Actuator and vehicle
By designing a non-self-locking transmission structure and a precise detection feedback system, the problem of self-locking actuators being unable to be manually operated has been solved, achieving flexible response and stability of the actuators, making them suitable for various automotive functions.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422879645.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-25
AI Technical Summary
Most existing actuators are self-locking, which cannot meet the market demand for non-self-locking actuators, and they cannot be manually operated in emergency situations, posing a safety hazard.
An actuator with a non-self-locking transmission structure was designed, including a driving gear, a first gear, a second gear, and a driven gear. It combines Hall effect sensing elements and magnetic components to achieve accurate detection and feedback. The sealed cavity is divided into independent chambers by a mounting bracket, thus optimizing the component layout.
It enables flexible response and rapid operation of the actuator, ensuring manual operation in emergency situations, improving system stability and reliability, and making it suitable for use in environments with limited space.
Smart Images

Figure CN223648519U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automotive parts technology, and relates to an actuator and a vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] An actuator is a component that can be used for any electronically driven action in a vehicle. In addition to being used in transmissions, it can also be used in hybrid vehicles for functions such as switching between electric and gasoline power, on-demand four-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive switching.
[0003] For example, Chinese invention patent application number 201810142069.6 discloses a gear shift actuator for new energy vehicles, employing a three-stage gear transmission; the first and second stages use worm gears, and the third stage uses spur gears. This type of actuator uses a worm gear structure as its transmission method, which has a self-locking function; therefore, existing actuators of this type are all self-locking. However, with technological advancements, the market has seen a demand for non-self-locking actuators. Therefore, existing designs fail to fully meet these emerging technical requirements and have room for improvement. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology by proposing an actuator and a vehicle.
[0005] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solution: An actuator, comprising:
[0006] A housing assembly, the housing assembly including a base and a top cover, the top cover being connected to the base and forming a sealed cavity between the two;
[0007] An electric motor is installed inside the sealed cavity, and a drive gear is mounted on the motor's shaft.
[0008] A gear shaft is installed in the sealed cavity. The gear shaft is provided with a first gear and a second gear. The first gear and the second gear are both circumferentially fixedly connected to the gear shaft. The first gear meshes with the driving gear.
[0009] An output shaft is installed inside the sealed cavity. The output shaft is provided with a driven gear, which is circumferentially fixedly connected to the output shaft. The driven gear meshes with a second gear.
[0010] The driving gear, the first gear, the second gear, and the driven gear form a non-self-locking transmission structure.
[0011] Preferably, one end of the output shaft extends out of the base and is provided with a third gear, which is circumferentially fixedly connected to the output shaft.
[0012] Preferably, the outer wall of the base is provided with anti-misalignment ribs, and the third gear is provided with anti-misalignment notches. When the output shaft is in the factory position, the anti-misalignment notches on the third gear are aligned with the anti-misalignment ribs.
[0013] Preferably, a circuit board is provided inside the sealed cavity, a Hall sensor is provided on the circuit board, and a magnetic element is provided at the other end of the output shaft, the magnetic element being located within the sensing range of the Hall sensor.
[0014] Preferably, the driven gear is configured as a sector gear structure, and the teeth of the driven gear are disposed on the arc-shaped outer edge.
[0015] Preferably, the device also includes a mounting bracket located within the sealed cavity and fixedly connected to the base. The mounting bracket divides the sealed cavity into a mounting cavity and a gear cavity. The mounting cavity is located within the upper cover, and the gear cavity is located within the base. The circuit board and the motor are both located within the mounting cavity. The motor is connected to the mounting bracket. The gear shaft and the output shaft both pass through the mounting bracket. The driving gear, the first gear, the second gear, and the driven gear are all located within the gear cavity.
[0016] Preferably, the mounting cavity has a recessed portion that matches the outline shape of the motor, the motor is mounted in the recessed portion, and the motor's shaft passes through the mounting bracket and is connected to the drive gear.
[0017] Preferably, the base is provided with a bearing, one end of the output shaft passes through the bearing, and a sealing ring is provided between the output shaft and the base.
[0018] Preferably, it also includes a pin block, which is mounted on the base, and a portion of the pin block extends from the gear cavity into the mounting cavity and is connected to the circuit board.
[0019] A vehicle including the aforementioned actuator.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0021] 1. The driving gear, first gear, second gear and driven gear form a non-self-locking transmission structure, which is more flexible and responds faster. In special cases, it allows users to operate the actuator manually.
