Arrangement of independent suspension and electric power steering

Abstract

Provided is an independent suspension and electric power steering arrangement, comprising: an independent suspension, comprising a subframe provided with a first rod body and a second rod body in parallel; a mounting plate, provided at the middle of the subframe and connected at both ends to the first rod body and the second rod body, the middle of the mounting plate being provided with a first connecting portion; a rocker shaft, connected to the mounting plate through the first connecting portion; a steering gear housing, arranged on the mounting plate and connected to the mounting plate; an electric motor, connected outside the steering gear housing; a planetary reduction mechanism; a belt pulley torque increasing mechanism; and a steering screw nut torque increasing mechanism; wherein the belt pulley torque increasing mechanism and the steering screw nut torque increasing mechanism are provided inside the steering gear housing, the planetary reduction mechanism and the electric motor are mounted outside the steering gear housing and connected to the steering gear housing; and the electric motor is connected in sequence and used to drive the planetary reduction mechanism, the belt pulley torque increasing mechanism, the steering screw nut torque increasing mechanism and the rocker shaft. The structure is simple and compact, and does not interfere with other components around.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts, and more particularly to an arrangement structure of an independent suspension and an electric steering system. Background Technology

[0002] The domestic commercial vehicle market is gradually becoming electrified, and most of the models appearing on the market adopt this technology. Figure 9 The electric steering unit 401 shown is mounted on the outside of the vehicle frame longitudinal beam and connected to the rocker arm shaft via a first steering tie rod 402, a first transition arm 403, a second steering tie rod 404, and a second transition arm 405. Clearly, the electric steering unit 401 is located far from the rocker arm shaft and its transmission mechanism is complex. For example, Chinese Patent ZL202180088044.2 discloses a similar structure for a commercial electric vehicle power steering system, the full text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] However, when trying to Figure 9 When the electric power steering 401 is installed in an independent suspension, see [reference needed]. Figure 10 (This shows the optimal arrangement of the existing steering gear), because the steering gear housing 17 (which houses components such as the steering screw and steering nut) and the motor 01 are sequentially located on the left side of the rocker arm shaft 15, the clearance between the left turn limit lever 504 and the right turn limit lever 503 and the steering gear is insufficient regardless of the angle at which they are arranged, as shown at position 502. Attempting to position the motor 01 separately away from the independent suspension would complicate the transmission relationship between the motor and the reduction and torque-increasing mechanism. Furthermore, as... Figure 12 As shown, a hydrogen stack 601 needs to be installed above the steering gear, but space is limited, and the existing steering gear is constrained at position 602. Figure 13 As shown, since the lower control arm position and the existing steering gear hole are fixed at position 701, a countersunk platform needs to be made on the bracket at this position 701, which will make the bracket structure unable to meet the requirements. Therefore, how to provide an electric steering gear arrangement structure that is simple, compact, and does not interfere with the operation of other surrounding components is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to study an arrangement structure of independent suspension and electric steering to solve one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, an arrangement structure of independent suspension and electric steering is provided, characterized by comprising:

[0006] Independent suspension, including a subframe with a first link and a second link arranged in parallel;

[0007] The mounting plate is located in the middle of the subframe and its two ends are connected to the first rod and the second rod. The middle of the mounting plate is provided with a first connecting part.

[0008] The rocker arm shaft is connected to the mounting plate via the first connecting part;

[0009] Steering gear housing, disposed on and connected to the mounting plate;

[0010] The motor is connected to the outside of the steering gear housing;

[0011] Planetary deceleration mechanism;

[0012] Belt pulley torque increasing mechanism; and

[0013] Steering screw nut torque increasing mechanism;

[0014] The belt pulley torque-increasing mechanism and the steering screw nut torque-increasing mechanism are located inside the steering gear housing, while the planetary reduction mechanism and the motor are installed outside the steering gear housing and connected to it. The motor is connected in sequence to drive the planetary reduction mechanism, the belt pulley torque-increasing mechanism, the steering screw nut torque-increasing mechanism, and the rocker arm shaft.

