Steering assist device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a steering assist device. Specifically, the steering assist device according to the present disclosure includes a stator having a plurality of coils wound on the stator, a rotor that rotates by the stator, and a connection portion for transmitting a rotational force generated according to the rotation of the rotor to a rack, wherein the connection portion is connected to the rack in a manner that minimizes vibration generated according to a winding pattern of the stator when at least one of the coils of the stator fails.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a steering assist device. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, vehicles employ power steering assist as a device to ensure steering stability by reducing the steering effort required to turn the steering wheel. Traditionally, hydraulic power steering (HPS) has been widely used as a power steering assist system, but it has recently been replaced by electric power steering (EPS), which uses a motor instead of a hydraulic pump to facilitate steering and is environmentally friendly.

[0003] To achieve the above objectives, electronic steering systems employ electronic control units (ECUs), which are electronic control devices that control the state of a vehicle's engine, automatic transmission, or ABS via a computer. Furthermore, with advancements in vehicle and computer performance, ECUs are also used to control all vehicle components, including the drive system, braking system, and steering system, as well as to control the automatic transmission.

[0004] Recently, as ECUs play a crucial role, the requirements for their reliability have been increasing. Therefore, redundant systems, including redundant ECUs, are being adopted instead of relying on a single ECU. When an existing ECU malfunctions or stops working due to an error or physical impact on it, the redundant ECU takes its place.

[0005] As the scope of redundant systems expands, steering motors (such as steering motors used to move racks) also employ dual-winding motors as part of the redundant system. These dual-winding motors have two or more coil windings around a single motor to allow normal operation when critical components of the coils or motor stop working or become inoperable due to errors (such as those in the aforementioned ECU) or physical shocks.

[0006] Vibration may occur when a dual-winding motor is driven. A method is needed to minimize this vibration. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] In the aforementioned background art, this disclosure provides a steering assist device connected to a rack to minimize vibrations caused by the winding pattern in the event of at least one coil failure.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, in one aspect, this disclosure provides a steering assist device including a stator, a rotor, and a connector, wherein a plurality of coils are wound around the stator, the rotor rotates through the stator, and the connector transmits the rotational force generated during the rotor's rotation to a rack, wherein, when at least one of the stator's coils fails, the connector is connected to the rack in a direction that minimizes vibrations generated according to the stator's winding pattern.

[0011] Beneficial effects

[0012] According to this disclosure, the steering assist device changes the direction of its connection with the rack according to the stator winding pattern, thereby reducing noise and vibration in the steering assist device when the stator coil fails. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a steering assist device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the stator winding pattern according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3 This exemplarily illustrates the situation according to an embodiment where the second U-phase coil, the second V-phase coil, and the second W-phase coil are in... Figure 2 A diagram showing the direction and intensity of vibration of the steering auxiliary device when the stator winding mode is in operation;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a connector according to an embodiment transmitting rotational force to a rack via a drive belt;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the winding pattern of the stator according to another embodiment;

[0018] Figure 6 This exemplarily illustrates the situation according to an embodiment where the second U-phase coil, the second V-phase coil, and the second W-phase coil are in... Figure 5 A diagram showing the direction and intensity of vibration of the steering auxiliary device when the three-phase coil is wound in its winding mode;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a connector according to another embodiment that transmits rotational force to a rack via a drive belt;

[0020] Figure 8a and Figure 8b This is a diagram illustrating a connector according to an embodiment that is connected along the direction of vibration to reduce vibration;

[0021] Figure 9a and Figure 9bThis is a diagram illustrating a connector according to another embodiment connected along the direction of vibration to reduce vibration; and

