Axle assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a shaft assembly and a vehicle, the shaft assembly comprises a connecting shaft, and the connecting shaft comprises a first shaft section, a second shaft section and a connecting part. The first shaft section is configured to be in transmission connection with a first mechanism. The second shaft section is configured to be in transmission connection with a second mechanism. The connecting part is located between the first shaft section and the second shaft section and connects the first shaft section and the second shaft section. Wherein the connecting part is provided with a mounting space capable of accommodating the driver and is configured to be in transmission connection with the driver, so that when the connecting part is driven by the driver to rotate, the connecting shaft transmits power of the driver to the first mechanism and the second mechanism. According to the shaft assembly and the vehicle, the problem that a transmission shaft is single in transmission function can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to the technical field of transportation vehicles, and particularly to shaft assemblies and vehicles. Background Art

[0002] With the development of technology, vehicles, as transportation means, have become very popular in people's lives. A vehicle may include a power system. The power output end of the power system can perform mechanical motion to drive the vehicle to travel and turn. The power system often needs to transmit torque through a drive shaft. For example, the power system can transmit torque through a drive shaft. In the prior art, the conventional working mode of the drive shaft is that one end of the drive shaft is connected to a driver, and the other end is connected to the power output end. However, such a setting of the drive shaft has a single function and cannot meet the transmission requirements in some relatively complex transmission scenarios.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to provide a shaft assembly that can be applied to relatively complex transmission scenarios.

[0004] The content in the background art section is only the information known to the inventor personally, and does not represent that the above information has entered the public domain before the filing date of this disclosure, nor does it represent that it can become the prior art of this disclosure. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] This specification provides a shaft assembly and a vehicle, which can solve the problems existing in the related art.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a connecting shaft, and the connecting shaft includes a first shaft section, a second shaft section, and a connecting portion. The first shaft section is configured to be able to be in transmission connection with a first mechanism. The second shaft section is configured to be able to be in transmission connection with a second mechanism. The connecting portion is located between the first shaft section and the second shaft section and connects the first shaft section and the second shaft section. Wherein, the connecting portion is provided with an installation space for accommodating a driver and is configured to be able to be in transmission connection with the driver, so that when the connecting portion is driven by the driver to rotate, the connecting shaft transmits the power of the driver to the first mechanism and the second mechanism.

[0007] In some embodiments, the connecting portion includes at least one connecting sub-portion, a first shoulder, and a second shoulder. The first shoulder is connected to the first shaft section. The second shoulder is connected to the second shaft section. Along the first axis of the connecting shaft, the first shoulder and the second shoulder are spaced apart, so as to form an installation space between the first shoulder and the second shoulder. At least one connecting sub-portion is connected between the first shoulder and the second shoulder.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second shoulder is provided with an installation hole communicating with the installation space and is fixedly connected to the driver through the installation hole.

[0009] In some embodiments, the shaft assembly further includes a driver. The driver is a driving motor, including: a stator, a rotor, and a housing. The stator is fixedly connected to the housing, and the rotor includes an output shaft and is rotatably connected to the housing. The mounting bracket includes a fixing portion and at least one supporting portion. The fixing portion is disposed within the mounting space and is fixedly connected to the housing. The at least one supporting portion is connected to the fixing portion and is at least partially located outside the mounting space for connection to external components.

[0010] In some embodiments, a mounting portion is provided on one side of the connecting portion facing the mounting space. The connecting portion is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the driving motor through the mounting portion. The fixing portion is disposed around the mounting portion and is annular to avoid the output shaft of the driving motor. The output shaft of the driving motor passes through the fixing portion.

[0011] In a second aspect, the present application provides a vehicle, which includes a vehicle body, the above shaft assembly, a steering assembly, and a wheel assembly. The steering assembly is rotatably connected to the vehicle body and is drivingly connected to the shaft assembly as a first mechanism. The wheel assembly includes at least one wheel and is drivingly connected to the shaft assembly as a second mechanism.

[0012] In some embodiments, the shaft assembly is connected to the steering assembly through a universal joint structure.

[0013] In some embodiments, the wheel assembly includes a base, the base is fixedly connected to the vehicle body, and the mounting bracket is fixedly connected to the base outside the mounting space. The at least one wheel includes a first wheel and a second wheel. The first wheel is rotatably connected to the base about a second axis and is pivotally connected to the base about a third axis, where the second axis is the central axis of the first wheel, and the third axis extends along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0014] In some embodiments, the wheel assembly includes a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism is mechanically connected to the second shaft segment and is respectively rotatably connected to the first wheel and the second wheel. The shaft assembly drives the first wheel and the second wheel to steer respectively through the steering mechanism.

