Electrically steered axle and vehicle

Abstract

This application provides an electric steering axle and a vehicle, belonging to the field of vehicle technology. The electric steering axle includes an axle housing and an electric actuator. The axle housing is used to connect to the vehicle frame. A first connecting member of the electric actuator is disposed on the axle housing, and an electric drive component is disposed on the first connecting member. A moving component is driven by the electric drive component through a transmission assembly, and the moving component is slidably engaged with the first connecting member. Steering knuckles are hinged to both ends of the moving component, and the steering knuckles are used to connect to the vehicle's wheel hubs. The electric drive component drives the moving component to slide relative to the first connecting member through the transmission assembly, causing the moving component to rotate the steering knuckles, thereby steering the wheel hubs. The sliding direction of the moving component is perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft of the electric drive component. Thus, by using an electric drive method, the steering of the steering knuckles and the wheel hubs connected to them can be achieved through the mechanical cooperation between the electric drive component, the transmission assembly, and the moving component, eliminating the need for assembling complex hydraulic lines and accessories, making installation more convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to an electric steering axle and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and forklifts, are used to move people or goods, meeting diverse needs such as daily commuting and logistics transportation. Among them, the vehicle's steering system is the device that controls the vehicle's direction of travel, and it is crucial for maintaining the vehicle's handling stability and driving safety.

[0003] In related technologies, steering systems typically employ hydraulic steering axle mechanisms, which use hydraulic pumps to drive hydraulic cylinders to provide steering support for the vehicle's wheel hubs.

[0004] However, the aforementioned hydraulic steering axle mechanism requires the assembly of complex hydraulic circuits and accessories, making installation rather inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides an electric steering axle and vehicle to solve the problem that the hydraulic steering axle mechanism in the related art requires the assembly of complex oil circuits and oil circuit accessories, which makes installation inconvenient.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides an electric steering axle, comprising:

[0007] Axle housing, used to connect to the vehicle's frame;

[0008] An electric actuator includes an electric drive unit, a transmission assembly, a first connecting member, and a moving member. The first connecting member is mounted on the axle housing, the electric drive unit is mounted on the first connecting member, and the moving member is connected to the electric drive unit via the transmission assembly, with the moving member slidingly engaged with the first connecting member. Steering knuckles are hinged to both ends of the moving member, and the steering knuckles are used to connect to the wheel hubs of the vehicle. The electric drive unit drives the moving member to slide relative to the first connecting member via the transmission assembly, and the moving member drives the steering knuckles to rotate during sliding, thereby steering the wheel hubs. The sliding direction of the moving member is perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft of the electric drive unit.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the electric steering axle provided in this application has a receiving cavity in the first connecting member, and guide holes communicating with the receiving cavity are opened on both sides of the first connecting member along the sliding direction of the moving member. The moving member slides through the two guide holes on the first connecting member. The drive shaft and transmission assembly of the electric drive unit are located in the receiving cavity, so that the part of the moving member located in the receiving cavity is connected to the electric drive unit through the transmission assembly.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the electric steering axle provided in this application has a moving component that is a ball screw or a trapezoidal screw, with the lead screw of the ball screw or trapezoidal screw slidably passing through two guide holes on a first connecting member; the transmission assembly includes two meshing helical gears, one of which is coaxially connected to the drive shaft, and the other of which is sleeved on the nut of the ball screw or trapezoidal screw to be coaxially arranged with the lead screw.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the electric steering axle provided in this application has a first sliding rod as the moving component, and a transmission assembly including a transmission component and two spaced-apart wheels. The transmission component is wound around the two wheels, one of which is coaxially connected to a drive shaft. The transmission component is connected to the first sliding rod, and an electric drive unit is used to drive one of the two wheels to rotate, thereby causing the transmission component to drive the first sliding rod to slide synchronously; or...

[0012] The moving part is the second slide rod, and the transmission assembly includes a gear and a rack meshing with the gear. The gear is coaxially connected to the drive shaft, and the rack is connected to the second slide rod. The extending direction of the rack is parallel to the sliding direction of the second slide rod.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the electric steering axle provided in this application has at least two limit bearings disposed within the housing cavity, and at least one of the drive shaft and the moving part is fitted with a limit bearing.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the electric steering axle provided in this application further includes an electric actuator that includes:

[0015] The detection component, installed on the steering knuckle, is used to detect the rotation angle of the steering knuckle;

[0016] The control unit, electric drive unit, and detection unit are all electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit is used to control the operating parameters of the electric drive unit based on the difference between the detected rotation angle of the steering knuckle and the target preset angle. The operating parameters include at least one of rotation direction and rotation speed.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the electric steering axle provided in this application further includes two second connecting members in the electric actuator, with each end of the sliding direction of the moving member hinged to the steering knuckle via the second connecting members.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the electric steering axle provided in this application has a second connecting member as a connecting rod, with both ends of the connecting rod rotatably connected to the ends of the corresponding moving parts and the steering knuckle, respectively.

