Steering tie rod mechanism for amphibious vehicle
By setting a rotating mechanism at both ends of the steering tie rod, the three-dimensional swing angle of the steering tie rod is increased, which solves the problem of limited wheel lifting in the prior art and improves the navigation performance of amphibious vehicles.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUHU SHIPYARD CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing wheeled amphibious vehicles have difficulty lifting the wheels further when navigating in water due to the steering arm, which increases water resistance and fails to meet high speed requirements. Furthermore, the steering arm's swing angle is limited.
Design a steering side tie rod mechanism, by setting first and second rotating mechanisms at both ends of the steering side tie rod, each including a fork-shaped component and a rotating shaft, combined with bearings and copper sleeves, to realize multi-angle swing of the steering rocker arm and steering knuckle arm, thereby increasing the three-dimensional swing angle.
The increased wheel lift and maximum steering angle enhance the performance of amphibious off-road vehicles under complex conditions, reduce water resistance, and increase speed.
Smart Images
Figure CN224562266U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of amphibious vehicles. Specifically, this utility model relates to a steering side tie rod mechanism for amphibious vehicles. Background Technology
[0002] When existing wheeled amphibious vehicles switch from land mode to water navigation mode, they typically lift the wheels and position them as far into the wheel wells as possible to reduce water resistance during water travel. Therefore, wheeled amphibious off-road vehicles have high requirements for wheel lifting, especially for steering wheels. The design of the steering tie rod must meet both land driving performance requirements (including steering, wheel hop, and suspension lifting for obstacle crossing) and the water navigation requirements for increased wheel lifting to improve speed. Existing wheeled amphibious vehicles use a cross-joint connection at one end and a ball joint at the other for the steering tie rod.
[0003] Existing wheeled amphibious vehicles have a steering tie rod with a cross joint and a ball joint at each end. Even if one end has a cross joint with a large swing angle, the ball joint at the other end limits the swing angle of the tie rod, making it difficult to further lift the wheel or even allow it to fully enter the wheel well.
[0004] A search revealed Chinese patent CN120327592A, published on June 3, 2025, which discloses a novel steering structure and vehicle for an energy-saving prototype. In this steering structure: a rotating base is movably connected to the prototype vehicle's mast via a third fastener and can rotate around the third fastener; the steering rod includes a horizontal bar and a vertical bar connected perpendicularly to each other, the horizontal bar serving as an operating lever, and the vertical bar rotatably connected to one end of the rotating base via a first fastener; the left and right steering knuckle assemblies have identical structures and are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the other end of the rotating base; both the left and right steering knuckle assemblies include a steering tie rod and a steering knuckle, with both ends of the steering tie rod movably connected to the rotating base and the steering knuckle respectively, and the steering knuckle movably connected to the vehicle frame; during steering, the steering rod is operated to translate left and right, causing the rotating base to rotate around the third fastener, which in turn causes the steering tie rod to move left and right, pushing the steering knuckle to rotate in the vertical plane, thus steering the wheels. However, it still cannot achieve a large sway angle in its own three-dimensional space. Utility Model Content
[0005] The present invention aims to provide a land-based steering side linkage mechanism for amphibious vehicles with a larger self-swing angle.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A steering side linkage mechanism for an amphibious vehicle includes a steering side linkage, one end of which is provided with a first rotating mechanism connected to a steering rocker arm, and the other end of which is provided with a second rotating mechanism connected to a steering knuckle arm.
[0007] The first rotating mechanism includes a first fork-shaped member and a first rotating shaft. The first fork-shaped member is provided with a pin. One end of the first rotating shaft is provided with a first rotating hole that cooperates with the pin. One end of the steering rocker arm is provided with a first through hole. The other end of the first rotating shaft is disposed in the first through hole.
[0008] The second rotating mechanism includes a second fork-shaped member and a second rotating shaft. The two ends of the second rotating shaft are rotatably connected to the two ends of the second fork-shaped member, respectively. A second rotating hole is provided in the middle of the second rotating shaft. A third rotating shaft is provided at one end of the steering knuckle arm. The third rotating shaft is located in the second rotating hole.
[0009] The first fork-shaped component includes a first base plate, a first connecting plate, and a second connecting plate. The first connecting plate is located at one end of the first base plate, and the second connecting plate is located at the other end of the first base plate. The pin is located between the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate.
