Racing simulator quick release device based on electric steering engine locking

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of racing simulator connection, in particular to a racing simulator quick release device based on electric steering engine locking, which integrates a locking and unlocking assembly, a precise positioning assembly, a power supply data transmission assembly and a torque detection assembly on a quick release body, and a built-in steering engine drives a rotating wheel to eject or withdraw a steel ball to realize one-key locking and unlocking. Accurate positioning is assisted through a guide convex groove and an S-pole magnet, power supply and data transmission are completed through a preset butt joint needle base without an external cable, and a torque sensor detects torque in real time and cooperates with a base to adjust force feedback; according to the racing car simulator quick release device based on electric steering engine locking, the problems that traditional quick release operation is tedious, positioning is inaccurate, connection is not firm, transmission is prone to failure and intelligence is insufficient are solved, operation is convenient and fast, connection is stable, transmission is stable, force feedback is accurate, the racing car simulator quick release device is adaptive to mainstream racing car simulators, and user operation experience and the overall performance of equipment are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of racing simulator connection technology, specifically a racing simulator quick-release device based on electric servo motor locking. Background Technology

[0002] With the growing popularity of motorsports culture in China, the racing simulator industry has experienced explosive growth. Steering wheels, bases, and pedals constitute the core products for experiencing racing games. The base receives data based on in-game vehicle and road conditions and transmits force feedback to the user via a steering wheel connected to it through an adapter. The connection technology between the steering wheel hub and the force feedback base has become a crucial factor affecting user experience, device performance, and system scalability. Several related technical solutions already exist on the market. For example, invention patent CN118076987A is for a steering wheel connector in a car simulator; invention patent CN114514159A is for a quick-clutch system for a vehicle steering wheel; invention patent CN115347683A is for a wireless power supply device, steering wheel, and driving simulation system for simulated driving; and utility model patent CN213220878U is for a steering wheel and racing car with wireless power supply functionality. However, the connection scheme still generally adopts a mechanical quick-release structure, which usually relies on a manually operated mechanical locking mechanism (such as spring pin, threaded sleeve, etc.) to separate the data or power cable. In practical applications, this traditional solution has gradually revealed many shortcomings and is difficult to meet users' needs for convenience, reliability and intelligence.

[0003] The existing mechanical quick-release devices used in the racing simulator field have significant drawbacks. The steering wheel quick-release mechanism typically relies on a spring within the steering wheel hub to press a steel ball, locking it into a quick-release hole in the base. This structure requires considerable force from both hands to replace the steering wheel hub, making it cumbersome, inconvenient, and potentially dangerous. Furthermore, traditional wired data transmission methods are prone to tangling and detachment during steering wheel operation, severely impacting the user experience. The overall solution also suffers from low connection reliability and limited intelligence, failing to meet current user demands for convenience and high performance in racing simulators. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a racing simulator quick-release device based on electric servo motor locking to overcome the shortcomings of current applications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a quick-release device for a racing simulator based on electric servo motor locking, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A quick-release device for a racing simulator based on electric servo motor locking includes a quick-release body, on which a locking and unlocking component, a precision positioning component, a power supply and data transmission component, and a torque detection component are integrated.

[0007] The locking and unlocking component is used to enable one-click locking and unlocking of the steering wheel and quick-release device. The precision positioning component is used to assist in the precise docking of the steering wheel and quick-release device. The power supply and data transmission component is used for power supply and data transmission without external cables. The torque detection component is used to detect torque in real time and coordinate with the base adjustment force feedback.

[0008] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the locking and unlocking assembly includes a servo motor, a motor mounting bracket, a rotating wheel A, a rotating wheel B, stainless steel balls, an electric quick-release main board, and a button;

[0009] The servo motor is mounted on the quick-release connector and locked in place via a motor mounting bracket. The rotating wheels A and B are connected to the output shaft of the servo motor. The stainless steel balls are installed in the corresponding holes of the rotating wheel A.

[0010] The electric quick-release main board is fixed to the quick-release body and is electrically connected to the servo motor and button. The electric quick-release main board integrates an MCU controller and a servo motor drive circuit.

[0011] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the locking and unlocking assembly further includes a stainless steel bearing one and a stainless steel bearing two;

[0012] The first stainless steel bearing is installed on the rotating wheel A and fitted with a quick-release connector. The second stainless steel bearing is installed on the rotating wheel B and then fixedly connected to the rotating wheel A by the second stainless steel countersunk screw.

