A simulated steering mechanism

Abstract

The present invention discloses a simulated steering mechanism, belonging to the technical field of mechatronic control. The mechanism includes a bracket group, a pitching group, an azimuth group and a steering wheel group; the pitching group is movably installed on the bracket group, the azimuth group passes through the pitching group and forms a rotational fit with the pitching group to form a cross-shaped azimuth and pitching axis system, the steering wheel group is installed at the upper end of the azimuth group, and manual operation of the steering wheel group realizes the simulated steering actions of azimuth and pitching. The azimuth group and the pitching group are provided with corresponding gear sets and use gear speed increasing to achieve appropriate steering resistance. Springs and steel balls are arranged between the contact surfaces of the gears and the bracket group, and uniform angular gear positioning is realized through the elastic fit between the grooves on the gear end faces and the steel balls. The present invention can achieve a realistic simulated operation effect, has a simple structure, is light in weight, has a low manufacturing cost, is convenient for installation, adjustment, use and maintenance, and has a wide angle adaptation range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering mechanism for simulating an operating steering gear, belonging to the technical field of electromechanical control. Background Art

[0002] A marine steering gear is a complex electromechanical device with numerous motors and sensors. It has a linkage mechanism to drive the executing component and receives feedback linkage signals. It also has an assisting mechanism inside to facilitate manual operation.

[0003] According to different power sources, steering devices can be divided into electric steering devices, hydraulic steering devices, etc.

[0004] An electric steering device mainly consists of a motor, a worm, a worm gear, a pinion gear, a sector gear, a buffer spring, a tiller, etc. When the motor is remotely controlled by the steering device in the cab to rotate, the sector gear loosely sleeved on the rudder stock is driven to rotate through the worm, the worm gear, and the pinion gear. The sector gear then pushes the tiller keyed on the rudder stock through the buffer spring, thereby causing the rudder stock and the rudder to deflect. The use of the worm and worm gear transmission method is mainly to obtain a large reduction ratio to increase the torque. The buffer spring has a large hardness. Usually, under normal force, the spring will not deform and can smoothly transmit the steering torque. When the rudder blade receives a huge external impact force, the spring can absorb the impact energy and play a role in protecting the steering gear.

[0005] A hydraulic steering device mainly refers to a hydraulic steering gear, which is also called an electro-hydraulic steering gear or an electro-hydraulic servo. It uses an electric motor to drive the main oil pump to operate. When there is a steering signal, the main oil pump starts to suck and discharge oil. The high-pressure oil generated enters the steering cylinder through the pipeline system, pushing the plunger or vane in the cylinder to move, thereby driving the rudder stock and the rudder blade to rotate. When the rudder rotates to the required angle, the oil pump stops sucking and discharging oil through the feedback system, and the rudder stops at the required rudder angle.

[0006] During the learning and training process, the driver needs to be familiar with and operate the steering device for a long time. Operating the steering gear of the steering device requires the operation of many mechanical and electronic components. In addition, the operation and procurement costs of the steering gear are very high. Naturally, people have proposed to use a simulated steering mechanism to replace the real steering gear and steering mechanism.

[0007] Currently, there are two forms of simulating a steering gear. The first is to use a lever weight or a pendulum, but the size is large and the layout is inconvenient. The second is to drive a generator to generate resistance, but the electrical control is complex and the cost is high. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of this, the present invention provides a simulated steering mechanism. The mechanism achieves a suitable operating resistance through gear speed increase and realizes gear positioning at a uniform angle by arranging pre-compressed steel balls between the gear and the mounting component.

[0009] A simulation steering mechanism, which includes a bracket group, a pitching group, an azimuth group and a control handwheel group;

[0010] The pitching group is movably installed on the bracket group. The azimuth group passes through the pitching group and forms a rotational fit with the pitching group to form a cross-shaped azimuth and pitching axis system. The control handwheel group is installed at the upper end of the azimuth group. Manually operating the control handwheel group realizes the simulation operation actions of azimuth and pitching. The azimuth group and the pitching group are provided with corresponding gear sets and use gear speed increase to achieve appropriate operating resistance. Springs and steel balls are arranged between the contact surfaces of the gears and the bracket group. The elastic fit between the grooves on the gear end faces and the steel balls realizes the gear position positioning at uniform angles.