[0022] Figure 10 This is an exemplary illustration of a housing fixed together with a rack according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which specific examples or embodiments that may be implemented are illustrated by way of illustration, and the same reference numerals and designations may be used to denote the same or similar components even when the same or similar components are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the following description of examples or embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and components incorporated herein are omitted where it is determined that the description may make the subject matter of some embodiments of this disclosure considerably unclear. Terms used herein, such as “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “constituting,” “forming,” and “form,” are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components, unless the term is used in conjunction with the term “only.” As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0024] 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 used to define the nature, order, sequence, or number of elements, but only to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0025] When it is mentioned that the first element is "connected to or linked to" or "contacts with or overlaps with" the second element, it should be interpreted that not only can the first element be "directly connected to or linked to" or "directly contact or overlaps with" the second element, but a third element can also be "inserted" between the first and second elements, or the first and second elements can be "connected to or linked to," "contacts with or overlaps with" each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element can be included in at least one of two or more elements that are "connected to or linked to," "contacts with," or "overlaps with" each other.

[0026] When using time-related terms such as “after,” “following,” “next,” “before,” etc., to describe the process or operation of an element or structure, or the flow or steps in an operation, treatment, or manufacturing method, these terms may be used to describe discontinuous or non-sequential processes or operations, unless the terms “directly” or “immediately following” are used together.

[0027] Additionally, when referring to any size, relative dimensions, etc., it should be considered that, even without a specific description, the numerical or corresponding information of a component or feature (e.g., height, range, etc.) includes tolerances or error ranges that can be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external shocks, noise, etc.). Furthermore, the term "may" fully encompasses all the meanings of the term "able to".

[0028] The following reference Figure 1 Describes a steering assist device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 1 This is an example diagram illustrating a steering assist device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the steering assist device 10 may include a rotor 110, a stator 120, a connector 130, and a housing 140.

[0031] The steering assist device may be a motor, which includes a rotor 110 formed of permanent magnets and a stator 120 surrounding the rotor 110 and having coil windings, and the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy as the rotor 110 rotates axially by a magnetic field generated between the stator 120 and the rotor 110 according to the current applied to the stator 120.

[0032] The steering assist device 10 transmits rotational force to the rack 410 and is connected to the rack 410 in the direction along which the resulting vibration is minimized, thereby reducing the vibration of the steering assist device 10.

[0033] The stator 120 may receive the rotor 110 at its center. The stator 120 may include a plurality of coil slots for receiving coils. Specifically, the stator 120 may include coil windings made of fine metal wire through which current can flow to generate a magnetic field. The stator 120 may include coil slots for receiving coils.

[0034] The coil slots can be arranged to maintain a predetermined distance from the rotor 110. An even number of coil slots can be formed. Multiple coil slots can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Each coil slot may include two magnetic poles protruding from the stator 120 to the rotor 110, around which wires are wound. Each coil slot can realize three phases, which can be represented by U, V, and W.

[0035] The rotor 110 can be rotated by the stator 120 and is formed by permanent magnets. Furthermore, if current is applied to the stator 120, the rotor 110 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around the axis of rotation depending on the magnetic field relationship between the rotor 110 and the stator 120.

[0036] Connector 130 can transmit the rotational force generated when rotor 110 rotates to rack 410. Connector 130 is connected to the center of rotor 110 and may include a shaft formed at the center of rotor 110 along the axis of rotation to rotate with rotor 110.

[0037] The housing 140 can receive the stator 120 and the rotor 110. The housing 140 can form the appearance of the steering assist device 10. The housing 140 can be formed as a cylinder, but is not limited to a specific shape, as long as its shape can receive the stator 120 and the rotor 110, and the rotor 110 can rotate within the housing. The housing 140 can be formed of metal to maintain its shape even at high temperatures.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the winding pattern of the stator 120 according to an embodiment.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 The stator 120 may have a dual-winding structure in which first U-phase coils 201, 201', first V-phase coils 202, 202', and first W-phase coils 203, 203', as well as second U-phase coils 211, 211', second V-phase coils 212, 212', and second W-phase coils 213, 213', are wound around the stator 120. Specifically, the stator 120 can be constructed such that three phases are implemented in each of the plurality of coil slots. Figure 2 The winding pattern shown allows for the first U-phase coils 201, 201', the first V-phase coils 202, 202', and the first W-phase coils 203, 203', as well as the second U-phase coils 211, 211', the second V-phase coils 212, 212', and the second W-phase coils 213, 213', to be wound in pairs. In other words, there can be 12 coil slots to achieve three phases.

