Connector for on-off steering device and steering device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of connector and steering device suitable for on-off type steering device, connector includes: plug rod, the outer circumferential surface of plug rod is provided with a plurality of first positioning slot and a plurality of second positioning slot along the circumference, first positioning slot is staggered with the second positioning slot;Sleeve, plug rod is oppositely arranged, so that the plug rod can be inserted or pulled out of sleeve, sleeve is provided with a plurality of first positioning hole and a plurality of second positioning hole, each first positioning hole and second positioning hole are provided with positioning steel ball in;Slip sleeve assembly, including the first slip sleeve of first positioning hole outer circumferential sleeve and the second slip sleeve of second positioning hole outer circumferential sleeve;Telescopic support, it can be axially telescopic and set in the inside of sleeve;Limiting component, including the limiting member for limiting first slip sleeve and second slip sleeve.This scheme can realize double locking function, positioning slot, positioning hole and positioning steel ball staggered arrangement, improve the smoothness of plug rod in sleeve movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive steering, and more particularly to a connector and steering device suitable for on / off steering systems. Background Technology

[0002] Common steering systems include integrated steering systems or four-wheel independent steering systems. Integrated steering systems use a single steering lever to control the steering of both left and right wheels simultaneously. This structure uses a single motor to synchronously control the steering of both wheels, and when the motor fails, it can easily lead to overall steering failure. In addition, this type of steering system cannot achieve special steering functions such as turning on the spot or crabbing. Four-wheel independent steering systems, in addition to achieving basic steering functions, can also achieve special steering functions such as turning on the spot or crabbing, improving the vehicle's maneuverability in tight spaces. However, in four-wheel independent steering systems, each wheel is driven by a motor. When one motor fails, there is no backup motor to switch to, which will still lead to overall steering failure.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, the invention patent with authorization announcement number CN119370186B provides a distributed redundant steering system for automobiles. A first motor controls the axial movement of a first steering screw via a first reduction assembly, thus steering the wheel connected to the first steering screw. A second motor controls the axial movement of a second steering screw via a second reduction assembly, thus steering the wheel connected to the second steering screw. The first and second motors operate independently. When the first motor fails, the second motor charges its coil, generating a magnetic field in the second magnetic component connected to the second steering screw. This magnetic field attracts the first magnetic component connected to the first steering screw, causing the first steering screw to move axially and steering the wheel connected to it. This ensures that even if one motor fails, the other motor can still provide dual-sided power assistance. This redundant steering system ensures that if one motor fails, the other motor can provide dual-sided power assistance. However, because the positions of the first and second magnetic components are fixed, and the steering screw is connected to the magnetic components through mechanical structures such as locking nuts and bearings, although the steering rod can move a certain distance relative to the magnetic components, the movement of the two steering rods is limited due to the mechanical connection structure, which in turn prevents the wheels from achieving large-angle steering. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, this utility model provides a connector and steering device suitable for on / off steering devices.

[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: A connector suitable for on / off steering systems, comprising: The insert rod has a plurality of first positioning grooves and a plurality of second positioning grooves arranged circumferentially on its outer peripheral surface. The first positioning grooves and the second positioning grooves are staggered and located at different positions along the axial direction of the insert rod. A sleeve is disposed opposite to the insert rod, so that the insert rod can be inserted into or pulled out of the sleeve. The sleeve is provided with a plurality of first positioning holes and a plurality of second positioning holes along the circumferential direction. Each first positioning hole and each second positioning hole is provided with a positioning steel ball. The first positioning hole corresponds one-to-one with the first positioning groove, and the second positioning hole corresponds one-to-one with the second positioning groove. The sliding sleeve assembly includes a first sliding sleeve fitted around the outer periphery of the first positioning hole and a second sliding sleeve fitted around the outer periphery of the second positioning hole. The first sliding sleeve and the second sliding sleeve extend and retract along the axial direction of the sleeve to cover or move away from the outer periphery of the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole. A telescopic bracket is axially telescopically disposed inside the sleeve; The limiting assembly includes a limiting member that is radially telescopically disposed on the radial side of the first and second sliding sleeves.

[0006] Preferably, a first retaining ring is provided at the first end of the first sliding sleeve, and the first retaining ring is connected to the first sliding sleeve by a first spring. A second retaining ring is provided at the first end of the second sliding sleeve, and the second retaining ring is connected to the second sliding sleeve by a second spring. A gap is formed between the first sliding sleeve and the second retaining ring.

[0007] Preferably, the limiting member includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part, the first limiting part being located on the radial side of the gap between the first sliding sleeve and the second retaining ring, and the second limiting part being located on the radial side of the second end of the second sliding sleeve.

