Bidirectional gapless self-locking device suitable for steering device and steering device

Abstract

The bidirectional gapless self-locking device comprises a connecting seat and an inner rod which are coaxially arranged, an inner cavity is formed in the connecting seat, an opening is formed in the inner cavity of the connecting seat in the direction where the inner rod is located, and the connecting seat and the inner rod horizontally move in the axial direction of the connecting seat or the inner rod in the opposite directions. Inserting the inner rod into or away from the inner cavity; the device further comprises two locking mechanisms coaxially arranged on the connecting base, the two locking mechanisms are arranged at intervals in the axial direction, and when one of the connecting base and the inner rod translates relative to the other one, the two locking mechanisms alternately lock the connecting base and the inner rod. According to the scheme, gapless locking between the two steering rods of the steering device can be ensured, the synchronism and stability of automobile steering are improved, large-angle steering of the steering device is achieved while the axial arrangement space is saved, and diversity and flexibility of the steering function are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of EPS steering, in particular to a bidirectional gapless self-locking device suitable for a steering device and a steering device. Background Art

[0002] The electric power steering system is a power steering system that directly relies on the motor to provide auxiliary torque. Common steering systems include integrated control steering devices or four-wheel independent control steering devices. Among them, in the integrated control steering device, the wheels on both sides are steered synchronously by the same steering drive force (including wire control or non-wire control). Its overall structure is simple, the manufacturing cost is relatively low, the operation is cheap, and the maintenance and maintenance are more convenient, but the operational flexibility is low; in the four-wheel independent control steering device, each wheel has independent steering drive force control, the operational flexibility is extremely high, and a variety of driving methods can be realized.

[0003] In the prior art, some steering devices disconnect the steering rod connecting the wheels at both ends, set an independent driving force on each wheel, and set a self-locking on-off structure between the two wheels, so as to achieve switching between integrated control and independent control of the wheels on both sides.

[0004] For example, in a multi-mode motor-driven wire-controlled steering system for a passenger car disclosed in the utility model patent with the authorization announcement number CN211196343U, the steering tie rods of the wheels on both sides are connected or disconnected by an electromagnetic clutch, which is convenient for switching between the integrated control and independent control modes; however, in the above structure, the wheels on both sides are steered by the lateral movement of the steering tie rod. When the wheels on both sides need to turn inward synchronously, the two steering tie rods need to translate in opposite directions to push the wheels to turn inward, especially when the wheels need to turn inward synchronously at a large angle, the lateral spacing between the two steering tie rods is large; on the one hand, when the steering tie rod is offset during the lateral movement, the combination stability of the electromagnetic clutch at the ends of the two steering tie rods will be reduced; on the other hand, since the wheels on both sides need to be separated by sufficient lateral space for synchronous inward rotation, the lateral space occupied by the steering mechanism needs to be further increased. In addition, when the electromagnetic clutches at the ends of the two steering tie rods are in contact, the two steering tie rods cannot continue to translate toward each other, and therefore cannot pull the wheels on both sides to turn outward synchronously.

[0005] Another clutch device, a shaft transmission self-locking limit device disclosed in the utility model patent with reference to the authorization announcement number CN203548626U, is provided with a clutch sleeve on the transmission shaft, a through hole is provided on the wall of the clutch sleeve in the radial direction, a steel ball is embedded in the through hole, a sliding sleeve is provided on the clutch sleeve, and the inner wall of the sliding sleeve has a conical surface that can press the steel ball into the first annular groove, thereby realizing the self-locking of the clutch sleeve and the transmission shaft. Due to design and processing errors, there will be a gap between the steel ball and the through hole, the first annular groove and the sliding sleeve, and when this type of clutch device is applied to the above-mentioned steering device as a self-locking on-off structure, when the two steering tie rods are locked, if the two move synchronously along the axial direction to realize synchronous steering, firstly, it is necessary to compensate for the matching gap between the steel ball and the surrounding parts, and then the power can be transmitted to the rack on the other side. At this time, the tire on one side has begun to rotate, and the tire on the other side remains stationary, which reduces the synchronization of the steering of the car and the stability of the combination between the two steering mechanisms. Summary of the invention

[0006] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a bidirectional gapless self-locking device suitable for a steering device and a steering device.