[0019] Secondly, this application provides a vehicle including a vehicle body and an electric steering axle disposed on the vehicle body as described in any of the first aspects.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the vehicle provided in this application has two electric steering axles. The vehicle body includes a frame and four wheel hubs mounted on the frame. The wheel hubs are arranged in pairs facing each other, and the wheel hubs are connected to the steering knuckles of the electric steering axles one by one.

[0021] The electric steering axle and vehicle provided in this application include an axle housing and an electric actuator. The axle housing is used to connect to the vehicle frame. The electric actuator includes an electric drive unit, a transmission assembly, a first connecting member, and a moving member. The first connecting member is mounted on the axle housing, and the electric drive unit is mounted on the first connecting member. The moving member is connected to the electric drive unit via the transmission assembly and forms a sliding fit with the first connecting member. Steering knuckles are hinged to both ends of the moving member and are used to connect to the wheel hubs of the vehicle.

[0022] During operation, the electric drive unit drives the moving part to slide linearly along the first connecting member via the transmission assembly. During this sliding process, the moving part rotates the steering knuckles on both sides, thereby driving the wheel hub to complete the steering action. The sliding direction of the moving part is perpendicular to the axis of the electric drive unit's drive shaft. Thus, the electric steering axle provided in this application uses an electric drive system. Through the mechanical cooperation between the electric drive unit and the moving part of the transmission assembly, steering of the steering knuckles and the wheel hubs connected to them can be achieved without assembling complex hydraulic circuits and accessories, making installation relatively convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric steering axle provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A connection diagram of the electric drive component, the transmission assembly inside the first connector, and the moving component.

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the electric steering axle and the vehicle's wheel hub, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 5 Electrical connection diagram of the control components, detection components, and electric drive components in the electric steering axle provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 100 - Bridge housing; 110 - First sub-bridge housing; 120 - Second sub-bridge housing; 130 - Connecting shaft;

[0032] 200-Electric actuator; 210-Electric drive component; 211-Drive shaft; 220-Transmission assembly; 221-Helical gear; 230-First connecting member; 231-Receiving cavity; 232-Annular shell; 233-Extension shell; 234-End cover; 2341-Guide hole; 240-Moving component; 241-Lead screw; 242-Nut; 250-Steering knuckle; 260-Limit bearing; 270-Connecting rod; 280-Control component; 290-Detection component;

[0033] 300 - Bushing; 400 - Locking nut;

[0034] 500 - Wheel hub; 510 - Oil seal. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are some, but not all, embodiments of this application. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, 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 application.

[0038] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in a sequence other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0039] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0040] As mentioned in the background section, steering systems in related technologies typically employ a hydraulic steering axle mechanism, which uses a hydraulic pump to drive a hydraulic cylinder to provide steering support for the vehicle's wheel hubs.

[0041] The core of the hydraulic steering axle mechanism is to assist wheel steering with hydraulic power. The hydraulic steering axle mechanism can include a hydraulic power source, control components, actuators, and an oil circuit connection system.

[0042] Specifically, the hydraulic power source is a hydraulic pump, usually driven by the vehicle engine or a dedicated motor, which is responsible for converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. It also needs to be paired with an oil reservoir to store hydraulic oil and filter impurities in the oil through an oil filter to prevent impurities from damaging the hydraulic components. The control component is centered on the steering control valve, which is linked to the steering wheel and can precisely control the flow and pressure of high-pressure oil according to the driver's steering operation (direction and angle). The actuating component is the steering cylinder, whose piston is connected to the steering knuckle or tie rod of the steering axle. The piston is driven by the hydraulic fluid, which drives the wheel to turn and achieve steering.

[0043] To ensure the orderly flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic pump, reservoir, steering control valve, and steering cylinder, multiple sections of hydraulic oil pipes of different specifications (such as high-pressure oil pipes and return oil pipes) need to be laid. Furthermore, different components have different interface sizes and pressure ratings, requiring the use of corresponding pipe fittings (such as compression fittings and flange fittings). At the same time, to ensure the safety and stability of the oil circuit, pressure gauges need to be installed to monitor the oil pressure, check valves need to be installed to prevent oil backflow, and relief valves need to be installed to prevent excessive system pressure. In some scenarios, an oil circuit cooler is also required to prevent the oil from overheating.

