A dual-input steering device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of steering devices, and specifically, to a dual-input steering device, which comprises: a frame; a steering output shaft, rotatably mounted on the frame; a steering coupler, comprising a first coupling member and a second coupling member, the first coupling member and the second coupling member being both circumferentially fixed and axially movably arranged on the steering output shaft; a first power input device, mounted on the frame, comprising a first rotating mechanism and a first rotating member, the first rotating member being used for transmission connection with the first coupling member, and the first rotating mechanism being used for driving the first rotating member to rotate; a second power input device, mounted on the frame, comprising a second rotating mechanism and a second rotating member, the second rotating member being used for transmission connection with the second coupling member, and the second rotating mechanism being used for driving the second rotating member to rotate; a steering switching device, mounted on the frame, and used for driving the steering coupler to move along the steering output shaft so that the steering output shaft is connected to the first power input device or the second power input device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of steering devices, and in particular to a dual-input steering device. Background Art

[0002] Current vehicles generally have single-input steering, such as manual steering for manually driven wheeled vehicles or electric steering for intelligent unmanned wheeled vehicles, and are not compatible with both steering modes. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application aims to provide a dual-input steering device to solve the problem in the prior art that the steering device is not compatible with two steering modes.

[0004] The embodiment of the present application is implemented as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a dual-input steering device, comprising:

[0006] frame;

[0007] A steering output shaft rotatably mounted on the frame;

[0008] A steering coupler, comprising a first coupling member and a second coupling member, wherein the first coupling member and the second coupling member are both circumferentially fixed and axially movably disposed on the steering output shaft;

[0009] A first power input device is installed on the frame, comprising a first rotating mechanism and a first rotating member, wherein the first rotating member is used for transmission connection with the first coupling member, and the first rotating mechanism is used for driving the first rotating member to rotate;

[0010] A second power input device is installed on the frame, comprising a second rotating mechanism and a second rotating member, wherein the second rotating member is used for transmission connection with the second coupling member, and the second rotating mechanism is used for driving the second rotating member to rotate;

[0011] A steering switching device is installed on the frame and is used to drive the steering coupler to move along the steering output shaft so that the steering output shaft is connected to the first power input device or the second power input device.

[0012] The dual-input steering device provided by the present application has a steering output shaft that can be connected to a first power input device or a second power input device through a steering coupler. When the first coupling member is connected to the first rotating member, the first power input device drives the steering output shaft to rotate, thereby outputting steering. When the steering mode needs to be switched, the steering switching device drives the steering coupler to move, so that the first coupling member is separated from the first rotating member, and the second coupling member is close to and connected to the second rotating member, so that the second power input device drives the steering output shaft to rotate, thereby outputting steering. Through the above-mentioned arrangement, the dual-input steering device provided by the present application can be compatible with two steering modes.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, optionally, the steering coupler further comprises a first elastic member and a second elastic member, the first elastic member abuts between the first coupling member and the second coupling member, the second elastic member abuts between the second rotating member and the second coupling member, and the elastic force of the first elastic member is greater than the elastic force of the second elastic member;

[0014] The output end of the steering switching device is axially fixed and circumferentially rotatably connected to the first coupling member.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the output end of the steering switching device drives the first coupling member to move. When the first coupling member is connected to the first rotating member, the first power input device drives the steering output shaft to rotate, thereby outputting the steering. At this time, the second elastic member makes the second coupling member away from the second rotating member. When the steering mode needs to be switched, the steering switching device drives the first coupling member to move and separate from the first rotating member. At the same time, when the first coupling member moves, the second coupling member is driven by the first elastic member, and the second elastic member is first compressed to make the second coupling member close to the second rotating member and connected. By setting the first elastic member and the second elastic member, when the movement of the second coupling member is blocked, the first coupling member moves to compress the first elastic member to store energy. When the obstacle is removed, the first elastic member releases the stored energy to drive the second coupling member and compress the second elastic member, so that the second coupling member is close to the second rotating member, realizing the steering mode switching. When the steering mode needs to be switched, the steering switching device drives the first coupling member to move toward the first rotating member, and the second rotating member can be away from the second rotating member under the action of the second elastic member.