[0022] 2. The main function of the anti-misalignment rib is to provide a reference point during installation, ensuring the output shaft is correctly positioned at the factory. When the output shaft is in its factory position, the anti-misalignment notch on the third gear will align with the anti-misalignment rib on the outer wall of the base. This is the actuator's initial position, usually the zero position or reference position, ensuring correct installation and facilitating installation and debugging.
[0023] 3. By setting a circuit board and Hall effect sensing element inside the sealed cavity and setting a magnetic component at the other end of the output shaft, this design achieves accurate detection and real-time feedback of the output shaft position.
[0024] 4. The sector gear structure significantly reduces the size of the driven gear, thereby reducing the space requirement for the sealing cavity. This makes the entire actuator structure more compact, suitable for use in space-constrained environments. By reducing the size of the driven gear, the layout of other components within the sealing cavity can be better optimized, improving the overall compactness and rationality of the structure.
[0025] 5. The mounting bracket divides the sealed cavity into two independent chambers, resulting in a more compact layout of components and making full use of limited space. The separation of the mounting chamber and the gear chamber reduces mutual interference between the circuit board and the motor and gear transmission system, improving the system's stability and reliability. The mounting bracket design also makes the installation and disassembly of components more convenient, facilitating maintenance and repair. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the actuator of this utility model.
[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the motor, gear shaft, output shaft, and mounting bracket of this utility model.
[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the actuator of this utility model.
[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the actuator of this utility model with the top cover removed.
[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the mounting bracket and the base of this utility model.
[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission structure of the actuator of this utility model.
[0032] Figure 7 This is an isometric view of the actuator of this utility model.
[0033] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of the actuator of this utility model.
[0034] In the diagram, 100 is the base; 110 is the anti-misalignment rib; 120 is the gear cavity; 130 is the bearing; 140 is the sealing ring; 200 is the top cover; 210 is the mounting cavity; 211 is the recessed cavity; 300 is the motor; 310 is the driving gear; 400 is the gear shaft; 410 is the first gear; 420 is the second gear; 500 is the output shaft; 510 is the driven gear; 520 is the third gear; 521 is the anti-misalignment notch; 530 is the magnetic component; 600 is the circuit board; 700 is the mounting bracket; and 800 is the pin block. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The following are specific embodiments of the present invention, which are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
[0036] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, an actuator includes: a housing assembly comprising a base 100 and a top cover 200, the top cover 200 being connected to the base 100 and forming a sealed cavity between them; a motor 300, the motor 300 being mounted within the sealed cavity, and a drive gear 310 being mounted on the shaft of the motor 300; a gear shaft 400, the gear shaft 400 being mounted within the sealed cavity, the gear shaft 400 being provided with a first gear 410 and a second gear 420, both the first gear 410 and the second gear 420 being circumferentially fixedly connected to the gear shaft 400, the first gear 410 meshing with the drive gear 310; and an output shaft 500, the output shaft 500 being mounted within the sealed cavity, the output shaft 500 being provided with a driven gear 510, the driven gear 510 being circumferentially fixedly connected to the output shaft 500, the driven gear 510 meshing with the second gear 420; the drive gear 310, the first gear 410, the second gear 420, and the driven gear 510 forming a non-self-locking transmission structure.
[0037] The housing assembly consists of a base 100 and a top cover 200, which are fixedly connected by screws, forming a sealed cavity between them. The main function of this sealed cavity is to protect the internal precision components from external environmental influences, such as dust and moisture. A motor 300 is installed within the sealed cavity and serves as the power source for the actuator. When the motor 300 receives a control signal, it rotates, driving the drive gear 310. A gear shaft 400 is also installed within the sealed cavity; when the gear shaft 400 rotates, the first gear 410 and the second gear 420 rotate together. Similarly, an output shaft 500 is installed within the sealed cavity. When the gear shaft 400 rotates, the second gear 420 drives the driven gear 510 to rotate, thereby causing the output shaft 500 to rotate.