[0015] In some embodiments, the wheel assembly includes a suspension mechanism. The suspension mechanism is rotatably connected to the base and is also rotatably connected to the first wheel about the third axis. The suspension mechanism, the base, the shaft assembly, the steering mechanism, and the first wheel form a multi-link structure. Wherein, when the connecting shaft is driven to rotate relative to the base about the first axis, the first wheel is driven to rotate about the third axis.

[0016] In some embodiments, the steering mechanism includes a steering rocker arm, a first link, a second link, and a connection seat. One end of the steering rocker arm is fixedly connected to the second shaft section, and the other end of the steering rocker arm and the connection seat are rotatably connected about a fourth axis. One end of the first link is mechanically connected to the connection seat, and the other end of the first link is rotatably connected to the first wheel about a fifth axis. The second link is respectively connected to the second wheel and the connection seat.

[0017] In summary, for the shaft assembly and the vehicle provided in this specification, by means of the connecting shaft, a driver with a single power output end can drive the first mechanism and the second mechanism to move respectively. Providing an installation space at the connection part facilitates the assembly and connection of the driver and the connecting shaft. When the driver is in the installation space, on the one hand, the connection structure between the driver and the connecting shaft can be simplified, and on the other hand, it is beneficial to reduce the overall volume of the driver and the connecting shaft, and reduce the occupied space of the driver and the connecting shaft in the application scenario.

[0018] Other functions of the shaft assembly and the vehicle provided in this specification will be partially listed in the following description. According to the description, the content introduced by the following numbers and examples will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art. The creative aspects of the shaft assembly and the vehicle provided in this specification can be fully explained by practicing or using the methods, devices, and combinations provided in the detailed examples below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of this specification. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 Shows a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a vehicle provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 Shows a partial structural schematic diagram of a vehicle provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 3 Shows a connection structure schematic diagram of a shaft assembly and other mechanisms provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 4 Shows another schematic diagram of the connection structure of a shaft assembly and other mechanisms provided according to an embodiment of the present application; and

[0024] Figure 5 Shows a structural schematic diagram of the connecting shaft of a shaft assembly provided according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The following description provides specific application scenarios and requirements of this specification, aiming to enable those skilled in the art to manufacture and use the content in this specification. For those skilled in the art, various local modifications to the disclosed embodiments are obvious, and without departing from the spirit and scope of this specification, the general principles defined here can be applied to other embodiments and applications. Therefore, this specification is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but rather to the broadest scope consistent with the claims.

[0026] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and are not limiting. For example, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" may also include the plural forms. When used in this specification, the terms "comprising", "including", and / or "containing" mean that the associated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components are present, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups in the system / method.

[0027] In view of the following description, these and other features of this specification, as well as the operations and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the economy of the combination and manufacture of the components can be significantly improved. Referring to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this specification. It should also be understood that the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0028] The flowcharts used in this specification illustrate the operations implemented by the system according to some embodiments in this specification. It should be clearly understood that the operations in the flowchart may not be implemented in sequence. On the contrary, the operations may be implemented in reverse order or simultaneously. In addition, one or more other operations may be added to the flowchart. One or more operations may be removed from the flowchart.

[0029] In this specification, the expression "X includes at least one of A, B, or C" means that X includes at least A, or X includes at least B, or X includes at least C. That is, X may include only any one of A, B, C, or may include any combination of A, B, C and other possible contents / elements at the same time. Any combination of A, B, C may be A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC.

[0030] In this specification, unless otherwise clearly stated, the association relationships generated between structures can be either direct or indirect. For example, when describing "A is connected to B", unless it is clearly stated that A is directly connected to B, it should be understood that A can be directly connected to B or indirectly connected to B; for another example, when describing "A is above B", unless it is clearly stated that A is directly above B (A and B are adjacent and A is above B), it should be understood that A can be directly above B or A can be indirectly above B (there are other elements between A and B and A is above B). And so on.

[0031] A vehicle may include a power system. The power output end of the power system can perform mechanical motion to drive the vehicle to travel and turn. The power system often needs to transmit torque through a drive shaft. For example, the power system can transmit torque through a drive shaft. In the prior art, the conventional working mode of the drive shaft is that one end of the drive shaft is connected to a driver and the other end is connected to the power output end. However, the drive shaft configured in this way has a single function and cannot meet the transmission requirements in some relatively complex transmission scenarios. Therefore, there is a need to provide a shaft assembly that can be applied to relatively complex transmission scenarios.

