Novel steering structure of energy-saving prototype vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a novel steering structure of an energy-saving prototype vehicle and the vehicle. According to the steering structure, a rotating base is movably connected to a portal frame of the prototype vehicle through a third fastener and can rotate around the third fastener; the steering rod comprises a transverse rod and a vertical rod which are vertically connected with each other, the transverse rod is an operating rod, and the vertical rod is rotatably connected with one end of the rotating base through a first fastener; the left steering knuckle assembly and the right steering knuckle assembly are the same in structure and are symmetrically arranged on the left side and the right side of the other end of the rotating base. The left steering knuckle assembly and the right steering knuckle assembly each comprise a steering pull rod and a steering knuckle, the two ends of each steering pull rod are movably connected with the rotating base and the corresponding steering knuckle respectively, and the steering knuckles are movably connected with the frame. During steering, the steering rod is operated to horizontally move left and right, the rotating base is driven to rotate around the third fastener, the rotating base drives the steering pull rod to move left and right, the steering knuckle is pushed to rotate on the vertical face, and the wheels are driven to steer. The steering mechanism is simple in structure and convenient to use, and the steering mechanism of the energy-saving prototype vehicle is simplified and easy to control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle steering structures, and particularly to a new steering structure and vehicle for an energy-saving prototype vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) is a global educational innovation project that originated from a friendly bet among Shell scientists in the United States in 1939 and officially became a competition in 1985. The project aims to encourage high school and college students around the world to design and manufacture super energy-saving transportation vehicles using knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The competition is divided into two categories: prototype vehicles and urban concept vehicles. The participating vehicles need to complete a certain number of laps on the track, and the event organizers calculate their energy efficiency and announce the winners. This event not only challenges the technical capabilities of students but also promotes international exchanges and cooperation, becoming an important platform for driving the innovation and application of energy-saving and environmental protection technologies. During the operation of a vehicle, a steering structure is essential, and the sensitivity of the steering structure is crucial for the vehicle to turn corners and for the driver to control. As the Shell Eco-marathon is held in various countries around the world, in the prototype vehicle competition, the space for the vehicle is very limited, and the weight of the vehicle is crucial for the competition results. Therefore, providing a simple and lightweight steering structure has become an important research direction in this field and has very meaningful reference for the optimization of the steering structure of small vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a new steering structure and vehicle for an energy-saving prototype vehicle, which has a simple structure and is easy to use, making the steering mechanism of the energy-saving prototype vehicle simple and easy to control.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following solutions:

[0005] A new steering structure for an energy-saving prototype vehicle, comprising: a rotating base, a steering rod, a left steering knuckle assembly, and a right steering knuckle assembly;

[0006] The rotating base is movably connected to the gantry of the prototype vehicle through a third fastener, and the rotating base rotates around the position where the third fastener is located;

[0007] The steering rod is T-shaped and includes a cross bar and a vertical bar that are perpendicularly connected to each other. The cross bar is an operating rod, and the vertical bar is a connecting rod with the rotating base. The vertical bar is rotatably connected to one end of the rotating base through a first fastener;

[0008] The left steering knuckle assembly and the right steering knuckle assembly have the same structure and are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of one end of the rotary base far from the steering rod; both the left steering knuckle assembly and the right steering knuckle assembly include a steering tie rod and a steering knuckle. One end of the steering tie rod is movably connected to the rotary base, and the other end is movably connected to the steering knuckle; the steering knuckle is movably connected to the vehicle frame through a steering knuckle fixing member, and the steering knuckle is connected to the wheel.

[0009] When steering, operate the steering rod to move left and right, drive the rotary base to rotate around the third fastener, the rotary base drives the steering tie rod to move left and right, and pushes the steering knuckle to rotate in the vertical plane, driving the wheel to turn.

[0010] Further, the steering rod is connected to one end of the rotary base close to the driver side; the left steering knuckle assembly and the right steering knuckle assembly are connected to one end of the rotary base close to the vehicle head.

[0011] Further, both ends of the steering tie rod are movably connected to the rotary base and the steering knuckle through spherical bearings.

[0012] Further, the spherical bearing at the connection of the steering tie rod and the rotary base is connected to the rotary base through a second fastener.

[0013] Further, the spherical bearing at the connection of the steering tie rod and the steering knuckle is connected to the steering knuckle through a steering knuckle connecting member.

[0014] Further, an ear seat is arranged on the side surface of the steering knuckle, a fixing through hole in the vertical direction is opened on the ear seat, the steering knuckle connecting member adopts a fixing bolt, and the steering knuckle connecting member is fixed to the fixing through hole through a nut.

