Steer-by-wire device for intelligent automobile angle module

Abstract

The invention discloses a steer-by-wire device for an intelligent automobile angle module. The steer-by-wire device comprises an upper cross arm, a steering power mechanism, a gearbox and a lower cross arm, and a steering power mechanism output shaft of the steering power mechanism is in transmission connection with a steering transmission shaft through a universal joint; the gearbox comprises a shell and a transmission mechanism, the transmission mechanism comprises a steering transmission shaft, a hollow shaft, a bearing, a steering driven gear and a steering driving gear, the steering transmission shaft is in transmission connection with the steering driving gear, and the steering driving gear is in meshing transmission connection with the steering driven gear; the hollow shaft is connected with the shell through an upper bearing and a lower bearing, the hollow shaft penetrates through the steering driven gear and coaxially rotates with the steering driven gear, and the lower end of the hollow shaft is in transmission connection with the steering knuckle; one end of the lower cross arm is connected with the steering knuckle, and the other end of the lower cross arm is connected with at least one of the vehicle body and the vehicle frame. By expanding the steering range, the unsprung mass is effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent belongs to the field of vehicle engineering technology, and specifically relates to a device for an angle module steering system of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the corner module concept of integrated drive system, brake system, steering system and suspension system is very suitable for the current highly praised electric skateboard chassis concept. Through high integration and compact layout, the design maximizes the release of the upper cabin space, improving the space utilization and design freedom of the vehicle.

[0003] When the corner module is used in a vehicle, it enables independent wheel steering, thereby greatly reducing the turning radius of the vehicle when turning. This independent steering function makes the vehicle easier to maneuver in a narrow space, improving flexibility and safety. However, the existing corner module solution still has shortcomings in the wiring harness layout supporting the steering system, drive system and braking system. Due to the lack of effective coordination and integration between the systems, the wiring harness layout is complicated, which increases the difficulty of system maintenance and the risk of failure, and may affect the overall performance and reliability.

[0004] There is a contradiction between the steering angle requirement and the mechanism layout in the existing corner module steering system design. Specifically, in order to achieve a larger steering wheel angle, the steering device often requires a more complex mechanical structure, which not only increases the difficulty of design, but also may lead to an increase in unsprung mass. The increase in unsprung mass will have a negative impact on the smoothness of the vehicle, reducing ride comfort and handling stability. Therefore, while pursuing greater steering flexibility, how to balance the steering angle requirement and mechanism layout, reduce unsprung mass, and improve the overall smoothness of the vehicle is a key issue that needs to be solved in the current corner module steering system design.

[0005] In addition, while achieving high integration, existing corner modules face challenges in modular design. Specifically, the interfaces and collaborative work between subsystems require more sophisticated design and optimization to ensure that the system can operate stably and efficiently under various working conditions. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an improved vehicle corner module steering device that can improve system integration while optimizing the wiring harness layout of each subsystem to improve overall performance and reliability.

[0006] Optimization of the internal structure of the gearbox is the key to improving the performance of the steering system. The design of modern gearboxes uses advanced internal mechanisms, which ensure the stability and long life of the gearbox under high loads through precise matching and adjustment. The design of the internal structure takes into account the force transmission efficiency and durability, while improving the flexibility of the system and the convenience of maintenance through innovative adjustment methods. This design not only improves the performance of the gearbox, but also brings higher reliability and lower maintenance costs to the entire steering system.

[0007] With the development of technology, the design of gearboxes tends to be more refined and modular to adapt to the changing market needs and improve the overall performance of the vehicle. The innovative design of the internal structure, including the new spring system, the sophisticated clamping ring fixing mechanism, and the adjustable components, are all designed to improve the adaptability and durability of the gearbox, ensuring stable steering support under various driving conditions. Summary of the invention

[0008] Purpose of the invention: In order to solve the safety problem of the wiring harness arrangement of the existing corner module steering system in the prior art when wading, the present invention provides a wire-controlled steering device for the corner module of an intelligent vehicle by expanding the steering range and effectively reducing the unsprung mass.