[0032] The shaft assembly provided in this specification can drive the first mechanism and the second mechanism to move respectively by setting a connecting shaft and a driver with a single power output end. Setting an installation space at the connecting part can facilitate the assembly and connection of the driver and the connecting shaft. When the driver is in the installation space, on the one hand, it can simplify the connection structure between the driver and the connecting shaft, and on the other hand, it is beneficial to reduce the overall volume of the driver and the connecting shaft and reduce the occupied space of the driver and the connecting shaft in the application scenario. In this way, the shaft assembly has richer functions and can be applied to relatively complex transmission scenarios.

[0033] The vehicle provided in this specification can be a short-distance transportation vehicle and an automobile. In this specification, a short-distance transportation vehicle refers to various devices and tools used to meet an individual's transportation needs within a relatively short distance range. Such devices usually have portability, ease of operation, and environmental friendliness, are suitable for short-distance travel within a city or a specific area, can effectively replace or supplement traditional means of transportation, and reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution. Specific examples of short-distance transportation vehicles include scooters, electric scooters, electric unicycles, and other similar light means of transportation. This specification uses a scooter as an example to illustrate the above-mentioned vehicle. However, those skilled in the art can understand that other types of vehicles are also applicable to the invention in this specification without departing from its spirit.

[0034] The vehicle can be a four-wheeler, a three-wheeler or a two-wheeler, etc. It is small in size and light in weight, making it very suitable for short trips. In particular, the size in the width direction of the vehicle is small. The width direction of the vehicle can be the axial direction of the vehicle's wheels. That is, the wheelbase size of the two coaxial wheels of vehicle 1 is small.

[0035] Figure 1 Fig. shows a schematic perspective view of a vehicle provided according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 Fig. shows a schematic partial view of a vehicle provided according to an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, vehicle 1 includes: a body 200, an axle assembly 100, a steering assembly 300 and a wheel assembly 400.

[0036] The body 200 can be the base and main structure of vehicle 1. The body 200 can be used to connect various components of vehicle 1, such as wheels, a suspension mechanism 430, etc. The body 200 can also be used to carry a user. The body 200 can have various different structures to adapt to different application scenarios. For example, vehicle 1 is a balance bike, a three-wheeler or a scooter, and the body 200 of the balance bike, the three-wheeler and the scooter can have different structures. In this specification, Figure 1 a three-wheeled scooter is taken as an example for description. Those skilled in the art should understand that other structures of the body 200 are also within the protection scope of this specification. The material of the body 200 can be a metal material, such as carbon steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, etc., and the material of the body 200 can also be a carbon fiber material. The material of the body 200 can also be a combination of various different materials, and this specification does not limit this.

[0037] The body 200 can also include a bearing part 202 for carrying a user. As Figure 1 shown, the bearing part 202 in the body 200 can be used to carry the feet of the user. The user can stand on the body 200 to drive vehicle 1. In some embodiments, the body 200 can also include a seat so that the user can sit on the seat to drive vehicle 1. In some embodiments, the body 200 can also include a storage part (not shown) for storing items. In some embodiments, the body 200 can also include other components, and this specification does not limit this.

[0038] The wheel assembly 400 includes at least one wheel. At least one wheel can be the driving part of vehicle 1 to realize the driving of vehicle 1. At least one wheel can be connected to the body 200 to drive the body 200 to move. At least one wheel can be an inflated tire or a solid rubber tire, and this specification does not limit this.

[0039] In some embodiments, at least one wheel may include a first wheel 401 and a second wheel 402. The first wheel 401 and the second wheel 402 may be located on both sides of the vehicle body 200 respectively, so that the vehicle body 200 can stand alone. Further, the first wheel 401 and the second wheel 402 may be symmetrically distributed on both sides of the vehicle body 200.

[0040] In some embodiments, the vehicle 1 may include a first wheel 401 and a second wheel 402, such as a scooter. In some embodiments, the vehicle 1 may further include other wheels, which are distributed along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 200 with the first wheel 401 and the second wheel 402. The longitudinal direction may be the traveling direction of the vehicle body 200.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first wheel 401 and the second wheel 402 may be the front wheels 403 of the vehicle 1. At this time, the vehicle 1 may further include a rear wheel 404. The number of the rear wheels 404 may be one, or two and symmetrically distributed on both sides of the vehicle body 200.

[0042] In other embodiments, the first wheel 401 and the second wheel 402 may be the rear wheels 404 of the vehicle 1. At this time, the vehicle 1 may further include a front wheel 403. The number of the front wheels 403 may be one, or two and symmetrically distributed on both sides of the vehicle body 200. The vehicle body 200 may connect the front wheel 403 and the rear wheel 404. As Figure 1 In the illustrated vehicle 1, the first wheel 401 and the second wheel 402 are taken as the front wheels 403 of the vehicle 1 as an example for description. Those skilled in the art should understand that the first wheel 401 and the second wheel 402 as the rear wheels 404 of the vehicle 1 are also within the protection scope of this specification.

