Steering device of the steer-by-wire type

Abstract

A steer-by-wire type steering apparatus includes a first rotating member coupled to a steering shaft to interlockingly rotate, a second rotating member supported on an outer circumference of the first rotating member and rotating in linkage with the first rotating member when the steering shaft rotates, and a housing in which the first rotating member and the second rotating member are built-in, the housing being coupled to a steering column, and an outer circumferential side of the second rotating member being supported on an inner circumferential surface to restrict rotation of the second rotating member.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0024037, filed on February 23, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a steer-by-wire system, and more particularly, to a steer-by-wire system capable of mechanically stopping further rotation of a steering wheel when rotation of a wheel reaches a maximum point. BACKGROUND

[0004] In general, power steering has been developed and applied to a vehicle steering device to provide convenience of driving operation by assisting the driver's operation force on a steering wheel. The power steering has been developed and applied in a hydraulic type using hydraulic pressure, an electro-hydraulic type using both hydraulic pressure and electric power of a motor, and an electric type using only electric power of a motor.

[0005] Recently, alternatively, a mechanical connection device such as a steering column or a universal joint or a pinion shaft between a steering wheel and a wheel is removed, and a steer-by-wire (SBW) type steering system using an electric motor to steer a vehicle has been developed and applied.

[0006] However, in the case of such a steer-by-wire type steering system, since there is no mechanical connection between a steering shaft and a wheel, the driver's rotation of the steering wheel can be infinitely rotated, thereby reducing the driver's steering feeling and steering stability.

[0007] Therefore, research into preventing further rotation of the steering wheel when rotation of the wheel reaches a maximum point (when the steering wheel or the wheel in a general steering system is in a full turn state) is required. SUMMARY

[0008] [TECHNICAL PROBLEM]

[0009] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a steer-by-wire type steering device capable of increasing the driver's steering feeling and steering safety by preventing further mechanical rotation of the steering wheel when rotation of the wheel reaches a maximum point.

[0010] In addition, the objects of embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0011] [TECHNICAL SOLUTION]

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a steer-by-wire type steering device including a first rotating member coupled to a steering shaft to interlockingly rotate, a second rotating member supported on an outer circumference of the first rotating member and rotating in linkage with the first rotating member when the steering shaft rotates, and a housing in which the first rotating member and the second rotating member are built, the housing being coupled to a steering column, and an outer circumferential side of the second rotating member being supported on an inner circumferential surface to restrict rotation of the second rotating member.

[0013] [Advantageous Effects]

[0014] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a steer-by-wire type steering device is provided that increases a driver's steering feeling and steering safety by preventing a steering wheel from further mechanically rotating when rotation of a wheel reaches a maximum point. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic view schematically showing a steer-by-wire type steering device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 and Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of a steer-by-wire system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 and Figure 5 FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of a steer-by-wire system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a front view showing a process in which a steer-by-wire type steering device restricts rotation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figures 7 to 10 FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of a steer-by-wire system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In the following description of examples or embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which specific examples or embodiments that can be implemented are shown by way of illustration, and identical reference numerals and symbols can be used to denote identical or similar components even if the identical or similar components are shown in different drawings from each other. Also, in the following description of examples or embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed description of well-known functions and components incorporated herein will be omitted when it is determined that the detailed description can make the subject matter of some embodiments of the present disclosure unclear. Terms such as "include", "have", "contain", "comprise", "consist", and "form" used herein are generally intended to allow addition of other components, unless the terms are used together with the term "only". As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(A),” or “(B)” may be used herein to describe elements of this disclosure. Each of these terms is not intended to define the nature, order, sequence, or number of elements, but only to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0022] When referring to the first element and the second element as "connected or joined," "in contact or overlapping," etc., it should be interpreted as meaning that not only can the first element and the second element be "directly connected or joined" or "directly in contact or overlapping," but also that a third element can be "inserted" between the first element and the second element, or that the first element and the second element can be "connected or joined," "in contact or overlapping," etc., with each other through a fourth element. Here, the second element can be included in at least one of two or more elements that are "connected or joined," "in contact or overlapping," etc., with each other.

