Steering mechanism, steering wheel assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses a steering mechanism, a steering wheel assembly and a vehicle, wherein the steering mechanism includes: a matching mounting structure, a driving structure, a shock absorber assembly and a bearing assembly. A matching protrusion is formed in the middle of the matching mounting structure; a mounting groove is formed on the top of the shock absorber base, the matching protrusion is rotatably matched in the mounting groove, a connecting column passes through the matching protrusion to connect with the driving structure, and the driving structure drives the shock absorber assembly to rotate; a first bearing is arranged between the matching protrusion and the mounting groove, and a second bearing is arranged between the matching protrusion and the connecting column, so that the shock absorber assembly can rotate relative to the matching mounting structure. The arrangement position of the steering mechanism is not limited, and the arrangement space occupied is smaller, which is more convenient to arrange on the vehicle body, and the wheels can be driven to steer independently, so as to effectively increase the rotation angle of the wheels, thereby increasing the steering driving mode of the wheels, and thus effectively improving the steering performance of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicles, and in particular to a steering mechanism, a steering wheel assembly and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The commonly used steering mechanism in traditional vehicles is as follows: the movement of the rack in the steering gear pulls the steering tie rods at both ends of the steering gear to move, and the steering tie rods transfer force to the wheels to achieve the steering function. The steering gear assembly is installed on the frame, and the wheels are pulled to move by the steering tie rods. Therefore, not only is the layout position of the wheels limited, but the entire steering mechanism occupies a large space and is inconvenient to arrange. In addition, the wheel steering is limited by the steering tie rod and has only a fixed rotation angle range and the range is relatively small, and each wheel cannot be steered independently, which affects the steering performance of the vehicle. There is room for improvement. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a steering mechanism, the arrangement position of which is not restricted, and the arrangement space occupied is smaller, so that it is more convenient to arrange on the vehicle body, and the wheels can be driven to steer independently, so as to effectively improve the steering performance of the vehicle.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0005] A steering mechanism comprises: a mating mounting structure, a mating protrusion is formed in the middle of the mating mounting structure; a driving structure and a shock absorber assembly, the upper end of the shock absorber assembly has a shock absorber base, the top of the shock absorber base has a mounting groove, the mating protrusion is rotatably fitted in the mounting groove, the mounting groove has a connecting column extending upward, the connecting column passes through the mating protrusion to be connected to the driving structure, the connecting column is clearance-fitted with the mating protrusion, and the driving structure drives the shock absorber assembly to rotate around the axis of the connecting column; a bearing assembly, the bearing assembly comprises: a first bearing and a second bearing, the first bearing is arranged between the mating protrusion and the mounting groove, and the second bearing is arranged between the mating protrusion and the connecting column, so that the shock absorber assembly can rotate relative to the mating mounting structure.

[0006] Further, the mating installation structure includes: a main body and a mating protrusion protruding from the main body toward the installation groove, the inner shaft ring of the first bearing is limitedly sleeved on the outer wall surface of the mating protrusion, the outer shaft ring of the first bearing is limitedly fitted with the side wall of the installation groove, the top wall of the inner shaft ring is stopped and pressed against the main body, and the bottom wall of the outer shaft ring is stopped and pressed against the bottom wall of the installation groove.

[0007] Furthermore, the second bearing is sleeved on the connecting column and is pressed between a fastening nut matched with the connecting column and a bottom wall of the matching raised portion.

[0008] Furthermore, a spring washer is sandwiched between the fastening nut and the second bearing.

[0009] Furthermore, the driving structure is spline-connected to the connecting column.

[0010] Furthermore, the driving structure is suitable for driving the shock absorber assembly to rotate a full circle.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the steering mechanism of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0012] The steering mechanism described in the present invention has no restrictions on its layout position and occupies a smaller layout space, making it easier to be arranged on the vehicle body, and can drive the wheels to perform independent steering, so as to effectively increase the rotation angle of the wheels, thereby increasing the steering driving mode of the wheels, thereby effectively improving the steering performance of the vehicle.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a steering wheel assembly, comprising the above-mentioned steering mechanism and a wheel, wherein the wheel is rotatably connected to the shock absorber assembly, and the steering wheel assembly can perform independent steering of the wheel to effectively improve the steering performance of the vehicle.

