Parallel REPS electric steering gear structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a parallel REPS electric steering gear structure, which comprises a hand power unit and a power assisting unit, and is characterized in that the hand power unit and the power assisting unit are arranged in parallel and are independent, so that the hand power unit and the power assisting unit are mechanically coupled through a connecting rod arm and synchronously work to provide power required by vehicle steering. In order to ensure the integrity of the power-assisted rod part and improve the bending-resistant mechanical strength, the hand-powered unit specifically comprises a hand-powered shell, a hand-powered input end, a gear and a rack, the gear and the rack are arranged in the hand-powered shell, and the gear is installed at the lower end of the hand-powered input end; the hand power unit and the power assisting unit are separated and mechanically coupled through the connecting rod arm, and the problem that the bending strength of a traditional rack is reduced due to top cutting treatment can be effectively solved; by means of the design, the system can keep high mechanical strength when facing a larger load, and the fault that the steering system is bent or stuck due to the high load is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electric steering gears, in particular to a parallel REPS electric steering gear structure. Background Art

[0002] Under the general trend of EV and intelligent driving, electric steering systems are widely used in automobiles. As the front axle load of vehicles becomes larger and larger, a steering gear with greater output force is urgently needed. However, due to the limitation that the hand force end and the output end of the steering machine share a rod, the hand force end adopts gear rack meshing, and the rack is cut to increase the meshing overlap, and the bending strength is reduced. This cannot meet the needs of medium and heavy trucks with greater output force, and the rack is prone to bending failure, causing the steering to get stuck, which is extremely dangerous.

[0003] REPS (Rack-Assisted Electric Steering System) mainly includes two types: independent manual force system and independent power-assist system; the independent manual force system converts the driver's input into steering force through mechanical gears and rack devices, while the electric power-assist system provides additional assistance through electric motors to reduce the torque of the driver's operation. Although this design can improve the working efficiency of the steering system to a certain extent, their main problem is that there are potential friction and loss problems in the mechanical structure, resulting in a short system life and difficulty in achieving efficient synchronous operation; how to improve the torque transmission efficiency of the electric steering system, enhance the bending strength of the system, and improve the stability of the mechanical system, while ensuring the simplicity of the structure and modular design, has become a technical problem that needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to overcome the existing defects and provide a parallel REPS electric steering gear structure, which separates the manual force unit from the power-assisting unit and mechanically couples them through a connecting rod arm, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of reduced bending strength of traditional racks due to top cutting. This design enables the system to maintain a high mechanical strength when facing a larger load, avoiding bending or jamming of the steering system due to high load, and is particularly suitable for heavy-load vehicles such as heavy trucks, and can effectively solve the problems in the background technology.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the utility model provides the following technical solutions: a parallel REPS electric steering gear structure, including a manual force unit and a power-assisting unit, characterized in that the manual force unit and the power-assisting unit are arranged in parallel, and the manual force unit and the power-assisting unit are separated, so that the two units are mechanically coupled through the connecting rod arm, and work synchronously to provide the power required for vehicle steering, ensure the integrity of the power-assisting rod, and improve the bending mechanical strength. Specifically, the manual force unit includes a manual force housing, a manual force input end, a gear and a rack, the gear and the rack are arranged in the manual force housing, the gear is installed at the lower end of the manual force input end, the manual force input end is connected to the rack through the gear, and is responsible for transmitting the torque of the manual force input end to the steering system, the power-assisting unit includes an output housing, a ball screw, a pulley and a driving wheel, the ball screw is arranged in the output housing, a pulley is arranged on the nut of the ball screw, the pulley is connected to the driving wheel through a belt, a motor controller is arranged on the outer side of the output housing, and the output shaft of the motor controller is connected to the driving wheel The motor controller, the pulley and the driving wheel form a belt-type reduction mechanism. The belt transmits the torque of the motor controller to the ball screw. The ball screw converts the torque into linear motion and drives the wheel to steer through the ball head rod assembly. One end of the rack is connected to one end of the ball screw through a connecting rod arm. The connecting rod arm cooperates with the corresponding interface of the ball screw and is fixedly connected by bolts, pins, etc. This method is a conventional connection method. The connecting rod arm and the rack are fixedly connected by a fastening nut. The connecting rod arm realizes the transmission of torque. The present invention adopts a modular design. By combining a standardized mechanical rack and pinion steering mechanism with an angle torque sensor with a belt ball screw power assist unit of adjustable size, it can be flexibly configured according to the load requirements of different vehicles to provide efficient and stable steering assistance. This design ensures that the system has a wide range of adaptability and is suitable for various types of vehicles from light cars to heavy trucks, which simplifies production, maintenance and upgrades, and improves the performance and economy of the steering system.