[0013] As a further aspect of the present invention: the precision positioning component includes a magnet, a guide groove, and a quick-release connector;

[0014] The guide groove is located at the front end of the quick-release connector and is adapted to the positioning groove at the steering wheel HUB end; the magnet is an S-pole magnet, which is fixed to the rotating wheel A and locked, and forms a magnetic attraction with the N-pole magnet at the steering wheel HUB end.

[0015] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the power supply data transmission component includes a sliding pin seat and a base end pin seat; the sliding pin seat is fixed to the quick-release connector, and the base end pin seat is integrated into the electric quick-release main board and corresponds to the position of the sliding pin seat;

[0016] After the steering wheel is locked, the spring pin at the end of the steering wheel contacts the sliding pin seat to conduct electricity and enable power supply and data transmission.

[0017] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the torque detection assembly includes a torque sensor, a fixing cover, and a fixing base;

[0018] The fixed cover is installed on the torque sensor and fixed by the fixed base; the torque sensor is installed on the quick-release body and locked.

[0019] The torque sensor is electrically connected to the electric quick-release motherboard and is used to transmit the detected torque data to the MCU controller.

[0020] As a further aspect of the present invention: the quick-release body and the quick-release connector are fixedly connected by a stainless steel round-head hexagon screw, and the torque sensor is fixed to the quick-release body by a stainless steel round-head hexagon screw.

[0021] As a further aspect of the present invention: the magnet is locked and fixed to the rotating wheel A by a stainless steel countersunk screw, and the sliding pin seat is fixed to the quick-release connector by a stainless steel round-head screw.

[0022] As a further aspect of the present invention: the quick-release body, quick-release connector, rotating wheel A, rotating wheel B, motor fixing bracket, fixing cover and fixing seat are all made of high-strength material, and the stainless steel ball and torque sensor are made of stainless steel.

[0023] As a further aspect of the present invention: the quick-release device is fixed to the base motor shaft via a locking connector with the base end motor shaft.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0025] The quick-release device of this invention has a built-in servo motor and control module, which can realize one-click disassembly and assembly of the front steering wheel without the need for two hands to exert force. It has a low operating threshold, is suitable for people of all ages, and effectively solves the problem of cumbersome operation of traditional quick-release devices.

[0026] The guide grooves and S-pole magnets in the quick-release section help to achieve precise positioning and stable connection between the steering wheel and the quick-release device, allowing for docking without repeated adjustments and greatly improving disassembly and assembly efficiency.

[0027] The device has a pre-installed quick-connect pin socket for power supply and data transmission, eliminating the need for additional connecting cables. This avoids the drawbacks of wire tangling and falling off in traditional wired transmission, ensuring the stability of power supply and the high speed of data transmission between devices during intense driving, significantly improving the user experience. Moreover, this connection method is highly reliable and helps extend the service life of the device.

[0028] The quick-release device integrates a torque sensor at the rear, which can detect the real output torque on the steering wheel in real time and work in conjunction with the base main control module to provide users with more accurate force feedback output, thereby improving the realism and professionalism of the racing simulator.

[0029] Overall, through the above-mentioned structural design, this device effectively solves the pain points of traditional quick-release structures, such as cumbersome operation, low connection reliability, and low level of intelligence. Its structural design is reasonable, the connection is stable, and it is highly durable. It is compatible with the connection requirements of mainstream racing simulator bases and steering wheels, and can comprehensively improve the user's operating experience and the overall performance of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the quick-release device for locking the electric servo motor in a racing simulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the quick-release device for locking the electric servo motor in a racing simulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] In the diagram: 1-Stainless steel countersunk screw one, 2-Stainless steel round head hex screw one, 3-Magnet, 4-Stainless steel bearing one, 5-Rotating wheel A, 6-Stainless steel ball, 7-Rotating wheel B, 8-Stainless steel countersunk screw two, 9-Stainless steel round head screw, 10-Slippery pin seat, 11-Quick release connector, 12-Stainless steel bearing two, 13-Servo motor, 14-Motor mounting bracket, 15-Electric quick release mainboard, 16-Button, 17-Quick release body, 18-Torque sensor, 19-Fixed cover, 20-Fixed base, 21-Stainless steel round head hex screw two, 22-Guide groove. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] The specific implementation of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention provides a racing simulator quick-release device based on electric servo motor locking, which can solve the problems of cumbersome operation, low connection reliability and insufficient intelligence of traditional quick-release devices. Through the design of electric servo motor driven locking mechanism, precise positioning structure and built-in transmission components, the steering wheel can be conveniently disassembled and assembled, stably connected and efficiently transmitted.