[0043] The vehicle 1 may have multiple driving modes. For example, the driving modes include an automatic driving mode and a manual driving mode. When the vehicle 1 is in the automatic driving mode, the vehicle 1 may achieve automatic steering through the steering assembly 300. Specifically, the vehicle 1 has a controller, and the controller is coupled to the driver. When the vehicle 1 is in the automatic driving mode, the controller may control the driver to work according to the road conditions and the driving route, thereby achieving the automatic steering of the vehicle 1.

[0044] In order to complete the steering control of the vehicle in multiple driving modes, this specification provides a novel shaft structure.

[0045] Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the connection structure of the shaft assembly 100 and other mechanisms provided according to the embodiments of the present application is shown. Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of the connection structure of the shaft assembly 100 and other mechanisms provided according to the embodiments of the present application is shown. Figure 5The structural schematic diagram of the connecting shaft of the shaft assembly 100 provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. It should be noted that the shaft assembly 100 can be applied to various mechanical devices including vehicles. For example, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the shaft assembly 100 can be applied to the transmission of the internal structure of the vehicle 1.

[0046] As Figures 2 to 5 shown, the shaft assembly 100 (shaft assembly) includes a connecting shaft 110. The connecting shaft 110 includes a first shaft section 111, a second shaft section 112, and a connecting portion 120. The first shaft section 111 is configured to be able to be in transmission connection with a first mechanism. The second shaft section 112 is configured to be able to be in transmission connection with a second mechanism. The connecting portion 120 is located between the first shaft section 111 and the second shaft section 112 and connects the first shaft section 111 and the second shaft section 112. For example, the first mechanism is a steering assembly 300, and the second mechanism is a wheel assembly 400.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first shaft section 111 and the second shaft section 112 share a central axis, and the central axis of the first shaft section 111 and the second shaft section 112 is the self-rotation axis of the connecting shaft 110, that is, the first axis X1. Further, the connecting portion 120, the first shaft section 111, and the second shaft section 112 share a central axis.

[0048] The connecting portion 120 may be provided with an installation space 121 for accommodating a driver and is configured to be able to be in transmission connection with the driver, so that when the connecting portion 120 is driven by the driver to rotate, the connecting shaft 110 transmits the power of the driver to the first mechanism and the second mechanism.

[0049] In the working scenario of the connecting shaft 110, the driver, the first mechanism, and the second mechanism may be spaced apart from each other, and the connecting shaft 110 can be respectively connected to the driver, the first mechanism, and the second mechanism. With the help of the connecting shaft 110, a driver with a single power output end can respectively drive the first mechanism and the second mechanism to move. Compared with a driver with a double power output end, the structural composition of a driver with a single power output end can be simpler and the volume can be smaller. For example, the driver is a driving motor 130. Compared with a driving motor 130 with a double output shaft, the structural composition of a driving motor 130 with a single output shaft can be simpler and the volume can be smaller.

[0050] Providing an installation space 121 at the connection part 120 facilitates the assembly and connection of the drive and the connecting shaft 110. When the drive is located in the installation space 121, on the one hand, the connection structure between the drive and the connecting shaft 110 can be simplified, and on the other hand, it is beneficial to reduce the overall volume of the drive and the connecting shaft 110, and reduce the occupied space of the drive and the connecting shaft 110 in the application scenario. For example, when the connecting shaft 110 is working, the two ends of the connecting shaft 110 can be respectively connected to the first mechanism and the second mechanism. Arranging the drive in the installation space 121 can make full use of the space in the middle part of the connecting shaft 110.

[0051] In some embodiments, the installation space 121 is an open space communicating with the outside. In some other embodiments, the installation space 121 is an enclosed space.

[0052] In some embodiments, the drive can be a hydraulic drive device or a pneumatic drive device.

[0053] In some embodiments, when the first mechanism is driven by an external force to move, the connecting shaft 110 can be driven to rotate by the first shaft segment 111, and then drive the second mechanism and the drive to move.

[0054] The shaft assembly can also be applied to non-vehicle mechanical equipment. In some embodiments, the first mechanism is a drive. The first shaft segment 111 and the connection part 120 can be driven by a drive respectively to rotate, and then jointly drive the second mechanism to move. In some embodiments, when the second mechanism is driven by an external force to move, the connecting shaft 110 can be driven to rotate by the second shaft segment 112, and then drive the first mechanism and the drive to move. In some embodiments, the second mechanism is a drive. The second shaft segment 112 and the connection part 120 can be driven by a drive respectively to rotate, and then jointly drive the first mechanism to move.

