Independent steering device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an independent steering device, and more preferably, as one embodiment of the present invention, the independent steering device comprises: a wheel of a vehicle; a knuckle integrally fixed to the wheel; a steering drive unit that generates steering drive force; a speed reduction unit which is connected to an output shaft of the steering drive unit and transmits steering drive force; and a deceleration unit housing in which the deceleration unit is disposed, the steering drive unit being integrally fixed to the deceleration unit housing, and the deceleration unit housing being integrally fixed to the knuckle, the steering drive force generated by the steering drive unit being transmitted to the deceleration unit housing through the deceleration unit, and the steering drive force being transmitted to the deceleration unit housing through the deceleration unit. And a rotating member that rotates the knuckle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an independent steering device, and more particularly to an independent steering device in which a steering drive unit formed integrally with a speed reduction unit housing is configured to be rotatable integrally with a steering knuckle, thereby providing a compact steering device in response to a steering angle input. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle steering device involves a technology that provides a turning environment for the vehicle by performing a steering input to the front wheels using a planetary gear, a clutch, a hydraulic pump, etc. in response to a steering angle input of a steering wheel.

[0003] That is, it is configured to input a steering angle to the wheels in response to an input from the steering wheel, and to drive a hydraulic mechanical device or an electronically controlled motor connected to the vehicle body to apply a rotational force to the front wheels of the vehicle.

[0004] Recently, an independent steering device is being developed that performs steering angle input to the wheels through a motor assembly in a steering device connected to each wheel. That is, an independent steering device connected to the wheels is developed, so the steering angle input applied to each wheel can be different from each other.

[0005] However, in the case of an independent steering device for inputting a steering angle to each wheel, in order to apply a rotational force to the steering knuckle through a steering drive unit located in the vehicle body, a connection relationship between various components for transmitting the driving force is required. In addition, a steering device including a connection structure between a plurality of components for performing driving force transmission has a problem that the structure located in the wheel arch becomes relatively large.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Publication No. 2007-0103191 (20071023 Publication) Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an independent steering device to solve the above problems associated with the prior art. The independent steering device includes a steering drive unit fixed to the speed reduction unit housing at a position opposite to the speed reduction unit housing.

[0009] In addition, the present invention also provides the following independent steering device, including a steering support link formed integrally with the planetary carrier of the speed reduction unit, and also including a speed reduction unit housing and a steering knuckle that rotate integrally with the ring gear of the speed reduction unit.

[0010] The technical objectives to be achieved by the present invention are not limited to the technical objectives mentioned above. For other technical objectives not mentioned, they can be understood through the following description and can be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the objectives of the present invention can be achieved by the means shown in the claims and their combinations.

[0011] The independent steering device for achieving the above-mentioned object of the present invention includes the following structure.

[0012] As one embodiment of the present invention, an independent steering device is provided, comprising: a wheel of a vehicle; a steering knuckle integrally fixed to the wheel; a steering drive unit that generates a steering drive force; a speed reduction unit that is connected to an output shaft of the steering drive unit and transmits the steering drive force; and a speed reduction unit housing, in which the speed reduction unit is arranged, the steering drive unit is integrally fixed to the speed reduction unit housing, and the speed reduction unit housing is fixed as a whole with the steering knuckle, wherein the steering drive force generated in the steering drive unit is transmitted to the speed reduction unit housing via the speed reduction unit to rotate the steering knuckle.

[0013] In addition, the following independent steering device is provided: the speed reduction portion includes a planetary gear set.

[0014] In addition, the following independent steering device is provided: the rotation center axis of the above-mentioned planetary gear set is consistent with the kingpin axis.

[0015] In addition, the following independent steering device is provided: the speed reduction unit further includes a plurality of external meshing gear sets or belts.

[0016] In addition, the following independent steering device is provided: the planetary gear set includes three rotating parts, namely a sun gear, a planet carrier and a ring gear, and any one of the three rotating parts is connected to the vehicle body in a rotationally constrained manner.

[0017] In addition, the following independent steering device is provided: the above-mentioned planetary gear set includes three rotating parts, namely a sun gear, a planetary carrier and a ring gear, one of the above-mentioned three rotating parts is connected to the output shaft of the above-mentioned steering drive unit, another rotating part is connected to the vehicle body in a rotationally constrained manner, and the remaining rotating part is connected to the above-mentioned speed reduction unit housing.

