Spindle linear guiding function

Abstract

The present application relates to a steering system (1) for steer-by-wire of a vehicle and to a vehicle to be steered-by-wire, the vehicle comprising a steering system (1) comprising: a rack bar (20) for moving steered wheels (14) of the vehicle; an actuator (40) configured to move the rack bar (20) in an axial direction (A) of the rack bar (20); and a guide member (30) for guiding the rack bar (20), in which the guide member (30) is configured to circumferentially surround and slidably engage a guide portion (26) of the rack bar (20) to allow the rack bar (20) to move in an axial direction (A) while preventing the rack bar (20) from moving in a radial direction (R) and a circumferential direction (U) of the rack bar (20); wherein the guide portion (26) of the rack bar (20) comprises a tapered guide groove (22), the tapered guide groove (22) having two joining surfaces (23) opposite to each other in the circumferential direction (U) of the rack bar (20); wherein the guide member (30) comprises: a guide member housing (31); and a pre-tensioned engagement member (36) arranged in the guide member housing (31) and having a tapered rack bar engagement portion (64), a housing engagement portion (68) and a pre-tensioning means (70), in which the guide member housing (31) has a holding portion (32) for holding the pre-tensioned engagement member (36), the holding portion (32) comprising two holding surfaces (33) facing each other in the circumferential direction (U) of the rack bar (20), and the housing engagement portion (68) being configured to engage the tapered rack bar engagement portion (64) and the housing engagement portion (68), and the pre-tensioning means (70) being configured to engage the tapered rack bar engagement portion (64) and the housing engagement portion (68). Wherein the pre-tensioning means (70) are configured such that the conical rack bar engagement portion (64) engages the engagement surfaces (23) of the conical guide groove (22) in a pre-tensioning manner and such that the housing engagement portion (68) engages the retaining surface (33) in a pre-tensioning manner, and wherein the two engagement surfaces (23) are each formed to point toward a central axis (AX) of the rack bar (20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a steering system for steer-by-wire steering of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises the steering system. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the prior art, steering systems are known in which a driver steers a steering wheel, which is connected to a steering column, which in turn is engaged with a rack bar, such that the steering column transmits the rotation of the steering wheel by the driver to the rack bar. The rack bar is displaced in the vehicle width direction for pivoting the wheels of the vehicle in accordance with the steering / rotation of the steering wheel by the driver. In addition to the steering force provided by the driver by steering / rotating the steering wheel, it is known that electrically and hydraulically supported steering systems also support the driver of the vehicle by transmitting an additional steering force to the steering column or the rack bar. Recently, steer-by-wire steering systems are being developed in which the rack bar is moved by an actuator on the basis of a steering wheel signal generated only in accordance with the steering operation of the steering wheel, without any mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the rack bar. SUMMARY

[0003] In view of the above, it is an object of the present application to provide an improved steering system for a vehicle, in particular to provide an improved steer-by-wire steering system for a vehicle.

[0004] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect, a steer-by-wire steering system for a vehicle is provided, the system comprising: a rack bar for moving a steering wheel of the vehicle; an actuator configured to move the rack bar in an axial direction of the rack bar; and a guide member for guiding the rack bar, wherein the guide member is configured to circumferentially surround and slidingly engage a guide portion of the rack bar to allow the rack bar to move in the axial direction while preventing the rack bar from moving in a circumferential direction and a radial direction of the rack bar; wherein the guide portion of the rack bar comprises a conical guide groove having two engagement faces opposite to each other in the circumferential direction of the rack bar; wherein the guide member comprises: a guide member housing; a pre-tensioned engagement member arranged in the guide member housing and having a conical rack bar engagement portion; a housing engagement portion and a pre-tensioning means, wherein the guide member housing has a holding portion for holding the pre-tensioned engagement member, the holding portion comprising two holding faces opposite to each other in the circumferential direction of the rack bar; wherein the pre-tensioning means is configured to engage the conical rack bar engagement portion with the engagement faces of the conical guide groove with a pre-tensioning and to engage the housing engagement portion with the holding faces with a pre-tensioning, and Two of the mating surfaces are formed to point towards the central axis of the rack.

[0006] The guide member is specifically configured to allow the rack to move axially relative to the guide member and the actuator, while preventing the rack rod from moving radially and circumferentially relative to the guide member and the actuator.

[0007] The steering system for steer-by-wire described herein advantageously ensures precise guidance of the rack via a guide member, and further advantageously allows for an engagement between the steering column and rack that is unnecessary in conventional steering systems, which provide guidance and movement functions. Therefore, the vehicle can be manufactured, in particular, without a steering column connecting the steering wheel and rack. This advantageously allows for reduced vehicle weight, lower manufacturing costs, and further allows for convenient steering for the driver, where the forces for axially moving the rack and correspondingly steering the vehicle are provided by actuators. Thus, the steering system provides effective steering support for the driver when steering the vehicle.

[0008] Furthermore, since there is no engagement between the steering column and the rack, no intersection point between the steering column and the rack is provided for the steering system. Therefore, the rack can be axially shortened in particular, wherein the rack can be adjusted to a predetermined minimum length, which still ensures accurate steering of the wheel to be steered, for example, through one or more steering knuckles.

[0009] In addition, compared with traditional steering systems, the shorter rack and pinion rod allows for a shorter distance between the rack and pinion rod's actuation and guidance, thereby reducing the bending stress that the actuator may generate when the rack and pinion rod moves, thus ensuring a long service life for the steering system.

[0010] In addition, the guide member that circumferentially surrounds and slidably engages the guide portion of the rack lever advantageously ensures low manufacturing cost of the rack lever and precise guidance of the rack lever along its axial direction, moving back and forth between the wheels to be steered.

[0011] Furthermore, since the guide member engages with the rack in a manner that allows axial movement of the rack while preventing circumferential movement of the rack, it can provide simplified actuation via an actuator, such as a ball screw, which allows linear motion to be applied to the rack in an advantageous manner with advantageously reduced friction.

[0012] Furthermore, the guide member specifically includes a pre-tensioned engagement member, which in particular includes a pre-tensioning device, specifically designed to reduce the engagement tolerance between the tapered rack engagement portion and the tapered guide groove, especially the engagement tolerance between two states in which the rack is actuated in opposite directions substantially parallel to the rack's axial direction. This further enhances the steering control of the steering system, which is typically affected when the engagement tolerance between the two states is too large.

[0013] Therefore, the guide member is configured to prevent the rack from moving in the circumferential direction, especially due to the pre-tensioned engagement member of the rack, which is configured to engage the engagement surface of the tapered guide groove, and provides a steering system that improves the prevention of circumferential movement of the rack, thereby improving the guidance of the rack in the steering system for steer-by-wire of the vehicle.

[0014] Specifically, the guide member, particularly the pre-tensioned engagement member configured to engage the engagement surfaces of the tapered guide groove in a pre-tensioned manner, advantageously allows for a secure pre-tensioned engagement of the two engagement surfaces of the tapered guide groove, thereby allowing for a safe reduction in tolerances while preventing circumferential movement of the rack. This, in turn, particularly enhances the steering control of the steering system, which is typically affected by excessive tolerances in engagement toward the tapered guide groove, especially when switching the actuation direction of the rack.

[0015] Furthermore, the two mating surfaces of the tapered guide grooves that are opposite to each other in the circumferential direction are respectively formed to point towards the central axis of the rack, which allows for the reduction or neutralization of the radial force that can act on the tapered rack mating part when the rack is actuated, and more particularly, when the direction of rack actuation changes, especially in the opposite direction.

[0016] Therefore, the above-defined steering system advantageously provides an improved steering system for the vehicle, especially by reducing the weight of the steering system while ensuring steering accuracy and reducing the steering force that the driver must apply to steer the vehicle, thereby allowing for effective driver support.

[0017] The guide portion of the rack can in particular include a constant cross section along a predetermined axial length of the rack. Therefore, the rack can move back and forth in the axial direction along its constant cross section, which is at least partially engaged by the guide member, driven or moved by an actuator, without losing the guidance of the guide member.

[0018] The pre-tensioning device can be specifically configured to tightly engage the tapered rack engagement portion with the engagement surface of the tapered guide groove in a pre-tensioned manner, and to engage the housing engagement portion with the engagement surface of the guide member housing. In other words, the pre-tensioning device can be specifically configured to make the tapered rack engagement portion contact the two engagement surfaces of the tapered guide groove in a pre-tensioned manner.