[0055] In some embodiments, as Figures 2 to 5 shown, the connection part 120 includes at least one connection sub-part 122, a first shoulder 123 (first shoulder) and a second shoulder 124 (second shoulder). The first shoulder 123 is connected to the first shaft segment 111. The second shoulder 124 is connected to the second shaft segment 112. Along the first axis X1 of the connecting shaft 110, the first shoulder 123 and the second shoulder 124 are spaced apart, so as to form an installation space 121 between the first shoulder 123 and the second shoulder 124. At least one connection sub-part 122 is connected between the first shoulder 123 and the second shoulder 124.

[0056] In the direction perpendicular to the first axis X1, the size of the first shaft shoulder 123 may be larger than the size of the first shaft section 111, and the size of the second shaft shoulder 124 may be larger than the size of the second shaft section 112. By setting the size of the first shaft section 111 and the size of the second shaft section 112 to be smaller, the material used for the connecting shaft 110 can be saved and the weight of the connecting shaft 110 can be reduced. By setting the size of the first shaft shoulder 123 and the size of the second shaft shoulder 124 to be larger, the installation space 121 can have enough space to accommodate the driver.

[0057] The number and size of the connecting sub-parts 122 can be set according to the transmission requirements of the connecting shaft 110. For example, there can be two connecting sub-parts 122, and the two connecting sub-parts 122 are symmetrically arranged.

[0058] In some embodiments, Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the second shoulder 124 is provided with a mounting hole 125 communicating with the mounting space 121, and is fixedly connected to the driver through the mounting hole 125. Further, the mounting hole 125 can penetrate the second shoulder 124 in a direction away from the mounting space 121, and the mounting hole 125 and the second shaft section 112 are avoided on the side of the second shoulder 124 away from the mounting space 121. During the assembly process of the second shoulder 124 and the driver, the fixing screw can be inserted into the mounting hole 125 from the side of the second shoulder 124 away from the mounting space 121, and further inserted into the connecting hole of the driver, thereby realizing the fixed connection between the second shoulder 124 and the driver.

[0059] In some embodiments, a mounting portion 126 is provided on one side of the connection portion 120 facing the mounting space 121, and the opening of the mounting hole 125 facing the mounting space 121 is located on the mounting portion 126. The mounting portion 126 can abut against and be fixedly connected to the driver. Further, in the direction toward the mounting space 121, the mounting portion 126 can protrude from other parts of the connection portion 120 to facilitate connection with the driver.

[0060] In some embodiments, there are multiple mounting holes 125 , and the multiple mounting holes 125 are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the mounting portion 126 .

[0061] In some embodiments, Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the shaft assembly 100 also includes a driver and a mounting bracket 140. The driver is a driving motor 130, including a stator, a rotor and a housing. The stator is fixedly connected to the housing, and the rotor includes an output shaft and is rotatably connected to the housing. The mounting bracket 140 includes a fixing portion 141 and at least one supporting portion 142, the fixing portion 141 is arranged in the installation space 121 and is fixedly connected to the housing, and the at least one supporting portion 142 is connected to the fixing portion 141 and is at least partially located outside the installation space 121 so as to be connected to external components.

[0062] At least one support portion 142 can be fixedly connected to an external component, so that the drive motor 130 can be installed in the application scenario. When the drive motor 130 is working, the output shaft of the drive motor 130 can rotate relative to the housing, thereby driving the connecting shaft 110 to rotate relative to the mounting bracket 140 and the external component. Further, when the drive motor 130 is working, the output shaft of the drive motor 130 can rotate around the first axis X1.

[0063] In some embodiments, the number of at least one support portion 142 is two, and the two support portions 142 are symmetrically arranged. Further, along the circumference of the connecting shaft 110, the support portions 142 and the sub-connecting portions 120 are alternately arranged to avoid each other.

[0064] In some embodiments, Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the connecting portion 120 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the driving motor 130 through the mounting portion 126. The fixing portion 141 is arranged at the periphery of the mounting portion 126, and the fixing portion 141 is annular to avoid the output shaft of the driving motor 130 or the mounting portion 126. In this way, the shape of the fixing portion 141 can be adapted to the outer shape of the driving motor 130, so that the fixing portion 141 and the driving motor 130 can be easily assembled and connected.

[0065] In some embodiments, the output shaft of the driving motor 130 passes through the fixing portion 141. In other embodiments, the mounting portion 126 passes through the fixing portion 141.

