Electric power steering system and vehicle

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of vehicle steering, and particularly relates to an electric power steering system and a vehicle. The electric power steering system comprises: a plurality of electric power steering machines; a plurality of steering transmission assemblies, each of which is in transmission connection with a corresponding electric power steering machine and is adapted to be in transmission connection with a corresponding steering wheel; and a steering controller which is in communication connection with the plurality of electric power steering machines and a steering operating mechanism, and is adapted to control the plurality of electric power steering machines to work cooperatively according to a steering operation signal of the steering operating mechanism, so that the steering wheels on both sides of the vehicle are synchronously steered in the same direction. Through the technical scheme of the application, the steering wheels on both sides of the vehicle are respectively driven to synchronously steer by the plurality of electric power steering machines, the structure of the steering system is simplified, the energy consumption is low, the overall load capacity and output torque of the electric power steering system are improved, the electric power steering system is suitable for application in medium and heavy vehicles, and the load requirements of the vehicles can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vehicle steering technology, specifically relating to electric steering systems and vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive industry, common medium and heavy-duty vehicles typically employ hydraulic steering systems due to their heavy front axle loads, requiring additional hydraulic power steering mechanisms to meet load requirements. However, this type of steering system involves numerous components, has a complex structure and interconnections, and results in significant energy waste.

[0003] With the development of automotive electrification technology, electric steering gears are increasingly being used in vehicles. However, due to structural limitations, existing electric steering gears have insufficient load-bearing capacity and output torque, resulting in the corresponding electric steering systems only being applicable to light vehicles such as passenger cars and light trucks. This makes it difficult to meet the load requirements of medium and heavy vehicles, limiting their applicability and hindering the promotion and application of electric steering systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, in order to improve at least one of the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides an electric steering system and a vehicle.

[0005] The first aspect of the present invention provides an electric steering system, comprising: a housing; a plurality of electric steering gears, one of which is adapted to be driveably connected to a steering operating mechanism of a vehicle; a plurality of steering transmission components, each of which is driveably connected to a corresponding electric steering gear and adapted to be driveably connected to a corresponding steering wheel; and a steering controller, which is communicatively connected to the plurality of electric steering gears and the steering operating mechanism, the steering controller being adapted to control the plurality of electric steering gears to work together in accordance with the steering operation signal of the steering operating mechanism, so that the steering wheels located on both sides of the vehicle turn synchronously in the same direction.

[0006] In one feasible implementation, the steering transmission assembly includes: a steering knuckle arm adapted to be fixedly connected to the steering wheel and extending toward the inside of the steering wheel; at least one steering tie rod arranged longitudinally along the vehicle, one end of which is rotatably connected to the steering knuckle arm; and at least one steering drop arm, one end of which is connected to the output shaft of a corresponding electric steering gear, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the end of the corresponding steering tie rod away from the steering knuckle arm, the steering drop arm being adapted to swing under the drive of the electric steering gear and drive the corresponding steering tie rod to move longitudinally so as to steer the corresponding steering knuckle arm and the steering wheel.

[0007] In one feasible implementation, the steering transmission assembly further includes: a steering tie rod arm, with one steering tie rod arm corresponding to each steering wheel, and one end of each steering tie rod arm being fixedly connected to the corresponding steering knuckle arm; and a steering tie rod, which is arranged laterally between two opposing steering wheels, with both ends of the steering tie rod being rotatably connected to the corresponding steering tie rod arm.

[0008] In one feasible implementation, each steering wheel is provided with two electric steering gears, and in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the two electric steering gears are respectively located on the front and rear sides of the corresponding steering wheel; the steering transmission assembly includes two steering arms and two steering tie rods, one of which and one of which are connected to the electric steering gear located on the front side, and the other of which is connected to the electric steering gear located on the rear side.

[0009] In one feasible implementation, the electric steering gear includes: a housing; a body assembly disposed within the housing, the output shaft of the body assembly being drive-connected to a corresponding steering transmission assembly; and a drive motor connected to the housing and communicatively connected to a steering controller, the drive motor being drive-connected to the body assembly and adapted to drive the body assembly to operate according to control commands from the steering controller, thereby causing the output shaft to rotate; wherein, among a plurality of electric steering gears, one electric steering gear is a master steering gear, and the input shaft of the body assembly of the master steering gear is drive-connected to the vehicle's steering operating mechanism.

[0010] In one feasible implementation, the body assembly includes: a movable part having multiple threaded holes; multiple screws, including a driving screw and a driven screw, respectively passing through different threaded holes, one end of the driving screw extending out of the housing and forming an input shaft, the thread direction of the driven screw being opposite to that of the driving screw; a driving gear sleeved on the driving screw; a driven gear sleeved on the driven screw and meshing with the driving gear; and an output shaft passing through the housing, with the portion of the output shaft located inside the housing being connected to the movable part for transmission and adapted to rotate under the drive of the movable part.

[0011] In one feasible implementation, the driving gear and the driving screw are interference-fitted; the driven gear and the corresponding driven screw are interference-fitted; wherein the driving gear and the driven gear are assembled by integral press fitting.

[0012] In one feasible implementation, the internal thread structure of the threaded hole and the corresponding external thread structure of the screw together form a helical raceway, and the helical raceway is provided with multiple circulating balls, which roll in cooperation with the internal thread structure of the threaded hole and the external thread structure of the screw; and / or the machine body assembly also includes a guide structure, which is located on one side of the moving part and is arranged along the extension direction of the screw, and the guide structure slides in cooperation with the moving part.

