Connecting components, steering mechanism, and vehicle
By setting outer and inner arc surfaces with the same or different curvatures in the connecting components, the problem of circumferential slippage between the fork and the shaft mating surface during high torque transmission is solved, achieving effective power transmission, reduced wear, and improved transmission accuracy.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- XIAOMI EV TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the mating surfaces of the fork and shaft experience circumferential slippage due to fluctuations in the coefficient of friction when transmitting high torque, resulting in reduced steering power transmission efficiency and wear of parts, posing a systemic risk.
The design of the connecting shaft and shaft kit of the connecting component ensures that the outer plane and the inner plane fit tightly by setting the curvature of the outer arc surface and the inner arc surface to limit relative rotation, reduce wear and reduce the fastening force requirement.
It effectively transmits power, reduces wear, improves transmission reliability and accuracy, reduces the fastener tightening force required, and avoids the occurrence of planar gaps.
Smart Images

Figure CN224283263U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle component technology, and more specifically, to a connection assembly, a steering mechanism, and a vehicle. Background Technology
[0002] In related technologies, the mating surfaces of the fork and shaft rely on friction to transmit torque. When the system transmits high torque, the mating surfaces are prone to circumferential slippage due to fluctuations in the friction coefficient, resulting in a decrease in steering power transmission efficiency and causing systemic risks such as steering angle signal distortion and abnormal wear of parts. Utility Model Content
[0003] To overcome the problems existing in the related technologies, this disclosure provides a connection component, a steering mechanism, and a vehicle.
[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a connecting assembly is provided, the connecting assembly including a connecting shaft, a shaft assembly, and a fastener, the connecting shaft being used to pass through the shaft assembly and being fastened to the shaft assembly by the fastener;
[0005] The outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft includes at least two outer arc surfaces and at least one outer plane, and the inner peripheral surface of the shaft assembly includes at least two inner arc surfaces and at least one inner plane.
[0006] The outer plane is used to fit and conform to the inner plane, and the outer arc surface is used to correspond to the inner arc surface.
[0007] Wherein, at least one of the outer arc surfaces has the same curvature as at least one of the inner arc surfaces and is fitted together, and at least one of the outer arc surfaces has different curvatures as at least one of the inner arc surfaces and is spaced apart from each other.
[0008] When torque is applied to the connecting shaft or shaft assembly, the outer and inner arc surfaces with the same curvature fit together, and the outer plane is used to correspond with the inner plane. This effectively restricts the relative rotation between the connecting shaft and the shaft assembly, efficiently transmitting power, reducing wear, and lowering the required fastening force for the fasteners. Furthermore, the design of the outer and inner arc surfaces with different curvatures avoids the problem of ineffective fitting of the outer and inner planes when their curvatures are the same, ensuring a tight fit between the outer and inner planes and effectively improving the reliability and accuracy of the transmission.
[0009] In some embodiments, the curvature of the outer arc surface is a first curvature, the curvature of at least one inner arc surface is the first curvature, and the curvature of at least one inner arc surface is a second curvature; wherein the second curvature is less than the first curvature.
[0010] The second curvature is smaller than the first curvature. That is, the diameter of the inner arc surface of the second curvature is larger than the diameter of the outer arc surface of the first curvature. This ensures that the inner plane 22 of the shaft assembly fits tightly with the outer plane of the connecting shaft, reducing the possibility of gaps between the inner and outer planes.
[0011] In some embodiments, the curvature of the inner arc surface is a first curvature, the curvature of at least one outer arc surface is the first curvature, and the curvature of at least one outer arc surface is a third curvature; wherein the third curvature is greater than the first curvature.
[0012] The third curvature is greater than the first curvature. That is, the diameter of the outer arc surface of the third curvature is smaller than the diameter of the inner arc surface of the first curvature. This ensures that the inner plane of the shaft assembly fits tightly with the outer plane of the connecting shaft, reducing the possibility of gaps between the inner and outer planes.
[0013] In some embodiments, the curvature of at least one of the inner arc surfaces is the first curvature, and the curvature of at least one of the inner arc surfaces is the second curvature;
[0014] The curvature of at least one of the outer arc surfaces is the first curvature, and the curvature of at least one of the outer arc surfaces is the third curvature;
[0015] Wherein, the second curvature is less than the first curvature, and the third curvature is greater than the first curvature.