[0044] Understandably, these hydraulic system accessories need to be assembled in a specific order, and the oil pipes must be routed to avoid other moving parts of the vehicle. During installation, all interfaces must be sealed to prevent oil leakage. Furthermore, the oil pipe positions must be precisely fixed to prevent wear or loosening of the pipes due to vibrations during driving. Therefore, the entire hydraulic steering axle mechanism's hydraulic system assembly process is cumbersome, requiring the assembly of complex hydraulic lines and accessories, making installation relatively inconvenient.

[0045] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide an electric steering axle and a vehicle. The electric steering axle comprises an axle housing and an electric actuator. The axle housing is used to connect to the vehicle frame. The electric actuator includes an electric drive component, a transmission assembly, a first connecting component, and a moving component. The first connecting component is disposed on the axle housing, and the electric drive component is disposed on the first connecting component. The moving component is driven by the transmission assembly and is slidably engaged with the electric drive component. Steering knuckles are hinged to both ends of the moving component, and the steering knuckles are used to connect to the wheel hubs of the vehicle.

[0046] During operation, the electric drive unit drives the moving part to slide linearly along the first connecting member via the transmission assembly. During this sliding process, the moving part rotates the steering knuckles on both sides, thereby driving the wheel hubs to complete the steering action. The sliding direction of the moving part is perpendicular to the axis of the electric drive unit's drive shaft. Thus, the electric steering axle uses electric drive, and through the mechanical cooperation between the electric drive unit and the moving part of the transmission assembly, it can achieve steering of the steering knuckles and the wheel hubs connected to them, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic circuits and accessories, making installation relatively convenient.

[0047] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0048] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electric steering axle provided in this application embodiment includes an axle housing 100 and an electric actuator 200. The axle housing 100 is used to connect to the vehicle frame. The electric actuator 200 includes an electric drive component 210, a transmission assembly 220, a first connecting member 230, and a moving member 240. The first connecting member 230 is disposed on the axle housing 100, the electric drive component 210 is disposed on the first connecting member 230, and the moving member 240 is connected to the electric drive component 210 through the transmission assembly 220. The 40 slides with the first connecting member 230, and both ends of the movable member 240 are hinged with steering knuckles 250, which are used to connect with the wheel hub 500 of the vehicle; the electric drive unit 210 is used to drive the movable member 240 to slide relative to the first connecting member 230 through the transmission assembly 220, and the movable member 240 is used to drive the steering knuckles 250 to rotate when sliding, so that the wheel hub 500 turns; wherein, the sliding direction of the movable member 240 is perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft 211 of the electric drive unit 210.

[0049] It should be noted that the electric steering axle in this application embodiment is applied to vehicles. These vehicles can be medium and heavy-duty trucks, city buses, etc., in the commercial vehicle sector; or they can be engineering vehicles such as loaders, mining dump trucks, and forklifts. Of course, the vehicles can also be new energy vehicles, such as electric sanitation vehicles, electric port tractors, or unmanned forklifts, etc. This application embodiment does not impose any limitations on these.

[0050] Specifically, the axle housing 100 serves as the load-bearing structure of the entire electric steering axle, used for fixed connection with the vehicle frame, providing an installation base and mechanical support for the electric actuator 200. The electric actuator 200, integrated into the axle housing 100, mainly includes an electric drive unit 210, a transmission assembly 220, a first connecting member 230, and a moving member 240. The first connecting member 230 is fixedly mounted on the axle housing 100, forming the installation reference for the electric actuator 200; the electric drive unit 210 is fixedly mounted on the first connecting member 230, and its output end has a drive shaft 211 for outputting driving force. The transmission assembly 220 is connected to the drive shaft 211 of the electric drive unit 210, converting the rotational motion of the electric drive unit 210 into linear motion.

[0051] The moving part 240 achieves power coupling with the electric drive part 210 through the transmission assembly 220 and forms a sliding engagement relationship with the first connecting part 230, so that the moving part 240 can slide back and forth relative to the first connecting part 230 in a set direction under the drive of the transmission assembly 220.