[0009] Technical solution: To achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: A wire-controlled steering device for an intelligent automobile corner module, comprising: An upper cross arm, one end of which is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the vehicle frame, and the other end of which is connected to the gear box.

[0010] A steering power mechanism is arranged on a vehicle body or a vehicle frame, and a steering power mechanism output shaft of the steering power mechanism is connected with a steering transmission shaft through a universal joint.

[0011] The gearbox includes a housing and a transmission mechanism. The lifting lug above the housing is connected to the upper cross arm. The transmission mechanism includes a steering transmission shaft, a hollow shaft, a bearing, a steering driven gear, and a steering driving gear. The steering transmission shaft is in transmission connection with the steering driving gear, and the steering driving gear is meshingly connected with the steering driven gear. The hollow shaft is connected to the housing through upper and lower bearings. The hollow shaft passes through the steering driven gear and rotates coaxially with the steering driven gear, and the driven gear can move axially on the hollow shaft, and the lower end of the hollow shaft is connected to the steering knuckle.

[0012] A lower cross arm, one end of which is connected to the steering knuckle ball pin, and the other end of which is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the vehicle frame.

[0013] Preferably: an adjustment mechanism is provided in the gearbox, and the adjustment mechanism includes a spring, a retaining ring, an adjustment nut, a locking plate fixing screw, and a locking plate. The adjusting nut is connected to the hollow shaft by a thread, and the adjusting nut is located below the steering driven gear, and a locking tooth is provided on the outer periphery of the adjusting nut. The retaining ring is fixedly connected to the hollow shaft, the upper end of the spring contacts the retaining ring, and the lower end contacts the steering driven gear. The fixed end of the locking plate is fixedly connected to the steering driven gear by the locking plate fixing screw, and the locking head of the locking plate meshes with the locking tooth of the adjusting nut.

[0014] Preferably, a shock absorber is included, one end of the shock absorber is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the vehicle frame, and the other end of the shock absorber is connected to the lower cross arm.

[0015] Preferably, a suspension spring is included, one end of the suspension spring is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the vehicle frame, and the other end of the suspension spring is connected to the lower cross arm.

[0016] Preferably: a rotation angle sensor is included, and the rotation angle sensor is arranged below the outside of the gear box and is used to monitor and feedback the rotation angle of the steering knuckle.

[0017] Preferably, an adjustment hole is provided on the outside of the gear box, and the adjustment hole is used to adjust the adjustment nut.

[0018] Preferably: an adjustment hole cover plate is included, and the adjustment hole cover plate is installed at the adjustment hole outside the gear box.

[0019] Preferably, the locking piece is an elastic piece.

[0020] A smart car adopts a wire-controlled steering device for a smart car corner module, comprising a wheel, wherein the wheel is integrated with a wheel hub motor assembly, and the steering knuckle is connected to the wheel hub motor assembly.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The steering control and power transmission of the vehicle are realized through the steering power mechanism, gear box, upper cross arm, lower cross arm, steering knuckle and wheel hub motor. The steering power mechanism is fixed on at least one of the vehicle body and the frame. The output shaft of the steering power mechanism is connected to the steering transmission shaft through a universal joint, and the steering transmission shaft is fixedly connected to the steering driving gear. The gear box has a novel design. The center of the steering driven gear is provided with a through hole, which is fixedly connected to the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft is supported by the bearing on the housing to effectively withstand the radial force from the steering system. The lower end of the hollow shaft is connected to the steering knuckle, and the upper end is connected to the gear box housing through the bearing, which ensures the stability and durability of the structure. In addition, the adjustment hole position and the adjustment hole cover plate on the outside of the gear box provide a convenient adjustment interface. Together with the internal snap ring, spring, adjustment nut, locking plate fixing screw and locking plate, these newly added structural components work together to achieve precise adjustment and locking of the steering system clearance, optimize the meshing accuracy of the gears, and improve the responsiveness and stability of the system. The steering knuckle is connected to the wheel hub motor assembly, the lower end of the steering knuckle is connected to the lower cross arm, the lower ends of the shock absorber and the suspension spring are connected to the middle section of the lower cross arm, the upper ends of the shock absorber and the suspension spring are connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the frame, one end of the lower cross arm is connected to the steering knuckle, and the other end of the lower cross arm is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the frame.