[0016] Therefore, when the power source is switched from the first power input device to the second power input device, even if the second coupling member is blocked, the steering switching device can operate normally, and can delay driving the second coupling member to connect the second rotating member to achieve delayed switching of the steering mode; when the power source is switched from the second power input device to the first power input device, the second elastic member is quickly reset to disconnect the second coupling member from the second rotating member.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present application, optionally, the first coupling member is sleeved on the steering output shaft and cooperates with the keyway of the steering output shaft, and a circumferential annular groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first coupling member;

[0018] The output end of the steering switching device is fitted in the circumferential ring groove.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the first coupling member cooperates with the keyway of the steering output shaft, so that the first coupling member can move along the steering output shaft, and when the first rotating member drives the first coupling member to rotate, it can also drive the steering output shaft to rotate; when the first coupling member rotates, the output end of the steering switching device moves in the circumferential groove.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present application, optionally, the steering switching device includes an arc-shaped shift fork, the arc-shaped shift fork is connected to the output end of the steering switching device, and the arc-shaped shift fork extends along the circumferential ring groove.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the arc-shaped fork clamps the first coupling component, and the first coupling component can enter and exit from the opening of the arc-shaped fork to facilitate installation. The connection between the two is stable and does not affect the rotation. When the steering switching device drives the first coupling component to move, the force on the first coupling component is more balanced, which is conducive to the smooth movement of the first coupling component.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present application, optionally, the first rotating mechanism includes a driving shaft and a steering wheel, the driving shaft is rotatably mounted on the frame, the rotation axis of the driving shaft and the rotation axis of the steering output shaft are on a straight line, the steering wheel is mounted at one end of the driving shaft away from the steering output shaft, and the first rotating member is mounted at one end of the driving shaft close to the steering output shaft.

[0023] In the above technical solution, when the first coupling member is connected to the first power input device, it is in manual mode, and the user can drive the driving shaft through the steering wheel, and drive the first coupling member through the first rotating member on the driving shaft to drive the steering output shaft to rotate.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present application, optionally, an insertion rod is formed at the end of the driving shaft, and an insertion hole is formed at the end of the steering output shaft, and the insertion rod is loosely fitted in the insertion hole.

[0025] In the above technical solution, the insertion rod of the driving shaft is inserted into the socket of the steering output shaft to ensure that the steering output shaft and the driving shaft are roughly on the same rotation axis, and also to ensure that the first coupling member can move along the steering output shaft and approach the first rotating member for connection. At the same time, the insertion rod and the socket are clearance-matched so that the two can rotate freely relative to each other without friction interference.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present application, optionally, the driving shaft cooperates with the keyway of the first rotating member, and the first rotating member meshes with the first coupling member for transmission.

[0027] In the above technical solution, when the first coupling member is meshed with the first rotating member, the driving shaft rotates to drive the first rotating member, and the first rotating member drives the first coupling member to rotate, thereby driving the steering output shaft to rotate.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present application, optionally, the first power input device further includes a third elastic member, and the third elastic member abuts between the frame and the first rotating member.

[0029] In the above technical solution, when the steering switching device drives the first coupling member to move toward the first rotating member, if the coupling between the first coupling member and the first rotating member is blocked, such as when the first coupling member and the first rotating member cannot be exactly engaged, the first coupling member can move into position, the first coupling member lifts the first rotating member along the driving shaft, and the third elastic member is compressed. At this time, turning the steering wheel drives the first rotating member to shift relative to the first coupling member, so that the concave and convex engaging parts of the two correspond, and the third elastic member releases the stored energy to drive the first rotating member to move toward the first coupling member and engage. Through the above arrangement, when the power source is switched from the second power input device to the first power input device, even if the first coupling member and the first rotating member cannot be exactly coupled, the steering switching device can operate normally, and can delay driving the first rotating member to connect to the first coupling member, thereby realizing delayed switching of the steering mode.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present application, optionally, the second rotating mechanism includes a steering motor, a driving gear and a driven gear, the steering motor is mounted on the frame, the driving gear is connected to the output end of the steering motor, and the driven gear is meshed with the driving gear;

[0031] The second rotating member is rotatably mounted on the frame, and the driven gear is formed outside the second rotating member.

