Steering mechanism and electric vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a steering mechanism and an electric vehicle, relating to the technical field of non-motorized vehicles. The steering mechanism comprises a base having a hollow accommodating chamber; a rotating mechanism disposed within the accommodating chamber and capable of rotating relative to the base; and a restoring structure connected to both the base and the rotating mechanism. The restoring structure generates a restoring force that resets the rotating mechanism as the rotating mechanism rotates. The steering mechanism of the present invention improves the vehicle's operating stability and facilitates folding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of non-motor vehicles, and more specifically, relates to a steering mechanism and an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A steering mechanism is a guide mechanism used to control the direction of travel of a non-motorized vehicle. The relevant steering mechanism includes a base and a rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism can rotate relative to the base under the steering force applied by the user to achieve steering.

[0003] The relevant rotating mechanism can flexibly turn under the action of steering force, but the steering angle is not easy to control. In addition, the rotating mechanism cannot reset automatically, and an additional force in the opposite direction of the steering force must be applied from the outside to reset the rotating mechanism. It should be noted that resetting means returning the rotating mechanism to its initial position. Considering the complexity and uncertainty of the external environment, it is difficult to control the magnitude of the applied rotational force, resulting in the applied reaction force being large or small or not applied in time, causing the rotating mechanism to swing left and right and be difficult to control, affecting the stability of driving; and in the process of folding the vehicle, the rotating mechanism rotates freely due to the force, affecting carrying and storage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a steering mechanism and an electric vehicle to solve the technical problem of how to improve the stability of vehicle operation and the convenience of folding.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0006] The present invention provides a steering mechanism, comprising a base having a hollow accommodating cavity; a rotating mechanism disposed in the accommodating cavity and capable of rotating relative to the base; and a restoring structure connected to both the base and the rotating mechanism, wherein the restoring structure can generate a restoring force to drive the rotating mechanism to return to its original position as the rotating mechanism rotates.

[0007] Furthermore, the restoring structure is a deformable component, and the deformable component moves and deforms as the rotating mechanism rotates.

[0008] Furthermore, the restoring structure includes: a first restoring structure connected to one end of the rotating mechanism; and a second restoring structure connected to the other end of the rotating mechanism.

[0009] Further, the rotating mechanism includes: a rotating member, wherein the opposite ends of the rotating member are respectively provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion; a first stop member, adjacent to the one end of the rotating member, and provided with a first groove for the first protrusion to be inserted into, and along the rotation direction of the rotating member, the length of the first groove is greater than the length of the first protrusion; the first stop member is connected to the first return structure; a second stop member, adjacent to the other end of the rotating member, and provided with a second groove for the second protrusion to be inserted into, and along the rotation direction of the rotating member, the length of the second groove is greater than the length of the second protrusion; the second stop member is connected to the second return structure; wherein, in the non-rotating state, along the rotatable direction of the rotating member, the end wall of one end of the first groove abuts against the first protrusion, and the end wall of the other end of the second groove abuts against the second protrusion.

[0010] Furthermore, the rotating member includes: a rotating shaft, one end of which is provided with the first protrusion, and the rotating shaft is arranged adjacent to the first stop member; an anti-backlash ring, which is sleeved on the other end of the rotating shaft and fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, the anti-backlash ring is provided with the second protrusion, and the anti-backlash ring is arranged adjacent to the second stop member.

[0011] Furthermore, a first stop member and a second stop member are protrudingly provided on the wall surface of the base adjacent to the accommodating cavity; the first stop member and the second stop member are respectively located at opposite ends of the base; a first stop member that can abut against the first stop member is protrudingly provided on the surface of the first stop member adjacent to the base, and a second stop member that can abut against the second stop member is protrudingly provided on the surface of the second stop member adjacent to the base.

[0012] Furthermore, the rotation mechanism includes: a rotating member, which is provided with a third protrusion; a third stop member, which is arranged adjacent to the rotating member, and the third stop member is provided with a third groove, and the third groove is used for inserting the third protrusion and limiting the rotation of the third protrusion relative to the third groove; the third stop member is connected to the recovery structure.

[0013] Furthermore, a third stopper is protrudingly provided on the wall surface of the base adjacent to the accommodating cavity, and a third blocking member capable of abutting against the third stopper is protrudingly provided on the surface of the third stopper adjacent to the base.

[0014] Furthermore, the rotating mechanism includes a main body and a fourth protrusion protruding from the main body; the base is provided with a fourth groove for inserting the fourth protrusion, and along the rotation direction of the rotating mechanism, the length of the fourth groove is greater than the length of the fourth protrusion; the first return structure connects one end of the fourth protrusion and one end of the fourth groove, and the second return structure connects the other end of the fourth protrusion and the other end of the fourth groove.

