A kart steering wheel steering device with automatic straightening function

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of kart steering wheel steering gear with automatic return function, applied to the steering system of kart.The device includes the basic fixed assembly of fixed sleeve and fixed gear lever, the steering transmission assembly of steering transmission rod, sheet-shaped transmission linkage and linkage cylinder and ball joint composition, and the automatic return assembly of torsion spring and the knob lever of setting on transmission linkage by being set in the outside of steering transmission rod, wherein fixed gear lever is limited to the both ends of torsion spring, knob lever is when rotating with steering transmission rod, and one end of torsion spring is pushed, realize that torsion spring bidirectional energy storage when left and right steering, and after steering wheel loosens, it is driven transmission mechanism reverse motion by torsion spring reset, so that steering wheel is automatically returned to normal.The utility model is simple in structure, and reliable return can be realized without hydraulic or electric unit, reduce manufacturing and maintenance cost, improve the controllability and driving safety of kart, suitable for leisure recreation and kart for driving training.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of go-kart technology, specifically to the steering transmission system of the control components of a go-kart, and more particularly to a go-kart steering wheel device with an automatic return-to-center function. Background Technology

[0002] Go-karts are commonly used in recreational activities, driver training, and basic competitive fields. The ease of operation and driving stability of their steering system directly affect the driving experience and safety. Especially for novice drivers or teenagers, the automatic return-to-center function of the steering wheel can greatly reduce the difficulty of operation and avoid deviation from the driving trajectory caused by the steering wheel not being able to return to its original position in time. This is one of the key requirements for improving driving safety.

[0003] Currently, go-kart steering systems on the market mainly suffer from two types of design flaws, making it difficult to balance "steering reliability" and "ease of automatic return to center": One type is a purely mechanical steering structure without automatic return to center. Its steering power is transmitted to the steering mechanism only through a simple linkage, and after releasing the steering wheel, it relies entirely on the tires' own return torque to return to center. However, under low-speed driving conditions (such as practicing on a training track), this type of design has weak tire return torque, and the steering wheel easily remains in a deviated position, requiring manual adjustment by the driver and increasing the handling burden. At high speeds, if the steering wheel does not return to center promptly after deviating, it can easily cause the vehicle to deviate from its trajectory, posing a safety hazard to users with insufficient driving experience.

[0004] Another type is a complex design with automatic self-centering function, mostly used in mid-to-high-end competitive go-karts: some use a hydraulic power-assisted self-centering system, which requires additional hydraulic pumps, pipelines and control modules, which not only significantly increases the manufacturing cost and overall weight of the go-kart (affecting driving agility), but also has maintenance problems such as hydraulic leakage and pipeline blockage; some use a mechanical self-centering structure with multiple sets of springs, which requires precise adjustment of the elasticity matching of multiple sets of springs, has a complex assembly process, and after long-term use, the springs are prone to deformation due to fatigue, resulting in a decrease in self-centering force or displacement of the self-centering position, resulting in high maintenance frequency and cost, making it difficult to meet the core requirements of "low cost and low maintenance" for recreational and basic training go-karts.