[0036] The quick-release device includes a locking and unlocking component, a precision positioning component, a power supply and data transmission component, and a torque detection component. Each component is integrated into the quick-release body 17 (made of aluminum alloy). The core components are made of high-strength materials such as aluminum alloy and stainless steel to ensure connection stability and service life. The overall structure is compact and adaptable to the connection requirements of mainstream racing simulator bases and steering wheels. It can be directly fixed to the base motor shaft through the locking connector with the base motor shaft.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the precision positioning component includes a magnet 3 (S pole), a guide groove 22, and a quick-release connector 11 (aluminum alloy material). The magnet 3 is an S pole magnet, which is fixed on the rotating wheel A5 (aluminum alloy material) and locked by a stainless steel countersunk screw 1 (specification M3×25, quantity 1). The guide groove 22 is provided at the front end of the quick-release connector 11, with a total of 5 grooves, which are adapted to the positioning groove at the rear end of the steering wheel HUB. The steering wheel HUB end is provided with an N pole magnet, which forms a magnetic attraction with the S pole magnet 3.

[0038] During assembly, the user can quickly align the steering wheel with the quick-release connector 11 and insert it by using the guiding action of the guide groove 22 and the positioning groove, combined with the magnetic attraction force of the S pole magnet 3 and the N pole magnet of the steering wheel, thus achieving precise alignment.

[0039] This solution solves the problems of difficult positioning and insertion deviation in traditional quick-release systems. Assembly can be completed without repeated adjustments, improving assembly and disassembly efficiency. At the same time, the magnetic attraction enhances the initial stability of the connection and prevents it from falling off during assembly.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking and unlocking assembly includes a servo motor 13 (maximum torque 12kg), a motor mounting bracket 14 (aluminum alloy), a rotating wheel A5 (aluminum alloy), a rotating wheel B7 (aluminum alloy), stainless steel balls 6 (6 in total), an electric quick-release main board 15, silicone buttons 16 (silicone material, 2 in total, one for locking and one for unlocking); stainless steel countersunk screws 8 (M3×14, 2 in total), stainless steel round head screws 9 (M1.8×8, 1 in total), stainless steel bearing 4 (outer 37×inner 30×4mm, 1 in total), and stainless steel bearing 12 (outer 37×inner 30×4mm, 1 in total).

[0041] Servo motor 13 is mounted on quick-release connector 11 via motor mounting bracket 14 and secured with screws; rotating wheels A5 and B7 are connected to the output shaft of servo motor 13 via transmission, and stainless steel balls 6 are installed in the corresponding holes of rotating wheel A5; electric quick-release mainboard 15 is fixed on quick-release body 17 and electrically connected to servo motor 13 and silicone button 16. Electric quick-release mainboard 15 integrates an MCU controller, servo motor drive circuit, and at least two status detection switches (servo motor 13 uses serial protocol and can record its current position or...). Angle information. After power-on, the MCU queries the position information of servo motor 13 via serial port to determine whether it is currently locked or unlocked. The MCU can also detect whether servo motor 13 is stalled by current detection. The MCU controller will perform self-checks on the servo motor position, steering wheel insertion status, and locking mechanism status. After the self-check is completed, it enters standby mode. Stainless steel bearing 14 is installed on rotating wheel A5 and inserted into quick-release connector 11. Stainless steel bearing 212 is installed on rotating wheel B7 and then fixed to rotating wheel A5 by stainless steel countersunk screw 28.

[0042] The electric quick-release motherboard 15 in this invention is a functionally equivalent component to the silicone PCBA15 in the utility model patent "A Racing Simulator Base with Integrated Lighting and Electric Quick Release" submitted by the applicant on the same day. Both components contain an MCU controller and a servo drive circuit. They are named differently only because of the different integration scenarios (independent quick-release device vs. base integration), but their technical principles are completely the same.

[0043] During operation, after the user inserts the steering wheel into the quick-release connector 11, they press the locking button on the silicone button 16. The MCU controller of the electric quick-release mainboard 15 receives the instruction and sends a locking signal to the servo motor 13. The servo motor 13 rotates at a predetermined angle in the set direction, causing the rotating wheels A5 and B7 to move synchronously, pushing the stainless steel ball 6 outward. This causes the stainless steel ball 6 to mechanically engage with the locking structure of the quick-release female head at the steering wheel end, achieving automatic locking between the steering wheel and the base. Only after the MCU confirms that the locking is complete will the power be connected to the 6P pin header interface at the steering wheel end, enabling the front steering wheel to operate.

