A golf cart based on electric power steering technology
By using electric power steering technology, which combines bevel gear transmission and torque sensor with motor, the problems of low control accuracy and high maintenance cost of golf cart steering mechanism are solved, achieving efficient and precise steering control and reducing maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG ZHUANLING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing golf cart steering mechanisms rely on foot pedal control for hydraulic power assistance, which suffers from low control precision, high requirements for operational coordination, potential safety hazards, and the hydraulic system is prone to leakage and wear, resulting in high maintenance costs and a large workload.
It adopts electric power steering technology, which uses bevel gear transmission and disc dynamic torque sensor in conjunction with motor to achieve efficient and reliable steering control. Through rigid transmission of gear meshing and real-time assistance from motor, steering commands are transmitted without delay, and the amount of assistance is dynamically adjusted by torque sensor.
It achieves precise and easy steering, reduces maintenance costs, reduces driver fatigue, and improves driving safety and comfort.
Smart Images
Figure CN224297252U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of golf cart technology, specifically a golf cart based on electric power steering technology. Background Technology
[0002] Golf carts, also known as electric golf carts or motorized golf carts, are environmentally friendly passenger vehicles designed and developed specifically for golf courses. They can also be used in resorts, villa areas, garden hotels, tourist attractions, and other similar locations. From golf courses, villas, hotels, and schools to private users, golf carts serve as short-distance transportation options, and their turning mechanism is primarily used for changing direction.
[0003] For example, patent publication number CN116373987A discloses a steering mechanism for golf carts, including a mounting cylinder and a mounting sleeve. A control shaft is movably sleeved inside the mounting cylinder, and a gear sleeve is fixedly sleeved on the outer surface of the control shaft. This invention utilizes an arc groove with its two ends moving downwards and upwards, causing the end rotating in the opposite direction to move upwards and connect with the corresponding pipeline. Simultaneously, a foot pedal push mechanism compresses the lubricating oil in the storage cylinder, causing the oil to enter the control panel under pressure and then flow through the connecting arc groove in the opposite direction of steering into the mounting sleeve. Within the mounting sleeve, the inner shaft moves rapidly in the direction of rotation, thus providing power assistance during steering. For steering operations on complex road surfaces, hydraulic power assistance is achieved through leg exertion, combined with hand control, greatly improving the convenience and reliability of actual steering, significantly enhancing driving safety.
[0004] However, the steering mechanism used in golf carts relies on the force of foot pedaling to control hydraulic power, which makes it difficult to precisely control the magnitude and timing of the power assist. In complex road conditions or emergency steering scenarios, improper hand-foot coordination may cause steering actions to be delayed or deviate, increasing the difficulty of operation and even affecting driving safety. In addition, there are problems such as oil leakage and component wear, requiring regular inspection and replacement of hydraulic oil, seals and other components, resulting in high maintenance costs and workload. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a golf cart based on electric power steering technology to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, which rely on foot pedal control of hydraulic power, resulting in low control accuracy, high requirements for operation coordination, safety hazards caused by improper hand and foot coordination, and easy leakage and wear of the hydraulic system, as well as high maintenance costs and workload.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] A golf cart based on electric power steering technology includes: a frame, a connecting plate fixedly installed on the inner side of the front wheel end of the frame, an L-shaped plate and a mounting plate fixedly installed on one end of the connecting plate, a shaft for a floating steering wheel rotatably installed inside the L-shaped plate, and a power steering mechanism engaged at one end of the shaft rotatably installed inside the L-shaped plate, the power steering mechanism being rotatably installed on the connecting plate and the mounting plate.
[0008] Preferably, the lower surface of the power assist mechanism rotatably mounted on the connecting plate has traction rods rotatably mounted at both ends, and one end of the traction rod is rotatably connected to the steering knuckle on the front wheel via a universal joint.