[0018] In addition, the following independent steering device is provided: the planetary gear set includes: a sun gear connected to the output shaft of the steering drive unit; a planetary carrier connected to the vehicle body in a rotationally constrained manner; and a ring gear connected to the speed reduction unit housing.

[0019] In addition, the following independent steering device is provided: when the driving force of the steering drive unit is applied to the sun gear, the rotation of the planetary carrier is restricted by the vehicle body, and the speed reduction unit housing rotates integrally with the ring gear.

[0020] In addition, the following independent steering device is provided: it also includes a steering support link, and the steering support link is connected to the vehicle body and coupled to the planet carrier.

[0021] In addition, the following independent steering device is provided: the planetary carrier and the steering support link are spline-connected.

[0022] In addition, the following independent steering device is provided: the above-mentioned steering support link is connected to the vehicle body and is constrained to rotate with the kingpin axis as the reference.

[0023] In addition, the following independent steering device is provided: it also includes at least one bearing portion, and the bearing portion is arranged between the planetary carrier and the speed reduction unit housing so that the planetary carrier and the speed reduction unit housing can rotate relative to each other.

[0024] In addition, the following independent steering device is provided, including: grooves provided at both ends of the steering knuckle opposite to the speed reduction unit housing; and coupling portions provided on the speed reduction unit housing corresponding to the grooves.

[0025] In addition, as another embodiment of the present invention, the following independent steering device is provided, including: a wheel of a vehicle; a steering knuckle, which is integrally fixed to the above-mentioned wheel; a steering drive unit, which generates a steering drive force; a speed reduction unit, which is connected to the output shaft of the above-mentioned steering drive unit and transmits the steering drive force; and a speed reduction unit housing, in which the above-mentioned speed reduction unit is arranged, the above-mentioned steering drive unit is integrally fixed to the above-mentioned speed reduction unit housing, and the above-mentioned speed reduction unit housing is fixed as a whole with the above-mentioned steering knuckle.

[0026] The present invention can obtain the following beneficial effects through the above-mentioned embodiments and the structures, combinations, and usage relationships to be explained below.

[0027] The present invention has the effect of providing an independent steering device of compact size.

[0028] In addition, the present invention provides a speed reduction unit housing that rotates integrally with a steering knuckle and a steering drive unit that is provided in the speed reduction unit housing in an integrally rotatable manner, thereby providing an independent steering device that can achieve a low floor of a vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1a As one embodiment of the present invention, a front view of a wheel including an independent steering device is shown.

[0030] Figure 1bAs one embodiment of the present invention, a side sectional view of an independent steering device is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 1 is an embodiment of the present invention, showing a combined view of an independent steering device connected to a steering knuckle.

[0032] Figure 3 The invention is an embodiment of the present invention, showing an independent steering device in a state of being connected to a steering knuckle.

[0033] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an independent steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is an embodiment of the present invention, showing the connection relationship between the speed reduction unit housing connected to the vehicle body.

[0035] Description of Reference Numerals

[0036] A: Kingpin

[0037] 10: Independent steering device

[0038] 20: Wheel

[0039] 100: Steering knuckle

[0040] 110: Groove

[0041] 200: Steering drive unit

[0042] 300: Speed ​​reduction housing

[0043] 301: Speed ​​reduction cover

[0044] 302: Plate cover

[0045] 310: Connection

[0046] 400: Speed ​​reduction unit

[0047] 410: Sun gear

[0048] 420: Planetary gear set

[0049] 421: Planet carrier

[0050] 422: Planetary gear

[0051] 430: Ring gear

[0052] 500: Clutch

[0053] 600: Sensor unit

[0054] 700: Steering support link

[0055] 710: Lock nut

[0056] 720: Gasket

[0057] 800: Joint

[0058] 900: Bearing

[0059] 1000: External gear set. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of the present invention can be modified into various forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the following embodiments. The present embodiments are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0061] In addition, the terms "...steering knuckle 100", "...link", "...portion", "...housing" and the like described in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or action, which can be realized by a single hardware or a combination of multiple hardware.

[0062] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are attached to the same or corresponding components, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] The independent steering device 10 of the present invention is connected to the wheels 20 provided on the vehicle and inputs a steering angle to each wheel 20 , so that each wheel 20 can independently rotate with a steering angle of 90 to 180 degrees based on the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0064] Furthermore, the kingpin axis A disclosed in the present invention is arranged to be substantially identical to the central axis of rotation of the knuckle 100 when a rotational force is applied by the steering drive unit 200 .

