A steering mechanism and a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of vehicle steering technology, and more specifically, to a steering mechanism and vehicle. The steering mechanism comprises a steering axle, a steering axle mounting frame, and a support frame assembly. The steering axle mounting frame is arranged perpendicular to the steering axle in a horizontal direction, with a front end of the steering axle mounting frame fixed to the steering axle and a rear end hingedly connected to the support frame assembly. The steering axle can rotate relative to the support frame assembly. When the vehicle turns, the angle of this rotation assists the wheel rotation, thereby amplifying the vehicle's steering angle, reducing the vehicle's turning radius, and providing greater reliability and stability when turning.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, all steering axles on vehicles are designed to achieve vehicle turning by rotating the tires around a vertical axis at the end of the steering axle. This allows the vehicle to turn with a greater steering angle, resulting in a smaller turning radius. However, excessive steering angles significantly reduce the stability and reliability of the steering axle, potentially impacting vehicle turning and driving.

[0003] In the prior art, in order to ensure that the vehicle can turn smoothly, the turning angle of the tire is generally not greater than 50 degrees. However, such an angle range results in a large turning radius of the vehicle, which is not suitable for turning in a small space.

[0004] In order to further reduce the turning radius of the vehicle, the current solutions on the market are mostly to use bending steering. However, bending steering involves many mechanical structures, complex technology, and high cost, which is not conducive to promotion. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a steering mechanism and a vehicle.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above technical problems is as follows:

[0007] The present invention provides a steering mechanism, comprising a steering axle, a steering axle mounting frame and a support frame assembly; the steering axle mounting frame is arranged perpendicular to the steering axle in a horizontal direction, the front end of the steering axle mounting frame is fixed on the steering axle, and the rear end is hingedly connected to the support frame assembly.

[0008] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that the steering axle can rotate, and when the vehicle turns, the rotation angle can assist the wheel rotation, which can amplify the steering angle of the vehicle, reduce the turning radius of the vehicle, and at the same time make the vehicle more reliable and stable when turning.

[0009] The above technical solution of the present invention can also be implemented by the following further technical solutions:

[0010] Furthermore, a steering pin shaft arranged in a vertical direction is provided at the upper rear end of the steering axle mounting frame; it also includes a first bearing; the first bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring that can rotate relative to each other, and its outer ring is fixed on the support frame assembly; one end of the steering pin shaft is fixed on the steering axle mounting frame, and the other end passes through the first bearing, so that the steering axle mounting frame and its inner ring are fixedly connected together.

[0011] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that, through the cooperation between the steering pin and the first bearing, the steering axle mounting frame and the support frame assembly are rotatably connected, which has better stability.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a longitudinal tie rod and a fixed tie rod fixing seat; the front end of the longitudinal tie rod is hinged to the lower rear end of the steering axle mounting frame, and the rear end of the longitudinal tie rod is hingedly connected to the tie rod fixing seat, and the fixing seat is fixedly installed on the support frame assembly and is located below the support frame assembly.

[0013] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that, by providing a longitudinal tie rod, the rotation of the steering axle can be limited, thereby ensuring the longitudinal stability of the steering axle and the entire machine.

[0014] Furthermore, the steering axle mounting frame is provided with a second bearing arranged coaxially with the first bearing; the second bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring that can rotate relative to each other, and its outer ring is fixed to the lower rear part of the steering axle mounting frame; it also includes a limit pin shaft, and the limit pin shaft passes through the front end center hole of the longitudinal tie rod and the inner ring of the second bearing, so that the longitudinal tie rod is connected to the inner ring of the second bearing.

[0015] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further technical solution is that, through the cooperation of the limit pin and the second bearing, the steering axle mounting frame and the longitudinal tie rod are rotatably connected, which has better stability.

[0016] Furthermore, the first bearing and the second bearing are spherical plain bearings.

[0017] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution are: the outer surface of the inner ring and the inner surface of the outer ring of the spherical bearing are both spherical, so that the relative rotation between the two is not limited to the same plane; the use of spherical bearings to connect the steering axle mounting frame and the support frame assembly, and the steering axle mounting frame and the longitudinal tie rod can make the rotation of the steering axle more flexible; when the vehicle turns on uneven ground, the steering axle can better adapt to the ground conditions.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes two steering parts, which are hinged to the two ends of the steering bridge respectively.

[0019] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further technical solution is that the wheels mounted on the steering assembly can be rotated relative to the steering axle.

[0020] Furthermore, it includes two steering oil cylinders, one end of each steering oil cylinder is hinged to one of the steering components and the steering axle mounting frame.