[0015] Furthermore, the restoring structure is arranged around the outer surface of the rotating mechanism along the rotation direction of the rotating mechanism.

[0016] An electric vehicle comprises any one of the steering mechanisms described above.

[0017] The present invention provides a steering mechanism comprising a base, a rotating mechanism, and a restoring structure. The restoring structure is connected to both the base and the rotating mechanism, and can generate a restoring force to drive the rotating mechanism to reset as the rotating mechanism rotates. By providing a restoring structure on the steering mechanism, the restoring structure can generate a restoring force to drive the rotating mechanism to reset as the rotating mechanism rotates. After the steering force is withdrawn, no additional rotational force is required, and this restoring force can automatically reset the rotating mechanism. The steering mechanism of the present invention can automatically reset the rotating mechanism after rotation, thereby facilitating control of the steering angle and improving driving stability. Furthermore, the free rotation of the rotating mechanism is effectively prevented during folding, making it easier to carry and store the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the working principle of the relevant steering mechanism;

[0019] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the steering mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

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

[0021] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of a steering mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5a A schematic diagram of a structural arrangement of a first protrusion and / or a second protrusion;

[0023] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of another structural arrangement of the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion;

[0024] Figure 5c is a schematic diagram of another structural arrangement of the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion;

[0025] Figure 5dis a schematic diagram of another structural arrangement of the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion;

[0026] Figure 6a A schematic diagram of the working principle of the steering mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention rotating in the counterclockwise direction;

[0027] Figure 6b This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the steering mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention rotating in a clockwise direction;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first protrusion and a first groove of a steering mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a second protrusion and a second groove of a steering mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9a This is a schematic structural diagram of a first stopper and a second stopper of a base of a steering mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9b This is a schematic structural diagram of a first stopper of a base of a steering mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 10 A bottom view of the steering mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention and a schematic diagram of the working principle of the first blocking member;

[0033] Figure 11 A top view of the steering mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention and a schematic diagram of the working principle of the second blocking member;

[0034] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of another steering mechanism;

[0035] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the working principle of a third blocking member of another steering mechanism;

[0036] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the working principle of a return structure of another steering mechanism;

[0037] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the working principle of the return structure of another steering mechanism.

[0038] Description of reference numerals:

[0039] 10-handlebar, 11-stem tube, 12-head tube, 13-front fork, 2-base, 21-accommodating chamber, 221-first stopper, 222-second stopper, 223-third stopper, 23-fourth groove, 3-rotating mechanism, 31-rotating member, 311-rotating shaft, 3111-first protrusion, 3112-third protrusion, 312-anti-backlash ring, 3121-second protrusion, 32-first stopper, 321-first groove, 322-first stopper, 33-second stopper, 331-second groove, 332-second stopper, 34-third stopper, 341-third groove, 342-third stopper, 35-body, 36-fourth protrusion, 4-recovery structure, 41-first recovery structure, 42-second recovery structure DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0041] The various specific technical features described in the specific embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner, unless they are inconsistent. For example, different embodiments and technical solutions may be formed by combining different specific technical features. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the specific technical features in the present invention will not be described separately.

[0042] In the following description, the terms "first, second, ..." are used solely to distinguish different objects and do not imply similarities or connections between the objects. It should be understood that the directional descriptions "above" and "below" refer to the orientations during normal use.

[0043] It should be noted that the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a ..." does not preclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0044] The embodiment of the present invention provides a steering mechanism that can be used as a steering joint in non-motor vehicles, such as electric vehicles, bicycles, balance vehicles, and scooters. It should be noted that the application scenario type in the present invention does not limit the steering mechanism of the present invention.

[0045] Taking the application of steering mechanism in electric vehicles as an example, the working principle of the steering mechanism is explained. Figure 1 As shown, the steering mechanism may include, from top to bottom, a handlebar 10, a seat tube 11, a head tube 12, and a front fork 13. The seat tube 11 and the head tube 12 are coaxially connected. The handlebar 10 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the seat tube 11, and the length of the handlebar 10 extends perpendicular to the length of the seat tube 11. When the electric vehicle is about to turn, an external force is applied to the handlebar 10. The seat tube 11 rotates under the action of the torque, driving the head tube 12 connected to it to rotate. The head tube 12 can control the steering angle to ensure steering flexibility and stability. The lower end of the head tube 12 is connected to the front fork 13, together forming the steering mechanism's guide system. The rotation of the head tube 12 further drives the front fork 13 to deflect. The front fork 13 includes a left front fork and a right front fork. The front wheel is located between the left and right front forks. One end of the front wheel's rotating shaft is connected to the left front fork, and the other end is connected to the right front fork. Therefore, the front wheel can steer relative to the ground as the front fork 13 deflects, completing the steering process of the electric vehicle.