[0023] When time-related terms such as “after,” “following,” “next,” or “before” are used to describe the process or operation of an element or structure, or to describe the flow or steps in an operation, processing, or manufacturing method, these terms may be used to describe discontinuous or non-sequential processes or operations, unless the terms “direct” or “immediate” are used together.

[0024] Furthermore, when referring to any size, relative size, etc., it should be assumed that the numerical values ​​or corresponding information of a component or feature (e.g., grade, range, etc.) include tolerances or error ranges that may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external influences, noise, etc.), even if the relevant description is not detailed. In addition, the term "may" fully encompasses all the meanings of the term "able to".

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a steer-by-wire system according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a steer-by-wire system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of a steer-by-wire system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a front view illustrating the process of limiting rotation of a steer-by-wire device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 7 to 10 This is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of a steer-by-wire system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 10As shown, a steer-by-wire device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first rotating member 160, connected to a steering shaft 103 for interlocking rotation; a second rotating member 170, supported on the outer periphery of the first rotating member 160, and rotating in conjunction with the first rotating member 160 when the steering shaft 103 rotates; and a housing 180, in which the first rotating member 160 and the second rotating member 170 are housed, the housing 180 being connected to a steering column 100, and the outer peripheral side of the second rotating member 170 being supported on an inner peripheral surface to restrict the rotation of the second rotating member 170.

[0027] First, refer to Figure 1 In the steer-by-wire device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an angle sensor 105 and a torque sensor 107 are connected to one side of the steering shaft 103 connected to the steering wheel 101. When the driver operates the steering wheel 101, the angle sensor 105 and the torque sensor 107 detect this and send an electrical signal to the electronic control unit 110 to start the steering shaft motor 120 and the pinion shaft motor 130.

[0028] The electronic control unit 110 controls the steering shaft motor 120 and the pinion shaft motor 130 based on electrical signals sent from the angle sensor 105 and the torque sensor 107, as well as electrical signals sent from other sensors installed on the vehicle.

[0029] The steering shaft motor 120 is connected to a reducer 135 for reducing the motor's rotational speed, and during normal driving, when the driver operates the steering wheel 101, the steering shaft motor 120 provides a reaction force to the steering shaft 103 so that the driver feels a steering reaction force in the opposite direction. During automatic driving, steering is performed under the control of the electronic control unit 110 without requiring the driver's consent.

[0030] The pinion shaft motor 130 causes the rack 111 connected to the pinion shaft 113 to slide, thereby steering the wheels 119 on both sides via the tie rod 115 and the steering knuckle arm 117.

[0031] However, in the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure, for ease of explanation, as an example, an angle sensor 105 and a torque sensor 107 are provided on the steering shaft 103. However, a vehicle speed sensor and a motor position sensor for sending steering information to the electronic control device 110, various radars, lidar, image sensors such as cameras, etc., may be provided, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted below.

[0032] In this type of steer-by-wire system, since there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel 101 and the wheel 119, mechanical restraint is required to stop the rotation of the steering wheel 101 at a specific angle when the driver operates the steering wheel 101.

[0033] That is, a rotation angle limiting member 150 is provided to mechanically limit the rotation angle of the steering shaft 103, so that the steering wheel 101 stops rotating when the rotation of the wheel 119 reaches its maximum point (when the steering wheel 101 or the wheel 119 in a normal steering device is in full rotation). Therefore, accurate steering feel is provided to the driver.

[0034] A rotation angle limiting member 150 is disposed at the lower end of the steering column 100 and connected to the vehicle body by a mounting bracket 102. The rotation angle limiting member 150 includes: a first rotating member 160, connected to the steering shaft 103 for interlocking rotation; a second rotating member 170, supported on the outer periphery of the first rotating member 160 and rotating in conjunction with the first rotating member 160 when the steering shaft 103 rotates; a housing 180, in which the first rotating member 160 and the second rotating member 170 are housed, the housing 180 is connected to the steering column 100, and the outer periphery of the second rotating member 170 is supported on the inner periphery surface to limit the rotation of the second rotating member; and so on.