[0014] Furthermore, the shock absorber assembly includes: shock absorber arms on both sides, and the wheel is connected between the shock absorber arms on both sides.

[0015] Furthermore, the wheel comprises: a hub motor and a tire, wherein the tire is mounted on the hub motor, and the hub motor is rotatably connected between the vibration damping arms on both sides.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle, comprising the above-mentioned steering wheel assembly, the vehicle having better steering performance and passability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings constituting a part of the present invention are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a steering wheel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a steering wheel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3is a partial structural sectional view of a steering mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 is a partial structural sectional view of a steering mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Description of reference numerals:

[0023] 100-steering mechanism, 1-driving structure, 2-shock absorber assembly, 3-matching installation structure, 4-bearing assembly, 41-first bearing, 21-mounting groove, 31-matching raised portion, 32-main body, 411-inner shaft ring, 412-outer shaft ring, 22-connecting column, 42-second bearing, 5-fastening nut, 6-spring washer, 1000-steering wheel assembly, 200-wheel, 23-shock absorber arm, 201-hub motor, 202-tire, 24-shock absorber base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0025] Reference below Figure 1-Figure 4 A steering mechanism 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0026] The steering mechanism 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include: a driving structure 1 , a shock absorber assembly 2 , a matching installation structure 3 and a bearing assembly 4 .

[0027] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the matching mounting structure 3 is suitable for fixing to the vehicle body, so that the entire steering wheel assembly is fixed to the vehicle body through the matching mounting structure 3, thereby achieving a stable connection between the steering wheel assembly 1000 and the vehicle body, thereby ensuring the safety and stability of the vehicle when turning.

[0028] A mating protrusion 31 is formed in the middle of the mating mounting structure 3, and a shock absorber base 24 is provided at the upper end of the shock absorber assembly 2. A mounting groove 21 is formed at the top of the shock absorber base 24, and the mating protrusion 31 can be rotatably mated in the mounting groove 21 to achieve stable mating between the mating mounting structure 3 and the shock absorber assembly 2.

[0029] Furthermore, the use of the matching protrusion 31 and the mounting groove 21 for matching installation can also make the overall structure of the steering mechanism 100 more compact and occupy less layout space.

[0030] Further, the mounting groove 21 has a connecting column 22 extending upward, the connecting column 22 passes through the matching protrusion 31 to connect with the driving structure 1, the connecting column 22 and the matching protrusion 31 are clearance-matched, and the driving structure 1 drives the shock absorber assembly 2 to rotate around the axis of the connecting column 22. Specifically, a through hole is provided on the bottom wall of the matching protrusion 31, and the connecting column 22 is suitable for passing through the through hole to connect with the driving structure 1, wherein there is a gap between the connecting column 22 and the through hole to avoid interference between the connecting column 22 and the through hole and affecting the normal rotation of the connecting column 22. Since the shock absorber assembly 2 is suitable for being connected with a wheel 200, the driving structure 1 can drive the wheel 200 to rotate while driving the shock absorber assembly 2 to rotate, so as to form a steering unit of the wheel 200 that can be independently turned, so as to provide a driving force through the driving structure 1 to drive the driving shock absorber assembly 2 and the wheel 200 to rotate and change direction, and ensure the stability of the rotation of the shock absorber assembly 2 and the wheel 200 relative to the matching mounting structure 3.

[0031] The commonly used steering mechanism in traditional vehicles is: the movement of the rack inside the steering gear pulls the steering tie rods at both ends of the steering gear to move, and the steering tie rods transfer the force to the wheels to achieve the steering function, wherein the steering gear assembly is installed on the frame, and the wheels are moved by the steering tie rods. Therefore, not only the layout position of the wheels is limited, but also the entire steering mechanism occupies a large space, and the layout is relatively inconvenient.