[0046] Taking the application of the steering mechanism in an electric vehicle as an example, in an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 As shown, the steering mechanism includes a base 2, a rotating mechanism 3 and a restoring structure 4. The base 2 is fixed, for example, the base 2 is a component of the vehicle frame. Figure 3 As shown, the base 2 has a hollow accommodating cavity 21. Specifically, the base 2 can be a roughly cylindrical barrel structure. Along the length extension direction of the base 2, the base 2 is provided with a cavity extending from one end to the other end, namely the accommodating cavity 21. Figure 4 As shown, the rotating mechanism 3 is disposed within the accommodating cavity 21 and is capable of rotating relative to the base 2. Specifically, the rotating mechanism 3 and the accommodating cavity 21 are coaxial, and this axis serves as the rotation centerline O' of the steering mechanism. Under the action of an external steering force, the rotating mechanism 3 rotates about the rotation centerline O'. Because the base 2 is stationary relative to the rotation centerline O', the rotating mechanism 3 can rotate relative to the base 2.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the restoring structure 4 is connected to both the base 2 and the rotating mechanism 3. As the rotating mechanism 3 rotates, the restoring structure 4 generates a restoring force that drives the rotating mechanism 3 back to its original position. Specifically, when an external force acts on the restoring structure 4, it generates a reaction force opposite to the external force. Once the external force is removed, the reaction force of the restoring structure 4 restores the structure to its initial state. It should be noted that the initial state refers to the state in which the restoring structure 4 is not subject to external forces. The base 2 and the rotating mechanism 3 are connected via the restoring structure 4.

[0048] The steering mechanism's operating process is described in detail as follows: Rotating mechanism 3, in its initial position, begins rotating in a first direction upon application of an external force. It should be noted that the initial position refers to the position at which rotating mechanism 3 remains unaffected by any external force. Driven by rotating mechanism 3, rotating mechanism 3 transmits the steering force to restoring structure 4, causing restoring structure 4 in its initial position to generate a reaction force in the opposite direction to the first direction, namely, the restoring force. As rotating mechanism 3 continues to rotate in the first direction, the restoring force increases and is applied to rotating mechanism 3, which is connected to restoring structure 4.

[0049] When the external steering force applied to the rotating mechanism 3 is greater than the restoring force applied by the restoring structure 4, the rotating mechanism 3 continues to rotate in the first direction within a certain range. When the steering force applied to the rotating mechanism 3 is equal to the restoring force applied to the rotating mechanism 3, the rotating mechanism 3 reaches a state of equilibrium and remains stationary relative to the base 2. When the steering force applied to the rotating mechanism 3 is less than the restoring force applied to the rotating mechanism 3, the rotating mechanism 3 rotates back in a direction opposite to the first direction. After the external steering force is removed, the rotating mechanism 3 is only acted upon by the restoring force of the restoring structure 4, causing the rotating mechanism 3 to rotate back in a direction opposite to the first direction. During the rotation process opposite to the first direction, the restoring structure 4 tends to return to its initial state, and the restoring force generated by the restoring structure 4 gradually decreases. When the restoring structure 4 fully returns to its initial state, that is, when the restoring force decreases to zero, the restoring force disappears. At this point, the rotating mechanism 3 is no longer acted upon by the restoring force of the restoring structure 4 and stops rotating, i.e., stops steering. When the restoring structure 4 returns to its initial state, the rotating mechanism 3 also returns to its initial position. Therefore, the rotation mechanism 3 that has stopped rotating returns to its initial position when the restoring force disappears, which is the so-called reset.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, a restoring structure is provided on the steering mechanism. The restoring structure generates a restoring force that drives the rotating mechanism to reset as the rotating mechanism rotates. This restoring force is in the opposite direction of the steering force. After the steering force is removed, this restoring force automatically resets the rotating mechanism without the need for additional rotational force, thus providing better controllability of the steering mechanism and improving driving stability. Furthermore, the free rotation of the rotating mechanism is effectively prevented during folding, making it easier to carry and store the vehicle.