[0016] The third curvature is greater than the second curvature. That is, the diameter of the outer arc surface of the third curvature is smaller than the diameter of the inner arc surface of the second curvature. This ensures that the inner plane of the shaft assembly fits tightly with the outer plane of the connecting shaft, reducing the possibility of gaps between the inner and outer planes.
[0017] In some embodiments, at least two inner arc surfaces include two first inner arc surfaces and one second inner arc surface;
[0018] The inner plane is configured as two, one of which is connected between the first side of the second inner arc surface and one of the first inner arc surfaces, and the other is connected between the second side of the second inner arc surface and another of the first inner arc surfaces.
[0019] Wherein, the curvature of the first inner arc surface is the first curvature, and the curvature of the second inner arc surface is the second curvature.
[0020] In the case where the connecting shaft and shaft kit are connected by fasteners, the two first inner arc surfaces are fitted with the outer arc surface of the connecting shaft, and the second inner arc surface is spaced apart from and opposite to the outer arc surface of the connecting shaft. This allows the inner plane of the shaft kit to fit tightly with the outer plane of the connecting shaft, reducing the possibility of gaps between the inner and outer planes and reducing the possibility of the connecting shaft rotating relative to the shaft kit.
[0021] In some embodiments, the center of the circle corresponding to the first inner arc surface is the first center of the circle, and the distance from the inner plane to the first center of the circle is the first dimension; the radius corresponding to the first inner arc surface is the second dimension; wherein the ratio between the first dimension and the second dimension is between 0.82 and 0.9.
[0022] By defining the ratio between the first and second dimensions, it is possible to precisely ensure that the outer plane contacts the inner plane first, thus ensuring that the two fit together effectively.
[0023] In some embodiments, the ratio of the second curvature to the first curvature ranges from 0.95 to 0.99.
[0024] By limiting the ratio between the second curvature and the first curvature, the curvature difference can be avoided from being too large, which could lead to insufficient strength of the shaft assembly and ensure the structural strength of the shaft assembly.
[0025] In some embodiments, the ratio of the first curvature to the third curvature ranges from 0.95 to 0.99.
[0026] By limiting the ratio of the first curvature to the third curvature, the amount of machining required for the connecting shaft can be reduced, thereby lowering machining costs.
[0027] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a steering mechanism is also provided, the steering mechanism including a steering input shaft, a steering intermediate shaft, and the connecting assembly;
[0028] The steering gear input shaft and the steering intermediate shaft are connected by the connecting assembly.
[0029] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is also provided, the vehicle including the aforementioned connection assembly; or, the vehicle including the aforementioned steering mechanism.
[0030] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can include the following beneficial effects: When the connecting shaft is connected to the shaft assembly by fasteners, at least one outer arc surface and at least one inner arc surface have the same curvature and are fitted together, and the outer plane and the inner plane are correspondingly fitted together. Furthermore, at least one outer arc surface and at least one inner arc surface have different curvatures and are spaced apart. When torque is applied to the connecting shaft or shaft assembly, because the outer and inner arc surfaces with the same curvature fit together, and the outer plane is used to correspondingly fit with the inner plane, the relative rotation between the connecting shaft and the shaft assembly can be effectively limited, power can be effectively transmitted, wear can be reduced, and the fastening force required for the fasteners can be reduced. In addition, the design of outer and inner arc surfaces with different curvatures can also avoid the problem of the outer plane and inner plane not being able to fit effectively when the outer and inner arc surfaces have the same curvature, ensuring the tightness of the fit between the outer plane and the inner plane, and effectively improving the reliability and accuracy of the transmission.
[0031] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description
[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.
[0033] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a connection component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a connection component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a shaft assembly of a connecting component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting shaft and fastener of a connecting assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting shaft of a connecting component according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0039] 1. Connecting shaft; 11. Outer arc surface; 12. Outer plane;
[0040] 2. Shaft assembly; 21. Inner arc surface; 211. First inner plane; 212. Second inner plane; 22. Inner plane; 201. First shaft sleeve half; 202. Second shaft sleeve half; 203. Fastening clearance;
[0041] 3. Fasteners; A. First direction; B. Second direction. Detailed Implementation
[0042] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.
[0043] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the directional terms "first direction" and "second direction" refer to two intersecting directions. For example, the first direction and the second direction can be perpendicular to each other, as detailed in the following reference. Figure 1 As shown. The directional terms used, such as "inner" and "outer", refer to the inner and outer parts of the specific structural outline; the terms used, such as "first" and "second", are only used to distinguish one element from another and do not have any order or importance.