[0010] The second fork-shaped component includes a second base plate, a third connecting plate, and a fourth connecting plate. The third connecting plate is located at one end of the second fork-shaped component, and the fourth connecting plate is located at the other end of the second base plate. The third connecting plate has a second through hole, and the fourth connecting plate has a third through hole. One end of the second rotating shaft is located in the second through hole, and the other end of the second rotating shaft is located in the third through hole.
[0011] A bearing is provided in the first rotating hole, and the bearing is sleeved on the pin. A first elastic retaining ring and a second elastic retaining ring are respectively provided at both ends of the bearing. The first elastic retaining ring and the second elastic retaining ring are both sleeved on the pin. A first spacer and a second spacer are respectively sleeved at both ends of the pin.
[0012] A first copper sleeve is provided inside the first through hole. The first copper sleeve is fitted onto the first rotating shaft. A first retaining ring is provided on the first copper sleeve. The first retaining ring is fitted onto the first rotating shaft. A first slotted nut is provided on the first retaining ring. The first slotted nut is fitted onto the first rotating shaft. A first cotter pin is provided on the first slotted nut. The first cotter pin passes through one end of the first rotating shaft.
[0013] A second copper sleeve is provided inside the second rotating hole. The second copper sleeve is fitted onto the third rotating shaft. A second retaining ring is provided on one side of the second copper sleeve. The second retaining ring is fitted onto the third rotating shaft. A second slotted nut is provided on one side of the second retaining ring. The second slotted nut is fitted onto the third rotating shaft. A second cotter pin is provided on the second slotted nut. The second cotter pin passes through one end of the third rotating shaft.
[0014] A third copper sleeve is provided in the second through hole, and the third copper sleeve is fitted on one end of the second rotating shaft. A fourth copper sleeve is provided in the third through hole, and the fourth copper sleeve is fitted on the other end of the second rotating shaft.
[0015] The first base plate, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are integral structures, and the second base plate, the third connecting plate and the fourth connecting plate are integral structures.
[0016] The technical advantages of this invention are as follows: by setting a first rotating mechanism and a second rotating mechanism at both ends of the steering tie rod, the swing angle of the steering tie rod in three-dimensional space is improved. The first fork-shaped part and the first rotating shaft enable the steering tie rod to swing up and down while the steering rocker arm rotates. The second fork-shaped part and the second rotating shaft enable the steering tie rod to swing up and down while the steering knuckle arm rotates with the steering wheel. This is beneficial for realizing various complex working conditions of amphibious off-road vehicles and increasing the maximum steering angle. Attached Figure Description
[0017] This manual includes the following figures, which illustrate the following: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a steering side linkage mechanism for an amphibious vehicle.
[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view.
[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the first rotating mechanism.
[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Sectional view of the second rotating mechanism.
[0021] The components in the diagram are labeled as follows: 1. Steering tie rod; 2. First rotating mechanism; 3. Steering rocker arm; 4. Steering tie rod; 5. Steering knuckle arm; 6. First fork-shaped component; 7. First rotating shaft; 8. Pin; 9. First rotating hole; 10. First through hole; 11. Second fork-shaped component; 12. Second rotating shaft; 13. Second rotating hole; 14. Third rotating shaft; 15. First base plate; 16. First connecting plate; 17. Second connecting plate; 18. Second base plate; 19. Third connecting plate; 20. Fourth connecting plate; 21. Second through hole; 22. Third through hole; 23. Bearing; 24. First elastic retaining ring; 25. Second elastic retaining ring; 26. First spacer; 27. Second spacer. 28. First copper sleeve; 29. First retaining ring; 30. First slotted nut; 31. First cotter pin; 32. Second copper sleeve; 33. Second retaining ring; 34. Second slotted nut; 35. Second cotter pin; 36. Third copper sleeve; 37. Fourth copper sleeve. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate and in-depth understanding of the inventive concept and technical solution of this utility model, and to facilitate its implementation.
[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a steering tie rod mechanism for an amphibious vehicle includes a steering tie rod 1. One end of the steering tie rod 1 has a first rotating mechanism 2 connected to a steering rocker arm 3. The other end of the steering tie rod 1 has a second rotating mechanism 4 connected to a steering knuckle arm 5. By providing the first rotating mechanism 2 and the second rotating mechanism 4 at both ends of the steering tie rod 1, the three-dimensional swing angle of the steering tie rod 1 can be increased. This facilitates handling various complex operating conditions of the amphibious off-road vehicle and improves wheel lift height, maximum steering angle, and suspension lift height.