[0009] Preferably, the assist mechanism includes a first bevel gear, which is fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the shaft and rotates on the lower surface of the L-shaped plate. The first bevel gear meshes with a second bevel gear, which is rotatably mounted on the outer surface of the motor's output shaft. The motor is fixedly mounted on one end of the mounting plate and allows the output shaft to rotate through the mounting plate.
[0010] Preferably, the second bevel gear meshes with the third bevel gear, the third bevel gear is rotatably mounted on the upper surface of the connecting plate, and the two ends of the lower surface of the third bevel gear are rotatably connected to two sets of traction rods.
[0011] Preferably, the diameter of the first bevel gear is smaller than that of the second and third bevel gears.
[0012] Preferably, the outer surface of the shaft extending from the lower surface of the first bevel gear is rotatably mounted inside the disc-type dynamic torque sensor, and the disc-type dynamic torque sensor is fixedly mounted on one end of the inner side of the L-shaped plate.
[0013] Preferably, the signal transmitting end of the disc-type dynamic torque sensor is connected to the signal receiving end of the controller, and the control output end of the controller is electrically connected to the electronic control end of the motor. The disc-type dynamic torque sensor and the controller are of models 4-20mA and CURTIS, respectively.
[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0015] Through the overall design of components such as the frame and connecting plates, and the coordinated operation of mechanisms such as bevel gear transmission and torque sensing, the golf cart steering system achieves efficient and reliable operation. It ensures that steering commands are transmitted without delay by using rigid transmission of gear meshing and real-time motor assistance. With the help of torque sensor to dynamically adjust the amount of assistance, it can output large assistance when turning sharply and reduce assistance when fine-tuning, which ensures both steering ease and precise road feel, avoiding the "play" problem of traditional mechanisms. At the same time, the compact structural layout and the design that does not require hydraulic components reduce maintenance costs, allowing drivers of different strengths to operate it easily, reducing fatigue, and significantly improving driving comfort and safety. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a top view of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall bottom view of the present invention;
[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall side cross-section of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assist mechanism of this utility model.
[0020] In the diagram: 1. Frame; 101. Connecting plate; 102. L-shaped plate; 103. Mounting plate; 104. Axle; 105. Traction rod; 2. Power steering mechanism; 201. First bevel gear; 202. Disc-type dynamic torque sensor; 203. Second bevel gear; 204. Motor; 205. Third bevel gear. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0022] like Figures 1-2As shown, a golf cart based on electric power steering technology includes: a frame 1; a connecting plate 101 is fixedly mounted on the inner side of the front wheel end of the frame 1; an L-shaped plate 102 and a mounting plate 103 are fixedly mounted on one end of the connecting plate 101; a shaft 104 for a floating steering wheel is rotatably mounted inside the L-shaped plate 102; one end of the shaft 104 rotatably mounted inside the L-shaped plate 102 is engaged with a power steering mechanism 2; the power steering mechanism 2 is rotatably mounted on the connecting plate 101 and the mounting plate 103. Both ends of the lower surface of the power steering mechanism 2 rotatably mounted on the connecting plate 101 are rotatably mounted with drawbars 105; one end of the drawbar 105 is rotatably connected to the steering knuckle on the front wheel via a universal joint.
[0023] Through the design of the frame 1, connecting plate 101, L-shaped plate 102, axle 104, traction rod 105, and power assist mechanism 2, when the driver turns the steering wheel, the steering wheel can rotate synchronously within the L-shaped plate 102 via the axle 104. The rotation of the axle 104 drives the power assist mechanism 2, which meshes with it. The power assist mechanism 2, supported by the connecting plate 101 and mounting plate 103, achieves power transmission and amplification. The traction rod 105, connected to both ends of its lower surface, is pushed or pulled accordingly. Furthermore, since the traction rod 105 is connected to the steering knuckle of the front wheel via a universal joint, when the traction rod 105 is displaced, it will drive the steering knuckle to rotate. Its rotation axis deflects, causing the front wheels to follow the steering knuckle to complete the steering action. During this process, the power assist mechanism 2 can automatically output auxiliary power according to the steering torque and reduce the driver's effort to turn the steering wheel by optimizing the power transmission efficiency, thereby achieving easy and precise steering control and finally completing the steering operation of the golf cart. By automatically outputting auxiliary power according to the steering torque, the driver's effort to turn the steering wheel is greatly reduced. Whether turning on a narrow fairway, navigating at low speeds, or frequently adjusting the direction, even drivers with less strength can operate it easily, reducing arm fatigue during long-term driving and improving driving comfort.