[0044] In the description of this disclosure, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.
[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this disclosure provides a connecting assembly including a connecting shaft 1, a shaft sleeve 2, and a fastener 3. The connecting shaft 1 is used to pass through the shaft sleeve 2 and is fastened to the shaft sleeve 2 by the fastener 3. The outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft 1 includes at least two outer arc surfaces 11 and at least one outer plane 12. The inner peripheral surface of the shaft sleeve 2 includes at least two inner arc surfaces 21 and at least one inner plane 22. The outer plane 12 is used to be fitted to the inner plane 22, and the outer arc surfaces 11 are used to be fitted to the inner arc surfaces 21. At least one outer arc surface 11 has the same curvature as at least one inner arc surface 21 and is fitted to the inner arc surface 21, while at least one outer arc surface 11 has a different curvature than at least one inner arc surface 21 and is spaced apart from it.
[0046] In the above technical solution, when the connecting shaft 1 is connected to the shaft assembly 2 via the fastener 3, at least one outer arc surface 11 and at least one inner arc surface 21 have the same curvature and are fitted together, and the outer plane 12 and the inner plane 22 are fitted together accordingly. In addition, at least one outer arc surface 11 and at least one inner arc surface 21 have different curvatures and are spaced apart. When torque is applied to the connecting shaft 1 or the shaft assembly 2, since the outer arc surface 11 and the inner arc surface 21 with the same curvature fit together, and the outer plane 12 is used to fit together with the inner plane 22, the relative rotation between the connecting shaft 1 and the shaft assembly 2 can be effectively restricted, the power can be effectively transmitted, wear can be reduced, and the fastening force required for the fastener can also be reduced. In addition, the design of the outer arc surface 11 and the inner arc surface 21 with different curvatures can also avoid the problem that the outer plane 12 and the inner plane 22 cannot be effectively fitted when the curvatures of the outer arc surface 11 and the inner arc surface 21 are the same, ensuring the tightness of the fit between the outer plane 12 and the inner plane 22, and effectively improving the reliability and accuracy of the transmission.
[0047] In one implementation, reference is made to Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the curvature of the outer arc surface 11 is a first curvature, the curvature of at least one inner arc surface 21 is a first curvature, and the curvature of at least one inner arc surface 21 is a second curvature; wherein the second curvature is less than the first curvature.
[0048] In this embodiment, the curvature of the outer arc surface 11 of the connecting shaft 1 is a first curvature. The shaft assembly 2 is configured with its inner arc surface 21 of the first curvature fitting against the outer arc surface 11 of the connecting shaft 1. The inner plane 22 of the shaft assembly 2 is fitted against the outer plane 12 of the connecting shaft 1. The shaft assembly 2 is also configured with its inner arc surface 21 of a second curvature spaced apart from the outer arc surface 11 of the connecting shaft 1. The second curvature is smaller than the first curvature; that is, the diameter of the inner arc surface 21 of the second curvature is larger than the diameter of the outer arc surface 11 of the first curvature. This ensures that the inner plane 22 of the shaft assembly 2 fits tightly against the outer plane 12 of the connecting shaft 1, reducing the possibility of gaps between the inner plane 22 and the outer plane 12.
[0049] In another embodiment, the curvature of the inner arc surface 21 is a first curvature, the curvature of at least one outer arc surface 11 is a first curvature, and the curvature of at least one outer arc surface 11 is a third curvature; wherein the third curvature is greater than the first curvature.
[0050] In this embodiment, the curvature of the inner arc surface 21 of the shaft assembly 2 is a first curvature. The outer arc surface 11 of the connecting shaft 1 with the first curvature is fitted to the inner arc surface 21 of the shaft assembly 2. The inner plane 22 of the shaft assembly 2 is fitted to the outer plane 12 of the connecting shaft 1. The outer arc surface 11 of the connecting shaft 1 with the third curvature is spaced apart from the inner arc surface 21 of the shaft assembly 2. The third curvature is greater than the first curvature; that is, the diameter corresponding to the outer arc surface 11 with the third curvature is smaller than the diameter corresponding to the inner arc surface 21 with the first curvature. This ensures that the inner plane 22 of the shaft assembly 2 and the outer plane 12 of the connecting shaft 1 are tightly fitted, reducing the possibility of gaps between the inner plane 22 and the outer plane 12.