[0011] Further, the bracket group includes a support, a first side plate and a second side plate; the support is a circular flange structure. The upper surface of the support is used to be fixed to an external installation structure. The lower surface of the support is fixedly connected to the first side plate and the second side plate. The first side plate and the second side plate are provided with installation holes for installing the pitching group.

[0012] Further, the pitching group is formed by a pitching shaft and multiple gears; both ends of the pitching shaft are movably installed in the installation holes of the first side plate and the second side plate of the bracket group respectively. One end of the pitching shaft is fixedly connected to a gear, and this gear is sequentially meshed with the remaining gears installed on the gear end faces and the outer side faces of the second side plate to form a transmission system, and the gear speed increase is realized by using the tooth number matching between the gears; the last gear in the transmission system is provided with grooves distributed circumferentially on the opposite surface of the second side plate. One end of the installation hole on the second side plate is installed with a set screw, and a spring and a steel ball are installed at the other end of the installation hole. The end face of the gear compresses the steel ball in the installation hole. When the groove of the gear rotates to the position of the steel ball, the steel ball falls into the groove and is immediately squeezed back into the installation hole. This process forms the feel of the pitching gear position.

[0013] Further, the azimuth group includes an azimuth shaft, a cross plate and multiple gears; the azimuth shaft is movably matched with the central hole of the pitching shaft. The cross plate is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the pitching shaft in the pitching group. The azimuth shaft and the cross plate are perpendicular to each other and are in clearance fit. One end of the azimuth shaft located below the cross plate is fixedly connected to a gear, and this gear is sequentially meshed with the remaining gears installed on the gear end faces and the outer side faces of the cross plate to form a transmission system, and the gear speed increase is realized by using the tooth number matching between the gears; the last gear in the transmission system is provided with grooves distributed circumferentially on the opposite surface of the cross plate. One end of the installation hole on the cross plate is installed with a set screw, and a spring and a steel ball are installed at the other end of the installation hole. The end face of the gear compresses the steel ball in the installation hole. When the groove of the gear rotates to the position of the steel ball, the steel ball falls into the groove and is immediately squeezed back into the installation hole. This process forms the feel of the azimuth gear position.

[0014] Further, the rotation range of the pitching group is the clearance between the azimuth axis and the inner hole of the support, and the inner hole of the support mechanically limits the pitching range.

[0015] Further, a pitching angle sensor is installed in the pitching group, and an angular digital signal can be output when pitching.

[0016] Further, the rotation range of the azimuth group is realized by installing limit posts on the cross plate and machining limit grooves on the end faces of the gears corresponding to the limit posts.

[0017] Further, an azimuth angle sensor is installed in the azimuth group, and an angular digital signal can be output when azimuth rotation occurs.

[0018] Further, the operating handwheel group includes a handwheel, an upper cover, and buttons; the handwheel is fixedly connected to the upper end of the azimuth axis, the upper cover is used to shield the connection structure of the connection part, buttons are embedded and installed on the upper surface of the handwheel, and the buttons are used to send relevant command signals.

[0019] Beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. The present invention forms a cross-shaped azimuth and pitching axis system through the cooperation of the azimuth group and the pitching group to simulate a real steering mechanism. By using a reasonable tooth number ratio for the corresponding gear groups of the pitching group and the azimuth group, an appropriate operating resistance can be obtained. Combining the spring and the cooperation of the steel ball and the groove to generate a gear position feel makes the simulated operation have a sense of reality.

[0021] 2. The structure of the present invention is simple, light in weight, low in manufacturing cost, convenient for installation, adjustment, use and maintenance, wide in angle adaptation range, the whole machine is firm and reliable, and can withstand impact operations.

