, and the first output gear 5-2 has the same number of teeth as the second output gear 5-5.

[0023] See also Figure 1 In one embodiment, in this embodiment, preferably, the steering actuator includes an output shaft 6, a steering pinion 7 is installed at the end of the output shaft 6, the steering pinion 7 is meshed with a steering gear 10, and the steering gear 10 is connected to the steering wheel 9 through a driving gear box 8.

[0024] Specifically, the steering pinion 7 is installed at the end of the output shaft 6, the steering pinion 7 is meshed with the steering gear 10, the steering gear 10 is installed on the housing of the driving gear box 8, and the steering wheel 9 is also a driving wheel, which is installed on the output shaft of the driving gear box 8. The steering is completed by driving the steering wheel 9 through the output shaft 6, the steering pinion 7, the steering gear 10, and the driving gear box 8.

[0025] See also Figure 1 In one embodiment, in this embodiment, preferably, the steering gearbox 5 also includes a protective shell 5-7, the first output pinion 5-1, the first output gearwheel 5-2, the worm wheel 5-3, the worm 5-4, the second output gearwheel 5-5 and the second output pinion 5-6 are all arranged inside the protective shell 5-7, and the connecting shaft 4, the output shaft 6 and the worm 5-4 are all rotatably connected to the protective shell 5-7. Furthermore, the protective shell 5-7 not only plays a good protective role, but also provides a support point for the connecting shaft 4, the output shaft 6 and the worm 5-4.

[0026] See also Figure 1 In one embodiment, in this embodiment, preferably, the steering mechanism includes a steering wheel 1 and a steering wheel seat 2 for fixing the position of the steering wheel 1, and the torque sensor 3 is installed on the steering wheel seat 2 and connected to the steering wheel 1. Further, the torque sensor 3 detects the rotation angle and rotation direction of the steering wheel 1, identifies the driver's intention, and controls the steering motor 11 to work.

[0027] The working principle and use process of this utility model:

[0028] When the steering system fails electrically, the electric power steering does not work, and the forklift can be steered by manual mechanical steering, which improves safety;

[0029] Working principle: The driver operates the steering wheel 1 to rotate, and the steering pinion 7 is driven to rotate through the torque sensor 3, the connecting shaft 4, the steering gearbox 5, and the output shaft 6. The steering pinion 7 drives the steering gear 10 to rotate, and the driving gearbox 8 rotates together with the steering gear 10, driving the steering wheel 9 to rotate, so as to realize the steering of the forklift. At this time, the steering torque required by the steering wheel 9 is all provided by the driver.

[0030] When the steering system is electrically normal, the electric power steering works normally;

[0031] Working principle: The driver operates the steering wheel 1 to rotate, driving the torque sensor 3 to rotate. The torque sensor 3 outputs an electrical signal to the steering controller 12. The steering controller 12 controls the steering motor 11 to rotate according to the signal output by the torque sensor 3. The steering pinion 7 is driven to rotate through the steering gearbox 5 and the output shaft 6. The steering pinion 7 drives the steering gear 10 to rotate. The driving gearbox 8 rotates together with the steering gear 10, driving the steering wheel 9 to rotate, and realizing the forklift steering. At this time, the steering torque required by the steering wheel 9 is mainly provided by the steering motor, the driver's steering force is small, and the steering is easy.

[0032] Although this specification is described according to implementation modes, not every implementation mode includes only one independent technical solution. This description of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment may also be appropriately combined to form other implementation modes that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0033] Therefore, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of implementation of the present application; that is, all equivalent changes made according to the scope of the claims of the present application are within the protection scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A forklift electric power-assisted mechanical steering system, comprising a connecting shaft (4), characterized in that: A torque sensor (3) is installed at one end of the connecting shaft (4), a steering gear box (5) is installed at the other end of the connecting shaft (4), a steering mechanism for driving the connecting shaft (4) to rotate is provided on the torque sensor (3), the torque sensor (3) is connected to a steering controller (12), the steering controller (12) is connected to a steering motor (11), and the steering motor (11) is connected to the steering gear box (5) and is configured to drive the steering actuator to rotate; The steering gearbox (5) comprises a first output pinion (5-1) mounted on the end of a connecting shaft (4), and a first output gearwheel (5-2) and a worm gear (5-3) mounted on a steering actuator, wherein the first output pinion (5-1) meshes with the first output gearwheel (5-2), the worm gear (5-3) meshes with a worm (5-4), a second output gearwheel (5-5) is mounted on the end of the worm (5-4), the second output gearwheel (5-5) meshes with a second output pinion (5-6), and the second output pinion (5-6) is fixed to the end of a steering motor (11).

2. The forklift electric power-assisted mechanical steering system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first output pinion (5-1) and the second output pinion (5-6) have the same number of teeth, and the first output large gear (5-2) and the second output large gear (5-5) have the same number of teeth.

3. The forklift electric power-assisted mechanical steering system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering actuator comprises an output shaft (6), a steering pinion (7) is mounted on the end of the output shaft (6), the steering pinion (7) is meshed with a steering gear (10), and the steering gear (10) is connected to a steering wheel (9) via a driving gear box (8).

4. The forklift electric power-assisted mechanical steering system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The steering gear box (5) further comprises a protective shell (5-7); the first output pinion (5-1), the first output gearwheel (5-2), the worm wheel (5-3), the worm (5-4), the second output gearwheel (5-5) and the second output pinion (5-6) are all arranged inside the protective shell (5-7); and the connecting shaft (4), the output shaft (6) and the worm (5-4) are all rotationally connected to the protective shell (5-7).

5. The forklift electric power-assisted mechanical steering system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering mechanism comprises a steering wheel (1) and a steering wheel seat (2) for fixing the position of the steering wheel (1); the torque sensor (3) is mounted on the steering wheel seat (2) and connected to the steering wheel (1).

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