[0051] Optionally, at least one inner arc surface 21 has a first curvature and at least one inner arc surface 21 has a second curvature; at least one outer arc surface 11 has a first curvature and at least one outer arc surface 11 has a third curvature; wherein the second curvature is less than the first curvature and the third curvature is greater than the first curvature.
[0052] In this embodiment, the inner arc surface 21 of the first curvature and the outer arc surface 21 of the first curvature are respectively fitted together, and the inner plane 22 of the shaft assembly 2 is fitted together with the outer plane 12 of the connecting shaft 1. The inner arc surface 21 of the second curvature and the outer arc surface 11 of the third curvature are opposite to each other and spaced apart. The third curvature is greater than the second curvature. That is, the diameter of the outer arc surface 11 of the third curvature is smaller than the diameter of the inner arc surface 21 of the second curvature. This ensures that the inner plane 22 of the shaft assembly 2 is tightly fitted with the outer plane 12 of the connecting shaft 1, reducing the possibility of gaps between the inner plane 22 and the outer plane 12.
[0053] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, at least two inner arc surfaces 21 include two first inner arc surfaces 211 and one second inner arc surface 212; two inner planes 22 are provided, one inner plane 22 is connected between the first side of the second inner arc surface 212 and one of the first inner arc surfaces 211, and the other inner plane 22 is connected between the second side of the second inner arc surface 212 and the other first inner arc surface 211; wherein, the curvature of the first inner arc surface 211 is a first curvature, and the curvature of the second inner arc surface 212 is a second curvature.
[0054] In this embodiment, when the connecting shaft 1 and the shaft kit 2 are connected by the fastener 3, the two first inner arc surfaces 211 are fitted with the outer arc surface 11 of the connecting shaft 1, and the second inner arc surface 212 is spaced apart from and opposite to the outer arc surface 11 of the connecting shaft 1. This allows the inner plane 22 of the shaft kit 2 to fit tightly with the outer plane 12 of the connecting shaft 1, reducing the possibility of gaps between the inner plane 22 and the outer plane 12, and reducing the possibility of the connecting shaft 1 rotating relative to the shaft kit 2.
[0055] Optionally, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the shaft assembly 2 includes a first shaft sleeve half 201 and a second shaft sleeve half 202 connected to each other. The inner side of the first shaft sleeve half 201 has one first inner arc surface 211, and the inner side of the second shaft sleeve half 202 has another first inner arc surface 211. A fastening gap 203 is provided between the first shaft sleeve half 201 and the second shaft sleeve half 202 in a first direction A. The second inner arc surface 212 and the fastening gap 203 are disposed opposite to each other in a second direction B. A fastener 3 is used to pass through the first shaft sleeve half 201, the fastening gap 203, and the second shaft sleeve half 202 in the first direction A; wherein the first direction A intersects with the second direction B.
[0056] In this embodiment, when assembling the connecting shaft 1 and the shaft assembly 2, the connecting shaft 1 can be inserted into the shaft assembly 2 first. Then, the first shaft sleeve half 201 and the second shaft sleeve half 202 are tightened using fasteners 3 so that the first shaft sleeve half 201 and the second shaft sleeve half 202 move closer to each other. During the tightening process, the first inner arc surface 211 on the first shaft sleeve half 201 and the first inner arc surface 211 on the second shaft sleeve half 202 first fits against the outer arc surface 11 of the connecting shaft 1. Then, the connecting shaft 1 is moved toward the second inner arc surface 212 in the second direction B. Since the second curvature of the second inner arc surface 212 is less than the first curvature of the first inner arc surface 211, the outer plane 12 of the connecting shaft 1 contacts the inner plane 22 of the shaft assembly 2 first during the displacement process, rather than contacting the second inner arc surface 212.
[0057] Optionally, the center of the circle corresponding to the first inner arc surface 211 is the first center of the circle, and the distance from the inner plane 22 to the first center of the circle is the first dimension; the radius corresponding to the first inner arc surface 211 is the second dimension; wherein the ratio between the first dimension and the second dimension is between 0.82 and 0.9.
[0058] In this embodiment, the ratio between the first dimension and the second dimension can be 0.82; or, the ratio can be 0.821; or, the ratio can be 0.9. This disclosure does not limit the specific ratio of the first dimension to the second dimension. By limiting the ratio between the first dimension and the second dimension, it can be precisely ensured that the outer plane 12 contacts the inner plane 22 first, ensuring effective contact between the two.