[0052] For example, the sliding direction of the movable member 240 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft 211 of the electric drive member 210. That is, the electric drive member 210 outputs rotational power along the axial direction, while the movable member 240 performs translational motion in a direction perpendicular to this axial direction, thereby realizing the conversion of the power transmission direction. Steering knuckles 250 are hinged to both ends of the movable member 240, and the other end of the steering knuckle 250 is used to connect to the wheel hub 500 of the vehicle, forming a steering transmission chain. When the electric drive member 210 is started, its power is transmitted to the movable member 240 through the transmission assembly 220, driving the movable member 240 to slide. This sliding action is converted into the swing of the steering knuckle 250 through the hinge structure, thereby driving the wheel hubs 500 on both sides to deflect synchronously, realizing the steering operation of the vehicle.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the sliding direction of the moving part 240 can be referenced to the X direction, that is, the width direction of the vehicle; the axial direction of the drive shaft 211 of the electric drive part 210 can be referenced to the Y direction, that is, the length direction of the vehicle.

[0054] The axle housing 100 can also provide a mounting base for the steering knuckle 250. The axle housing 100 may include a first sub-axle housing 110 and a second sub-axle housing 120. After the axle housing 100 is connected to the vehicle frame, the first sub-axle housing 110 and the second sub-axle housing 120 are used for mounting along... Figure 1 The Z-direction, i.e., the height direction of the vehicle, is relatively positioned relative to each other, wherein the Z-direction, X-direction, and Y-direction are perpendicular to each other. Thus, an installation area is formed between the first sub-axle housing 110 and the second sub-axle housing 120, and the electric actuator 200 is located within the installation area.

[0055] Furthermore, the first sub-axle housing 110 and the second sub-axle housing 120 are connected at their respective ends along the X direction via connecting shafts 130. The steering knuckles 250 are rotatably mounted on fixed shafts. When the first moving member 240 slides along the X direction to drive the steering knuckles 250 to rotate, the steering knuckles 250 rotate about their corresponding fixed shafts as their axes of rotation. Figure 1 The S-direction rotation of the wheel hub causes the wheel hub to deflect 500 degrees, thus enabling steering.

[0056] In summary, the electric steering axle provided in this application embodiment adopts an electric drive method. Through the mechanical cooperation between the electric drive component 210, the transmission component 220, and the moving component 240, the steering knuckle 250 and the wheel hub 500 connected to the steering knuckle 250 can be turned. There is no need to assemble complex oil circuits and oil circuit accessories, making the installation relatively convenient.

[0057] See Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments, the first connector 230 has a receiving cavity 231, and the first connector 230 has guide holes 2341 communicating with the receiving cavity 231 on both sides along the sliding direction of the moving member 240. The moving member 240 slides through the two guide holes 2341 on the first connector 230. The drive shaft 211 and the transmission assembly 220 of the electric drive member 210 are located in the receiving cavity 231, so that the part of the moving member 240 located in the receiving cavity 231 is connected to the electric drive member 210 through the transmission assembly 220.

[0058] Thus, the first connector 230 has guide holes 2341 at both ends of the sliding direction of the moving member 240, which are connected to the receiving cavity 231. The two guide holes 2341 are coaxially arranged to form a sliding channel through the first connector 230, so that the moving member 240 can move smoothly back and forth in the set direction under the guidance of the guide holes 2341, improving the straightness and stability during the sliding process and reducing the phenomenon of off-center loading or jamming.

[0059] Meanwhile, by placing the drive shaft 211 and transmission assembly 220 of the electric drive unit 210 inside the receiving cavity 231, the overall structure of the electric steering axle is made more compact, and dust, water vapor, oil stains and other external environmental factors are less likely to affect the drive shaft 211 and transmission assembly 220, which helps to improve the reliability of transmission operation.

[0060] For example, the first connector 230 can be a housing or box structure, and the first connector 230 includes Figure 3 The cylindrical box shown includes an annular shell 232, an extension shell 233, and end caps 234 located on both sides of the annular shell 232. The annular shell 232, the extension shell 233, and the end caps 234 can be fixedly assembled by means of plugging or other methods to facilitate later maintenance.

[0061] The annular shell 232, the extended shell 233, and the end cap 234 together form a receiving cavity 231, through which the electric drive unit 210 can pass. Figure 4 The locking nut 400 is connected to the extension housing 233, and the drive shaft 211 of the electric drive component 210 extends into the receiving cavity 231. Multiple connecting blocks can be provided on the annular housing 232. These connecting blocks are connected to connecting lugs on the first sub-bridge housing 110 and the second sub-bridge housing 120 (not shown) via bolts, retaining washers, or other fasteners, so that the first connecting component 230 is mounted on the bridge housing 100. Guide holes 2341 are correspondingly provided on the two end caps 234. Wear-resistant bushings or... Figure 3 The bushing 300 shown in the figure is used to reduce the frictional resistance when the moving part 240 slides and extend the service life of the moving part 240.