[0022] Through the mechanism layout, the wiring harness layout scheme between the systems in static and dynamic conditions is guaranteed to be more reasonable and safe, which is conducive to reducing the unsprung mass, improving the safety of the vehicle under driving, braking and steering conditions, and realizing independent steering. Under this layout scheme, the corner detection device layout of the vehicle's corner module can also be realized. At the same time, based on the upper and lower cross arm suspension, the components of each system are highly integrated, and the smoothness and handling stability can reach the same level. Therefore, the steering system structure of the corner module can support the reasonable optimization of the wiring harness layout scheme and improve the safety of the vehicle. At the same time, it can also give the steering configuration vehicle the same smoothness, handling stability and carrying capacity as traditional vehicles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Attached Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structural composition of the present invention.

[0024] Attached Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the internal installation structure of the gear box of the present invention.

[0025] Attached Figure 3 This is the structural outline diagram of the gearbox.

[0026] Attached Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustment hole cover plate.

[0027] Attached Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the adjusting nut.

[0028] Attached Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the locking plate.

[0029] Description of reference numerals: 1. Steering knuckle, 2. Gearbox, 3. Steering drive shaft, 4. Universal joint, 5. Steering power mechanism output shaft, 6. Steering power mechanism, 7. Angle sensor, 8. Upper cross arm, 9. Shock absorber, 10. Suspension spring, 11. Lower cross arm, 12. Frame (or body), 13. Wheel, 14. Steering driven gear, 15. Steering driving gear, 16. Spring, 17. Snap ring, 18. Adjusting nut, 19. Locking plate fixing screw, 20. Locking plate, 21. Adjustment hole cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present invention is further explained below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that these examples are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention. After reading the present invention, various equivalent forms of modifications to the present invention by those skilled in the art all fall within the scope defined by the claims attached to this application.

[0031] A wire-controlled steering device for an intelligent automobile corner module, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, including: An upper cross arm 8 , one end of which is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the vehicle frame 12 to provide necessary support and stability. Meanwhile, the other end of the upper cross arm 8 is connected to the gear box 2 .

[0032] A steering power mechanism 6 is arranged on a vehicle body or a frame 12 , and a steering power mechanism output shaft 5 of the steering power mechanism 6 is connected to the steering transmission shaft 3 via a universal joint 4 .

