Adjustable power-assisted ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel and forklift steering wheel

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of adjustable power-assisted ball mechanism of forklift steering wheel and forklift steering wheel, adjustable power-assisted ball mechanism of forklift steering wheel includes installation base, swing bar and power-assisted ball assembly, the installation base is used to be fixed on steering wheel main body, the first end of swing bar rotatably assembled on installation base and is equipped with tightness adjusting member, the tightness adjusting member is used to adjust the assembly tightness of swing bar and installation base, to enable swing bar to rotate relative to installation base in loosening state, and in locked state, with installation base form fixed connection;The power-assisted ball assembly is assembled in the second end of the swing bar. The adjustment of the rotation radius of power-assisted ball assembly can be realized, to adapt to the habit and demand of different operators.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of industrial vehicle parts, specifically to the field of forklift steering wheels, and further to an adjustable power assist ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel and a forklift steering wheel. Background Technology

[0002] Forklifts require significant steering torque when in motion, making them difficult to operate, especially in emergencies. A power steering ball is a steering assist device installed on the forklift steering wheel. Installing a power steering ball makes driving the vehicle much easier for the driver. With a power steering ball installed, the steering wheel can be easily turned a full circle with just one hand.

[0003] Currently, steering wheel power steering systems on the market have many shortcomings. Some power steering systems cannot be flexibly adjusted in position and angle after installation; that is, the power steering ball is fixed in a fixed position after installation, and its rotation radius (the distance between the power steering ball and the center of the steering wheel) cannot be changed, making it difficult to meet the operating habits and needs of different drivers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a steering wheel with a flexible power steering ball rotation radius. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an adjustable power assist ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel and a forklift steering wheel.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] An adjustable power assist ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel includes a mounting base, a rocker arm, and a power assist ball assembly. The mounting base is used to fix the steering wheel body. The first end of the rocker arm is rotatably mounted on the mounting base and equipped with a tension adjustment component. The tension adjustment component is used to adjust the tightness of the connection between the rocker arm and the mounting base, so that the rocker arm can rotate relative to the mounting base in a loosened state and form a fixed connection with the mounting base in a locked state. The power assist ball assembly is mounted on the second end of the rocker arm.

[0007] Furthermore, the first end of the swing arm has two spaced and oppositely arranged connecting arms, which form a set hole between the connecting arms. The mounting base has a shaft post, which passes through the set hole of the swing arm. The tension adjustment component is assembled at the ends of the two connecting arms.

[0008] Furthermore, the tension adjustment component includes a bolt and a nut, and the ends of the two connecting arms of the rocker arm are provided with corresponding connecting holes. The bolt passes through the connecting holes of the two connecting arms and engages with the nut.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner wall of the sleeve hole of the swing rod and / or the outer peripheral wall of the shaft column of the mounting base are provided with knurling.

[0010] Furthermore, the top of the shaft protrudes from the rocker arm and is provided with a retaining ring groove, on which a retaining ring is inserted to prevent the rocker arm from disengaging upward.

[0011] Furthermore, the bottom of the mounting base is provided with a fixing screw and a limiting pin. The fixing screw passes through the steering wheel body from above and is locked to the steering wheel body by a fastening nut. The limiting pin is inserted into the steering wheel body, thereby securing the mounting base to the steering wheel body.

[0012] Furthermore, the assist ball in the assist ball assembly is rotatable.

[0013] Furthermore, the assist ball assembly includes a fixed shaft and an assist ball; the fixed shaft is fixedly mounted on the second end of the swing arm, and the assist ball is rotatably sleeved on the fixed shaft.

[0014] Furthermore, a radially outwardly extending limiting cap is provided at the top of the fixed shaft, which restricts the upward ejection of the assist ball.

[0015] Furthermore, a mounting screw is provided at the bottom of the fixed shaft, the mounting screw passes through the second end of the swing arm, and a locking nut is fitted on the mounting screw, which is used to fix the second end of the swing arm.

[0016] A forklift steering wheel includes a steering wheel body and an adjustable power assist ball mechanism as described above, wherein the mounting base is fixed to the steering wheel body.

[0017] The technical solution provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] A mounting base and a lever are installed between the steering wheel body and the power steering ball assembly. When the tension adjustment component is loosened, the lever can be rotated to change the position of the power steering ball assembly. After the adjustment is completed, the tension adjustment component is tightened. In this way, the rotation radius of the power steering ball assembly can be adjusted to suit the habits and needs of different operators. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the overall structure of the forklift steering wheel in the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the adjustable power assist ball mechanism of the forklift steering wheel in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the structure of the mounting base in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the pendulum mechanism in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To further illustrate the various embodiments, the present invention provides accompanying drawings. These drawings are part of the disclosure of the present invention and are mainly used to illustrate the embodiments, and can be used in conjunction with the relevant descriptions in the specification to explain the operating principles of the embodiments. With reference to these drawings, those skilled in the art should be able to understand other possible implementations and the advantages of the present invention. Components in the drawings are not drawn to scale, and similar component symbols are generally used to represent similar components.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", and "rear" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0025] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0026] Reference Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides an adjustable power assist ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel, including a mounting base 10, a rocker arm 20, and a power assist ball assembly 30. The mounting base 10 is used to fix the steering wheel body 100. The first end of the rocker arm 20 is rotatably mounted on the mounting base 10 and equipped with a tension adjustment component 40. The tension adjustment component 40 is used to adjust the tightness of the connection between the rocker arm 20 and the mounting base 10. That is, the tightness of the connection between the mounting base 10 and the rocker arm 20 can be directly adjusted by operating the tension adjustment component 40, so that the rocker arm 20 can rotate relative to the mounting base 10 in the loosened state and form a fixed connection with the mounting base 10 in the locked state. The power assist ball assembly 30 is mounted on the second end of the rocker arm 20.