[0032] In the above technical solution, the steering motor drives the second rotating member through the driving gear and the driven gear, so that the steering motor can be installed on one side of the steering output shaft, reducing the installation height and being able to effectively drive the second rotating member.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present application, optionally, the steering switching device also includes a switching motor, a lead screw and a nut, the switching motor is installed on the frame, the lead screw is parallel to the steering output shaft, and the nut is threadedly engaged with the lead screw and connected to the first coupling member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0035] Figure 1 A front view of a dual-input steering device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a steering output shaft and a driving shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 3 An exploded view of the steering output shaft and the driving shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 4 A bottom view of a dual-input steering device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 5 A front view of the dual-input steering device provided in an embodiment of the present application with the frame hidden;

[0040] Figure 6 A front view of a first rotating member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 7 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a first rotating member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a second rotating member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Fig. 9 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a first combining member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Fig.10 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a second combining member provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] Icons: 100 - frame; 110 - first base; 120 - second base; 200 - steering output shaft; 210 - spline section; 211 - socket; 220 - mounting section; 230 - output section; 300 - first power input device; 310 - driving shaft; 311 - plug rod; 320 - first rotating member; 321 - locking groove; 322 - first recess; 330 - third elastic member; 400 - second power input device; 410 - steering motor; 411 - driving gear; 412 - driven gear ;420-second rotating member;421-second recess;500-steering coupler;510-first coupling member;511-circumferential ring groove;512-first convex tooth;520-second coupling member;521-second convex tooth;530-first elastic member;540-second elastic member;600-gasket;700-steering switching device;710-arc shift fork;720-switching motor;730-screw;740-slide;800-steering angle detection device;900-motor rotation angle detection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present application described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0047] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present application for which protection is sought, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in the field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0048] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, further definition and explanation thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be noted that if the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or position relationship in which the product of the application is usually placed when in use. It is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application. In addition, if the terms "first", "second", etc. appear in the description of this application, they are only used to distinguish the description and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] In addition, if the terms "horizontal" or "vertical" appear in the description of this application, it does not mean that the components are required to be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical", and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0051] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "set", "install", "connect", and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal connection of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0052] Example

[0053] Current vehicles generally have single-input steering, such as manual steering for manually driven wheeled vehicles or electric steering for intelligent unmanned wheeled vehicles, which are not compatible with both steering modes. Taking elderly scooters or electric power-assisted vehicles as examples, their steering mechanisms generally can only be steered manually. The dual-input steering device provided in the embodiments of the present application enables it to have both electric steering modes.

[0054] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the structure of the dual-input steering device is shown, which includes a frame 100, a first power input device 300, a second power input device 400 and a steering output shaft 200. The frame 100 is fixed to the frame of the vehicle, the first power input device 300, the second power input device 400 and the steering output shaft 200 are installed on the frame 100, and the steering output shaft 200 is connected to the first power input device 300 or the second power input device 400, so as to obtain power to realize rotation and output the rotation to the steering gear of the vehicle.

[0055] The dual-input steering device also includes a steering switching device 700 and a steering coupler 500. The steering coupler 500 is arranged on the steering output shaft 200, and is capable of moving along the axial direction of the steering output shaft 200, and is circumferentially fixed to the steering output shaft 200 to achieve synchronous rotation. The steering switching device 700 is installed on the frame 100, and is used to drive the steering coupler 500 to move along the steering output shaft 200 as a whole. When the steering coupler 500 moves close to the first power input device 300 and is connected, the first power input device 300 drives the steering output shaft 200 to rotate; when the steering coupler 500 moves close to the second power input device 400 and is connected, the second power input device 400 drives the steering output shaft 200 to rotate.

[0056] The first power input device 300 includes a first rotating mechanism and a first rotating member 320 , wherein the first rotating mechanism is used to drive the first rotating member 320 to rotate; the second power input device 400 includes a second rotating mechanism and a second rotating member 420 , wherein the second rotating mechanism is used to drive the second rotating member 420 to rotate.

[0057] The first rotating member 320 and the second rotating member 420 are arranged along the steering output shaft 200 , and neither the first rotating member 320 nor the second rotating member 420 interferes with the steering output shaft 200 , but the first rotating member 320 , the second rotating member 420 and the steering output shaft 200 can rotate independently.

[0058] The steering coupler 500 includes a first coupling member 510 and a second coupling member 520. When the steering coupler 500 moves as a whole on the steering output shaft 200, there are three situations: the first is that the first coupling member 510 is close to the first rotating member 320 and is connected. At this time, the second coupling member 520 is separated from the second rotating member 420, and the first power input device 300 serves as a power source; the second is that the second coupling member 520 is close to the second rotating member 420 and is connected. At this time, the first coupling member 510 is separated from the first rotating member 320, and the second power input device 400 serves as a power source; the third is that the steering coupler 500 is located between the first rotating member 320 and the second rotating member 420, the first coupling member 510 is separated from the first rotating member 320, and the second coupling member 520 is separated from the second coupling member 520. At this time, neither the first power input device 300 nor the second power input device 400 can drive steering.