[0007] The present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions: A two-way gapless self-locking device suitable for a steering device comprises a coaxially arranged connecting seat and an inner rod, wherein an inner cavity is formed in the connecting seat, the inner cavity of the connecting seat is open in the direction of the inner rod, the connecting seat and the inner rod are translated toward or away from each other along their axial direction, so that the inner rod is inserted into or away from the inner cavity; it also comprises two locking mechanisms coaxially arranged on the connecting seat, the two locking mechanisms are arranged at intervals along the axial direction, each locking mechanism comprises a tapered hole and a steel ball movably arranged in the tapered hole, the tapered hole is perforated along the radial direction of the connecting seat, and the diameter of the tapered hole decreases from the outside to the inside, two circles of annular grooves narrowing from the outside to the inside are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the inner rod, each circle of annular grooves corresponds to the tapered hole of one of the locking mechanisms, and each locking mechanism also comprises a sliding sleeve sleeved on the outer circumference of the connecting seat, and a guiding surface for pushing the steel ball into the annular groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve; there are respectively provided between the two sliding sleeves. A switch mechanism and a reset mechanism are provided, and the switch mechanism is turned on and off and the reset mechanism is extended and retracted to synchronously control the two sliding sleeves to translate toward or away from each other along their axial direction, driving the two sliding sleeves to synchronously leave or return to the outer periphery of the corresponding tapered hole; in the unlocked state, the switch mechanism controls the two sliding sleeves to translate toward each other synchronously and leave the outer periphery of the tapered hole, and the reset mechanism located between the two sliding sleeves shrinks synchronously; in the locked state, the inner rod is inserted into the inner cavity until each annular groove is located at the inner periphery of the corresponding tapered hole, the switch mechanism is disconnected, and the two sliding sleeves are pushed by the reset mechanism to synchronously reset to the outer periphery of the tapered hole, and the steel ball is pushed into the annular groove during the reset process; when one of the connecting seat and the inner rod translates relative to the other, one and only one of the steel balls in the locking mechanism abuts against the corresponding guide surface, the inner side surface of the tapered hole and the inner side surface of the annular groove at three points, so that the two locking mechanisms alternately lock the connecting seat and the inner rod.

[0008] Preferably, the diameter of the opening of the tapered hole on the inner circumference of the connecting seat is less than or equal to the diameter of the opening of the annular groove, and the abutment direction between the steel ball in one locking mechanism and the annular groove is opposite to the abutment direction between the steel ball in the other locking mechanism and the annular groove.

[0009] Preferably, the two locking mechanisms are centrally symmetrically arranged, and each locking mechanism has a plurality of tapered holes distributed at equal angles along the circumference of the connecting seat.

[0010] Preferably, the reset mechanism includes a first reset spring and a second reset spring which are symmetrically arranged, the first reset spring and the second reset spring are separated by a limit block fixed to the outer periphery of the connecting seat, and the other ends of the first reset spring and the second reset spring are respectively connected to a sliding sleeve.

[0011] Preferably, the switch mechanism comprises an electromagnet sleeved on the outer periphery of the reset mechanism, and the axial distance between the electromagnet and the two sliding sleeves is the same.

[0012] Preferably, a limiting step and a guide surface are sequentially arranged on the inner circumference of the sleeve along the axial direction, the limiting step is arranged at one end of the sleeve close to the reset mechanism, the guide surface is a conical surface, and the end of the guide surface with a smaller diameter is connected to the limiting step.

[0013] The steering device comprises a left wheel end and a right wheel end, wherein a first steering mechanism is arranged on the inner side of the left wheel end, a second steering mechanism is arranged on the inner side of the right wheel end, and a bidirectional gapless self-locking device suitable for the steering device as described above is arranged between the first steering mechanism and the second steering mechanism.

[0014] Preferably, the first steering mechanism includes a first connecting rod and a first steering rod, one end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the inner side of the left wheel end, and the other end is hinged to the first steering rod, the second steering mechanism includes a second connecting rod and a second steering rod, one end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the inner side of the right wheel end, and the other end is hinged to the second steering rod, the first steering rod and the second steering rod are coaxial and oppositely arranged, and the axes of the two steering rods are parallel to the axes of the left wheel end and the right wheel end, one of the first steering rod and the second steering rod is connected to the connecting seat, and the other is connected to the inner rod.

[0015] Preferably, a first rack is axially arranged on the outer circumference of the first steering rod, and a second rack is axially arranged on the outer circumference of the second steering rod. The first rack is connected to the first motor through a first transmission mechanism, and the second rack is connected to the second motor through a second transmission mechanism.

[0016] Preferably, the left wheel end and the right wheel end are respectively provided with independent steering mechanisms, and the independent steering mechanisms include suspensions connected to the wheel ends, and the suspensions are provided with driving mechanisms.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the technical solution of the present invention are mainly reflected in: 1. The bidirectional gapless self-locking device for a steering device disclosed in the present invention includes two coaxially arranged locking mechanisms, which act on a connecting seat and an inner rod together, and alternately lock the connecting seat and the inner rod as the moving directions of the connecting seat and the inner rod change. At the same time, a steel ball in the locking mechanism abuts against its corresponding guide surface, the inner side surface of the tapered hole, and the inner side surface of the annular groove at three points to ensure gapless locking. When the self-locking device is applied to a steering device, the synchronization of the steering of the vehicle and the stability of the combination between the two steering mechanisms can be ensured.