[0038] When this actuator is working, the motor 300 rotates, driving the drive gear 310 to rotate. Since the first gear 410 on the gear shaft 400 meshes with the drive gear 310 on the motor 300, the gear shaft 400 rotates accordingly. The second gear 420 on the gear shaft 400 meshes with the driven gear 510 on the output shaft 500, so the output shaft 500 also rotates accordingly. The entire transmission logic is that the motor 300 transmits torque to the gear shaft 400, and the gear shaft 400 then transmits torque to the output shaft 500. The output shaft 500 outputs a control signal through its own rotation angle to complete the gear shifting action. The output end of the motor 300, the gear shaft 400, and the output shaft 500 are all connected by gear transmission. This means that the output end of the motor 300, the gear shaft 400, and the output shaft 500 form a non-self-locking transmission. The output shaft 500 of the actuator can rotate freely without being affected by the transmission structure. This is an important feature of the actuator because it allows the output shaft 500 to be manually twisted when necessary, for example, in an emergency such as when the motor 300 is powered off, to manually twist the output shaft 500 to switch functions or gears.
[0039] Specifically, in the event of a power outage to motor 300 or a system malfunction, the non-self-locking transmission structure allows the operator to manually adjust the gear position. This is especially important in emergencies, ensuring that the vehicle or equipment does not lose control due to actuator jamming. If the actuator were self-locking, a power outage to motor 300 could cause it to become stuck in a certain position, unable to move. The non-self-locking structure avoids this situation, reducing safety hazards caused by jamming. When the actuator needs inspection or maintenance, the non-self-locking structure allows the operator to easily rotate the output shaft 500 manually, facilitating the inspection of internal parts and making necessary adjustments.
[0040] The driving gear 310, the first gear 410, the second gear 420, and the driven gear 510 form a non-self-locking transmission structure, which is more flexible and responds faster, allowing users to operate the actuator manually in special circumstances.
[0041] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, based on the above embodiment, one end of the output shaft 500 extends out of the base 100 and is provided with a third gear 520, which is circumferentially fixedly connected to the output shaft 500. One end of the output shaft 500 extends out of the base 100, and the extended part of the output shaft 500 can be operated from outside the actuator to rotate the output shaft 500.
[0042] Based on the above implementation, the outer wall of the base 100 is provided with a mis-proof rib 110, and the third gear 520 is provided with a mis-proof notch 521. When the output shaft 500 is in the factory position, the mis-proof notch 521 on the third gear 520 is directly opposite the mis-proof rib 110.
[0043] The main function of the anti-misalignment rib 110 is to provide a reference point during installation, ensuring that the output shaft 500 is correctly positioned at the factory. When the output shaft 500 is in its factory position, the anti-misalignment notch 521 on the third gear 520 will be aligned with the anti-misalignment rib 110 on the outer wall of the base 100. This is the actuator's initial position, usually also the zero position or reference position. During actuator installation, the operator can observe the alignment of the anti-misalignment rib 110 and the anti-misalignment notch 521 to ensure correct actuator installation, facilitating installation and debugging.
[0044] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, based on the above embodiment, a circuit board 600 is provided inside the sealed cavity, a Hall sensor element is provided on the circuit board 600, and a magnetic element 530 is provided at the other end of the output shaft 500. The magnetic element 530 is located within the sensing range of the Hall sensor element.
[0045] The circuit board 600 integrates various electronic components, including a Hall effect sensor. A Hall effect sensor is a magnetically sensitive element that detects changes in a magnetic field and generates a corresponding electrical signal. The magnetic component 530 is typically a permanent magnet. As the output shaft 500 rotates, the position of the magnetic component 530 changes, thereby altering the magnetic field strength detected by the Hall effect sensor. When shifting gears, the output shaft 500 rotates, and the magnetic component 530 rotates accordingly. Due to the change in the position of the magnetic component 530, the magnetic field strength detected by the Hall effect sensor also changes. The circuitry on the circuit board 600 processes the received Hall effect sensor signal, converting it into a digital or analog signal. The control system uses these signals to determine the position and rotation angle of the output shaft 500. Based on the Hall effect sensor signal, the control system monitors the position of the output shaft 500 in real time, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the gear shifting action. By placing the circuit board 600 and the Hall effect sensor within a sealed cavity, and placing the magnetic component 530 at the other end of the output shaft 500, this design achieves precise detection and real-time feedback of the output shaft 500's position.
[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the driven gear 510 is configured as a sector gear structure, and the teeth of the driven gear 510 are arranged on the arc-shaped outer edge.