[0027] This embodiment also provides a forklift steering wheel, including a steering wheel body 100 and the aforementioned adjustable power assist ball mechanism. The mounting base 10 is fixed on the steering wheel body 100. Preferably, the mounting base 10 is fixed at a position near the outer edge of the steering wheel body 100. For example, in this embodiment, the steering wheel body 100 includes a connecting part 101 located at the center, spokes 102 connecting the connecting part 101, and a rim 103 connected to the outer end of the spokes 102. The mounting base 10 is fixed at a position near the outer edge of the spokes 102, so that the rotation radius of the power assist ball assembly 30 can be adjusted to a larger value.

[0028] When adjusting the position of the power steering ball assembly 30, operate the tension adjustment piece 40 to loosen the connection between the lever 20 and the mounting base 10. At this time, the lever 20 can rotate and swing between 0° and 360° around the mounting base 10. Swinging the lever 20 outward (away from the connection part 101 of the steering wheel body 100) increases the rotation radius of the power steering ball assembly 30; conversely, swinging the lever 20 inward (towards the connection part 101 of the steering wheel body 100) decreases the rotation radius. Specifically, the aforementioned rotation radius refers to the distance from the power steering ball assembly 30 to the center of the steering wheel body 100. After adjustment, tighten the tension adjustment piece 40 to fix the lever 20 to the mounting base 10, preventing the lever 20 from rotating and keeping the power steering ball assembly 30 in a fixed position. This allows for adjustment of the rotation radius of the power steering ball assembly 30 to suit the habits and needs of different operators. It also features a simple structure and easy operation.

[0029] For the rotatable assembly connection between the first end of the swing arm 20 and the mounting base 10, the specific implementation structure of this embodiment is as follows: the first end of the swing arm 20 has two spaced and oppositely arranged connecting arms 21, and the connecting arms 21 form a sleeve hole 22. The mounting base 10 has a shaft post 11, which passes through the sleeve hole 22 of the swing arm 20. The tension adjustment member 40 is assembled at the ends of the two connecting arms 21. When the tension adjustment component 40 is not installed, the two connecting arms 21 are parallel to each other, and the size of the sleeve hole 22 is slightly larger than that of the shaft 11. In this way, the shaft 11 can be well inserted into the sleeve hole 22. Then, the tension adjustment component 40 is installed. As the tension adjustment component 40 is gradually tightened, it drives the two connecting arms 21 to move closer together and generate elastic deformation, thereby reducing the diameter of the sleeve hole 22 until the shaft 11 is completely clamped and fixed. When adjustment is required, the tension adjustment component 40 is loosened, so that the two connecting arms 21 recover their deformation, reducing or releasing the clamping force on the shaft 11, so that the rocker arm 20 can rotate and swing under the action of external force.

[0030] Furthermore, the tension adjusting component 40 includes a bolt 41 and a nut 42. The ends of the two connecting arms 21 of the rocker arm 20 are provided with corresponding connecting holes (defined as first connecting holes 23). The bolt 41 passes through the first connecting holes 23 of the two connecting arms 21 and engages with the nut 42. Tightening or loosening of the two connecting arms 21 is achieved by rotating the nut 42. The structure is simple and the operation is convenient. Of course, in other embodiments, the tension adjusting component 40 can also be replaced by other structures.

[0031] Furthermore, to ensure a more secure fixation between the rocker arm 20 and the mounting base 10 in the locked state, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall of the shaft 11 of the mounting base 10 is provided with knurling 111, creating a rough surface on the outer peripheral wall of the shaft 11 to increase friction. This results in a more secure connection in the locked state, preventing relative rotation even after locking. Of course, in other embodiments, knurling 111 can also be provided on the inner wall of the sleeve hole 22, or other rough structures can be used to increase friction.

[0032] The top of the shaft 11 protrudes from the rocker arm 20 and is provided with a retaining ring groove 112. A retaining ring 50 is inserted into the retaining ring groove 112, which prevents the rocker arm 20 from disengaging upwards, thus achieving a stable connection. When disassembly is required, the tension adjusting component 40 is loosened, and the retaining ring 50 is removed, allowing the rocker arm 20 to be pulled upwards. Of course, other limiting structures can also be used in other embodiments to achieve this.