[0066] It should be noted that the shaft assembly 100 can be applied to a variety of mechanical equipment including vehicles. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the shaft assembly 100 can be applied to the transmission of the internal structure of the vehicle 1 .

[0067] In some embodiments, when the vehicle 1 is in the automatic driving mode, the user can also manually drive the axle assembly 100 and the wheel assembly 400 to rotate relative to the vehicle body 200 through the steering assembly 300 to control the steering of the vehicle 1 .

[0068] The steering assembly 300 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 200 and is drivingly connected to the shaft assembly 100 as the first mechanism. Furthermore, the vehicle body 200 is pivotally connected to the steering tube 301 .

[0069] In some embodiments, the steering assembly 300 includes a steering column 301 and a handle bar 302. The handle bar 302 is fixedly connected to the steering column 301. The vehicle body 200 includes a head tube 201. The steering column 301 is rotatably connected to the head tube 201, and thus the steering column 301 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 200.

[0070] In some other embodiments, the steering assembly 300 includes a steering wheel, and the handle bar 302 can be replaced with a steering wheel.

[0071] The wheel assembly 400 is drivingly connected to the shaft assembly 100 as the above-mentioned second mechanism. In some embodiments, the wheel assembly 400 includes a front wheel 403. The front wheel 403 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 200 through the steering column 301 and the head tube 201.

[0072] When the vehicle 1 needs to be steered, the user can drive the handle bar 302 to rotate relative to the vehicle body 200, thereby driving the shaft assembly 100 and the wheel assembly 400 to rotate relative to the vehicle body 200, so that the user can realize the steering control of the vehicle 1.

[0073] The first shaft section 111 and the second shaft section 112 can be respectively located at two ends of the shaft assembly 100. The first shaft section 111 can be connected to the steering assembly 300, and the second shaft section 112 can be connected to the wheel assembly 400. When the steering assembly 300 is driven by the user to rotate, the shaft assembly 100 can be driven to rotate through the first shaft section 111, thereby driving the vehicle 1 to steer. With the aid of the shaft assembly 100, a driver with a single power output end can drive the steering assembly 300 and the wheel assembly 400 to move respectively. Compared with a driver with a double power output end, the structural composition of a driver with a single power output end can be simpler, the volume can be smaller, and it occupies a smaller installation space 121 on the vehicle 1.

[0074] In addition, by arranging the driver in the installation space 121, on the one hand, the connection structure between the driver and the connecting shaft 110 can be simplified, and on the other hand, it is beneficial to reduce the overall volume of the driver and the connecting shaft 110 and reduce the occupied space of the driver and the connecting shaft 110 in the vehicle 1. For example, when the spacing distance between the steering assembly 300 and the wheel assembly 400 is preset, the positions and distances at both ends of the shaft assembly 100 can be determined accordingly. At this time, arranging the driver in the installation space 121 can make the structural layout of the shaft assembly 100 more compact.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2 to 5As shown, the shaft assembly 100 and the steering assembly 300 are connected by a universal joint structure 500. With the help of the universal joint structure 500, even when the first axis X1 and the rotation axis X6 of the steering assembly 300 are not collinear, torque can still be transmitted between the shaft assembly 100 and the steering assembly 300.

[0076] In some embodiments, the universal joint structure 500 may include a first rotating part 501 and a second rotating part 502. The first rotating part 501 may be fixedly connected to the first shaft section 111. The second rotating part 502 may be fixedly connected to the rudder tube 301. The first rotating part 501 and the second rotating part 502 are rotationally connected and can rotate relative to each other in multiple directions.

[0077] In some embodiments, as Figures 2 to 5 shown, the wheel assembly 400 includes a base 410, a steering mechanism 420, and a suspension mechanism 430.

[0078] The base 410 is fixedly connected to the vehicle body 200, and the mounting bracket 140 is fixedly connected to the base 410 outside the mounting space 121. Specifically, the support portion 142 may be fixedly connected to the base 410, so that the drive motor 130 can be mounted on the base 410. When the drive motor 130 operates, the output shaft of the drive motor 130 can rotate relative to the housing, and thus can drive the connecting shaft 110 to rotate relative to the mounting bracket 140 and the base 410.

[0079] The first wheel 401 is rotatably connected to the base 410 about the second axis X2 and pivotally connected to the base 410 about the third axis X3. Here, the second axis X2 is the central axis of the first wheel 401. The third axis X3 extends along the height direction of the vehicle 1. When the first wheel 401 rotates relative to the base 410 about the second axis X2, it can drive the vehicle 1 to travel. When the first wheel 401 rotates relative to the base 410 about the third axis X3, it can drive the vehicle 1 to steer. The mounting structure of the second wheel 402 can refer to the mounting structure of the first wheel 401, which will not be elaborated here. In this way, the drive motor 130 can drive the first wheel 401 and the second wheel 402 to steer synchronously.