[0015] Further, the steering tie rod is a lead screw, and spherical bearing mounting holes are installed at the left and right ends.

[0016] Further, the first fastener is a fixing bolt, the second fastener is a double-headed bolt, and the third fastener is a long bolt.

[0017] Further, the steering knuckle fixing member is hinged to the steering knuckle through a fourth fastener in the vertical direction, the steering knuckle fixing member is fastened to the vehicle frame, and the steering knuckle can rotate around the fourth fastener in the vertical plane.

[0018] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a vehicle, including the novel steering structure of the above energy-saving prototype vehicle.

[0019] According to the specific embodiments provided by the present invention, the following technical effects are disclosed: The novel steering structure of the energy-saving prototype vehicle provided by the present invention includes a rotating base, a steering rod, a left steering knuckle assembly, and a right steering knuckle assembly. The left steering knuckle assembly and the right steering knuckle assembly have the same structure and are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the rotating base; both include a steering tie rod and a steering knuckle. One end of the steering tie rod is movably connected to the rotating base, and the other end is movably connected to the steering knuckle, and the steering knuckle is movably connected to the vehicle frame; the above structure is simple, easy to prepare, does not require special customization, and can be prepared with common lightweight materials to achieve structural lightweight; when steering, operate the steering rod to move left and right, drive the rotating base to rotate around the third fastener, the rotating base drives the steering tie rod to move left and right, and then pushes the steering knuckle to rotate in the vertical plane, driving the wheels to turn, realizing the steering control of the vehicle. The operation is simple, there are not too many mechanical structures, it is convenient for maintenance, and there is no need to set up structures such as a steering gear or a universal joint; applying this steering structure to the vehicle can save the vehicle space of the energy-saving prototype vehicle, making the energy-saving prototype vehicle easy to steer and convenient to control. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of the novel steering structure of the energy-saving prototype vehicle in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 FIG. is a side view of the novel steering structure of the energy-saving prototype vehicle in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 FIG. is a top view of the novel steering structure of the energy-saving prototype vehicle in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Description of the reference numerals: 1, rotating base; 11, first fastener; 12, second fastener; 13, third fastener; 2, steering rod; 3, steering tie rod; 31, spherical bearing; 4, steering knuckle; 41, steering knuckle connecting piece; 42, fourth fastener; 5, steering knuckle fastener. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

[0027] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0028] The object of the present invention is to provide a new steering structure for an energy-saving prototype vehicle. By using a rotating base, a steering rod, a steering tie rod, a steering knuckle connecting piece, and a steering knuckle, a steering mechanism can be assembled. By horizontally translating the steering rod left and right, the rotating base is driven to rotate, and then the steering action is transmitted to the steering knuckle through the steering tie rod to drive the wheels to turn. The structure is simple and the operation is convenient.

[0029] To make the above objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0030] Embodiment 1

[0031] As Figures 1 - 3 shown, a new steering structure for an energy-saving prototype vehicle provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes: a rotating base 1, a steering rod 2, a left steering knuckle assembly, and a right steering knuckle assembly. Among them, the steering rod 2 is connected to one end of the rotating base 1 close to the driver's side; the left steering knuckle assembly and the right steering knuckle assembly are connected to one end of the rotating base 1 close to the front of the vehicle.

[0032] Specifically, the rotating base 1 is movably connected to the gantry of the prototype vehicle through a third fastener 13, and the rotating base 1 rotates with the position of the third fastener 13 as the rotation center; for example, the third fastener 13 is a long bolt.

[0033] The steering rod 2 is T-shaped and includes a cross bar and a vertical rod that are perpendicularly connected to each other. The cross bar is an operating rod, and the vertical rod is a connecting rod to the rotary base 1. The vertical rod is rotatably connected to the rotary base 1 through a first fastener 11; the connecting rod is used to extend the rotary base and install equipment required for driving. By way of example, the first fastener 11 is a fixing bolt.

[0034] The left steering knuckle assembly and the right steering knuckle assembly have the same structure and are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the rotary base 1; both the left steering knuckle assembly and the right steering knuckle assembly include a steering tie rod 3 and a steering knuckle 4. One end of the steering tie rod 3 is movably connected to the rotary base 1, and the other end is movably connected to the steering knuckle 4. The steering knuckle 4 is movably connected to the vehicle frame through a steering knuckle fixing member 5. The connection between the steering knuckle 4 and the wheel refers to conventional technical means in the art and will not be elaborated here.