[0022] 3. Both the pitching and azimuth movements of the present invention adopt mechanical limiting methods, digital angular signals can be output for both azimuth and pitching, buttons are arranged on the handwheel and can send relevant command signals, and the simulation training is closer to the real scene.

[0023] 4. The present invention installs the pinion on one side end face of the large gear to form a combined stepped gear, which can reduce the processing difficulty of the stepped gear and reduce the processing cost of the product. Description of the drawings

[0024] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structure diagram of the simulated steering mechanism of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a two-dimensional cross-sectional view of the simulated steering mechanism of the present invention

[0026] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional structure diagram of the support group of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 Top view of the bracket group of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 A - A sectional view of the bracket group of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 Three - dimensional structure diagram of the pitching group of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 Two - dimensional sectional view of the pitching group of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 Three - dimensional structure diagram of the azimuth group of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 9 Two - dimensional sectional view of the azimuth group of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 Structure diagram of the operating handwheel group of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 11 Installation diagram of the present invention.

[0035] Among them, 1 - bracket group, 2 - pitching group, 3 - azimuth group, 4 - operating handwheel group, 5 - rubber bellows, 6 - support, 7 - first side plate, 8 - second side plate, 9 - pitching axis, 10 - flange, 11 - gear one, 12 - gear two, 13 - gear three, 14 - gear four, 15 - gear five, 16 - gear six, 17 - shaft one, 18 - shaft two, 19 - shaft three, 20 - sensor bracket, 21 - pitching angle sensor, 22 - azimuth axis, 23 - cross plate, 24 - limit post, 25 - gear A, 26 - gear B, 27 - gear C, 28 - gear D, 29 - shaft A, 30 - shaft B, 31 - sensor bracket, 32 - azimuth angle sensor, 33 - handwheel, 34 - upper cover, 35 - button, 36 - panel. Detailed implementation manners

[0036] The present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and by way of examples.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1 and 2 the present invention provides a simulated steering mechanism, which includes a bracket group 1, a pitching group 2, an azimuth group 3, an operating handwheel group 4 and a rubber bellows 5.

[0038] Among them, the bracket group 1 is the main body. The pitching group 2 is installed in the through holes of the first side plate 7 and the second side plate 8 through the pitching shaft 9. After installing flanges 10 on both sides, it is fixed with screws. The azimuth group 3 is installed in the middle hole of the pitching shaft 9 through its azimuth shaft 22, and is limited at the lower end with a retaining ring. The two shaft systems of azimuth and pitching are established and arranged in a cross shape. The azimuth is mechanically limited by the limit post 24 and the arc-shaped groove. See the C-C section, with a range of ±105°. The pitching is mechanically limited by the azimuth shaft 22 and the inner hole of the support 6. See the B-B section, with a range of ±25°.

[0039] The rubber bellows 5 is installed at the protruding hole end of the support 6 and fixed.

[0040] The operating handwheel group 4 is installed at the upper end of the azimuth shaft 22. After putting in a flat key, it is fixed with a nut.

[0041] Figure 3 、 4 Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams of the bracket group structure of the embodiment of the present invention. The support 6 is annular. The first side plate 7 is installed on the left side, with the planes in contact and fixed with 3 screws. The second side plate 8 is installed on the right side in the same way. After adjusting the coaxiality of the inner holes on both side plates, it is fixed with a pin. The threaded holes on the support 6 are used to connect with the panel 36.