[0015] The belt pulley torque amplification mechanism includes a driving pulley, a driven pulley, and a belt connecting the driving pulley and the driven pulley. The motor, planetary reduction mechanism, and driving pulley are arranged coaxially along a first axis, and the driven pulley and steering screw nut torque amplification mechanism are arranged coaxially along a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are parallel, and the rocker arm shaft is arranged adjacent to the motor and the steering screw nut torque amplification mechanism.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the planetary reduction mechanism is disposed in a recess formed on the outside of the steering gear housing.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, the arrangement structure of the independent suspension and electric steering system further includes an electronic control processing unit, which is used to control the motor to provide corresponding torque based on the rotation angle of the steering wheel input shaft sensed by the angle sensor.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, the planetary reduction mechanism includes a sun gear, planet gears, a planet carrier, and a gear ring.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the electric steering gear is provided with four sets of mounting holes, which are respectively used to mount the steering rocker arm to the electric steering gear in four directions: up, down, left, and right.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the rocker arm shaft is at least partially disposed within the space defined by the motor, the steering screw nut torque-increasing mechanism, and the belt.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, the steering screw and nut torque-increasing mechanism includes a screw and a nut sleeved on the screw, a ball screw structure is provided between the screw and the nut, a torsion bar is connected to the end of the screw away from the driven wheel via a spline, and the input shaft of the steering wheel is connected via a bearing, and a rack is provided on the outer periphery of the nut.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a sector gear is sleeved on the outer periphery of the rocker arm shaft, and the sector gear meshes with a rack provided on the outer periphery of the nut.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the pulley torque-increasing mechanism is arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the mounting plate is integrally cast with or separately connected to the subframe.

[0025] This invention can achieve one or more of the following technical effects:

[0026] 1. This arrangement has a simple and compact structure, which can eliminate the need for steering tie rods and transition arms in existing technologies.

[0027] 2. The steering screw nut torque-increasing mechanism and the motor are located on opposite sides of the rocker arm shaft, which is centrally positioned. This design is compact, occupies little space, and does not interfere with the operation of other surrounding components. Furthermore, the four sets of holes on the steering gear housing allow for unrestricted placement of the steering gear, enabling users to freely choose the placement position as needed.

[0028] 3. The steering screw nut torque-enhancing mechanism and the motor are arranged in parallel and perpendicular to the direction of the pulley torque-enhancing mechanism. The rocker arm shaft is arranged within the space enclosed by the three, resulting in a compact structure that further reduces the space occupied. This makes it possible to place the entire electric steering gear on the independent suspension without interference. The pulley torque-enhancing mechanism is located at the rear of the steering gear, and the rear end cover is removable for easy belt replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the independent suspension and electric steering system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the arrangement structure of the independent suspension and electric steering system in the image.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a transmission principle diagram of the arrangement structure of the independent suspension and electric steering system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the mounting plate for the independent suspension and electric steering system.

[0034] Figure 5-8 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the steering rocker arm along the left, down, up, and right directions according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an electric steering system in the prior art.

[0036] Figure 10 Assuming that Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure in which the electric power steering system is installed on the independent suspension.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the only installation location for the steering rocker arm in the existing technology.

[0038] Figure 12 Assuming that Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the interference between the electric power steering system and the hydrogen pile above when the system is installed in an independent suspension.

[0039] Figure 13 Assuming that Figure 9 When installing the electric power steering system onto an independent suspension, a schematic diagram of the depression needs to be drawn on the bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These specific embodiments are intended to illustrate the present invention in detail, but should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all of these should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 1-4 An electric steering system 100 centrally located in an independent suspension 200 is provided, characterized in that it includes:

[0043] Independent suspension, including a subframe with a first link 201 and a second link 201 arranged in parallel;

[0044] Mounting plate 32 is located in the middle of the subframe and is connected at both ends to the first rod 201 and the second rod 201. A first connecting part 34 is provided in the middle of the mounting plate.

[0045] The rocker arm shaft 15 is connected to the mounting plate 33 via the first connecting part 34;

[0046] Steering gear housing 17 is disposed on and connected to the mounting plate;

[0047] Motor 01 is connected to the outside of steering gear housing 17;

[0048] Planetary deceleration mechanisms 02, 03, 04, 05;

[0049] Belt pulley torque amplification mechanisms 06, 07, 08; and

[0050] Steering screw nut torque increasing mechanism 09, 10;

[0051] The belt pulley torque-increasing mechanism and the steering screw nut torque-increasing mechanism are located inside the steering gear housing, while the planetary reduction mechanism and the motor are installed outside the steering gear housing and connected to it. The motor is connected in sequence to drive the planetary reduction mechanism, the belt pulley torque-increasing mechanism, the steering screw nut torque-increasing mechanism, and the rocker arm shaft.