[0013] In one feasible implementation, a rack structure is provided on the side wall of the moving part facing the output shaft; the part of the output shaft located inside the housing is provided with a meshing structure, and the meshing structure meshes with the rack structure.

[0014] The second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle body, the vehicle body having a frame and steering wheels located on both sides of the frame; an electric steering system as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of electric steering gears and a plurality of steering transmission components of the electric steering system are respectively disposed corresponding to the steering wheels on both sides of the frame, wherein each steering wheel is drively connected to the corresponding steering transmission component and the electric steering gear.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the above-mentioned technical solution of the present invention are reflected in:

[0016] The structure and configuration of the electric steering system have been improved. Multiple electric steering gears are used to drive the steering wheels on both sides of the vehicle. The steering controller controls the multiple electric steering gears to work together, so that the steering wheels on both sides rotate synchronously. This simplifies the structure of the steering system, reduces energy consumption, and improves the overall load-bearing capacity and output torque of the electric steering system. It is suitable for use in medium and heavy vehicles and can meet their load requirements. Attached image description:

[0017] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a top view of an electric power steering system installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic block diagram of an electric steering system provided in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a side view of an electric power steering system installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a top view of an electric power steering system installed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a top view of another electric steering system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, installed in a vehicle.

[0022] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a top view of an electric steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 The diagram shown is a schematic block diagram of an electric steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the internal structure of an electric steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of another electric steering system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of another electric steering system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 The diagram shown is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle provided in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, top, bottom, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movement of the components in a specific posture (as shown in the figures). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0029] Furthermore, the reference to "embodiment" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] Application Overview

[0032] In the automotive field, with the development of vehicle electrification technology, electric steering gears and systems have advantages such as simple structure, low energy consumption, and environmental friendliness, showing promising application prospects. However, existing electric steering gears are limited by structural and other factors, resulting in insufficient load-bearing capacity and output torque. This restricts the applicability of corresponding electric steering systems, making it difficult to meet the load requirements of medium and heavy-duty vehicles, and limiting their application to light vehicles such as passenger cars and light trucks. Medium and heavy-duty vehicles, due to their heavier front axle loads, currently can only use traditional steering systems, such as hydraulic power steering systems. To increase output torque, additional hydraulic power steering mechanisms are usually required, leading to a larger number of components, more complex structures and connections, and significant energy waste. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop electric steering systems suitable for application in medium and heavy-duty vehicles.

[0033] The following provides some embodiments of the electric power steering system and vehicle in the technical solution of the present invention.

[0034] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, an electric steering system 100 is provided, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the system includes multiple electric steering units 1, multiple steering transmission assemblies 2, and a steering controller 3. When applied to a vehicle 500, the multiple electric steering units 1 are respectively configured to correspond to the steering wheels 513 located on both sides of the vehicle 500. The steering transmission assemblies 2 are respectively configured to correspond to the electric steering units 1, and each rotational transmission assembly is drive-connected to one corresponding electric steering unit 1 and one corresponding steering wheel 513, so that the corresponding steering wheel 513 is driven by the electric steering unit 1 to steer. Among the multiple electric steering units 1, one of the electric steering units 1 can be drive-connected to the steering operating mechanism of the vehicle 500 to obtain driving force. The steering controller 3 is communicatively connected to the multiple electric steering units 1, and the steering controller 3 is adapted to communicate with the steering operating mechanism to obtain steering operation signals. The steering controller 3 can control the multiple electric steering units 1 to work together according to the steering operation signals of the steering operating mechanism to achieve electric power steering, so as to drive the steering wheels 513 on both sides of the vehicle 500 to turn synchronously in the same direction.

[0035] It should be noted that the number of electric steering gears 1 can be set according to the specific usage needs of the vehicle 500. In practical applications, each steering wheel 513 can be equipped with one or more electric steering gears 1 for steering drive. The electric steering gears 1 can be connected and fixed to the frame 511 of the vehicle 500. In addition, the vehicle 500 in this embodiment can be a light vehicle (such as a passenger car, light truck, etc.), or a medium or heavy vehicle (such as a heavy truck, engineering vehicle, etc.), and the same applies to the embodiments below.

[0036] The electric steering system 100 in this embodiment improves the structure and configuration. By using multiple electric steering gears 1 to drive the steering wheels 513 on both sides of the vehicle 500, and controlling the multiple electric steering gears 1 to work together through the steering controller 3, the steering wheels 513 on both sides can rotate synchronously. This not only simplifies the structure of the steering system and eliminates the need for a hydraulic power assist mechanism, thus significantly reducing energy consumption, but also greatly improves the overall load-bearing capacity and output torque of the electric steering system 100. It can also meet the load requirements of medium and heavy vehicles and has a wider range of applications.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the steering transmission assembly 2 includes a steering knuckle arm 21, a steering tie rod 22, and a steering drop arm 23. The steering knuckle arm 21 can be fixedly connected to the steering wheel 513, specifically to the steering knuckle inside the steering wheel 513, and the steering knuckle arm 21 extends inward to the steering wheel 513 for easy connection and assembly; the steering tie rod 22 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the frame 511 (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the vehicle), and one end of the steering tie rod 22 is rotatably connected to the steering knuckle arm 21; one end of the steering drop arm 23 is connected to the output shaft 125 of the corresponding electric steering gear 1 and extends downward, and the other end of the steering drop arm 23 is rotatably connected to the end of the corresponding steering tie rod 22 away from the steering knuckle arm 21. When the electric steering gear 1 is working, the output shaft 125 outputs torque and drives the steering arm 23 to swing in the vertical plane, and drives the corresponding steering tie rod 22 to move longitudinally, thereby causing the corresponding steering knuckle arm 21 and steering wheel 513 to turn. Specifically, the steering tie rod 22 moves forward and backward to drive the steering knuckle arm 21 and steering wheel 513 to achieve left and right turns.

