Steering wheel assembly for vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a steering wheel assembly for a vehicle and the vehicle. The steering wheel assembly is used for being installed on a tubular column of a vehicle, the tubular column is fixed to a vehicle body to support the steering wheel assembly, the steering wheel assembly comprises a disc type motor, the disc type motor is provided with a stator disc and a rotor disc, and the stator disc is directly or indirectly fixed to the tubular column; the rotor disc comprises a lantern ring, and the lantern ring extends in the axial direction of the rotor disc and is arranged on the radial outer side of the stator disc in a sleeving mode. The steering wheel assembly comprises a wheel rim which is operated by a hand to achieve steering of the vehicle, and the wheel rim is directly or indirectly fixed to the rotor disc. Or the rotor disc is configured for manual operation to realize vehicle steering. The steering wheel assembly is lighter in weight and smaller in rotational inertia, so that the cantilever effect of the tubular column is smaller, and the stability of the steering wheel assembly and the sensitivity of road feeling response are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicles, and in particular to a steering wheel assembly for a vehicle and the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A steer-by-wire system is a new type of vehicle steering system that eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering wheels, instead relying entirely on electric power to steer the wheels. In this system, a motor integrated into the column provides torque to the steering wheel. This steering system uses the motor's output, which is transmitted through a worm gear mechanism, to simulate the damping sensation of turning the steering wheel and provide road feel feedback.

[0003] However, existing wire-controlled steering systems often have problems such as large vibration and noise, unstable steering wheel position, delayed road feel response, complex structure and large space occupation, which bring a bad driving experience to the driver. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a steering wheel assembly for a vehicle and a vehicle that overcomes the above problems or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a steering wheel assembly with lighter weight, smaller moment of inertia and smaller column cantilever effect, so as to improve the stability of the steering wheel and the sensitivity of road feel response.

[0006] A further object of the present invention is to make the steering wheel assembly flatter, thinner and lighter and to provide it with a touch display function.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a steering wheel assembly for a vehicle, adapted to be mounted on a column of the vehicle, the column being fixed to the vehicle body to support the steering wheel assembly, the steering wheel assembly comprising:

[0008] A disc-type motor comprises a stator disc and a rotor disc, wherein the stator disc is directly or indirectly fixed to the pipe column; the rotor disc comprises a sleeve, which extends along the axial direction of the rotor disc and is sleeved on the radial outside of the stator disc; and

[0009] The steering wheel assembly includes a wheel rim for manual operation to achieve vehicle steering, and the wheel rim is directly or indirectly fixed to the rotor disk; or

[0010] The rotor disc is configured to be manually operated to achieve vehicle steering.

[0011] Optionally, the steering wheel assembly further includes a bearing, which is arranged between the outer circumference of the stator disc and the inner circumference of the collar to achieve rotational connection between the rotor disc and the stator disc.

[0012] Optionally, the bearing is connected to the stator disc and the collar in a shrink fit manner.

[0013] Optionally, the steering wheel assembly further includes: the wheel rim and the wheel hub, and the wheel rim and the rotor disk are both fixed to the wheel hub.

[0014] Optionally, the stator disc includes a disc body and a stator fixed to the disc body; and

[0015] The stator is a PCB stator.

[0016] Optionally, the steering wheel assembly further comprises the wheel rim and a disc seat, wherein the disc seat is box-shaped so as to accommodate the disc motor and the airbag; and

[0017] The stator disc is fixed to the disc seat, and the rotor disc is located in the center of the rim and connected to the rim through spokes.

[0018] Optionally, the rotor disk and the wheel rim are staggered in the axial direction of the wheel rim; or

[0019] The rotor disk is located radially inside the rim.

[0020] Optionally, the stator disc includes a disc body and a stator fixed to the disc body; and

[0021] The rotor disc is configured to be manually operated to achieve vehicle steering; and

[0022] The steering wheel assembly further includes a touch screen, which is fixed against the surface of the stator plate, and the stator surrounds the outer periphery of the touch screen.

[0023] Optionally, a central area of the stator disc is recessed inwardly toward the tube column to form an accommodating cavity for accommodating an airbag.