[0024] Figure 3 As shown, the first rotating mechanism 2 includes a first fork-shaped member 6 and a first rotating shaft 7. The first fork-shaped member 6 is provided with a pin 8. One end of the first rotating shaft 7 is provided with a first rotating hole 9 that mates with the pin 8. One end of the steering rocker arm 3 is provided with a first through hole 10, and the other end of the first rotating shaft 7 is disposed within the first through hole 10. The first fork-shaped member 6 is provided with a pin 8, and one end of the first rotating shaft 7 is provided with a first rotating hole 9 that mates with the pin 8, thus achieving a rotatable connection between the first rotating shaft 7 and the first fork-shaped member 6. The other end of the first rotating shaft 7 is disposed within the first through hole 10, thus achieving a rotatable connection between the first rotating shaft 7 and the steering rocker arm 3, enabling the first rotating mechanism 2 to swing at multiple angles.
[0025] like Figure 4As shown, the second rotating mechanism 4 includes a second fork-shaped member 11 and a second rotating shaft 12. The two ends of the second rotating shaft 12 are rotatably connected to the two ends of the second fork-shaped member 11, respectively. A second rotating hole 13 is provided in the middle of the second rotating shaft 12. A third rotating shaft 14 is provided at one end of the steering knuckle arm 5, and the third rotating shaft 14 is disposed within the second rotating hole 13. The rotatable connection between the second rotating shaft 12 and the second fork-shaped member 11, the second rotating shaft 12 with its middle section containing the second rotating hole 13, and the third rotating shaft 14 at one end of the steering knuckle arm 5 within the second rotating hole 13 enable the steering knuckle arm 5 to rotate rotatably with respect to the second rotating shaft 12, thus allowing the second rotating mechanism 4 to swing at multiple angles.
[0026] The first fork-shaped component 6 includes a first base plate 15, a first connecting plate 16, and a second connecting plate 17. The first connecting plate 16 is located at one end of the first base plate 15, and the second connecting plate 17 is located at the other end of the first base plate 15. A pin 8 is located between the first connecting plate 16 and the second connecting plate 17. The pin 8 is provided between the first connecting plate 16 and the second connecting plate 17 to enable the first rotating shaft 7 to rotate around the pin 8.
[0027] The second fork-shaped component 11 includes a second base plate 18, a third connecting plate 19, and a fourth connecting plate 20. The third connecting plate 19 is located at one end of the second fork-shaped component 11, and the fourth connecting plate 20 is located at the other end of the second base plate 18. The third connecting plate 19 has a second through hole 21, and the fourth connecting plate 20 has a third through hole 22. One end of the second rotating shaft 12 is located in the second through hole 21, and the other end of the second rotating shaft 12 is located in the third through hole 22. The second rotating shaft 12 can rotate on the second fork-shaped component 11.
[0028] A bearing 23 is installed inside the first rotating hole 9, and the bearing 23 is fitted onto the pin 8. A first elastic retaining ring 24 and a second elastic retaining ring 25 are respectively provided at both ends of the bearing 23. Both the first elastic retaining ring 24 and the second elastic retaining ring 25 are fitted onto the pin 8. A first spacer 26 and a second spacer 27 are respectively fitted at both ends of the pin 8. The bearing 23 is a spherical plain bearing. The first elastic retaining ring 24 and the second elastic retaining ring 25 at both ends of the bearing 23 prevent displacement of the bearing 23, ensure that the bearing 23 maintains a stable position when bearing radial loads, and increase the service life of the bearing 23. The first spacer 26 and the second spacer 27 are used to isolate adjacent connections, preventing the first connecting plate 16 and the second connecting plate 17 at both ends of the pin 8 from directly contacting the bearing 23 or the elastic retaining rings, thus reducing friction.
[0029] A first copper sleeve 28 is provided inside the first through hole 10. The first copper sleeve 28 is fitted onto the first rotating shaft 7. A first retaining ring 29 is provided on the first copper sleeve 28, which is fitted onto the first rotating shaft 7. A first slotted nut 30 is provided on the first retaining ring 29, which is fitted onto the first rotating shaft 7. A first cotter pin 31 is provided on the first slotted nut 30, which protrudes from one end of the first rotating shaft 7. The first slotted nut 30 is fitted onto the first rotating shaft 7, and the first cotter pin 31 is inserted into the first rotating shaft 7 to lock the relative positions and prevent the steering rocker arm 3 and the first rotating mechanism 2 from falling off. The first copper sleeve 28, fitted onto the first rotating shaft 7, ensures a tight connection between the first rotating shaft 7 and the first through hole 10, preventing shaking and reducing wear during rotation.