[0032] For this reason, the embodiment of the present invention adopts an independent driving structure 1 to drive the shock absorber assembly 2 and the wheel 200 to rotate, so as to form an independent wheel 200 steering unit, which is not restricted by the position of the traditional steering gear tie rod, so the layout position is not restricted, and the layout space occupied is also smaller, which is more convenient to arrange on the vehicle body.

[0033] Furthermore, conventional wheel steering is limited by the steering tie rod and has only a fixed rotation angle range and the range is relatively small. However, the steering mechanism 100 of the present invention uses the driving structure 1 to directly drive the shock absorber assembly 2 and the wheel 200 to rotate. Therefore, the rotation angle will not be limited, and even a rotational motion, that is, a 360° rotation, is possible. Therefore, the flexibility of the steering angle control of the wheel 200 is effectively increased, and the working condition switching between two-wheel steering and four-wheel steering can be better adapted, so that the wheel 200 can achieve ±90° steering, and further realize a variety of steering driving modes such as front-wheel steering, four-wheel steering, oblique driving, horizontal driving, and on-the-spot steering, so as to improve the steering performance and passability of the vehicle.

[0034] Among them, the present invention adopts the form of directly connecting and installing the drive structure 1 and the shock absorber assembly 2 together, saving unnecessary torque transmission structure, that is, there is no need to add a transmission shaft structure between the drive structure 1 and the shock absorber assembly 2. Therefore, the transmission efficiency of the steering mechanism 100 is effectively improved, and the layout space can be further saved.

[0035] Further, the bearing assembly 4 includes: a first bearing 41 and a second bearing 42, the first bearing 41 is arranged between the matching protrusion 31 and the mounting groove 21, and the second bearing 42 is arranged between the matching protrusion 31 and the connecting column 22, so that the shock absorber assembly 2 can rotate relative to the matching mounting structure 3, thereby satisfying the prerequisite for the steering of the wheel 200. In other words, the bearing assembly 4 is arranged between the matching mounting structure 3 and the shock absorber assembly 2, so as to stably connect the shock absorber assembly 2 to the matching mounting structure 3, and then stably connect to the vehicle body, and enable the shock absorber assembly 2 to rotate relative to the matching mounting structure 3.

[0036] Among them, since the bearing assembly 4 is arranged between the matching mounting structure 3 and the shock absorber assembly 2, during the vibration of the vehicle, the axial force and torsional force between the shock absorber assembly 2 and the matching mounting structure 3 will be applied to the bearing assembly 4, and will not affect the driving structure 1. Therefore, it is ensured that the shock absorber assembly 2 and the wheel 200 can rotate relative to the matching mounting structure 3, and will not be damaged by the axial force and torsional force, so that the energy loss during the steering process of the wheel 200 can be reduced to improve the bearing strength.

[0037] According to the steering mechanism 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement position of the steering mechanism 100 is not limited, and the arrangement space occupied is smaller, which is more convenient to be arranged on the vehicle body, and the wheels 200 can be driven to perform independent steering, so as to effectively increase the rotation angle of the wheels 200, thereby increasing the steering driving mode of the wheels 200, thereby effectively improving the steering performance of the vehicle.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mating installation structure 3 includes: a main body portion 32 and a mating protrusion portion 31 protruding from the main body portion 32 toward the installation groove 21, wherein the inner shaft ring 411 of the first bearing 41 is limitedly sleeved on the outer wall surface of the mating protrusion portion 31, and the outer shaft ring 412 of the first bearing 41 is limitedly matched with the side wall of the installation groove 21, thereby ensuring that the mating protrusion portion 31 can be stably rotated relative to the shock absorber base 24 through the first bearing 41, thereby ensuring the stable rotation of the shock absorber assembly 2 and the wheel 200 relative to the mating installation structure 3.