[0024] Optionally, the rotor disk further includes an end plate and a magnet, the collar extends from the periphery of the end plate along the axial direction of the rotor disk, and the magnet is fixed to the end surface of the end plate.

[0025] In another aspect, the present invention further provides a vehicle comprising:

[0026] a tubular column, fixed to the vehicle body; and

[0027] A steering wheel assembly as described in any one of the above items, wherein the steering wheel assembly is mounted on the column.

[0028] The vehicle steering wheel assembly of the present invention utilizes a disc motor. The stator disc of the disc motor is fixed to the column, and the rotor disc is directly fixed to the wheel rim, or the wheel rim is omitted. The rotor disc is configured to be manually operated to achieve vehicle steering. As such, the vehicle's steering system eliminates the need for intermediate transmission links such as a rotor shaft and a worm gear mechanism, resulting in higher transmission efficiency, lower noise, longer service life, and lower costs. This also reduces the overall weight of the steering wheel assembly, thereby reducing column load, cantilever effect, more stable steering wheel assembly position, smaller shaking amplitude, and reduced vibration and noise, thereby improving road feel response sensitivity and enhancing the driver's driving experience.

[0029] Furthermore, compared to the inner rotor motors commonly used in traditional steering wheels, disc motors offer a simpler structure, more stable rotation, lower noise levels, and higher torque density. This allows for greater torque output within a smaller footprint and weight. This results in a smaller size, lighter weight, and shorter axial length, making it easier to install in confined environments. It also extends the stowage distance of the column, allowing it to be stored in a sleeve after parking. Furthermore, due to its smaller size, the cost of materials such as copper, iron, and permanent magnets used in disc motors is lower. Furthermore, the reduced weight reduces the cantilever effect of the column, making the steering wheel assembly more stable.

[0030] Furthermore, in the steering wheel assembly of the present invention, the rotor disk comprises an end plate, a collar, and a magnet fixed to the end surface of the end plate. The collar extends axially from the periphery of the end plate and fits radially outward of the stator disk. A bearing can further be provided between the outer circumference of the stator disk and the inner circumference of the collar. By employing this modified design in the rotor disk structure, the present invention achieves a rotational connection between the rotor disk and the stator disk, resulting in a simpler structure and fewer components, achieving a flatter and lighter disc motor.

[0031] Furthermore, in the steering wheel assembly of the present invention, the bearing is connected to the stator plate and the collar by shrink fitting without the need for fasteners such as screws, thereby further simplifying the structure of the steering wheel assembly and reducing its weight.

[0032] Furthermore, the steering wheel assembly of the present invention features a PCB stator, which is thinner and lighter, further flattening and lightweighting the disc motor. Furthermore, the use of a PCB stator eliminates complex processes such as stator mold fabrication, stator winding, and impregnation, eliminating the need for an iron core. This greatly simplifies the production process, shortens development and verification cycles, improves product stability, reduces cost and weight, and avoids core loss.

[0033] Furthermore, the steering wheel assembly of the present invention includes a box-shaped disc holder secured to the column, housing the disc motor and airbag, providing support and a heat dissipation path for the disc motor. Furthermore, because the airbag is contained within the disc holder and does not rotate with the wheel rim, the weight of the rotating portion of the steering wheel assembly is further reduced, resulting in a smaller moment of inertia, reducing steering system response lag and enhancing the wheel rim's road feel.

[0034] Furthermore, the steering wheel assembly of the present invention features a rotor disc configured for manual operation to steer the vehicle, thus eliminating the traditional steering wheel rim. This design effectively allows the rotor disc to function as the rim, allowing for manual control. This design results in a flatter and thinner steering wheel assembly, placing its center of gravity closer to the end of the column used for securing the vehicle body. This reduces the column's cantilever effect, resulting in a more stable steering wheel assembly and reduced vibration and noise. Furthermore, the steering wheel assembly's rotating components experience a smaller moment of inertia, reducing steering system response lag, increasing road sensitivity, and enhancing the driver's driving experience.