[0062] Continue reading Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some examples, the moving part 240 is a ball screw or trapezoidal screw, and the lead screw 241 of the ball screw or trapezoidal screw slides through two guide holes 2341 on the first connector 230; the transmission assembly 220 includes two meshing helical gears 221, one of which is coaxially connected to the drive shaft 211, and the other of which is sleeved on the nut 242 of the ball screw or trapezoidal screw so as to be coaxially arranged with the lead screw 241.

[0063] It is understood that both ball screws and trapezoidal screws can include a lead screw 241 and a nut 242. The lead screw 241, as the main body of the moving part 240, slides axially through the two guide holes 2341 of the first connecting part 230, achieving a sliding fit with the first connecting part 230. Both ends of the lead screw 241 extend out of the receiving cavity 231, for hinged connection with the steering knuckle 250, thereby transmitting its axial displacement to the steering knuckle 250, driving its oscillation to achieve steering of the wheel hub 500. The nut 242 of the ball screw or trapezoidal screw is connected to the helical gear 221. The nut 242 and the lead screw 241 form a helical pair, which can convert the rotational motion of the two helical gears 221 during meshing into a more precise linear motion.

[0064] Specifically, one of the two helical gears 221 is coaxially connected to the drive shaft 211 of the electric drive unit 210. One of the two helical gears 221 serves as the driving gear, which receives the rotational power output by the electric drive unit 210. The other of the two helical gears 221 serves as the driven gear, which is sleeved on the outside of the nut 242 of the ball screw or trapezoidal screw and is coaxially fixedly connected to the nut 242.

[0065] Furthermore, when the driving helical gear 221 rotates with the drive shaft 211, it drives the driven helical gear 221 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the nut 242 to rotate around its own axis. Since the lead screw 241 cannot rotate due to the restriction of the guide hole 2341, it can only move axially. Therefore, the rotational motion of the nut 242 is converted into the linear reciprocating motion of the lead screw 241 along the axial direction through the helical side effect. Overall, the transmission method has a compact structure and high transmission efficiency.

[0066] It should be noted that the moving part 240 in this embodiment can be a ball screw or a trapezoidal screw, and can be set according to actual needs. This embodiment does not limit this. When the moving part 240 is a ball screw, the screw 241 has a helical raceway on its outer periphery, and can form a rolling friction fit with the nut 242 assembly through the circulated balls, thereby achieving high-efficiency and low-wear motion transmission. When the moving part 240 is a trapezoidal screw, the thread cross section of the screw 241 is trapezoidal, and there is a sliding friction fit between it and the nut 242. The structure is simple, the load-bearing capacity is strong, and the self-locking performance is good.

[0067] In some embodiments, the moving member 240 is a first slide bar, and the transmission assembly 220 includes a transmission member and two spaced-apart wheels (not shown). The transmission member is wound around the two wheels, one of which is coaxially connected to the drive shaft 211. The transmission member is connected to the first slide bar, and the electric drive member 210 is used to drive one of the two wheels to rotate the other, so that the transmission member drives the first slide bar to slide synchronously.

[0068] Two wheels are coaxially and fixedly connected to the drive shaft 211 of the electric drive unit 210, serving as the driving wheels; the other wheel serves as the driven wheel, achieving synchronous transmission with the driving wheels through a transmission component. The transmission component can be a flexible or rigid annular transmission element such as a synchronous belt, chain, or friction belt. The inner circumferential surface of the transmission component meshes or adheres to the outer circumference of the two wheels to form a stable power transmission path. The overall layout is flexible and the response is relatively rapid.

[0069] It should be noted that, according to actual needs, the first sliding rod, restricted by the guide hole 2341, can only move linearly back and forth along the axial direction and cannot perform cyclic motion with the transmission component. Therefore, during the process of driving the first sliding rod, the transmission component does not perform continuous closed-loop operation, but moves back and forth between the two wheels with a limited stroke as the first sliding rod slides back and forth. The range of movement of the transmission component corresponds to the displacement required for the hub 500 to turn; that is, the transmission component only transmits power within its local linear segment to achieve the sliding action of the moving component 240.

[0070] For example, the first slide bar can be securely fixed to the transmission component by connecting ear plate or fixed clamping structure, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0071] In other examples, the moving part 240 is the second slide bar, and the transmission assembly 220 includes a gear and a rack meshing with the gear. The gear is coaxially connected to the drive shaft 211, and the rack is connected to the second slide bar. The extension direction of the rack is parallel to the sliding direction of the second slide bar.