[0051] In some embodiments, as Figure 4As shown, the restoring structure 4 is a deformable component, which moves and deforms as the rotating mechanism 3 rotates. Specifically, the restoring structure 4 is a component that can produce elastic deformation under the action of an external force, and can return to its original state after the external force is removed. The deformable component can be an elastic element such as a torsion spring, a tension spring, a compression spring, a coil spring or a rubber cushion. The deformable component is deformed as the rotating mechanism 3 rotates, thereby generating a restoring force. When the steering force applied by the outside is removed, the restoring force causes the deformable component to return to its original state from the deformed state. By using the deformable component as the specific form of the restoring structure, the restoring structure is simple and convenient to install and replace.

[0052] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, the return structure 4 includes a first return structure 41 and a second return structure 42, and the first return structure 41 is connected to one end of the rotating mechanism 3. Specifically, the first return force generated by the first return structure 41 resets the rotating mechanism 3 when it rotates in the first direction. The second return structure is connected to the other end of the rotating mechanism. Specifically, the second return force generated by the second return structure 42 resets the rotating mechanism 3 when it rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first return structure 41 and the second return structure 42 may be torsion springs. By setting the return structure 4 as two separately and independently set return structures, namely the first return structure 41 and the second return structure 42, the rotating mechanism can automatically reset whether it rotates in the forward or reverse direction, and the two return mechanisms do not interfere with each other and can be used and replaced independently, which is conducive to improving the convenience of use and saving replacement costs.

[0053] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, the rotating mechanism 3 includes a rotating member 31, a first stop member 32 and a second stop member 33, and the opposite ends of the rotating member 31 ( Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the first protrusion 3111 and the second protrusion 3121 are respectively provided at the upper and lower ends. Figure 5a As shown, the first protrusion 3111 and / or the second protrusion 3121 can be provided on the lower end surface of the rotating member 31, as shown in FIG. Figure 5b As shown, the first protrusion 3111 and / or the second protrusion 3121 can be provided on the upper end surface of the rotating member 31, as shown in FIG. Figure 5c As shown, the first protrusion 3111 and / or the second protrusion 3121 can be provided on the inner wall surface of the rotating member 31, as shown in FIG. Figure 5d As shown, the first protrusion 3111 and / or the second protrusion 3121 can be provided on the outer wall surface of the rotating member 31 .

[0054] like Figure 2As shown, the first stop member 32 is adjacent to one end of the rotating member 31, and the first stop member 32 is located between the rotating member 31 and the first restoring structure 41, and connects one end of the rotating member 31 and the first restoring structure 41. Figure 6a As shown, the first stopper 32 is provided with a first groove 321 for the first protrusion 3111 to be inserted into the first groove 321. Along the rotation direction of the rotating member 31, the length of the first groove 321 is greater than the length of the first protrusion 3111. Specifically, the first stopper 32 can be a substantially annular structure, coaxial with the rotating member 31. The inner side surface of the first stopper 32 is provided with a first groove 321, and the length of the first groove 321 ( Figure 6a The arc length of the blank arc segment shown) is greater than the length of the first protrusion 3111 ( Figure 6a As shown in FIG. 3 , the first protrusion 3111 has a circumferential dimension. When the first protrusion 3111 rotates with the rotating member 31 , it can slide in the first groove 321 .

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the second stop member 33 is adjacent to the other end of the rotating member 31, and is located between the rotating member 31 and the second restoring structure 42, and connects the other end of the rotating member 31 and the second restoring structure 42. Figure 6b As shown, the second stop member 33 is provided with a second groove 331 for the second protrusion 3121 to be inserted into. Along the rotation direction of the rotating member 31, the length of the second groove 331 is greater than the length of the second protrusion 3121. The second stop member 33 is connected to the second restoring structure 42. Specifically, the second stop member 33 can be a substantially annular structure coaxial with the rotating member 31. The inner side surface of the second stop member 33 is provided with a second groove 331, and the length of the second groove 331 ( Figure 6b The arc length of the blank arc segment shown) is greater than the length of the second protrusion 3121 ( Figure 6b As shown in FIG. 3 , the second protrusion 3121 has a circumferential dimension. When the second protrusion 3121 rotates with the rotating member 31 , it can slide in the second groove 331 .

