Multi-mode switching steering device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a multi-mode switching steering device which comprises a first steering rod and a second steering rod which are coaxially arranged, the outer end of the first steering rod and the outer end of the second steering rod are respectively connected with a wheel end, the first steering rod and the second steering rod are respectively driven by different driving mechanisms to move horizontally in the axial direction, and a locking mechanism is arranged between the first steering rod and the second steering rod. The locking mechanism comprises a locking ring coaxially arranged between the first steering rod and the second steering rod, a sliding sleeve mechanism coaxially arranged at the inner end of the first steering rod and a limiting mechanism arranged at the inner end of the second steering rod, a self-locking mechanism is arranged in the sliding sleeve mechanism, and the self-locking mechanism stretches out and draws back in the radial direction of the sliding sleeve mechanism; a limiting mechanism is arranged at the inner end of the second steering rod, and the first steering rod and the second steering rod are switched between the locking state and the disconnection state. According to the scheme, switching between integrated steering and independent control steering can be achieved, and the safety of automobile driving is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive steering, and more particularly to a multi-mode switching steering device. Background Technology

[0002] Existing automotive steering systems are mainly divided into integrated steering and four-wheel independent control steering. In integrated steering, both wheels are typically steered synchronously by the same steering drive force (including steerable or non-steerable), such as the electric power steering device for electric vehicles provided by utility model patent CN206520647U. This device features a rack on the steering rod, which meshes with a gear to move the steering rod left and right. The steering rod also has a lead screw and ball bearing nuts fitted around the lead screw. A drive motor is connected to the ball bearing nuts via a transmission device to drive the ball bearing nuts to rotate around their own axis. In contrast, four-wheel independent control steering devices, such as the hub-mounted electric vehicle rear suspension independent and center-steering device disclosed in utility model patent CN205769545U, control each wheel through an independent suspension system. Integrated steering and independent steering each have their advantages. Integrated steering is controlled by the same driving force, resulting in high synchronization, good stability, and energy savings. Four-wheel independent steering, on the other hand, allows each of the four wheels to steer in different directions / angles, thus providing more diverse steering modes and driving experiences. To combine the advantages of integrated steering and independent steering, a steering device capable of controlling wheel steering modes is needed. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, this utility model provides a steering device with multi-mode switching.

[0004] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] A multi-mode switching steering device includes a first steering rod and a second steering rod coaxially arranged. The outer ends of the first and second steering rods are respectively connected to wheel ends, and they are driven to translate axially by different drive mechanisms. A locking mechanism is provided between the first and second steering rods. The locking mechanism includes a locking ring coaxially arranged between the first and second steering rods, a sliding sleeve mechanism coaxially arranged at the inner end of the first steering rod, and a limiting mechanism arranged at the inner end of the second steering rod. A self-locking mechanism is provided within the sliding sleeve mechanism. The self-locking mechanism extends and retracts radially along the sliding sleeve mechanism. The limiting mechanism is provided at the inner end of the second steering rod. The first and second steering rods switch between locked and unlocked states. In the locked state, the sliding sleeve mechanism extends into the locking ring, the inner end of the second steering rod extends into the sliding sleeve mechanism, and the self-locking mechanism retracts radially and is fixed to the limiting mechanism. In the unlocked state, the self-locking mechanism expands radially and unlocks from the limiting mechanism.

[0006] Preferably, the sliding sleeve mechanism includes a connecting seat and a sliding sleeve slidably connected to the outer periphery of the connecting seat. A first limiting step is formed on the outer periphery of one end of the connecting seat, and a retaining spring is embedded on the outer periphery of the other end. A second limiting step is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve. The second limiting step is located between the first limiting step and the retaining spring. A retaining groove is also provided between the first limiting step and the retaining spring. The self-locking mechanism includes a locking ball disposed in the retaining groove. The limiting mechanism on the second steering rod includes a limiting groove disposed on the outer periphery of the second steering rod.

[0007] Preferably, a first return spring is provided between the first limiting step and the second limiting step, and the slot is located between the first return spring and the retaining spring.

[0008] Preferably, a self-locking cavity is formed inside the connecting seat, the self-locking cavity is open at one end toward the second steering rod, and a second return spring is provided at the other end.

[0009] Preferably, a guide surface is formed at the inner edge of the opening of the limiting groove, and the guide surface narrows inward from the opening of the limiting groove.

[0010] Preferably, the slot is a circular hole, which includes an outer opening formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connector and an inner opening formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connector, and the diameter of the outer opening is larger than the diameter of the inner opening.

[0011] Preferably, the locking ring is a ring electromagnet.

[0012] Preferably, the outer periphery of the first steering rod and the second steering rod are respectively provided with racks, and each rack is meshed with a transmission gear for connecting the drive mechanism.

