Steering system using flexible mechanical connection, and vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle using a flexible mechanical connection as a steering system. A front fork is not rigidly mechanically connected to handlebars, but is flexibly connected to the handlebars by means of a steering transmission wire (3), thereby serving as a steering system. A luggage compartment (11) is located at a front position on the vehicle. Since the steering transmission wire (3) has certain flexibility, same can be flexibly laid out along a vehicle frame or a vehicle body, thereby saving on a space, which can be used as a space for the front luggage compartment (11) of the vehicle. Such a vehicle has a simple and compact structure and a relatively high space utilization rate, such that the vehicle is relatively energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, and is suitable for an individual user to travel flexibly.

Description

Steering system and vehicle using mechanical soft connection Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of motor vehicles, in particular to a steering system and a vehicle adopting a mechanical soft connection. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the mainstream steering systems used in vehicles are divided into mechanical power steering, electric power steering, and wire-controlled (signal line) steering systems. Technical issues

[0003] Mechanical and electric power steering systems suffer from bulky mechanical components and complex structures. While newer steer-by-wire systems have overcome these issues to some extent, they still face technical complexity and the need for reliable and sophisticated electronic components. For electric bicycles and motorcycles, while their steering systems are relatively simple, they also suffer from bulky mechanical components, which take up space and lead to insufficient vehicle space utilization.

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to minimize the problems of existing vehicles with large size, low space utilization, and uneconomical and environmentally unsuitable travel for individuals. It is primarily applicable to low-speed, narrow road, and short-distance travel scenarios, such as grocery shopping, outings, food delivery, errands, school, or commuting. This utility model reduces the complexity of the vehicle's steering system and the space it occupies. It also features a simple steering system structure and low vehicle manufacturing costs. Beneficial effects

[0005] The present invention provides a technology for transmitting steering power using the working principle of a steering transmission line. The steering action of the steering handlebar is transmitted to the steering wheel by utilizing the steering transmission line's ability to transmit action. Because the steering transmission line is used to transmit steering power, the steering transmission line possesses a certain degree of flexibility, thereby eliminating the need for traditional mechanical rigid connections. Because the steering transmission line possesses a certain degree of flexibility, it can be flexibly arranged along the vehicle frame or body, thereby freeing up space that can be used as the vehicle's front luggage compartment. Such a vehicle has a simple and compact structure, high space utilization, is relatively energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, and is suitable for flexible travel by individual users. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of a steering system utilizing a steering transmission line (single-line right turn);

[0007] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of a steering system utilizing a steering transmission line (two-line right steering);

[0008] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of a steering system utilizing a steering transmission line (double-line left turn);

[0009] Figure 4 is a three-view diagram of the vehicle exterior with the luggage compartment at the front.

[0010] In the figure, 1. handlebar shaft, 2. steering transmission line tube limit fixing plate 1, 3. steering transmission line, 4. steering transmission line tube limit fixing plate 2, 5. front fork shaft, 6. steering transmission line core wire terminal connector 2, 7. steering transmission line core wire terminal connector 1, 8. front wheel (steering wheel), 9. side wheel / power wheel, 10. rear wheel (power wheel), 11. front luggage compartment, 12. battery compartment, 13. seat, 14. battery compartment 2, 15. frame, 16. foot brake pedal, 17. instrument panel, 18. handbrake handle (brake cable not shown), 19. vehicle chassis. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] A steering system that uses brake cable material (commonly used in bicycle brakes, with a sheath and core) to connect and transmit steering power. (The brake cable used in the steering system here is only used for the steering system. It is not the same cable as the cable used for vehicle braking, but is made of the same material. The brake cables used for braking and steering share the same material and name, but are installed, routed, and used independently. To distinguish them from brake cables, the term "steering cable" will be used throughout this document to refer to the brake cable used for steering, unless otherwise noted.) The steering system includes a handlebar (or steering wheel / rudder, hereinafter the same), a steering cable conduit retaining plate 1, a steering cable, a steering wheel front fork, a steering cable conduit retaining plate 2, and a steering cable core terminal connector. The vehicle's components include wheels, a frame, a steering system, a luggage compartment, an electrical system power compartment / battery compartment, seats, and vehicle auxiliary systems.

[0012] The handlebar is mounted on the vehicle frame and can be rotated for steering. The handlebar is connected to one end of the steering cable via a steering cable core connector. The steering cable core connector 1 is fixedly mounted on the handlebar shaft and rotates synchronously with the handlebar. A steering cable conduit retaining plate 1 and a steering cable conduit retaining plate 2 are fixedly attached to the vehicle frame and serve to secure the end of the steering cable outer sheath. Each of these retaining plates 1 and 2 has holes with diameters that allow the core cable to pass through, but not the outer sheath. The steering cable conduit retaining plate operates similarly to a conventional brake cable retaining device, restricting the end of the outer sheath to allow the core cable to pass through, thereby transmitting power. The other end of the steering cable core is connected to the front fork steering shaft via the steering cable core connector 2, which rotates synchronously with the front fork steering shaft. When the handlebars are turned to steer, the length of the steering cable core extending from the handlebar's stopper plate changes. The steering cable transmits this length change to the other end of the steering cable, causing the length of the steering cable core extending from the front fork shaft to change accordingly, thus transmitting the steering action. The principle of power transmission through the transmission cable is similar to that of traditional brake cables, but this example applies this principle to the transmission of steering power for the first time.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the above principle, two steering cables can achieve left and right turns, but if four brake cables are installed according to the above principle, the system safety and reliability will be improved. For example, if one steering cable breaks and fails, the other steering cable in the same direction can also serve as a backup.