[0005] In summary, existing go-kart steering systems generally face technical challenges such as poor handling without automatic return-to-center and complex structure, high cost, and difficult maintenance with automatic return-to-center. The industry urgently needs a steering wheel device with automatic return-to-center function that is based on a simple mechanical structure, low cost, and reliable return-to-center, in order to balance the needs of ease of operation, driving safety, and economy in leisure and training scenarios. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides a go-kart steering wheel device with automatic return-to-center function. It aims to specifically solve the technical pain points of existing go-kart steering wheel systems, which are characterized by "heavy handling burden due to lack of automatic return-to-center, and complex structure / high cost / difficult maintenance even with automatic return-to-center". By adapting to the core needs of go-karts for leisure and basic driving training, it achieves smooth transmission of steering power and automatic return-to-center with a simple and reliable design. While reducing manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulty, it also reduces the handling difficulty for novice drivers and young users and the safety hazards caused by the steering wheel not returning to center in time. Ultimately, it improves the practicality and market adaptability of the device in leisure, training and basic competitive scenarios.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a go-kart steering wheel device with an automatic self-centering function, applicable to go-karts, comprising: A basic fixing component, comprising a fixing base and a limiting member, wherein the limiting member is fixedly disposed on the fixing base and is used to limit the elastic energy storage component in the automatic return component; A steering transmission assembly includes a steering transmission rod, a transmission linkage, and a steering output connector. The steering transmission rod is rotatably mounted in the fixed base, with one end connected to the go-kart steering wheel to receive steering power, and the other end fixedly connected to the transmission linkage. The transmission linkage and the steering output connector are linked and cooperate with each other. The end of the steering output connector away from the transmission linkage is connected to the go-kart steering mechanism to transmit steering power to the steering mechanism. An automatic return-to-center assembly includes an elastic energy storage component and an energy storage actuating component. The elastic energy storage component is disposed between the fixed base and the steering transmission rod and arranged around the steering transmission rod. The elastic energy storage component has a first end and a second end that are disposed opposite to each other. The limiting component is arranged to abut against the first end and / or the second end when the elastic energy storage component is in the reset position. The energy storage actuating component is fixedly disposed on the transmission linkage component and is offset from the limiting component in the circumferential direction. It is used to actuate one end of the elastic energy storage component when the transmission linkage component rotates with the steering transmission rod, so that when the other end of the elastic energy storage component is blocked by the limiting component, the elastic energy storage component undergoes elastic deformation and stores energy. When the steering wheel is turned, it drives the steering transmission rod, the transmission linkage, and the energy storage actuating member to move synchronously. Under the misalignment of the energy storage actuating member relative to the limiting member, the energy storage actuating member actuates one end of the elastic energy storage member to twist and store energy. At the same time, the transmission linkage transmits the steering power to the steering mechanism through the steering output connector. When the steering wheel is released or the steering torque is no longer applied, the elastic energy storage member releases energy during the reset process, pushing the energy storage actuating member, the transmission linkage, and the steering transmission rod to move in the opposite direction, causing the steering wheel to automatically return to the center position.

[0008] Furthermore, the fixed base is a fixed sleeve, the steering transmission rod passes through the fixed sleeve along the axial direction of the fixed sleeve, the limiting member is a fixed stop rod, the fixed stop rod extends outward along the radial direction of the fixed sleeve, and is integrally or detachably fixedly connected to the fixed sleeve.

[0009] Furthermore, the transmission linkage component is a sheet-like structure with a linkage hole. The end of the steering output connector near the transmission linkage component is embedded in the linkage hole, forming a clearance fit or transition fit, so that when the transmission linkage component rotates, it can drive the steering output connector to move synchronously through the linkage hole.

[0010] Furthermore, the steering output connector includes a linkage column and a ball joint connected in sequence. The end of the linkage column away from the ball joint is linked with the transmission linkage component. The end of the ball joint away from the linkage column is used to connect with the steering mechanism of the go-kart. The ball joint adapts to the angle change during the steering process and avoids transmission jamming.

[0011] Furthermore, the elastic energy storage element is a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the outside of the steering transmission rod, with a preset gap between its inner sidewall and the outer sidewall of the steering transmission rod to avoid interference between the torsion spring and the steering transmission rod when the torsion spring undergoes torsional deformation.

[0012] Furthermore, the energy storage actuating element is a lever, which extends radially outward along the transmission linkage element and abuts against one end of the elastic energy storage element.

[0013] Furthermore, the elastic energy storage component can achieve bidirectional energy storage with the left and right turns of the steering wheel: when the steering wheel drives the steering transmission rod to rotate in the first direction, the energy storage actuation component pushes the first end of the elastic energy storage component to undergo elastic deformation, and the second end of the elastic energy storage component is blocked by the limiting component; when the steering wheel drives the steering transmission rod to rotate in the second direction, the energy storage actuation component pushes the second end of the elastic energy storage component to undergo elastic deformation, and the first end of the elastic energy storage component is blocked by the limiting component, so that after the steering wheel deflects to the left or right, it can automatically return to center through the reset of the elastic energy storage component.

[0014] The present invention, by adopting the above technical solution, has at least the following beneficial effects: I. In this utility model, by integrating the steering transmission rod, transmission linkage and steering output connector in the fixed base, a compact integrated mechanical steering module is formed. Only a few parts are added to the original go-kart steering layout to achieve reliable transmission of steering wheel torque to the steering mechanism. There is no need to configure additional units such as hydraulic pumps and motors. The overall structure is simple and the number of parts is small, which facilitates processing, assembly and later maintenance. It significantly reduces the manufacturing cost and use cost of go-karts suitable for recreation and training.