[0038] The steering transmission assembly 2 includes at least one steering tie rod 22 and at least one steering drop arm 23. Depending on the specific number of electric steering gears 1, one or more steering tie rods 22 and steering drop arms 23 can be provided. Each electric steering gear 1 is connected to the steering knuckle arm 21 through a steering drop arm 23 and a steering tie rod 22.

[0039] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the steering transmission assembly 2 also includes a steering tie rod arm 24 and a steering tie rod 25. Each steering wheel 513 corresponds to one steering tie rod arm 24, for example... Figure 4In the example, each of the left and right steering wheels 513 is provided with a steering tie rod arm 24, and one end of each steering tie rod arm 24 is fixedly connected to the corresponding steering knuckle arm 21. The steering tie rod 25 is arranged laterally along the frame 511 and is located between the two opposing steering wheels 513. The two ends of the steering tie rod 25 are rotatably connected to the corresponding steering tie rod arm 24, so that the two steering knuckle arms 21 form a multi-link mechanism through the steering tie rod arm 24 and the steering tie rod 25. When one of the steering wheels 513 turns, it can transmit power to the other opposing steering wheel 513 through the steering knuckle arm 21, the steering tie rod arm 24 and the steering tie rod 25, driving the other steering wheel 513 to turn in the same direction. This can realize the transmission and distribution of steering driving force between the two steering wheels 513, so as to further promote the synchronous steering of the two steering wheels 513.

[0040] The steering controller 3 can rationally control the output torque of each electric steering gear 1 in conjunction with the steering tie rod 25 according to the above structural characteristics, so as to improve the utilization rate of the steering driving force of different electric steering gears 1 and reduce energy consumption as much as possible while meeting steering requirements.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the electric steering system 100 specifically includes four electric steering gears 1, four steering arms 23, and four steering tie rods 22, corresponding to the two steering wheels 513 on both sides of the frame 511. Specifically, each steering wheel 513 is provided with two electric steering gears 1, and in the longitudinal direction of the frame 511, the two electric steering gears 1 are respectively located on the front and rear sides of the corresponding steering wheel 513. Correspondingly, the output shaft 125 of each electric steering gear 1 is connected to a steering arm 23, each steering arm 23 is rotatably connected to a steering tie rod 22, and the end of each steering tie rod 22 away from the steering arm 23 is rotatably connected to a steering knuckle arm 21, so that the steering knuckle arm 21 is simultaneously rotatably connected to two steering tie rods 22. The steering controller 3 controls the coordinated operation of each electric steering gear 1 according to the steering operation signal, so that the two steering wheels 513 achieve synchronous steering. Since each steering wheel 513 is driven by two electric steering gears 1, the steering driving force and load-bearing capacity can be further improved, which is beneficial for application in vehicles with larger loads.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the electric steering gear 1 includes a housing 11, a body assembly 12, and a drive motor 13. The housing 11 serves as a load-bearing structure, and the body assembly 12 is housed within the housing 11 and can be connected and fixed to the vehicle frame 511 via the housing 11. The output shaft 125 of the body assembly 12 extends out of the housing 11 and is drive-connected to the corresponding steering transmission assembly 2 to output torque. The drive motor 13 is connected to the housing 11 and is drive-connected to the body assembly 12. The drive motor 13 is communicatively connected to the steering controller 3 and can drive the body assembly 12 to operate according to the control commands of the steering controller 3, thereby driving the output shaft 125 to rotate and output torque.

[0043] Among the multiple electric steering gears 1, one electric steering gear 1 is the main steering gear. The input shaft 1222 of the main steering gear's body assembly 12 is connected to the steering operating mechanism of the vehicle 500. The main steering gear can directly obtain steering driving force from the steering operating mechanism. At the same time, the steering controller 3 controls the output torque of the drive motor 13 of the main steering gear according to the steering operation signal, so that the main steering gear receives electric steering assistance. The remaining electric steering gears 1 are auxiliary steering gears. When the main steering gear turns, the drive motor 13 of the auxiliary steering gear works according to the control command of the steering controller 3, driving the body assembly 12 of the auxiliary steering gear to output torque, so as to cooperate with the steering action of the main steering gear to achieve synchronous steering of the different steering wheels 513.

[0044] It should be noted that the drive motor 13 can be a servo motor. The setting position and connection relationship of the drive motor 13 can be set according to the specific structure of the body component 12. For example, the drive motor 13 can be connected to the input shaft 1222 of the body component 12, or it can be directly connected to the output shaft 125 of the body component 12 or the internal transmission component of the body component 12.