[0072] Specifically, the gear is coaxially and fixedly connected to the drive shaft 211 of the electric drive unit 210. The gear, as the driving element, rotates synchronously with the drive shaft 211. The rack is a long strip-shaped component whose extension direction is parallel to the sliding direction of the second slide rod, and it is fixedly connected to the second slide rod, forming a linkage structure. When the electric drive unit 210 is started, the drive shaft 211 drives the gear to rotate. The gear and rack generate an interaction force at the meshing point, which converts the rotational motion into the linear reciprocating motion of the rack, thereby driving the second slide rod connected to it to slide synchronously.

[0073] Overall, the gear and rack transmission structure has high transmission stiffness and relatively accurate positioning, which can meet the usage requirements of vehicle scenarios with high requirements for steering torque and control precision.

[0074] For example, the connection between the rack and the second slide bar can be achieved by welding, bolting, or integral molding to ensure reliable force transmission and avoid relative slippage.

[0075] To improve the installation accuracy and operational stability of the internal transmission components of the electric actuator 200, please refer to... Figure 4 In some examples, at least two limiting bearings 260 are provided in the receiving cavity 231, and the limiting bearings 260 are sleeved on at least one of the drive shaft 211 and the moving part 240.

[0076] When at least two limiting bearings 260 are used to support the drive shaft 211, the limiting bearings 260 are sleeved on the outer periphery of the drive shaft 211 and spaced apart along the axial direction of the drive shaft 211 within the receiving cavity 231. Specifically, the outer ring of the limiting bearing 260 is fixedly fitted with the inner wall of the first connecting member 230, and the inner ring of the limiting bearing 260 is interference-fitted with the drive shaft 211 or positioned by a shoulder, thereby achieving stable support for the drive shaft 211 during high-speed rotation, effectively suppressing radial runout and axial movement, thereby ensuring the transmission accuracy of the transmission assembly 220, reducing vibration and noise, and extending service life.

[0077] When at least two locating bearings 260 are used to support the moving member 240, the locating bearings 260 are sleeved on the outer periphery of the moving member 240, such as the lead screw 241, the first slide rod, or the second slide rod, and are adjacent to the guide hole 2341 of the first connecting member 230. The outer ring of the locating bearing 260 can be fixed to the inner wall of the guide hole 2341 or to the support structure of the first connecting member 230, and the inner ring of the locating bearing 260 is in sliding fit or clearance fit with the moving member 240. By setting the locating bearings 260, the frictional resistance of the moving member 240 during the reciprocating sliding process can be reduced, while the sliding accuracy of the moving member 240 can be improved.

[0078] It is understood that, in specific implementation, bearings can also be fitted on both the drive shaft 211 and the moving part 240. The number of bearings fitted on the drive shaft 211 and the moving part 240 can be the same, for example, one for each, or at least two for each. Alternatively, the number of bearings fitted on the drive shaft 211 and the moving part 240 can also be different. This application embodiment will not elaborate on this further.

[0079] For example, the limiting bearing 260 can be selected as a deep groove ball bearing, angular contact ball bearing or needle roller bearing according to actual needs, and the embodiments of this application do not limit it in this way.

[0080] See Figure 5 In some embodiments, the electric actuator 200 further includes a detection element 290 and a control element 280. The detection element 290 is disposed on the steering knuckle 250 and is used to detect the rotation angle of the steering knuckle 250. The electric drive element 210 and the detection element 290 are both electrically connected to the control element 280. The control element 280 is used to control the operating parameters of the electric drive element 210 according to the difference between the detected rotation angle of the steering knuckle 250 and the target preset angle. The operating parameters include at least one of rotation direction and rotation speed.

[0081] Specifically, the detection element 290 can convert the collected angle signal into an electrical signal and output it to the control element 280. The detection element 290 can be an angle sensing element such as a rotary encoder, potentiometer, Hall sensor or resolver sensor. By connecting the sensing part of the detection element 290 coaxially with the rotation shaft of the steering knuckle 250 or by following the linkage structure, it can be ensured that the detection result can more realistically reflect the steering state of the wheel hub 500.

[0082] Both the electric drive unit 210 and the detection unit 290 are electrically connected to the control unit 280. The electric drive unit 210 can be a drive motor; the control unit 280 can be a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller, or an electronic control unit, possessing signal processing and instruction generation capabilities. The control unit 280 receives real-time angle data from the detection unit 290 and compares it with a preset target steering angle to calculate the deviation between the two.