[0065] In addition, the expression "opposite to each other" in this specification indicates a coupling relationship between components located on the same side of components that are connected so as to face each other.

[0066] Figure 1a As one embodiment of the present invention, an inner side view of an independent steering device 10 is shown.

[0067] The independent steering device 10 includes: a steering knuckle 100, which is connected to the wheel 20; a speed reduction unit housing 300, which is connected to the upper and lower ends of the steering knuckle 100; and a steering drive unit 200, which is located at the upper end of one side of the speed reduction unit housing 300. The planet carrier 421 of the speed reduction unit 400 located on the inner side of the speed reduction unit housing 300 is configured to protrude to the upper end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 and be fixed to the vehicle body. More preferably, the planet carrier 421 protruding from the upper end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body through a steering support link 700. In the present invention, the steering drive unit 200 can be implemented by a steering motor.

[0068] The steering drive unit 200 is connected to the speed reduction unit housing 300, and further, is disposed opposite to the speed reduction unit 400 located at the upper and lower ends of the steering knuckle 100. That is, the steering drive unit 200 is disposed along the height direction on the side surface of the speed reduction unit housing 300 including the speed reduction unit 400 and located at the upper and lower ends of the steering knuckle 100.

[0069] Further, the inner side of the speed reduction unit housing 300 includes an external meshing gear set 1000 or a belt configured to transmit the driving force of the steering drive unit 200 to the speed reduction unit 400. The external meshing gear set 1000 or the belt is composed of at least one transmission gear meshed with the rotation center axis of the steering drive unit 200. Further, it also includes a central axis portion located on the inner side of the speed reduction unit housing 300 that is connected to the external meshing gear set 1000 and transmits the rotational force to the speed reduction unit 400. The central axis portion is configured to transmit the steering driving force of the steering drive unit 200 to the speed reduction unit 400. Further, the central axis portion is configured to transmit the steering driving force from the steering drive unit 200 to the speed reduction unit 400 through the external meshing gear set or the belt.

[0070] Further, the speed reduction unit 400 includes a plurality of external meshing gear sets or belts, and is configured to transmit the driving force of the steering drive unit 200 to the speed reduction unit housing 300. Therefore, the speed reduction unit 400 is connected to the output shaft of the steering drive unit 200 and receives the steering driving force transmitted from the steering drive unit 200.

[0071] As described above, the rotating shaft of the steering drive unit 200 is arranged on the inner side of the reduction unit housing 300, and includes an external meshing gear set 1000, a central axis portion and a reduction unit 400 located on the inner side of the reduction unit housing 300, thereby transmitting the rotating force of the steering drive unit 200 to the inner side of the reduction unit 400.

[0072] The central shaft portion is configured to mesh with the external meshing gear set 1000 to apply the rotational force of the steering drive unit 200, and at least a portion of the central shaft portion is inserted into the speed reduction unit 400 located inside the speed reduction unit housing 300, and transmits the rotational force of the steering drive unit 200 to the speed reduction unit 400.

[0073] More preferably, the central axis portion that applies the rotational force of the steering drive unit 200 is inserted into the inner side of the sun gear 410 of the speed reduction unit 400, and applies the rotational force to at least one of the planetary gear sets 420 located on the outer peripheral surface of the sun gear 410. Further, the speed reduction unit 400 also includes a ring gear 430 connected to the outer side surface of the planetary gear set 420. The ring gear 430 is formed as a whole with the speed reduction unit housing 300, and is configured so that the speed reduction unit housing 300 rotates integrally according to the rotation of the ring gear 430. In addition, the rotation center axis of the planetary gear set 420 can be configured to be the same as the kingpin axis.

[0074] In addition, the planetary gear set 420 includes three rotating components: a sun gear 410, a planetary carrier 421, and a ring gear 430. One of the three rotating components is connected to the output shaft of the steering drive unit, another rotating component is connected to the vehicle body in a rotationally constrained manner, and the remaining rotating component is connected to the above-mentioned speed reduction unit housing.