[0024] like Figures 3-4As shown, the assist mechanism 2 includes a first bevel gear 201, which is fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the shaft 104 and rotatably mounted on the lower surface of the L-shaped plate 102. The first bevel gear 201 meshes with a second bevel gear 203, which is rotatably mounted on the outer surface of the output shaft of the motor 204. The motor 204 is fixedly mounted on one end of the mounting plate 103, allowing the output shaft to rotate through the mounting plate 103. The second bevel gear 203 meshes with a third bevel gear 205, which is rotatably mounted on the upper surface of the connecting plate 101. The two ends of the lower surface of the third bevel gear 205 are rotatably connected to two sets of traction rods 105. The diameter of the first bevel gear 201 is smaller than that of the second bevel gear 203 and the third bevel gear 205. The outer surface of the shaft 104, extending from the lower surface of the first bevel gear 201, is rotatably mounted inside a disc-type dynamic torque sensor 202, which is fixedly mounted on one end of the inner side of the L-shaped plate 102. The signal transmitting end of the disc-type dynamic torque sensor 202 is connected to the signal receiving end of the controller, and the control output end of the controller is electrically connected to the electrical control end of the motor 204. The disc-type dynamic torque sensor 202 and the controller are model 4-20mA and CURTIS, respectively.
[0025] Through the design of the first bevel gear 201, the disc-type dynamic torque sensor 202, the second bevel gear 203, the motor 204, and the third bevel gear 205, when the driver turns the steering wheel, it simultaneously drives the first bevel gear 201 on the shaft 104 to rotate synchronously. The first bevel gear 201 then meshes with the second bevel gear 203 to rotate through the output shaft of the motor 204. During the rotation of the second bevel gear 203, it simultaneously meshes with and drives the third bevel gear 205 to rotate. During this process, the rotation of the shaft 104 generates steering torque on the disc-type dynamic torque sensor 202. The disc-type dynamic torque sensor 202 can detect this torque signal in real time and convert it into a 4-20mA electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the controller. After receiving the signal, the controller can determine the driver's steering intention based on the magnitude and direction of the torque, and then send a control command to the motor 204. The motor 204 starts and drives the second bevel gear 203 on the output shaft to rotate. Since the first bevel gear 201 meshes with the second bevel gear 203, and the first bevel gear 201 is directly... With a smaller diameter, this meshing transmission achieves initial power adjustment and transmission. Simultaneously, the second bevel gear 203 drives the third bevel gear 205, which meshes with it, to rotate. The diameter of the third bevel gear 205 is larger than that of the first bevel gear 201, further optimizing power transmission efficiency. When the third bevel gear 205 rotates, the traction rods 105 connected to both ends of its lower surface are pushed and pulled synchronously, thereby driving the front wheel steering knuckle to deflect through the universal joint, completing the steering action. During this process, the output power of the motor 204 is dynamically adjusted according to the signal of the disc dynamic torque sensor 202. When the steering torque applied by the driver is large, such as in a sharp turn, the controller will instruct the motor 204 to output greater assistance. When the torque is small, the assistance is reduced accordingly, ensuring both easy steering and accurate road feel feedback, achieving efficient and stable electric power steering control. Furthermore, the rigid transmission of gear meshing ensures that the steering command is transmitted without delay. Then, in conjunction with the real-time assistance output of the motor 204, the driver's steering intention can be accurately translated into front wheel action, avoiding the "play" problem of traditional steering mechanisms.