[0035] Furthermore, the steering wheel assembly of the present invention also includes a touchscreen mounted on the surface of the stator disc, with the stator surrounding the periphery of the touchscreen. The touchscreen provides the driver with an interface for entertainment and driving instructions, replacing various function buttons. It offers convenient operation and intuitive display, and can also integrate various additional functions such as facial recognition, meeting the development trend of future vehicle-mounted systems. Furthermore, the central area of the stator disc can be further recessed inward toward the column to form a cavity for accommodating the airbag. This eliminates the need for a clock spring, minimizes the overall axial dimensions of the steering wheel assembly, and provides greater driver comfort.

[0036] Based on the following detailed description of some specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in an exemplary and non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view of a steering wheel assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of the steering wheel assembly shown;

[0040] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic exploded view of the disc motor and bearings in the steering wheel assembly is shown;

[0041] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional exploded view of a steering wheel assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 a schematic exploded view of the steering wheel assembly shown;

[0044] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of the steering wheel assembly shown;

[0045] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 8 A steering wheel assembly for a vehicle and a vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0047] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and so on, indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0048] The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the term "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features, or one or more of the features.

[0049] In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and other features may be further included.

[0050] Unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," "coupled," and the like should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed or detachable connections, or integration; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. A person of ordinary skill in the art should be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, a first feature being “above” or “below” a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact via another feature therebetween.

[0052] That is, in the description of this embodiment, the phrase "above," "above," and "above" a first feature of a second feature includes the phrase "the first feature is directly above or obliquely above" the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The phrase "below," "below," or "below" a first feature of a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the technical field to which this application belongs.

[0054] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a steering wheel assembly 10 for a vehicle is provided.

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view of a steering wheel assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the steering wheel assembly 10 is shown; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic exploded view of the disc motor 300 and the bearing 500 in the steering wheel assembly 10. In each figure, the x-axis is used to mark the axial direction of the disc motor 300, which is also the axial direction of the rotor disc 320, the stator disc 310, the wheel rim 200 and other components.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the steering wheel assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a column 20 of a vehicle. The column 20 is cylindrical and fixed to the vehicle body to support the steering wheel assembly 10. For example, the lower end of the column 20 is fixed to the vehicle body, and the steering wheel assembly 10 is mounted on the upper end.

[0057] The steering wheel assembly 10 of an embodiment of the present invention generally includes a disc motor 300. The disc motor 300 comprises a stator disc 310 and a rotor disc 320. The stator disc 310 is directly or indirectly secured to the column 20. Directly secured here means the stator disc 310 is directly connected and secured to the column 20. Indirectly secured means the stator disc 310 is secured to one or more intermediate components, which are then secured to the column 20. Figure 2 The stator plate 310 is directly fixed to the pipe column 20, specifically by a plurality of screws 30. In this embodiment, the stator plate 310 is fixed to the pipe column 20, and the pipe column 20 provides structural support and a heat dissipation path for the stator 312.

[0058] The rotor disk 320 includes a collar 322 , which extends axially of the rotor disk 320 and is sleeved on the radially outer side of the stator disk 310 to achieve a rotational connection between the rotor disk 320 and the stator disk 310 .

[0059] Specifically, if Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the stator disc 310 can be provided with a disc body 311 and a stator 312 fixed to the disc body 311. Figure 3 As shown, the disc body 311 can have a receiving cavity 3111 so that the stator 312 can be embedded in the receiving cavity 3111. In addition, the rotor disc 320 can also include an end plate 321 and a magnet 323. The collar 322 extends from the periphery of the end plate 321 along the axial direction of the rotor disc 320, and the magnet 323 is fixed to the end surface of the end plate 321. Specifically, the magnet 323 can be fixed to the end surface of the end plate 321 by gluing, so that the magnet 323 and the stator 312 are axially aligned, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 When the stator 312 is energized, a magnetic field is generated, and the magnet 323 drives the rotor to rotate under the action of the magnetic field.

[0060] In the embodiment of the present invention, the steering wheel assembly 10 includes a rim 200 for the driver to manually operate to achieve vehicle steering. The rim 200 is directly or indirectly fixed to the rotor disk 320. Specifically, the rim 200 can be a conventional circle, a square or other closed ring, a ring with an opening, or any other shape. The embodiment of the present invention does not limit the shape of the rim 200. Alternatively, the rotor disk 320 can be configured to be manually operated to achieve vehicle steering (see Figure 7 ), thus directly omitting the rim 200 of the traditional steering wheel, which is equivalent to the rotor disk 320 playing the role of the rim 200 for human hand control.