[0018] 2. When the self-locking device of the steering device disclosed by the present invention is in the unlocked state, the inner rod can still be inserted into the inner cavity of the connecting seat and does not interfere with the axial movement of the two toward or away from each other. On the one hand, it can ensure the stability of the movement of the first steering rod and the second steering rod in the disconnected state; on the other hand, the inner rod and the connecting seat can be used as part of the first steering mechanism and the second steering mechanism, so that there is an overlapping space between the two steering mechanisms in the axial direction, ensuring that the steering device can achieve large-angle inward and outward steering while saving axial arrangement space, further ensuring the diversity and flexibility of the steering function of the steering mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of a bidirectional gapless self-locking device applicable to a steering device in a locked state; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of part A; Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of a two-way gapless self-locking device applicable to a steering device in an unlocked state; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part B; Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the connection state between the inner rod and the connecting seat in one embodiment of a two-way gapless self-locking device suitable for a steering device; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the force state of the inner rod when it moves toward the second end relative to the connecting seat in Example 1; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the force state of the inner rod when it moves toward the first end relative to the connecting seat in Example 1; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a force state when the connecting seat moves toward the second end relative to the inner rod in Embodiment 1; Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a force state when the connecting seat moves toward the first end relative to the inner rod in Embodiment 1; Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of a bidirectional gapless self-locking device applicable to a steering device in a locked state in Embodiment 2; Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Enlarged view of part C; Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram of the connection state of the first steering rod and the second steering rod and the two-way gapless self-locking device; Fig.13 is a three-dimensional diagram of the steering mechanism in Example 3 when it is not steering; Fig.14is a schematic diagram of the steering mechanism in Example 3 when it is not steering (the housing is omitted at this time, and the first steering rod and the second steering rod are locked); Fig.15 is a schematic diagram of the steering mechanism in Example 3 when the wheels on both sides turn left 40° synchronously (the housing is omitted at this time, and the first steering rod and the second steering rod are locked); Fig.16 is a schematic diagram of the case where the wheels on both sides of the steering mechanism in Example 3 are synchronously rotated inward by 30° (the housing is omitted at this time, and the first steering rod and the second steering rod are disconnected); Fig.17 is a three-dimensional diagram of the steering mechanism in Example 4 when it is not steering; Fig.18 This is a schematic diagram of the steering mechanism in Example 4 when it is not steering (the housing is omitted at this time, and the first steering rod and the second steering rod are locked). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In order to make the purpose, advantages and features of the present invention more clearly and in detail, the following preferred embodiments are used for illustration and explanation. The embodiments are only typical examples of the application of the technical solution of the present invention. Any technical solution formed by equivalent replacement or equivalent transformation falls within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0021] At the same time, it is stated that in the description of the scheme, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", "back", "inside" and "outside" are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of description and simplified description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0022] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" in this solution are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying the order of importance, or implicitly indicating the number of technical features shown. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0023] The present invention discloses a bidirectional gapless self-locking device 1 suitable for a steering device, such as Figure 1-Figure 11As shown, it includes a coaxially arranged connecting seat 101 and an inner rod 102, wherein an inner cavity 1011 is formed in the connecting seat 101, and the inner cavity 1011 of the connecting seat 101 is open in the direction of the inner rod 102, and the connecting seat 101 and the inner rod 102 are translated toward or away from each other along their axial direction so that the inner rod 102 is inserted into or away from the inner cavity 1011, wherein the outer diameter of the inner rod 102 should match the diameter of the inner cavity 1011.

[0024] like Figure 1-Figure 4 As shown, the bidirectional gapless self-locking device 1 suitable for a steering device also includes two locking mechanisms coaxially arranged on the connecting seat 101, the two locking mechanisms are arranged axially at intervals, and the axial spacing distance of the two locking mechanisms is not limited and can be adjusted according to actual needs; each locking mechanism includes a tapered hole and a steel ball movably arranged in the tapered hole, the tapered hole is radially perforated along the connecting seat 101, and the diameter of the tapered hole decreases from the outside to the inside, and the outer circumferential surface of the inner rod 102 is provided with two circles of annular grooves narrowing from the outside to the inside, and each circle of annular grooves Each corresponds to a tapered hole of one of the locking mechanisms, thereby ensuring that the steel ball in each tapered hole can radially extend into the corresponding annular groove. Each locking mechanism also includes a sliding sleeve sleeved on the outer periphery of the connecting seat 101, and a guiding surface 10 for pushing the steel ball into the annular groove is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the sliding sleeve. In the locked state, the guiding surface 10 is located on the outer periphery of the tapered hole and abuts against the outside of the steel ball in the tapered hole. The steel ball is confined between the sliding sleeve, the tapered hole and the groove, thereby realizing radial locking of the connecting seat 101 and the inner rod 102.