[0047] The driven gear 510 is designed with a sector-shaped structure instead of a traditional circular gear. This design significantly reduces the size of the driven gear 510, whose teeth mesh with the second gear 420 on the gear shaft 400. Although the driven gear 510 is not a complete gear, it still achieves efficient power transmission due to the teeth on its curved edges. The sector-shaped gear structure significantly reduces the size of the driven gear 510, thereby reducing the space requirement of the sealed cavity. This makes the entire actuator structure more compact and suitable for use in space-constrained environments. By reducing the size of the driven gear 510, the layout of other components within the sealed cavity can be better optimized, improving the overall compactness and rationality of the structure.
[0048] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, based on the above embodiment, it also includes a mounting bracket 700. The mounting bracket 700 is located in the sealed cavity and fixedly connected to the base 100. The mounting bracket 700 divides the sealed cavity into a mounting cavity 210 and a gear cavity 120. The mounting cavity 210 is located inside the upper cover 200, and the gear cavity 120 is located inside the base 100. The circuit board 600 and the motor 300 are both located inside the mounting cavity 210. The motor 300 is connected to the mounting bracket 700. The gear shaft 400 and the output shaft 500 are both inserted through the mounting bracket 700. The driving gear 310, the first gear 410, the second gear 420, and the driven gear 510 are all located inside the gear cavity 120.
[0049] The primary function of the mounting bracket 700 is to mount the motor 300, gear shaft 400, and output shaft 500. Secondly, it divides the sealed cavity into mounting cavity 210 and gear cavity 120. Mounting cavity 210, located within the upper cover 200, is mainly used to mount the circuit board 600 and motor 300. Both the circuit board 600 and motor 300 are located within this cavity, ensuring they are kept away from gears and other mechanical components. Gear cavity 120, located within the base 100, is mainly used to mount the gear shaft 400 and output shaft 500. The driving gear 310, first gear 410, second gear 420, and driven gear 510 are all located within this cavity.
[0050] The design of this mounting bracket 700 not only facilitates the installation of various components within the housing assembly but also optimizes the internal layout, resulting in a more compact overall structure. The circuit board 600 is mounted within the mounting cavity 210 and fixedly connected to the base 100. The motor 300 is also mounted within the mounting cavity 210 and connected to the mounting bracket 700. Both the gear shaft 400 and the output shaft 500 pass through the mounting bracket 700. The mounting bracket 700 divides the sealed cavity into two independent chambers, allowing for a more compact layout of components and making full use of limited space. The separation of the mounting cavity 210 and the gear cavity 120 reduces mutual interference between the circuit board 600 and the motor 300 and the gear transmission system, improving system stability and reliability. The design of the mounting bracket 700 also facilitates the installation and removal of components, making maintenance and repair easier.
[0051] Based on the above embodiment, the mounting cavity 210 has a recessed portion 211 that matches the contour shape of the motor 300. The motor 300 is mounted in the recessed portion 211, and the shaft of the motor 300 passes through the mounting bracket 700 and connects to the drive gear 310. The shape of the recessed portion 211 matches the contour shape of the motor 300, ensuring that the motor 300 can be tightly embedded therein. This is typically a three-dimensional groove that can completely enclose the circumferential portion of the motor 300. The mounting bracket 700 then abuts against the top surface of the motor 300, thereby constraining the motor 300 within the recessed portion 211. The shaft of the motor 300 passes through the mounting bracket 700 and connects to the drive gear 310. The mounting bracket 700 typically has corresponding holes to ensure that the shaft can pass through smoothly.
[0052] Based on the above embodiments, the base 100 is provided with a bearing 130, one end of the output shaft 500 passes through the bearing 130, and a sealing ring 140 is provided between the output shaft 500 and the base 100.
[0053] The main function of bearing 130 is to support output shaft 500, reduce friction during rotation, and ensure smooth rotation of output shaft 500. The main function of seal ring 140 is to prevent external dust, moisture, and other impurities from entering the sealing cavity.
[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, based on the above embodiment, it also includes a pin block 800, which is mounted on the base 100. A portion of the pin block 800 extends from the gear cavity 120 into the mounting cavity 210 and is connected to the circuit board 600.
[0055] The main function of the pin block 800 is to connect the circuit board 600 to the external control system to ensure the transmission of electrical signals. A portion of the pin block 800 passes through the base 100 from the gear cavity 120 and enters the mounting cavity 210. This means that the pin block 800 can be installed from below the circuit board 600, or the pin block 800 can be installed first, and then the circuit board 600 can be covered, so that some pins on the pin block 800 are connected to the circuit board 600. Finally, the circuit board 600 is fixedly connected to the base 100.