[0044] When the release button of silicone button 16 is pressed, the MCU controller of electric quick release motherboard 15 controls the servo motor 13 to rotate in the opposite direction, the rotating wheel A5 and rotating wheel B7 are reset, the stainless steel ball 6 is retracted, the lock is released, and the user can directly pull out the steering wheel.

[0045] This solution replaces the traditional manual locking method with electric servo motor drive, eliminating the need for both hands to apply force. Locking and unlocking can be completed with a single button, making it easy to operate and suitable for people of all ages. At the same time, the mechanical meshing structure provides uniform locking force, avoiding the equipment shaking caused by insufficient locking force or component wear caused by excessive force in traditional quick-release systems, thus improving connection reliability and device durability.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the power supply data transmission component includes a sliding pin seat 10 (steel pin + plastic material) and a base end pin seat. The sliding pin seat 10 is fixed to the quick-release connector 11 by a stainless steel round head screw 9. The base end pin seat is integrated on the electric quick-release main board 15 and corresponds to the position of the sliding pin seat 10. The electric quick-release main board 15 is provided with a 6P interface for connecting to the steering wheel end.

[0047] When the steering wheel is inserted into the quick-release connector 11 and locked by the electric locking mechanism, the spring pin at the steering wheel end contacts the sliding pin seat 10 and is in a compressed state, the circuit is connected, and the electric quick-release main board 15 is electrically connected to the base end pin seat to realize continuous power supply to the steering wheel and data transmission between devices.

[0048] This solution uses a built-in transmission component to replace the traditional wired transmission method, eliminating the need for additional cables and solving the problems of wire tangling and falling off in traditional wired transmission. It ensures the stability of power supply and the high speed of data transmission during intense driving, thus improving the user's gaming experience.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the torque detection component includes a torque sensor 18 (measuring range of 0-50 N·m, accuracy of 12 Bit (4096 PPR), made of stainless steel), a fixing cover 19 (made of aluminum alloy), a fixing base 20 (made of aluminum alloy), two stainless steel round head hexagon socket screws 21 (specification M5×20, quantity 2), one stainless steel round head hexagon socket screw 2 (specification M5×12, quantity 1), and six stainless steel round head hexagon socket screws 3 (specification M3×12, quantity 6, used to assist in fixing the connection of each component).

[0050] Install the fixing cover 19 on the torque sensor 18 and fix it with the fixing seat 20. Then install the torque sensor 18 on the quick-release body 17 and fix it with stainless steel round head hex screw 21. The quick-release body 17 and the quick-release connector 11 are fixed with stainless steel round head hex screw 2. The locking mechanism (the fixing cover 19 is locked on the torque sensor 18 by the fixing seat 20) is fixed on the motor shaft of the base for locking.

[0051] The torque sensor 18 is electrically connected to the electric quick-release main board 15. During operation, the torque sensor 18 detects the actual output torque borne by the steering wheel end in real time and transmits the detected data to the MCU controller of the electric quick-release main board 15. The MCU controller feeds the data back to the base main control module, which works in conjunction with the base motor to precisely adjust the force feedback output.

[0052] This solution addresses the issues of traditional quick-release devices lacking torque detection and having low force feedback accuracy, making the steering wheel's force feedback more compatible with the user's operating force and the game scenario, thereby enhancing the realism and professionalism of the racing simulator's handling.

[0053] In summary, the complete workflow of this quick-release device is as follows:

[0054] Press the unlock button on silicone button 16 → servo motor 13 rotates in the reverse direction to unlock → pull the steering wheel out backward; align the steering wheel guide groove 22 with the positioning groove → magnetic positioning insertion → press the lock button on silicone button 16 → servo motor 13 rotates in the forward direction to lock → power supply and data transmission are connected → torque sensor 18 detects torque in real time.

[0055] Through the coordinated work of its components, this device achieves the core functions of "one-click disassembly and assembly, precise positioning, stable connection, stable transmission, and accurate feedback." It effectively solves the pain points of traditional quick-disassembly devices, such as cumbersome operation, inaccurate positioning, weak connection, easy transmission failure, and insufficient intelligence. With a reasonable structural design, convenient operation, and high reliability, it is suitable for various racing simulator usage scenarios, improving the user's operating experience and the overall performance of the equipment.

[0056] The racing simulator quick-release device based on electric servo motor locking of the present invention can be directly applied to the utility model patent "A Racing Simulator Base Integrating Lighting and Electric Quick Release" filed by the applicant on the same day. It is fixed to the servo motor shaft at the base end via a locking connector, serving as the electric quick-release assembly 52 of the base. The precise positioning, one-button locking and unlocking, cableless transmission, and torque detection functions of this quick-release device, working in conjunction with the abyss mirror lighting module and active cooling module of the base, significantly improve the overall user experience of the racing simulator and adapt to the assembly requirements of mainstream racing simulators.