[0059] In this embodiment, a mobility scooter for the elderly is used as an example, the first power input device 300 is a manual steering mechanism, the second power input device 400 is an electric steering mechanism, and the above three modes are manual steering mode, electric steering mode and neutral mode. In other embodiments, the first power input device 300 and the second power input device 400 can also be other types of power sources, so as to have other types of power steering modes.

[0060] For ease of installation, the frame 100 includes a first base 110 and a second base 120, the first power input device 300 is installed on the first base 110, the second power input device 400 is installed on the second base 120, and the steering output shaft 200 is installed on the second base 120 and one end extends from the second base 120 to connect to the steering gear of the vehicle.

[0061] The first rotating mechanism of the first power input device 300 includes a driving shaft 310 and a steering wheel. The driving shaft 310 is rotatably mounted on the first base 110. One end of the driving shaft 310 is aligned with the steering output shaft 200, and the other end extends out of the first base 110 so as to connect the steering wheel. It should be noted that the arrangement of a steering wheel at the shaft end is a prior art. Although not shown in the figure, it should be understood by those skilled in the art. The driving shaft 310 is coaxial with the steering output shaft 200 so that the rotation axes of the two are on the same straight line.

[0062] The part of the driving shaft 310 inside the frame 100, i.e., the end close to the steering output shaft 200, has a spline formed on its surface. The first rotating member 320 is sleeved on the driving shaft 310 and is provided with a matching keyway. Thus, when the steering wheel is turned, the first rotating member 320 is driven to rotate through the driving shaft 310.

[0063] Please combine again Figure 2 and Figure 3 The end of the driving shaft 310 is formed with a plug hole 211, and the end of the steering output shaft 200 is formed with a plug rod 311, which is inserted into the plug hole 211 to ensure that the steering output shaft 200 and the driving shaft 310 are substantially on the same rotation axis. Moreover, the plug rod 311 does not contact the inner wall of the plug hole 211, that is, the plug rod 311 and the plug hole 211 are clearance-matched to ensure that the two can rotate relatively freely without friction interference.

[0064] A gasket 600 is provided between the driving shaft 310 and the steering output shaft 200. The gasket 600 is sleeved on the insertion rod 311 to block the end surface of the steering output shaft 200 when the driving shaft 310 and the steering output shaft 200 are assembled, so that an annular blocking portion is formed on the outer surfaces of the driving shaft 310 and the steering output shaft 200. The annular blocking portion can limit the first rotating member 320 from moving to the steering output shaft 200.

[0065] In order to keep the first rotating member 320 stable and prevent the first rotating member 320 from randomly moving along the driving shaft 310 , the first power input device 300 further includes a third elastic member 330 , which is abutted between the first rotating member 320 and the first base 110 .

[0066] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the second rotating mechanism of the second power input device 400 includes a steering motor 410, a driving gear 411 and a driven gear 412. The steering motor 410 is mounted on the second base 120. The driving gear 411 is connected to the output end of the steering motor 410. The driving gear 411 is formed outside the second rotating member 420. The second rotating member 420 is rotatably mounted on the second base 120. The steering motor 410 rotates to drive the driving gear 411 to rotate, driving the driven gear 412 meshing with the driving gear 411 to rotate, thereby driving the second rotating member 420 to rotate.

[0067] The steering output shaft 200 includes a spline section 210, a mounting section 220 and an output section 230 in sequence along the axial direction. The mounting section 220 is rotatably mounted on the second base 120. Specifically, the mounting section 220 is connected to the second rotating member 420 through a rotating bearing, so that the steering output shaft 200 is relatively fixedly mounted on the second base 120, and the steering output shaft 200 can rotate freely in the second rotating member 420. The output end passes through the second base 120 to be located outside the frame 100, and the spline section 210 is located inside the frame 100.

[0068] The first coupling member 510 and the second coupling member 520 of the steering coupler 500 are respectively formed with channels allowing the steering output shaft 200 to pass through, and the inner wall of the channel is formed with a keyway. The channel with the keyway cooperates with the spline section 210, so that the first coupling member 510 and the second coupling member 520 can both move along the axial direction of the steering output shaft 200 and drive the steering output shaft 200 to rotate.