[0030] A second copper sleeve 32 is provided inside the second rotating hole 13. The second copper sleeve 32 is fitted onto the third rotating shaft 14. A second retaining ring 33 is provided on one side of the second copper sleeve 32. The second retaining ring 33 is fitted onto the third rotating shaft 14. A second slotted nut 34 is provided on one side of the second retaining ring 33. The second slotted nut 34 is fitted onto the third rotating shaft 14. A second cotter pin 35 is provided on the second slotted nut 34 and protrudes from one end of the third rotating shaft 14. The second slotted nut 34 is fitted onto the third rotating shaft 14, and the second cotter pin 35 is inserted into the third rotating shaft 14 to lock the relative positions and prevent the steering knuckle arm 5 and the second rotating mechanism 4 from falling off. The second copper sleeve 32 is fitted onto the third rotating shaft 14 to ensure a tight connection between the third rotating shaft 14 and the second rotating hole 13, preventing shaking and reducing wear during rotation.
[0031] A third copper sleeve 36 is provided inside the second through hole 21, and the third copper sleeve 36 is fitted onto one end of the second rotating shaft 12. A fourth copper sleeve 37 is provided inside the third through hole 22, and the fourth copper sleeve 37 is fitted onto the other end of the second rotating shaft 12. The third copper sleeve 36, fitted onto one end of the second rotating shaft 12, ensures a tight connection between one end of the second rotating shaft 12 and the second through hole 21, preventing shaking and reducing rotational wear. The fourth copper sleeve 37, fitted onto the other end of the second rotating shaft 12, ensures a tight connection between the other end of the second rotating shaft 12 and the third through hole 22, preventing shaking and reducing rotational wear.
[0032] The first base plate 15, the first connecting plate 16, and the second connecting plate 17 are integral structures, as are the second base plate 18, the third connecting plate 19, and the fourth connecting plate 20. The integral structure of the first fork-shaped component 6 and the second fork-shaped component 11 makes them more robust and stable during steering.
[0033] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: A steering side tie rod mechanism for an amphibious vehicle includes a steering side tie rod 1. One end of the steering side tie rod 1 is provided with a first rotating mechanism 2. The first rotating mechanism 2 includes a first fork-shaped member 6 and a first rotating shaft 7. The first fork-shaped member 6 is provided with a pin 8. One end of the first rotating shaft 7 is provided with a first rotating hole 9 that mates with the pin 8. One end of the steering rocker arm 3 is provided with a first through hole 10. The other end of the first rotating shaft 7 is disposed in the first through hole 10. The first fork-shaped member 6 is provided with a pin 8. One end of the first rotating shaft 7 is provided with a first rotating hole 9 that mates with the pin 8. One end of the steering rocker arm 3 is provided with a first through hole 10. The other end of the first rotating shaft 7 is disposed in the first through hole 10. The first rotating hole 9, which is fitted with the pin 8, enables the first rotating shaft 7 and the first fork-shaped piece 6 to be rotatably connected. The other end of the first rotating shaft 7 is set in the first through hole 10, enabling the first rotating shaft 7 and the steering rocker arm 3 to be rotatably connected, thus enabling the first rotating mechanism 2 to swing at multiple angles. The other end of the steering side tie rod 1 is provided with a second rotating mechanism 4: the second rotating mechanism 4 includes a second fork-shaped piece 11 and a second rotating shaft 12. The two ends of the second rotating shaft 12 are rotatably connected to the two ends of the second fork-shaped piece 11, and the second rotating shaft 12 is provided with a second rotating hole 13 in the middle. One end of the steering knuckle arm 5 is provided with a third rotating shaft 14, which is set in the second rotating hole 13. The second rotating shaft 12 and the second fork-shaped piece 11 are rotatably connected. The second rotating shaft 12 is provided with a second rotating hole 13 in the middle. The third rotating shaft 14 at one end of the steering knuckle arm 5 is set in the second rotating hole 13, thus enabling the steering knuckle arm 5 and the second rotating shaft 12 to be rotatably connected, thus enabling the second rotating mechanism 4 to swing at multiple angles.