[0056] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, based on the above embodiments, a vehicle includes an actuator. As a key electromechanical component, the actuator has a very wide range of applications, not limited to gearboxes, but also including various automotive functions, especially in modern hybrid and electric vehicles. Besides being used in gearboxes, it can also be applied to functions such as hybrid vehicle switching between electric and gasoline power, on-demand four-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive switching.
[0057] For example, when applied to transmissions, actuators control the gear shifting process. Actuators can also manage the power switching between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, enabling hybrid-electric switching. Actuators can also be used for on-demand four-wheel drive / rear-wheel drive switching. In vehicles with on-demand four-wheel drive systems, actuators control the power distribution between the front and rear axles. When front wheel slippage or other situations requiring additional traction are detected, the actuator quickly transfers some power to the rear wheels, improving vehicle stability and traction. Similarly, in rear-wheel drive vehicles, actuators can be used to switch between different drive modes to adapt to varying driving conditions.
[0058] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.
[0059] Furthermore, in this utility model, descriptions involving "first," "second," or "a" are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features.
[0060] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection" and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited.
[0061] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
Claims
1. An actuator, characterized in that, include: A housing assembly comprising a base (100) and a top cover (200), the top cover (200) being connected to the base (100) and forming a sealed cavity therebetween; A motor (300) is installed in the sealed cavity, and a drive gear (310) is installed on the shaft of the motor (300); A gear shaft (400) is installed in the sealed cavity. The gear shaft (400) is provided with a first gear (410) and a second gear (420). The first gear (410) and the second gear (420) are both circumferentially fixedly connected to the gear shaft (400). The first gear (410) meshes with the driving gear (310). An output shaft (500) is installed in the sealed cavity. The output shaft (500) is provided with a driven gear (510). The driven gear (510) is circumferentially fixedly connected to the output shaft (500). The driven gear (510) meshes with the second gear (420). The driving gear (310), the first gear (410), the second gear (420), and the driven gear (510) form a non-self-locking transmission structure; One end of the output shaft (500) extends out of the base (100) and is provided with a third gear (520), which is circumferentially fixedly connected to the output shaft (500); The outer wall of the base (100) is provided with anti-misalignment ribs (110), and the third gear (520) is provided with anti-misalignment notches (521). When the output shaft (500) is in the factory position, the anti-misalignment notches (521) on the third gear (520) are directly opposite the anti-misalignment ribs (110).
2. An actuator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A circuit board (600) is provided inside the sealed cavity, and a Hall sensor element is provided on the circuit board (600). A magnetic element (530) is provided at the other end of the output shaft (500), and the magnetic element (530) is located within the sensing range of the Hall sensor element.
3. An actuator as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The driven gear (510) is configured as a sector gear structure, and the teeth of the driven gear (510) are arranged on the arc-shaped outer edge.
4. An actuator as described in claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a mounting bracket (700), which is located in the sealed cavity and fixedly connected to the base (100). The mounting bracket (700) divides the sealed cavity into a mounting cavity (210) and a gear cavity (120). The mounting cavity (210) is located in the upper cover (200), and the gear cavity (120) is located in the base (100). The circuit board (600) and the motor (300) are both located in the mounting cavity (210). The motor (300) is connected to the mounting bracket (700). The gear shaft (400) and the output shaft (500) are both inserted through the mounting bracket (700). The driving gear (310), the first gear (410), the second gear (420), and the driven gear (510) are all located in the gear cavity (120).
5. An actuator as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The mounting cavity (210) has a recess (211) that matches the outline shape of the motor (300). The motor (300) is mounted in the recess (211), and the shaft of the motor (300) passes through the mounting bracket (700) and is connected to the drive gear (310).
6. An actuator as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The base (100) is provided with a bearing (130), one end of the output shaft (500) passes through the bearing (130), and a sealing ring (140) is provided between the output shaft (500) and the base (100).
7. An actuator as described in claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a pin block (800) mounted on the base (100), a portion of which extends from the gear cavity (120) into the mounting cavity (210) and is connected to the circuit board (600).
8. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the actuator as described in any one of claims 1-7.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Gear-shifting actuator for new energy automobile
CN108591445A