[0061] The steering wheel assembly 10 according to the present invention can be used in a steer-by-wire (SBW) system. Specifically, when driving a vehicle, the driver grips and rotates the outer periphery of the wheel rim 200 or the rotor disc 320, sending a steering request to the SBW control unit. The control unit then controls the SBW system's actuator motor to drive the steering column, which pushes the steering rods to pull the wheels laterally, achieving steering. Furthermore, when the driver operates the steering wheel assembly 10, the disc motor 300 generates a resistive torque, providing a damping sensation to the driver's hand and road feel feedback.

[0062] The inventors of the present invention have discovered that the main reasons why existing steer-by-wire systems often experience problems such as high vibration and noise, unstable steering wheel position, and delayed road feel are the use of an inner rotor motor and intermediate transmission mechanism, as well as the excessive weight of the steering wheel. The inner rotor motor is connected to a worm gear mechanism via a rotor shaft to transmit power to the steering wheel. The worm gear mechanism produces a relatively loud operating noise, and its proximity to the driver makes it more noticeable. The worm gear mechanism is a precision machine, and manufacturing variations inevitably make it difficult to precisely control the tooth clearance, leading to tooth rattling during the transmission process. Since the worm gear's outer layer is made of plastic, wear inevitably increases the clearance later in its life, leading to NVH (vibration and noise) risks for the entire vehicle. Transmission losses in the worm gear mechanism result in low steering system efficiency. The entire steering wheel is heavy, has a large moment of inertia, and has a slow torque response and insensitive road feel. The worm gear transmits torque through a long transmission rod that runs through the entire column and connects to the steering wheel above. This results in low transmission efficiency and delayed road feel. Furthermore, the transmission rod further increases cost and weight.

[0063] To solve the above problems, in an embodiment of the present invention, the steering wheel assembly 10 adopts a disc motor 300. The stator disc 310 of the disc motor 300 is fixed to the column 20, and the rotor disc 320 is directly fixed to the wheel rim 200, or the wheel rim 200 is directly omitted, and the rotor disc 320 is configured to be manually operated to achieve vehicle steering. In this way, the vehicle's steering system does not need to be equipped with intermediate transmission links such as a rotor shaft and a worm gear mechanism, so that the steering system has higher transmission efficiency, lower noise, longer service life, and lower cost. At the same time, it also makes the overall weight of the steering wheel assembly 10 lighter, thereby reducing the load on the column 20 and the cantilever effect, making the steering wheel assembly 10 more stable, with smaller shaking amplitude, reducing vibration and noise, and lowering the NVH risk of the entire vehicle. It also improves the sensitivity of the steering system's road feel response and enhances the driver's driving experience.

[0064] Furthermore, compared to the radial flux motor commonly used in traditional steering wheels, the disc motor 300 has a simpler structure, more stable rotation, lower noise, and higher torque density. (The rotor is located on the side of the stator 312 rather than inside it, and has a larger diameter. Torque = force × radius, thus achieving higher torque output for the same force. For the same output power, the disc motor 300 is 50% smaller and 50% lighter than a radial flux motor.) This allows for greater torque output within a smaller size and weight. Given the same torque requirement, the disc motor 300 is smaller, lighter, and has a shorter axial length, making it easier to install in the confined space within a vehicle. It also extends the stowage distance of the column 20, allowing it to be stowed away after parking via a sleeve. This reduced weight also reduces the cantilever effect of the column 20, making the steering wheel assembly 10 more stable and reducing the risk of shaking. Finally, the smaller size of the disc motor 300 reduces the use of materials such as copper, iron, and permanent magnets, resulting in lower costs.

[0065] Furthermore, in the steering wheel assembly 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the rotor disk 320 includes an end plate 321, a collar 322, and a magnet 323 fixed to the end surface of the end plate 321. The collar 322 extends from the periphery of the end plate 321 in the axial direction of the end plate 321 and fits radially outward of the stator disk 310. A bearing 500 can further be provided between the outer circumference of the stator disk 310 and the inner circumference of the collar 322. By implementing the above-described structural modification to the rotor disk 320, the embodiment of the present invention achieves a rotational connection between the rotor disk 320 and the stator disk 310. This simplifies the structure, reduces the number of components, and reduces the weight of the disc motor 300.