[0008] Preferably, both the first and second sliding sleeves have guide surfaces on their inner circumferential surfaces for defining the radial position of the positioning steel ball. The diameter of the guide surfaces increases from the first end to the second end, and the first and second sliding sleeves each have an opening at their second end.

[0009] Preferably, the limiting component further includes an electromagnet for controlling the extension and retraction of the limiting member, the electromagnet being connected to a Hall sensor.

[0010] Preferably, the telescopic bracket includes a third spring fixed inside the sleeve, a steel ball retainer is provided at the first end of the third spring, the second end of the third spring is fixed to the sleeve, and the steel ball retainer extends from the first end of the third spring to the inner circumference of the first positioning hole.

[0011] Preferably, the first end of the sleeve is provided with a limiting groove that opens toward the telescopic rod, and a sliding bearing is coaxially provided on the inner circumference of the limiting groove.

[0012] The steering device includes a first steering rod and a second steering rod. The first steering rod is connected to the left wheel via a first steering knuckle, and the second steering rod is connected to the right wheel via a second steering knuckle. A connector suitable for a switch-type steering device, as described above, is provided between the first steering rod and the second steering rod.

[0013] Preferably, a first rack is provided on the first steering rod, and a second rack is provided on the second steering rod. The first rack is connected to the first motor through a first reduction mechanism, and the second rack is connected to the second motor through a second reduction mechanism.

[0014] Preferably, displacement sensors are respectively provided on the radial sides of the first steering rod and the second steering rod.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model's technical solution are mainly reflected in: 1. The connector suitable for on / off type steering devices achieves a double locking function through the positioning steel balls set in the first and second positioning holes of the sleeve. Because the two rings of positioning grooves are staggered and the positioning holes and positioning grooves correspond one-to-one, when the insertion rod is inserted into the sleeve, the first and second positioning grooves must reach the inner circumference of their corresponding positioning holes before they match the positioning steel balls. The double locking function can ensure the stability and accuracy of the connection between the insertion rod and the sleeve. At the same time, the staggered positioning grooves, positioning holes and positioning steel balls can avoid interference between different sets of locking accessories, thereby improving the smoothness of the insertion rod's movement in the sleeve.

[0016] 2. Applicable to connectors in on / off steering devices, two sliding sleeves fitted around the outer periphery of two sets of positioning holes can extend and retract axially. The two sliding sleeves can be selectively limited by a limiting component set on the radial side of the sliding sleeves. When the insert rod and sleeve need to be disconnected, the sliding sleeves are limited by the limiting component, and the insert rod and sleeve move relative to the sliding sleeves at the same time to get rid of the radial restriction of the positioning steel ball by the sliding sleeves. The limiting and unlocking of the two sliding sleeves can be achieved simultaneously by the extension and retraction of the limiting component. The structure is simple and cost-effective. At the same time, the disconnection operation of the insert rod and sleeve is completed by the joint cooperation of the limiting component, the sliding sleeve, the insert rod and the sleeve, which can effectively avoid the occurrence of mis-locking.

[0017] 3. The steering device connects and disconnects the first and second steering rods via a connector, enabling rapid switching between integrated control steering and four-wheel independent control steering. It provides redundant backup steering control in case of a single steering motor failure, improving the safety performance of the steering device. At the same time, the connector's plug and sleeve can be disconnected, ensuring that the wheels can turn at large angles. Thus, in addition to basic steering functions, it can also achieve special functions such as turning on the spot and lateral movement, improving maneuverability in narrow environments. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector suitable for a switch-type steering device (in this case, the insert is connected to the sleeve and the limiting member extends out). Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector suitable for a switch-type steering system (with the insert sleeve disconnected). Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the insertion rod and the sleeve (the telescopic bracket is omitted here). Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first and second steering rods (at this time, the insert rod is located at the end of the first steering rod, and the sleeve is located at the end of the second steering rod). Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first steering rod, the second steering rod, and a connector suitable for a switch-on steering system; Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the sleeve and the second steering rod structure; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the steering mechanism; Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the steering device (the steering gear housing is omitted here). Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, advantages, and features of this utility model clearer and more detailed, the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments will be illustrated and explained. These embodiments are merely typical examples of applying the technical solutions of this utility model; any technical solutions formed by equivalent substitutions or equivalent transformations fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0020] It should also be stated that, in the description of the solution, the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of description and simplification, 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.