[0015] II. In this utility model, the elastic energy storage component adopts a torsion spring structure arranged around the steering transmission rod, and cooperates with the limiting component on the fixed base and the energy storage actuating component on the transmission linkage component to form a staggered arrangement in the circumferential direction: when turning, the energy storage actuating component actuates one end of the torsion spring, while the other end of the torsion spring is blocked by the limiting component, so that the elastic energy storage of the torsion spring can be realized in both left and right steering directions; after the steering wheel is released, the torsion spring resets and releases energy, and drives the steering transmission rod and transmission linkage component to rotate through the energy storage actuating component, thereby completing the bidirectional automatic return of the steering wheel and front wheels, overcoming the problem of poor return effect under low-speed conditions when relying solely on the self-returning torque of the tires, and reducing the control burden of novice and young drivers.

[0016] Third, in this utility model, the transmission linkage component is preferably a sheet-like structure with a linkage hole, which is used in conjunction with a steering output connector including a linkage column and a ball joint. Through the cooperation between the linkage hole and the linkage column and the adaptation of the ball joint to changes in spatial angle, the rotation of the transmission linkage component can be smoothly converted into the swing of the steering transmission rod, avoiding transmission jamming caused by geometric interference or installation deviation, and improving the response continuity and handling stability during the steering process.

[0017] Fourth, in this utility model, only a single torsion spring is used in conjunction with a lever and a limiting component to achieve a unified return torque in the left and right directions. This avoids the dependence on the elastic force matching and adjustment accuracy of multiple spring structures. It is not only convenient to set the return force by changing the torsion spring specifications or adjusting the preload according to the vehicle model and scenario requirements, but also reduces the maintenance pressure caused by the decay of return performance during long-term use. This is conducive to the promotion and application in a large number of recreational vehicles and training vehicles, and improves the driving safety and market applicability of the whole vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the go-kart structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the go-kart steering wheel. Figure 1 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the go-kart steering wheel. Figure 2 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the go-kart steering wheel. Figure 1 ; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the go-kart steering wheel. Figure 1 ; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the go-kart steering wheel. Figure 1 .

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Fixed sleeve; 2. Steering transmission rod; 3. Fixed stop lever; 4. Transmission linkage component; 5. Linkage column; 6. Torsion spring; 7. Shift lever; 8. Steering mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Please see Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a go-kart steering wheel device with automatic self-centering function, applied to go-karts, including: A basic fixing component, comprising a fixing base and a limiting member, wherein the limiting member is fixedly disposed on the fixing base and is used to limit the elastic energy storage component in the automatic return component; A steering transmission assembly includes a steering transmission rod 2, a transmission linkage 4, and a steering output connector. The steering transmission rod 2 is rotatably mounted in the fixed base, with one end connected to the go-kart steering wheel to receive steering power, and the other end fixedly connected to the transmission linkage 4. The transmission linkage 4 is linked with the steering output connector, and the end of the steering output connector away from the transmission linkage 4 is connected to the go-kart steering mechanism 8 to transmit steering power to the steering mechanism 8. An automatic return-to-center assembly includes an elastic energy storage component and an energy storage actuating component. The elastic energy storage component is disposed between the fixed base and the steering transmission rod 2 and arranged around the steering transmission rod 2. The elastic energy storage component has a first end and a second end that are disposed opposite to each other. The limiting component is arranged to abut against the first end and / or the second end when the elastic energy storage component is in the reset position. The energy storage actuating component is fixedly disposed on the transmission linkage 4 and is arranged offset from the limiting component in the circumferential direction. It is used to actuate one end of the elastic energy storage component when the transmission linkage 4 rotates with the steering transmission rod 2, so that when the other end of the elastic energy storage component is blocked by the limiting component, the elastic energy storage component undergoes elastic deformation and stores energy. When the steering wheel is turned, it drives the steering transmission rod 2, the transmission linkage 4, and the energy storage actuating member to move synchronously. Under the misalignment of the energy storage actuating member relative to the limiting member, the energy storage actuating member actuates one end of the elastic energy storage member to twist and store energy. At the same time, the transmission linkage 4 transmits the steering power to the steering mechanism 8 through the steering output connector. When the steering wheel is released or the steering torque is no longer applied, the elastic energy storage member releases energy during the reset process, pushing the energy storage actuating member, the transmission linkage 4, and the steering transmission rod 2 to move in the opposite direction, causing the steering wheel to automatically return to the center position. Thus, the automatic return of the steering wheel and front wheels is achieved without relying on a complex hydraulic or electric system.

[0022] In one embodiment, the fixed base is a fixed sleeve 1, the steering transmission rod 2 passes through the fixed sleeve 1 along the axial direction of the fixed sleeve 1, and the limiting member is a fixed stop rod 3. The fixed stop rod 3 extends outward along the radial direction of the fixed sleeve 1 and is integrally or detachably fixedly connected to the fixed sleeve 1.