[0021] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further technical solution is that the steering cylinder can provide power for the rotation of the steering assembly.

[0022] Furthermore, it also includes two transverse tie rods; one end of each transverse tie rod is hingedly connected to one of the steering components, and the other end is hingedly connected to the support frame assembly.

[0023] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that the steering mounting frame can be driven to steer when the steering assembly rotates via the transverse pull rod.

[0024] Furthermore, the support frame assembly includes a front bracket, an engine assembly and a gearbox housing that are fixedly connected in sequence; the steering axle mounting frame has the same extension direction as the support frame assembly and is located on the lower side of the front bracket; the steering axle mounting frame is hingedly connected to the front bracket.

[0025] The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is that the steering axle assembly can be rotated to both sides of the support frame assembly.

[0026] The present invention provides a vehicle comprising the above-mentioned steering mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the steering mechanism of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the steering mechanism of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 It is a front view of the steering mechanism of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the connection between the steering assembly and the steering axle of the present invention.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings, the components represented by the reference numerals are as follows:

[0032] 1. Steering axle mounting frame; 11. First bearing; 12. Second bearing;

[0033] 2. Steering cylinder;

[0034] 3. Steering pin; 31. Limit pin;

[0035] 4. Steering axle; 5. Steering assembly;

[0036] 6. Driving rod;

[0037] 7. Transverse tie rod; 71. Stud; 72. Screw;

[0038] 8. Longitudinal tie rod; 81. Tie rod fixing seat;

[0039] 9. Support frame assembly; 91. Front bracket; 92. Engine assembly; 93. Transmission housing;

[0040] 10. Limit bracket;

[0041] a. Vertical axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0043] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the steering mechanism of the present invention includes a steering axle 4, a steering axle mounting frame 1, and a support frame assembly 9. The steering axle mounting frame 1 is arranged perpendicular to the steering axle 4 in the horizontal direction. The front end of the steering axle mounting frame 1 is fixed to the steering axle 4, and the rear end is hingedly connected to the support frame assembly 9. The steering axle mounting frame 1 can rotate relative to the support frame assembly 9 about the hinge point, thereby driving the steering axle 4 to rotate horizontally. The steering axle assembly of the present invention also includes two steering couplings 5, each connected to the two steering couplings 5 at each end of the steering axle 4. Wheels are rotatably mounted on the steering couplings 5 to control the rotation of the wheels relative to the steering axle 4.

[0044] In the steering mechanism of the present invention, the steering axle 4 can rotate, and the rotation angle can assist the rotation of the wheels. When superimposed with the rotation angle of the wheels, the steering angle of the vehicle can be amplified, the turning radius of the vehicle can be reduced, and at the same time, the vehicle can have higher reliability and stability when turning.

[0045] The present invention also includes two transverse tie rods 7; the two ends of each transverse tie rod 7 are respectively hingedly connected to a steering assembly 5 and a support frame assembly 9; by hingedly connecting the transverse tie rod 7 to the support frame assembly 9, the steering axle assembly 5 can drive the steering axle 4 and the steering axle mounting frame 1 to rotate relative to the support assembly 9 when the steering axle assembly 5 rotates.

[0046] Further preferably, the transverse tie rod 7 includes a screw rod 72 , and studs 71 with spherical bearings are installed at both ends of the screw rod 72 , one of the studs 71 can be connected to the steering axle mounting frame 1 , and the other stud 71 can be connected to a steering assembly 5 .

[0047] Preferably, the hinged structure at the rear end of the steering axle mounting frame 1 includes, but is not limited to, various hinged components, such as hinges, hinge bolts, and bearings. In one embodiment of the present invention, the hinged end is provided with a steering pin 3 and a first bearing 11 that cooperate with each other. A steering pin 3 arranged vertically is provided at the upper portion of the rear end of the steering axle mounting frame 1, and a first bearing 11 is disposed outside the steering pin 3. The first bearing 11 includes an inner ring and an outer ring that can rotate relative to each other. The outer ring is fixed to the support frame assembly 9, and the inner ring is fixed to the steering pin 3, allowing the steering pin 3 to rotate relative to other mechanisms. The structure of the steering pin 3 and the first bearing 11 cooperates with each other, providing greater stability than hinges or hinge bolts.

[0048] In the above embodiment, preferably, it also includes a longitudinal tie rod 8 and a tie rod fixing seat 81, the front end of the longitudinal tie rod 8 is hinged to the lower rear end of the steering axle mounting frame 1, the rear end of the longitudinal tie rod 8 is hinged to the tie rod fixing seat 81, the tie rod fixing seat 81 is fixedly installed on the support frame assembly 9, and is located below the support frame assembly 9; the longitudinal tie rod 8 and the support frame assembly 9 are arranged in the same direction; the longitudinal tie rod 8 can support and limit the rotation of the steering axle mounting frame 1 to a certain extent, so that the steering axle 4 can rotate within a certain angle, and has good stability and reliability.