[0035] The steering shaft 103 can be formed by connecting two or more shafts, and the first rotating member 160 is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft 103.

[0036] Corresponding serrations 103a and 163 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft 103 and the inner peripheral surface of the first rotating member 160, so that when the steering shaft 103 rotates, the steering shaft 103 and the first rotating member 160 rotate in conjunction with each other without spinning on their own.

[0037] Furthermore, the second rotating member 170, which is integrated into the housing 180 along with the first rotating member 160, is supported on the outer periphery of the first rotating member 160 and rotates in conjunction with the first rotating member 160. Then, after rotating at a predetermined turning angle, the second rotating member 170 is supported by the housing 180 and its rotation is restricted.

[0038] That is, a first support portion 161 protruding in the radial direction is provided on the outer peripheral side of the first rotating member 160, and a second support portion 171 protruding in the radial direction and supported in the circumferential direction by the first support portion 161 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the second rotating member 170.

[0039] Therefore, when the first rotating member 160 rotates in conjunction with the steering shaft 103, the first support portion 161 of the first rotating member 160 supports the second support portion 171 of the second rotating member 170 in the circumferential direction while causing the second rotating member 170 to rotate.

[0040] like Figures 2 to 8As shown, the first rotating member 160 and the second rotating member 170 are coaxially arranged, the second rotating member 170 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the first rotating member 160, and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 180 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the second rotating member 170.

[0041] The second rotating member 170 is provided with a large-diameter portion 170a and a small-diameter portion 170b arranged in the axial direction, such that the outer peripheral side is stepped, and the inner peripheral surfaces of the large-diameter portion 170a and the small-diameter portion 170b are formed into a ring shape connected in the axial direction.

[0042] Then, on the inner circumferential sides of the large diameter portion 170a and the small diameter portion 170b, the second support portion 171, which is circumferentially supported by the first support portion 161 of the first rotating member 160, protrudes radially.

[0043] In addition, a third support portion 173 protruding in the radial direction is provided on the outer peripheral side of the small diameter portion 170b of the second rotating member 170, and a fourth support portion 181 protruding in the radial direction and supporting the third support portion 173 in the circumferential direction is provided on the inner peripheral side of the housing 180.

[0044] Therefore, when the second rotating member 170 is interlocked with the first rotating member 160 and rotates, the rotation stops while the third support portion 173 of the second rotating member 170 is supported in the circumferential direction by the fourth support portion 181 of the housing 180. Furthermore, the rotation angle of the steering shaft 103 is limited.

[0045] That is, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the steering shaft 103 rotates clockwise, the first rotating member 160 rotates clockwise as well. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown in the figure above, when the first support portion 161 supports the second support portion 171 in a clockwise direction, the second rotating member 170 also rotates in a clockwise direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown in the figure below, when the third support portion 173 of the second rotating member 170 is supported by the fourth support portion 181 of the housing 180, the steering shaft 103, the first rotating member 160 and the second rotating member 170 all stop, and the rotation angle of the steering shaft 103 is limited.

[0046] The fourth support portion 181 formed in the housing 180 is radially spaced from the small diameter portion 170b and is supported in the axial direction by an axial end of the large diameter portion 170a, thereby preventing the second rotating member 170 from separating out.

[0047] The housing 180 is provided with a fastening flange 183 including a fastening hole 185 for connection to the steering column 100, and is connected to the lower part of the steering column 100 by a fastening member 200.

[0048] On the other hand, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the first support portion 161, the second support portion 171, the third support portion 173 and the fourth support portion 181 are respectively provided as examples. However, it should be noted that the number and position in the circumferential direction can be arbitrarily varied according to the design value of the rotation angle of the steering shaft 103.

[0049] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first support portion 161 protrudes axially from one end of the first rotating member 160, and the end of the first support portion 161 is located on the outer periphery of the second rotating member.

[0050] Furthermore, the second rotating member 170 may be provided with an outer peripheral support portion 175, which protrudes radially from the outer peripheral side and is supported circumferentially by the first support portion 161.