[0066] Because disc motors have a high power-to-weight ratio, a flat structure, and a short axial length, they can be configured in the following configurations: one stator and one rotor; two rotors with a stator in the middle; two stators with a rotor in the middle; or multiple stators and rotors interlaced. This embodiment of the present invention only describes a configuration with one stator and one rotor. Those skilled in the art can flexibly design other configurations as needed.

[0067] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the steering wheel assembly 10 also includes a bearing 500. The bearing 500 is positioned between the outer circumference of the stator disk 310 and the inner circumference of the collar 322 to achieve rotational connection between the rotor disk 320 and the stator disk 310, and to facilitate smoother rotation of the rotor disk 320. In this embodiment of the present invention, the end plate 321 and the magnet 323 of the rotor disk 320 function as rotors, while the collar 322 of the rotor disk 320 interfaces with the bearing 500, resulting in a simple and ingenious structure. The bearing 500 can be a rolling bearing, a sliding bearing, or any other type, and is not specifically limited thereto. Thus, the rotating and fixed portions of the steering wheel assembly 10 are rotationally connected via a single bearing 500, resulting in a simple structure and reduced weight. Existing solutions often utilize external rotor motors or other radial flux motors, which are long in axial length and heavy in mass. This requires one or more bearings on both axial sides of the motor, with a total of at least two bearings. Since this embodiment adopts a disc motor, only one bearing is required, making the overall weight of the steering wheel assembly 10 lighter, thereby reducing the load on the column 20 and the cantilever effect, making the steering wheel assembly 10 more stable and having a smaller shaking amplitude, reducing vibration and noise, and lowering the NVH risk of the entire vehicle. It also improves the sensitivity of the steering system's road feel response, thereby enhancing the driver's driving experience.

[0068] Furthermore, the bearing 500 is connected to the stator disc 310 and the collar 322 via a shrink fit. Specifically, the dimensions between the inner circumference of the bearing 500 and the outer circumference of the stator disc 310, and between the outer circumference of the bearing 500 and the inner circumference of the collar 322, are both interference fits, facilitating the shrink fit connection. Specifically, when installing the bearing 500 on the stator disc 310, the bearing 500 can be heated. Due to thermal expansion and contraction, the inner ring diameter of the bearing 500 increases. At this point, the stator disc 310 is inserted into the inner ring of the bearing 500. As the bearing 500 cools, its inner ring diameter decreases, allowing it to be tightly secured to the stator disc 310. In this embodiment, the bearing 500 is fixed between the stator plate 310 and the collar 322 by a shrink fit method, thereby achieving axial and radial positioning constraints on the stator plate 310 and the collar 322, thereby eliminating the need for fasteners such as screws, further simplifying the structure of the steering wheel assembly 10, reducing its weight, and making the connection between the three more stable.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, the outer peripheral edge of the disk body 311 can have a radially outwardly protruding annular positioning edge 3112. During the assembly process of the bearing 500, its end abuts against the positioning edge 3112 so that the positioning edge 3112 axially positions the bearing 500.

[0070] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the steering wheel assembly 10 includes a rim 200 and a hub 700 , and the rim 200 and the rotor disk 320 are both fixed to the hub 700 .

[0071] An airbag (not shown) may be provided in the wheel hub 700. A clock spring (not shown) is provided on the column 20, and the central rotating portion of the clock spring passes through the central holes of the stator disk 310 and the rotor disk 320 and extends to the airbag in the wheel hub 700.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, the stator 312 is a conventional wound stator, specifically including a stator core and stator windings. In other embodiments of the present invention, the stator 312 is a PCB stator (not shown). Specifically, copper coils are etched directly onto the PCB, and the PCB stator is affixed to the surface of the disk 311 to dissipate heat. FR4 glass epoxy resin can be used as the insulating material, which is highly resistant to temperature shock and corrosion, significantly improving the reliability and lifespan of the stator 312.