[0025] like Figure 1-Figure 5As shown, a switch mechanism and a reset mechanism are respectively arranged between the two sliding sleeves, and the two sliding sleeves are synchronously controlled to translate toward or away from each other along their axial direction by the switching mechanism and the retracting and contracting of the reset mechanism, so as to drive the two sliding sleeves to synchronously leave or return to the outer periphery of the corresponding tapered hole, thereby realizing the synchronous locking and synchronous unlocking of the two locking mechanisms; in the unlocked state, the switch mechanism controls the two sliding sleeves to translate toward each other synchronously and leave the outer periphery of the tapered hole, at which time the reset mechanism located between the two sliding sleeves is synchronously contracted; in the locked state, the inner rod 102 is inserted into the inner cavity 1011 until each annular groove is located at the inner periphery of the corresponding tapered hole, and ... switch mechanism controls the two sliding sleeves to translate toward each other synchronously and leave the outer periphery of the tapered hole, at which time the reset mechanism located between the two sliding sleeves is synchronously contracted; in the locked state, the inner rod 102 is inserted into the inner cavity 1011 until each annular groove is located at the inner periphery of the corresponding tapered hole The switch mechanism is disconnected and the control of the sleeve is released. At this time, the two sleeves are pushed by the reset mechanism to be synchronously reset to the outer periphery of the tapered hole, and the steel ball is pushed into the annular groove during the reset process; in one embodiment, the switch mechanism includes an electromagnet 103 sleeved on the outer periphery of the reset mechanism, and the electromagnet 103 is at the same axial distance from the two sleeves; in some other embodiments, the switch mechanism can also adopt other existing structures to realize the reciprocating translation of the two sleeves, for example: driven by a motor or through pneumatic, hydraulic, etc. as a power source, combined with other mechanical structures to drive the relative or opposite translation of the two sleeves, which will not be repeated here.

[0026] Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the inner rod 102 is located at the first end, and the connecting seat 101 is located at the second end, wherein the locking mechanism close to the first end is the first locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism close to the second end is the second locking mechanism, the first locking mechanism includes a plurality of first tapered holes 2, each of which is movably provided with a first steel ball 3, the first locking mechanism also includes a first sliding sleeve 4 sleeved on the outer periphery of the connecting seat 101; the second locking mechanism includes a plurality of second tapered holes 6, each of which is movably provided with a second steel ball 7, the second locking mechanism also includes a second sliding sleeve 8 sleeved on the outer periphery of the connecting seat 101; on the outer peripheral surface of the inner rod 102, the annular groove close to the first end is A first annular groove 5, the first annular groove 5 corresponds to the first locking mechanism, the annular groove close to the second end is a second annular groove 9, the second annular groove 9 corresponds to the second locking mechanism; in the locked state, the first sliding sleeve 4 is located at the outer periphery of the first tapered hole 2, the first annular groove 5 is located at the inner periphery of the first tapered hole 2, and the guide surface 10 of the first sliding sleeve 4 pushes the first steel ball 3 into the first annular groove 5, at the same time, the second sliding sleeve 8 is located at the outer periphery of the second tapered hole 6, the second annular groove 9 is located at the inner periphery of the second tapered hole 6, and the guide surface 10 of the second sliding sleeve 8 pushes the second steel ball 7 into the second annular groove 9.

[0027] like Figure 1-Figure 5As shown, in one embodiment, the reset mechanism includes a first reset spring 12 and a second reset spring 13 symmetrically arranged, the first reset spring 12 and the second reset spring 13 are separated by a limit block 14 fixed to the outer periphery of the connecting seat 101, and the other ends of the first reset spring 12 and the second reset spring 13 are respectively connected to a sliding sleeve, specifically, the first reset spring 12 is connected to the first sliding sleeve 4, and the second reset spring 13 is connected to the second sliding sleeve 8, wherein the two symmetrically arranged reset springs can ensure that the sliding sleeves on both sides are subjected to balanced force during operation; in some other embodiments, the reset mechanism may also use other elastic elements, which are not elaborated here.

