Vehicle and cab overturning method

By designing a segmented steering column and key-tooth structure, the problem of limited cab flip angle is solved, free-angle flip and stable maintenance are achieved, and the continuity and safety of the steering function are guaranteed.

CN120681244APending Publication Date: 2025-09-23HUNAN CSR TIMES ELECTRIC VEHICLE
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511010445.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-07-22
Publication Date
2025-09-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The flip angle of the existing vehicle cab is limited and cannot be opened to the maximum opening suitable for maintenance. The existing steering column telescopic structure restricts the free flipping of the cab.

Method used

A segmented steering column is designed, including an upper component and a lower component, which are mechanically connected and disconnected through a key-tooth structure, allowing the cab to flip at any angle. In the first position, the lower component outputs vertical telescopic freedom to ensure that the key teeth are engaged and not disengaged.

Benefits of technology

The cab can be flipped at any angle without being restricted by the steering column, which makes maintenance easier. At the same time, the continuity and stability of the steering function are guaranteed during the flipping process, avoiding cab vibration and damage caused by uneven road conditions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle and a cab overturning method. The vehicle comprises a cab, a steering wheel, a steering gear, a frame and a steering column, the front end of the cab is hinged to the frame, the steering wheel is arranged in the cab, the steering gear is mounted on the frame, the steering column comprises an upper component and a lower component, the upper end of the upper component is connected with the steering wheel, and the lower end of the upper component is connected with the steering gear. A first key tooth is arranged at the lower end of the upper assembly, a second key tooth is arranged at the upper end of the lower assembly, the lower end of the lower assembly is connected with a steering gear, the hinged cab forms a first position and a second position, the first key tooth and the second key tooth are meshed and transmit torque at the first position, and the second key tooth is meshed with the second key tooth at the second position. And the first key teeth are separated from the second key teeth. Free-angle overturning of the cab is not limited by the telescopic length of the steering column, and the opening angle of the cab does not affect overhaul.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle and a cab overturning method. Background Art

[0002] like Figure 1 As shown, a conventional vehicle includes a cab 1, a steering wheel 2, a steering gear 5, a steering column 8', and a vehicle frame 7. The front end of the cab 1 is hinged to the vehicle frame 7. The steering wheel 2 is located within the cab 1, and the steering gear 5 is mounted on the vehicle frame 7. The steering column 8' connects the steering wheel 2 and the steering gear 5. The steering column is a device that transmits the driver's steering intention.

[0003] During actual vehicle use, the cab 1 may need to be flipped for maintenance or other purposes. To accommodate this, the existing steering column 8' employs a telescopic shaft and sleeve structure. The telescopic travel of this structure determines the maximum tilting angle of the cab, which in turn is related to the length of the sleeve. Consequently, this telescopic structure limits the tilting angle of the cab, preventing it from opening to its maximum degree for maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle and cab flipping method, which can realize free-angle flipping of the cab without being restricted by the telescopic length of the steering column, and the opening angle of the cab does not affect maintenance.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is: a vehicle, including a cab, a steering wheel, a steering gear, a frame and a steering column, the front end of the cab is hinged to the frame, the steering wheel is arranged in the cab, the steering gear is installed on the frame, the steering column includes an upper component and a lower component, the upper end of the upper component is connected to the steering wheel, the lower end of the upper component is provided with a first key tooth, the upper end of the lower component is provided with a second key tooth, the lower end of the lower component is connected to the steering gear, the hinged cab forms a first position and a second position, in the first position, the first key tooth and the second key tooth are engaged and transmit torque, in the second position, the first key tooth and the second key tooth are disengaged.

[0006] In the above scheme, the steering column is designed as a segmented structure, which can realize mechanical connection and disconnection. When connected, normal steering function is realized. When the cab is flipped, the steering column is disconnected, so that the cab flipping is not restricted by the steering column, and free angle flipping is realized, which is convenient for maintenance.

[0007] Preferably, when the cab is in the first position, the lower component outputs vertical telescopic freedom.

[0008] Preferably, both the first key tooth and the second key tooth are provided with chamfers that can achieve guided engagement.

[0009] Preferably, the upper component includes a transmission shaft, a first connecting shaft and a first fixed bracket, the upper end of the transmission shaft is connected to the steering wheel, the lower end of the transmission shaft is hinged to the upper end of the first connecting shaft, the lower end of the first connecting shaft is provided with the first key tooth, the first connecting shaft is rotatably provided on the first fixed bracket, and the first fixed bracket is connected to the floor of the cab.