[0073] Compared to conventional wound stators, PCB stators are thinner and lighter, further flattening and reducing the weight of disc motors. Furthermore, the flexible design of PCBs eliminates complex processes such as stator mold making, stator winding, and impregnation. Eliminating the need for an iron core significantly simplifies the production process, shortens development and verification cycles, improves product stability, reduces cost and weight, and avoids core loss. This significantly improves motor efficiency at high speeds and further reduces motor weight and stator material costs.

[0074] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional exploded view of a steering wheel assembly 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment of the present invention, the steering wheel assembly 10 includes not only the aforementioned disc motor 300, but also a wheel rim 200 and a disc seat 100. The relevant structure and technical effects of the disc motor 300 are described in the previous text. Figures 1 to 3 The embodiment of the invention has been introduced, and will not be repeated here. Only the embodiment of the invention and the embodiment of the invention are introduced. Figures 1 to 3 The embodiments have different parts.

[0076] In this embodiment, the disc base 100 is box-shaped to accommodate the disc motor 300 and the airbag 600. The stator disc 310 is fixed to the disc base 100. The rotor disc 320 is located in the center of the wheel rim 200 and is connected to the wheel rim 200 through spokes (not shown). In this embodiment, the disc base 100 is used as an intermediate component between the stator disc 310 and the pipe column 20 to provide better support and a better heat dissipation path for the disc motor 300. In one embodiment, the disc base 100 is connected to the pipe column 20 by screws. In another embodiment, the disc base 100 and the pipe column 20 are integrally formed as a whole to eliminate the connection structure.

[0077] Furthermore, the airbag 600 can be positioned laterally, possibly on the lower side, of the outer circumference of the stator disc 310. The clock spring 900 is also disposed within the disc base 100. Because the airbag 600 is housed within the disc base 100 and does not rotate, the weight of the rotating portion of the steering wheel assembly 10 is further reduced, thereby lowering its moment of inertia and minimizing response lag, resulting in a more responsive steering wheel assembly 10.

[0078] In this embodiment, the rotor disk 320 and the rim 200 can be offset in the axial direction (x-direction) of the rim 200, that is, the x-axis coordinates of the rotor disk 320 and the rim 200 are different. For example, the rim 200 can be positioned further away from the column 20 than the rotor disk 320, closer to the driver, so that control components such as physical buttons or a touch screen can be placed radially inward of the rim 200. Alternatively, the rotor disk 320 can be positioned radially inward of the rim 200, that is, the x-axis coordinates of the rotor disk 320 and the rim 200 are the same. This makes the rotor disk 320 and the rim 200 more compact in the axial direction, making the steering wheel assembly 10 flatter and thus occupying less space. This also brings the center of gravity of the steering wheel assembly 10 closer to the fixed end of the column 20, thereby reducing the load on the column 20 and minimizing the cantilever effect.

[0079] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel assembly 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic exploded view of the steering wheel assembly 10 is shown; Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the steering wheel assembly 10 is shown.

[0080] and Figures 1 to 3 Compared to the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 7In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor disc 320 is configured for manual operation to steer the vehicle, thus eliminating the traditional steering wheel rim 200. The rotor disc 320 effectively serves as the rim 200, allowing for manual control. This design makes the steering wheel assembly 10 flatter and thinner, placing its center of gravity closer to the column 20 for attachment to one end of the vehicle body. This reduces the cantilever effect of the column 20, resulting in a more stable position for the steering wheel assembly 10 and reduced vibration and noise. Furthermore, the rotational inertia of the rotating components of the steering wheel assembly 10 is reduced, reducing steering system response lag, increasing road sensitivity, and enhancing the driver's driving experience.

[0081] The outer periphery of the rotor disk 320 may be covered with a non-metallic (eg, leather) outer shell to optimize the grip feel of a human hand.

[0082] Further, if Figures 5 to 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the steering wheel assembly 10 also includes a touchscreen 800. The touchscreen 800 is mounted on the surface of the stator disk 310, with the stator 312 surrounding the periphery of the touchscreen 800. The touchscreen 800 provides the driver with an interface for entertainment and driving commands, replacing various function buttons. It offers convenient operation and intuitive display, and can also integrate various additional functions such as facial recognition, meeting the development trend of future vehicle-mounted systems. Furthermore, since the touchscreen 800 does not rotate with the rotor disk 320, it remains stationary during vehicle operation, ensuring that the driver and passengers always have the optimal viewing angle for the displayed information.