[0033] Specifically, in this embodiment, the bottom of the mounting base 10 is provided with a fixing screw 12 and a limiting pin 13. The fixing screw 12 passes through the steering wheel body 100, that is, the steering wheel body 100 is provided with a mounting hole 104, and the fixing screw 12 passes through the mounting hole 104; and is locked to the steering wheel body 100 by a fastening nut 14 assembled on the fixing screw 12; the limiting pin 13 is inserted into the steering wheel body 100; thereby, the mounting base 10 is fastened to the steering wheel body 100. Specifically, the limiting pin 13 is located on one side of the fixing screw 12, and the limiting pin 13 and the fixing screw 12 are parallel and inserted into the steering wheel body 100, which can effectively limit the rotation of the mounting base 10 relative to the steering wheel body 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the fixed installation structure of the mounting base 10 and the steering wheel body 100 is not limited to this. For example, the assembly structure of the fixing screw 12 and the fastening nut 14 can also be replaced by snap-fit ​​or other methods. Preferably, it is a detachable fixed connection method.

[0034] Preferably, the assist ball 32 of the assist ball assembly 30 is rotatably configured. This allows the operator to operate the steering wheel with one hand while gripping the assist ball 32. Specifically, the assist ball assembly 30 includes a fixed shaft 31 and the assist ball 32; the fixed shaft 31 is fixedly mounted on the second end of the lever 20, and the assist ball 32 is rotatably sleeved on the fixed shaft 31, i.e., the assist ball 32 has a central hole 321, and the fixed shaft 31 passes through the central hole 321 of the assist ball 32. Simultaneously, to prevent the assist ball 32 from detaching upwards from the fixed shaft 31, in this embodiment, a radially outwardly extending limiting cap 311 is provided at the top of the fixed shaft 31, which restricts the assist ball 32 from detaching upwards. Furthermore, for aesthetic purposes, the assist ball assembly 30 also includes a decorative cover 33, which is disposed within the central hole 321 of the assist ball 32 and covers the limiting cap 311 of the fixed shaft 31.

[0035] Furthermore, the fixed shaft 31 and the rocker arm 20 are fixedly connected as follows: a connecting hole (defined as the second connecting hole 24) is provided at the second end of the rocker arm 20, and a mounting screw 312 is provided at the bottom of the fixed shaft 31. The mounting screw 312 passes through the second connecting hole 24 at the second end of the rocker arm 20, and a locking nut 34 is fitted on the mounting screw 312. The second end of the rocker arm 20 is fixed by the cooperation of the locking nut 34, thus achieving a firm assembly. Of course, in other embodiments, other fixing methods such as snap-fit ​​can also be used.

[0036] Although the present invention has been specifically shown and described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims, and all such changes shall be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustable power assist ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel, characterized in that: The steering wheel includes a mounting base, a sway bar, and a power steering ball assembly. The mounting base is used to fix the steering wheel to the main body. The first end of the sway bar is rotatably mounted on the mounting base and equipped with a tension adjustment component. The tension adjustment component is used to adjust the tightness of the assembly between the sway bar and the mounting base, so that the sway bar can rotate relative to the mounting base in a loosened state and form a fixed connection with the mounting base in a locked state. The power steering ball assembly is mounted on the second end of the sway bar.

2. The adjustable power assist ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end of the swing arm has two spaced and opposite connecting arms, which form a set hole. The mounting base has a shaft, which passes through the set hole of the swing arm. The tension adjustment component is assembled at the ends of the two connecting arms.

3. The adjustable power assist ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tension adjustment component includes a bolt and a nut. The ends of the two connecting arms of the rocker arm are provided with corresponding connecting holes. The bolt passes through the connecting holes of the two connecting arms and engages with the nut.

4. The adjustable power assist ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner wall of the sleeve hole of the swing rod and / or the outer peripheral wall of the shaft column of the mounting base are provided with knurling.

5. The adjustable power assist ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the shaft protrudes from the rocker arm and is provided with a retaining ring groove. A retaining ring is inserted into the retaining ring groove to prevent the rocker arm from coming off upward.

6. The adjustable power assist ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the mounting base is provided with a fixing screw and a limiting pin. The fixing screw passes through the steering wheel body from the top and is locked to the steering wheel body by a fastening nut. The limiting pin is inserted into the steering wheel body, thereby securing the mounting base to the steering wheel body.

7. The adjustable power assist ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The assist ball in the assist ball assembly is rotatable.

8. The adjustable power assist ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that: The assist ball assembly includes a fixed shaft and an assist ball; the fixed shaft is fixedly mounted on the second end of the swing arm, and the assist ball is rotatably sleeved on the fixed shaft.

9. The adjustable power assist ball mechanism for a forklift steering wheel according to claim 8, characterized in that: The top of the fixed shaft is provided with a radially outwardly extending limiting cap, which restricts the assist ball from detaching upward.

10. A forklift steering wheel, characterized in that: The steering wheel includes a steering wheel body and an adjustable power assist ball mechanism for the steering wheel as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mounting base is fixed to the steering wheel body.

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