[0033] The gearbox 2 includes a housing and a transmission mechanism, and the lifting lug above the housing is connected to the upper cross arm 8. The transmission mechanism includes a steering transmission shaft 3, a hollow shaft, a bearing, a steering driven gear 14, and a steering driving gear 15. The wiring harness can be arranged inside the hollow shaft to reduce the exposure of the wiring harness and improve safety. At the same time, the wiring management of the steering system is optimized, and the maintenance cost and complexity are reduced. The steering transmission shaft 3 is connected to the steering driving gear 15 by transmission, and the steering driving gear 15 is meshed and connected to the steering driven gear 14 by transmission. The hollow shaft is connected to the housing through two upper and lower bearings, and the hollow shaft passes through the steering driven gear 14 and rotates coaxially with the steering driven gear 14, and the driven gear 14 can move axially on the hollow shaft, and the lower end of the hollow shaft is connected to the steering knuckle 1. The steering driving gear 15 is connected to the steering transmission shaft 3, and the steering transmission shaft 3 is connected to the steering power mechanism output shaft 5 through the universal joint 4. The steering driven gear 14 is meshed with the steering driving gear 15. The steering driven gear 14 has a hole in the center and is connected to the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft is connected to the upper and lower bearings on the housing to bear radial force. The lower end of the hollow shaft is connected to the steering knuckle. Figure 1 , 2As shown, the gear box 2 is provided with an adjustment mechanism, which includes a spring 16, a snap ring 17, an adjustment nut 18, a locking plate fixing screw 19, and a locking plate 20. The adjustment nut 18 is connected to the hollow shaft by threads, and the adjustment nut 18 is located below the steering driven gear 14. The outer periphery of the adjustment nut 18 is provided with locking teeth. The adjustment nut is located below the steering driven gear and is connected to the hollow shaft to adjust the gear clearance. The steering system can be accurately adjusted by the adjustment nut 18, and the adjustment method is not limited to manual adjustment. The snap ring 17 is fixedly connected to the hollow shaft, the upper end of the spring 16 contacts the snap ring 17, and the lower end contacts the steering driven gear 14. The fixed end of the locking plate 20 is fixedly connected to the steering driven gear 14 by the locking plate fixing screw 19, and the locking head of the locking plate 20 is meshed with the locking teeth of the adjustment nut 18. The locking plate 20 is an elastic member. By turning the adjusting nut 18, the adjusting nut 18 is rotated around the thread on the hollow shaft, thereby realizing the adjustment nut 18 to move up and down along the hollow shaft. When the gear gap between the steering driven gear 14 and the steering driving gear 15 is too large and needs to be adjusted, the adjusting nut 18 is turned clockwise to make the adjusting nut 18 rotate clockwise around the hollow shaft. Since the locking plate 20 is an elastic member, as long as the toggling force causes the locking plate 20 to undergo elastic deformation, when toggling, the locking head can be disengaged from one locking tooth and enter another locking tooth, thereby realizing the rotation of the adjusting nut 18, and then the adjusting nut 18 pushes the steering driven gear 14 upward, realizing the adjustment of the gap between the steering driven gear 14 and the steering driving gear 15. During the locking process, since the locking head of the locking plate 20 is meshed with the locking teeth, and the steering driven gear 14 can only move axially but not rotate radially, as long as the rotational force generated by the vibration received by the adjusting nut 18 is less than the force of the elastic deformation of the locking plate 20 to cross the current locking teeth, the adjusting nut 18 and the steering driven gear 14 are locked. Therefore, through this design, the present invention can not only prevent the problem of the steering driven gear 14 moving axially due to the vibration of the vehicle, but also realize the axial movement of the steering driven gear 14 through the adjusting nut 18, providing additional fixation and stability, and the locking plate does not affect the rotation of the steering knuckle.

[0034] The steering transmission shaft 3 is fixedly connected to the steering driving gear 15 and passes through the gear box 2 through the bearing to achieve power transmission. A retaining ring 17 is fixedly connected to the hollow shaft inside the gear box and is connected to the spring 16 to form a limit and reset mechanism to ensure stability under high load. The adjustment nut 18 is located below the steering driven gear 14 and is connected to the hollow shaft. It can adjust the gear clearance and optimize the meshing accuracy; the locking plate 20 is fixedly connected to the steering driven gear 14, and the locking plate fixing screw 19 is installed on the steering driven gear 14 to provide additional fixation and stability to ensure stable operation in various driving environments. The locking plate 20 is fixedly connected to the steering driven gear 14 and does not interfere with the rotation of the steering knuckle 1.

[0035] The universal joint 4 serves as a connecting part between the steering transmission shaft and the output shaft of the steering power mechanism, allowing the steering transmission shaft to transmit power in multiple directions (relative movement in the length direction is also possible), providing necessary flexibility.

[0036] The output shaft of the steering power mechanism is connected to the steering transmission shaft through a universal joint. The universal joint adopts a telescopic universal joint to allow relative movement between the steering transmission shaft and the output shaft of the steering power mechanism. The steering active gear of the gear box is meshed with the steering driven gear of the gear box. The gear box is connected to the upper end of the steering knuckle through a hollow shaft passing through the steering driven gear. The hollow shaft is connected to the gear box housing through two upper and lower needle bearings. One end of the shock absorber is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the frame, and the other end of the shock absorber is connected to the middle section of the lower cross arm. One end of the lower cross arm is connected to the steering knuckle, and the other end of the lower cross arm is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the frame.

