Rear wheel steering mechanism and vehicle

Abstract

This application relates to the field of motor vehicle steering technology, and discloses a rear-wheel steering mechanism and vehicle. The rear-wheel steering mechanism includes a lever arm, a drive assembly, a steering tie rod, and a steering knuckle. Along a first direction, the lever arm has a drive end and a swing end at its two ends, respectively, and the lever arm is pivotable around a fixed center. The drive assembly is connected to the drive end and is used to drive the lever arm to pivot. Along a second direction, the two ends of the swing end are respectively connected to the steering tie rod. The steering knuckle is connected to the end of the steering tie rod away from the lever arm. The first direction is the length direction of the vehicle, and the second direction is the width direction of the vehicle. This design transforms the linear driving motion along the second direction in a traditional structure into a swing driving motion around a center, reducing the chassis space occupied and allowing for flexible adaptation to vehicle platforms with different wheelbases and track widths.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of motor vehicle steering technology, and more particularly to a rear-wheel steering mechanism and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the design of vehicle steering structures, rear-wheel steering mechanisms can significantly improve high-speed handling performance and noticeably reduce the minimum turning diameter. However, since existing rear-wheel steering mechanisms generally include a lead screw / rack and pinion transmission structure, which occupies a large amount of layout space, rear-wheel steering mechanisms are generally installed in C-class and above models with larger chassis space. In contrast, smaller A-class and B-class models generally use torsion beam suspensions on the rear axle, whose crossbeam structure occupies the layout direction in the vehicle width direction, making it impossible for the chassis to accommodate traditional rear-wheel steering mechanisms, thus limiting the application range of rear-wheel steering mechanisms. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a rear-wheel steering mechanism and vehicle that can effectively reduce the chassis space occupied by the rear-wheel steering mechanism, making it easier to integrate into the torsion beam suspension structure.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the main technical solutions adopted in this application include a rear-wheel steering mechanism and a vehicle.

[0005] In a first aspect, the rear wheel steering mechanism includes a lever arm, a drive assembly, a steering tie rod, and a steering knuckle; along a first direction, the lever arm has a drive end and a swing end at its two ends, and the lever arm is capable of pivoting around a fixed center; the drive assembly is connected to the drive end and is used to drive the lever arm to pivot; along a second direction, the two ends of the swing end are respectively connected to the steering tie rod; the steering knuckle is connected to the end of the steering tie rod away from the swing end; wherein, the first direction is the length direction of the vehicle, and the second direction is the width direction of the vehicle.

[0006] The rear wheel steering mechanism proposed in this application embodiment drives the driving end of the lever arm through the driving component, so that the lever arm rotates around a fixed center. The swing end drives two steering tie rods in the second direction to produce opposite push-pull movements, and pulls the rear wheels on both sides of the vehicle to produce a change angle, thereby realizing rear wheel steering.

[0007] Understandably, by using a pivoting structure with lever arms to replace the traditional gear rack or ball screw transmission mechanism, the linear drive motion along the second direction in the traditional structure is transformed into a swing motion around the center, reducing the chassis space occupied by the entire mechanism and making it easier to integrate into the torsion beam suspension structure for use in vehicles of different sizes.

[0008] Optionally, it also includes a first pivot shaft for fixed connection with the vehicle body. A first connecting hole is provided through the middle of the lever arm. The first pivot shaft is inserted into the first connecting hole and rotatably connected to the first connecting hole, so that the lever arm can pivot about a fixed center.

[0009] Optionally, the first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to a support, which is used to fix it to the vehicle body.

[0010] Optionally, along the second direction, both ends of the swing end are provided with sleeves, each sleeve corresponding to a steering tie rod, and the end of the steering tie rod is rotatably connected to the sleeve via a ball joint.

[0011] Optionally, a dust cover is provided at the end of the steering tie rod that is connected to the swing end.

[0012] Optionally, the drive assembly includes a steering motor and a controller. The steering motor is equipped with a retractable push rod, the end of which is rotatably connected to the drive end. The steering motor is rotatably connected to the vehicle body. The controller is signal-connected to the steering motor.

[0013] Optionally, the end of the push rod is fixedly connected to a connector, the connector is provided with a second rotating shaft, the drive end is provided with a second connecting hole, the second rotating shaft passes through the second connecting hole and is rotatably connected to the second connecting hole.

[0014] Optionally, the steering motor is fixedly connected to a motor mount, and the motor mount is provided with a rotating part for rotating connection with the vehicle body; wherein, the rotation plane of the motor mount is parallel or coplanar with the rotation plane of the lever arm.