[0056] like Figure 6a and Figure 6b As shown, in the non-rotating state, along the rotatable direction of the rotating member 31, the end wall of one end of the first groove 321 abuts against the first protrusion 3111, and the end wall of the other end of the second groove 331 abuts against the second protrusion 3121. It should be noted that abutment refers to close contact, thereby limiting the relative movement of the two abutting objects in a certain direction. That is: in the initial state (non-rotating state), the rotating member 31 is not subjected to external force or restoring force, and thus does not rotate, and the protrusions at the upper and lower ends of the rotating member 31 are in close contact with the first stop member 32 and the second stop member 33 respectively. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, as Figure 6a and Figure 6bAs shown, the rotatable direction of the rotating member 31 is clockwise or counterclockwise. Along the rotatable direction, the first groove 321 and the second groove 331 both have end walls. Specifically, in the initial state, the left end wall of the first groove 321 abuts against the first protrusion 3111, and the right end wall of the second groove 331 abuts against the second protrusion 3121. Then the rotating member 31 is subjected to the rotation along the first direction (such as Figure 6a When a steering force (in the direction indicated by the middle arrow) is applied, the first stop member 32 will rotate in the first direction and drive the first protrusion 3111 and the second protrusion 3121 to rotate in the first direction. The left end wall of the first groove 321 of the first stop member 32 is subjected to a thrust from the first protrusion 3111. Under the action of this thrust, the first stop member 32 rotates synchronously with the rotating member 31. The movement of the first stop member 32 can cause the first restoring structure 41 connected thereto to deform and generate a restoring force opposite to the first direction. At the same time, the second protrusion 3121 separates from the right end wall of the second groove 331 of the second stop member 33 and slides in the second groove 331. Since the second stop member 33 is not subjected to a thrust from the second protrusion 3121, the second stop member 33 is stationary relative to the base 2. Therefore, the second restoring structure 42 does not generate a restoring force. When the steering force in the first direction disappears, the rotating member 31 can be reset under the action of the restoring force generated by the first restoring structure 41. Similarly, when the rotating member 31 is subjected to a steering force in the second direction (in the direction indicated by the middle arrow) opposite to the first direction, the first stop member 32 rotates synchronously with the rotating member 31. Figure 6b When a turning force (in the direction indicated by the middle arrow) is applied to the second stopper 33, it rotates in the second direction, driving the first protrusion 3111 and the second protrusion 3121 to rotate in the second direction. The right end wall of the second groove 331 of the second stopper 33 is pushed by the second protrusion 3121. Under this thrust, the second stopper 33 rotates synchronously with the rotating member 31. The movement of the second stopper 33 causes the connected second restoring structure 42 to deform, generating a restoring force in the opposite direction to the second direction. Simultaneously, the first protrusion 3111 separates from the left end wall of the first groove 321 of the first stopper 32 and slides within the first groove 321. Because the first stopper 32 is not pushed by the first protrusion 3111, it remains stationary relative to the base 2, and therefore, the first restoring structure 41 generates no restoring force. When the turning force in the second direction disappears, the rotating member 31 can return to its original position under the restoring force generated by the second restoring structure 42.

[0057] By arranging the first stop member and the second stop member at the upper and lower ends of the rotating member, and in the initial non-rotating state, the first stop member and the second stop member are respectively in contact with the rotating member along the rotatable direction of the rotating member, so that no matter in which direction the rotating member rotates, one stop member will be pushed to rotate synchronously, thereby driving a restoring structure to move and generate a restoring force. Then, when the external force is removed, the rotating member can be rotated and reset by the action of the restoring force. Therefore, the embodiment of the present invention can effectively control the reset of the rotating mechanism after rotation.

[0058] In some embodiments, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the rotating member 31 includes a rotating shaft 311 and an anti-backlash ring 312. One end of the rotating shaft 311 is provided with a first protrusion 3111. The rotating shaft 311 is provided adjacent to the first stop member 32. Specifically, as Figure 7 As shown, the rotating shaft 311 can be a substantially cylindrical barrel structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the first protrusion 3111 can be provided on the lower end surface of the rotating shaft 311. Specifically, the first protrusion 3111 can be a protrusion protruding upward, or a protrusion protruding inward or outward. The first stopper 32 is coaxial with the rotating shaft 311 and is connected to the lower end surface of the rotating shaft 311 so that the first protrusion 3111 can be located in the first groove 321. Figure 8 As shown, the anti-backlash ring 312 is mounted on the other end of the rotating shaft 311 and is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 311. The anti-backlash ring 312 is provided with a second protrusion 3121 and is positioned adjacent to the second stop member 33. Specifically, the anti-backlash ring 312 can be a generally annular structure, coaxial with the rotating shaft 311, and mounted on the outer wall of the rotating shaft 311. The inner diameter of the anti-backlash ring 312 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the rotating shaft 311, and the anti-backlash ring 312 is capable of rotating with the rotation of the rotating shaft 311. In an exemplary embodiment, the second protrusion 3121 can be provided on the outer wall of the anti-backlash ring 312. In other embodiments, the second protrusion 3121 can be provided on the inner wall of the anti-backlash ring 312, either protruding upward or downward. The second stop member 33 is mounted on the outer side surface of the anti-backlash ring 312, so that the second protrusion 3121 can be positioned within the second groove 331.