[0006] Furthermore, an angle torque sensor is provided on the hand force input end, and the angle torque sensor is used to collect the driver's steering angle signal in real time and transmit it to the motor controller. The motor controller is electrically connected to the angle torque sensor, and is used to adjust the output torque of the motor controller according to the vehicle speed signal and the steering angle signal. The separated mechanical steering gear and power assist unit with the angle torque sensor are conducive to modular design, and the flexible mounting holes and fixing holes are conducive to flexible position arrangement.

[0007] Furthermore, the hand force shell and the output shell are fixedly connected by connecting bolts to realize the parallel setting of the two shells. At the same time, the detachable structure is conducive to processing and assembly. Corrugated protective covers are respectively provided at both ends of the hand force shell and the output shell to provide waterproof, dustproof and other protection functions, thereby extending the service life of the system.

[0008] Furthermore, both ends of the ball screw are respectively connected to a ball head rod assembly, which drives the wheel to complete the steering through the reciprocating linear motion of the ball screw. The ball screw is installed in the output housing through the screw support sleeve. The ball screw and the ball head rod assembly convert the torque into linear driving force to drive the wheel to achieve steering.

[0009] Furthermore, the cross-section of the rack is provided with a cylindrical shape, the rack is installed in the hand force housing through a support sleeve, the surface of the rack is provided with a tooth shape matching the gear, and the rack is arranged parallel to the ball screw.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the utility model are:

[0011] 1. Separating the manual force unit from the power-assisting unit and mechanically coupling them through the connecting rod arm can effectively avoid the problem of reduced bending strength of traditional racks caused by top cutting. It can maintain high mechanical strength when facing greater loads and avoid bending or jamming of the steering system due to high loads.

[0012] 2. The modular design of the manual force unit and the power-assist unit makes the system components independent and easy to replace and maintain; the independence of each unit enhances the maintainability of the system, reduces the overall risk of failure, and increases the service life of the system.

[0013] 3. The hand force end collects steering signals in real time through the angle and torque sensors at the input end, and combines them with the vehicle speed signal, and the motor controller accurately adjusts the torque output by the motor; this precise control method enables the system to provide appropriate assistance according to different driving conditions, thereby improving driving comfort and controllability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the utility model.

[0015] In the figure: 1 manual force input end, 2 angle torque sensor, 3 gear, 4 manual force housing, 5 rack, 6 support sleeve, 7 corrugated protective sleeve, 8 connecting rod arm, 9 fastening nut, 10 ball head rod assembly, 11 ball screw, 12 corrugated protective sleeve at the screw end, 13 pulley, 14 driving wheel, 15 belt reduction mechanism, 16 motor controller, 17 output housing, 18 connecting bolts, 19 screw support sleeve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside" and "outside" etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention, and do not indicate or imply 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 understood as a limitation on the present invention. Example 1

[0017] See also Figure 1 The utility model provides a technical solution: a parallel REPS electric steering gear structure, including a hand force unit and a power unit; the function of the hand force unit is to transmit the torque input by the driver to the steering device through the mechanical system to complete the vehicle steering, and the specific structure is as follows:

[0018] The hand force housing 4 is used to accommodate the various components of the hand force unit and provide external protection. The hand force input terminal 1 is the part directly controlled by the driver and provides input torque by twisting. The gear 3 and the rack 5 are installed at the lower end of the hand force input terminal 1 and are connected to the hand force input terminal through the rack 5 to achieve torque transmission. The gear 3 and the rack 5 convert the input rotational motion into linear motion through mechanical coupling to drive the steering system.

[0019] The function of the power unit is to provide additional steering power for the vehicle and reduce the burden of the driver's operation. Its structure and working principle are as follows:

[0020] The output housing 17 is a key component that encapsulates the power-assisting unit and provides support and protection; the ball screw 11 is arranged inside the output housing and is responsible for converting torque into linear motion; the pulley 13 is installed on the nut of the ball screw and is connected to the driving wheel 14 through a belt; the driving wheel 14 is connected to the motor controller 16 to transmit the torque output by the motor controller 16; the motor controller 16 is used to receive signals and adjust the output of the motor to control the rotation of the driving wheel 14; the output shaft of the motor controller transmits torque to the ball screw 11 through the belt; through the belt and the driving wheel 14, the rotation speed of the torque output of the motor controller 16 is reduced, thereby achieving the required steering power.