[0015] Optionally, the rotating part is provided with a third connecting hole, and a third rotating shaft that is fixedly connected to the vehicle body is rotatably connected in the third connecting hole.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle, including the rear-wheel steering mechanism and the vehicle body described in the first aspect; along a second direction, the steering knuckles are movably connected to both ends of the vehicle body.

[0017] The vehicle proposed in this application embodiment reduces the chassis space occupied by the rear wheel steering mechanism to a certain extent, making it easier to integrate it into the torsion beam suspension structure. Attached Figure Description

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

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the rear wheel steering mechanism in one direction in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram of section A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the rear wheel steering mechanism in another direction in some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram of section B in the middle; Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram of section C.

[0020] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image] 100, lever arm; 110, drive end; 111, second connecting hole; 120, swing end; 130, first connecting hole; 140, sleeve; 141, ball shaft; 200. Drive assembly; 210. Steering motor; 211. Push rod; 212. Motor mount; 213. Rotating part; 214. Connector; 215. Second rotating shaft; 216. Third connecting hole; 220. Controller; 300. Steering tie rod; 310. Dust cover; 400. First pivot; 410. Support; 10. Crossbeam; 11. Third pivot; 20. Steering knuckle; X, first direction; Y, second direction; Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0023] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] In this application, the term "and / or" merely describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "rear wheel steering mechanism and / or vehicle" can represent: the rear wheel steering mechanism existing alone, the rear wheel steering mechanism and the vehicle existing simultaneously, or the vehicle existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0026] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), and similarly, "multiple groups" refers to two or more (including two), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two).

[0027] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3The vehicle includes a rear-wheel steering mechanism and a body; along the second direction Y, steering knuckles 20 are movably connected to both ends of the body, specifically, steering knuckles 20 are movably connected to both ends of the body's crossbeam 10; the rear-wheel steering mechanism includes a lever arm 100, a drive assembly 200, a steering tie rod 300, and a steering knuckle 20; along the first direction X, a drive end 110 and a swing end 120 are respectively provided at both ends of the lever arm 100, and the lever arm 100 can pivot around a fixed center; the drive assembly 200 is connected to the drive end 110, and the drive assembly 200 is used to drive the lever arm 100 to pivot; along the second direction Y, the steering tie rod 300 is connected to both ends of the swing end 120; the steering knuckle 20 is connected to the end of the steering tie rod 300 away from the swing end 120; wherein, the first direction X is the length direction of the vehicle, and the second direction Y is the width direction of the vehicle.

[0028] In actual use, the rear wheel steering mechanism drives the drive end 110 of the lever arm 100 through the drive assembly 200, causing the lever arm 100 to rotate around a fixed center. The swing end 120 then generates an arc-shaped swing displacement. The swing end 120 drives the two steering tie rods 300 in the second direction Y to generate opposite push-pull movements, and pulls the steering knuckles 20 on both sides of the vehicle and the rear wheels to change direction, thereby realizing rear wheel steering.

[0029] It is understandable that by using the pivoting structure of lever arm 100 to replace the traditional gear rack or ball screw transmission mechanism, the linear drive motion along the second direction Y in the traditional structure is transformed into a swing drive motion around the center. This reduces the space requirement of the actuators (lever arm 100 in this embodiment) driving the steering knuckles 20 on both sides in the vehicle width direction, reduces the chassis space occupied by the entire rear wheel steering mechanism, and provides sufficient space for the crossbeam, trailing arm and other components of the torsion beam suspension. This facilitates further integration into the torsion beam suspension structure, allowing the steering mechanism to flexibly adapt to vehicle platforms with different wheelbases and track widths, so as to be suitable for use in vehicles of different sizes.

[0030] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The rear wheel steering mechanism also includes a first pivot 400, which is fixedly connected to the vehicle body. A first connecting hole 130 is provided through the middle of the lever arm 100. The first pivot 400 is inserted into the first connecting hole 130 and rotatably connected to the first connecting hole 130, so that the lever arm 100 can pivot around a fixed center. The fixed connection between the first pivot 400 and the vehicle body forms a fixed rotation center. The lever arm 100 is sleeved on the first pivot 400 through the first connecting hole 130 located in the middle. When the drive end 110 is subjected to force, the first connecting hole 130 slides relative to the first pivot 400, and the lever arm 100 pivots around the fixed axis. This provides a stable and precise rotation center for the lever arm 100, preventing the lever arm 100 from deviating or wobbling during movement, ensuring that the trajectory of the swing end 120 is controllable, and making the steering transmission smoother and more reliable.