[0083] Furthermore, based on the magnitude of this deviation, the control unit 280 can dynamically adjust the operating parameters of the electric drive unit 210 to drive the moving member 240 to move towards the target position. Here, the operating parameters include at least one of the rotation direction and rotation speed of the electric drive unit 210.

[0084] For example, when the difference between the rotation angle of the steering knuckle 250 and the target preset angle is negative, it indicates that the rotation angle of the steering knuckle 250 is less than the target preset angle. The control unit 280 can control the electric drive unit 210 to continue operating and adjust the speed according to the magnitude of the deviation. When approaching the target value, the speed is reduced to achieve smooth positioning. When the difference between the rotation angle of the steering knuckle 250 and the target preset angle is positive, it indicates that the rotation angle of the steering knuckle 250 is greater than the target preset angle and needs to be adjusted in the opposite direction. The control unit 280 then controls the electric drive unit 210 to reverse.

[0085] Thus, as a whole, the electric steering axle of this application embodiment, through the setting of the control component 280 and the detection component 290, can adjust the output power of the electric drive component 210 in real time according to the vehicle's driving conditions, which is beneficial to reduce energy consumption and improve energy utilization efficiency.

[0086] In some examples, the electric actuator 200 also includes two second connectors, with each end of the sliding direction of the movable member 240 hinged to the steering knuckle 250 via the second connectors.

[0087] Thus, the two ends of the moving part 240 along its sliding direction are respectively connected to the corresponding steering knuckle 250 through a second connecting part, forming a left-right symmetrical transmission structure, ensuring that the wheel hubs 500 on both sides of the vehicle can complete the steering action synchronously and in a coordinated manner.

[0088] For example, the second connector may be a structure such as a pull arm or a fork-shaped joint, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0089] See Figure 3 and Figure 6 In other examples, the second connecting member is a link 270, the two ends of which are rotatably connected to the end of the corresponding moving member 240 and the steering knuckle 250, respectively.

[0090] Thus, the connecting rod 270 can swing freely around the connection point during the sliding of the moving part 240, thereby adapting to the movement trajectory of the steering knuckle 250 within the steering angle range.

[0091] For example, the two ends of the connecting rod 270 can be rotatably connected to the ends of the corresponding moving parts 240 and the steering knuckle 250 through pins, ball joints or spherical bearings; the connecting rod 270 can be made of alloy structural steel, aluminum alloy or titanium alloy to have good tensile and compressive strength and fatigue durability; in addition, the structure of the connecting rod 270 can be optimized according to the chassis space of the vehicle, for example, by adopting a flattened, bent or hollow structure to avoid surrounding parts and reduce weight.

[0092] This application also provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body and an electric steering axle as described in any of the above embodiments, mounted on the vehicle body.

[0093] The specific structure and working principle of the electric steering axle are the same as those in the previous embodiments, and will not be described again in this embodiment.

[0094] The vehicle provided in this application is equipped with an electric steering axle. The electric steering axle is connected to the vehicle frame via an axle housing 100 and an electric actuator 200. The electric actuator 200 includes an electric drive component 210, a transmission assembly 220, a first connecting member 230, and a moving member 240. The first connecting member 230 is mounted on the axle housing 100, and the electric drive component 210 is mounted on the first connecting member 230. The moving member 240 is connected to the electric drive component 210 via the transmission assembly 220 and forms a sliding fit with the first connecting member 230. Steering knuckles 250 are hinged to both ends of the moving member 240, and the steering knuckles 250 are connected to the wheel hubs 500 of the vehicle body.

[0095] During operation, the electric drive unit 210 drives the moving part 240 to slide linearly along the first connecting member 230 via the transmission assembly 220. During this sliding process, the moving part 240 drives the steering knuckles 250 on both sides to rotate, thereby driving the wheel hub 500 to complete the steering action. The sliding direction of the moving part 240 is perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft 211 of the electric drive unit 210. Thus, the electric steering axle uses electric drive, and through the mechanical cooperation between the electric drive unit 210, the transmission assembly 220, and the moving part 240, the steering of the steering knuckles 250 and the wheel hub 500 connected to the steering knuckles 250 can be achieved without assembling complex hydraulic lines and accessories, making installation relatively convenient.

[0096] In some examples, the vehicle body includes a frame and two wheel hubs 500 disposed on the front side of the frame, the two wheel hubs 500 being disposed opposite each other, and the wheel hubs 500 being connected one-to-one with the steering knuckles 250 of the electric steering axle.