[0057] It should be noted that, in this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "sliding," "rotating," "fixed," and "equipped" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to welded connections, bolted connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A quick-release device for a racing simulator based on electric servo motor locking, characterized in that, Includes a quick-release body (17), which integrates a locking and unlocking component, a precision positioning component, a power supply and data transmission component, and a torque detection component; The locking and unlocking component is used to enable one-click locking and unlocking of the steering wheel and quick-release device. The precision positioning component is used to assist in the precise docking of the steering wheel and quick-release device. The power supply and data transmission component is used for power supply and data transmission without external cables. The torque detection component is used to detect torque in real time and coordinate with the base adjustment force feedback.

2. The quick-release device for a racing simulator based on electric servo motor locking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking and unlocking assembly includes a servo motor (13), a motor mounting bracket (14), a rotating wheel A (5), a rotating wheel B (7), a stainless steel ball (6), an electric quick-release main board (15), and a button (16). The servo motor (13) is mounted on the quick-release connector (11) and locked in place by the motor mounting bracket (14). The rotating wheel A (5) and rotating wheel B (7) are connected to the output shaft of the servo motor (13) for transmission. The stainless steel ball (6) is installed in the corresponding hole of the rotating wheel A (5). The electric quick-release motherboard (15) is fixed to the quick-release body (17) and electrically connected to the servo motor (13) and the button (16). The electric quick-release motherboard (15) integrates an MCU controller and a servo motor drive circuit.

3. The quick-release device for a racing simulator based on electric servo motor locking according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking and unlocking assembly also includes stainless steel bearing one (4) and stainless steel bearing two (12). The stainless steel bearing one (4) is installed on the rotating wheel A (5) and inserted into the quick-release connector (11). The stainless steel bearing two (12) is installed on the rotating wheel B (7) and then fixedly connected to the rotating wheel A (5) by the stainless steel countersunk screw two (8).

4. The quick-release device for a racing simulator based on electric servo motor locking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The precision positioning component includes a magnet (3), a guide groove (22), and a quick-release connector (11). The guide groove (22) is located at the front end of the quick-release connector (11) and is adapted to the positioning groove at the steering wheel HUB end; the magnet (3) is an S-pole magnet, which is fixed to the rotating wheel A (5) and locked, and forms a magnetic attraction with the N-pole magnet at the steering wheel HUB end.

5. The quick-release device for a racing simulator based on electric servo motor locking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply and data transmission component includes a sliding pin seat (10) and a base end pin seat; the sliding pin seat (10) is fixed to the quick-release connector (11), and the base end pin seat is integrated into the electric quick-release main board (15) and corresponds to the position of the sliding pin seat (10); After the steering wheel is locked, the spring pin at the end of the steering wheel contacts the sliding pin seat (10) to conduct electricity and realize power supply and data transmission.

6. The quick-release device for a racing simulator based on electric servo motor locking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The torque detection assembly includes a torque sensor (18), a fixing cover (19), and a fixing base (20). The fixed cover (19) is installed on the torque sensor (18) and fixed by the fixed seat (20). The torque sensor (18) is installed on the quick-release body (17) and locked. The torque sensor (18) is electrically connected to the electric quick-release motherboard (15) and is used to transmit the detected torque data to the MCU controller.

7. The quick-release device for a racing simulator based on electric servo motor locking according to claim 6, characterized in that, The quick-release body (17) and quick-release connector (11) are fixedly connected by a stainless steel round head hexagon screw (2), and the torque sensor (18) is fixed to the quick-release body (17) by a stainless steel round head hexagon screw (21).

8. The quick-release device for a racing simulator based on electric servo motor locking according to claim 4, characterized in that, The magnet (3) is locked and fixed to the rotating wheel A (5) by a stainless steel countersunk screw (1), and the sliding pin seat (10) is fixed to the quick-release connector (11) by a stainless steel round head screw (9).

9. The quick-release device for a racing simulator based on electric servo motor locking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The quick-release body (17), quick-release connector (11), rotating wheel A (5), rotating wheel B (7), motor fixing bracket (14), fixing cover (19) and fixing seat (20) are all made of high-strength material, and the stainless steel ball (6) and torque sensor (18) are made of stainless steel.

10. The quick-release device for a racing simulator based on electric servo motor locking according to claim 1, characterized in that, The quick-release device is fixed to the base motor shaft via a locking connector with the base end motor shaft.

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