[0019] The two mating surfaces of the tapered guide groove can be specifically formed pointing towards the central axis of the rack, that is, specifically towards the axis of rotation of the rack. In other words, the two mating surfaces of the tapered guide groove can be specifically formed to be substantially parallel to the radial direction of the rack. The two mating surfaces of the tapered guide groove can particularly be formed to extend at least partially along the radial and axial directions of the rack. Anti-friction surfaces and / or coatings can be provided on the surface of the tapered guide groove, especially on the two mating surfaces and / or on the surface of the mating portion of the tapered rack.

[0020] When viewed along the axial direction, the tapered guide groove can be approximately wedge-shaped, or it can have a roughly wedge-shaped form.

[0021] Due to the pre-tensioning device, the profile of the tapered rack engagement portion can specifically correspond approximately to the tapered profile of the tapered guide groove, such as the approximately wedge-shaped profile of the tapered guide groove, thereby restricting, specifically blocking or preventing, the circumferential movement of the rack relative to the guide member and / or relative to the actuator, while allowing axial movement of the rack relative to the guide member and / or relative to the actuator. A predetermined axial length of the guide portion at the rack position specifically allows axial movement of the rack relative to the guide member and / or relative to the actuator.

[0022] The guide member is specifically separated from and located away from the actuator. The guide member particularly does not include or engage with the steering column and / or the actuator for shifting the rack. The guide member housing can be fixed to or relative to the vehicle frame. When a steering system for steer-by-wire is mounted on the vehicle, the guide member housing can be fixed to or relative to the vehicle frame.

[0023] This particularly allows for advantageous support of the retaining portion, which in turn allows for reliable holding of the pre-tensioned engagement member in place, especially for reliably holding the tapered rack engagement portion in place to engage the tapered guide groove, particularly for engaging the tapered guide groove during a long service life.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the actuator may be configured to move the rack in two generally axial or longitudinally opposite directions, for example, particularly, moving the rack generally back and forth in the axial direction and / or generally left and right in the vehicle width direction. The axial or longitudinal movement of the rack advantageously causes the wheel to rotate about the generally vertical direction of the respective wheel according to the rotation or steering of the vehicle's steering wheels, so that the wheel rotates in the desired direction.

[0025] This advantageously ensures that the vehicle can be steered efficiently, conveniently, and reliably according to the steering wheel turned or steered by the driver. In a specific embodiment, the guide portion of the rack includes one or more tapered guide grooves, each of which may have two mating surfaces opposite to each other in the circumferential direction of the rack. The one or more tapered guide grooves may be axially and / or circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, the guide member includes one or more pre-tensioned engagement members and / or one or more guide member housings.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more pre-tensioned engagement members may be configured to engage a tapered guide groove, i.e., to engage the same tapered guide groove, particularly through their respective tapered rack engagement portions. The one or more pre-tensioned engagement members may, for example, be configured to engage a tapered guide groove at an axially remote position.

[0028] The engagement of one or more pre-tensioned connecting members with the tapered guide groove advantageously further reduces the tolerance of the tapered guide groove engagement, especially when the actuation direction of the rack is changed.

[0029] In a further exemplary embodiment, one or more pre-tensioned engagement members may be configured, for example, to engage with tapered guide grooves that are circumferentially and / or axially distant.

[0030] This significantly improves the reliability of engaging more than one tapered guide groove through more than one pre-tensioned engagement member.

[0031] The one or more pre-tensioned engagement members can be configured to correspond to the one or more tapered guide grooves. The one or more pre-tensioned engagement members can be specifically configured to form a form-fit engagement with respect to the one or more tapered guide grooves. The form-fit engagement is specifically configured to engage with respect to the rack in both the circumferential and radial directions relative to the rack. That is, the form-fit engagement specifically provides for limiting or preventing circumferential and / or rotational movement of the rack, and specifically provides for limiting or preventing radial movement of the rack.

[0032] The one or more tapered guide grooves and the corresponding one or more pre-tensioned engagement members can be positioned at predetermined locations, which are regularly or irregularly distributed along the circumference and / or axial length of the rack, particularly the guide portion of the rack.

[0033] To effectively prevent the rack from moving circumferentially, the guide member, particularly the guide member housing, can preferably be rotated and fixed, for example, by fixing or mounting the steering system guide member housing to the frame or body of the vehicle, so that the guide member housing cannot rotate. In a further embodiment, the guide member housing can be positioned and fixed, i.e., the guide member housing can be particularly rotated and axially fixed, for example, by fixing or mounting the steering system guide member housing to the frame or body of the vehicle, so that the guide member housing cannot rotate or move substantially parallel and / or perpendicular to the axial direction of the rack.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the steering system does not include a steering column. Specifically, the steering system does not include a steering column that physically or mechanically connects the steering wheel to the rack. However, in certain embodiments, the steering system is configured to electrically transmit an input signal or steering signal reflecting the steering movement or rotation of the steering wheel to an actuator, such that the actuator actuates the rack upon receiving the input signal, causing the rack to move in its circumferential direction in accordance with the steering movement or rotation of the steering wheel reflected by the input signal. The electrical transmission of the input signal to the actuator may particularly include transmission via conductive wires, optical fibers, and / or wireless transmission.

[0035] The steering system may specifically include a steering control unit, which is configured to determine the steering motion or rotation of the steering wheel and transmit an input signal reflecting the steering motion or rotation of the steering wheel to an actuator.

[0036] Therefore, the steering system provides effective steering support for the driver. In a specific implementation of the steering system, the steering force used to pivot or turn the wheel to be steered can be provided entirely by the actuator, and in particular, not at all by the driver.

[0037] Here, when the indicated direction is approximately or about a certain direction, it can be understood that the corresponding direction deviates from the corresponding direction within the range of 0° to 10°, preferably within the range of 0° to 5°.

[0038] Here, if the measured values ​​or quantities are approximately the same or substantially the same, it can be understood that the corresponding measured values ​​or quantities can be understood as deviating from the corresponding measured values ​​or quantities within the range of 0% to 10%, preferably within the range of 0% to 5%.

[0039] The rack rod provided herein may have a substantial longitudinal extension, i.e., an extension at least five times greater than that in any other direction perpendicular to the longitudinal or axial direction, or particularly, at least ten times greater than that in any other direction perpendicular to the longitudinal or axial direction. The rack rod has at least a partially rod-shaped, particularly generally circular, cross-sectional shape. The engaging guide portion of the rack rod at the junction of the guide member and the actuating portion of the rack rod where the actuator can engage with the rack rod may be formed as rod-shaped or generally circular. Therefore, the rack rod is not strictly limited to having a rod-shaped or generally circular shape. Additionally, the rack rod has at least a partially polygonal or other contoured cross-section to provide a section for engagement and / or a section with a predetermined bending stiffness, thereby enhancing the longitudinal or axial guidance of the rack rod and further precise steering.

[0040] The radial direction described herein specifically refers to an outward radial extension from the axis along the fundamental axial or longitudinal direction of the rack. This axis can be understood as the axis of the generally circular portion of the rack, its central axis, or its axis of rotation, particularly relating to the axis of rotational symmetry of the generally circular portion of the rack. Therefore, the radial direction specifically points outward radially from the axis of the rack.

[0041] The circumferential direction of the rack can be substantially perpendicular to the axial or longitudinal direction of the rack, and / or substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of the rack.

[0042] In a specific implementation of the steering system, the rack is slidably positioned within the surrounding guide members.

[0043] In other words, the guide member can be configured to surround the entire circumference of the guide portion of the rack, especially the portion of the rack where the guide member engages with the rack.

[0044] In some embodiments, the guide member may include a sliding member, particularly a sliding bushing, which may be configured to circumferentially surround and / or slide the rack rod.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the guide portion of the rack and the guide member may be configured not to have an undercut relative to each other in the direction in which they are slidably connected to the guide member relative to the rack, i.e., relative to the axial direction of the rack.

[0046] Advantageously, if the portion from the guide portion to at least one axial end of the rack and the guide member are configured such that they are not undercut each other relative to the axial direction, this allows the guide member to be slidably mounted on the guide portion from at least one axial end of the rack, even if the guide member is formed as a single piece or pre-assembled. On the other hand, at least at one axial end of the guide portion of the rack, the rack and the guide member can be configured in a form-fitting manner relative to each other, particularly relative to the axial direction of the rack. This form-fitting of the axial end of the guide portion of the rack, configured between the rack and the guide member, advantageously allows for limiting the axial movement of the rack relative to the guide member, and thus allows for defining the pivoting limits for pivoting one or more wheels to be steered.