[0028] In some embodiments, the diameter of the inner opening of the tapered hole is less than or equal to the diameter of the opening of the annular groove, so that when the steel ball extends into the annular groove, a gap is formed between the steel ball and the annular groove, and the abutment direction of the steel ball in one locking mechanism and the annular groove is opposite to the abutment direction of the steel ball in the other locking mechanism and the annular groove, so that the positions of the gaps between the steel balls and the surrounding parts in different locking mechanisms are opposite. Therefore, in the locked state, when one of the connecting seat 101 and the inner rod 102 is translated relative to the other, the steel ball in one and only one locking mechanism abuts against the corresponding guide surface 10, the inner side surface of the tapered hole and the inner side surface of the annular groove at three points, and locks the connecting seat 101 and the inner rod 102. At this time, in the other locking mechanism, there is a gap between the steel ball and the surrounding parts, thereby ensuring that the two locking mechanisms alternately lock the connecting seat 101 and the inner rod 102; specifically, in practical applications, at least the following two embodiments should be included: Embodiment 1: like Figure 1-Figure 4 as well as Figure 6-Figure 9 As shown, the axial spacing between the second side of the inner opening of the first tapered hole 2 (i.e., the side close to the second end) and the first side of the inner opening of the second tapered hole 6 (i.e., the side close to the first end) is marked as d1, and at the same time, the axial spacing between the second side of the opening of the first annular groove 5 and the first side of the opening of the second annular groove 9 is marked as d2, and at this time d1=d2; in the locked state, the first steel ball 3 abuts against the second inner side surface of the first annular groove 5 (i.e., the inner side surface close to the second end), and the second steel ball 7 abuts against the first inner side surface of the second annular groove 9 (i.e., the inner side surface close to the first end), and at this time, the abutting direction of the first steel ball 3 and the first annular groove 5 is opposite to the abutting direction of the second steel ball 7 and the second annular groove 9.

[0029] like Figure 6As shown, in Example 1, when the inner rod 102 moves toward the second end relative to the connecting seat 101, the second steel ball 7 abuts against the first inner side surface of the second annular groove 9. Since the abutting direction of the second steel ball 7 and the second annular groove 9 is opposite to the moving direction of the inner rod 102, the second steel ball 7 first abuts against the guide surface 10 of the second sliding sleeve 8, the second inner side surface of the second tapered hole 6 and the first inner side surface of the second annular groove 9 at three points, and the connecting seat 101 and the inner rod 102 are locked; on the contrary, since there is a gap between the first steel ball 3 and the first inner side surface of the first annular groove 5, the first steel ball 3 is not subjected to force at this time; as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, if the inner rod 102 moves toward the first end relative to the connecting seat 101, the first steel ball 3 abuts against the second inner side surface of the first annular groove 5. Since the abutting direction of the first steel ball 3 and the first annular groove 5 is opposite to the moving direction of the inner rod 102, the first steel ball 3 first abuts against the guide surface 10 of the first sliding sleeve 4, the first inner side surface of the first tapered hole 2 and the second inner side surface of the first annular groove 5 at three points, and locks the connecting seat 101 and the inner rod 102; on the contrary, since there is a gap between the second steel ball 7 and the second inner side surface of the second annular groove 9, the second steel ball 7 is not subjected to force at this time.

[0030] Similarly, reference Figure 8 In Example 1, when the connecting seat 101 moves toward the second end relative to the inner rod 102, the first steel ball 3 abuts against the second inner side surface of the first annular groove 5. Since the abutting direction of the first steel ball 3 and the first annular groove 5 is opposite to the moving direction of the inner rod 102, the first steel ball 3 first abuts against the guide surface 10 of the first sliding sleeve 4, the first inner side surface of the first tapered hole 2 and the second inner side surface of the first annular groove 5 at three points, and the connecting seat 101 and the inner rod 102 are locked; on the contrary, since there is a gap between the second steel ball 7 and the second inner side surface of the second annular groove 9, the second steel ball 7 is not subjected to force at this time; Fig. 9 As shown, if the connecting seat 101 moves toward the first end relative to the inner rod 102, the second steel ball 7 abuts against the first inner side surface of the second annular groove 9. Since the abutting direction of the second steel ball 7 and the second annular groove 9 is opposite to the moving direction of the inner rod 102, the second steel ball 7 first abuts against the guide surface 10 of the second sleeve 8, the second inner side surface of the second tapered hole 6 and the first inner side surface of the second annular groove 9 at three points, and locks the connecting seat 101 and the inner rod 102; on the contrary, since there is a gap between the first steel ball 3 and the first inner side surface of the first annular groove 5, the first steel ball 3 is not subjected to force at this time.

[0031] Embodiment 2: As shown in the figure, the axial spacing between the first side of the inner opening of the first tapered hole 2 and the second side of the inner opening of the second tapered hole 6 is marked as d3, and at the same time, the axial spacing between the first side of the opening of the first annular groove 5 and the second side of the opening of the second annular groove 9 is marked as d4, and at this time d3=d4; in the locked state, the first steel ball 3 abuts against the first inner side surface of the first annular groove 5, and the second steel ball 7 abuts against the second inner side surface of the second annular groove 9. At this time, the abutting direction of the first steel ball 3 and the first annular groove 5 is opposite to the abutting direction of the second steel ball 7 and the second annular groove 9.