[0013] Preferably, a speed reduction mechanism is also provided between the transmission gear and the drive mechanism.

[0014] Preferably, the reduction mechanism is a worm gear reducer, which includes a meshing worm wheel and a worm. The worm is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism. The transmission gear includes a toothed portion and a rod portion. The toothed portion meshes with the rack, and the rod portion is coaxially connected to the worm wheel.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model's technical solution are mainly reflected in:

[0016] 1. In this design, a locking mechanism is provided between the first and second steering rods. This locking mechanism can control the locking or unlocking of the first and second steering rods in real time, thereby realizing the switching between integrated steering and independent steering control. In addition, the first and second steering rods are connected to different drive mechanisms. Therefore, when the first and second steering rods are locked, there is also a redundant control function. When one drive mechanism fails, the other drive mechanism simultaneously drives both steering rods to work, further improving the safety of driving the vehicle.

[0017] 2. In the locking mechanism, when the locking ring is energized, it drives the sliding sleeve to move and forms a clearance space outside the locking ball. At this time, regardless of whether the second steering rod extends into the sliding sleeve mechanism, it will not lock with the sliding sleeve mechanism, thus avoiding accidental triggering of the locking function. When it is necessary to lock the first steering rod and the second steering rod, the limiting mechanism and the self-locking mechanism in the sliding sleeve mechanism will automatically match to achieve locking. When unlocking, the locking ring disconnects the control of the sliding sleeve, the sliding sleeve is reset by the first return spring, and the second steering rod is reset synchronously by the second return spring and disengages from the sliding sleeve mechanism, thus avoiding unlocking failure. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional view of the multi-mode switching steering device and wheel end assembly (including the tubular housing).

[0019] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the multi-mode switching steering device and wheel end assembly (the tubular housing is omitted).

[0020] Figure 3 This is a top view of the multi-mode switching steering device and wheel end assembly status (at this time, steering is not in progress);

[0021] Figure 4 This is a top view of the multi-mode switching steering device and wheel end assembly status (at this time, the first steering rod and the second steering rod are locked, and the wheel turns 40° to the left).

[0022] Figure 5This is a top view of the multi-mode switching steering device and wheel end assembly status (at this time, the first steering rod and the second steering rod are locked, and the wheel turns 40° to the right).

[0023] Figure 6 This is a top view of the multi-mode switching steering device and wheel end assembly state (at this time, the first steering rod and the second steering rod are disconnected, and both wheels on both sides turn inward by 40°).

[0024] Figure 7 This is a top view of the multi-mode switching steering device and wheel end assembly state (at this time, the first steering rod and the second steering rod are disconnected, and both wheels on both sides are rotated inward by 90°).

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection status between the steering rod and the drive mechanism, transmission gears, and reduction mechanism.

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Exploded view;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism (at this time, the second steering rod extends into the self-locking cavity and compresses the second return spring).

[0028] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism (in the locked state).

[0029] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism (in the unlocked state). Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, advantages, and features of this utility model clearer and more detailed, the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments will be illustrated and explained. These embodiments are merely typical examples of applying the technical solutions of this utility model; any technical solutions formed by equivalent substitutions or equivalent transformations fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0031] It should also be stated that, in the description of the solution, the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of description and simplification, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" in this solution are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying a ranking of importance, or implicitly specifying the number of technical features shown. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In this utility model, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] This utility model discloses a multi-mode switching steering device, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, it includes a first steering rod 1 and a second steering rod 2 coaxially arranged. The outer ends of the first steering rod 1 and the second steering rod 2 are respectively connected to the wheel end, and the two are driven to translate axially by different drive mechanisms 11. In some embodiments, the first steering rod 1 and the second steering rod 2 can be translatably arranged in a tubular housing 16, and the outer ends of the two are respectively hinged to one side of the wheel.

[0034] like Figures 10-12 As shown, a locking mechanism is provided between the first steering rod 1 and the second steering rod 2. The locking mechanism includes a locking ring 3 coaxially disposed between the first steering rod 1 and the second steering rod 2, a sliding sleeve 5 coaxially disposed at the inner end of the first steering rod 1, and a limiting mechanism disposed at the inner end of the second steering rod 2. The locking ring 3 can be fixedly disposed on the tubular housing 16 and controlled to open and close by a circuit. A self-locking mechanism is provided inside the sliding sleeve 5 mechanism. The self-locking mechanism extends and retracts radially along the sliding sleeve 5 mechanism. A limiting mechanism is provided at the inner end of the second steering rod 2. Through the combined action of the locking ring 3, the sliding sleeve 5 mechanism, the self-locking mechanism, and the limiting mechanism, the first steering rod 1 and the second steering rod 2 can be switched between locked and unlocked states. In the locked state, the sliding sleeve 5 mechanism extends into the locking ring 3, the inner end of the second steering rod 2 extends into the sliding sleeve 5 mechanism, and the self-locking mechanism retracts radially and is fixed to the limiting mechanism. In the unlocked state, the self-locking mechanism expands radially and unlocks from the limiting mechanism.