[0035] Specifically, both ends of the steering tie rod 3 are respectively movably connected to the rotary base 1 and the steering knuckle 4 through a spherical bearing 31. The spherical bearing 31 at the connection between the steering tie rod 3 and the rotary base 1 is connected to the rotary base 1 through a second fastener 12. The spherical bearing 31 at the connection between the steering tie rod 3 and the steering knuckle 4 is connected to the steering knuckle 4 through a steering knuckle connecting member 41. The left and right ends of the steering tie rod 3 are provided with spherical bearing mounting holes for mounting the spherical bearing 31.

[0036] Two symmetrically arranged through holes are opened at one end of the rotary base 1 close to the vehicle head. The inner diameter through hole of the spherical bearing 31 corresponds to the through hole up and down, and the connection is achieved by passing through the second fastener 12. By way of example, the second fastener 12 is a double-headed bolt, and both ends are fastened by nuts.

[0037] An ear seat is provided on the side of the steering knuckle 4, and a vertical fixing through hole is opened on the ear seat. The steering knuckle connecting member 41 uses a fixing bolt. The steering knuckle connecting member 41 passes through the spherical bearing 31 and the fixing through hole and is fixed by a nut.

[0038] The steering knuckle fixing member 5 is hinged to the steering knuckle 4 along the vertical direction through a fourth fastener 42. The steering knuckle fixing member 5 is fastened to the vehicle frame. The steering knuckle 4 can rotate around the fourth fastener 42 in the vertical plane. By way of example, the steering knuckle fixing member 5 is a fixing plate provided with a fixed mounting hole and fixed to the vehicle frame. The fourth fastener 42 is a locking screw. An articulated base for the locking screw to pass through is also provided on the fixing plate. Two hole-containing connecting members are fixedly provided on the steering knuckle 4, and the two connecting members cooperate with the articulated base, and the articulation is achieved by passing through the locking screw.

[0039] In a specific embodiment, an x - y - z coordinate system is established with the extending direction of the rotating base 1 as the x - axis, the extending direction of the first fastener 11 as the y - axis, and the axis system perpendicular to the x - and y - axes as the z - axis; a U - shaped groove is provided at the position where the first fastener 11 is installed on the rotating base 1, and through - holes in the y - axis direction are provided on both side walls of the U - shaped groove; the position where the steering rod 2 installs the first fastener 11 is a through - hole in the y - axis direction, and the first fastener 11 passes through the side - wall through - holes of the U - shaped groove of the rotating base 1 and the through - hole of the steering rod 2 to realize the connection between the rotating base 1 and the steering rod 2. The second fastener 12 is perpendicular to and penetrates through the rotating base 1 along the z - axis direction, and the two second fasteners 12 are symmetric about the center line of the rotating base 1 in the x - axis direction, and the installation position of the second fastener 12 is a through - hole. The second fastener 12 is fixed through the through - hole at the installation position of the second fastener 12 and the inner - diameter through - hole in the fish - eye bearing 31 in the steering tie rod 3. The third fastener 13 is along the z - axis direction and is located on the center line of the rotating base 1 in the x - axis direction, and the installation position of the third fastener 13 is a through - hole. The steering knuckle connecting piece 41 is a fixing bolt, which passes through the fixing through - hole provided in the ear seat on the side of the steering knuckle 4. The inner - diameter through - hole of the fish - eye bearing 31 at the connection between the steering tie rod 3 and the steering knuckle 4 corresponds to the fixing through - hole up and down. A nut is used to fasten after passing through the fixing bolt, and the steering knuckle 4 is fixed to the vehicle frame through the steering knuckle fastener 5.

[0040] The operation process of the new steering structure of the energy - saving prototype vehicle is as follows:

[0041] When steering, operate the steering rod 2 to move left and right, drive the rotating base 1 to rotate around the third fastener 13, the rotating base 1 drives the steering tie rod 3 to move left and right, and pushes the steering knuckle 4 to rotate in the vertical plane, driving the wheels to turn.

[0042] Specifically, the steering rod 2 is the position directly controlled by the driver. Hold the cross - bar (cylindrical) with both hands. When steering is needed, horizontally move the steering rod 2 left and right at the same level as the ground. The rotating base 1 is connected to the steering rod 2 by the first fastener 11, and then drives the rotating base 1 to rotate horizontally. The rotating base 1 rotates with the third fastener 13 as the center. The steering tie rod 3 is connected to the steering base 1 through the second fastener 12, converting the left - right translation steering action into a pushing and pulling force on the steering knuckle 4. The force of the steering tie rod 3 is transmitted to the steering knuckle 4 through the steering knuckle connecting piece 41 and generates a pushing and pulling force. The steering knuckle 4 is rotatably connected to the vehicle frame through the steering knuckle fastener 5, and the steering knuckle 4 rotates with the steering knuckle fastener 5 as the axis. The rotation of the steering knuckle 4 is transmitted to the wheels, thus completing the steering work of the energy - saving prototype vehicle.