[0047] The form fit can be configured as an undercut of the rack bar relative to the guide member, for example, as a closed or raised section at the axial end of the guide portion of the rack bar, especially a tapered guide groove of the rack bar, which is particularly closed or raised relative to the outer contour along the guide portion of the rack bar, wherein the outer contour may particularly include a constant cross section along the guide portion of the rack bar; this cross section is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the rack bar.

[0048] In a specific implementation of the steering system, the pre-tensioned engagement member may include at least two engagement parts, wherein the pre-tensioning device is configured to push the engagement parts apart in a circumferential and / or radial direction, and / or apply a rotational force to the engagement parts in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0049] A pretensioning device may, for example, be at least partially disposed between the at least two engaging parts.

[0050] The at least two engaging components may, for example, include two or more engaging components that are opposite each other in the circumferential direction of the rack.

[0051] The at least two engaging components may include, for example, at least one engaging component facing and / or pre-tensioned to engage one or both engaging surfaces of the tapered guide groove; and at least one engaging component facing and / or pre-tensioned to engage one or both retaining surfaces of the retaining portion of the guide member housing.

[0052] For example, the at least two engaging components may include at least one radially inner engaging component and at least one radially outer engaging component, wherein the at least one radially outer engaging component is radially disposed radially outside the at least one radially inner engaging component. The at least one radially inner engaging component and the at least one radially outer engaging component may, for example, be configured to face each other and / or engage with each other. The engagement between the at least one radially inner engaging component and the at least one radially outer engaging component may, for example, be configured to transfer pretension of the pretensioning device to the at least one radially inner engaging component or the at least one radially outer engaging component during movement in the circumferential and / or radial directions.

[0053] The at least two engaging members and the pretensioning device are configured to push the engaging members apart in the circumferential and / or radial directions, and / or apply a rotational force to the engaging members in the opposite rotational direction, thereby advantageously allowing the retaining surface of the guide member housing to engage with the housing engagement portion in a pre-tensioned and secure manner, while simultaneously allowing the engagement surface of the tapered guide groove to engage with the tapered rack engagement portion in a pre-tensioned and secure manner.

[0054] Furthermore, this particularly allows for the configuration of guide members with reduced overall dimensions, especially when the pretensioning device is configured to push the engaging member apart in the circumferential and / or radial directions, and / or apply a rotational force to the engaging member in the opposite direction of rotation. Specifically, the radial dimension of the guide member can be reduced when the pretensioning device is used to push the engaging member portion apart in the circumferential direction and / or apply a rotational force to the engaging member in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0055] In other exemplary embodiments, the pre-tensioned engagement member may include only one engagement component, wherein the pre-tensioning device is configured to push the engagement component in the circumferential and / or radial directions.

[0056] This engagement component can, for example, be configured to partially or completely surround the rack.

[0057] A single engagement component allows for a reduction in the number of parts in the steering system, which in turn makes the assembly of the steering system much easier.

[0058] In a specific implementation of the steering system, the conical rack engagement portion may be formed by at least two of the engagement components.

[0059] This advantageously allows the two mating surfaces of the tapered guide groove to be securely engaged with the tapered rack engagement portion under pretension. Furthermore, this particularly enhances steering control of the steering system, which is typically affected when the guide groove engagement tolerance is too large, especially when switching the rack actuation direction.

[0060] In a specific implementation of the steering system, the housing engagement portion may be formed by at least two of the engagement components.

[0061] This advantageously allows the two retaining surfaces of the guide member housing to engage securely with the housing engagement portion under pre-tension. Furthermore, this particularly enhances steering control of the steering system, which is typically affected when the engagement tolerance of the guide member housing is too large, especially when switching the direction of the rack and pinion.

[0062] In a specific implementation of the steering system, the rack and pinion engagement portion, the housing engagement portion, and the pretensioning device can be integrally formed.

[0063] The rack and pinion joint, the housing joint, and the pretensioning device may be integrally formed, for example, including an elastic material, especially for the pretensioning device, and / or the housing joint and the pretensioning device may be integrally formed, for example, as a bridge-shaped component.

[0064] The bridge-shaped component can have a relaxed state and a pre-tensioned state, wherein, in the pre-tensioned state, for example when the bridge-shaped component is assembled onto the rack, the length of the bridge-shaped component can be reduced, thereby providing pre-tension, particularly in the radially outward and / or radially inward directions.

[0065] The bridge-shaped component may include or be composed of elastic materials, such as metal materials like spring steel, and / or plastic materials such as injection-molded plastic.

[0066] The bridge-shaped component forms an integral engagement component, especially when it is in a pre-tensioned state, that is, when it is in the assembled state of the guide member, the bridge-shaped component is configured to engage the retaining surface of the guide member housing in a pre-tensioned manner, and at the same time engage the engagement surface of the tapered guide groove in a pre-tensioned manner.

[0067] This advantageously configures the steering system's guide components as easily manufactured, integrated joint parts.

[0068] In a specific implementation of the steering system, the pretensioning device may include a rubber spring, wherein the rubber spring is optionally molded onto a portion of the pretensioned engagement member.

[0069] Pretensioning devices can be molded onto one or more of the mating parts, for example.

[0070] Pretensioning devices may be arranged, for example, between two mating parts, and / or molded between two mating parts.

[0071] This advantageously allows for the pre-manufacturing of pre-tensioned engagement members, at least partially. This, in turn, advantageously allows for the pre-adjustment of the pre-tension of one or more engagement members relative to the retaining surface of the guide member housing and / or relative to the engagement surface of the tapered guide groove.

[0072] In a specific implementation of the steering system, the retaining portion of the guide member housing may include a tapered retaining groove, the two retaining surfaces of which are formed by the inner wall of the retaining groove.

[0073] The inner walls of the retaining groove can be the inner walls of the retaining groove that are opposite each other in the circumferential direction.

[0074] The retaining groove can be tapered, such that as the radial distance from the rack axis increases, the distance between the inner walls of the retaining groove and each other in the circumferential direction decreases.

[0075] In a specific embodiment of the steering system, the rack may be slidably disposed within a surrounding guide member housing, wherein the guide member housing optionally includes a support portion for slidably supporting the rack.

[0076] The sliding positioning of the rack and pinion, especially the sliding part, helps to reduce the frictional force when the rack and pinion rotates in the axial direction and improves the guiding performance.

[0077] The sliding portion may include, for example, a sliding member formed of plastic, which includes a lubricant, a friction-reducing surface, and / or a friction-reducing coating on the surface of the sliding member facing the rack.

[0078] The sliding part can be specifically located on the opposite side of the tapered guide groove, in particular, such that the sliding part and the tapered guide groove are located radially opposite each other at the rack.

[0079] The sliding component may include, for example, a sliding bushing or a sliding bushing.

[0080] The slider can be specifically formed to at least partially correspond to the radial outer profile of the rack.

[0081] Therefore, the support portion and, in particular, the sliding member advantageously support the rack, especially the rack in a sliding manner, thereby improving the service life of the steering system.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the sliding portion and, particularly, the sliding member, may be configured to cover the tapered guide groove. The sliding portion and, particularly, the sliding member, may be configured and formed to cover the tapered guide groove such that the radially inner portion of the sliding member or the sliding portion is configured to face and / or engage and / or contact the engagement surface of the tapered guide groove. Additionally, the sliding portion and, particularly, the sliding member, may be configured and formed to cover the tapered guide groove such that the radially outer portion of the sliding member or the sliding portion has two opposing surfaces in the circumferential direction, each surface pointing towards the central axis of the rack.

[0083] In a specific implementation of the steering system, the pre-tensioned engagement member can be held in place axially relative to the guide member housing by a washer.

[0084] In a further exemplary embodiment, the steering system, and particularly the guide member, may include a retaining member, such as a retaining ring, configured to hold a pre-tensioned engagement member in place axially relative to the guide member housing. The retaining member may be screwed, press-fitted, or bonded into the guide member housing. The retaining member may clamp a washer between the retaining member and the pre-tensioned engagement member. The washer may include a fail-safe protrusion that generally corresponds to and protrudes into a tapered guide groove. Thus, in the event of damage to or loss of the pre-tensioned engagement member, the fail-safe protrusion can prevent rotation of the rack. The washer may be rotatably secured relative to the guide member housing by engaging with the shape of the guide member housing and / or the retaining member.

[0085] The pre-tensioned engagement member is held in place, which advantageously allows for the safe pre-tensioning of the engagement surface for engaging the tapered guide groove and / or the safe pre-tensioning of the retaining surface for engaging the retaining portion.