[0010] Preferably, a universal joint is provided at the upper end of the first connecting shaft, and the transmission shaft is connected to the universal joint.

[0011] Preferably, the first fixing bracket includes a horizontally disposed first plate, second plates vertically connected to both ends of the first plate, and a third plate horizontally connected to the upper end of each second plate. The two third plates extend away from each other. The first connecting shaft is mounted on the first plate via a first bearing. The third plate is connected to the floor, and the floor, the second plate, and the third plate form a closed structure. The closed structure enables a more reliable and stable installation, prevents bracket deformation, better transmits steering wheel torque, and better withstands the up and down movement of the cab.

[0012] Preferably, the lower component includes a second connecting shaft, a connecting sleeve and a second fixed bracket, the connecting sleeve is rotatably connected to the second fixed bracket, the upper end of the second connecting shaft is provided with the second key tooth, the lower end of the second connecting shaft is telescopically sleeved on the upper end of the connecting sleeve, and the lower end of the connecting sleeve is connected to the steering gear; the steering gear is installed on the vehicle frame through a mounting frame, and the second fixed bracket is connected to the mounting frame.

[0013] Preferably, an axially extending spline groove is provided on the inner wall of the connecting sleeve, and a spline adapted to the spline groove is provided on the second connecting shaft.

[0014] Preferably, a cross shaft spline is provided at the lower end of the connecting sleeve, and the cross shaft spline is connected to the input shaft of the steering gear.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for flipping the cab of the vehicle using the above vehicle, comprising: Lifting the cab: flip the cab so that it rotates forward around the hinge point with the frame. During the flipping process, the first key tooth on the upper assembly of the steering column disengages from the second key tooth on the lower assembly, disconnecting the upper assembly from the lower assembly, separating the steering column from top to bottom, and flipping the upper assembly together with the cab until it flips to the second position; Leveling the cab: flip the cab so that it rotates backward around the hinge point with the vehicle frame. During the flipping process, the first key tooth on the upper assembly of the steering column is aligned and engaged with the second key tooth on the lower assembly, connecting the upper assembly and the lower assembly until it flips to the first position; In the first position, the rotational torque generated by turning the steering wheel can be transmitted to the steering gear through the steering column.

[0016] Compared with the related art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: First, the present invention designs the steering column into a segmented structure, which can be mechanically connected and disconnected. When connected, normal steering function is achieved. When the cab is flipped, the steering column is disconnected, so that the cab is not restricted by the steering column and can be flipped at any angle, which is convenient for maintenance. Second, the upper and lower components of the steering column are engaged with a keyed tooth structure, which not only enables steering but also facilitates quick response in connection and disconnection actions; When the cab is in the first position, the lower assembly has vertical telescopic freedom, ensuring that the key teeth of the lower and upper assemblies do not disengage after meshing. Furthermore, if the cab bounces up and down due to uneven road conditions during driving, the lower connecting shaft will adaptively extend and retract to prevent damage to the steering column. Fourth, the second connecting shaft and the connecting sleeve of the lower assembly realize axial expansion and contraction through the mutually meshing splines, so that the expansion and contraction direction always remains in the axial direction and can also realize the energy dissipation function; 5. Both the first and second key teeth are provided with chamfers that can achieve guided engagement, which can self-correct the position during engagement and achieve rapid engagement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a local structure of an existing vehicle; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a vehicle provided by the present invention with the cab in a first position; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a vehicle provided by the present invention with the cab in a second position; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the upper components; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the lower components; Figure 6 It is a structural diagram of the upper component; Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the lower component.

[0018] In the accompanying drawings: 1. Cab; 11. Floor; 2. Steering wheel; 3. Upper assembly; 31. Drive shaft; 32. First connecting shaft; 321. First key tooth; 322. Universal joint; 33. First fixed bracket; 331. First plate; 332. Second plate; 333. Third plate; 34. First bearing; 4. Lower assembly; 41. Second connecting shaft; 411. Second key tooth; 42. Inter-axle spring; 43. Second bearing; 44. Connecting sleeve; 441. Cross shaft spline; 45. Second fixed bracket; 5. Steering gear; 6. Mounting frame; 7. Frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments. It should be noted that the embodiments and features of the embodiments may be combined unless they conflict. For ease of description, the words "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" appear below merely to indicate the directions of upper, lower, left, and right in the accompanying drawings and do not limit the structure.

[0020] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle provided in this embodiment includes a cab 1 , a steering wheel 2 , a steering column 8 , a steering gear 5 , a mounting frame 6 and a vehicle frame 7 .