[0023] With the above structural setup, the steering transmission rod 2 can rotate stably within the fixed sleeve 1, and the fixed stop rod 3 provides a reliable limit reference for the elastic energy storage component, so that the automatic return assembly has good assembly rigidity and durability while being structurally compact.

[0024] In one embodiment, the transmission linkage 4 is a sheet-like structure with a linkage hole. The end of the steering output connector near the transmission linkage 4 is embedded in the linkage hole, forming a clearance fit or transition fit, so that when the transmission linkage 4 rotates, it can drive the steering output connector to move synchronously through the linkage hole.

[0025] By adopting the plate-shaped transmission linkage component 4 and the linkage hole mating method, it is not only convenient for processing such as stamping and cutting, but also absorbs some assembly errors through the mating gap, making the transmission of steering torque smoother and reducing the risk of transmission jamming.

[0026] In one embodiment, the steering output connector in this embodiment includes a linkage column 5 and a ball joint connected in sequence. The end of the linkage column 5 away from the ball joint is linked with the transmission linkage component 4. The end of the ball joint away from the linkage column 5 is used to connect with the steering mechanism 8 of the go-kart. The ball joint adapts to the angle change during the steering process and avoids transmission jamming.

[0027] By setting a ball joint in the transmission path, the frame installation error and the spatial angle change generated during rotation can be compensated, so that the steering torque of the steering wheel can still be reliably transmitted under multi-degree-of-freedom coupling conditions, thereby improving the smoothness and life of the overall steering system.

[0028] In one embodiment, the elastic energy storage component is a torsion spring 6. The torsion spring 6 is sleeved on the outside of the steering transmission rod 2, and a preset gap is left between its inner sidewall and the outer sidewall of the steering transmission rod 2 to avoid interference between the torsion spring 6 and the steering transmission rod 2 when the torsion spring 6 undergoes torsional deformation.

[0029] By employing a torsion spring 6 structure arranged around the steering transmission rod 2 and leaving a reasonable gap, the automatic return-to-center component not only occupies less space in the axial direction and has a compact layout, but also avoids hard friction between the torsion spring 6 and the steering transmission rod 2 during torsional deformation, reducing wear and noise and improving the smoothness and reliability of the return-to-center action.

[0030] In one embodiment, the energy storage actuating component in this embodiment is a lever 7. The lever 7 extends radially outward along the transmission linkage component 4. The lever 7 abuts against one end of the elastic energy storage component, and the cross-section of the lever 7 is rectangular or arc-shaped to ensure stable pushing action on the elastic energy storage component.

[0031] By integrating or fixing the lever 7 with the transmission linkage 4 and adopting a rectangular or arc-shaped cross-section design, a relatively stable and uniform driving force can be applied to the end of the torsion spring 6 during steering, reducing local stress concentration, extending the service life of the torsion spring 6, and ensuring the controllability of the energy storage and release process.

[0032] In one embodiment, the elastic energy storage component can achieve bidirectional energy storage as the steering wheel turns left and right: when the steering wheel drives the steering transmission rod 2 to rotate in the first direction, the energy storage actuation component pushes the first end of the elastic energy storage component to undergo elastic deformation, and the second end of the elastic energy storage component is blocked by the limiting component; when the steering wheel drives the steering transmission rod 2 to rotate in the second direction, the energy storage actuation component pushes the second end of the elastic energy storage component to undergo elastic deformation, and the first end of the elastic energy storage component is blocked by the limiting component, so that after the steering wheel deflects to the left or right, it can automatically return to center through the reset of the elastic energy storage component.

[0033] Through the above-mentioned bidirectional energy storage and return-to-center design, a clear return-to-center torque characteristic curve can be formed in both left and right turning conditions, so that the steering wheel can reliably return to the preset center position after being turned to either side, significantly improving the vehicle's straight-line stability and the driving safety of novice drivers.

[0034] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the go-kart steering wheel device with automatic return-to-center function provided in this embodiment forms a compact and reliable steering transmission path through a fixed sleeve, steering transmission rod, plate-shaped transmission linkage, linkage column, and ball joint. The torsion spring arranged around the steering transmission rod, in conjunction with the fixed stop lever and shift lever, achieves bidirectional energy storage and automatic return-to-center. Under the premise of maintaining a purely mechanical structure that is easy to manufacture and maintain, it effectively solves the contradiction in the existing go-kart steering system that "poor handling without automatic return-to-center, and complex structure, high cost, and difficult maintenance with automatic return-to-center". It is suitable for various usage scenarios such as leisure and amusement, driver training, and basic competition.