[0040] Specifically, among the first U-phase coils 201, 201', the first V-phase coils 202, 202', and the first W-phase coils 203, 203', the two pairs of first U-phase coils 201, 201', first V-phase coils 202, 202', and first W-phase coils 203, 203' are wound clockwise in the order of U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase, while the two pairs of second U-phase coils 211, 211', second V-phase coils 212, 212', and second W-phase coils 213, 213' are wound counterclockwise in the order of U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase.

[0041] Figure 3 This exemplarily illustrates the implementation of the second U-phase coils 211, 211', the second V-phase coils 212, 212', and the second W-phase coils 213, 213'. Figure 2 A diagram showing the direction and intensity of vibration of the steering auxiliary device 10 when the stator winding pattern is wound.

[0042] Reference Figure 3 T1 to T12 can respectively correspond to Figure 2 The positions of the first U-phase coils 201, 201', the first V-phase coils 202, 202', and the first W-phase coils 203, 203', as well as the second U-phase coils 211, 211', the second V-phase coils 212, 212', and the second W-phase coils 213, 213'. For example, the first W-phase coil 203 can correspond to... Figure 3 T11.

[0043] When the consecutive first U-phase coils 201, 201', first V-phase coils 202, 202', and first W-phase coils 203, 203', and the consecutive second U-phase coils 211, 211', second V-phase coils 212, 212', and second W-phase coils 213, 213' are wound around the stator 120 in a symmetrical structure, the connector 130 can be connected to the rack 410 in a direction midway between the center of the stator 120 and the consecutive first U-phase coils 201, 201', first V-phase coils 202, 202', and first W-phase coils 203, 203'. Specifically, it can be shown that in Figure 2 In the arrangement of the three-phase coils, the vibration intensity and direction are shown as follows: similar to the vibration intensity of the first U-phase coils 201, 201', the first V-phase coils 202, 202', and the first W-phase coils 203, 203', the vibration intensity is shown as follows: similar to the vibration intensity of the first U-phase coils 201, 201', the first V-phase coils 202, 202', and the first W-phase coils 203, 203', the vibration intensity is shown as follows: in a symmetrical direction, that is, in the direction of the second U-phase coils 211, 211', the second V-phase coils 212, 212', and the second W-phase coils 213, 213'. Therefore, in order to minimize the vibration of the steering assist device, the connector 130 can be connected to the rack 410 in the direction midway between the center of the stator 120 and the angle between the first U-phase coils 201, 201', the first V-phase coils 202, 202', and the first W-phase coils 203, 203'. In other words, it can be the midpoint of the angle between the center of the stator and T1 and T8.

[0044] The connection angle between the steering assist device 10 and the rack 410 is not limited to the aforementioned direction, which is the midpoint of the angle between the center of the stator 120 and the angles between the first U-phase coils 201, 201', the first V-phase coils 202, 202', and the first W-phase coils 203, 203', but can vary according to actual measurements. As an example, such as... Figure 3 As shown, if the vibration is measured to be maximum in the direction of T9, the steering assist device 10 can be connected to the rack 410 in the direction corresponding to T9.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how a connector 130, according to an embodiment, transmits rotational force to a rack 410 via a drive belt 420.