[0059] By setting the rotating shaft and the anti-backlash ring, the rotating part is divided into two parts, which respectively cooperate with the first stop part and the second stop part. Relatively speaking, only one rotating part is set. The wear caused by the rotation of the stop part and the rotating part is borne by the rotating shaft and the anti-backlash ring, thereby reducing the chance of wear, extending the service life, and facilitating the independent replacement of worn parts.

[0060] In some embodiments, as Figure 9a and 9bAs shown, a first stopper 221 and a second stopper 222 are protrudingly provided on the wall surface of the base 2 adjacent to the accommodating cavity 21. The first stopper 221 and the second stopper 222 are respectively located at opposite ends of the base 2 (the upper and lower ends when in use). Specifically, the first stopper 221 and the second stopper 222 can be roughly rectangular protrusions. The first stopper 221 is provided on the inner wall surface of the lower end of the base 2, and the second stopper 222 is provided on the inner wall surface of the upper end of the base 2.

[0061] like Figure 10 As shown, the surface of the first stopper 32 adjacent to the base 2 is protrudingly provided with a first blocking member 322 that can abut against the first stopper 221. Specifically, when the rotating shaft 311 is moved along the Figure 10 When rotating in the direction indicated by the middle arrow, the first protrusion 3111 pushes the first stop member 32 to rotate and drives the first blocking member 322 to rotate. At this time, the second protrusion 3121 separates from the left end wall of the second groove 331 and slides in the second groove 331. The first blocking member 322 will abut against the first stop member 221 of the base 2 before the second protrusion 3121 rotates to contact the right end wall of the second groove 331, preventing the second protrusion 3121 from abutting against the right end wall of the second groove 331 and pushing the second stop member 33 to rotate, thereby preventing the second restoring structure 42 from generating a restoring force and affecting the independent control of the steering reset in different directions. Furthermore, the provision of the first blocking member 322 can limit the rotation axis 311 along the direction shown in FIG. Figure 10 The maximum rotation range in the direction indicated by the middle arrow is that when the first blocking member 322 abuts against the first stopping member 221 , the rotating shaft 311 cannot continue to rotate.

[0062] like Figure 11 As shown, the surface of the second stopper 33 adjacent to the base 2 is protrudingly provided with a second blocking member 332 that can abut against the second stopper 222. Specifically, when the anti-backlash ring 312 is moved along the Figure 11 When rotating in the direction indicated by the middle arrow, the second protrusion 3121 pushes the second stop member 33 to rotate and drives the second blocking member 332 to rotate. At this time, the first protrusion 3111 separates from the left end wall of the first groove 321 and slides in the first groove 321. The second blocking member 332 will abut against the second stop member 222 of the base 2 before the first protrusion 3111 rotates to contact the right end wall of the first groove 321, preventing the first protrusion 3111 from abutting against the right end wall of the first groove 321 and pushing the first stop member 32 to rotate, thereby preventing the first restoring structure 41 from generating a restoring force and affecting the independent control of the steering reset in different directions. Furthermore, the provision of the second blocking member 332 can limit the anti-backlash ring 312 along the direction shown in FIG. Figure 11 The maximum rotation range in the direction indicated by the middle arrow is that when the second blocking member 332 abuts against the second stop member 222 , the anti-backlash ring 312 cannot continue to rotate.

[0063] By setting the first stop member, the second stop member and the first blocking member and the second blocking member, the upper end anti-gap ring 312, the second stop member 33 and the second return structure 42 can jointly control the rotational reset in the first direction, and the lower end shaft 311, the first stop member 32 and the first return structure 41 can jointly control the rotational reset in the second direction opposite to the first direction; and can limit the rotation range of the rotating part of the steering structure to avoid excessive rotation angle affecting safety and stability.