[0035] like Figures 10-12As shown, in some embodiments, the sliding sleeve 5 mechanism includes a connecting seat 4 and a sliding sleeve 5 slidably connected to the outer periphery of the connecting seat 4. A first limiting step 401 is formed around one end of the outer periphery of the connecting seat 4, and a retaining spring 6 is embedded around the other end. A second limiting step 501 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve 5. The second limiting step 501 is located between the first limiting step 401 and the retaining spring 6, thereby ensuring that the movement range of the second limiting step 501 is limited between the first limiting step 401 and the retaining spring 6, preventing the sliding sleeve 5 from disengaging from the connecting seat 4. The locking ring 3 controls the sliding sleeve 5 to translate along its axis. In one embodiment... The locking ring 3 is a ring electromagnet. When the ring electromagnet is energized, it drives the sliding sleeve 5 to move in the direction of the first limiting platform. In a preferred embodiment, a first return spring 8 is provided between the first limiting step 401 and the second limiting step 501. At this time, when the locking ring 3 drives the sliding sleeve 5 to move in the direction of the first limiting platform, the first return spring 8 is compressed. When the locking ring 3 is de-energized, the first return spring 8 applies a reaction force to the sliding sleeve 5 and pushes the sliding sleeve 5 to translate in the direction of the retaining spring 6. The retaining groove is located between the first return spring 8 and the retaining spring 6, thereby avoiding interference between the first return spring 8 and the retaining groove.

[0036] In some embodiments, a self-locking cavity is formed in the connecting seat 4, the self-locking cavity is open at one end toward the second steering rod 2, and a second return spring 9 is provided at the other end; wherein, the first return spring 8 and the second return spring 9 may also be replaced by other energy storage mechanical components or elastic materials, such as rubber parts with telescopic properties, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0037] The connecting seat 4 is also provided with a groove between the first limiting step 401 and the retaining spring 6. The self-locking mechanism includes a locking ball 7 disposed in the groove. The limiting mechanism on the second steering rod 2 includes a limiting groove 201 disposed on the outer periphery of the second steering rod 2.

[0038] like Figure 12 As shown, when the locking ring 3 is energized, it drives the sliding sleeve 5 to move, forming a clearance space outside the locking ball 7. At this time, regardless of whether the second steering rod 2 extends into the sliding sleeve 5 mechanism, it will not lock with the sliding sleeve 5 mechanism, thus avoiding accidental triggering of the locking function; Figure 10 As shown, when it is necessary to lock the first steering rod 1 and the second steering rod 2, the relative movement of the first steering rod 1 and the second steering rod 2 causes the second steering rod 2 to extend into the sliding sleeve 5 mechanism, compressing the return spring, as shown. Figure 11As shown, after the locking ring 3 is de-energized, the sliding sleeve 5 is reset by the first return spring 8. The second limiting step 501 inside the sliding sleeve 5 abuts against the outside of the self-locking mechanism. The second steering rod 2 is reset by the second return spring 9. During the reset process, the limiting mechanism and the self-locking mechanism inside the sliding sleeve 5 are automatically matched, thereby realizing the locking of the self-locking mechanism and the limiting mechanism; Figure 12 As shown, during unlocking, the locking ring 3 continues to be energized, the sliding sleeve 5 moves toward the locking ring 3, and a clearance space is formed outside the locking ball 7. The second steering rod 2 unlocks from the self-locking mechanism and disengages from the sliding sleeve 5 mechanism.

[0039] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, at this time, the first steering lever 1 and the second steering lever 2 are locked, and the wheels on both sides achieve integrated steering control and turn in the same direction; as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, at this time, the first steering rod 1 is disconnected from the second steering rod 2, and the wheels on both sides can be independently controlled to steer, thereby realizing distributed steering.

[0040] In one embodiment, a guide surface is formed at the inner edge of the opening of the limiting groove 201. The guide surface is an inclined surface that narrows inward from the opening of the limiting groove 201, thereby facilitating the gradual guidance of the locking ball 7 into or out of the limiting groove 201. In other embodiments, the guide surface may also be an arc surface, which will not be elaborated here.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, to match the locking ball 7, the slot is a circular hole, which includes an outer opening formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting seat 4 and an inner opening formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting seat 4. The diameter of the outer opening is larger than the diameter of the inner opening. Specifically, the diameter of the outer opening is larger than the diameter of the locking ball 7, and the diameter of the inner opening is smaller than the diameter of the locking ball 7. This ensures that the slot limits the locking ball 7 while allowing the locking ball 7 to extend and retract inward and outward.