[0086] Therefore, the pre-tensioned engagement member held in place particularly enhances the steering control of the steering system, which is often affected by excessive geometric and / or force tolerances in the engagement toward the tapered guide groove and / or guide member housing, especially when switching the actuation direction of the rack and pinion.

[0087] In a specific implementation of the steering system, the guide portion and the guide member can be in a ring-shaped engagement.

[0088] The annular engagement between the guide member and the guide portion advantageously allows the load from the rack to be evenly distributed to the guide member, thereby ensuring a long service life of the steering system.

[0089] In a particular implementation, the annular engagement between the guide member and the guide portion may include circumferential coding.

[0090] This advantageously enhances the mechanical monitoring of the rack during the service life of the steering system, and in particular enhances the assessment of the rack's bending or torsional displacement during its service life, for example, to definitively detect and assess the wear of the engagement between the rack and the guide member.

[0091] In a specific embodiment of the steering system, the guide member, particularly the tapered rack engagement portion of the guide member, may extend axially from about 5 mm to about 150 mm, preferably from about 20 mm to about 80 mm. The guide member, particularly the tapered rack engagement portion of the guide member, may extend axially to a range different from the above-described range, provided that sufficient strength is provided for the guide member, particularly the tapered rack engagement portion, especially sufficient strength to prevent circumferential movement of the rack within a predetermined service life.

[0092] The axial extension of the guide member, particularly the axial extension of the tapered rack engagement portion of the guide member defined above, advantageously provides rigid axial guidance for the rack rod, thereby advantageously reducing bending stress at the actuator and thus allowing axial movement of the rack rod. This reduction in bending stress at the actuator advantageously increases the service life of the steering system. Simultaneously, the guide member has a particularly relatively small weight, which improves the efficiency of the steering system, thereby ensuring efficient and reliable steering.

[0093] The guide portion of the rack may in particular have an axial extension corresponding to the general movement of the rack in the vehicle width direction, so as to pivot a steerable wheel, or two steerable wheels on the vehicle axle.

[0094] In a specific implementation of the steering system, the rack may have an actuating portion in a first longitudinal portion and a guiding portion in a second longitudinal portion, wherein the first and second longitudinal portions of the rack are axially spaced apart from each other.

[0095] In other words, the first longitudinal portion of the rack engaged by the actuator and the second longitudinal portion of the rack engaged by the guide member can be longitudinally spaced apart from each other.

[0096] The actuating part of the rack can specifically be the part that engages with the actuator of the steering system to move the rack in its axial direction.

[0097] A distinct axially spaced portion is provided for guiding the rack in the axial direction and for driving the rack to move in the axial direction, thereby allowing for improved efficiency in driving the rack via the actuator and enabling accurate and reliable guidance of the rack via the guide member. Furthermore, since the rack does not need to be connected to the steering column, its length can still be advantageously reduced, thus providing a particularly weight-reduced steering system.

[0098] In a further exemplary embodiment, the guide portion may specifically have a radially innermost outer contour that is larger than the radially outermost contour of the rack bar at the front and / or rear of the guide portion of the rack bar. In other words, the second longitudinal section of the rack bar with the guide portion may have a radially innermost outer contour that is larger than the radially outermost contour of the front and / or rear of the second longitudinal section of the rack bar. This facilitates the assembly of the rack bar with the guide member, as the rack bar can be, for example, simply inserted into the guide member.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more axial limiting members may be fitted to the guide portion, specifically at a corresponding axial end of the guide portion. The axial limiting members may be configured to provide axial movement stop upon contact with the guide member.

[0100] In a specific implementation of the steering system, the actuator may include a ball screw for axially moving a rack.

[0101] In other exemplary embodiments of the steering system, the actuator may include: a rotatable helical portion for axially moving a rack rod, such as or similar to an internal thread; or a pinion for axially moving the rack rod.

[0102] When the actuator is in the actuated state, the actuator can engage with the actuating part of the rack to move the rack in the axial direction.

[0103] The actuating portion of the rack may in particular include a helical portion corresponding to the actuator, such as or similar to an external thread, such that the actuator moves the rack in the axial direction of the rack by applying rotational actuation.

[0104] The actuator can be advantageously a ball screw, specifically because it prevents the rack from moving in the circumferential (rotational) direction, thereby allowing the rotational actuation to be converted into linear or axial movement of the rack in a specific space and in a frictional manner.

[0105] In addition, the actuator as defined above can specifically be a ball screw, which, in addition to the axial guidance provided by the guide member, further enhances the axial guidance of the rack.

[0106] In a specific implementation of the steering system, the actuator may be configured to be electrically controlled to axially move the rack in response to steering movements by the vehicle's user.

[0107] In a further embodiment, the actuator may be configured to be electrically controlled to axially move the rack in response to steering movements by the vehicle's user. This electrically controlled actuator axially moving the rack in response to steering movements advantageously configures the steering system for steer-by-wire, eliminating the need for a steering column and thus advantageously reducing the weight of the steering system.

[0108] The actuator can be powered by a power unit, specifically an electric power unit. The power unit can be specifically configured to receive an input signal initiated by the driver turning the vehicle's steering wheel. When the vehicle's steering wheel is turned, upon receiving the input signal, the power unit can be configured to supply power to the actuator, which switches to drive mode and, through engagement with a rack, causes the rack to move axially. Alternatively, power can be supplied specifically in the vehicle's width direction to achieve pivoting of one or more steering wheels, specifically about the approximate vertical axis of the respective steering wheel.

[0109] The guide member is configured to circumferentially surround the rack, restricting or preventing circumferential movement of the rack and providing simple linear guidance. The guide member rigidly engages and / or surrounds the rack. This, in turn, significantly reduces the bending stress on the steering system's actuators, thereby increasing the steering system's service life.

[0110] The guide member includes a guide member housing, which may be fixed to the frame of the vehicle, for example, and a pre-tensioned engagement member formed accordingly by a plurality of components, which may be fixed to each other and / or pre-tensioned relative to each other, thereby slidingly engaging with and around the guide portion of the rack in the circumferential direction and with the guide portion of the rack, thereby allowing the rack to move in the axial direction while restricting or preventing the rack from moving in the circumferential and radial directions.

[0111] The guide member, which forms a plurality of components that can be fixed to each other and / or pre-tensioned relative to each other, facilitates the assembly of the guide member onto the guide portion, or in other words, facilitates the mounting of the rack relative to the guide member in a form configuration relative to the rack in the circumferential and radial directions.

[0112] According to another aspect, a vehicle for steer-by-wire is provided, including: a steering wheel; and a steering system according to aspects related to the steering system, wherein the steering wheel is communicatively connected to an actuator.

[0113] In a particular implementation of the vehicle, the steering wheel communicates with the actuator, particularly via an electrical communication connection, and more specifically, is mechanically disconnected from the actuator.

[0114] Therefore, the vehicle to be steered by steer specifically provides improved vehicle steering support, thereby allowing the steerable vehicle to be easily steered in the desired direction by the driver only needing to apply a relatively reduced force to turn the steering wheel, thanks to the actuators of the communication connection used to move the rack.

[0115] The vehicle may specifically include a steering control unit that is communicatively connected to the steering wheel. The steering control unit may then be communicatively connected to an actuator and / or a power unit, specifically an electric power unit configured to power the actuator. The actuator is specifically configured to convert rotational motion into linear or axial motion of a rack, wherein a guiding member ensures that the linear or axial motion of the rack does not include any rotation of the rack, which in turn ensures that the steering wheels pivot precisely in response to the rotation of the steering wheel.

[0116] Specifically, the steering control unit can be configured to determine the steering motion or rotation of the steering wheel caused by the driver and / or a computer turning or rotating the steering wheel. In response to the determination of the steering motion or rotation of the steering wheel, the steering control unit can be configured to send an input signal reflecting the determined vehicle steering motion or rotation to the power unit to drive the actuators of the steering system. The power unit can be configured to actuate the actuators in an actuated state, moving the rack along the axial direction of the rack to pivot the wheel to be steered according to the determined steering motion or rotation of the steering wheel.

[0117] Considering the steer-by-wire vehicles defined above, a steering column connected to the rack and pinion is not required. The vehicle lacks a steering column for mechanically connecting the steering wheel and rack and pinion; specifically, the rack and pinion can be shortened, thereby advantageously reducing the weight of the vehicle's steering system and providing the driver with efficient and convenient steering support. Attached Figure Description

[0118] These objects, features, and advantages of this application, as well as other objects, features, and advantages, will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that even though embodiments are described individually, their individual features can be combined in other embodiments.