[0045] Furthermore, such as Figures 6 to 8As shown, the body assembly 12 of the electric steering gear 1 includes a movable part 121, multiple screws 122, a drive gear 123, a driven gear 124, and an output shaft 125. The movable part 121 has multiple threaded holes 1211, and the multiple screws 122 pass through different threaded holes 1211 and are rotatably connected to the housing 11. Specifically, the multiple screws 122 include a drive screw 1221 and a driven screw 1223. One end of the drive screw 1221 extends out of the housing 11, forming the input shaft 1222 of the body assembly 12, and can be transmitted to the steering operating mechanism. The thread direction of the driven screw 1223 is opposite to that of the drive screw 1221, and the thread direction of different threaded holes 1211 is adapted to the corresponding screw 122. The driving gear 123 is sleeved on the driving screw 1221, and the driven gear 124 is sleeved on the driven screw 1223, with the driven gear 124 meshing with the driving gear 123. When the driving gear 123 rotates under the drive of the driving screw 1221, it can drive the driven gear 124 and the driven screw 1223 to rotate in the opposite direction. At the same time, through the threaded engagement between the movable part 121 and the driving screw 1221 and the driven screw 1223, linear motion is performed along the extension direction of the screw. For example... Figure 8 The output shaft 125 is mounted on the housing 11, with one end inside the housing 11 and the other end extending outside the housing 11. The part of the output shaft 125 inside the housing 11 is connected to the movable part 121, and the part of the output shaft 125 outside the housing 11 is connected to the steering transmission assembly 2. The linear motion of the movable part 121 drives the output shaft 125 to rotate and output torque, which in turn drives the steering wheel 513 to turn through the steering transmission assembly 2.

[0046] In this embodiment, the electric steering gear 1 drives the moving part 121 to move linearly through multiple screws 122 simultaneously. During operation, the multiple screws 122 are subjected to force together, which can effectively improve the load-bearing capacity of the electric steering gear 1 and increase the output torque of the output shaft 125 accordingly. This significantly reduces the possibility of the electric steering gear malfunctioning or failing during use. Moreover, the structure is relatively simple, the energy consumption is low, and it is suitable for application in medium and heavy vehicles.

[0047] In addition, by using the screw 122 with the opposite thread direction provided in this embodiment to cooperate with the movable part 121, the movable part 121 can also be limited to prevent it from rotating, so that the movable part 121 can maintain a stable state. This eliminates the need for additional rotation limit structures, which helps to further simplify the internal structure of the electric steering gear 1 and also helps to further reduce costs.

[0048] Furthermore, such as Figure 8In the example, the drive gear 123 of the body assembly 12 forms an interference fit with the drive screw 1221; similarly, the driven gear 124 also forms an interference fit with the corresponding driven screw 1223, so that the connection between the drive gear 123 and the drive screw 1221, and between the driven gear 124 and the driven screw 1223, is more secure. The drive gear 123 and the driven gear 124 are assembled by integral press fitting, that is, after the drive gear 123 on the drive screw 1221 and the driven gear 124 on the driven screw 1223 are meshed, they are then integrally assembled into the corresponding threaded hole 1211 on the moving part 121. This ensures that the meshing relationship between the gears matches the thread fit of the screw and the corresponding threaded hole 1211 after assembly, preventing assembly jamming or interference that could prevent normal assembly.

[0049] It is understandable that during assembly, if the screw 122 is first assembled into the corresponding threaded hole 1211 on the movable part 121, and then the driving gear 123 and driven gear 124 are engaged, the gears may fail to mesh properly due to differences in size and type between the gears, screw 122, and threaded hole 1211, or may experience jamming after meshing, affecting the normal operation of the machine body assembly 12. The overall press-fit assembly method in this embodiment effectively prevents these issues.

[0050] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, the body assembly 12 also includes a guide structure 126. The guide structure 126 is disposed on one side of the movable part 121 and connected to the housing 11. The guide structure 126 is arranged along the extension direction of the screw 122, and the guide structure 126 slides in cooperation with the movable part 121. When the movable part 121 moves linearly under the drive of the screw 122, the guide structure 126 can guide the movable part 121 to ensure that the movement trajectory of the movable part 121 is linear, preventing the movable part 121 from moving in the radial direction of the screw 122 (i.e.,...) during the movement. Figure 8 The left-right swaying motion helps improve the stability of the moving part 121 during movement, making the linear motion of the moving part 121 smoother and more stable.

[0051] Among them, the guide structure 126 is not limited to Figure 8 The two shown can also be one or more other quantities; the guide structure 126 can be connected to the side wall, bottom wall or top wall of the housing 11 to fix the guide structure 126. The guide structure 126 can specifically take the form of a guide rail, a slide groove or the like. Correspondingly, a structure matching the guide structure 126 (such as a slider structure) can be provided on the side wall of the movable part 121 facing the guide structure 126 to form a sliding fit with the guide structure 126.

[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, in the electric steering gear 1, a rack structure 1213 is provided on the side wall of the movable part 121 facing the output shaft 125. The rack structure 1213 is arranged along the extension direction of the screw 122. Correspondingly, a meshing structure is provided on the part of the output shaft 125 located inside the housing 11. The meshing structure is correspondingly arranged with the rack structure 1213 and meshes with it. When the movable part 121 moves linearly under the drive of the screw 122, the output shaft 125 can rotate accordingly through the cooperation between the rack structure 1213 and the meshing structure. The rack structure 1213 can be integrally formed with the movable part 121, that is, the rack structure 1213 is directly machined on the movable part 121. Of course, the rack structure 1213 can also be an independent structure, connected to the movable part 121 by welding or bolting.

[0053] Furthermore, in a specific implementation, such as Figure 8 In the example shown, the meshing structure of the output shaft 125 includes multiple meshing teeth 1252, for example... Figure 8 The output shaft 125 has three meshing teeth 1252. Multiple meshing teeth 1252 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 125 and mesh with the rack structure 1213 on the movable member 121. When the movable member 121 moves upward under the drive of the screw 122, the output shaft 125 rotates clockwise under the action of the rack structure 1213 and the multiple meshing teeth 1252; when the movable member 121 moves downward under the drive of the screw 122, the output shaft 125 rotates counterclockwise under the action of the rack structure 1213 and the multiple meshing teeth 1252. Through the rotation of the output shaft 125 in these two situations, the left and right steering operations of the steering wheels 513 of the vehicle 500 are respectively achieved.