[0064] In other embodiments, Figure 12 As shown, the rotating mechanism 3 includes a rotating member 31 and a third stop member 34. The rotating member 31 is provided with a third protrusion 3112. Specifically, the third protrusion 3112 can be provided on the upper or lower end surface of the rotating member 31, or on the outer or inner wall surface of the rotating member 31. In the exemplary embodiment, the third protrusion 3112 is provided on the outer wall surface of the rotating member 31 for subsequent explanation. The third stop member 34 is disposed adjacent to the rotating member 31 and defines a third groove 341. The third groove 341 is adapted to receive the third protrusion 3112 and restrict its rotation relative to the third groove 341. The third stop member 34 is connected to the return structure 4. Specifically, the third protrusion 3112 and the third groove 341 can be fitted together in an interference fit, a transition fit, or a snap fit. When the rotating member 31 rotates in the first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction under the action of a steering force, the third protrusion 3112 pushes the third stop member 34 to rotate with it, causing the restoring structure 4 connected to the third stop member 34 to generate a restoring force opposite to the direction of rotation. After the steering force is removed, the restoring force generated by the restoring structure 4 can restore the rotating member 31. In this way, only one restoring structure 4 is required on the steering mechanism to control the rotation and restoration of the steering mechanism in the first direction and the second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0065] The above embodiment can realize automatic resetting of the rotating member in the forward or reverse direction by only providing one third stop member, thereby saving component configuration and thus saving costs.

[0066] In other embodiments, Figure 13As shown, a third stopper 223 is protrudingly provided on the wall surface of the base 2 adjacent to the accommodating chamber 21, and a third stopper 342 is protrudingly provided on the surface of the third stopper 34 adjacent to the base 2, which can abut against the third stopper 223. Specifically, the third stopper 34 can be provided with two third stops 342, with the third stopper 223 located between the two third stops 342. When the rotating member 31 rotates in the first direction, the third protrusion 3112 drives the third stopper 34 to rotate therewith, thereby driving the third stopper 342 to rotate. When the third stopper 342 closer to the first direction abuts against the third stopper 223, the rotating member 31 stops rotating. The third stopper 342 closer to the first direction and the third stopper 223 can limit the maximum rotation range of the rotating member 31 in the first direction. Similarly, when the rotating member 31 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the third protrusion 3112 will drive the third stop member 34 to rotate therewith, and then drive the third blocking member 342 to rotate. When the third blocking member 342 close to the second direction abuts against the third stop member 223, the rotating member 31 stops rotating. The third blocking member 342 close to the second direction and the third stop member 223 can limit the maximum rotation range of the rotating member 31 in the second direction.

[0067] The above embodiment only requires one set of stoppers and blocking members, which can limit the forward and reverse rotation ranges of the rotating member of the steering mechanism, thereby saving on component configuration and thus saving on costs.

[0068] In other embodiments, Figure 14As shown, the rotation mechanism 3 includes a body 35 and a fourth protrusion 36 protruding from the body. Specifically, the body 35 can be a generally cylindrical structure, and the fourth protrusion 36 can be disposed on the outer side of the body 35. The base 2 is provided with a fourth groove 23 for the fourth protrusion 36 to be inserted into. The length of the fourth groove 23 is greater than the length of the fourth protrusion 36 along the rotation direction of the rotation mechanism 3. Specifically, the fourth groove 23 can be circumferentially defined on the inner wall surface of the base 2, and the fourth protrusion 36 can slide within the fourth groove 23. A first restoring structure 41 connects one end of the fourth protrusion 36 to one end of the fourth groove 23, and a second restoring structure 42 connects the other end of the fourth protrusion 36 to the other end of the fourth groove 23. Specifically, the first restoring structure 41 and the second restoring structure 42 can be compression springs that can be compressed or stretched. The first restoring structure 41 is disposed on the side of the fourth protrusion 36 that is closer to the first direction, and the second restoring structure 42 is disposed on the side of the fourth protrusion 36 that is closer to the second direction that is opposite to the first direction. When the body 35 rotates in the first direction under the action of a steering force, the fourth protrusion 36 rotates therewith. The fourth protrusion 36 squeezes the first restoring structure 41, generating a compressive force opposite to the first direction, i.e., the first restoring force. Simultaneously, the second restoring structure 42 is stretched under the action of the fourth protrusion 36, generating a tensile force opposite to the first direction, i.e., the second restoring force. After the steering force is removed, the rotating mechanism 3 rotates and resets in the second direction opposite to the first direction under the combined action of the first and second restoring forces. Similarly, when the body 35 rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction under the action of a steering force, the first restoring structure 41 generates a first restoring force opposite to the second direction, and the second restoring structure 42 generates a second restoring force opposite to the second direction. Under the combined action of the first and second restoring forces, the rotating mechanism 3 rotates and resets in the first direction opposite to the second direction.