[0119] Figure 1 a This schematically illustrates a steering system based on the prior art; Figure 1 b A schematic diagram of a steering system according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2a A rack and actuator according to an exemplary embodiment of this application are shown; Figure 2b A cross-sectional view of a rack bar according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figures 3a to 3b A schematic cross-sectional view of a rack bar engaging with a guide member according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0120] Figure 3c A schematic cross-sectional view of a rack bar engaging with a guide member according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figures 4a to 4cA rack bar engaged with a pre-tensioned engagement member is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figures 5a to 6c Schematic cross-sectional views and partial cross-sectional views of a rack bar engaging with a guide member and a rack bar engaging with a pre-tensioned engagement member according to an exemplary embodiment of this application are shown. Figures 7a to 7d A schematic cross-sectional view is shown of a rack bar engaging with a guide member and a rack bar engaging with a pre-tensioned engagement member, according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figures 8a to 8c A schematic cross-sectional view and a partial cross-sectional view of a rack bar engaging with a guide member according to an exemplary embodiment of this application are shown. Figures 9a to 9c A schematic cross-sectional view is shown of a rack bar engaging with a guide member and a rack bar engaging with a pre-tensioned engagement member, according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figures 10a to 11 b A schematic cross-sectional view is shown of a rack bar engaging with a guide member and a rack bar engaging with a pre-tensioned engagement member, according to an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0121] Figures 12a to 12b A schematic cross-sectional view of a rack bar engaging with a guide member according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figures 13a to 13c A schematic cross-sectional view is shown of a rack bar engaging with a guide member and a rack bar engaging with a pre-tensioned engagement member, according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figures 14a to 14c A schematic cross-sectional view of a rack bar engaging with a guide member according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown; Figures 15a to 15c A schematic cross-sectional view is shown of a rack bar engaging with a guide member and a rack bar engaging with a pre-tensioned engagement member, according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figures 16a to 17b A schematic cross-sectional view is shown of a rack bar engaging with a guide member and a rack bar engaging with a pre-tensioned engagement member, according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0122] Figure 1 a A steering system 100 according to the prior art is illustrated schematically. Even though a steering system 100 according to the prior art is shown, some parts of the steering system 100 may also exist in the steering system 1 according to embodiments of this application, as will be considered in other cases. Figure 1 b , Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 3a This is emphasized in Figure 3f.

[0123] like Figure 1 a As shown, the steering system 100 according to the prior art specifically includes a steering wheel 10 to be steered by the user or driver of the vehicle. The steering wheel 10 is connected to a rack 20 via a steering column 12, wherein the steering column 12 converts the rotation of the steering wheel 10 into lateral movement of the rack 20, such that the steering column 12 pushes the rack 20 to move generally to the left and right in the vehicle width direction W. Due to the movement of the rack 20 in the vehicle width direction W, wherein the movement in the vehicle width direction W specifically corresponds to a generally axial movement or back-and-forth movement of the rack 20 along the axial direction A of the rack 20, the corresponding wheels 14 pivot about the generally vertical direction V of each wheel 14.

[0124] Figure 1 b A schematic diagram of a steering system 1 according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0125] like Figure 1 b As shown, the steering system 1 according to an embodiment of this application specifically includes a rack 20, which is longitudinally guided by a guide member 30, particularly along the axial direction A of the rack 20. The guide member 30 may engage the rack 20, specifically at the engagement member 26, such as... Figure 2a As exemplarily shown, the guide member 30 restricts or prevents rotational movement of the rack 20 about its axis, which is specifically indicated by the axial direction A. The guide member 30 further specifically restricts or prevents radial movement of the rack 20 relative to the guide member 30 and / or relative to the actuator 40.

[0126] Further as Figure 1 b As shown, the steering system 1 specifically includes an actuator 40 configured to move the rack 20 in the axial direction A along the rack 20 when the actuator 40 is actuated. In a particular embodiment, the actuator 40 engages the rack 20 at the actuating portion 28 of the rack 20, such as... Figure 2a As exemplarily shown. In particular, to prevent the rack 20 from rotating, the actuator 40 may be specifically configured to convert rotational actuation at or within the actuator 40 into linear motion of the rack 20.

[0127] In certain implementations, such as Figure 2a As exemplarily shown, actuator 40 may include or be connected to power unit 46, which provides power to actuator 40 via power connector 44. Power unit 46 may be specifically configured to apply rotational actuation or rotational motion to actuator 40 or the portion of actuator 40 facing rack 20 via power connector 44.

[0128] The power unit 46 may specifically be an electric power unit 46, used to receive input signals, such as signals from the steering control unit (not shown), when the steering wheel 10 is turned. Therefore, the steering system 1 may particularly include, for example, a signal from the steering control unit (not shown). Figure 1 a The steering wheel 10 is shown as an example. However, as... Figure 1 b As illustrated, the steering wheel 10 of the steering system 1 is not mechanically connected to the rack 20 via the steering column 12.

[0129] The steering control unit of the steering system 1 may be specifically configured to determine the steering movement or rotation of the steering wheel 10, for example, initiated by the driver or user of the vehicle including the steering system 1. In a further exemplary embodiment, the steering movement or rotation of the steering wheel 10 may also be initiated by a vehicle computer, which may specifically include virtual initiation based on steering commands issued by the vehicle computer, particularly in the case of autonomous vehicles.

[0130] When determining the steering movement or rotation of the steering wheel 10, the steering control unit is specifically configured to send an input signal to the power unit 46, wherein the input signal specifically reflects the determined steering movement or rotation of the steering wheel 10, for example, the input signal includes the rotation angle and / or angular displacement of the steering wheel 10 detected by a suitable detector.

[0131] When an input signal reflecting a determined steering movement or rotation of the steering wheel 10 is received, the power unit 46 is configured to provide power to the actuator 40, particularly through the power connector 44, especially in the power direction corresponding to the clockwise or counterclockwise steering movement or rotation of the steering wheel 10. Specifically, the actuator 40 engages the actuating portion 28 of the rack 20 (see FIG. 2A), thereby actuating the rack 20 through the actuating portion 28 to move the rack 20 axially, approximately along the axial direction A or in a direction approximately opposite to the axial direction A, according to the determined clockwise or counterclockwise steering movement or rotation of the steering wheel 10, i.e., approximately back-and-forth movement along the axial direction A.

[0132] Compare Figure 1 a and Figure 1 b According to Figure 1 b The steering system 1 does not require a steering column 12 as a connection between the steering wheel 10 and the rack 20. Therefore, compared with the prior art steering system 100, the steering system 1 particularly allows for a shorter rack 20 because there is no need to configure the intersection point of the rack 20 with respect to the steering column 12, which can advantageously reduce the weight of the steering system 1.

[0133] The power unit 46 may specifically include an electric motor powered by a power connector 44 configured as a pulley, for applying rotational actuation or rotational motion at or within the actuator 40. The actuator 40 may specifically include a ball screw 42 (see...). Figure 2a In this configuration, the ball screw 42 is specifically fixed along the axial direction A, for example, by fixing the ball screw 42 to the housing 50 or a body component. By rotating the axially fixed ball screw 42, the rotation of the ball screw 42 drives the rack 20 to move back and forth along the axial direction A. If the rotational actuation is converted into the axial movement of the rack 20 using the ball screw 42, the rack 20 specifically includes a helical portion, such as or similar to an external thread portion.

[0134] In addition to friction effectively powering the axial movement of the rack 20, the ball screw 42 also advantageously enhances the axial guidance of the rack 20, thereby providing precise steering over an extended service life.

[0135] Figure 2a A rack 20 and actuator 40 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application are shown.

[0136] like Figure 2a As shown, the rack 20 specifically includes a guide portion 26, at which the guide member 30 ( Figure 2a Not shown in the image, but the details are as follows: Figures 3a to 17b (As shown) engages with rack 20.

[0137] The guide portion 26 of the rack 20 specifically includes a tapered guide groove 22 having two mating surfaces 23, which are opposite to each other, particularly in the circumferential direction U of the rack 20. The tapered guide groove is formed at least partially in the radially outer portion of the rack 20 and can therefore be specifically configured to face the surrounding guide member 30, such as... Figures 3a to 17b As shown. Therefore, the tapered guide groove 22 is specifically guided by the guide member 30, which may include one or more pre-tensioned engagement members 36 for at least partially engaging the tapered guide groove 22.

[0138] like Figure 2a As shown, the guide portion 26 extends longitudinally along a predetermined axial length 27 of the rack 20, such that the rack 20 specifically includes the longitudinally or axially extending guide portion 26, ensuring engagement of the guide member 30 along the guide portion 26 when the rack 20 is moved along the axial direction A. Along the axial length 27 of the guide portion 26, the tapered guide groove 22 can be at least partially constant in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the axial direction A.