[0021] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" in this solution are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying a ranking of importance, or implicitly specifying the number of technical features shown. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In this utility model, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0022] This utility model discloses a connector suitable for on / off steering devices, such as... Figures 1-3 As shown, it includes: Insert rod 1, the outer peripheral surface of the insert rod 1 is provided with a plurality of first positioning grooves 101 and a plurality of second positioning grooves 102 along the circumferential direction, the first positioning grooves 101 and the second positioning grooves 102 are staggered, and the first positioning grooves 101 and the second positioning grooves 102 are located at different positions in the axial direction of the insert rod 1; A sleeve 2 is disposed opposite to the insertion rod 1, allowing the insertion rod 1 to be inserted into or removed from the sleeve 2. The sleeve 2 has a plurality of first positioning holes 201 and a plurality of second positioning holes 202 arranged circumferentially. Each first positioning hole 201 and each second positioning hole 202 contains a positioning steel ball 3. The first positioning holes 201 correspond one-to-one with the first positioning grooves 101, and the second positioning holes 202 correspond one-to-one with the second positioning grooves 102. When the insertion rod 1 is inserted into the sleeve 2, the second positioning grooves 102 near the end of the insertion rod 1 pass through the gaps between the first positioning holes 201, thus the positioning steel balls 3 in the first positioning holes 201 do not contact the second positioning grooves 102. When the second positioning grooves 102 pass through the inner circumference of the second positioning holes 202, the positioning steel balls 3 in the second positioning holes 202 match the second positioning grooves 102 one-to-one, at which point the positioning steel balls 3 in the first positioning holes 201 match the positioning steel balls 3 in the first positioning grooves 101 one-to-one.

[0023] like Figures 1-3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, it also includes a sliding sleeve assembly, which includes a first sliding sleeve 4 sleeved around the outer periphery of the first positioning hole 201 and a second sliding sleeve 5 sleeved around the outer periphery of the second positioning hole 202. The first sliding sleeve 4 and the second sliding sleeve 5 can extend and retract along the axial direction of the sleeve 2 to cover or move away from the outer periphery of the first positioning hole 201 and the second positioning hole 202, thereby realizing the radial locking and unlocking of the positioning steel balls 3 in the first positioning hole 201 and the second positioning hole 202; wherein, after the insertion rod 1 is inserted into the sleeve 2, as Figure 3As shown, when the first sliding sleeve 4 is located on the outer periphery of the first positioning hole 201, the first sliding sleeve 4 radially limits the positioning steel ball 3 inside the first positioning hole 201. The positioning steel ball 3 is fixed at three points: the groove wall of the first positioning groove 101, the hole wall of the first positioning hole 201, and the inner wall of the first sliding sleeve 4, to achieve locking. Similarly, when the second sliding sleeve 5 is located on the outer periphery of the second positioning hole 202, the second sliding sleeve 5 radially limits the positioning steel ball 3 inside the second positioning hole 202. The positioning steel ball 3 is fixed at three points: the groove wall of the second positioning groove 102, the hole wall of the second positioning hole 202, and the inner wall of the second sliding sleeve 5. Conversely, when the first sliding sleeve 4 is not on the outer periphery of the first positioning hole 201, the first positioning groove 101 is not locked by the positioning steel ball 3 inside the first positioning hole 201. Similarly, when the second sliding sleeve 5 is not on the outer periphery of the second positioning hole 202, the second positioning groove 102 is not locked by the positioning steel ball 3 inside the second positioning hole 202.

[0024] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the sleeve 2 also includes a telescopic bracket, which is axially telescopically disposed inside the sleeve 2. This bracket supports the inner circumference of the positioning steel balls 3 within the first positioning hole 201 and the second positioning hole 202 when the insertion rod 1 is not inserted into the sleeve 2. In one embodiment, the telescopic bracket includes a third spring 15 fixed inside the sleeve 2. A steel ball retainer 14 is provided at the first end of the third spring 15, and the second end of the third spring 15 is fixed to the sleeve 2. The steel ball retainer 14 extends from the first end of the third spring 15 to the inner circumference of the first positioning hole 201, thereby simultaneously supporting two rings of positioning steel balls 3. When the insertion rod 1 is inserted into the sleeve 2, the insertion rod 1 contacts the first end of the steel ball retainer 14. The insertion rod 1 pushes the steel ball retainer 14 to move towards the second end. The first positioning groove 101 and the second positioning groove 102 on the outer periphery of the insertion rod 1 match the positioning steel balls in the first positioning hole 201 and the second positioning hole 202, respectively. At the same time, when the insertion rod 1 pushes the steel ball retainer 14, the third spring 15 contracts, so that the steel ball retainer 14 applies a pushing force to the insertion rod 1 in the direction of the first end, so that the positioning steel balls abut against the inner wall of the first positioning groove 101 and the second positioning groove 102 at the second end, further improving the stability of the two sets of positioning steel balls locking with the first positioning groove 101 and the second positioning groove 102. When the insertion rod 1 disengages from the sleeve 2, the steel ball retainer 14 is reset by the third spring 15 and continues to support the two rings of positioning steel balls 3.