[0059] Optionally, the ratio of the second curvature to the first curvature of the inner arc surface 21 is between 0.95 and 0.99. For example, the ratio of the second curvature to the first curvature can be 0.95; or, the ratio of the second curvature to the first curvature can be 0.951; or, the ratio of the second curvature to the first curvature can be 0.99. This disclosure does not limit the ratio of the second curvature to the first curvature. By limiting the ratio between the second curvature and the first curvature, it is possible to avoid excessive curvature difference, which could lead to insufficient strength of the shaft assembly 2, thus ensuring the structural strength of the shaft assembly 2.
[0060] Optionally, the ratio of the first curvature to the third curvature of the outer arc surface 11 is between 0.95 and 0.99. For example, the ratio of the first curvature to the third curvature can be 0.95; or, the ratio of the first curvature to the third curvature can be 0.951; or, the ratio of the first curvature to the third curvature can be 0.99. This disclosure does not limit the ratio of the first curvature to the third curvature. By limiting the ratio of the first curvature to the third curvature, the machining amount of the connecting shaft 1 can be reduced, and the machining cost can be lowered.
[0061] This disclosure also provides a steering mechanism, which includes a steering input shaft (not shown), a steering intermediate shaft (not shown), and the aforementioned connecting assembly; wherein the steering input shaft and the steering intermediate shaft are connected by the connecting assembly.
[0062] For example, the connecting shaft 1 of the above-mentioned connecting component can be set on the steering gear input shaft as part of the steering gear input shaft, and the shaft assembly 2 of the above-mentioned connecting component can be set on the steering intermediate shaft as part of the steering intermediate shaft, but this disclosure does not limit the specific setting method.
[0063] This disclosure also provides a vehicle that includes the above-described connection components; or, the vehicle that includes the above-described steering mechanism.
[0064] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of this disclosure. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.
[0065] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A connection component, characterized in that, The connecting assembly includes a connecting shaft, a shaft kit, and fasteners. The connecting shaft is used to pass through the shaft kit and is fastened to the shaft kit by the fasteners. The outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft includes at least two outer arc surfaces and at least one outer plane, and the inner peripheral surface of the shaft assembly includes at least two inner arc surfaces and at least one inner plane. The outer plane is used to fit and conform to the inner plane, and the outer arc surface is used to correspond to the inner arc surface. Wherein, at least one of the outer arc surfaces has the same curvature as at least one of the inner arc surfaces and is fitted together, and at least one of the outer arc surfaces has different curvatures as at least one of the inner arc surfaces and is spaced apart from each other.
2. The connection component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curvature of the outer arc surface is a first curvature, the curvature of at least one inner arc surface is the first curvature, and the curvature of at least one inner arc surface is a second curvature; wherein the second curvature is less than the first curvature.
3. The connection component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curvature of the inner arc surface is a first curvature, the curvature of at least one of the outer arc surfaces is the first curvature, and the curvature of at least one of the outer arc surfaces is a third curvature; wherein the third curvature is greater than the first curvature.
4. The connection component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curvature of at least one of the inner arc surfaces is a first curvature, and the curvature of at least one of the inner arc surfaces is a second curvature; The curvature of at least one of the outer arc surfaces is the first curvature, and the curvature of at least one of the outer arc surfaces is the third curvature; Wherein, the second curvature is less than the first curvature, and the third curvature is greater than the first curvature.
5. The connecting component according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least two of the inner arc surfaces include two first inner arc surfaces and one second inner arc surface; The inner plane is configured as two, one of which is connected between the first side of the second inner arc surface and one of the first inner arc surfaces, and the other is connected between the second side of the second inner arc surface and another of the first inner arc surfaces. Wherein, the curvature of the first inner arc surface is the first curvature, and the curvature of the second inner arc surface is the second curvature.
6. The connecting component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The center of the circle corresponding to the first inner arc surface is the first center of the circle, and the distance from the inner plane to the first center of the circle is the first dimension; the radius corresponding to the first inner arc surface is the second dimension; wherein, the ratio between the first dimension and the second dimension is between 0.82 and 0.
9.
7. The connecting component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ratio of the second curvature to the first curvature is between 0.95 and 0.
99.
8. The connecting component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ratio of the first curvature to the third curvature is between 0.95 and 0.
99.
9. A steering mechanism, characterized in that, The steering mechanism includes a steering input shaft, a steering intermediate shaft, and a connecting assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8; The steering gear input shaft and the steering intermediate shaft are connected by the connecting assembly.
10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes the connection assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8; or, the vehicle includes the steering mechanism as described in claim 9.