[0051] The first rotating member 160 and the second rotating member 170 are connected to the steering shaft 103 to be arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction, and the steering shaft 103 and the first rotating member 160 rotate in an interlocked manner, and the inner circumferential surface of the second rotating member 170 is rotatably connected to the outer circumferential surface of the steering shaft 103.

[0052] The outer peripheral support portion 175 is formed to protrude to both sides in the axial direction from one end and the other end of the second rotating member 170, and an inner peripheral support portion 189 that protrudes in the radial direction and supports the outer peripheral support portion 175 of the second rotating member 170 in the circumferential direction may be provided on the inner peripheral side of the housing 180.

[0053] Here, the first support 161 is located on the outer peripheral side of the second rotating member 170, one end of the outer peripheral support 175 is located on the inner peripheral side of the housing 180, and the other end is located on the outer peripheral side of the rotating member 160.

[0054] Therefore, when the steering shaft 103 rotates, the first support portion 161 of the first rotating member 160 supports the outer peripheral support portion 175 of the second rotating member 170 in the circumferential direction, and the first rotating member 160 and the second rotating member 170 interlock and rotate, and the outer peripheral support portion 175 is supported in the circumferential direction by the inner peripheral support portion 189 of the housing 180 to stop rotating, and the rotation angle of the steering shaft 103 is limited.

[0055] Additionally, a partition wall 187 extending radially from the hollow cylindrical portion 182 is formed at one end of the housing 180, and the partition wall 187 is provided with a through hole 189' through which the steering shaft 103 passes.

[0056] Therefore, the partition wall 187 of the housing 180 supports the outer peripheral support portion 175 of the second rotating member 170 connected to the steering shaft 103 in the axial direction to prevent the second rotating member 170 from separating.

[0057] The housing 180 is provided with a fastening flange 183 including a fastening hole 185 for connection to the steering column 100, and is connected to the lower part of the steering column 100 by a fastening member.

[0058] In addition, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, a first gear portion 164 is formed on the outer peripheral side of the first rotating member 160, and a second gear portion 174 that meshes with the first gear portion 164 of the first rotating member 160 is formed on the outer peripheral side of the second rotating member 170. Therefore, when the steering shaft 103 rotates, the first gear portion 164 and the second gear portion 174 can interlock to rotate.

[0059] In this case, the central axes of the first rotating member 160 and the second rotating member 170 are set to be parallel to each other, so that the first gear portion 164 and the second gear portion 174 can mesh.

[0060] The housing 180 is provided with a support shaft 198 spaced apart from the steering shaft 103, and a connecting hole 176 for connecting with the support shaft 198 is provided at the center of the second rotating member 170. Furthermore, a shaft connecting portion 186 protruding in the axial direction is formed inside the housing 180 to allow the support shaft 198 to be inserted into and supported.

[0061] Here, the support shaft 198 and the shaft connection portion 186 can be integrally formed with the housing 180.

[0062] In addition, the rotating support member 196 is connected between the support shaft 198 and the connecting hole 176 of the second rotating member 170, so that the rotating support member 196 supports the rotation of the second rotating member 170 which is engaged with the first rotating member 160.

[0063] Here, a radially protruding rotating protrusion 178 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the second rotating member 170, and a radially protruding fixing protrusion 188 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the housing 180 to support the rotating protrusion 178 of the second rotating member 170 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the second rotating member 170 rotates, the rotating protrusion 178 is supported by the fixing protrusion 188 and its rotation is restricted.

[0064] The housing 180 includes a first housing portion 180a in which a first rotating member 160 is embedded and a second housing portion 180b in which a second rotating member 170 is embedded.

[0065] The first housing portion 180a and the second housing portion 180b have openings 180-1 at the positions where the first gear portion 164 and the second gear portion 174 mesh with each other. The first rotating member 160 and the second rotating member 170 are connected to each other and are housed within the first housing portion 180a and the second housing portion 180b.

[0066] Fixing protrusions 188 formed on the inner circumferential side of the housing 180 are respectively provided on both sides of the inner circumferential surface of the second housing part 180b adjacent to the opening 180-1 in the circumferential direction.