[0069] The above embodiment only opens a groove on the base, uses a compression spring as a return structure, and cooperates with the protrusion. No additional stop member is required to achieve automatic resetting of the rotating part in the forward or reverse rotation, saving component costs and simplifying the structural layout of the steering mechanism.

[0070] In other embodiments, Figure 15 As shown, the restoring structure 4 is disposed around the outer surface of the rotating mechanism 3 along the rotation direction of the rotating mechanism 3. Specifically, the restoring structure 4 can be a coil spring disposed around the outer surface of the rotating mechanism 3. When the rotating mechanism 3 rotates, the restoring structure 4 can generate a restoring force opposite to the rotation direction to reset the rotating mechanism 3.

[0071] The above embodiment uses a coil spring as a return structure and arranges the coil spring around the outer surface of the rotating mechanism. There is no need to provide a stop member, a protrusion or a groove, so that the rotating member can automatically reset in the forward or reverse direction, saving component costs and simplifying the structural layout of the steering mechanism and the manufacturing process of the components.

[0072] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering mechanism, characterized in that: include: A base (2) having a hollow accommodating cavity (21); A rotating mechanism (3) is disposed in the accommodating cavity (21) and is capable of rotating relative to the base (2); A restoring structure (4) is connected to both the base (2) and the rotating mechanism (3), and the restoring structure (4) can generate a restoring force to drive the rotating mechanism (3) to return to its original position as the rotating mechanism (3) rotates; The reply structure (4) includes: A first restoring structure (41) connected to one end of the rotating mechanism (3); The rotating mechanism (3) comprises: A rotating member (31), wherein the rotating member (31) is provided with a first protrusion (3111); A first stop member (32) is adjacent to the one end of the rotating member (31) and is provided with a first groove (321) for inserting the first protrusion (3111), wherein the length of the first groove (321) is greater than the length of the first protrusion (3111) along the rotation direction of the rotating member (31); the first stop member (32) is connected to the first restoring structure (41); Wherein, in a non-rotating state, along the rotatable direction of the rotating member (31), the end wall of one end of the first groove (321) abuts against the first protrusion (3111); When the rotating member (31) is subjected to a steering force in a first direction, the first stop member (32) rotates synchronously with the rotating member (31), the first restoring structure (41) is deformed, and a restoring force opposite to the first direction is generated; when the rotating member (31) is subjected to a steering force in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the first stop member (32) remains stationary relative to the base (2), and the first restoring structure (41) does not generate a restoring force.

2. The steering mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The restoring structure (4) is a deformable component, and the deformable component moves and deforms as the rotating mechanism (3) rotates.

3. The steering mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reply structure (4) further includes: The second restoring structure (42) is connected to the other end of the rotating mechanism (3).

4. The steering mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: The first protrusion (3111) and the second protrusion (3121) are respectively provided at opposite ends of the rotating member (31); The rotating mechanism (3) further comprises: A second stop member (33) is adjacent to the other end of the rotating member (31) and is provided with a second groove (331) for inserting the second protrusion (3121). Along the rotation direction of the rotating member (31), the length of the second groove (331) is greater than the length of the second protrusion (3121). The second stop member (33) is connected to the second restoring structure (42). Wherein, in a non-rotating state, along the rotatable direction of the rotating member (31), the end wall of one end of the second groove (331) abuts against the second protrusion (3121); Wherein, the restoring structure (4) is arranged around the outer surface of the rotating mechanism (3) along the rotation direction of the rotating mechanism (3).

5. The steering mechanism according to claim 4, wherein: The rotating member (31) comprises: a rotating shaft (311), one end of the rotating shaft (311) being provided with the first protrusion (3111), and the rotating shaft (311) being provided adjacent to the first stop member (32); An anti-backlash ring (312) is sleeved on the other end of the rotating shaft (311) and fixedly connected to the rotating shaft (311). The anti-backlash ring (312) is provided with the second protrusion (3121). The anti-backlash ring (312) is arranged adjacent to the second stop member (33).

6. The steering mechanism according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: A first stopper (221) and a second stopper (222) are protrudingly provided on a wall surface of the base (2) adjacent to the accommodating cavity (21); the first stopper (221) and the second stopper (222) are respectively located at opposite ends of the base (2); A first stopper (322) that can abut against the first stopper (221) is protrudingly provided on the surface of the first stopper (32) adjacent to the base (2), and a second stopper (332) that can abut against the second stopper (222) is protrudingly provided on the surface of the second stopper (33) adjacent to the base (2).

7. An electric vehicle, characterized in that: Comprising the steering mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6.

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