[0080] In some embodiments, as Figures 2 to 5As shown, the steering mechanism 420 is mechanically connected to the second shaft segment 112 and is respectively rotationally connected to the first wheel 401 and the second wheel 402. The shaft assembly 100 drives the first wheel 401 and the second wheel 402 to steer through the steering mechanism 420 respectively. Further, the steering mechanism 420 includes a steering rocker arm 421, a first link 422, a second link 423, and a connecting seat 424. One end of the steering rocker arm 421 is fixedly connected to the second shaft segment 112, and the other end of the steering rocker arm 421 and the connecting seat 424 are rotationally connected about the fourth axis X4. One end of the first link 422 is mechanically connected to the connecting seat 424, and the other end of the first link 422 is rotationally connected to the first wheel 401 about the fifth axis X5. The second link 423 is respectively connected to the second wheel 402 and the connecting seat 424.

[0081] When the drive motor 130 operates, the output shaft of the drive motor 130 can drive the steering rocker arm 421 to rotate relative to the base 410 about the first axis X1, and through the steering rocker arm 421, it can drive the connecting seat 424, the first link 422, and the second link 423 to rotate relative to the base 410 about the fourth axis X4. At the same time, the first link 422 can drive the first wheel 401 to rotate relative to the base 410 about the fifth axis X5, so as to realize the steering of the first wheel 401.

[0082] In some embodiments, as Figures 2 to 5 shown, the suspension mechanism 430 is rotationally connected to the base 410 and is also rotationally connected to the first wheel 401 about the third axis X3. The suspension mechanism 430, the base 410, the shaft assembly 100, the steering mechanism 420, and the first wheel 401 form a multi-link structure. Among them, when the connecting shaft 110 is driven to rotate relative to the base 410 about the first axis X1, it drives the first wheel 401 to rotate about the third axis X3.

[0083] The suspension mechanism 430 can transmit the forces and torques acting between the vehicle body 200 and the wheels. The suspension mechanism 430 can also buffer the impact force transmitted from the uneven road surface to the vehicle body 200 and reduce the resulting vibration to ensure that the vehicle 1 can drive smoothly. In some embodiments, the suspension mechanism 430 may include a shock absorber 433, an upper fork arm 431, and a lower fork arm 432. The first wheel 401, the upper fork arm 431, the lower fork arm 432, and the base 410 can form a planar four-link structure.

[0084] In summary, the shaft assembly 100 and the vehicle 1 provided in this specification can drive the first mechanism and the second mechanism to move respectively by setting the connecting shaft 110 and using a driver with a single power output end. The installation space 121 provided in the connecting portion 120 facilitates the assembly and connection of the driver and the connecting shaft 110. When the driver is in the installation space 121, on the one hand, the connection structure between the driver and the connecting shaft 110 can be simplified, and on the other hand, it is beneficial to reduce the overall volume of the driver and the connecting shaft 110 and reduce the occupied space of the driver and the connecting shaft 110 in the application scenario.

[0085] The above describes specific embodiments of the present application. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims can be performed in a different order than in the embodiments and still achieve the desired result. Additionally, the processes depicted in the figures do not necessarily require a specific order or a sequential order to achieve the desired result. In certain embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0086] In summary, after reading this detailed disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing detailed disclosure may be presented only by way of example and may not be restrictive. Although not explicitly stated here, those skilled in the art can understand that the requirements of this application encompass various reasonable changes, improvements, and modifications to the embodiments. These changes, improvements, and modifications are intended to be proposed by this application and are within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this application.

[0087] In addition, certain terms in this application have been used to describe the embodiments of this application. For example, "one embodiment", "an embodiment", and / or "some embodiments" mean that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and understood that the two or more references to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" or "alternative embodiments" in various parts of this application do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, the specific features, structures, or characteristics may be appropriately combined in one or more embodiments of this application.

[0088] It should be understood that in the foregoing description of the embodiments of this application, for the purpose of helping to understand a feature and for the purpose of simplifying this application, this application combines various features in a single embodiment, drawing, or its description. However, this does not mean that the combination of these features is necessary. Those skilled in the art may very well mark out some of the devices as separate embodiments for understanding when reading this application. That is to say, the embodiments in this application can also be understood as the integration of multiple sub-embodiments. And it is also valid when the content of each sub-embodiment is less than all the features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

[0089] Each patent, patent application, published patent application, and other materials cited herein, such as articles, books, specifications, publications, documents, items, etc., except for any historical prosecution documents associated therewith, any identical ones that may be inconsistent or in conflict with this document, or any identical historical prosecution documents that may have a limiting effect on the broadest scope of the claims, may be incorporated herein by reference and used for all purposes now or hereafter associated with this document. Further, in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the description, definition, and / or use of terms associated with any of the included materials and the terms, descriptions, definitions, and / or uses associated with this document, the terms of this document shall govern.