[0026] Working principle: When the driver turns the steering wheel, it drives the first bevel gear 201 to rotate via shaft 104. The rotation of shaft 104 also generates steering torque on the disc-type dynamic torque sensor 202. The disc-type dynamic torque sensor 202 detects this torque signal in real time and converts it into a 4-20mA electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the controller. Upon receiving the signal, the controller determines the driver's steering intention based on the magnitude and direction of the torque and sends a control command to the motor 204. The motor 204 starts and drives the second bevel gear 203 on the output shaft to rotate. Because the first bevel gear 201 and the second bevel gear... Gears 203 mesh with each other, and the first bevel gear 201 has a smaller diameter. This meshing transmission achieves initial power adjustment and transmission. At the same time, the second bevel gear 203 drives the third bevel gear 205, which meshes with it, to rotate. The third bevel gear 205 has a larger diameter than the first bevel gear 201, further optimizing the power transmission efficiency. When the third bevel gear 205 rotates, the traction rods 105 connected to both ends of its lower surface are pushed and pulled synchronously, which in turn drives the front wheel steering knuckle to deflect through the universal joint, completing the steering action. During this process, the output power of the motor 204 is dynamically adjusted according to the signal of the disc dynamic torque sensor 202.
[0027] In summary, this golf ball based on electric power steering technology can adjust the power assist in real time according to the torque of the shaft 104, and ensure that steering commands are transmitted without delay through rigid transmission of gear meshing. Then, in conjunction with the real-time power assist output of the motor 204, the driver's steering intention can be accurately translated into front wheel movements, improving driving comfort.
[0028] All parts not described in this utility model are the same as or can be implemented using existing technology. Although embodiments of this utility model have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this utility model, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A golf cart based on electric power steering technology, characterized in that, include: The frame (1) has a connecting plate (101) fixedly installed on the inner side of the front wheel end. An L-shaped plate (102) and a mounting plate (103) are fixedly installed on one end of the connecting plate (101). The shaft (104) of the floating steering wheel is rotatably installed inside the L-shaped plate (102). One end of the shaft (104) rotatably installed inside the L-shaped plate (102) is engaged with a power assist mechanism (2). The power assist mechanism (2) is rotatably installed on the connecting plate (101) and the mounting plate (103).
2. A golf cart based on electric power steering technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower surface of the assist mechanism (2) rotatably mounted on the connecting plate (101) is rotatably equipped with traction rods (105) at both ends. One end of the traction rod (105) is rotatably connected to the steering knuckle on the front wheel through a universal joint.
3. A golf cart based on electric power steering technology according to claim 2, characterized in that: The assist mechanism (2) includes a first bevel gear (201), which is fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the shaft (104) and rotates on the lower surface of the L-shaped plate (102). The first bevel gear (201) meshes with a second bevel gear (203), which is rotatably mounted on the outer surface of the output shaft of the motor (204). The motor (204) is fixedly mounted on one end of the mounting plate (103) and the output shaft rotates through the mounting plate (103).
4. A golf cart based on electric power steering technology according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second bevel gear (203) meshes with the third bevel gear (205), which is rotatably mounted on the upper surface of the connecting plate (101), while the two ends of the lower surface of the third bevel gear (205) are rotatably connected to two sets of traction rods (105).
5. A golf cart based on electric power steering technology according to claim 3, characterized in that: The diameter of the first bevel gear (201) is smaller than that of the second bevel gear (203) and the third bevel gear (205).
6. A golf cart based on electric power steering technology according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shaft (104) extending from the lower surface of the first bevel gear (201) is rotatably mounted inside the disc dynamic torque sensor (202), which is fixedly mounted on one end of the inner side of the L-shaped plate (102).
7. A golf cart based on electric power steering technology according to claim 6, characterized in that: The signal transmitting end of the disc-type dynamic torque sensor (202) is connected to the signal receiving end of the controller, and the control output end of the controller is electrically connected to the electrical control end of the motor (204). The disc-type dynamic torque sensor (202) and the controller are respectively 4-20mA and CURTIS.