[0139] Further as Figure 2aAs shown, the rack 20 specifically includes an actuating portion 28 extending longitudinally along a predetermined axial length 29 of the rack 20. In the actuating portion 28, the actuator 40 is configured to engage the rack 20 to move it in the axial direction A. The longitudinally or axially extending actuating portion 28 advantageously ensures engagement of the actuator 40 when the rack 20 moves in the axial direction A. Along the length 29 of the actuating portion 28, the actuating portion 28 may at least partially have a helical shape, or particularly an externally threaded shape.

[0140] like Figure 2a As shown, the guide portion 26 is disposed on the first longitudinal portion of the rack 20, and the actuating portion 28 is disposed on the second longitudinal portion of the rack 20. The first and second longitudinal portions may be adjacent to each other or axially separated from each other. This is not a limitation, but in a preferred embodiment, as... Figure 2a In the exemplary embodiment shown, the guide portion 26 and the actuating portion 28 are particularly designed to not interfere with each other, but are axially spaced apart on the rack 20. This advantageously ensures efficient and precise guidance of the rack 20.

[0141] However, if the aim is to further shorten the rack 20 and further reduce the weight of the steering system 1, the guide portion 26 and the actuating portion 28 may at least partially overlap, such that the guide portion 26 extends, for example, at least partially into or through the actuating portion 28. For example, one or more tapered guide grooves 22 of the guide portion 26 may extend at least partially into the actuating portion 28. The one or more tapered guide grooves 22 of the guide portion 26 may, for example, interrupt the helical or external thread shape of the actuating portion 28 along a predetermined axial length along which the axial length 27 of the guide portion 26 overlaps with the axial length 29 of the drive portion 29.

[0142] like Figure 2b As shown, by rotating the actuator 40 or the ball screw 42 of the actuator, wherein the actuator 40 is fixed along the axial direction A, the actuating part 28 engaged by the actuator 40 pushes or provides power to the left or right depending on the rotation direction of the actuator 40. The rotation direction of the actuator 40 depends particularly on the power provided by the power unit 46, which in turn depends particularly on the steering movement or rotation of the steering wheel 10, that is, particularly on the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the steering wheel 10, which can be determined specifically by the steering control unit. Thus, the actuator 40 can be specifically configured to move the rack 20 along the axial direction A, which can be substantially parallel to or correspond to the vehicle width direction W, to pivot one or more wheels 14 connected to the rack 20.

[0143] Figure 2bA cross-sectional view of a rack 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. Specifically, as Figure 2a The rack and pinion 20 shown refers to, for example, Figure 2b The rack rod 20 shown is indicated by the two arrows 2b in the guide portion 26. Figure 2b The sectional view shown is taken specifically at the guide portion 26 of the rack 20, and is particularly perpendicular to the axial direction A, that is, in the plane that is approximately crossed by the radial direction R and the circumferential direction U of the rack 20.

[0144] like Figure 2a As shown, the rack 20 specifically includes a tapered guide groove 22 at its guide portion 26, which is appropriately shaped to engage with the guide member 30 in a form fit, specifically configured to engage in a form fit with the circle in the circumferential direction U and the radial direction R, while allowing relative axial movement between the guide member 30 and the rack 20.

[0145] However, it is not limited to this, such as Figure 2b and Figure 2b As shown, the guide portion 26 may include at least one tapered guide groove 22, and the guide member 30 may engage with at least one tapered guide groove 22, particularly by one or more pre-tensioned engagement members 36.

[0146] like Figures 3a to 17b As shown, the tapered guide groove 22 has two mating surfaces 23 that are opposite to each other in the circumferential direction U of the rack 20, wherein the two mating surfaces 23 are respectively formed to point towards the central axis AX of the rack 20.

[0147] like Figures 3a to 17b As exemplarily shown, the tapered guide groove 22 and its two mating surfaces 23 can approximately correspond to the corresponding guide groove 22 and its corresponding mating surface 23. That is, Figures 3a to 3b The tapered guide groove 22 shown by example may specifically have two mating surfaces 23 that are opposite to each other in the circumferential direction U of the rack 20, wherein the two mating surfaces 23 are respectively formed pointing towards the central axis AX of the rack 20.

[0148] Figure 3a A schematic cross-sectional view of a rack bar 20 engaging with a guide member 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0149] Figure 3b Specifically, a sectional view is shown in a plane that is substantially parallel to the axial direction A or axis AX of the rack 20 and substantially parallel to the radial direction R of the rack 20.

[0150] Figure 3b A sectional view is shown in particular in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction A or axis AX of the rack 20.

[0151] like Figure 3a As shown, the rack and pinion 20 and its engagement may specifically relate to, for example... Figure 3a The same engagement of the rack rod 20 shown.

[0152] like Figure 3b and Figure 3c As shown, the guide member 30 specifically includes a pre-tensioned engagement member 36.

[0153] Although two engaging members 65 are shown as an example, the pre-tensioned engaging member 36 may also include more than two engaging members 65, such as... Figure 3c As shown.

[0154] Figure 3c A schematic cross-sectional view of a rack bar 20 engaging with a guide member 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 3a Specifically shown is based on Figure 3b and Figure 3c An alternative, but in which the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 includes more than two engagement parts 65. Unless otherwise mentioned, Figure 3a The exemplary connection shown can correspond to Figure 3b and Figures 4a to 4c The joint shown.

[0155] Figures 4a to 4c A rack bar 20 engaged with a pre-tensioned engagement member 36 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0156] Figures 4a to 4c Different states or types of engagement members 36 for axially retaining pretension are shown, particularly engagement members 65 relative to guide member housing 31, and especially retaining portions 32 relative to guide member housing 31, engagement members 65 for retaining pretensioned engagement members.

[0157] like Figure 3a The exemplary connection shown specifically relates to, for example, Figure 3b and Figures 4a to 4c The connection shown. Unless otherwise stated, Figure 3a The exemplary engagement shown can correspond to Figure 3b and Figure 3a The joint shown in the figure.

[0158] like Figure 3b , Figures 4a to 4c and Figure 3a As shown, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 specifically includes two engagement parts 65, that is, exactly two engagement parts 65, which are configured to engage the tapered guide groove 22 of the rack 20 at the guide portion 26 of the rack 20.

[0159] Therefore, the two engaging parts 65 specifically form a tapered rack engaging portion 64, which is configured to engage the tapered guide groove 22, and in particular, to engage the circumferentially opposite engaging surfaces 23 with pretension.

[0160] Each of the two engagement components 65 can be configured to engage and / or contact one of the engagement surfaces 23 with pretension.

[0161] The pretensioning device 70 may be at least partially disposed between the two engaging parts 65, or may be disposed between the two engaging parts 65.

[0162] The pretensioning device 70 of the pretensioned engagement member 36 may be specifically arranged relative to the two engagement members 65 so as to circumferentially bias the two engagement members 65, that is, specifically, to engage the engagement surface 23 of the tapered guide groove 22 in a pretensioned manner.

[0163] like Figure 3b , Figures 4a to 4c and Figure 3a As shown, the guide member 30 may specifically include a guide member housing 31. The guide member housing 31 may include a retaining portion 32 for retaining a pre-tensioned engagement member 36, particularly for holding the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 in place relative to the guide member housing 31, particularly for holding the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 in place in the circumferential direction U and / or the axial direction A.

[0164] The retaining portion 32 may specifically include two retaining surfaces 33 opposite to each other in the circumferential direction U of the rack 20. Specifically, the retaining surfaces 33 may form limiting stops in two opposite directions along the circumferential direction U. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 32 is formed as a retaining ring press-fitted into the guide member housing. Alternatively or additionally, a form-fit connection may be provided to prevent rotation of the retaining ring relative to the rest of the guide member housing 31.

[0165] The pretensioning device 70 may specifically include an elastic member and / or a spring, or be adapted to engage the engagement surface 23 of the tapered guide groove 22 and / or engage the retaining surface 33 of the retaining portion 32 in a pretensioned manner with the engagement member 65.

[0166] like Figure 3a As shown, but not limited to, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may specifically include a pre-tensioning device 70 disposed on the surface of the engagement member 65 facing the retaining surface 33 of the two retaining surfaces 33.

[0167] Therefore, as Figure 3bAs exemplarily shown, the housing engagement portion 68 may be formed by two engagement members 65 and / or two pretensioning devices 70, which are disposed on the surfaces of the engagement members 65 facing two circumferentially opposite engagement surfaces 33.