[0046] Reference Figure 4 The connector 130 may include a drive belt 420 that transmits the rotational force generated when the rotor 110 rotates to the rack 410. Specifically, the connector 130 may include a motor pulley 430 and a nut pulley 450 to transmit the rotational force via the drive belt 420. The motor pulley 430 may be coupled to one side of the drive belt 420 to transmit the rotational force of the rotor 110 via the drive belt 420, and the nut pulley 450 may be mounted on the outer peripheral surface of one side of the ball nut 450 and coupled to the other side of the drive belt 420. Here, the ball nut 450 may be coupled to the rack 410 via balls and rotated to allow the rack 410 to slide. In other words, if current is applied to the stator 120, causing the rotor 110 to rotate through the magnetic field relationship between the coil wound around the stator and the permanent magnet of the rotor 110, and the shaft thus rotates, the motor pulley 430 rotates, and the nut pulley 450 connected to the drive belt 420 rotates, and thus the ball nut 450 connected to the nut pulley 450 rotates, thereby causing the rack 410 to reciprocate.

[0047] Connector 130 can be connected to rack 410 via drive belt 420, such that the tension of drive belt 420 faces the vibration direction caused by the winding pattern of stator 120, such as... Figure 3 As shown. In other words, the belt tension of drive belt 420 can be as follows: Figure 4 As shown by the arrow.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the winding pattern of a stator 120 according to another embodiment.

[0049] Reference Figure 5 The first U-phase coils 201, 201', the first V-phase coils 202, 202', and the first W-phase coils 203, 203', as well as the second U-phase coils 211, 211', the second V-phase coils 212, 212', and the second W-phase coils 213, 213', are alternately wound around the stator 120. When the second U-phase coils 211, 211', the second V-phase coils 212, 212', and the second W-phase coils 213, 213' fail, the connector 130 can connect to the rack 410 in the direction along which the first U-phase coils 201, 201', the first V-phase coils 202, 202', and the first W-phase coils 203, 203' are wound. Specifically, as... Figure 5As shown, the first U-phase coil 201, the first V-phase coil 202, and the first W-phase coil 203 can be wound counterclockwise in the order of the first U-phase coil 201, the first V-phase coil 202, and the first W-phase coil 203. The second U-phase coil 211, the second V-phase coil 212, and the second W-phase coil 213 can be wound counterclockwise in the order of the second U-phase coil 211, the second V-phase coil 212, and the second W-phase coil 213. Adjacent to the first U-phase coil 201, the first V-phase coil 202, and the first W-phase coil 203, the other first U-phase coils 201' and the first V-phase coils 202'... The first W-phase coil 203' can be wound in the same order as the first U-phase coil 201, first V-phase coil 202, and first W-phase coil 203, adjacent to the second U-phase coil 211, second V-phase coil 212, and second W-phase coil 213. Other second U-phase coils 211', second V-phase coils 212', and second W-phase coils 213' can also be wound in the same order as the second U-phase coils 211, second V-phase coils 212, and second W-phase coils 213, adjacent to the first U-phase coil 201', first V-phase coil 202', and first W-phase coil 203'. When the stator 120 has the above-described winding pattern, the connector 130 can be connected to the rack 410 in the direction along which the first U-phase coil 201', first V-phase coil 202', and first W-phase coil 203' are wound, or along which other first U-phase coils 201', first V-phase coil 202', and first W-phase coil 203' are wound.

[0050] Figure 6 This exemplarily illustrates the implementation of the second U-phase coils 211, 211', the second V-phase coils 212, 212', and the second W-phase coils 213, 213'. Figure 5 A diagram showing the direction and intensity of vibration of the steering auxiliary device 10 during the winding pattern of the three-phase coil.