[0039] Optionally, the outer shaft ring 412 and the mounting groove 21 and the inner shaft ring 411 and the matching protrusion 31 are suitable for connection by interference fit, so as to ensure the matching stability between the outer shaft ring 412 and the mounting groove 21, so as to avoid the outer shaft ring 412 and the mounting groove 21 from rotating relative to each other, and at the same time ensure the matching stability between the inner shaft ring 411 and the matching protrusion 31, so as to avoid the inner shaft ring 411 and the matching protrusion 31 from rotating relative to each other, thereby ensuring the stable rotation of the shock absorber assembly 2 and the wheel 200 relative to the matching mounting structure 3. Alternatively, the outer shaft ring 412 can also be connected to the mounting groove 21 by a first bearing 41 whose shell is an external thread of the outer shaft ring 412, and at the same time, the inner shaft ring 411 can also be connected to the matching protrusion 31 by a first bearing 41 whose shell is an internal thread of the inner shaft ring 411, so as to effectively limit the axial position of the first bearing 41, so as to prevent the position of the first bearing 41 from changing during use.

[0040] Further, refer to Figure 3 The top wall of the inner shaft ring 411 is pressed against the body part 32, and the bottom wall of the outer shaft ring 412 is pressed against the bottom wall of the mounting groove 21. Therefore, the first bearing 41 can effectively support the movement between the matching mounting structure 3 and the shock absorber base 24, and bear most of the axial force and a small part of the radial impact force from the wheel 200, and transmit the impact force to the matching mounting structure 3 to avoid affecting the driving structure 1, thereby ensuring the safety of the driving structure 1.

[0041] Preferably, the first bearing 41 may be a tapered roller bearing to ensure the buffering effect of the axial force and the impact force, and to ensure the stability of the shock absorber assembly 2 and the wheel 200 relative to the matching mounting structure 3.

[0042] As another preferred embodiment, refer to Figure 4 , according to the use conditions, the first bearing 41 can also be set as a pressure ball bearing that is only subjected to axial force.

[0043] Preferably, the driving structure 1 is splined with the connecting column 22. That is, an external spline is formed on the upper end of the connecting column 22, and an internal spline is formed in the driving structure 1. The internal and external splines cooperate to achieve a limited connection between the driving structure 1 and the connecting column 22, thereby ensuring the connection stability between the driving structure 1 and the connecting column 22, and further ensuring the stable transmission of steering force and torque.

[0044] Furthermore, the use of internal and external spline connection can make the assembly process simpler, effectively improve the transmission efficiency of the steering mechanism 100, and save layout space.

[0045] Combination Figure 1-Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the second bearing 42 is sleeved on the connecting column 22 and is compressed between the fastening nut 5 that cooperates with the connecting column 22 and the bottom wall of the cooperating protrusion 31, so as to support the relative rotation between the driving structure 1 and the cooperating mounting structure 3, and bear all axial forces from the wheel 200 to avoid damage to the steering mechanism 100.

[0046] Among them, the fastening nut 5 is also used to fix the shock absorber base 24 on the matching mounting structure 3 to prevent the axial position of the shock absorber assembly 2 from changing, and transmit all forces from the shock absorber assembly 2 to the vehicle body to prevent the driving structure 1 from being subjected to axial impact force.

[0047] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 A spring washer 6 is sandwiched between the fastening nut 5 and the second bearing 42. The spring washer 6 can play an effective buffering role, further absorb the axial impact force, and effectively protect the second bearing 42 to prevent the impact force from causing damage to the second bearing 42.

[0048] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the driving structure 1 includes: a driving motor, which is suitable for driving the shock absorber assembly 2 to rotate a full circle, that is, to achieve 360° rotation of the wheel 200, so as to effectively improve the steering performance and passability of the vehicle.

[0049] According to another aspect of the present invention, a steering wheel assembly 1000 comprises the above-mentioned steering mechanism 100 and a wheel 200. The wheel 200 is rotatably connected to the shock absorber assembly 2 to achieve effective shock absorption effect and steering operation.

[0050] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the shock absorber assembly 2 includes shock absorber arms 23 on both sides, and the wheel 200 is connected between the shock absorber arms 23 on both sides to realize the rotation of the wheel 200 relative to the shock absorber assembly 2, thereby enabling the wheel 200 to drive the entire vehicle to travel.