[0054] The meshing teeth 1252 can be integrally formed with the output shaft 125. For example, the output shaft 125 and the meshing teeth 1252 can be directly machined from a single shaft. Alternatively, the meshing teeth 1252 can be separate from the output shaft 125. For example, a ring structure or bushing structure with multiple meshing teeth 1252 can be fitted onto the output shaft 125.

[0055] Furthermore, in another implementation, such as Figure 9In the example shown, the meshing structure of the output shaft 125 includes a meshing gear 1253. The meshing gear 1253 is sleeved on the portion of the output shaft 125 located within the housing 11, and meshes with a rack structure 1213 on the movable member 121. When the movable member 121 moves linearly under the drive of the screw 122, the engagement between the rack structure 1213 and the meshing gear 1253 drives the output shaft 125 to rotate accordingly, thereby driving the steering wheels 513 of the vehicle 500 to perform steering operations. The meshing gear 1253 can be a standard part, assembled onto the output shaft 125, which reduces machining difficulty and facilitates implementation.

[0056] In a further embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 10 As shown, in the movable part 121, the internal thread structure of the threaded hole 1211 and the external thread structure of the screw 122 form a helical raceway, and a plurality of circulating balls 1212 are provided in the helical raceway. The plurality of circulating balls 1212 respectively form a rolling fit with the internal thread structure of the threaded hole 1211 and the external thread structure of the screw 122. When the screw 122 rotates relative to the threaded hole 1211, the plurality of circulating balls 1212 can roll in the helical raceway, and the frictional resistance during the rotation of the screw 122 is reduced by the rolling fit.

[0057] It is understandable that when the external thread structure of the screw 122 directly forms a threaded sliding contact with the internal thread structure of the threaded hole 1211, the sliding friction resistance when the screw 122 rotates is relatively large. However, by adopting the rolling fit of the recirculating ball 1212 in this embodiment, the sliding friction can be changed into rolling friction, and the corresponding friction resistance can be greatly reduced, which is conducive to making the direct fit between the screw 122 and the moving part 121 smoother.

[0058] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 As shown, the housing 11 of the electric steering gear 1 has multiple mounting holes on two opposite side walls. The mounting holes are corresponding to the screws 122, and each mounting hole is equipped with a mounting bearing. Each screw 122 corresponds to two opposite mounting holes, and both ends of each screw 122 are connected to the mounting bearings in the corresponding mounting holes to achieve a rotational connection with the housing 11 through the mounting bearings.

[0059] Furthermore, the shell 11 in this embodiment can specifically adopt a split assembly structure, including two half-shell structures that can fit together. The two half-shell structures can be fixedly connected by bolts or disassembled to facilitate processing and assembly operations.

[0060] Furthermore, the steering controller 3 can be a separate control unit or a control module integrated into the vehicle's onboard control device.

[0061] The following is a specific embodiment of the application of the electric power steering system 100 provided by the present invention in a vehicle 500.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the vehicle 500's frame 511 is connected to a steering axle 512, with a steering wheel 513 at each end of the steering axle 512. The electric steering system 100 includes multiple electric steering gears 1, multiple steering transmission components 2, and a steering controller 3. The multiple electric steering gears 1 and multiple steering transmission components 2 are respectively arranged corresponding to the steering wheels 513 on both sides of the frame 511, and the steering transmission components 2 are drively connected to the corresponding electric steering gears 1 and steering wheels 513; the steering controller 3 is communicatively connected to two electric steering gears 1 and the steering operating mechanism of the vehicle 500, so as to control the two steering motors to work together according to the steering operation signal of the steering operating mechanism, so that the steering wheels 513 on both sides can be steering synchronously.

[0063] The steering transmission assembly 2 includes a steering knuckle arm 21, a steering tie rod 22, a steering drop arm 23, a steering tie rod arm 24, and a steering tie rod 25. Specifically, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the electric steering gear 1 is located in front of the corresponding steering wheel 513 and is fixedly connected to the frame 511 by a mounting bracket. The steering knuckle arm 21 is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle inside the steering wheel 513 and extends inward to the steering wheel 513; the steering tie rod 22 is arranged longitudinally along the frame 511, one end of the steering tie rod 22 is rotatably connected to the steering knuckle arm 21, and the end of the steering tie rod 22 away from the steering knuckle arm 21 extends to the bottom of the corresponding electric steering gear 1; one end of the steering drop arm 23 is connected to the output shaft 125 of the corresponding electric steering gear 1 and extends downward, and the other end of the steering drop arm 23 is rotatably connected to the end of the corresponding steering tie rod 22 away from the steering knuckle arm 21. Each of the two steering wheels 513 has a steering tie rod arm 24 on its inner side, and one end of each steering tie rod arm 24 is fixedly connected to the corresponding steering knuckle arm 21, and the other end of the steering tie rod arm 24 extends inward toward the rear of the steering wheel 513; the steering tie rod 25 is arranged transversely between the two steering wheels 513 along the frame 511, and both ends of the steering tie rod 25 are rotatably connected to the corresponding steering tie rod arm 24, so that the two steering knuckle arms 21 form a trapezoidal multi-link mechanism through the steering tie rod arm 24 and the steering tie rod 25.