[0014] The present invention also proposes a vehicle structure that utilizes the aforementioned steering system and features a front-mounted luggage compartment. The vehicle comprises the following components: the front wheels, acting as steering wheels, are mounted at the front lower portion of the vehicle frame, and the front luggage compartment is mounted above the wheels. The front luggage compartment is divided into two sections: an upper section for luggage storage and a lower section for power devices such as batteries. A handlebar is mounted above the vehicle frame behind the luggage compartment and connected to the steering transmission line. The vehicle instrument panel is also mounted above the handlebar. A seat is mounted at the rear of the vehicle frame, and beneath the seat, a battery compartment, seat shock absorbers, and the rear wheels (either active or powered) can be mounted.

[0015] Optionally, a wheel can be installed on each side of the vehicle's center lower body, either powered or passive, to help the vehicle stay upright when traveling at low speeds or when stationary. The side wheels can be raised and lowered at higher speeds, such as above 10 kilometers per hour, to prevent the vehicle from tipping over when turning. When the vehicle is traveling at speeds below 10 kilometers per hour, the side wheels can be lowered to maintain left-right balance. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] A steering system that uses brake cable material (commonly used in bicycle brakes, with a sheath and core) to connect and transmit steering power. (The brake cable used in the steering system here is only used for the steering system. It is not the same cable as the cable used for vehicle braking, but is made of the same material. The brake cables used for braking and steering share the same material and name, but are installed, routed, and used independently. To distinguish them from brake cables, the term "steering cable" will be used throughout this document to refer to the brake cable used for steering, unless otherwise noted.) The steering system includes a handlebar (or steering wheel / rudder, hereinafter the same), a steering cable conduit retaining plate 1, a steering cable, a steering wheel front fork, a steering cable conduit retaining plate 2, and a steering cable core terminal connector. The vehicle's components include wheels, a frame, a steering system, a luggage compartment, an electrical system power compartment / battery compartment, seats, and vehicle auxiliary systems.

[0017] The handlebar is mounted on the vehicle frame and can be rotated for steering. The handlebar is connected to one end of the steering cable via a steering cable core connector. The steering cable core connector 1 is fixedly mounted on the handlebar shaft and rotates synchronously with the handlebar. A steering cable conduit retaining plate 1 and a steering cable conduit retaining plate 2 are fixedly attached to the vehicle frame and serve to secure the end of the steering cable outer sheath. Each of these retaining plates 1 and 2 has holes with diameters that allow the core cable to pass through, but not the outer sheath. The steering cable conduit retaining plate operates similarly to a conventional brake cable retaining device, restricting the end of the outer sheath to allow the core cable to pass through, thereby transmitting power. The other end of the steering cable core is connected to the front fork steering shaft via the steering cable core connector 2, which rotates synchronously with the front fork steering shaft. When the handlebars are turned to steer, the length of the steering cable core extending from the handlebar's stopper plate changes. The steering cable transmits this length change to the other end of the steering cable, causing the length of the steering cable core extending from the front fork shaft to change accordingly, thus transmitting the steering action. The principle of power transmission through the transmission cable is similar to that of traditional brake cables, but this example applies this principle to the transmission of steering power for the first time. Industrial Applicability

[0018] Because steering power is transmitted through a steering cable, the cable offers a degree of flexibility, eliminating the need for traditional rigid mechanical connections. This flexibility allows the cable to be flexibly routed along the vehicle frame or body, freeing up space that can be used as a front luggage compartment. This vehicle boasts a simple and compact structure, high space utilization, and is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, making it suitable for flexible travel for individual users. Sequence Listing Free Content

[0019] Type your sequence listing free description paragraph here.

Claims

1. A vehicle using a mechanical soft connection as a steering system, comprising:

1. a handlebar shaft, 2. a steering transmission line limit fixing plate 1, 3. a steering transmission line, 4. a steering transmission line limit fixing plate 2, 5. a front fork shaft, 6. a steering transmission line core wire terminal connector 2, 7. Steering transmission line core wire terminal connector 1, 8. Front wheel (steering wheel), 9. Side wheel / power wheel, 10. Rear wheel (power wheel), 11. Front luggage compartment, 12. Battery compartment, 13. Seat, 14. Battery compartment 2, 15. Vehicle frame, 16. Foot brake pedal, 17. Instrument panel, 18. Hand brake handle (brake line not drawn), 19. Vehicle chassis. Features: The front fork is not mechanically rigidly connected to the handlebars, but is softly connected to the handlebars through the steering transmission line as a steering system. The luggage compartment is installed at the front of the vehicle.

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