[0049] In the above embodiment, preferably, the hinged end of the steering axle mounting frame 1 is provided with a second bearing 12 arranged coaxially with the first bearing 11; the second bearing 12 includes an inner ring and an outer ring that can rotate relative to each other, and its outer ring is fixed to the lower rear part of the steering axle mounting frame 1; it also includes a limit pin 31, the limit pin 31 passes through the front end center hole of the longitudinal tie rod 8 and the inner ring of the second bearing 12, and is fixedly connected to the two; through the limit pin 31 and the second bearing 12, the longitudinal tie rod 8 can be rotatably connected to the steering axle mounting frame 1.

[0050] In the above embodiment, preferably, the front end of the longitudinal tie rod 8 can be a double-layer structure; when connected to the steering axle mounting frame 1, the second bearing 12 is located between the double-layer structure, and the limit pin 31 can limit the second bearing 12 within the double-layer structure. In this way, the hinged connection between the longitudinal tie rod 8 and the steering axle mounting frame 1 can be made more stable.

[0051] The longitudinal tie rod 8 can be a single-rod structure or a double-rod structure. In one embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal tie rod 8 is a double-rod structure. Thus, when the steering axle 4 rotates to both sides, the longitudinal tie rod 8 with the double-rod structure can provide a more stable position limit for the rotation axis, further improving the stability of the steering axle 4 during the rotation process.

[0052] Preferably, the rear end of the longitudinal tie rod 8 is rotatably connected to the tie rod fixing seat 81 via a joint bearing.

[0053] When the steering axle mounting frame 1 of the present invention rotates relative to the support frame assembly 9, there is no power input to control the active rotation of the steering axle mounting frame 1. Instead, when the vehicle turns, the steering axle 4 and the steering axle mounting frame 1 passively rotate with the vehicle; this does not require the addition of relevant power control mechanisms and can also increase the flexibility of the steering axle 4 during turning.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, in the above embodiment, preferably, the steering assembly 5 is arranged obliquely with respect to the vertical axis a about which the steering axle 4 rotates and the axis of the steering axle 4 .

[0055] In the above embodiment, preferably, two steering cylinders 2 are further included, and one end of each steering cylinder 2 is hinged to a steering assembly 5 and a steering axle mounting frame 1 respectively; the steering cylinder 2 can provide rotational power for the steering assembly 5.

[0056] Preferably, the fixed connection position between the steering axle mounting frame 1 and the steering axle 4 of the present invention is located in the middle of the steering axle 4; such an arrangement can ensure that the steering axle 4 maintains balance during rotation, thereby making the rotation of the steering axle 4 more stable and reliable.

[0057] Preferably, the support frame assembly 9 of the present invention includes a front bracket 91, an engine assembly 92 and a gearbox housing 93 which are fixedly connected in sequence by bolts; the steering axle mounting frame 1 is located on the lower side of the front bracket 91, and the rear end of the steering axle mounting frame 1 is hinged to the front bracket 91.

[0058] Preferably, the outer ring of the first bearing 11 on the steering axle mounting frame 1 is fixed to the lower side of the front bracket 91, so that the steering axle mounting frame 1 and the front bracket 91 are rotatably connected.

[0059] Preferably, the longitudinal tie rod 8 is located on the lower side of the engine assembly 92 and the gearbox housing 93. The tie rod fixing seat 81 is fixedly connected to the gearbox housing 93.

[0060] In the above embodiment, preferably, the first bearing 11 and the second bearing 12 are spherical joint bearings; the outer surface of the inner ring and the inner surface of the outer ring of the spherical joint bearing are spherical, so that the relative rotation between the two is not limited to the same plane; the use of spherical joint bearings to connect the steering axle mounting frame 1 and the support frame assembly 9, and the steering axle mounting frame 1 and the longitudinal tie rod 8 can make the rotation of the steering axle 4 more flexible; when the vehicle turns on uneven ground, the steering axle 4 can better adapt to the ground conditions.