[0021] The front end of the cab 1 is hinged to the vehicle frame 7 , the steering wheel 2 is arranged in the cab 1 , and the steering gear 5 is mounted on the vehicle frame 7 via a mounting frame 6 .

[0022] The steering column 8 includes an upper component 3 and a lower component 4. The upper end of the upper component 3 is connected to the steering wheel 2, and the upper component 3 is installed on the instrument panel bracket of the cab 1.

[0023] like Figure 4 、 Figure 6 As shown, the upper assembly 3 includes a transmission shaft 31, a first connecting shaft 32, a first fixing bracket 33, and a first bearing 34. A first key tooth 321 is provided at the lower end of the first connecting shaft 32, and a universal joint 322 is provided at the upper end of the first connecting shaft 32. The first key tooth 321 is chamfered.

[0024] The upper end of the transmission shaft 31 is connected to the steering wheel 2, and the lower end of the transmission shaft 31 is connected to the universal joint 322. The first connecting shaft 32 is connected to the first fixed bracket 33 via a first bearing 34. The first connecting shaft 32 is fixed to the inner ring of the first bearing 34, and the first fixed bracket 33 is fixed to the outer ring of the first bearing 34, allowing the first connecting shaft 32 to rotate.

[0025] The first fixed bracket 33 includes a horizontally arranged first plate 331, a second plate 332 vertically connected to both ends of the first plate 331, and a third plate 333 horizontally connected to the upper end of each second plate 332. The two third plates 333 extend away from each other. The first connecting shaft 32 is installed on the first plate 331 through the first bearing 34. The third plate 333 is connected to the floor 11. The floor 11 forms a closed structure with the second plate 332 and the third plate 333.

[0026] like Figure 5 、 Figure 7 As shown, the lower assembly 4 includes a second connecting shaft 41, an inter-axial spring 42, a second bearing 43, a connecting sleeve 44, and a second fixing bracket 45. The connecting sleeve 44 is fixed to the inner ring of the second bearing 43, and the second fixing bracket 45 is fixed to the outer ring of the second bearing 43, so that the connecting sleeve 44 and the second connecting shaft 41 therein can rotate.

[0027] The upper end of the second connecting shaft 41 is provided with a second key tooth 411 that can mesh with the first key tooth 321. The lower end of the second connecting shaft 41 is telescopically sleeved on the upper end of the connecting sleeve 44. The inter-shaft spring 42 is sleeved on the exterior of the second connecting shaft 41 and the connecting sleeve 44, and abuts between the second key tooth 411 and the second bearing 43. The inner wall of the connecting sleeve 44 is provided with an axially extending spline groove, and the second connecting shaft 41 is provided with a spline that matches the spline groove.

[0028] A cross shaft spline 441 is provided at the lower end of the connecting sleeve 44 , and the cross shaft spline 441 is connected to the input shaft of the steering gear 5 .

[0029] When the cab 1 is falling, the inter-axle spring 42 supports the second connecting shaft 41 , so that the second key teeth 411 on the second connecting shaft 41 and the first key teeth 321 on the first connecting shaft 32 are tightly engaged and maintained.

[0030] like Figure 5 As shown, the steering gear 5 is mounted on the vehicle frame 7 via the mounting bracket 6 , and the second fixing bracket 45 is in an inverted L-shape, with the horizontal side connected to the second connecting shaft 41 and the vertical side connected to the mounting bracket 6 .

[0031] The hinged cab 1 is formed with a first position and a second position, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the first position, the first key tooth 321 and the second key tooth 411 are engaged and transmit torque. Figure 3 As shown, in the second position, the first key tooth 321 and the second key tooth 411 are disengaged.

[0032] In addition to the key-tooth meshing, the first and second connecting shafts 32 and 41 may also include a claw locking and anti-disengagement device. When the cab 1 is tilted, the claw is controlled to open without locking the key teeth, allowing the key teeth to disengage. After the cab is lowered, the claw is controlled to close and lock the key teeth to prevent the key teeth from disengaging, thus achieving dual protection.

[0033] The present invention also provides a method for flipping the cab of the vehicle using the above-mentioned vehicle, comprising: Lift the cab 1: flip the cab 1 so that it rotates forward around the hinge point with the frame 7. During the flipping process, the first key tooth 321 on the upper component 3 of the steering column 8 is disengaged from the second key tooth 411 of the lower component 4, so that the upper component 3 and the lower component 4 are disconnected, the steering column 8 is separated from the upper and lower parts, and the upper component 3 is flipped together with the cab 1 until it is flipped to the second position.