[0042] like Figure 8 , Figure 9As shown, the first steering rod 1 and the second steering rod 2 are connected to their respective drive mechanisms 11. In one embodiment, racks 10 are respectively provided on the outer periphery of the first steering rod 1 and the second steering rod 2, and each rack 10 is meshed with a transmission gear 15 for connecting to the drive mechanism 11. In other embodiments, other structures that can convert rotational power into linear motion can also be used. For example, the rack 11 can be replaced with a screw, and the transmission gear 15 can be replaced with a trapezoidal nut. The trapezoidal nut is driven by the drive mechanism 11 to rotate relative to the screw, and drives the screw to translate along its axis. The trapezoidal nut and the drive mechanism 11 can be connected through a transmission structure. Alternatively, a drive gear can be connected to the output end of the drive mechanism, and a trapezoidal nut can be connected to the drive mechanism 11. A driven gear meshing with the driving gear is provided on the outer periphery of the shaped nut; for example, the rack 11 and transmission gear 15 can be replaced with a ball screw structure, and the ball nut and the drive mechanism 11 in the ball screw structure can be connected through a transmission mechanism, which will not be elaborated here; a reduction mechanism is also provided between the transmission gear 15 and the drive mechanism 11. In one embodiment, the reduction mechanism is a worm gear reducer 13, the drive mechanism 11 is a motor, the worm gear reducer 13 includes a worm wheel 12 and a worm 13 meshing with each other, the worm 13 is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism 11 through a coupling 14, the transmission gear 15 includes a toothed part and a rod part, the toothed part meshes with the rack 10, and the rod part is coaxially connected with the worm wheel 12.

[0043] This utility model has many other embodiments. All technical solutions formed by equivalent transformation or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A steering device with multi-mode switching, characterized in that: The system includes a first steering rod and a second steering rod arranged coaxially. The outer ends of the first and second steering rods are each connected to a wheel end, and they are driven axially by different drive mechanisms. A locking mechanism is provided between the first and second steering rods. The locking mechanism includes a locking ring arranged coaxially between the first and second steering rods, a sliding sleeve mechanism arranged coaxially at the inner end of the first steering rod, and a limiting mechanism arranged at the inner end of the second steering rod. The sliding sleeve mechanism has a self-locking mechanism that extends and retracts radially. The inner end of the second steering rod has a limiting mechanism. The first and second steering rods switch between locked and unlocked states. In the locked state, the sliding sleeve mechanism extends into the locking ring, the inner end of the second steering rod extends into the sliding sleeve mechanism, and the self-locking mechanism retracts radially and is fixed to the limiting mechanism. In the unlocked state, the self-locking mechanism expands radially and unlocks from the limiting mechanism.

2. The multi-mode switching steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sliding sleeve mechanism includes a connecting seat and a sliding sleeve slidably connected to the outer periphery of the connecting seat. A first limiting step is formed on the outer periphery of one end of the connecting seat, and a retaining spring is embedded on the outer periphery of the other end. A second limiting step is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the sliding sleeve. The second limiting step is located between the first limiting step and the retaining spring. A retaining groove is also provided between the first limiting step and the retaining spring. The self-locking mechanism includes a locking ball disposed in the retaining groove. The limiting mechanism on the second steering rod includes a limiting groove disposed on the outer periphery of the second steering rod.

3. The multi-mode switching steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first return spring is provided between the first limiting step and the second limiting step, and the slot is located between the first return spring and the retaining spring.

4. The multi-mode switching steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A self-locking cavity is formed inside the connecting seat. The self-locking cavity opens at one end toward the second steering rod, and a second return spring is provided at the other end.

5. The multi-mode switching steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A guide surface is formed at the inner edge of the opening of the limiting groove, and the guide surface narrows inward from the opening of the limiting groove.

6. The multi-mode switching steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The slot is a circular hole, which includes an outer opening formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connector and an inner opening formed on the inner circumferential surface of the connector, and the diameter of the outer opening is larger than the diameter of the inner opening.

7. The multi-mode switching steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking ring is a ring electromagnet.

8. The multi-mode switching steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer periphery of the first steering rod and the second steering rod are respectively provided with racks, and each rack is meshed with a transmission gear for connecting the drive mechanism.

9. The multi-mode switching steering device according to claim 8, characterized in that: A speed reduction mechanism is also provided between the transmission gear and the drive mechanism.

10. The multi-mode switching steering device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The reduction mechanism is a worm gear reducer, which includes a worm wheel and a worm that mesh with each other. The worm is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism. The transmission gear includes a toothed part and a rod part. The toothed part meshes with the rack, and the rod part is coaxially connected to the worm wheel.

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