[0021] Torque transmission and synchronous operation: the manual force unit and the power-assisting unit are mechanically coupled through the connecting rod arm 8; one end of the connecting rod arm 8 is fixedly connected to the rack 5 through a fastening nut 9, and the other end is fixed to the corresponding interface of the ball screw 11 through a conventional bolt or pin; this connection method realizes the synchronous operation of the manual force unit and the power-assisting unit, and ensures the overall coordination and stability of the system; the linear motion of the ball screw 11 is further converted into the steering force of the wheel through the ball head rod assembly 10 to complete the steering operation of the vehicle.

[0022] The present invention adopts a modular design, and by combining a standardized mechanical rack and pinion steering mechanism with an adjustable-size belt ball screw power-assisting unit, can be flexibly configured according to the load requirements of different vehicles; in particular, the angle torque sensor 2 can sense the changes in the steering input in real time, thereby improving the response speed and accuracy of the system.

[0023] Efficient and stable steering assistance: This design, through the parallel operation of the manual force unit and the power steering unit, can flexibly adjust the power steering output according to vehicle needs and improve system efficiency.

[0024] Wide adaptability: The system is suitable for a variety of vehicle types from light cars to heavy trucks, and has strong adaptability and scalability.

[0025] Improve bending strength: The parallel structure design effectively increases the mechanical strength of the system, ensuring stability and durability during long-term use

[0026] The parallel REPS electric steering gear of the present invention realizes the steering function through the coordinated work of the manual force unit and the power-assisting unit; the torque provided by the driver through the manual force input end is transmitted to the steering system through the gear 3 and the rack 5 to generate preliminary mechanical force; at the same time, the motor controller 16 in the power-assisting unit outputs torque according to demand, and converts the electric power assistance into linear motion through the belt and ball screw 11, thereby further enhancing the steering force; the manual force unit and the power-assisting unit work in parallel through the connecting rod arm, so that the forces of the two complement each other, which not only ensures the responsiveness of the steering, but also reduces the operating burden of the driver.

[0027] The basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention are shown and described above. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention may also be subject to various changes and improvements, which are all within the scope of the present invention to be protected.

Claims

1. A parallel REPS electric steering gear structure, including a hand force unit and a power unit, characterized in that: The hand force unit is arranged in parallel with the power assist unit. The hand force unit comprises a hand force housing (4), a hand force input end (1), a gear (3) and a rack (5). The gear (3) and the rack (5) are arranged in the hand force housing (4). The gear (3) is installed at the lower end of the hand force input end (1). The hand force input end (1) is connected to the rack (5) via the gear (3). The power assist unit comprises an output housing (17), a ball screw (11), a pulley (13) and a driving wheel (14). The ball screw (11) is arranged in the output housing (17). A pulley (13) is arranged on the nut of (11), the pulley (13) is connected to the driving wheel (14) through a belt, a motor controller (16) is arranged on the outer side of the output housing (17), the output shaft of the motor controller (16) is connected to the driving wheel (14), the motor controller (16), the pulley (13) and the driving wheel (14) form a belt-type speed reduction mechanism (15), one end of the rack (5) and one end of the ball screw (11) are connected through a connecting rod arm (8), and the connecting rod arm (8) and the rack (5) are fixedly connected through a fastening nut (9).

2. The parallel REPS electric steering gear structure according to claim 1 is characterized in that: An angle torque sensor (2) is provided on the hand force input end (1). The angle torque sensor (2) is used to collect the driver's steering angle signal in real time and transmit it to the motor controller (16). The motor controller (16) is electrically connected to the angle torque sensor (2).

3. The parallel REPS electric steering gear structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hand force housing (4) and the output housing (17) are fixedly connected via connecting bolts (18), and both ends of the hand force housing (4) and both ends of the output housing (17) are respectively provided with corrugated protective sleeves (7).

4. The parallel REPS electric steering gear structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the ball screw (11) are respectively connected to ball head rod assemblies (10), and the wheel is pushed to complete the steering through the reciprocating linear motion of the ball screw (11). The ball screw (11) is installed in the output housing (17) through a screw support sleeve (19).

5. The parallel REPS electric steering gear structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross section of the rack (5) is provided with a cylindrical shape. The rack (5) is installed in the hand force housing (4) through a support sleeve (6). The surface of the rack (5) is provided with a tooth shape that matches the gear (3), and the rack (5) is arranged in parallel with the ball screw (11).

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