[0035] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A go-kart steering wheel with automatic self-centering function, applied to a go-kart, characterized in that, include: A basic fixing component, comprising a fixing base and a limiting member, wherein the limiting member is fixedly disposed on the fixing base and is used to limit the elastic energy storage component in the automatic return component; A steering transmission assembly includes a steering transmission rod, a transmission linkage, and a steering output connector. The steering transmission rod is rotatably mounted in the fixed base, with one end connected to the go-kart steering wheel to receive steering power, and the other end fixedly connected to the transmission linkage. The transmission linkage and the steering output connector are linked and cooperate with each other. The end of the steering output connector away from the transmission linkage is connected to the go-kart steering mechanism to transmit steering power to the steering mechanism. An automatic return-to-center assembly includes an elastic energy storage component and an energy storage actuating component. The elastic energy storage component is disposed between the fixed base and the steering transmission rod and arranged around the steering transmission rod. The elastic energy storage component has a first end and a second end that are disposed opposite to each other. The limiting component is arranged to abut against the first end and / or the second end when the elastic energy storage component is in the reset position. The energy storage actuating component is fixedly disposed on the transmission linkage component and is offset from the limiting component in the circumferential direction. It is used to actuate one end of the elastic energy storage component when the transmission linkage component rotates with the steering transmission rod, so that when the other end of the elastic energy storage component is blocked by the limiting component, the elastic energy storage component undergoes elastic deformation and stores energy. When the steering wheel is turned, it drives the steering transmission rod, the transmission linkage, and the energy storage actuating member to move synchronously. Under the misalignment of the energy storage actuating member relative to the limiting member, the energy storage actuating member actuates one end of the elastic energy storage member to twist and store energy. At the same time, the transmission linkage transmits the steering power to the steering mechanism through the steering output connector. When the steering wheel is released or the steering torque is no longer applied, the elastic energy storage member releases energy during the reset process, pushing the energy storage actuating member, the transmission linkage, and the steering transmission rod to move in the opposite direction, causing the steering wheel to automatically return to the center position.

2. The go-kart steering wheel device with automatic self-centering function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed base is a fixed sleeve, the steering transmission rod passes through the fixed sleeve along the axial direction of the fixed sleeve, the limiting member is a fixed stop rod, the fixed stop rod extends outward along the radial direction of the fixed sleeve, and is integrally or detachably fixedly connected to the fixed sleeve.

3. The go-kart steering wheel device with automatic return-to-center function as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The transmission linkage component is a sheet-like structure with a linkage hole. The end of the steering output connector near the transmission linkage component is embedded in the linkage hole, forming a clearance fit or transition fit, so that when the transmission linkage component rotates, it can drive the steering output connector to move synchronously through the linkage hole.

4. The go-kart steering wheel device with automatic self-centering function as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The steering output connector includes a linkage column and a ball joint connected in sequence. The end of the linkage column away from the ball joint is linked with the transmission linkage component. The end of the ball joint away from the linkage column is used to connect with the steering mechanism of the go-kart. The ball joint adapts to the angle changes during the steering process and avoids transmission jamming.

5. The go-kart steering wheel device with automatic return-to-center function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic energy storage component is a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the outside of the steering transmission rod. A preset gap is left between its inner sidewall and the outer sidewall of the steering transmission rod to avoid interference between the torsion spring and the steering transmission rod when the torsion spring undergoes torsional deformation.

6. The go-kart steering wheel with automatic return-to-center function as described in claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: The energy storage actuating element is a lever, which extends radially outward along the transmission linkage element and abuts against one end of the elastic energy storage element.

7. The go-kart steering wheel device with automatic self-centering function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic energy storage component can achieve bidirectional energy storage with the left and right turns of the steering wheel: when the steering wheel drives the steering transmission rod to rotate in the first direction, the energy storage actuation component pushes the first end of the elastic energy storage component to undergo elastic deformation, and the second end of the elastic energy storage component is blocked by the limiting component; when the steering wheel drives the steering transmission rod to rotate in the second direction, the energy storage actuation component pushes the second end of the elastic energy storage component to undergo elastic deformation, and the first end of the elastic energy storage component is blocked by the limiting component, so that after the steering wheel is deflected to the left or right, it can automatically return to center through the reset of the elastic energy storage component.

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