[0031] It should be emphasized that the vehicle body includes the crossbeam 10 and other components. The two ends of the crossbeam 10 are rotatably connected to the steering knuckles 20. The structure of the vehicle body is a conventional application technology in this field. The vehicle body includes, but is not limited to, the suspension structure and the anti-collision beam structure. The crossbeam 10 is part of the suspension structure and should be understood as part of the vehicle body. It will not be elaborated further here. The aforementioned first pivot 400 is fixed to the other fixed parts of the vehicle body so that the position of the first pivot 400 is fixed.

[0032] Preferably, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 The first rotating shaft 400 is fixedly connected to a support 410, which is used to fix the shaft to the vehicle body. The first rotating shaft 400 and the support 410 can be welded together or directly formed as one piece, and then the support 410 is fixedly installed to the vehicle body structure (by means of screw fixing, etc.). The lever arm 100 achieves rotational engagement through the structure of the first rotating shaft 400 and the support 410. The load is transmitted to the support 410 through the first rotating shaft 400 and finally distributed to the vehicle body, which improves the connection strength and fatigue life.

[0033] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2Along the second direction Y, both ends of the swing end 120 are provided with sleeves 140, each sleeve 140 corresponding to a steering tie rod 300. The end of the steering tie rod 300 is rotatably connected to the sleeve 140 via a ball joint 141. When the swing end 120 swings, the sleeve 140 undergoes relative displacement with the lever arm 100. The ball joint 141 at the end of the steering tie rod 300 rotates within the sleeve 140, automatically adjusting the angle between the axis of the steering tie rod 300 and the axis of the sleeve 140. This allows the steering tie rod 300 to adapt to the angle changes caused by the swing, avoiding additional bending moment and jamming at the connection point, and ensuring smooth steering. It should be noted that part of the ball joint 141 protrudes outside the sleeve 140. During the swing of the lever arm 100, interference is avoided between the end of the sleeve 140 and the body of the steering tie rod 300, ensuring smooth rear wheel steering.

[0034] Furthermore, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A dust cover 310 is provided at the end of the steering tie rod 300 that connects to the swing end 120. The dust cover 310 covers the end of the steering tie rod 300 and the connection area with the sleeve 140 of the swing end 120. When the steering tie rod 300 moves, the dust cover 310 moves along with it through its own elastic deformation, thus isolating the connection area from the external environment, preventing dust and other impurities from entering the connection part between the ball shaft 141 and the sleeve 140, reducing wear, corrosion and grease contamination, extending service life and reducing maintenance frequency.

[0035] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The drive assembly 200 includes a steering motor 210 and a controller 220. The steering motor 210 is equipped with a retractable push rod 211, the end of which is rotatably connected to the drive end 110. The steering motor 210 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body. The controller 220 is signal-connected to the steering motor 210. Similar to common techniques in the art, the controller 220 receives vehicle signals such as vehicle speed and steering wheel angle, calculates the target rear wheel angle, and outputs control commands. The steering motor 210 drives the push rod 211 to extend or retract according to the commands. The steering motor 210 pushes the drive end 110 of the lever arm 100 through the push rod 211. At the same time, the steering motor 210 as a whole adaptively rotates around the connection point of the vehicle body to adapt to the positional relationship of each component and avoid movement jamming.

[0036] As a further optimization of the above embodiments, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5The end of the push rod 211 is fixedly connected to a connector 214, on which a second rotating shaft 215 is provided. The drive end 110 has a second connecting hole 111 through which the second rotating shaft 215 passes and is rotatably connected. The extension and retraction of the push rod 211 causes the connector 214 to move. The second rotating shaft 215 of the connector 214 rotates within the second connecting hole 111 of the drive end 110 of the lever arm 100, converting the linear displacement of the push rod 211 into torque on the drive end 110, causing the lever arm 100 to pivot around the center, thus avoiding lateral forces and the risk of jamming caused by rigid connections.

[0037] Preferably, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The steering motor 210 is fixedly connected to a motor base 212, and the motor base 212 is provided with a rotating part 213, which is used to rotate with the vehicle body; wherein, the rotation plane of the motor base 212 is parallel or coplanar with the rotation plane of the lever arm 100.