[0061] In the above embodiment, preferably, a limit bracket 10 is further included; the limit bracket 10 is located behind the rear end of the steering axle mounting frame 1, between the support frame assembly 9 and the longitudinal tie rod 8, and is fixed to the front bracket 91. The limit bracket 10 has a limit portion extending along both sides of the steering axle mounting frame 1. When the steering axle 4 rotates, the limit bracket 10 can rotate to a position abutting against the limit portion on one side. In this way, under the limiting action of the limit bracket 10, the steering axle 4 can stop rotating further, thereby limiting the rotation of the steering axle 4, preventing the steering axle from turning too large, and making the rotation process of the steering axle 4 more reliable.

[0062] In the above embodiment, preferably, a driving rod 6 is further included; the driving rod 6 is arranged perpendicular to the steering bridge 4, and one end of the driving rod is connected to the internal gear of the steering bridge 4; the driving rod 6 can provide driving force for the rotation of the front wheels of the vehicle.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, the driving rod 6 is located between the support frame assembly 9 and the longitudinal tie rod 8 and its front end passes through the steering axle mounting frame 1 .

[0064] The vehicle of the present invention includes the above-mentioned steering mechanism; preferably, in the vehicle of the present invention, the steering axle 4 is a front axle.

[0065] The working process of the vehicle and steering mechanism of the present invention is as follows:

[0066] When the vehicle turns, power is transmitted to the two steering cylinders 2 via the hydraulic control unit and pipelines. These two steering cylinders 2 control the synchronous rotation of the steering couplings 5 located at either end of the steering axle 4. Each steering coupling rotates about the vertical axis a relative to the steering axle 4, causing the wheels mounted on the steering couplings 5 to turn. As the steering couplings 5 rotate and one end of the transverse tie rod 7 is fixed to the support frame assembly, the four-bar linkage formed by the transverse tie rod 7, the steering axle 4, and the support frame assembly 9 drives the steering axle 4 to rotate relative to the support frame assembly 9. This rotation angle is superimposed on the wheel angle, amplifying the vehicle's steering angle, reducing the vehicle's turning radius, and improving the reliability and stability of the steering axle 4 when the vehicle turns.

[0067] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "vertical", "horizontal", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0068] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0069] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0070] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0071] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0072] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steering mechanism, characterized in that: It includes a steering axle (4), a steering axle mounting frame (1), and a support frame assembly (9); The steering axle mounting frame (1) and the steering axle (4) are arranged vertically in the horizontal direction, the front end of the steering axle mounting frame (1) is fixed to the steering axle (4), and the rear end is hingedly connected to the support frame assembly (9); A steering pin shaft (3) arranged in a vertical direction is provided on the upper portion of the rear end of the steering axle mounting frame (1); It also includes a first bearing (11); the first bearing (11) includes an inner ring and an outer ring that can rotate relative to each other, and the outer ring is fixed to the support frame assembly (9); One end of the steering pin shaft (3) is fixed to the steering axle mounting frame (1), and the other end passes through the first bearing (11), so that the steering axle mounting frame (1) and its inner ring are fixedly connected together; It also includes a longitudinal tie rod (8) and a fixed tie rod fixing seat (81); The front end of the longitudinal tie rod (8) is hinged to the lower portion of the rear end of the steering axle mounting frame (1), and the rear end of the longitudinal tie rod (8) is hinged to the tie rod fixing seat (81), and the fixing seat (81) is fixedly mounted on the support frame assembly (9) and is located below the support frame assembly (9); It also includes two steering components (5), the two steering components (5) being hinged to the two ends of the steering bridge (4) respectively; It also includes two transverse tie rods (7); one end of each transverse tie rod (7) is hingedly connected to one of the steering components (5), and the other end is hingedly connected to the support frame assembly (9); It also includes two steering oil cylinders (2), one end of each steering oil cylinder (2) being hinged to a steering assembly (5) and the steering axle mounting frame (1).

2. A steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering axle mounting frame (1) is provided with a second bearing (12) coaxially arranged with the first bearing (11); the second bearing (12) comprises an inner ring and an outer ring that are relatively rotatable, and the outer ring is fixed to the lower rear portion of the steering axle mounting frame (1); It also includes a limiting pin (31), which passes through the front end center hole of the longitudinal pull rod (8) and the inner ring of the second bearing (12), so that the longitudinal pull rod (8) and the inner ring of the second bearing are connected together.

3. A steering mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first bearing (11) and the second bearing (12) are spherical bearings.

4. A steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support frame assembly (9) comprises a front bracket (91), an engine assembly (92), and a gearbox housing (93) which are fixedly connected in sequence; The steering axle mounting frame (1) extends in the same direction as the support frame assembly (9) and is located on the lower side of the front bracket (91); the steering axle mounting frame (1) is hingedly connected to the front bracket (91).

5. A vehicle, characterized in that: It comprises the steering mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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