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, it also includes a limiting component, which includes a limiting member for limiting the first sliding sleeve 4 and the second sliding sleeve 5. The limiting member is disposed on the radial side of the first sliding sleeve 4 and the second sliding sleeve 5 and extends and retracts radially along the first sliding sleeve 4 and the second sliding sleeve 5. In some embodiments, a first retaining spring 6 is provided at the first end of the first sliding sleeve 4, and the first retaining spring 6 is connected to the first sliding sleeve 4 by a first spring 7. A second retaining spring 8 is provided at the first end of the second sliding sleeve 5, and the second retaining spring 8 is connected to the second sliding sleeve 5 by a second spring 9. A gap is formed between the first sliding sleeve 4 and the second retaining spring 8. The limiting member includes a first limiting part. The first limiting part 12 is located on the radial side of the gap between the first sliding sleeve 4 and the second retaining spring 8, and the second limiting part 13 is located on the radial side of the second end of the second sliding sleeve 5. This ensures that the first sliding sleeve 4 and the second sliding sleeve 5 are simultaneously limited by controlling the extension of the limiting member. When the limiting member retracts, the restriction of the first sliding sleeve 4 by the first limiting part 12 and the restriction of the second sliding sleeve 5 by the second limiting part 13 are simultaneously canceled. The first sliding sleeve 4 is reset by the first spring 7 and returns to the outer periphery of the first positioning hole 201, and the second sliding sleeve 5 is reset by the second spring 9 and returns to the outer periphery of the second positioning hole 202.

[0026] like Figures 1-3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the inner circumferential surfaces of the first sliding sleeve 4 and the second sliding sleeve 5 are each provided with a guide surface 10 for defining the radial position of the positioning steel ball 3. When the first sliding sleeve 4 is located on the outer periphery of the first positioning hole 201 and the second sliding sleeve 5 is located on the outer periphery of the second positioning hole 202, the guide surfaces 10 of the first sliding sleeve 4 and the second sliding sleeve 5 respectively abut against the positioning steel ball 3 on their inner periphery, thereby locking the sleeve 2 and the insertion rod 1 by the two rings of positioning steel balls 3. The first sliding sleeve 4 and the second sliding sleeve 5 are respectively provided with openings at their second ends, and the diameter of the guide surfaces 10 of the first sliding sleeve 4 and the second sliding sleeve 5 increases from the first end to the second end. Therefore, when the insertion rod 1 and the sleeve 2 move towards the second end relative to the first sliding sleeve 4 and the second sliding sleeve 5, the positioning steel ball 3 will move synchronously along the second end and gradually disengage from the control of the first sliding sleeve 4 and the second sliding sleeve 5, thereby unlocking the insertion rod 1.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the limiting component further includes an electromagnet 11 for controlling the extension and retraction of the limiting member. The electromagnet 11 is connected to a Hall sensor, which can monitor the magnetic field of the electromagnet 11 in real time to determine the extension and retraction state of the limiting member.

[0028] like Figure 2As shown, in one embodiment, the first end of the sleeve 2 is provided with a limiting groove 17 that opens toward the telescopic rod. A sliding bearing 16 is coaxially provided on the inner circumference of the limiting groove 17. When the insertion rod 1 is inserted into the sleeve 2, the outer circumference of the insertion rod 1 cooperates with the sliding bearing 16 to avoid interference between the insertion rod 1 and the sleeve 2 before connection and locking.

[0029] like Figures 4-8 As shown, this utility model also discloses a steering device, including a first steering rod 18 and a second steering rod 19. The first steering rod 18 is connected to the left wheel via a first steering knuckle 28, and the second steering rod 19 is connected to the right wheel via a second steering knuckle 29. A connector suitable for on-off steering devices, as described above, is provided between the first steering rod 18 and the second steering rod 19. Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 8 As shown, the insertion rod 1 is located at the second end of the first steering rod 18, and the sleeve 2 is disposed at the first end of the second steering rod 19. The structure of the first steering knuckle 28 and the second steering knuckle 29 can refer to the existing steering knuckle structure, and will not be described in detail here.