[0097] The frame has two wheels on both the front and rear sides. It can be understood that the wheel hub 500 is the metal skeleton of the wheel. The wheel also includes the tire. During assembly, the outer ring of the wheel hub 500 has an annular groove, which tightly fits the tire bead into the groove so that the wheel hub 500 and the tire together form the wheel of the vehicle body.

[0098] Specifically, the two wheel hubs 500 on the front side of the frame are connected one-to-one with the steering knuckles 250 of the electric steering axle. The electric steering axle can be used to steer the two wheel hubs 500 on the front side of the frame, thus completing the steering operation of the vehicle during driving.

[0099] For example, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the wheel hub 500 can be assembled with the steering knuckle 250 through the limit bearing 260, and an oil seal 510 is provided between the outer ring of the limit bearing 260 and the steering knuckle 250. The oil seal 510 provides dynamic sealing to seal the cavity of the limit bearing 260, preventing the grease inside the cavity from seeping out due to centrifugal force, vibration or temperature changes during vehicle operation, thereby maintaining the long-term lubrication state of the limit bearing 260 and extending its service life.

[0100] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An electric steering axle, characterized in that, include: Axle housing, used to connect to the vehicle's frame; An electric actuator includes an electric drive component, a transmission assembly, a first connecting component, and a moving component. The first connecting component is disposed on the axle housing, the electric drive component is disposed on the first connecting component, the moving component is connected to the electric drive component via the transmission assembly, and the moving component is slidably engaged with the first connecting component. Steering knuckles are hinged to both ends of the moving component, and the steering knuckles are used to connect to the wheel hubs of the vehicle. The electric drive unit is used to drive the movable member to slide relative to the first connecting member through the transmission assembly. The movable member is used to drive the steering knuckle to rotate during sliding, so as to steer the wheel hub. The sliding direction of the movable member is perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft of the electric drive unit.

2. The electric steering axle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connector has a receiving cavity, and guide holes communicating with the receiving cavity are provided on both sides of the first connector along the sliding direction of the moving member. The moving member slides through the two guide holes on the first connector. The drive shaft and the transmission assembly of the electric drive are located within the receiving cavity, so that a portion of the moving part located within the receiving cavity is connected to the electric drive via the transmission assembly.

3. The electric steering axle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The moving part is a ball screw or a trapezoidal screw, and the lead of the ball screw or the trapezoidal screw is slidably passed through the two guide holes on the first connecting part. The transmission assembly includes two meshing helical gears, one of which is coaxially connected to the drive shaft, and the other of which is sleeved on the nut of the ball screw or the trapezoidal screw to be coaxially arranged with the screw.

4. The electric steering axle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The moving component is a first sliding rod. The transmission assembly includes a transmission component and two spaced-apart wheels. The transmission component is wound around the two wheels. One of the two wheels is coaxially connected to the drive shaft. The transmission component is connected to the first sliding rod. The electric drive component drives one of the two wheels to rotate, causing the transmission component to drive the first sliding rod to slide synchronously. The moving component is a second slide bar, and the transmission assembly includes a gear and a rack meshing with the gear. The gear is coaxially connected to the drive shaft, and the rack is connected to the second slide bar. The extending direction of the rack is parallel to the sliding direction of the second slide bar.

5. The electric steering axle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The cavity is provided with at least two limiting bearings, and the limiting bearings are sleeved on at least one of the drive shaft and the moving part.

6. The electric steering axle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The electric actuator also includes: A detection element is disposed on the steering knuckle and is used to detect the rotation angle of the steering knuckle; The control unit is electrically connected to both the electric drive unit and the detection unit. The control unit is used to control the operating parameters of the electric drive unit based on the difference between the detected rotation angle of the steering knuckle and the target preset angle. The operating parameters include at least one of rotation direction and rotation speed.

7. The electric steering axle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The electric actuator also includes two second connecting members, and the two ends of the sliding direction of the moving member are hinged to the steering knuckle through the second connecting members.

8. The electric steering axle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second connecting member is a connecting rod, and the two ends of the connecting rod are respectively rotatably connected to the end of the corresponding moving member and the steering knuckle.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes a vehicle body and an electric steering axle as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, mounted on the vehicle body.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that, The vehicle body includes a frame and two wheel hubs disposed on the front side of the frame. The two wheel hubs are disposed opposite each other, and the wheel hubs are connected to the steering knuckles of the electric steering axle in a one-to-one correspondence.

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