[0042] Figure 6 and 7 Figures 18 and 19 are schematic diagrams of the pitching group structure of the embodiment of the present invention. The pitching shaft 9 is installed on the bracket group 1. Flanges 10 are installed at both ends of the pitching shaft 9 and fixed to the first side plate 7 and the second side plate 8 with screws respectively. A flat key is placed at the right end of the pitching shaft 9, and the first gear 11 is installed and fixed with a nut. The second gear 12 and the third gear 13 are connected with a pin to form a stepped gear. The first shaft 17 is fixed in interference fit with the hole on the second side plate 8. After installing a copper sleeve at the right end of the first shaft 17, the stepped gear is installed and limited with a retaining ring. The first gear 11 and the third gear 13 are meshed for transmission, and the number of teeth is 90 and 30 respectively. The fourth gear 14 and the fifth gear 15 are connected with a pin to form a stepped gear. The second shaft 18 is fixed in interference fit with the hole on the second side plate 8. After installing a copper sleeve at the right end of the second shaft 18, the stepped gear is installed and limited with a retaining ring. The second gear 12 and the fifth gear 15 are meshed for transmission, and the number of teeth is 90 and 30 respectively. The third shaft 19 is fixed in interference fit with the hole on the second side plate 8. After installing a copper sleeve at the right end of the third shaft 19, the sixth gear 16 is installed and limited with a retaining ring. The fourth gear 14 and the sixth gear 16 are meshed for transmission, and the number of teeth is 60 and 30 respectively.

[0043] See view Figure Ⅰ , there are four evenly distributed grooves on the end face of the sixth gear 16. The grooves are circular holes, and the diameter of the holes is smaller than the diameter of the steel balls. Steel balls and springs are sequentially placed in the threaded holes on the second side plate 8, and the compression amount of the spring is adjusted with a set screw to maintain an appropriate pressure.

[0044] Since the pitching angle is ±25°, the speed increase times, there are 4 positioning holes, so one

[0045] The sensor bracket 20 is installed on the first side plate 7 and fixed with screws. The pitch angle sensor 21 is installed on the sensor bracket 20 and fixed with screws. When pitching and rotating, it can output an angular digital signal.

[0046] Figure 8 and 9 is a schematic structural diagram of the azimuth group in the embodiment of the present invention. The azimuth axis 22 is installed in the middle hole of the pitch axis 9. A cross plate 23 is installed below the pitch axis 9, with the planes in contact and fixed with screws. The limit post 24 is installed, passing through the cross plate 23 and the pitch axis 9, and fixed by interference fit.

[0047] A flat key is placed at the lower end of the azimuth axis 22, and the gear A 25 is installed and fixed with a nut. The gear B 26 and the gear C 27 are connected by a pin to form a stepped gear. The shaft A 29 is fixed by interference fit with the hole on the cross plate 23. After a copper sleeve is installed at the lower end of the shaft A 29, the stepped gear is then installed and limited by a retaining ring. The gear A 25 and the gear C 27 are meshed and driven, and the number of teeth is 90 and 30 respectively. The shaft B 30 is fixed by interference fit with the hole on the cross plate 23. After a copper sleeve is installed at the lower end of the shaft B 30, the gear D 28 is then installed and limited by a retaining ring. The gear B 26 and the gear D 28 are meshed and driven, and the number of teeth is 60 and 30 respectively.

[0048] See Figure Ⅰ , there are four equally distributed holes or pits on the end face of the gear D 28. Steel balls and springs are sequentially placed in the screw holes on the cross plate 23, and the compression amount of the spring is adjusted with a set screw to maintain an appropriate pressure.

[0049] Since the pitch angle is ±105°, speed increase There are 4 positioning holes, so one

[0050] The sensor bracket 31 is connected to the cross plate 23 and the shaft A 29 with screws. The azimuth angle sensor 32 is installed on the sensor bracket A31 and fixed with screws. The shaft of the azimuth angle sensor 32 extends into the hole of the azimuth axis 22 and is coaxially connected and fixed with a set screw. When the azimuth rotates, it can output an angular digital signal.

[0051] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of the operating handwheel group in the embodiment of the present invention. The handwheel 33 is the main body, connected and fixed to the azimuth axis 22, the flat key, and the nut. The upper cover 34 is connected to the middle of the handwheel 33 with screws for protection and aesthetics. Four buttons are embedded in front of the handwheel 33 for sending relevant command signals.