[0032] Since in Example 1 and Example 2, the abutment direction of the first steel ball 3 and the first annular groove 5, and the abutment direction of the second steel ball 7 and the second annular groove 9 are opposite, therefore, in Example 1 and Example 2, when the relative translation directions of the connecting seat 101 and the inner rod 102 are the same, the steel ball locked by force in Example 2 is exactly opposite to the steel ball locked by force in Example 1, and no further details are given here.

[0033] In the above embodiment, the arrangement positions of the first annular groove 5 and the second annular groove 9 on the outer circumferential surface of the inner rod 102 can be adjusted according to actual needs, but it is necessary to ensure that the axial spacing between the second annular groove 9 and the second end of the inner rod 102 is less than or equal to the axial spacing between the second tapered hole 6 and the bottom of the inner cavity 1011, so as to avoid the mismatch between the annular groove and the tapered hole due to insufficient depth of the inner cavity 1011; wherein, when the two annular grooves are close to the second end of the inner rod 102, the overall axial length of the inner rod 102 and the connecting seat 101 in the locked state is longer; such as Figure 5 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the axial distance between the second annular groove 9 and the second end of the inner rod 102 is exactly equal to the axial distance between the second tapered hole 6 and the bottom of the inner cavity 1011. At this time, when the inner rod 102 is fully inserted into the inner cavity 1011, the annular groove matches the inner and outer sides of the corresponding tapered hole, and in the locked state, the overall axial length of the inner rod 102 and the connecting seat 101 in the locked state is the shortest.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are centrally symmetrically arranged, and each locking mechanism has a plurality of tapered holes distributed at equal angles along the circumference of the connecting seat 101 to ensure uniform force; in an embodiment, each locking mechanism has a plurality of tapered holes distributed at equal angles along the circumference of the connecting seat 101, and a plurality of first tapered holes 2 and second tapered holes 6 are staggered along the circumference.

[0035] In one embodiment, the inner circumferences of the two sleeves are sequentially provided with a limiting step 11 and a guide surface 10 along the axial direction, the limiting step 11 is provided at one end of the sleeve close to the reset mechanism, the guide surface 10 is a conical surface, and the end of the guide surface 10 with a smaller diameter is connected to the limiting step 11. When the sleeve is reset, the end of the guide surface 10 with a larger diameter first passes over the tapered hole, and as the sleeve translates, the radial spacing between the guide surface 10 and the steel ball gradually shortens until the guide surface 10 abuts against the steel ball and pushes the steel ball into the annular groove.

[0036] The present invention also discloses a steering device, such as Figure 12-Figure 18 As shown, the steering device includes a left wheel end and a right wheel end, a first steering mechanism is arranged on the inner side of the left wheel end, a second steering mechanism is arranged on the inner side of the right wheel end, and a bidirectional gapless self-locking device 1 suitable for the steering device as described above is arranged between the first steering mechanism and the second steering mechanism.

[0037] The first steering mechanism includes a first connecting rod 15 and a first steering rod 16, one end of the first connecting rod 15 is hinged to the inner side of the left wheel end (i.e., the side located inside the car), and the other end is hinged to the first steering rod 16, the second steering mechanism includes a second connecting rod 17 and a second steering rod 18, one end of the second connecting rod 17 is hinged to the inner side of the right wheel end, and the other end is hinged to the second steering rod 18, the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 are coaxial and oppositely arranged, and the axes of the two steering rods are parallel to the axes of the left wheel end and the right wheel end, and one of the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 is connected to the left wheel end and the right wheel end. One is connected to the connecting seat 101, and the other is connected to the inner rod 102; in a preferred embodiment, the inner rod 102 is integrally arranged at the second end of the first steering rod 16, and the connecting seat 101 is arranged at the first end of the second steering rod 18. At this time, the inner rod 102 can be used as a part of the first steering rod 16, and the connecting seat 101 can be used as a part of the second steering rod 18, and the lengths of the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 can be appropriately shortened, thereby saving the space occupied by the steering device in the Y-axis direction of the whole vehicle (that is, the left and right direction of the vehicle), and is suitable for large-angle steering.

[0038] In addition, as the left wheel end and the right wheel end rotate inward synchronously, the first steering mechanism and the second steering mechanism translate in opposite directions, so that the disconnection distance between the first steering mechanism and the second steering mechanism gradually increases; and as the left wheel end and the right wheel end rotate outward synchronously, the first steering mechanism and the second steering mechanism translate in opposite directions; therefore, in the two-way gapless self-locking device 1, by adjusting the length of the inner cavity 1011 of the connecting seat 101, different positional relationships between the inner rod 102 and the connecting seat 101 in the unlocked state can also be achieved; specifically, when the left wheel end and the right wheel end rotate inward synchronously to the maximum angle (for example: the left and right wheel ends rotate inward synchronously 90°), if the disconnection distance between the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 is If the distance is greater than or equal to the sum of the lengths of the inner rod 102 and the inner cavity 1011, the inner rod 102 can be completely pulled out of the connecting seat 101, and as the left wheel end and the right wheel end rotate outward synchronously, the inner rod 102 is reinserted into the connecting seat 101; on the contrary, when the left wheel end and the right wheel end rotate inward synchronously to the maximum angle, if the disconnection distance between the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 is less than the sum of the lengths of the inner rod 102 and the inner cavity 1011, then in the unlocked state, no matter how the rotation direction and rotation angle of the left and right wheel ends change, the inner rod 102 is always inserted into the connecting seat 101, and translates toward or away from each other along the length direction of the inner cavity 1011, thereby realizing the lateral extension and retraction of the steering mechanism between the left and right wheel ends.