[0069] The steering coupler 500 also includes a first elastic member 530 and a second elastic member 540 . The first elastic member 530 abuts between the first coupling member 510 and the second coupling member 520 , and the second elastic member 540 abuts between the second coupling member 520 and the second rotating member 420 . The elastic force of the first elastic member 530 is greater than the elastic force of the second elastic member 540 .

[0070] The steering switching device 700 is a linear motion driving device, and the output end of the steering switching device 700 is connected to the first coupling member 510 . Of course, in other embodiments, the output end of the steering switching device 700 may also be connected to the second coupling member 520 .

[0071] The output end of the steering switching device 700 is axially fixed to the first coupling member 510 so as to be able to drive the first coupling member 510 to move along the steering output shaft 200, and its output end can rotate relative to the first coupling member 510 along its circumferential direction, so that when the first coupling member 510 rotates with the first rotating member 320, the output end of the steering switching device 700 does not rotate accordingly.

[0072] In order to prevent the output end of the steering switching device 700 from rotating with the first coupling member 510, the following connection methods are optional:

[0073] For example, the output end of the steering switching device 700 may be a sleeve ring sleeved outside the first coupling member 510 , and the sleeve ring is connected to the first coupling member 510 via a rotating bearing.

[0074] For another example, a circumferential groove 511 is formed on the outside of the first coupling member 510 , and the output end of the steering switching device 700 fits in the circumferential groove 511 . When the first coupling member 510 rotates, the output end of the steering switching device 700 remains fixed and moves along the circumferential groove 511 .

[0075] In this embodiment, the output end of the steering switching device 700 is connected to an arc-shaped fork 710, which is arranged in a circumferential ring groove 511. The two arms of the arc-shaped fork 710 extend along the circumferential ring groove 511 to clamp the first coupling member 510, so that the arc-shaped fork 710 and the first coupling member 510 are stably connected and not easily separated.

[0076] During installation, the first coupling member 510 can move in and out from the opening of the arc-shaped fork 710 , and the two arms of the arc-shaped fork 710 simultaneously lift or pull down the first coupling member 510 , so that the force on the first coupling member 510 is more balanced, which is conducive to the smooth movement of the first coupling member 510 .

[0077] The steering switching device 700 includes a switching motor 720, a lead screw 730 and a slide 740. The switching motor 720 is mounted on the first base 110 (or the second base 120 in other embodiments). The lead screw 730 is parallel to the steering output shaft 200 and connected to the output end of the switching motor 720. A nut (not shown in the figure) is provided on the slide 740 to make the slide 740 and the lead screw 730 threadedly matched. The aforementioned arc fork 710 is mounted on the slide 740. The switching motor 720 drives the lead screw 730 to rotate, and the slide 740 moves along the lead screw 730, and drives the first coupling member 510 to move through the arc fork 710.

[0078] In other embodiments, the linear motion drive device formed by the switching motor 720, the lead screw 730 and the slide 740 can be replaced by a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, etc.

[0079] The first coupling member 510 and the first rotating member 320 are meshed with each other, and the second coupling member 520 and the second rotating member 420 are also meshed with each other.

[0080] The structure of the first rotating member 320 is shown in FIG. Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, one end of the first rotating member 320 faces the first base 110 , and the third elastic member 330 is abutted between the end and the first base 110 . A first recess 322 is formed on the other end of the first rotating member 320 .

[0081] The structure of the second rotating member 420 is shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the second rotating member 420 is mounted on the second base 120 and has a second recess 421 formed at one end.

[0082] The first coupling member 510 of the steering coupling 500 is formed as follows Fig. 9 The first protruding tooth 512 shown in the figure, the second coupling member 520 is formed as shown in the figure. Fig.10 The second protruding teeth 521 are shown. When the first coupling member 510 approaches the first rotating member 320 , the first protruding teeth 512 are engaged with the first recessed portion 322 ; when the second coupling member 520 approaches the second rotating member 420 , the second protruding teeth 521 are engaged with the second recessed portion 421 .

[0083] The method of using the dual-input steering device is as follows.

[0084] Neutral Mode: When not in use, the dual input steering can be placed in neutral mode to prevent accidental actuation of the steering.

[0085] In this mode, the switching motor 720 drives the first coupling member 510 to separate from the first rotating member 320 through the shift fork, the first elastic member 530 is not compressed, and the second elastic member 540 supports the second coupling member 520 to separate from the second rotating member 420. At this time, whether the steering wheel rotates or the steering motor 410 rotates, the steering output shaft 200 cannot be driven to rotate.