[0034] Lay down the cab 1: flip the cab 1 so that it rotates backward around the hinge point with the frame 7. During the flipping process, the first key tooth 321 on the upper component 3 of the steering column 8 is aligned and engaged with the second key tooth 411 of the lower component 4, so that the upper component 3 and the lower component 4 are connected until they are flipped to the first position.

[0035] In the first position, the rotational torque generated by turning the steering wheel 2 can be transmitted to the steering gear 5 through the steering column 8 .

[0036] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made using the contents of the present invention's description and drawings, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising a cab (1), a steering wheel (2), a steering gear (5) and a vehicle frame (7), wherein the front end of the cab (1) is hinged to the vehicle frame (7), the steering wheel (2) is arranged in the cab (1), and the steering gear (5) is mounted on the vehicle frame (7), characterized in that: The invention also includes a steering column (8), wherein the steering column (8) includes an upper component (3) and a lower component (4), wherein the upper end of the upper component (3) is connected to the steering wheel (2), the lower end of the upper component (3) is provided with a first key tooth (321), the upper end of the lower component (4) is provided with a second key tooth (411), and the lower end of the lower component (4) is connected to the steering gear (5), and the hinged cab (1) forms a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first key tooth (321) and the second key tooth (411) are engaged and transmit torque, and in the second position, the first key tooth (321) and the second key tooth (411) are disengaged.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that When the cab (1) is in the first position, the lower component (4) outputs vertical telescopic freedom.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The first key tooth (321) and the second key tooth (411) are both provided with chamfers capable of achieving guided engagement.

4. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The upper component (3) includes a transmission shaft (31), a first connecting shaft (32) and a first fixing bracket (33), the upper end of the transmission shaft (31) is connected to the steering wheel (2), the lower end of the transmission shaft (31) is hinged to the upper end of the first connecting shaft (32), the lower end of the first connecting shaft (32) is provided with the first key tooth (321), the first connecting shaft (32) is rotatably provided on the first fixing bracket (33), and the first fixing bracket (33) is connected to the floor (11) of the cab (1).

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that A universal joint (322) is provided at the upper end of the first connecting shaft (32), and the transmission shaft (31) is connected to the universal joint (322).

6. The vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that The first fixing bracket (33) includes a first plate (331) arranged horizontally, a second plate (332) vertically connected to both ends of the first plate (331), and a third plate (333) horizontally connected to the upper end of each second plate (332), the two third plates (333) extending away from each other, the first connecting shaft (32) being mounted on the first plate (331) via a first bearing (34), the third plate (333) being connected to the floor (11), and the floor (11) and the second plate (332) and the third plate (333) forming a closed structure.

7. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The lower component (4) includes a second connecting shaft (41), a connecting shaft sleeve (44) and a second fixed bracket (45); the connecting shaft sleeve (44) is rotatably connected to the second fixed bracket (45); the upper end of the second connecting shaft (41) is provided with the second key tooth (411); the lower end of the second connecting shaft (41) is telescopically sleeved on the upper end of the connecting shaft sleeve (44); the lower end of the connecting shaft sleeve (44) is connected to the steering gear (5); the steering gear (5) is mounted on the vehicle frame (7) through the mounting frame (6); and the second fixed bracket (45) is connected to the mounting frame (6).

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that An axially extending spline groove is provided on the inner wall of the connecting shaft sleeve (44), and a spline adapted to the spline groove is provided on the second connecting shaft (41).

9. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that A cross shaft spline (441) is provided at the lower end of the connecting shaft sleeve (44), and the cross shaft spline (441) is connected to the input shaft of the steering gear (5).

10. A method for flipping a cab of a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: include: Lifting the cab (1): flipping the cab (1) so that it rotates forward around the hinge point with the vehicle frame (7). During the flipping process, the first key tooth (321) on the upper component (3) of the steering column (8) is disengaged from the second key tooth (411) of the lower component (4), so that the upper component (3) and the lower component (4) are disconnected, the steering column (8) is separated from the upper and lower parts, and the upper component (3) flips together with the cab (1) until it flips to the second position; Laying down the cab (1): flipping the cab (1) so that it rotates backward around the hinge point with the vehicle frame (7). During the flipping process, the first key tooth (321) on the upper component (3) of the steering column (8) is aligned with and engaged with the second key tooth (411) of the lower component (4), so that the upper component (3) and the lower component (4) are connected until the cab (1) is flipped to the first position; In the first position, the rotational torque generated by turning the steering wheel (2) can be transmitted to the steering gear (5) through the steering column (8).