[0090] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments of the application disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the embodiments of this application. Other modified embodiments are also within the scope of this application. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this application are merely examples and not limitations. Those skilled in the art can adopt alternative configurations based on the embodiments in this application to implement the application in this application. Therefore, the embodiments of this application are not limited to the embodiments precisely described in the application.

Claims

1. A shaft assembly, characterized in that, Comprising: A connecting shaft, the connecting shaft comprising: A first shaft segment configured to be capable of being drivingly connected to a first mechanism; A second shaft segment configured to be capable of being drivingly connected to a second mechanism; and A connecting portion located between the first shaft segment and the second shaft segment and connecting the first shaft segment and the second shaft segment, wherein The connecting portion is provided with an installation space for accommodating a driver and is configured to be capable of being drivingly connected to the driver, so that when the connecting portion is driven by the driver to rotate, the connecting shaft transmits the power of the driver to the first mechanism and the second mechanism.

2. The shaft assembly according to claim 1, wherein The connecting portion includes at least one connecting sub-portion, a first shaft shoulder and a second shaft shoulder; The first shaft shoulder is connected to the first shaft segment; The second shaft shoulder is connected to the second shaft segment; Along a first axis of the connecting shaft, the first shaft shoulder and the second shaft shoulder are spaced apart from each other, thereby forming the installation space between the first shaft shoulder and the second shaft shoulder; and The at least one connecting sub-portion is connected between the first shaft shoulder and the second shaft shoulder.

3. The shaft assembly according to claim 2, wherein On a side of the second shaft shoulder facing the installation space, an installation hole is provided, and the driver is fixedly connected through the installation hole.

4. The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The shaft assembly further includes: The driver, which is a driving motor, includes: a stator, a rotor and a housing, the stator is fixedly connected to the housing, the rotor includes an output shaft and is rotatably connected to the housing; and An installation bracket, including a fixing portion and at least one supporting portion, the fixing portion is provided in the installation space and is fixedly connected to the housing, the at least one supporting portion is connected to the fixing portion and is at least partially located outside the installation space so as to be connected to external components.

5. The shaft assembly according to claim 4, wherein The connecting portion is provided with an installation portion communicating with the installation space, and the connecting portion is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the driving motor through the installation portion; The fixing portion is provided on the periphery of the installation portion, and the fixing portion is annular to avoid the output shaft of the driving motor; and The output shaft of the driving motor passes through the fixing portion.

6. A vehicle, characterized in that, Comprising: A vehicle body; The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5; A steering assembly, rotatably connected to the vehicle body and drivingly connected to the shaft assembly as the first mechanism; and; A wheel assembly, including at least one wheel, and drivingly connected to the shaft assembly as the second mechanism.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein The shaft assembly and the steering assembly are connected through a universal joint structure.

8. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein The wheel assembly includes a base, the base is fixedly connected to the vehicle body, and the installation bracket is fixedly connected to the base outside the installation space; The at least one wheel includes a first wheel and a second wheel; The first wheel is rotatably connected to the base about a second axis and is pivotally connected to the base about a third axis, Wherein, the second axis is the central axis of the first wheel, and the third axis extends along the height direction of the vehicle.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the wheel assembly includes a steering mechanism; the steering mechanism is mechanically connected to the second shaft section and is respectively rotatably connected to the first wheel and the second wheel; the shaft assembly drives the first wheel and the second wheel to steer through the steering mechanism.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the wheel assembly includes a suspension mechanism, the suspension mechanism is rotatably connected to the base, and is also rotatably connected to the first wheel about the third axis; the suspension mechanism, the base, the shaft assembly, the steering mechanism and the first wheel form a multi-link structure; wherein, when the connecting shaft is driven to rotate relative to the base about the first axis, the first wheel is driven to rotate about the third axis.

11. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the steering mechanism includes a steering rocker arm, a first link, a second link and a connecting seat. One end of the steering rocker arm is fixedly connected to the second shaft section, the other end of the steering rocker arm and the connecting seat are rotatably connected about a fourth axis, one end of the first link is mechanically connected to the connecting seat, and the other end of the first link is rotatably connected to the first wheel about a fifth axis; the second link is respectively connected to the second wheel and the connecting seat.

Images