[0075] As an embodiment of the present invention, the planetary gear set 420 is composed of a sun gear 410 connected to the output shaft of the steering drive unit 200, a plurality of planetary gears 422 and a planetary carrier 421 configured to be connected to the outer peripheral surface of the sun gear 410, and a ring gear 430 connected to the speed reduction unit housing 300. A portion of the planetary carrier 421 protrudes toward the upper end of the speed reduction unit housing 300, and is connected to the steering support link 700 and constrained to rotate by the vehicle body. Therefore, corresponding to the rotation of the sun gear 410, the planetary gear 422 only rotates, and the ring gear 430 connected to the planetary gear 422 rotates integrally with the speed reduction unit housing 300 along with the rotation of the planetary gear 422.

[0076] As described above, the sun gear 410 of the planetary gear set 420 is coupled to the output shaft of the steering drive unit 200 , and the planetary gear set 420 includes a planet carrier 421 constrained for rotation by the vehicle body and a ring gear 430 connected to the speed reduction unit housing 300 .

[0077] Therefore, when the rotational force of the steering drive unit 200 is applied, the speed reduction unit housing 300 rotates integrally with the ring gear 430. That is, the speed reduction unit housing 300, the steering drive unit 200 connected to the speed reduction unit housing 300, and the steering knuckle 100 rotate integrally with the kingpin axis A as a reference.

[0078] More preferably, the rotation axis of the steering drive unit 200 can be formed in a position parallel to the kingpin axis A. In one embodiment of the present invention, the steering drive unit 200 is adjacent to the kingpin axis A formed on the steering knuckle 100 and can be connected to the speed reduction unit housing 300.

[0079] Figure 1b FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an independent steering device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Furthermore, when a rotational force is applied to the central axis from the steering drive unit 200, the central axis applies a rotational force to the speed reduction unit 400, so that the ring gear 430 of the speed reduction unit 400 formed as one body with the speed reduction unit housing 300 rotates, thereby the steering knuckle 100 and the speed reduction unit housing 300 rotate together.

[0081] The speed reduction unit 400 includes a sun gear 410 into which the central shaft portion is inserted and rotates integrally with the central shaft portion, at least one planetary gear 422 disposed on the outer side of the sun gear 410, and a planetary carrier 421 including the central axis of the planetary gear 422 and protruding toward the upper end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 and connected to the vehicle body. Further, the speed reduction unit 400 includes a ring gear 430, which is fixed to the speed reduction unit housing 300, so that it rotates integrally with the speed reduction unit housing 300 when the planetary gear 422 rotates.

[0082] As one embodiment of the present invention, the planetary carrier 421 protruding toward the upper end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body through the steering support link 700. Further, the lower end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 rotates with respect to the joint 800 fixed to the vehicle body as a reference. That is, the steering support link 700 connected to the planetary carrier 421 is configured to fix the above-mentioned planetary carrier 421 to the vehicle body, and the central axis of the planetary gear 422 is kept in an overall fixed state through the planetary carrier 421. Therefore, as the planetary gear 422 rotates, the speed reduction unit housing 300 including the ring gear 430 rotates integrally with the above-mentioned steering knuckle 100 in a state connected to the steering knuckle 100. Further, the central axis of the planetary gear 422 is configured to be parallel to the kingpin axis A.

[0083] More preferably, the two ends in the height direction of the steering knuckle 100 to which the speed reduction unit housing 300 is connected include grooves 110, and the grooves 110 can be connected with the connecting portion 310 formed on the speed reduction unit housing 300 to constrain each other. As an embodiment of the present invention, the grooves 110 can be configured so that the connecting portion 310 of the speed reduction unit housing 300 is inserted into the inner side of the space formed in the center of the grooves 110, so that at least the two side surfaces of the grooves 110 and the connecting portion 310 constrain each other.

[0084] As an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing portion 900 located between the planetary gear set 420 and the speed reduction unit housing 300 can be included. More preferably, at least one bearing portion 900 can be provided between the planetary carrier 421 and the speed reduction unit housing 300. Therefore, when the ring gear 430 and the speed reduction unit housing 300 rotate integrally corresponding to the rotation of the planetary gear 422, the friction generated between the speed reduction unit housing 300 and the planetary carrier 421 can be reduced by the bearing portion 900. That is, the bearing portion 900 is provided to enable relative rotation between the planetary carrier 421 and the speed reduction unit housing 300.