[0064] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the electric steering gear 1 includes a housing 11, a body assembly 12, and a drive motor 13. The housing 11 serves as a load-bearing structure and is fixedly connected to the vehicle frame 511; the body assembly 12 is disposed inside the housing 11, and the drive motor 13 is connected to the housing 11 and is drively connected to the body assembly 12; the drive motor 13 is communicatively connected to the steering controller 3 and can drive the body assembly 12 to work according to the control commands of the steering controller 3 to output torque.

[0065] Specifically, such as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the machine body assembly 12 includes a movable part 121, two screws 122, a driving gear 123, a driven gear 124, an output shaft 125, and a guide structure 126. The two screws 122 are the driving screw 1221 and the driven screw 1223, respectively. The movable part 121 specifically adopts a nut block structure, and has two threaded holes 1211 on it. The driving screw 1221 and the driven screw 1223 pass through the two threaded holes 1211, respectively. Figure 10 In the example shown, mounting holes are provided on two opposite side walls of the housing 11 at positions corresponding to the screw 122, and mounting bearings are installed in the mounting holes. Both ends of the driving screw 1221 and the driven screw 1223 are connected to their respective mounting bearings. One end of the driving screw 1221 extends out of the housing 11, forming the input shaft 1222 of the body assembly 12, and is connected to the steering mechanism. The thread direction of the driven screw 1223 is opposite to that of the driving screw 1221, and the threads of the two threaded holes 1211 are also opposite, each thread direction matching the corresponding screw 122. The driving gear 123 is sleeved on the driving screw 1221, and the driven gear 124 is sleeved on the driven screw 1223, with the driven gear 124 meshing with the driving gear 123. The output shaft 125 passes through the housing 11, with one end inside the housing 11 and the other end extending outside the housing 11; the part of the output shaft 125 inside the housing 11 is connected to the moving part 121, and the part of the output shaft 125 outside the housing 11 is connected to the steering arm 23.

[0066] like Figure 10 In the example, the driving gear 123 and the driving screw 1221 form an interference fit, and the driven gear 124 and the corresponding driven screw 1223 also form an interference fit. The driving gear 123 and the driven gear 124 are assembled by integral press fitting. That is, after the driving gear 123 on the driving screw 1221 and the driven gear 124 on the driven screw 1223 are meshed, they are then integrally assembled into the corresponding threaded hole 1211 on the moving part 121. This ensures that the meshing relationship between the gears after assembly matches the threaded fit of the screw 122 and the corresponding threaded hole 1211, preventing assembly jamming or interference that could prevent normal assembly.

[0067] like Figure 10 As shown, in the movable part 121, the internal thread structure of the threaded hole 1211 and the external thread structure of the screw 122 form a helical raceway, and a plurality of circulating balls 1212 are provided in the helical raceway. The plurality of circulating balls 1212 respectively form a rolling fit with the internal thread structure of the threaded hole 1211 and the external thread structure of the screw 122. When the screw 122 rotates relative to the threaded hole 1211, the plurality of circulating balls 1212 can roll in the helical raceway, and the frictional resistance during the rotation of the screw 122 is reduced by the rolling fit.

[0068] like Figure 10 As shown, there are two guide structures 126, which are spaced apart on one side of the movable part 121 and are fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the housing 11. Both guide structures 126 adopt the form of a sliding groove and are arranged along the extension direction of the screw 122. The side wall of the movable part 121 facing the guide structure 126 is provided with a corresponding slider structure, and the movable part 121 forms a sliding fit with the guide structure 126 through the slider structure.

[0069] like Figure 10 As shown, a rack structure 1213 is provided on the side wall of the movable part 121 facing the output shaft 125. The rack structure 1213 is integrally formed with the movable part 121, and the rack structure 1213 is arranged along the extension direction of the screw 122. Correspondingly, the output shaft 125 is provided with a meshing structure in the part located inside the housing 11. The meshing structure specifically includes a plurality of meshing teeth 1252 spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the output shaft 125, which mesh with the rack structure 1213 on the movable part 121 to achieve a transmission connection. The meshing teeth 1252 can be integrally formed with the output shaft 125, or they can be separate structures that are assembled and connected to the output shaft 125.

[0070] like Figure 10As shown, when the driving gear 123 rotates under the drive of the driving screw 1221, it can drive the driven gear 124 and the driven screw 1223 to rotate in the opposite direction. At the same time, through the threaded engagement between the movable part 121 and the driving screw 1221 and the driven screw 1223, it moves linearly along the extension direction of the screw. The guide structure 126 can guide the movable part 121 to ensure that the movement trajectory of the movable part 121 is linear, so as to make the linear movement of the movable part 121 smoother. Specifically, when the movable part 121 moves upward under the drive of the screw 122, the output shaft 125 rotates clockwise under the action of the rack structure 1213 and multiple meshing teeth 1252; when the movable part 121 moves downward under the drive of the screw 122, the output shaft 125 rotates counterclockwise under the action of the rack structure 1213 and multiple meshing teeth 1252. By rotating the output shaft 125 in the two ways described above, the left and right turning operations of the steering wheel 513 of the vehicle 500 are respectively realized.