[0043] Embodiment 2

[0044] The present invention also provides a vehicle, including the new steering structure of the above - mentioned energy - saving prototype vehicle. Other components of the vehicle are prior art and will not be elaborated here.

[0045] For the remaining technical features in this embodiment, those skilled in the art can flexibly select them according to the actual situation to meet different specific actual needs. However, it is obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details do not have to be adopted to implement the present invention. In other instances, to avoid obscuring the present invention, well-known components, structures, or parts are not specifically described, and all are within the scope of the technical solution claimed in the claims of the present invention.

[0046] Any modifications and changes made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of the present invention. In the above description, a large number of specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it is obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details do not have to be adopted to implement the present invention. In other instances, to avoid obscuring the present invention, well-known technologies are not specifically described, such as specific construction details, operating conditions, and other technical conditions.

[0047] Specific examples are used in this article to illustrate the principles and implementation manners of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and its core idea of the present invention; at the same time, for those of ordinary skill in the art, according to the idea of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation manners and application scopes. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

Claims

1. A new steering structure for an energy-saving prototype vehicle, characterized in that Comprising: A rotating base (1), a steering rod (2), a left steering knuckle assembly, and a right steering knuckle assembly; The rotating base (1) is movably connected to the gantry of the prototype vehicle by a third fastener (13), and the rotating base (1) rotates with the position of the third fastener (13) as the rotation center; The steering rod (2) is T-shaped, including a cross bar and a vertical bar that are perpendicularly connected. The cross bar is an operating rod, and the vertical bar is a connecting rod with the rotating base (1). The vertical bar is rotatably connected to one end of the rotating base (1) by a first fastener (11); The left steering knuckle assembly and the right steering knuckle assembly have the same structure and are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of one end of the rotating base (1) away from the steering rod (2). The left steering knuckle assembly and the right steering knuckle assembly both include a steering tie rod (3) and a steering knuckle (4). One end of the steering tie rod (3) is movably connected to the rotating base (1), and the other end is movably connected to the steering knuckle (4). The steering knuckle (4) is movably connected to the vehicle frame through a steering knuckle fixing member (5), and the steering knuckle (4) is connected to the wheel; When steering, operate the steering rod (2) to move left and right, drive the rotating base (1) to rotate around the third fastener (13), the rotating base (1) drives the steering tie rod (3) to move left and right, and pushes the steering knuckle (4) to rotate in the vertical plane, driving the wheel to steer.

2. The new steering structure of the energy-saving prototype vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering rod (2) is connected to one end of the rotating base (1) close to the driver's side; the left steering knuckle assembly and the right steering knuckle assembly are connected to one end of the rotating base (1) close to the vehicle head.

3. The novel steering structure of the energy-saving prototype vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both ends of the steering tie rod (3) are movably connected to the rotating base (1) and the steering knuckle (4) respectively through a spherical bearing (31).

4. The novel steering structure of the energy-saving prototype vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spherical bearing (31) at the connection of the steering tie rod (3) and the rotating base (1) is connected to the rotating base (1) through a second fastener (12).

5. The novel steering structure of the energy-saving prototype vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The spherical bearing (31) at the connection of the steering tie rod (3) and the steering knuckle (4) is connected to the steering knuckle (4) through a steering knuckle connecting member (41).

6. The novel steering structure of the energy-saving prototype vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that, An ear seat is arranged on the side of the steering knuckle (4), and a fixing through hole in the vertical direction is opened on the ear seat. The steering knuckle connecting member (41) uses a fixing bolt, and the steering knuckle connecting member (41) is fixed to the fixing through hole by a nut.

7. The new steering structure of the energy-saving prototype vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering tie rod (3) is a lead screw, and fish-eye bearing mounting holes are installed at both the left and right ends.

8. The novel steering structure of the energy-saving prototype vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first fastener (11) is a fixing bolt, the second fastener (12) is a double-headed bolt, and the third fastener (13) is a long bolt.

9. The novel steering structure of the energy-saving prototype vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steering knuckle fixing member (5) is hinged to the steering knuckle (4) in the vertical direction through a fourth fastener (42), the steering knuckle fixing member (5) is fastened to the vehicle frame, and the steering knuckle (4) can rotate around the fourth fastener (42) in the vertical plane.

10. A vehicle, comprising the new steering structure of the energy-saving prototype vehicle according to any one of claims 1-9.

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