[0085] The planet carrier 421 protruding toward the upper side of the speed reduction unit housing 300 is configured to be connected to the locking nut 710 and fixed to the steering support link 700. In addition, it also includes a gasket 720 inserted between the upper surface of the speed reduction unit housing 300 and the steering support link 700. In the state where the planet carrier 421 is fixed, the speed reduction unit housing 300 can rotate freely with the planet carrier 421 as the central axis. That is, the space between the upper end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 and the steering support link 700 is formed by the gasket 720.

[0086] More preferably, the outer peripheral surface of the planet carrier 421 protruding toward the upper end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 includes a spline structure, and the inner peripheral surface of the steering support link 700 connected to the planet carrier 421 can include a protrusion, which is inserted into the spline structure formed on the planet carrier 421. Therefore, the steering support link 700 is configured to be connected to the planet carrier 421 protruding toward the upper end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 to limit the rotation of the planet carrier 421.

[0087] In addition, the rotation of the planet carrier 421 forming the central axis of the planetary gear 422 is restricted, resulting in the restriction of the revolution of the planetary gear 422, so that the planetary gear 422 cannot rotate along the outer peripheral surface of the sun gear 410 as the sun gear 410 rotates, that is, the planetary gear 422 is configured to perform only self-rotation. Therefore, when the ring gear 430 of the speed reduction unit housing 300 coupled to the steering knuckle 100 rotates, the speed reduction unit housing 300 and the steering knuckle 100 integrally input the steering angle of the wheel 20.

[0088] As an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing portion 900 is further included, which is located outside the speed reduction unit housing 300 and / or the planet carrier 421, so as to reduce the friction between the outer side surface of the planet carrier 421 and the inner side surface of the speed reduction unit housing 300 caused by the rotation of the speed reduction unit housing 300. More preferably, the bearing portion 900 can be located between the central shaft portion and the speed reduction unit housing 300.

[0089] The joint 800 passes through the lower end of the steering knuckle 100 and is located at the lower end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 to form a lower end central axis for the speed reduction unit housing 300 to rotate. More preferably, the central axis of the planetary carrier 421 protruding toward the upper end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 and the central axis of the joint 800 at the lower end can form a kingpin axis A of the steering device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the joint 800 can be formed by a ball joint, and the joint 800 is located between the lower end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 and the vehicle body.

[0090] Figure 2 1 is an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a groove portion 110 of a steering knuckle 100 including rods parallel to each other and coupling portions 310 formed at both ends of a speed reduction portion housing 300 coupled to the groove portion 110 .

[0091] The groove portion 110 located at the steering knuckle 100 is formed in a state with one end open, and is configured to be provided with rods parallel to each other to surround the two opposite side surfaces of the coupling portion 310. More preferably, the groove portion 110 allows the coupling portion 310 to be inserted into the inner side of the groove formed between the rods and coupled to constrain at least three surfaces of the coupling portion 310, and according to the coupling between the coupling portion 310 and the groove portion 110, the speed reduction unit housing 300 and the steering knuckle 100 rotate integrally with the rotation of the speed reduction unit housing 300.

[0092] The groove portion 110 of the steering knuckle 100 coupled with the coupling portion 800 includes an insertion groove so that at least a portion of the coupling portion 800 is opposite to the lower end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 and the coupling portion 800 is coupled to the lower end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 along the insertion groove.

[0093] Furthermore, the planet carrier 421 protruding toward the upper end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 is configured to protrude along the upper end of the coupling portion 310 of the speed reduction unit housing 300, and is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body through the steering support link 700. Furthermore, the steering support link 700 is provided on the vehicle body and is constrained to rotate with the kingpin shaft of the vehicle as a reference.

[0094] Further, the steering drive unit 200 is disposed adjacent to the speed reduction unit housing 300 including the speed reduction unit 400 and connected to the steering knuckle 100, and the steering drive unit 200 is connected to the speed reduction unit housing 300 opposite to the length direction of the speed reduction unit housing 300 connected to the steering knuckle 100. More preferably, the kingpin axis A formed at the upper and lower ends of the steering knuckle 100 and the rotation center axis of the steering drive unit 200 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0095] exist Figure 3 , as one embodiment of the present invention, an external meshing gear set 1000 is shown which is located inside the speed reduction unit housing 300 and connects the steering drive unit 200 and the speed reduction unit 400 .