[0038] The steering motor 210 is connected to the vehicle body via the motor mount 212. When the steering motor 210 is working, the rotating part 213 on the motor mount 212 rotates around the hinge point of the vehicle body, and the entire drive assembly 200 moves in a plane. When the rotation plane of the motor mount 212 is coplanar with the rotation plane of the lever arm 100, the push rod 211 is located on the rotation plane of the lever arm 100 and always pushes the lever arm 100 within this plane, ensuring that the movement plane of the push rod 211 and the lever arm 100 are consistent, avoiding relative misalignment between the push rod 211 and the lever arm 100 in space, thus preventing motion interference. In another embodiment, if the push rod 211 has a certain tilt angle so that the rotation plane of the lever arm 100 is misaligned with the rotation plane of the motor mount 212, then the movement of the two ends of the push rod 211 is parallel. At this time, the rotation plane of the motor mount 212 is parallel to the rotation plane of the lever arm 100. Specifically, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The rotating part 213 is provided with a third connecting hole 216, and a third rotating shaft 11 fixedly connected to the vehicle body is rotatably connected in the third connecting hole 216. The third rotating shaft 11 is rigidly connected to the vehicle body to form a hinge point that fixes the above-mentioned structure. The rotating part 213 of the motor mount 212 is sleeved on the third rotating shaft 11 through the third connecting hole 216. When the motor mount 212 is subjected to force due to the positional changes of other components, the third connecting hole 216 rotates around the third rotating shaft 11, providing the entire drive assembly 200 with a degree of swing freedom.

[0039] It needs to be emphasized again that the vehicle body, including the crossbeam 10 and other components, belongs to the conventional application technology in this field. The vehicle body includes, but is not limited to, the suspension structure and the anti-collision beam structure. The crossbeam 10 is part of the suspension structure and should be understood as part of the vehicle body. It will not be elaborated further here. Furthermore, the third pivot 11 is fixed to the other fixed parts of the vehicle body so that the position of the third pivot 11 is fixed.

[0040] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0041] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments.

[0042] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0043] Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rear-wheel steering mechanism, characterized in that, include: A lever arm (100) is provided at both ends along a first direction (X), with a driving end (110) and a swing end (120) respectively. The lever arm (100) is capable of pivoting around a fixed center. A drive assembly (200) is connected to the drive end (110), and the drive assembly (200) is used to drive the lever arm (100) to pivot; Steering tie rod (300), along the second direction (Y), the two ends of the swing end (120) are respectively connected to the steering tie rod (300); Steering knuckle (20) is connected to the end of the steering tie rod (300) away from the swing end (120); Wherein, the first direction (X) is the length direction of the vehicle, and the second direction (Y) is the width direction of the vehicle.

2. The rear wheel steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first pivot (400) for fixed connection with the vehicle body. A first connecting hole (130) is provided through the middle of the lever arm (100). The first pivot (400) is inserted into the first connecting hole (130) and rotatably connected with the first connecting hole (130) so that the lever arm (100) can pivot around a fixed center.

3. The rear wheel steering mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first rotating shaft (400) is fixedly connected to a support (410), which is used to fix the shaft to the vehicle body.

4. The rear wheel steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the second direction (Y), both ends of the swing end (120) are provided with sleeves (140), and each sleeve (140) corresponds to a steering tie rod (300). The end of the steering tie rod (300) is rotatably connected to the sleeve (140) via a ball joint.

5. The rear wheel steering mechanism according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The end of the steering tie rod (300) connected to the swing end (120) is provided with a dust cover (310).

6. The rear wheel steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component (200) includes: The steering motor (210) is equipped with a telescopic push rod (211), the end of which is rotatably connected to the drive end (110), and the steering motor (210) is rotatably connected to the vehicle body; The controller (220) is signal-connected to the steering motor (210).

7. The rear wheel steering mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end of the push rod (211) is fixedly connected to a connector (214), and a second rotating shaft (215) is provided on the connector (214). The drive end (110) is provided with a second connecting hole (111), and the second rotating shaft (215) passes through the second connecting hole (111) and is rotatably connected to the second connecting hole (111).

8. The rear wheel steering mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The steering motor (210) is fixedly connected to a motor mount (212), and the motor mount (212) is provided with a rotating part (213), which is used to rotate with the vehicle body; wherein, the rotation plane of the motor mount (212) is parallel or coplanar with the rotation plane of the lever arm (100).

9. The rear wheel steering mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rotating part (213) is provided with a third connecting hole (216) through it, and a third rotating shaft (11) that is fixedly connected to the vehicle body is rotatably connected in the third connecting hole (216).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The rear wheel steering mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9; The vehicle body, along the second direction (Y), has steering knuckles (20) movably connected to both ends of the vehicle body.

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