[0071] The drive motor 13 can specifically be a servo motor, and can be connected to the input shaft 1222 or output shaft 125 of the body assembly 12. One electric steering gear 1 is the main steering gear, and the other electric steering gear 1 is the auxiliary steering gear. The input shaft 1222 of the main steering gear is connected to the steering operation mechanism of the vehicle 500, and can directly obtain steering driving force from the steering operation mechanism. At the same time, the steering controller 3 controls the output torque of the drive motor 13 of the main steering gear according to the steering operation signal, so that the main steering gear obtains electric steering assistance. The drive motor 13 of the auxiliary steering gear works according to the control command of the steering controller 3, driving the output shaft 125 of the auxiliary steering gear to output torque, so as to cooperate with the steering action of the main steering gear.

[0072] When the electric steering gear 1 is working, the output shaft 125 outputs torque and drives the steering arm 23 to swing in the vertical plane, which in turn drives the corresponding steering tie rod 22 to move longitudinally, thereby causing the corresponding steering knuckle arm 21 and steering wheel 513 to turn. Specifically, the forward and backward movement of the steering tie rod 22 drives the steering knuckle arm 21 and steering wheel 513 to achieve left and right turns. When one of the steering wheels 513 turns, it can transmit power to the other steering wheel 513 through the steering knuckle arm 21, steering tie rod arm 24, and steering tie rod 25, causing the other steering wheel 513 to turn in the same direction. This enables the transmission and distribution of steering driving force between the two steering wheels 513, further promoting synchronous steering of the two steering wheels 513. The steering controller 3, based on the above structural characteristics and in cooperation with the steering tie rod 25, can rationally control the output torque of each electric steering gear 1 to improve the utilization rate of the steering driving force of different electric steering gears 1 and minimize energy consumption while meeting steering requirements.

[0073] It should be noted that, depending on the load capacity of vehicle 500, the number of electric steering gears 1 can be further increased to further improve steering driving force and load-bearing capacity. For example, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the example, the electric steering system 100 specifically includes four electric steering gears 1, four steering arms 23, and four steering tie rods 22. Each steering wheel 513 has two electric steering gears 1, and in the longitudinal direction of the frame 511, the two electric steering gears 1 are respectively located on the front and rear sides of the corresponding steering wheel 513. Correspondingly, the output shaft 125 of each electric steering gear 1 is connected to a steering arm 23, and each steering arm 23 is rotatably connected to a steering tie rod 22. The end of each steering tie rod 22 away from the steering arm 23 is rotatably connected to the steering knuckle arm 21, so that the steering knuckle arm 21 is simultaneously rotatably connected to two steering tie rods 22. The steering controller 3 controls the electric steering gears 1 to work together according to the steering operation signal, so that the two steering wheels 513 can achieve synchronous steering.

[0074] The electric steering system 100 in this embodiment improves the overall structure of the system and the internal structure of the electric steering gear 1. By using multiple electric steering gears 1 to drive the steering wheels 513 on both sides of the vehicle 500, and controlling the multiple electric steering gears 1 to work together through the steering controller 3, the steering wheels 513 on both sides can rotate synchronously. This simplifies the structure of the steering system and improves the overall load-bearing capacity and output torque of the system. At the same time, the use of a double-screw structure electric steering gear 1 further improves the load-bearing capacity and output torque of a single electric steering gear 1, reduces the possibility of electric steering gear failure or malfunction during use, and correspondingly enhances the reliability of the overall system. In addition, there is no need to set up an additional hydraulic power assist mechanism, which greatly reduces energy consumption and equipment costs. It can effectively meet the load requirements of medium and heavy vehicles, has a wider range of applications, and is suitable for promotion and application in various types of vehicles.

[0075] In a second aspect of the invention, a vehicle 500 is also provided, such as Figure 1 and Figure 11As shown, the vehicle 500 includes a vehicle body 510 and an electric steering system 100 as described in any of the embodiments of the first aspect. The vehicle body 510 is provided with a frame 511 and steering wheels 513 located on both sides of the frame 511. Multiple electric steering gears 1 and multiple steering transmission components 2 of the electric steering system 100 are respectively disposed corresponding to the steering wheels 513 on both sides of the frame 511, and each steering wheel 513 is drive-connected to the corresponding steering transmission component 2 and electric steering gear 1, so that when the electric steering gear 1 is working, power is transmitted to the steering wheel 513 through the steering transmission component 2 to drive the steering wheel 513 to perform steering operations. The steering controller 3 of the electric steering system 100 can control the multiple electric steering gears 1 to work together so that the steering wheels 513 on both sides of the frame 511 turn synchronously.

[0076] In this embodiment, vehicle 500 can be a medium or heavy vehicle, such as a heavy truck, or a passenger car, light vehicle, or other vehicles.

[0077] Furthermore, in practical applications, a steering operating mechanism can be installed in vehicle 500; among multiple electric steering gears 1, one electric steering gear 1 is the main steering gear, and the others are auxiliary steering gears; the steering operating mechanism is drive-connected to the main steering gear, and the steering controller 3 is communicatively connected to the steering operating mechanism. When the driver operates the steering operating mechanism, the steering operating mechanism transmits part of the power to the main steering gear, and at the same time, the steering controller 3 controls each electric steering gear 1 to work together according to the steering operation signal of the steering operating mechanism, so as to realize electric power steering and achieve synchronous steering operation of the steering wheels 513.

[0078] Furthermore, the vehicle 500 in this embodiment also has all the beneficial effects of the electric steering system 100 in any of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0079] The basic principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in the present invention are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the present invention to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details.

[0080] The block diagrams of the devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this invention are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it. It should also be noted that in the apparatuses and devices of this invention, the components can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered equivalents of the invention.

[0081] The above description has been given for illustrative and descriptive purposes. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof. The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features of the invention herein.