[0096] The external meshing gear set 1000 can be composed of a plurality of rotating gears meshed with the rotating center axis of the steering drive unit 200. The shafts of the plurality of rotating gears constituting the external meshing gear set 1000 are fixed to the inner side of the speed reduction unit housing 300, and the plurality of rotating gears are arranged to be able to transmit the rotating force of the steering drive unit 200 to the center axis. More preferably, the rotating gears constituting the external meshing gear set 1000 can include bearings to freely rotate along the inner side of the speed reduction unit housing 300.

[0097] The plate cover 302 can be connected by bolts of an upper end cover and a lower end cover, and the plate cover 302 and the speed reduction unit cover 301 can also be connected and fixed by bolts.

[0098] The rotation center axis of the steering drive unit 200 is set at the plate cover 302 away from the speed reduction unit cover 301, and the central axis portion is set at a position corresponding to the rotation axis of the speed reduction unit 400. The central axis portion protrudes to the inner side of the speed reduction unit cover 301 of the speed reduction unit housing 300 and is connected to the speed reduction unit 400. Further, the central axis portion is set to rotate freely inside the speed reduction unit housing 300. In addition, the rotation center axis of the steering drive unit 200 is configured so that a rotation force is applied to the central axis portion through the external meshing gear set 1000.

[0099] The rotation center axis of the steering drive shaft 200 is formed by an axis parallel to the kingpin axis A (which is the rotation axis of the speed reduction unit housing 300 connected to the steering knuckle 100), and is provided on the plate cover 302 and located on one side of the plate cover 302 opposite to the speed reduction unit cover 301. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the speed reduction unit cover 301 and the steering drive unit 200 configured to protrude are provided on one side of the plate cover 302.

[0100] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a speed reduction unit housing 300 composed of a speed reduction unit cover 301 and a plate cover 302 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] The speed reduction unit housing 300 can be divided into a speed reduction unit cover 301 formed along the height direction of the knuckle 100 to dispose the speed reduction unit 400 and a plate cover 302 to which the central shaft portion at the lower end of the speed reduction unit 400, the external gear set 1000 and the steering drive unit 200 are connected.

[0102] Further, the speed reduction unit cover 301 of the speed reduction unit housing 300 is configured to surround the speed reduction unit 400, and the plate cover 302 connected to the speed reduction unit cover 301 is arranged at the lower end of the speed reduction unit cover 301 in a manner of surrounding the external meshing gear set 1000. The plate cover 302 is configured to have a side surface extending relatively longer than the speed reduction unit cover 301, and the steering drive unit 200 is connected to the end of the plate cover 302 extending to the outside of the speed reduction unit cover 301.

[0103] More preferably, the rotation center axis of the steering drive unit 200 is configured to extend toward the inner side of the plate cover 302 and mesh with the external meshing gear set 1000. Therefore, corresponding to the rotation of the steering drive unit 200, at least one rotating gear located in the external meshing gear set 1000 is linked, thereby rotating the center axis portion connected to one end of the external meshing gear set 1000 adjacent to the speed reduction unit 400.

[0104] Furthermore, the embodiment of the present invention further includes a clutch unit 500 configured to surround the rotation center axis of the steering drive unit 200 and located between the steering drive unit 200 and the plate cover 302. The clutch unit 500 is configured to prevent the rotation center axis from rotating due to the backlash or gear play between the steering drive unit 200 and the rotating gear set when the steering drive unit 200 is switched to the closed state.

[0105] Therefore, the clutch unit 500 can be used to configure the rotation center axis of the steering drive unit 200 to be restricted from moving even when the start is turned off or the power of the steering drive unit 200 is switched to the off state, thereby maintaining the set steering angle.

[0106] As an embodiment of the present invention, the clutch unit 500 may include any type of clutch that can fix the rotation center axis of the steering drive unit 200 to the external gear set 1000 , such as an electronic clutch, a hydraulic clutch, and a cable clutch.

[0107] In addition, the central axis portion is arranged so that one end is located at the plate cover 302, and at least a portion is inserted into the inner side of the speed reduction unit cover 301. Further, the central axis portion inserted into the inner side of the speed reduction unit cover 301 is inserted into the sun gear 410 of the speed reduction unit 400 and is connected to each other so that the sun gear 410 rotates integrally with the rotation of the central axis portion.