[0051] Reference Figure 6 It can be shown that, in Figure 5 In the arrangement of the three-phase coils, the vibration intensity and direction are shown as two opposite sides of the directions of the continuous first U-phase coils 201, 201', first V-phase coils 202, 202', and first W-phase coils 203, 203'. Therefore, connector 130 can be connected to rack 410 in the direction along which the first U-phase coils 201, 201', first V-phase coils 202, 202', and first W-phase coils 203, 203' are wound to minimize vibration of the steering assist device 10. Connector 130 can be connected in the direction along which any one of the first U-phase coils 201, 201', first V-phase coils 202, 202', and first W-phase coils 203, 203' are wound, and... Figure 6In the illustrated case, connector 130 can be connected in the direction of T8. Conversely, when the first U-phase coils 201, 201', the first V-phase coils 202, 202', and the first W-phase coils 203, 203' fail, the vibration intensity and direction will be shown on two opposite sides of the directions of the second U-phase coils 211, 211', the second V-phase coils 212, 212', and the second W-phase coils 213, 213', such that connector 130 can be connected to rack 410 in the direction along which the second U-phase coils 211, 211', the second V-phase coils 212, 212', and the second W-phase coils 213, 213' are wound, so as to minimize the vibration of the steering assist device 10.

[0052] As described above, the steering assist device 10 can change the direction of connection with the rack 410 according to the winding pattern in the winding pattern of the stator 120, so as to minimize the vibration and noise of the driven steering assist device 10 when the second U phase coils 211, 211', the second V phase coils 212, 212' and the second W phase coils 213, 213' fail.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a connector 130 according to another embodiment transmitting rotational force to a rack 410 via a drive belt 420.

[0054] Reference Figure 7 The connector 130 can transmit rotational force to the rack 410 via the drive belt 420, so that... Figure 6 The vibration direction and intensity of the steering assist device 10 shown are minimized. Connector 130 can be connected such that the belt tension of the drive belt 420 is reduced due to... Figure 6 The winding pattern of the stator 120 shown is formed in the direction of vibration. For example... Figure 6 As shown, when there are two or more vibration directions, connector 130 can be connected in either of the two directions. In other words, connector 130 can be connected to rack 410 in either direction T2 or T8.

[0055] The connector 130 can use a reducer including a worm shaft and a worm gear to transmit the rotational force of the rotor 110 to the rack 410. Specifically, the connector 130 can be connected to the reducer in a direction that minimizes the vibration and noise of the steering assist device 10, depending on the winding pattern, and the reducer can reciprocate the rack 410 via a pinion through the rotational force received from the connector 130.

[0056] Figure 8a and Figure 8b This is a diagram showing the connector 130 according to an embodiment connected in the direction of vibration to reduce vibration.

[0057] Reference Figure 8a ,exist Figure 8a The stator 120 has such Figure 2 With the coil arrangement shown, and assuming the second U-phase coils 211, 211', the second V-phase coils 212, 212', and the second W-phase coils 213, 213' fail, if the rotor rotates by applying current only to the first U-phase coils 201, 201', the first V-phase coils 202, 202', and the first W-phase coils 203, 203', then vibration can occur as follows: Figure 8a The left and right directions shown (e.g., Figure 3 The vibration is generated in the T9 and T4 directions. Therefore, in order to reduce the vibration of the steering assist device 10, refer to Figure 8b The connector 130 can connect to the stator 120 in the direction of vibration by changing the angle at which the stator 120 is set. The vibration of the steering assist device 10, which vibrates in the vertical direction, can be reduced by utilizing the belt tension formed by the drive belt 420 toward the rack 410 (downward direction). In other words, the vibration of the steering assist device 10 can be reduced when the stator 120 rotates counterclockwise, causing the vibration direction to change to the vertical direction.

[0058] Figure 9a and Figure 9b This is a diagram showing a connector 130 according to another embodiment connected in the direction of vibration to reduce vibration.