[0039] In addition, referring to the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, when the bidirectional gapless self-locking device 1 is in the unlocked state, the switch mechanism controls the two sleeves to synchronously translate toward each other and leave the outer periphery of the tapered hole. At this time, the first steering rod 16 connected to the inner rod 102 and the second steering rod 18 connected to the connecting seat 101 can both translate freely along the axial direction; in the locked state, the inner rod 102 is inserted into the inner cavity 1011 until each annular groove is located at the inner periphery of the corresponding tapered hole, the switch mechanism is disconnected, and the two sleeves are pushed by the reset mechanism to synchronously reset to the outer periphery of the tapered hole, and the steel ball is pushed into the annular groove during the reset process.

[0040] When the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 are driven by different power sources, since the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 are respectively connected to wheel ends on different sides, even when the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 are connected and synchronously move in the same direction, the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 may still cause relative displacement between the two due to the translation speed difference; and when the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 are connected, if the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 are driven by the same power source, the steering rod closer to one end of the power source will drive the other steering rod to move, so there will also be a relative displacement between the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 Shift; because the above-mentioned two-way gapless self-locking device 1 is in the locked state, when one of the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 is translated relative to the other, there is only one steel ball in the locking mechanism that abuts against its corresponding guide surface 10, the inner side surface of the tapered hole and the inner side surface of the annular groove at three points, and locks the connecting seat 101 and the inner rod 102, and the two locking mechanisms alternately lock the connecting seat 101 and the inner rod 102, thereby achieving gapless locking between the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18, which can solve the problem of asynchronous steering of the wheel ends on both sides caused by the matching clearance between the steel ball and its surrounding parts when the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 are relatively displaced.

[0041] like Figure 12-16 As shown, in Example 3, the power source directly drives the steering rod to translate axially, so that the steering of the wheel end is achieved by pushing and pulling the steering rod; in one embodiment, a first rack 19 is axially arranged on the outer circumference of the first steering rod 16, and a second rack 20 is axially arranged on the outer circumference of the second steering rod 18, the first rack 19 is connected to the first motor 21 through a first transmission mechanism 23, and the second rack 20 is connected to the second motor 22 through a second transmission mechanism 24, and the first transmission mechanism 23 and the second transmission mechanism 24 can adopt existing transmission structures, such as: a worm gear structure or a transmission gear structure, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0042] like Fig.17 , Fig.18As shown, in Example 4, the power source directly acts on the wheel end through the suspension to realize the rotation of the wheel. At this time, the first steering rod 16 passively translates along the axis as the left wheel end rotates, and the second steering rod 18 passively translates along the axis as the right wheel end rotates; wherein, the left wheel end and the right wheel end are respectively provided with independent steering mechanisms, and the independent steering mechanisms include a suspension connected to the wheel ends, and the suspension is provided with a driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is a motor, wherein the left wheel end is connected to a first suspension 25, and the first suspension 25 is connected to a first motor 21 through a first transmission mechanism 23, and the right wheel end is connected to a second suspension 26, and the second suspension 26 is connected to a second motor 22 through a second transmission mechanism 24; the connection structure between the driving mechanism and the transmission mechanism, the suspension and the wheel end is a prior art and will not be elaborated here.

[0043] In the above-mentioned Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 4, the steering device can be applied to a non-wire-controlled steering system, wherein at least one of the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 can also be connected to a steering wheel (not shown in the figure) through a transmission mechanism. When the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18 are locked and connected to each other, the steering wheel can be rotated and the power source can be output to the steering rod through the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism converts the rotational force of the steering wheel into a linear motion of the steering rod, thereby realizing synchronous translation of the first steering rod 16 and the second steering rod 18. In the non-wire-controlled steering system, the connection structure of the steering wheel, the transmission mechanism and the steering rod is a prior art and will not be elaborated here.