[0108] The rotational force of the steering drive unit 200 is applied to the central shaft portion through the external meshing gear set 1000. As the central shaft portion rotates, the sun gear 410 rotates inside the speed reduction unit cover 301. At least one planetary gear 422 connected to the outer peripheral surface of the sun gear 410 rotates corresponding to the rotation of the sun gear 410.

[0109] Among them, as the planetary gear set 420, at least a part of the planet carrier 421 protrudes toward the upper end of the speed reduction unit cover 301 and is constrained to the vehicle body through the steering support link 700. In addition, the planet carrier 421 provided on the central axis of the planetary gear 422 is fixed to the vehicle body so that the planetary gear 422 cannot rotate along the outer peripheral surface of the sun gear 410, and the planetary gear 422 is configured to rotate with the central axis as a reference in accordance with the rotation of the sun gear 410.

[0110] The ring gear 430 connected to the outer circumferential surface of the planetary gear 422 is integrally formed on the speed reduction unit cover 301, so that the ring gear 430 rotates with the central axis of the sun gear 410 as a reference in accordance with the rotation of the planetary gear 422. Further, the ring gear 430 is formed as a whole with the speed reduction unit housing 300, and the speed reduction unit housing 300 and the steering knuckle 100 rotate integrally with the planetary carrier 421 protruding to the upper end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 and the joint 800 connected to the lower end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 as a reference.

[0111] Therefore, the steering drive unit 200 rotates according to the user input, and the rotational force of the steering drive unit 200 is converted into the rotational force of the speed reduction unit housing 300, and the steering drive unit 200 connected to the speed reduction unit housing 300, the speed reduction unit housing 300 and the steering knuckle 100 rotate integrally.

[0112] As an embodiment of the present invention, a sensor unit 600 is further included, which is arranged at a position where the planet carrier 421 and the steering support link 700 are connected. The sensor unit 600 is arranged at the upper end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 in a manner of surrounding at least a portion of the planet carrier 421. Further, the sensor unit 600 can determine the current steering angle input in real time in order to ensure the driving performance of the vehicle, and can detect the position of the rotation angle (steering angle) of the speed reduction unit housing 300 and the steering knuckle 100 when starting to close or switching to the closed state of the steering drive unit 200.

[0113] Therefore, when the vehicle is restarted or the power is connected to the steering drive unit 200, the current steering angle input state can be measured by the sensor unit 600, and the control unit can receive the user's steering angle input based on the measured current steering angle input state and control the steering drive unit 200. In this way, the power consumption for executing the steering drive during driving can be reduced, and accurate steering drive can be executed based on the correct steering angle state.

[0114] Figure 5 As one embodiment of the present invention, a structure of an independent steering device 10 coupled to a wheel 20 is shown.

[0115] As shown in the figure, the embodiment of the present invention includes a steering knuckle 100 connected to the inner side of the wheel 20, and the groove portion 110 located at the steering knuckle 100 and the connecting portion 310 located at the upper and lower ends of the speed reduction unit housing 300 are constrained to each other. More preferably, the connecting portion 310 inserted into the inner side of the groove portion 110 is in contact with the groove portion 110 on at least three sides to achieve surface constraint, so that the steering knuckle 100 and the speed reduction unit housing 300 are configured to constrain each other and rotate as a whole.

[0116] Furthermore, the embodiment of the present invention includes a planet carrier 421 protruding from the upper surface of the speed reduction unit housing 300 and fixed to the vehicle body through the steering support link 700, and also includes a joint 800 at least partially inserted into the lower surface of the speed reduction unit housing 300. The planet carrier 421 is fixed to the vehicle body through the steering support link 700 and is restricted from rotating. On the inner side of the speed reduction unit housing 300, the surface opposite to the planet carrier 421 can include at least one bearing, so that the speed reduction unit housing 300 can rotate freely with the planet carrier 421 as a reference. Therefore, the speed reduction unit housing 300 is configured to rotate integrally with the steering knuckle 100 with the planet carrier 421 as a reference.

[0117] The outer side surface of the planet carrier 421 protruding from the upper end of the speed reduction unit housing 300 includes a spline structure, and the steering support link 700 is connected to the spline structure and constrains the planet carrier 421 and the steering support link 700 to each other. Further, it also includes a gasket 720 located between the upper surface of the speed reduction unit housing 300 and the steering support link 700. The gasket 720 performs the function of preventing the speed reduction unit housing 300 from interfering with the steering support link 700 as it rotates. In addition, at the upper end of the steering support link 700 connected to the planet carrier 421, a locking nut 710 that connects the above-mentioned planet carrier 421 to the steering support link 700 is included. Therefore, the planet carrier 421 is kept fixed to the vehicle body through the steering support link 700.