[0086] Steering causes greater wear on the tires when not driving, and the neutral mode can solve this problem.

[0087] Manual steering mode: The switching motor 720 drives the first coupling member 510 to move toward the first rotating member 320 through the arc-shaped fork 710, so that the first protruding tooth 512 of the first coupling member 510 is engaged in the first recessed portion 322 of the first rotating member 320, so that when the steering wheel drives the driving shaft 310 to rotate, the steering output shaft 200 can be driven to rotate through the first rotating member 320 and the first coupling member 510.

[0088] When the first coupling member 510 is close to the first rotating member 320 and the first protruding tooth 512 cannot be exactly engaged in the first recess 322, the switching motor 720 can still rotate a certain number of revolutions according to the predetermined setting, so that the first coupling member 510 moves to the position. At this time, the first protruding tooth 512 pushes the first rotating member 320 upward, and the third elastic member 330 is compressed. The first rotating member 320 is driven to rotate through the driving shaft 310 by turning the steering wheel. When the first rotating member 320 rotates to the position where the first recess 322 is aligned with the first protruding tooth 512, the first rotating member 320 can fall, and the first rotating member 320 and the first coupling member 510 are engaged for transmission. Continuing to turn the steering wheel can drive the steering output shaft 200 to turn.

[0089] Electric steering mode: The switching motor 720 drives the first coupling member 510 to move toward the second rotating member 420 through the arc-shaped fork 710, and the first coupling member 510 pushes the second coupling member 520 to move toward the second rotating member 420 through the first elastic member 530. Since the elastic force of the first elastic member 530 is greater than that of the second elastic member 540, the second elastic member 540 is compressed first, so that the second coupling member 520 is close to the second rotating member 420, and the second convex tooth 521 of the second coupling member 520 is engaged in the second recessed portion 421 of the second rotating member 420. Therefore, when the steering motor 410 is working, the second rotating member 420 is driven through the driving gear 411 and the driven gear 412, and the steering output shaft 200 is driven to rotate through the second rotating member 420 and the second coupling member 520.

[0090] During the switching process to the electric steering mode, if the second coupling member 520 is blocked and cannot rotate, for example, when the second convex tooth 521 cannot be properly engaged in the second recess 421, the switching motor 720 can still rotate a certain number of revolutions according to the predetermined setting, so that the first coupling member 510 moves to a position, and the first elastic member 530 is compressed to store energy. At the same time, the steering motor 410 drives the second rotating member 420 to rotate, and when the second rotating member 420 rotates to the position where the second recess 421 is aligned with the second convex tooth 521, the second coupling member 520 can fall, and the second rotating member 420 and the second coupling member 520 are engaged for transmission, and the steering motor 410 continues to work and can drive the steering output shaft 200 to turn.

[0091] Optionally, the dual-input steering device provided in this embodiment is further provided with a locking mechanism, a locking groove 321 is formed on the first rotating member 320, and the locking end of the locking mechanism is inserted into the locking groove 321, which can limit the rotation of the first rotating member 320, thereby locking the steering wheel.

[0092] The locking end of the locking mechanism can be movable parallel to the driving shaft 310. For example, the locking end of the locking mechanism is a limit rod installed on the first base 110, which can move into the frame 100 and insert into the locking groove 321, thereby limiting the rotation of the first rotating member 320 and the driving shaft 310.

[0093] The locking end of the locking mechanism can also move perpendicular to the driving shaft 310. For example, the locking end of the locking mechanism is a limit rod installed on the first base 110, and the limit rod can be close to or away from the driving shaft 310. When the limit rod is close to the driving shaft 310, it can be inserted into the locking groove 321, thereby limiting the movement of the first rotating member 320 and the driving shaft 310.

[0094] When the steering wheel is not needed, such as in neutral mode or electric steering mode, the locking mechanism can be used to limit the rotation of the first rotating member 320, the driving shaft 310 and the steering wheel. Locking the steering wheel in the electric steering mode can also avoid safety risks. For example, in the electric steering mode, if the first coupling member 510 is not successfully separated from the first rotating member 320, the steering wheel may rotate with the steering motor 410, which may easily cause accidental injuries to the occupants.