[0034] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention; or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A steering side tie rod mechanism for an amphibious vehicle, characterized in that: It includes a steering side tie rod (1), one end of which is provided with a first rotating mechanism (2), the first rotating mechanism (2) is connected to a steering rocker arm (3), and the other end of the steering side tie rod (1) is provided with a second rotating mechanism (4), the second rotating mechanism (4) is connected to a steering knuckle arm (5).
2. The steering side tie rod mechanism for an amphibious vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rotating mechanism (2) includes a first fork-shaped part (6) and a first rotating shaft (7). The first fork-shaped part (6) is provided with a pin (8). One end of the first rotating shaft (7) is provided with a first rotating hole (9) that cooperates with the pin (8). One end of the steering rocker arm (3) is provided with a first through hole (10). The other end of the first rotating shaft (7) is located in the first through hole (10).
3. The steering side tie rod mechanism for an amphibious vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second rotating mechanism (4) includes a second fork-shaped member (11) and a second rotating shaft (12). The two ends of the second rotating shaft (12) are rotatably connected to the two ends of the second fork-shaped member (11). The second rotating shaft (12) has a second rotating hole (13) in the middle. The steering knuckle arm (5) has a third rotating shaft (14) at one end. The third rotating shaft (14) is located in the second rotating hole (13).
4. The steering side tie rod mechanism for an amphibious vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first fork-shaped component (6) includes a first base plate (15), a first connecting plate (16), and a second connecting plate (17). The first connecting plate (16) is located at one end of the first base plate (15), and the second connecting plate (17) is located at the other end of the first base plate (15). The pin (8) is located between the first connecting plate (16) and the second connecting plate (17).
5. The steering side tie rod mechanism for an amphibious vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second fork-shaped component (11) includes a second base plate (18), a third connecting plate (19) and a fourth connecting plate (20). The third connecting plate (19) is located at one end of the second fork-shaped component (11), and the fourth connecting plate (20) is located at the other end of the second base plate (18). The third connecting plate (19) has a second through hole (21), and the fourth connecting plate (20) has a third through hole (22). One end of the second rotating shaft (12) is located in the second through hole (21), and the other end of the second rotating shaft (12) is located in the third through hole (22).
6. The steering side tie rod mechanism for an amphibious vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first rotating hole (9) is provided with a bearing (23), which is sleeved on the pin (8). The bearing (23) is provided with a first elastic retaining ring (24) and a second elastic retaining ring (25) at both ends. The first elastic retaining ring (24) and the second elastic retaining ring (25) are both sleeved on the pin (8). The pin (8) is provided with a first spacer (26) and a second spacer (27) at both ends.
7. The steering side tie rod mechanism for an amphibious vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first through hole (10) is provided with a first copper sleeve (28), which is fitted on the first rotating shaft (7). The first copper sleeve (28) is provided with a first retaining ring (29), which is fitted on the first rotating shaft (7). The first retaining ring (29) is provided with a first slotted nut (30), which is fitted on the first rotating shaft (7). The first slotted nut (30) is provided with a first cotter pin (31), which protrudes from one end of the first rotating shaft (7).
8. The steering side tie rod mechanism for an amphibious vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that: A second copper sleeve (32) is provided in the second rotating hole (13). The second copper sleeve (32) is fitted on the third rotating shaft (14). A second retaining ring (33) is provided on one side of the second copper sleeve (32). The second retaining ring (33) is fitted on the third rotating shaft (14). A second slotted nut (34) is provided on one side of the second retaining ring (33). The second slotted nut (34) is fitted on the third rotating shaft (14). A second cotter pin (35) is provided on the second slotted nut (34). The second cotter pin (35) passes through one end of the third rotating shaft (14).
9. A steering side tie rod mechanism for an amphibious vehicle according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that: The second through hole (21) is provided with a third copper sleeve (36), which is fitted on one end of the second rotating shaft (12). The third through hole (22) is provided with a fourth copper sleeve (37), which is fitted on the other end of the second rotating shaft (12).
10. A steering side linkage mechanism for an amphibious vehicle according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that: The first base plate (15), the first connecting plate (16) and the second connecting plate (17) are an integral structure, and the second base plate (18), the third connecting plate (19) and the fourth connecting plate (20) are an integral structure.