[0168] like Figure 4a , Figure 4c and Figure 4a As shown, the guide member 30 may, for example, include a fail-safe member 75 in the form of a washer. The fail-safe member 75 may, in particular, include a fail-safe protrusion formed to engage the tapered guide groove 22. The fail-safe member 75 may also be configured to engage the guide member housing 31, specifically, the retaining surface 33 of the guide member housing 31. The fail-safe member 75 may be specifically formed as a one-piece component and may be configured to hold a pre-tensioned engaging member 36 in place along the axial direction A.

[0169] If one of the engagement components 65 or one of the pretensioning devices 70 fails, the fail-safe component 75 can be configured to engage the engagement surface 23 at the rack 20 and the retaining surface 33 of the guide member housing 31 to prevent rotation of the rack 20. To provide a simple fail-safe component 75 and to prevent further component failures, the fail-safe component 75 can be provided without using the pretensioning device 70, such that the fail-safe component 75 does not engage the engagement surface 23 and the retaining surface 33 in a pre-tensioned manner, but instead acts as a predetermined limit stop.

[0170] Therefore, the fail-safe component 75 specifically allows for ensuring minimal steering control of the steering system, which is affected by the tolerance of the engagement between the fail-safe component 75 and the engagement surface 23 and the retaining surface 33, but this tolerance is sufficient to steer the vehicle to a service station under predetermined conditions.

[0171] like Figure 5a As shown, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 and / or fail-safe member 75 can be axially held in place relative to the guide member housing 31 by a retaining member in the form of a cap screw 74. The cap screw 74 may include, for example, external threads for screwing the cap screw 74 into the internal threads of the guide member housing 31, or screwing it into the internal threads of a portion fixed relative to the guide member housing 31.

[0172] In alternative implementations, such as Figure 3b As shown, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 and / or fail-safe member 75 may be held in place, for example, by different types of retaining members 72, such as retaining rings, axially relative to the guide member housing 31.

[0173] like Figures 4a to 4c and Figure 3cAs shown, the guide member 30 may specifically include a rack bushing 76. The rack bushing 76 may, for example, be located at one or both axial ends of the pre-tensioned engagement member 36. The rack bushing 76 may, in particular, be formed to circumferentially surround the rack bar 20. The outer periphery of the rack bushing 76 is at least partially held by the guide member housing 31. The rack bushing 76 may, for example, be radially held in place by the guide member housing 31.

[0174] Therefore, the rack bushing 76 provides an improved guide for the rack rod 20, specifically preventing the rack rod 20 from tilting in the guide member housing 31.

[0175] The guide member housing 31 and the guide portion 32 of the guide member housing 31 can be fixed, especially radially fixed.

[0176] The guide member housing 31 may be fixed by one or more fixing members, and / or by friction, and / or by form fit (positive fit). The guide member housing 31 may be fixed to or about the frame of the vehicle.

[0177] like Figure 3a As shown, with Figure 3b , Figures 4a to 4c and Figures 5a to 17b In comparison, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may include two or more engagement parts 65.

[0178] The pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may include, for example, at least four engagement parts 65, which may be arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction U of the rack 20. Between each adjacent pair of engagement parts 65, a pre-tensioning device 70 may be provided, wherein the pre-tensioning device 70 is configured to push the engagement parts 65 apart in the circumferential direction U of the rack 20.

[0179] Therefore, at least four engaging members 65 may include, for example, two or more circumferentially inward engaging members 65 configured to engage the tapered guide groove 22, and two or more circumferentially outward engaging members 65 configured to engage the retaining surface 33 of the guide member housing 31.

[0180] Meanwhile, the corresponding circumferentially arranged inner pretensioning device 70 specifically allows for compensation of the tolerance of the two circumferentially arranged inner engagement parts 65 relative to the engagement surface 23 of the tapered guide groove 22, and the circumferentially arranged outer pretensioning device 70 specifically allows for compensation of the tolerance of the circumferentially stacked engagement parts 65 relative to the holding surface 33 of the holding portion 32 of the guide member housing 31.

[0181] Figures 5a to 17bFurther exemplary embodiments are shown. These embodiments focus particularly on different pretensioning directions, and / or different engagements of the pretensioned engagement member 36 with respect to the tapered guide groove 22 of the rack shank 20 and / or with respect to the guide portion 32 of the guide member housing 31. Unless otherwise stated, Figures 3a to 4c The exemplary embodiments shown may correspond to Figures 3a to 17b The embodiments shown in particular include: for the rack bushing 76, the rack bushing 76 may be replaced or supplemented by one or more guide members 60, for example; for the fail-safe member 75; for the cover screw 74, the rack bushing 76 may be replaced or supplemented by one or more guide members 60, such as a retaining ring; and / or for the fixing device of the guide member housing 31.

[0182] like Figure 5a As shown in the exemplary embodiments, the rack 20 may include one or more tapered guide grooves 22, such that even though some embodiments depict only one or more tapered guide grooves 22 to be engaged, it is also understood that various embodiments may be adapted accordingly to include a rack 20 having more than one tapered guide groove 22 or only one tapered guide groove 22.

[0183] Figure 5b A partial cross-sectional view of the rack 20 that engages with the guide member 30 is schematically shown. Figure 5c , Figure 6a and Figure 6b A schematic cross-sectional view of the rack 20 engaging with the guide member 30 is shown, and Figure 6c and Figure 5b A rack bar 20, according to an exemplary embodiment of this application, is shown engaging with a pre-tensioned engagement member 36.

[0184] Each as Figure 5c , Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 6c and Figure 5a The exemplary embodiments shown may specifically correspond to Figures 5a to 6c The exemplary implementation shown.

[0185] like Figures 5a to 6c As shown, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may include, for example, at least four or four engagement parts 65.

[0186] The engaging member 65 can be arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction A of the rack 20.

[0187] The pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may specifically include two toothed washers, each having a tapered rack engagement portion 64, also referred to as the first pair of toothed washers, and two toothed washers, each having a housing portion 68, also referred to as the second pair of toothed washers.

[0188] Toothed washers can be disposed adjacent to each other along the axial direction A, thereby contacting each other. Toothed washers may include inclined teeth on at least the axially adjacent toothed washer faces.

[0189] like Figure 5a As shown, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may include one or more pre-tensioning devices 70. The pre-tensioning devices 70 may, for example, be located at one or both axial ends of the pre-tensioned engagement member 36. Specifically, the pre-tensioning devices 70 may be configured to bias the toothed washers in the axial direction A, such that the toothed washers of the first pair of toothed washers interact in opposite directions in the circumferential direction U, and that the toothed washers of the second pair of toothed washers interact in opposite directions in the circumferential direction U.

[0190] Based on the pretensioning device 70, the toothed washers are offset from each other in the axial direction A, and the inclined teeth of the toothed washers of the first pair of toothed washers and the second pair of toothed washers, the mating surfaces 23 of one or more tapered guide grooves 22 and the mating surfaces 33 of one or more retaining portions 32 can be pretensioned together respectively.

[0191] Specifically, based on the pretensioning device 70, which offsets the toothed washers from each other along the axial direction A, and the inclined teeth of the first and second pairs of toothed washers, axially adjacent toothed washers, especially the first and second pairs of toothed washers, can engage with each other through their respective inclined teeth, thereby applying a rotational force in opposite directions along the circumferential direction U of the rack 20. This rotational force is applied to the facing and particularly contacting toothed washers.

[0192] like Figure 5b , Figure 6b , Figure 6c , Figure 7a As shown, the guide member 30 may specifically include one or more washers 38 for predefining the axial bias force of the pretensioning device 70 toward the toothed washer and for holding the pretensioned engagement member 36 in the proper position in the axial direction A.

[0193] Figure 7b and Figure 7c A schematic cross-sectional view of the rack 20 engaging with the guide member 30 is shown, and Figure 7d and Figures 7a to 7d A rack bar 20 engaged with a pre-tensioned engagement member 36 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0194] Figures 7a to 7d This may specifically relate to the same implementation method.

[0195] like Figures 7a to 7d As shown, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may include, for example, an inner radial engagement member 65 and an outer radial engagement member 65. The inner radial engagement member 65 forms a rack engagement portion 64 that engages with the tapered guide groove 22, and the outer radial engagement member 65 forms a housing engagement portion 68 that engages with the retaining portion 32. The retaining portion 32 may in particular be formed as a tapered retaining groove 35.

[0196] The radially inner engaging member 65 and the radially outer engaging member 65 can specifically be arranged to face each other in the radial direction R of the rack 20. In other words, the radially inner engaging member 65 and the radially outer engaging member 65 can be arranged radially adjacent to each other.