[0095] In addition, when the vehicle is stopped, the dual-input steering device can be placed in a manual steering mode, and then the locking mechanism can be used to restrict the rotation of the first rotating member 320 , the driving shaft 310 , the steering wheel and the steering output shaft 200 .

[0096] In order to facilitate the determination of the steering angle output by the steering output shaft 200, the device is also provided with a steering angle detection device 800. The steering angle detection device 800 is used to detect the rotation angle of the steering output shaft 200 and feed the detection result back to the vehicle control system. The vehicle control system controls the vehicle display screen to display the angle information, thereby letting the user know the current steering angle.

[0097] In some embodiments, in order to better control the steering accuracy, the diameter of the driving gear 411 is smaller than the diameter of the driven gear 412. In order to facilitate steering control in the electric steering mode, the device is further provided with a motor angle detection device 900, which is used to detect the rotation angle of the motor output shaft and feed back the detection result to the vehicle control system. Before use, the vehicle control system first compares the detection result of the motor angle detection device 900 with the detection result of the steering angle detection device 800 to calibrate the steering motor 410. During driving, the motor angle detection device 900 and the steering angle detection device 800 feed back the steering angle to the vehicle control system in real time to ensure that the steering motor 410 drives the steering output shaft 200 to rotate normally.

[0098] The above description is only the preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A dual-input steering device, characterized in that: include: frame; A steering output shaft rotatably mounted on the frame; A steering coupler, comprising a first coupling member and a second coupling member, wherein the first coupling member and the second coupling member are both circumferentially fixed and axially movably disposed on the steering output shaft; A first power input device is installed on the frame, comprising a first rotating mechanism and a first rotating member, wherein the first rotating member is used for transmission connection with the first coupling member, and the first rotating mechanism is used for driving the first rotating member to rotate; A second power input device is installed on the frame, comprising a second rotating mechanism and a second rotating member, the second rotating member is used for transmission connection with the second coupling member, the second rotating mechanism is used for driving the second rotating member to rotate, a second recess is formed at one end of the second rotating member, and the second coupling member has a second convex tooth, when the second coupling member is close to the second rotating member, the second convex tooth is engaged with the second recess; A steering switching device, mounted on the frame, for driving the steering coupler to move along the steering output shaft so that the steering output shaft is connected to the first power input device or the second power input device; The steering switching device comprises a switching motor, a lead screw and a slide, wherein the lead screw is parallel to the steering output shaft and connected to the output end of the switching motor, the slide is threadedly matched with the lead screw and is transmission-connected to the first coupling member, and the slide moves along the lead screw to drive the first coupling member to move; The steering coupler further comprises a first elastic member and a second elastic member, wherein the first elastic member abuts between the first combining member and the second combining member, and the second elastic member abuts between the second rotating member and the second combining member, and the elastic force of the first elastic member is greater than the elastic force of the second elastic member; The output end of the steering switching device is axially fixed and circumferentially rotatably connected to the first coupling member.

2. The dual-input steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first coupling member is sleeved on the steering output shaft and matched with the keyway of the steering output shaft, and a circumferential annular groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first coupling member; The output end of the steering switching device is fitted in the circumferential ring groove.

3. The dual-input steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The steering switching device comprises an arc-shaped shift fork, which is connected to the output end of the steering switching device and extends along the circumferential ring groove.

4. The dual-input steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rotating mechanism includes a driving shaft and a steering wheel. The driving shaft is rotatably mounted on the frame. The rotation axis of the driving shaft and the rotation axis of the steering output shaft are on a straight line. The steering wheel is mounted on one end of the driving shaft away from the steering output shaft. The first rotating member is mounted on one end of the driving shaft close to the steering output shaft.

5. The dual-input steering device according to claim 4, characterized in that: An insertion rod is formed at the end of the driving shaft, and an insertion hole is formed at the end of the steering output shaft. The insertion rod is loosely fitted in the insertion hole.

6. The dual-input steering device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The driving shaft cooperates with the keyway of the first rotating member, and the first rotating member meshes with the first combining member for transmission.

7. The dual-input steering device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first power input device further includes a third elastic member, and the third elastic member abuts between the frame and the first rotating member.

8. The dual-input steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second rotating mechanism comprises a steering motor, a driving gear and a driven gear, the steering motor is mounted on the frame, the driving gear is connected to the output end of the steering motor, and the driven gear is meshed with the driving gear; The second rotating member is rotatably mounted on the frame, and the driven gear is formed outside the second rotating member.

Images