[0082] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric power steering system characterized by comprising: The electric power steering system comprises: a plurality of electric power steering machines (1), wherein one of the electric power steering machines (1) is adapted to be drivingly connected with a steering operating mechanism of a vehicle; a plurality of steering transmission assemblies (2), each of which is drivingly connected with a corresponding one of the electric power steering machines (1) and is adapted to be drivingly connected with a corresponding steering wheel (513); a steering controller (3) which is communicatively connected with the electric power steering machines (1) and the steering operating mechanism and is adapted to control the electric power steering machines (1) to work cooperatively according to a steering operating signal of the steering operating mechanism so that the steering wheels (513) on both sides of the vehicle are synchronously steered in the same direction. The electric power steering machine (1) comprises: a housing (11); a machine assembly (12) which is arranged in the housing (11) and has an output shaft (125) drivingly connected with the corresponding steering transmission assembly (2). The machine assembly (12) comprises: a movable member (121) which is provided with a plurality of threaded holes (1211); a plurality of screw rods (122) including a driving screw rod (1221) and a driven screw rod (1223), which are respectively arranged in different threaded holes (1211), one end of the driving screw rod (1221) extends out of the housing (11) and forms an input shaft (1222), and the driven screw rod (1223) has a thread direction opposite to that of the driving screw rod (1221); a driving gear (123) sleeved on the driving screw rod (1221); a driven gear (124) sleeved on the driven screw rod (1223) and engaged with the driving gear (123); the output shaft (125) which is arranged in the housing (11) and is drivingly connected with the movable member (121) at a position in the housing (11) and is adapted to rotate under the driving of the movable member (121).

2. The electric power steering system according to claim 1, wherein the steering transmission assembly (2) comprises: a knuckle arm (21) which is adapted to be fixedly connected with the steering wheel (513) and extends to the inner side of the steering wheel (513); at least one steering straight pull rod (22) which is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and has one end drivingly connected with the knuckle arm (21); at least one steering vertical arm (23) which has one end connected with the output shaft (125) of the corresponding electric power steering machine (1) and the other end drivingly connected with the end of the corresponding steering straight pull rod (22) away from the knuckle arm (21), the steering vertical arm (23) is adapted to swing under the driving of the electric power steering machine (1) and drive the corresponding steering straight pull rod (22) to move longitudinally so as to steer the corresponding knuckle arm (21) and the steering wheel (513).

3. The electric power steering system according to claim 2, wherein the steering transmission assembly (2) further comprises: Each of the steering wheels (513) is provided with a corresponding steering tie rod arm (24), and one end of each of the steering tie rod arms (24) is fixedly connected with a corresponding steering knuckle arm (21); A steering tie rod (25) is arranged between two opposite steering wheels (513) in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and two ends of the steering tie rod (25) are rotationally connected with corresponding steering tie rod arms (24).

4. The electric power steering system according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the steering wheels (513) is provided with two corresponding electric power steering machines (1), and in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the two electric power steering machines (1) are arranged on the front side and the rear side of the corresponding steering wheel (513) respectively; The steering transmission assembly (2) comprises two steering drop arms (23) and two steering tie rods (22), one of the steering tie rods (22) and one of the steering drop arms (23) are drivingly connected with the electric power steering machine (1) on the front side, and the other steering tie rod (22) and the other steering drop arm (23) are drivingly connected with the electric power steering machine (1) on the rear side.

5. The electric power steering system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The electric power steering machine (1) comprises: A driving motor (13) is connected to the housing (11) and is in communication connection with the steering controller (3), the driving motor (13) is drivingly connected with the machine body assembly (12) and is adapted to drive the machine body assembly (12) to work according to the control instruction of the steering controller (3) to make the output shaft (125) rotate; Among the plurality of electric power steering machines (1), one of the electric power steering machines (1) is a master steering machine, and the input shaft (1222) of the machine body assembly (12) of the master steering machine is drivingly connected with a steering operating mechanism of the vehicle.

6. The electric power steering system according to claim 1, wherein, The driving gear (123) and the driving screw (1221) are in interference fit; The driven gear (124) and the corresponding driven screw (1223) are in interference fit; The driving gear (123) and the driven gear (124) are assembled by integral press fitting.

7. The electric power steering system according to claim 1, wherein, The internal thread structure of the threaded hole (1211) and the external thread structure of the corresponding screw (122) together form a spiral raceway, and a plurality of circulating balls (1212) are arranged in the spiral raceway, the circulating balls (1212) are in rolling fit with the internal thread structure of the threaded hole (1211) and the external thread structure of the screw (122); and / or The body assembly (12) further comprises a guide structure (126) disposed on one side of the movable element (121) and arranged along the extension direction of the screw rod (122), and the guide structure (126) is in sliding fit with the movable element (121).

8. The electric power steering system according to claim 1, wherein, A rack structure (1213) is arranged on the side wall of the side of the movable element (121) facing the output shaft (125); The part of the output shaft (125) located in the housing (11) is provided with an engagement structure, and the engagement structure is engaged with the rack structure (1213).

9. A vehicle characterized by comprising: Comprise: A vehicle body (510) provided with a vehicle frame (511) and steering wheels (513) located on both sides of the vehicle frame (511); The electric power steering system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a plurality of the electric power steering machines (1) and a plurality of the steering transmission assemblies (2) are respectively arranged corresponding to the steering wheels (513) on both sides of the vehicle frame (511), and each of the steering wheels (513) is drivingly connected with the corresponding steering transmission assembly (2) and electric power steering machine (1).

Images