[0037] A lower cross arm 11 , one end of which is connected to the ball pin of the steering knuckle 1 , and the other end of which is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the vehicle frame 12 .

[0038] The steering knuckle 1 is connected to the vehicle body or frame 12 through the lower cross arm 11, the steering power mechanism 6 is installed on the vehicle body or frame, and the steering power mechanism output shaft 5 is connected to the steering transmission shaft 3 through the universal joint 4. The gear box 2 is connected to the upper cross arm 8 and meshes with the steering driven gear 14 through the steering driving gear 15 to transmit power. The hollow shaft passes through the steering driven gear 14, is connected to the upper end of the steering knuckle 1, and is fixed to the gear box housing through a bearing.

[0039] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the vehicle body includes a shock absorber 9 , one end of which is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the vehicle frame 12 , and the other end of which is connected to the lower cross arm 11 .

[0040] like Figure 1 , 2As shown, the suspension spring 10 is included, one end of the suspension spring 10 is connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the frame 12 , and the other end of the suspension spring 10 is connected to the lower cross arm 11 .

[0041] The shock absorber 9 and the suspension spring 10 are provided to absorb the impact and vibration caused by uneven road surface and improve the driving smoothness of the vehicle. The shock absorber 9 and the suspension spring 10 are connected to the frame 12 and the middle section of the lower cross arm 11 to form the suspension system of the vehicle. The wheel 13 is connected to the entire steering system through the steering knuckle 1 to realize the steering function of the vehicle.

[0042] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, a rotation angle sensor 7 is included, which is arranged below the outside of the gear box 2 and is used to monitor and feedback the rotation angle of the steering knuckle 1 to achieve precise control.

[0043] An adjustment hole is provided on the outside of the gear box 2 , and the adjustment hole is used to adjust the adjustment nut 18 .

[0044] It comprises an adjustment hole cover plate 21, which is installed at the adjustment hole outside the gear box to protect the internal structure and prevent external factors from damaging the adjustment mechanism.

[0045] A snap ring is fixedly connected to the hollow shaft inside the gearbox, which is connected to the spring to form a limit and reset mechanism to ensure stability under high load. The adjustment nut is located below the steering driven gear and is connected to the hollow shaft. It can adjust the gear clearance and optimize the meshing accuracy; the locking plate is fixedly connected to the steering driven gear, and the locking plate fixing screw is installed on the steering driven gear to provide additional fixation and stability to ensure stable operation in various driving environments.

[0046] Through the structural layout, the wiring harness layout between the systems is ensured to be more reasonable and safe, the unsprung mass is reduced, and the safety of the vehicle under driving, braking and steering conditions is improved. The integrated design improves the steering control and power transmission efficiency of the vehicle.

[0047] The device adopts a reversible steering transmission mechanism design and has an automatic self-centering capability, thereby increasing the stability and controllability of the vehicle; the design of the device allows the safety of the wiring harness to be maintained under wading conditions, thereby saving space.

[0048] A smart car adopts a wire-controlled steering device for a smart car corner module, comprising a wheel 13, wherein the wheel 13 is integrated with a wheel hub motor assembly, and the steering knuckle is connected to the wheel hub motor assembly.

[0049] The wheel hub motor assembly is integrated in the wheel, and the wheel hub motor assembly includes: a wheel hub motor, a brake system actuator, an upper end of the steering knuckle is connected to the hollow shaft, and a lower end of the steering knuckle is connected to the lower cross arm.

[0050] The smart car achieves efficient and precise steering control through an integrated corner module steering system device, improves the vehicle's handling and safety, and optimizes the vehicle's space utilization and overall performance. While achieving high integration, the device can also realize the arrangement of the corner detection device for the vehicle's corner module, thereby improving the system's smoothness and handling stability.