[0083] The touch screen 800 can be fixed against the surface of the stator plate 310. The touch screen 800 can also be rotatably mounted on the stator plate 310 so that its elevation angle can be adjusted to provide the driver with the most comfortable viewing angle.

[0084] Specifically, the touch screen 800 may have the following touch functions: the driver can enter driving or parking mode by touching the buttons on the touch screen 800. The driver can input driver instructions during movement by setting shortcut gestures, such as swiping left for the left turn signal, swiping right for the right turn signal, and swiping up for the wipers. Command buttons can also be set on the back of the touch screen 800 to perform the same function. The vehicle can use the touch screen 800 to display the vehicle status and provide a rich entertainment interface function. The touch screen 800 can be equipped with a camera, which performs facial recognition on the driver. After recognition, the camera can automatically call the driving mode, seat, and steering wheel position corresponding to the current driver's preferences. For drivers who have not registered their faces, the entire vehicle cannot obtain power.

[0085] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the central area of the stator disc 310 can be recessed inward toward the column 20 to form a receiving cavity 3110 for accommodating an airbag (not shown). In this way, neither the airbag nor the touchscreen 800 are non-rotating components, eliminating the need for a clock spring and minimizing the overall axial dimension of the steering wheel assembly 10, providing greater driver comfort.

[0086] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle. Figure 8 As shown, the vehicle includes a column 20 and a steering wheel assembly 10 as described in any of the above embodiments. The column 20 is fixed to the vehicle body, and the steering wheel assembly 10 is installed on the column 20.

[0088] In the description of the present embodiment, reference to the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the exemplary expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A steering wheel assembly for a vehicle, adapted to be mounted on a column of the vehicle, wherein the column is fixed to the vehicle body to support the steering wheel assembly, the steering wheel assembly comprising: A disc-type motor comprises a stator disc and a rotor disc, wherein the stator disc is directly or indirectly fixed to the pipe column; the rotor disc comprises a sleeve, which extends along the axial direction of the rotor disc and is sleeved on the radial outside of the stator disc; and The steering wheel assembly includes a rim for manual operation to achieve vehicle steering, and the rim is directly or indirectly fixed to the rotor disk; or The rotor disc is configured to be manually operated to achieve vehicle steering.

2. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: A bearing is provided between the outer circumference of the stator disc and the inner circumference of the collar to realize the rotational connection between the rotor disc and the stator disc.

3. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 2, wherein The bearing is connected to the stator disc and the collar in a shrink fit manner.

4. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: The wheel rim and the wheel hub are located at the center of the wheel rim, and the wheel rim and the rotor disk are both fixed to the wheel hub.

5. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein The stator disc includes a disc body and a stator fixed to the disc body; and The stator is a PCB stator.

6. The steering wheel assembly of claim 1 , further comprising: The wheel rim and the disc seat are box-shaped so as to accommodate the disc motor and the airbag; and The stator disc is fixed to the disc seat, and the rotor disc is located in the center of the rim and connected to the rim through spokes.

7. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 6, wherein The rotor disk and the wheel rim are staggered in the axial direction of the wheel rim; or The rotor disk is located radially inside the rim.

8. The steering wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein The stator disc includes a disc body and a stator fixed to the disc body; The rotor disc is configured to be manually operated to achieve vehicle steering; and The steering wheel assembly further includes a touch screen, which is mounted on the surface of the stator plate, and the stator surrounds the outer periphery of the touch screen.

9. The steering wheel assembly according to claim 8, wherein The central area of the stator disc is recessed inwardly toward the tube column to form an accommodating cavity for accommodating the airbag.

10. The steering wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein The rotor disk further includes an end plate and a magnetic steel. The collar extends from the periphery of the end plate along the axial direction of the rotor disk. The magnetic steel is fixed to the end surface of the end plate.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that include: The column is fixed to the vehicle body; and The steering wheel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the steering wheel assembly is mounted on the column.

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