[0118] The steering drive unit 200 is located on the plate cover 302 and can be disposed adjacent to the speed reduction unit cover 301. In addition, the rotation center axis of the steering drive unit 200 can be parallel to the rotation axis of the speed reduction unit housing 300.

[0119] As described above, the present invention provides the following independent steering device 10: the steering drive unit 200 and the steering knuckle 100 are constrained and arranged in the speed reduction unit housing 300, and when the rotational force of the steering drive unit 200 is applied, the speed reduction unit housing 300 rotates and rotates together with the steering drive unit 200 and the steering knuckle 100.

[0120] The above detailed description is an example of the present invention. In addition, the above content shows and describes the preferred implementation of the present invention, and the present invention can be used in a variety of different combinations, changes and environments. That is, it can be changed or modified within the scope of the inventive concept disclosed in this specification, the scope equivalent to the recorded disclosure, and / or the scope of the technology or knowledge in the field. The recorded embodiments illustrate the best state for realizing the technical concept of the present invention, and can also realize various changes required by the specific application fields and uses of the present invention. Therefore, the above detailed description of the invention is not intended to limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. In addition, it should be interpreted that the claims also include other embodiments.

Claims

1. An independent steering device, characterized in that: include: wheels of vehicles; a steering knuckle integrally fixed to the wheel; a steering drive unit that generates a steering drive force; a speed reducing unit connected to the output shaft of the steering drive unit and transmitting the steering drive force; as well as a speed reduction unit housing, in which the speed reduction unit is arranged; the steering drive unit is integrally fixed to the speed reduction unit housing; and the speed reduction unit housing is integrally fixed to the steering knuckle. The steering drive force generated in the steering drive unit is transmitted to the speed reduction unit housing through the speed reduction unit to rotate the steering knuckle.

2. The independent steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The speed reduction portion includes a planetary gear set.

3. The independent steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rotation center axis of the planetary gear set is consistent with the kingpin axis.

4. The independent steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The speed reduction unit further includes a plurality of external meshing gear sets or belts.

5. The independent steering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The planetary gear set includes three rotating parts, namely a sun gear, a planet carrier and a ring gear. Any one of the three rotating parts is connected to the vehicle body in a rotationally constrained manner.

6. The independent steering device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The planetary gear set includes three rotating parts: a sun gear, a planetary carrier and a ring gear. One of the three rotating parts is connected to the output shaft of the steering drive unit, another rotating part is connected to the vehicle body in a rotationally constrained manner, and the remaining rotating part is connected to the speed reduction unit housing.

7. The independent steering device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The planetary gear set comprises: a sun gear connected to an output shaft of the steering drive unit; a planet carrier connected to the vehicle body in a rotationally constrained manner; and A ring gear is connected to the speed reduction unit housing.

8. The independent steering device according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the driving force of the steering drive unit is applied to the sun gear, the rotation of the planetary carrier is restricted by the vehicle body, and the speed reduction unit housing rotates integrally with the ring gear.

9. The independent steering device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Also includes: A steering support link is connected to the vehicle body and coupled to the planet carrier.

10. The independent steering device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The planet carrier is spline-connected to the steering support link.

11. The independent steering device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The steering support link is connected to the vehicle body and is constrained to rotate with the kingpin axis as a reference.

12. The independent steering device according to claim 7, characterized in that: Also includes: At least one bearing portion is disposed between the planetary carrier and the speed reduction unit housing so that the planetary carrier and the speed reduction unit housing can rotate relative to each other.

13. The independent steering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: Grooves are provided at two ends of the steering knuckle opposite to the speed reduction unit housing; as well as A coupling portion is provided on the speed reducing portion housing corresponding to the groove portion.

14. An independent steering device, characterized in that: include: wheels of vehicles; a steering knuckle integrally fixed to the wheel; a steering drive unit that generates a steering drive force; a speed reducing unit connected to the output shaft of the steering drive unit and transmitting the steering drive force; as well as The deceleration unit housing has the deceleration unit disposed therein, the steering drive unit is integrally fixed to the deceleration unit housing, and the deceleration unit housing is integrally fixed to the steering knuckle.

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