[0059] Reference Figure 9a and Figure 9b ,exist Figure 9a In, when according to Figure 8a When the second U-phase coils 211, 211', the second V-phase coils 212, 212', and the second W-phase coils 213, 213' of the winding pattern shown fail, vibration can occur in the left / right direction. Therefore, in order to reduce the vibration of the steering assist device 10, the connector 130 can be connected to the stator arranged such that the vibration direction of the stator 120 faces the rack, as shown. Figure 9a As shown. The position of the stator 120 is shifted from the upper surface of the rack 410 to the side surface, so that the rack 410 is positioned in the vibration direction of the steering assist device 10, and since the steering assist device 10 is connected to the rack 410 via the drive belt 420, the vibration of the steering assist device 10 in the left / right direction can be reduced.

[0060] In this disclosure, a change in the connection position of the steering assist device 10 can be defined as a change in the connector 130.

[0061] Figure 10 This is an exemplary illustration of the housing 140 and rack 410 being fixed together according to an embodiment.

[0062] Reference Figure 10 Connector 130 can be connected to rack 410 such that a surface of housing 140 facing rack 410 is spaced apart. Specifically, connector 130 can be connected to rack 410 in a direction that minimizes vibration and noise of steering assist device 10, depending on the winding pattern of stator 120. To further reduce vibration and noise, connector 130 can be connected to rack 410 at a predetermined interval. Furthermore, housing 140 can be bolted together such that a surface of housing 140 facing rack 410 is fixed, thereby further reducing vibration and noise of steering assist device 10. Additionally, housing 140 can be bolted together such that a surface of housing 140 facing rack housing surrounding rack 410 is fixed to rack housing.

[0063] As described above, according to this disclosure, the steering assist device 10 can change the direction of connection with the rack 410 according to the winding pattern of the stator 120, thereby minimizing the vibration and noise of the steering assist device 10 when the coil of the stator 120 fails.

[0064] The foregoing description has been presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the technical ideas of this disclosure, and has been 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, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description and drawings provide examples of the technical ideas of this disclosure for illustrative purposes only. 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 embodiments shown, but should be given 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 scope of their equivalents should be interpreted as being included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0065] Cross-references to related applications

[0066] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0045489, filed on April 14, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A steering assist device, the steering assist device comprising: Stator, with multiple coils wound around the stator; Rotor, which rotates via the stator; as well as A connector that transmits the rotational force generated when the rotor rotates to a rack, wherein the connector includes a drive belt for transmitting the rotational force to the rack, and the connector is connected to the rack via the drive belt wound around the rack. Wherein, when at least one of the coils of the stator fails, by changing the angle at which the stator is set or by shifting the position of the stator from the upper surface to the side surface of the rack so that the belt tension of the drive belt faces the vibration direction, the connector is connected to the rack in a direction that minimizes the vibration generated according to the winding pattern of the stator.

2. The steering assist device according to claim 1, wherein, The stator has a dual-winding structure, in which a first U-phase coil, a first V-phase coil, a first W-phase coil, a second U-phase coil, a second V-phase coil, and a second W-phase coil are wound around the stator.

3. The steering assist device according to claim 2, wherein, When the first U-phase coil, the first V-phase coil, and the first W-phase coil, as well as the second U-phase coil, the second V-phase coil, and the second W-phase coil, are wound around the stator in a symmetrical structure, the connector is connected to the rack in a direction midway between the center of the stator and any one of the consecutive first U-phase coil, the first V-phase coil, and the first W-phase coil.

4. The steering assist device according to claim 2, wherein, When the continuous first U-phase coil, first V-phase coil, and first W-phase coil, as well as the continuous second U-phase coil, second V-phase coil, and second W-phase coil, are alternately wound around the stator, and the continuous second U-phase coil, second V-phase coil, and second W-phase coil are disconnected, the connector is connected to the rack in the direction along which the continuous first U-phase coil, first V-phase coil, and first W-phase coil are wound.

5. The steering assist device according to claim 1, further comprising a housing accommodating the stator and the rotor. in, The connector is connected to the rack such that one surface of the housing facing the rack is spaced apart.

6. The steering assist device according to claim 5, wherein, The housing is connected by bolts, thereby fixing one surface of the housing.

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