[0052] The belt pulley torque amplification mechanism includes a driving pulley 07, a driven pulley 08, and a belt 06 connecting the driving pulley and the driven pulley. The motor 01, the planetary reduction mechanism, and the driving pulley 07 are arranged coaxially along a first axis. The driven pulley 08 and the steering screw nut torque amplification mechanism are arranged coaxially along a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are parallel. The rocker arm shaft is located adjacent to the motor and the steering screw nut torque amplification mechanism.

[0053] Preferably, the first rod 201 and the second rod are provided with a plurality of screw holes 31. The mounting plate can be fixed between the first rod and the second rod by bolts. Preferably, the mounting plate 32 is provided with a plurality of bolt holes 33 for fixing the steering gear housing 17. Preferably, the planetary reduction mechanism includes a sun gear 02, planet gears 04, a planet carrier 05, and a ring gear 03.

[0054] Preferably, the electric steering system 100 may include, in addition to the pulley torque amplification mechanism, various forms of speed reduction transmission mechanisms, including but not limited to gear reducers. The ECU may be integrated into the motor or placed outside the motor and set up independently, depending on the requirements.

[0055] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 2 The planetary reduction mechanism is located in a recess formed on the outside of the steering gear housing.

[0056] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement structure of the independent suspension and electric steering system further includes an electronic control processing unit (ECU) 16, which is used to control the motor to provide corresponding torque based on the rotation angle of the steering wheel input shaft 12 sensed by the angle sensor 11.

[0057] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pulley torque increasing mechanism includes a driving pulley 07, a driven pulley 08, and a belt 06 connecting the driving pulley and the driven pulley. The motor 01, the planetary reduction mechanism, and the driving pulley 07 are arranged coaxially along a first axis.

[0058] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the driven wheel 08 and the steering screw nut torque-increasing mechanism are arranged coaxially along the second axis, and the first axis is parallel to the second axis.

[0059] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rocker arm shaft is at least partially disposed within the space defined by the motor 01, the steering screw nut torque-increasing mechanism, and the belt 06.

[0060] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the steering screw and nut torque-increasing mechanism includes a screw 09 and a nut 10 sleeved on the screw. A ball screw structure is provided between the screw and the nut. The end of the screw away from the driven wheel 08 is connected to a torsion bar 14 via a spline and is connected to the input shaft 12 of the steering wheel via a bearing. A rack is provided on the outer periphery of the nut 10. Preferably, see Figure 2 A pin 13 passes between the torsion bar 14 and the input shaft 12.

[0061] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sector gear is sleeved on the outer periphery of the rocker arm shaft 15, and the sector gear meshes with a rack provided on the outer periphery of the nut.

[0062] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 5-8 The electric steering gear has four sets of mounting holes, which are used to mount the steering rocker arm to the electric steering gear in four directions: up, down, left, and right. Preferably, each set of mounting holes includes multiple mounting holes, and the hole positions between different sets of mounting holes can be partially shared. This differs from existing systems that only allow the steering rocker arm to be arranged in one direction (see...). Figure 11 Compared to the previous design, this design allows the steering rocker arm to be arranged at any angle, making the steering gear arrangement more flexible and suitable for various spatial structures.

[0063] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pulley torque-increasing mechanism is arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.

[0064] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting plate is integrally cast with or separately connected to the subframe.

[0065] The working process is as follows: The driver turns the steering wheel, the angle sensor senses the rotation angle of the input shaft of the steering wheel and transmits it to the ECU. The ECU calculates the required amount of assistance based on the rotation angle and controls the motor to start and provide the corresponding assistance. The motor rotates and drives the planetary reduction mechanism, the pulley torque increasing mechanism, and the steering screw nut torque increasing mechanism to perform three-stage torque increasing and then drive the rocker arm shaft. The rocker arm shaft drives the wheel to rotate the corresponding angle.

[0066] This invention can achieve one or more of the following technical effects:

[0067] 1. This electric steering system has a simple and compact structure, which can eliminate the need for steering tie rods and transition arms in existing technologies.