[0052] Figure 11It is a schematic diagram of the panel installation in the embodiment of the present invention. The present simulation steering mechanism is installed on the console, which needs to be firm and stable and can withstand a certain impact force. Specifically, this mechanism passes through the holes of the panel 36 and is fixed with 4 screws.

[0053] In summary, the above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A simulated steering mechanism, characterized in that, the mechanism includes a bracket group, a pitching group, an azimuth group and a steering wheel group; the pitching group is movably installed on the bracket group, the azimuth group passes through the pitching group and forms a rotational fit with the pitching group to form a cross-shaped azimuth and pitching axis system, the steering wheel group is installed at the upper end of the azimuth group, and manual operation of the steering wheel group realizes the simulated steering actions of azimuth and pitching. The azimuth group and the pitching group are provided with corresponding gear sets and use gear speed increase to achieve appropriate steering resistance. Springs and steel balls are arranged between the contact surfaces of the gears and the bracket group, and uniform angular gear positioning is realized through the elastic fit between the grooves on the gear end faces and the steel balls; the pitching group is formed by a pitching shaft and multiple gears; both ends of the pitching shaft are movably installed in the mounting holes of the first side plate and the second side plate of the bracket group respectively. One end of the pitching shaft is fixedly connected with a gear, and this gear meshes with the remaining gears installed on the gear end face and the outer side face of the second side plate in sequence to form a transmission system, and gear speed increase is realized by using the tooth number matching between the gears; the last gear in the transmission system is processed with circumferentially distributed grooves on the opposite surface of the second side plate. A set screw is installed at one end of the mounting hole on the second side plate, a spring and a steel ball are installed at the other end of the mounting hole, and the end face of the gear compresses the steel ball in the mounting hole. When the groove of the gear rotates to the position of the steel ball, the steel ball falls into the groove and is immediately squeezed back into the mounting hole, and this process forms the feel of the pitching gear position; the azimuth group includes an azimuth shaft, a cross plate and multiple gears; the azimuth shaft is movably matched with the central hole of the pitching shaft, the cross plate is fixedly connected with the lower surface of the pitching shaft in the pitching group, the azimuth shaft and the cross plate are perpendicular to each other and have a clearance fit. One end of the azimuth shaft below the cross plate is fixedly connected with a gear, and this gear meshes with the remaining gears installed on the gear end face and the outer side face of the cross plate in sequence to form a transmission system, and gear speed increase is realized by using the tooth number matching between the gears; the last gear in the transmission system is processed with circumferentially distributed grooves on the opposite surface of the cross plate. A set screw is installed at one end of the mounting hole on the cross plate, a spring and a steel ball are installed at the other end of the mounting hole, and the end face of the gear compresses the steel ball in the mounting hole. When the groove of the gear rotates to the position of the steel ball, the steel ball falls into the groove and is immediately squeezed back into the mounting hole, and this process forms the feel of the azimuth gear position; the steering wheel group includes a steering wheel, an upper cover and a button; the steering wheel is fixedly connected to the upper end of the azimuth shaft, the upper cover is used to cover the connection structure of the connection part, and the button is embedded on the upper surface of the steering wheel for sending relevant command signals.

2. The simulated steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, the bracket group includes a support, a first side plate and a second side plate; the support is a circular flange structure, the upper surface of the support is used to be fixed with an external installation structure, the lower surface of the support is fixedly connected with the first side plate and the second side plate, and the first side plate and the second side plate are provided with mounting holes for installing the pitching group.

3. The simulated steering mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, the rotation range of the pitching group is the clearance between the azimuth shaft and the inner hole of the support, and the inner hole of the support mechanically limits the pitching range.

4. The analog steering mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, a pitch angle sensor is installed in the pitch group, and an angle digital signal can be output when pitching and rotating.

5. The analog steering mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, the rotation range of the azimuth group is realized by installing limit posts on the transverse plate and machining limit grooves on the end faces of the gears corresponding to the limit posts.

6. The analog steering mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, an azimuth angle sensor is installed in the azimuth group, and an angle digital signal can be output when azimuth rotating.

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