[0030] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, a first rack 20 is provided on the first steering rod 18, and a second rack 21 is provided on the second steering rod 19. The first rack 20 is connected to a first motor 22 through a first reduction mechanism 24, and the first motor 22 can drive the first steering rod 18 to translate along its axial direction. The second rack 21 is connected to a second motor 23 through a second reduction mechanism 25, and the second motor 23 can drive the second steering rod 19 to translate along its axial direction. The first reduction mechanism 24 and the second reduction mechanism 25 can adopt existing worm gear structures or other torque-increasing reducer structures, which will not be described in detail here.

[0031] In one embodiment, displacement sensors 27 are respectively provided on the radial sides of the first steering rod 18 and the second steering rod 19 for real-time monitoring of the positions of the first steering rod 18 and the second steering rod 19. The displacement sensors 27 can be existing displacement sensor products, which will not be elaborated here. Specifically, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the steering device also includes a steering housing 26. The first steering rod 18 and the second steering rod 19 are both disposed in the steering housing 26. Two displacement sensors 27 for monitoring the first steering rod 18 and the second steering rod 19 are disposed on the steering housing 26. The specific structure of the steering housing 26 and the connection structure between the first steering rod 18 and the second steering rod 19 and the steering housing 26 can be referred to the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0032] This utility model has many other embodiments. All technical solutions formed by equivalent transformation or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A connector suitable for on / off steering systems, characterized in that: include: The insert rod has a plurality of first positioning grooves and a plurality of second positioning grooves arranged circumferentially on its outer peripheral surface. The first positioning grooves and the second positioning grooves are staggered and located at different positions along the axial direction of the insert rod. A sleeve is disposed opposite to the insert rod, so that the insert rod can be inserted into or pulled out of the sleeve. The sleeve is provided with a plurality of first positioning holes and a plurality of second positioning holes along the circumferential direction. Each first positioning hole and each second positioning hole is provided with a positioning steel ball. The first positioning hole corresponds one-to-one with the first positioning groove, and the second positioning hole corresponds one-to-one with the second positioning groove. The sliding sleeve assembly includes a first sliding sleeve fitted around the outer periphery of the first positioning hole and a second sliding sleeve fitted around the outer periphery of the second positioning hole. The first sliding sleeve and the second sliding sleeve extend and retract along the axial direction of the sleeve to cover or move away from the outer periphery of the first positioning hole and the second positioning hole. A telescopic bracket is axially telescopically disposed inside the sleeve; The limiting assembly includes a limiting member that is radially telescopically disposed on the radial side of the first and second sliding sleeves.

2. The connector for a switching steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end of the first sliding sleeve is provided with a first retaining ring, and the first retaining ring is connected to the first sliding sleeve by a first spring. The first end of the second sliding sleeve is provided with a second retaining ring, and the second retaining ring is connected to the second sliding sleeve by a second spring. A gap is formed between the first sliding sleeve and the second retaining ring.

3. The connector for a switching steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting member includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part. The first limiting part is located on the radial side of the gap between the first sliding sleeve and the second retaining ring, and the second limiting part is located on the radial side of the second end of the second sliding sleeve.

4. The connector for a switching steering device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner circumferential surfaces of the first and second sliding sleeves are provided with guide surfaces for defining the radial position of the positioning steel ball. The diameter of the guide surfaces increases from the first end to the second end. The first and second sliding sleeves are respectively provided with openings at their second ends.

5. The connector for a switching steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting assembly also includes an electromagnet for controlling the extension and retraction of the limiting member, and the electromagnet is connected to a Hall sensor.

6. The connector for a switching steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The telescopic bracket includes a third spring fixed inside the sleeve. A steel ball retainer is provided at the first end of the third spring, and the second end of the third spring is fixed to the sleeve. The steel ball retainer extends from the first end of the third spring to the inner circumference of the first positioning hole.

7. The connector for a switching steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end of the sleeve is provided with a limiting groove that opens toward the telescopic rod, and a sliding bearing is coaxially provided on the inner circumference of the limiting groove.

8. A steering device, characterized in that: It includes a first steering rod and a second steering rod, the first steering rod being connected to the left wheel via a first steering knuckle, the second steering rod being connected to the right wheel via a second steering knuckle, and a connector as described in any one of claims 1-7 for a switch-type steering device is provided between the first steering rod and the second steering rod.

9. The steering device according to claim 8, characterized in that: A first rack is provided on the first steering rod, and a second rack is provided on the second steering rod. The first rack is connected to the first motor through a first reduction mechanism, and the second rack is connected to the second motor through a second reduction mechanism.

10. The steering device according to claim 8, characterized in that: Displacement sensors are respectively installed on the radial sides of the first and second steering rods.

Images