[0051] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wire-controlled steering device for an intelligent automobile corner module, characterized in that: include: An upper cross arm (8), one end of the upper cross arm (8) being connected to at least one of the vehicle body and the vehicle frame (12), and the other end of the upper cross arm (8) being connected to the gear box (2); A steering power mechanism (6), the steering power mechanism (6) being arranged on a vehicle body or a vehicle frame (12), and a steering power mechanism output shaft (5) of the steering power mechanism (6) being connected to a steering transmission shaft (3) via a universal joint (4); A gear box (2), the gear box (2) comprising a housing and a transmission mechanism, wherein a lifting lug above the housing is connected to an upper cross arm (8); the transmission mechanism comprises a steering transmission shaft (3), a hollow shaft, a bearing, a steering driven gear (14), and a steering driving gear (15); the steering transmission shaft (3) is in transmission connection with the steering driving gear (15), and the steering driving gear (15) is meshingly connected with the steering driven gear (14); the hollow shaft is connected to the housing via upper and lower bearings, the hollow shaft passes through the steering driven gear (14) and rotates coaxially with the steering driven gear (14), and the driven gear (14) can move axially on the hollow shaft, and the lower end of the hollow shaft is connected to the steering knuckle (1); A lower cross arm (11), one end of the lower cross arm (11) is connected to a ball pin of the steering knuckle (1), and the other end of the lower cross arm (11) is connected to at least one of a vehicle body and a vehicle frame (12).

2. The steer-by-wire device for an intelligent automobile corner module according to claim 1, characterized in that: An adjustment mechanism is provided in the gear box (2), the adjustment mechanism comprising a spring (16), a snap ring (17), an adjustment nut (18), a locking plate fixing screw (19), and a locking plate (20); the adjustment nut (18) is threadedly connected to the hollow shaft, and the adjustment nut (18) is located below the steering driven gear (14), and a locking tooth is provided on the outer periphery of the adjustment nut (18); the snap ring (17) is fixedly connected to the hollow shaft, the upper end of the spring (16) contacts the snap ring (17), and the lower end contacts the steering driven gear (14); the fixed end of the locking plate (20) is fixedly connected to the steering driven gear (14) via the locking plate fixing screw (19), and the locking head of the locking plate (20) meshes with the locking tooth of the adjustment nut (18).

3. The steer-by-wire device for an intelligent automobile corner module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises a shock absorber (9), one end of the shock absorber (9) being connected to at least one of a vehicle body and a vehicle frame (12), and the other end of the shock absorber (9) being connected to a lower cross arm (11).

4. The steer-by-wire device for an intelligent automobile corner module according to claim 3, characterized in that: It comprises a suspension spring (10), one end of the suspension spring (10) being connected to at least one of a vehicle body and a vehicle frame (12), and the other end of the suspension spring (10) being connected to a lower cross arm (11).

5. The steer-by-wire device for an intelligent automobile corner module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The invention comprises a rotation angle sensor (7), wherein the rotation angle sensor (7) is arranged below the outside of the gear box (2) and is used for monitoring and feeding back the rotation angle of the steering knuckle (1).

6. The steer-by-wire device for an intelligent automobile corner module according to claim 5, characterized in that: An adjustment hole is provided on the outside of the gear box (2), and the adjustment hole is used to adjust the adjustment nut (18).

7. The steer-by-wire device for an intelligent automobile corner module according to claim 6, characterized in that: It comprises an adjustment hole cover plate (21), wherein the adjustment hole cover plate (21) is installed at the adjustment hole outside the gear box.

8. The steer-by-wire device for an intelligent automobile corner module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The locking piece (20) is an elastic piece.

9. A smart car, characterized in that: A steer-by-wire device for an intelligent automobile corner module according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises a wheel (13), wherein the wheel (13) is integrated with a wheel hub motor assembly, and the steering knuckle (1) is connected to the wheel hub motor assembly.

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