[0067] Additionally, a cover member 190 is provided on the outer side of the housing 180, which has a first through hole 191 through which the steering shaft 103 passes and a second through hole 193 through which the support shaft 198 passes, to seal the first rotating member 160 and the second rotating member 170, thereby preventing foreign objects from entering the housing 180 from the outside.

[0068] The cover member 190 is provided with a fastening hole 195 for connection to the housing 180, and is connected to the housing 180 by a fastening member 200.

[0069] As described above, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a steer-by-wire device is provided that increases the driver's steering feel and steering safety by preventing further mechanical rotation of the steering wheel when the wheel rotation reaches its maximum point.

[0070] The above description enables those skilled in the art to make and utilize the technical ideas of this disclosure, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications, additions, and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications. The above description and drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, illustrating examples of the technical ideas of this disclosure. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical ideas of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope of the claims should be interpreted as included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A steer-by-wire device, comprising: The first rotating component is connected to the steering shaft for interlocked rotation; The second rotating member is supported on the outer periphery of the first rotating member and rotates in conjunction with the first rotating member when the steering shaft rotates; as well as A housing, in which the first rotating member and the second rotating member are housed, the housing being connected to a steering column, and the outer peripheral side of the second rotating member being supported on the inner peripheral surface of the housing to restrict the rotation of the second rotating member. The second rotating member is formed in a ring shape, wherein the inner peripheral surfaces of the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion are axially connected to each other, such that the outer peripheral side is stepped in the axial direction. The housing is provided with a fourth support portion that protrudes radially from the inner circumference of the housing to limit the rotation of the second rotating member, and The fourth support portion is radially spaced from the small-diameter portion and is supported along the axial direction by an axial end of the large-diameter portion.

2. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 1, wherein, A first support portion protruding in the radial direction is provided on the outer peripheral side of the first rotating component.

3. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 2, wherein, A second support portion is provided on the inner circumferential side of the second rotating member, protruding in the radial direction and supported in the circumferential direction by the first support portion.

4. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 2, wherein, A second support portion is provided on the inner circumferential side of the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion.

5. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 4, wherein, A third support portion protruding in the radial direction is provided on the outer peripheral side of the small-diameter portion of the second rotating member.

6. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 5, wherein, The fourth support part supports the third support part in the circumferential direction.

7. A steer-by-wire device, comprising: The first rotating component is connected to the steering shaft for interlocked rotation; The second rotating member is supported on the outer periphery of the first rotating member and rotates in conjunction with the first rotating member when the steering shaft rotates; as well as A housing, in which the first rotating member and the second rotating member are housed, the housing being connected to a steering column, and the outer peripheral side of the second rotating member being supported on the inner peripheral surface of the housing to restrict the rotation of the second rotating member. A first gear portion is formed on the outer peripheral side of the first rotating member, and a second gear portion that meshes with the first gear portion is formed on the outer peripheral side of the second rotating member. Thus, when the steering shaft rotates, the first gear portion and the second gear portion interlock to rotate. The second rotating member has a radially protruding rotating protrusion on its outer peripheral side. The housing is provided with a fixed protrusion that protrudes radially from the inner circumferential side and supports the rotating protrusion in the circumferential direction to limit the rotation of the second rotating member. The housing includes a first housing portion in which the first rotating member is embedded and a second housing portion in which the second rotating member is embedded, and the first housing portion and the second housing portion are provided with openings at the positions where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh with each other, and The fixing protrusions are provided on both sides of the inner circumferential surface of the second housing portion that are adjacent to the opening in the circumferential direction.

8. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 7, wherein, The housing is provided with a support shaft spaced apart from the steering shaft, and a connecting hole for connecting with the support shaft is provided at the center of the second rotating member.

9. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 8, wherein, A rotating support member for supporting the rotation of the second rotating member is connected between the support shaft and the connecting hole of the second rotating member.

10. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 9, wherein, A cover member having a first through hole through which the steering shaft passes and a second through hole through which the support shaft passes is connected to the outside of the housing.

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