[0044] There are many implementation methods of the present invention, and all technical solutions formed by equivalent transformation or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A two-way gapless self-locking device suitable for a steering device, comprising a coaxially arranged connection seat and an inner rod, wherein an inner cavity is formed in the connection seat, and the inner cavity of the connection seat opens toward the direction where the inner rod is located, and the connection seat and the inner rod are translated toward or away from each other along their axial direction, so that the inner rod is inserted into or away from the inner cavity, characterized in that: The invention also comprises two locking mechanisms coaxially arranged on the connecting seat, the two locking mechanisms are arranged at intervals along the axial direction, each locking mechanism comprises a tapered hole and a steel ball movably arranged in the tapered hole, the tapered hole is perforated along the radial direction of the connecting seat, and the diameter of the tapered hole decreases from the outside to the inside, and the outer circumferential surface of the inner rod is provided with two circles of annular grooves narrowing from the outside to the inside, and each circle of annular grooves corresponds to the tapered holes of one of the locking mechanisms, and each locking mechanism also comprises a sliding sleeve sleeved on the outer circumference of the connecting seat, and a guiding surface for pushing the steel ball into the annular groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve; a switch mechanism and a reset mechanism are respectively arranged between the two sliding sleeves, and the two sliding sleeves are synchronously controlled to translate toward or away from each other along their axial direction by the switching mechanism on and off and the resetting mechanism to extend and retract, so as to drive The two sliding sleeves are synchronously moved away from or back to the outer periphery of the corresponding tapered holes; in the unlocked state, the switch mechanism controls the two sliding sleeves to synchronously translate toward each other and leave the outer periphery of the tapered hole, and the reset mechanism located between the two sliding sleeves is synchronously contracted; in the locked state, the inner rod is inserted into the inner cavity until each annular groove is located at the inner periphery of the corresponding tapered hole, the switch mechanism is disconnected, and the two sliding sleeves are pushed by the reset mechanism to synchronously reset to the outer periphery of the tapered hole, and the steel ball is pushed into the annular groove during the reset process; when one of the connecting seat and the inner rod translates relative to the other, the steel ball in one and only one locking mechanism abuts against the corresponding guide surface, the inner side surface of the tapered hole and the inner side surface of the annular groove at three points, so that the two locking mechanisms alternately lock the connecting seat and the inner rod.

2. The bidirectional gapless self-locking device suitable for a steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the opening of the tapered hole on the inner circumference of the connecting seat is less than or equal to the diameter of the opening of the annular groove, and the abutment direction of the steel ball in one locking mechanism and the annular groove is opposite to the abutment direction of the steel ball in the other locking mechanism and the annular groove.

3. The bidirectional gapless self-locking device suitable for a steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two locking mechanisms are centrally symmetrically arranged, and each locking mechanism is provided with a plurality of tapered holes distributed at equal angles along the circumference of the connecting seat.

4. The bidirectional gapless self-locking device suitable for a steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reset mechanism comprises a first reset spring and a second reset spring which are symmetrically arranged. The first reset spring and the second reset spring are separated by a limit block fixed to the outer periphery of the connecting seat, and the other ends of the first reset spring and the second reset spring are respectively connected to a sliding sleeve.

5. The bidirectional gapless self-locking device suitable for a steering device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The switch mechanism comprises an electromagnet sleeved on the outer periphery of the reset mechanism, and the axial distance between the electromagnet and the two sliding sleeves is the same.

6. The bidirectional gapless self-locking device suitable for a steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner circumference of the sliding sleeve is provided with a limiting step and a guide surface in sequence along the axial direction. The limiting step is provided at one end of the sliding sleeve close to the reset mechanism. The guide surface is a conical surface, and the end of the guiding surface with a smaller diameter is connected to the limiting step.

7. A steering device, comprising a left wheel end and a right wheel end, wherein a first steering mechanism is disposed inside the left wheel end, and a second steering mechanism is disposed inside the right wheel end, wherein: A bidirectional gapless self-locking device applicable to a steering device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 is arranged between the first steering mechanism and the second steering mechanism.

8. The steering device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first steering mechanism includes a first connecting rod and a first steering rod, one end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the inner side of the left wheel end, and the other end is hinged to the first steering rod, the second steering mechanism includes a second connecting rod and a second steering rod, one end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the inner side of the right wheel end, and the other end is hinged to the second steering rod, the first steering rod and the second steering rod are coaxial and oppositely arranged, and the axes of the two steering rods are parallel to the axes of the left wheel end and the right wheel end, one of the first steering rod and the second steering rod is connected to the connecting seat, and the other is connected to the inner rod.

9. The steering device according to claim 8, characterized in that: A first rack is axially arranged on the outer circumference of the first steering rod, and a second rack is axially arranged on the outer circumference of the second steering rod. The first rack is connected to the first motor through a first transmission mechanism, and the second rack is connected to the second motor through a second transmission mechanism.

10. The steering device according to claim 8, characterized in that: Independent steering mechanisms are respectively arranged on the left wheel end and the right wheel end. The independent steering mechanisms include suspensions connected to the wheel ends, and a driving mechanism is arranged on the suspensions.

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