[0051] Specifically, the shock absorber arm 23 includes: a piston rod and a cylinder, the wheel 200 is connected between the two cylinders, one end of the two piston rods is suitable for fitting in the two cylinders, and the other end is suitable for being fixed to the shock absorber base 24, and a shock absorber spring is arranged between the cylinder and the shock absorber base 24. Therefore, when the vehicle runs on a bumpy road, the shock absorber arm 22 can achieve effective buffering and vibration reduction.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the wheel 200 includes: a hub motor 201 and a tire 202. The tire 202 is mounted on the hub motor 201, and the hub motor 201 is rotatably connected between the vibration damping arms 23 on both sides to drive the tire 202 to rotate by cooperating with the rotation of the mounting structure 3 relative to the vibration damping arms 23, thereby realizing the overall rotation and steering operation of the wheel 200.

[0053] The vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the steering wheel 200 assembly 1000 described in the above embodiment. Other structures of the vehicle, such as the transmission, the braking system, the steering system, etc., are already in the prior art and are well known to those skilled in the art, so other structures of the vehicle are not described in detail here.

[0054] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering mechanism (100), characterized in that: include: A matching installation structure (3), wherein a matching protrusion (31) is formed in the middle of the matching installation structure (3); A driving structure (1) and a shock absorber assembly (2), wherein the upper end of the shock absorber assembly (2) has a shock absorber base (24), the top of the shock absorber base (24) is formed with a mounting groove (21), the matching protrusion (31) is rotatably matched in the mounting groove (21), the mounting groove (21) has a connecting column (22) extending upward, the connecting column (22) passes through the matching protrusion (31) to be connected to the driving structure (1), the connecting column (22) and the matching protrusion (31) are clearance-matched, and the driving structure (1) drives the shock absorber assembly (2) to rotate around the axis of the connecting column (22); A bearing assembly (4), the bearing assembly (4) comprising: a first bearing (41) and a second bearing (42), the first bearing (41) being arranged between the matching protrusion (31) and the mounting groove (21), and the second bearing (42) being arranged between the matching protrusion (31) and the connecting column (22), so that the shock absorber assembly (2) can rotate relative to the matching mounting structure (3).

2. The steering mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The matching installation structure (3) comprises: a main body (32) and a matching protrusion (31) protruding from the main body (32) toward the installation groove (21); the inner shaft ring (411) of the first bearing (41) is limitedly sleeved on the outer wall surface of the matching protrusion (31); the outer shaft ring (412) of the first bearing (41) is limitedly matched with the side wall of the installation groove (21); the top wall of the inner shaft ring (411) is stopped and pressed against the main body (32); and the bottom wall of the outer shaft ring (412) is stopped and pressed against the bottom wall of the installation groove (21).

3. The steering mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second bearing (42) is sleeved on the connecting column (22) and is pressed between a fastening nut (5) matched with the connecting column (22) and the bottom wall of the matching raised portion (31).

4. The steering mechanism (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: A spring washer (6) is sandwiched between the fastening nut (5) and the second bearing (42).

5. The steering mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving structure (1) is spline-matchedly connected to the connecting column (22).

6. The steering mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving structure (1) is suitable for driving the shock absorber assembly (2) to rotate throughout a circle.

7. A steering wheel assembly (1000), characterized in that: It comprises a steering mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a wheel (200), wherein the wheel (200) is rotatably connected to the shock absorber assembly (2).

8. The steering wheel assembly (1000) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The shock absorber assembly (2) comprises shock absorber arms (23) on both sides, and the wheel (200) is connected between the shock absorber arms (23) on both sides.

9. The steering wheel assembly (1000) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The wheel (200) comprises: a wheel hub motor (201) and a tire (202); the tire (202) is sleeved on the wheel hub motor (201); and the wheel hub motor (201) is rotatably connected between the vibration reduction arms (23) on both sides.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: It comprises a steering wheel assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 7-9.

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