[0068] 2. The steering screw nut torque-increasing mechanism and the motor are located on opposite sides of the rocker arm shaft, which is centrally positioned. This design is compact, occupies little space, and does not interfere with the operation of other surrounding components. Furthermore, the four sets of holes on the steering gear housing allow for unrestricted placement of the steering gear, enabling users to freely choose the placement position as needed.

[0069] 3. The steering screw nut torque-enhancing mechanism and the motor are arranged in parallel and perpendicular to the direction of the pulley torque-enhancing mechanism. The rocker arm shaft is arranged within the space enclosed by the three, resulting in a compact structure that further reduces the space occupied. This makes it possible to place the entire electric steering gear on the independent suspension without interference. The pulley torque-enhancing mechanism is located at the rear of the steering gear, and the rear end cover is removable for easy belt replacement.

[0070] Those skilled in the art should understand that this invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An arrangement structure for an independent suspension and an electric steering system, characterized in that... include: Independent suspension, including a subframe with a first link and a second link arranged in parallel; The mounting plate is located in the middle of the subframe and its two ends are connected to the first rod and the second rod. The middle of the mounting plate is provided with a first connecting part. The rocker arm shaft is connected to the mounting plate via the first connecting part; Steering gear housing, disposed on and connected to the mounting plate; The motor is connected to the outside of the steering gear housing; Planetary deceleration mechanism; Belt pulley torque increasing mechanism; and Steering screw nut torque increasing mechanism; The belt pulley torque-increasing mechanism and the steering screw nut torque-increasing mechanism are located inside the steering gear housing, while the planetary reduction mechanism and the motor are installed outside the steering gear housing and connected to it. The motor is connected in sequence to drive the planetary reduction mechanism, the belt pulley torque-increasing mechanism, the steering screw nut torque-increasing mechanism, and the rocker arm shaft. The belt pulley torque amplification mechanism includes a driving pulley, a driven pulley, and a belt connecting the driving pulley and the driven pulley. The motor, planetary reduction mechanism, and driving pulley are arranged coaxially along a first axis, and the driven pulley and steering screw nut torque amplification mechanism are arranged coaxially along a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are parallel, and the rocker arm shaft is arranged adjacent to the motor and the steering screw nut torque amplification mechanism.

2. The arrangement structure of the independent suspension and electric steering system according to claim 1, characterized in that... The planetary reduction mechanism is located in a recess formed on the outside of the steering gear housing.

3. The arrangement structure of the independent suspension and electric steering system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... It also includes an electronic control processing unit, which controls the motor to provide corresponding torque based on the rotation angle of the steering wheel input shaft sensed by the angle sensor.

4. The arrangement structure of the independent suspension and electric steering system according to claim 2, characterized in that... The planetary reduction mechanism includes a sun gear, planet gears, a planet carrier, and a ring gear.

5. The arrangement structure of the independent suspension and electric steering system according to claim 4, characterized in that... The electric steering gear has four sets of mounting holes, which are used to mount the steering rocker arm to the electric steering gear in the four directions of up, down, left and right.

6. The arrangement structure of the independent suspension and electric steering system according to claim 5, characterized in that... The rocker arm shaft is at least partially located within the space defined by the motor, the steering screw nut torque-increasing mechanism, and the belt.

7. The arrangement structure of independent suspension and electric steering according to claim 5, characterized in that... The steering screw and nut torque-increasing mechanism includes a screw and a nut sleeved on the screw. A ball screw structure is provided between the screw and the nut. The end of the screw away from the driven wheel is connected to a torsion bar through a spline and is connected to the input shaft of the steering wheel through a bearing. A rack is provided on the outer periphery of the nut.

8. The arrangement structure of independent suspension and electric steering according to claim 7, characterized in that... A sector gear is fitted around the outer periphery of the rocker arm shaft, and the sector gear meshes with a rack on the outer periphery of the nut.

9. The arrangement structure of independent suspension and electric steering according to claim 6, characterized in that... The pulley torque-increasing mechanism is arranged along a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.

10. The arrangement structure of independent suspension and electric steering according to claim 9, characterized in that... It also includes a gear reducer, and the electronic control processing unit is integrated into the motor or set up independently of the motor. The mounting plate is integrally cast with the subframe or connected separately.

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