[0197] like Figure 7b As shown, between the radially inner engaging member 65 and the radially outer engaging member 65, a pair of further engaging members 65 may be at least partially covered by the radially inner engaging member 65 and the radially outer engaging member 65.

[0198] A pre-tensioning device 70 may be provided between the at least partially covered further engaging members 65 to push the at least partially covered further engaging members 65 apart from each other, in particular, to push the at least partially covered further engaging members 65 apart along the axial direction A of the rack 20.

[0199] The radial inner engaging member 65 and the radial outer engaging member 65 may each have inclined inner walls. In particular, the inner walls of the radial inner engaging member 65 and the radial outer engaging member 65 are inclined such that a pair of further engaging members 65, which are equivalent to being pushed apart from each other, respectively contact the inclined inner walls and force the radial inner engaging member 65 and the radial outer engaging member 65 to separate from each other in the radial direction R of the rack 20.

[0200] Therefore, the retaining portion 32, especially the retaining surface 33 of the tapered retaining groove 35, is engaged with the radially outer engaging member 65 with pretension, and the engaging surface 23 of the tapered guide groove 22 is engaged with the radially inner engaging member 65 with pretension.

[0201] The at least partially covered engagement member 65 may be, for example, spherical or elliptical, so as to reliably force the radially inner engagement member 65 and the radially outer engagement member 65 to separate from each other in the radial direction R of the rack 20.

[0202] like Figure 8a As shown, the guide member 30 may specifically include one or more washers 38 for ensuring that the radially forced inner engagement member 65 and the radially forced outer engagement member 65 are separated into the corresponding grooves 22, 35.

[0203] Figure 8b and Figure 8c A schematic cross-sectional view of a rack bar 20 engaging with a guide member 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown, and Figure 8a A partial sectional view of the rack rod 20 is shown.

[0204] Each as Figure 8b , Figure 8c and Figures 8a to 8c The exemplary implementation shown may specifically correspond to the same exemplary implementation.

[0205] like Figure 8a As shown, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may include, for example, one or more engagement parts 65, or only one engagement part 65.

[0206] The one or more engaging parts 65 may be integrally formed or have a tapered rack engaging portion 64 and a housing engaging portion 68.

[0207] The one or more engaging members 65 may specifically be substantially plate-shaped or disc-shaped. The one or more engaging members 65 may particularly include radial protrusions projecting toward the axis AX of the rack 20 and forming a tapered rack engagement portion 64. The plate-shaped or disc-shaped nature of the one or more engaging members 65, especially at their distal ends, may particularly form a housing engagement portion 68.

[0208] like Figure 8b and Figures 8a to 8c As shown, the pretensioning device 70 can be specifically disposed on the opposite side of the tapered guide groove 22 and the engagement member 65 relative to the rack 20. Therefore, the pretensioning device 70 can be specifically configured to apply force to the rack 20 on the engagement member 65 so that the engagement surface 23 and the retaining surface 33 are pre-tensioned and engaged.

[0209] like Figure 9a As shown, the guide member housing 31 may include or at least partially accommodate a support portion 78, wherein the support portion 78 and / or the sliding member 60 disposed between the support portion 78 and the rack 20 are configured to face and / or contact the rack 20, particularly to slidably contact the rack 20.

[0210] The guide member 30 may specifically include an adjusting member 82. The adjusting member 82 may include, for example, a thread so that it is disposed within the guide member housing 31 for threaded adjustment. The support portion 78 may be located, in particular, between the adjusting member 82 and the rack 20, especially in the generally radial direction R of the rack 20.

[0211] The pretensioning device 70 is at least partially disposed between the adjusting member 82 and the support portion 78. The pretension of the support portion 78 toward the rack 20 can be adjusted by thread-adjusting the position of the adjusting member 82 in the guide member housing 31, and the pretension of the rack engagement portion 64 of the engagement portion 65 engaging with the engagement surface 23 and the pretension of the housing engagement portion 68 of the engagement member 65 engaging with the retaining surface 33 can be predefined.

[0212] Figure 9b A schematic cross-sectional view of the rack 20 engaging with the guide member 30 is shown, and Figure 9c and Figure 9a The rack 20, which engages with the pre-tensioned engagement member 36, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0213] Each as Figure 9b , Figure 9c and Figures 9a to 9c The exemplary implementation shown may specifically correspond to the same exemplary implementation.

[0214] like Figures 9a to 9c As shown, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may include, for example, six or more engagement parts 65, particularly for engaging the two tapered guide grooves 22 and the two retaining parts 32.

[0215] The pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may specifically include two separate engagement parts 65 for engaging a tapered guide groove 22, wherein each of the two engagement parts 65 is configured to engage a tapered guide groove 22 for pre-tensioning engagement of an engagement surface 23 of the tapered guide groove 22. The two separate engagement parts 65 for engaging a tapered guide groove 22 may specifically face each other and / or be arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction U.

[0216] The pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may specifically include two separate engagement parts 65 for engaging a tapered retaining groove 35, wherein each of the two separate engagement parts 65 for engaging a tapered retaining groove 35 is configured to pre-tension the retaining surface 33 of the tapered retaining groove 35. The two separate engagement parts 65 for engaging a tapered retaining groove 35 may specifically face each other and / or be arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction U.

[0217] Not limited thereto, one of the two separate engagement parts 65 for engaging a tapered guide groove 22 may be integrally formed into one of the two separate engagement parts 65 for engaging a tapered retaining groove 35.

[0218] The engaging component 65 for integrally engaging a tapered guide groove 22 and a tapered guide groove 35 can be specifically configured to integrally engage a tapered guide groove 22 and a tapered retaining groove 35, the tapered guide groove 22 and the tapered retaining groove 35 facing each other in the radial direction R of the rack 20.

[0219] A engagement member 65 for integrally engaging a tapered guide groove 22 and a tapered guide groove 35 may be configured to extend circumferentially around the rack 20, for example, extending circumferentially around about half of the rack 20, but not specifically engaging more than one tapered guide groove 22 and / or more than one tapered retaining groove 35. This engagement member 65 may also be referred to hereinafter as an arcuate engagement member 65. A separate engagement member 65 configured to engage only the tapered guide groove 22 may also be referred to as a radially inner engagement member 65. A separate engagement member 65 configured to engage only the retaining portion 32, particularly the tapered retaining groove 35, may also be referred to as a radially outer engagement member 65.

[0220] Therefore, the radially inner engaging member 65 specifically includes or has a rack and pinion engaging portion 64. Therefore, the radially outer engaging member 65 specifically includes or has a housing engaging portion 68. The arcuate engaging member 65 specifically includes or has a rack and pinion engaging portion 64 and a housing engaging portion 68.

[0221] The radial inner engagement member 65 and the radial outer engagement member 65 can be specifically configured to face each other in the radial direction R of the rack 20.

[0222] A pretensioning device 70 may be provided between the radially inner engaging member 65 and the radially outer engaging member 65. The pretensioning device 70 is specifically configured to push the radially inner engaging member 65 and the radially outer engaging member 65 apart, particularly in the radial direction R of the rack 20.

[0223] The radial inner engagement member 65 and the arcuate engagement member 65 can specifically be configured to face each other in the circumferential direction U of the rack 20.

[0224] The radially outer engaging member 65 and the arcuate engaging member 65 can be specifically configured to face each other in the circumferential direction U of the rack 20.

[0225] Therefore, the pretensioning device 70 is specifically configured to push the radially inner engaging member 65 and its rack engaging portion 64 into the tapered guide groove 22, and to push the radially outer engaging member 65 and its housing engaging portion 68 into the tapered retaining groove 35. By pushing the radially inner engaging member 65 into the tapered guide groove 22 and the radially outer engaging member 65 into the tapered retaining groove 35, the circumferentially arcuate engaging member 65 can be pushed toward the engaging surface 23 of the tapered guide groove 22 and the retaining surface 33 of the tapered retaining groove 35.

[0226] Therefore, the pretensioning device 70 can be specifically configured to engage the inner radial engagement member 65 and the arcuate engagement member 65 in a pretensioned manner with the engagement surface 23 of the tapered guide groove 22, and to engage the outer radial engagement member 65 and the arcuate engagement member 65 in a pretensioned manner with the retaining surface 33 of the retaining portion 32, especially the tapered retaining groove 35 of the retaining portion 32.

[0227] Meanwhile, the engagement has been specifically shown for a tapered guide groove 22 and a retaining portion 32, and it should be understood that, as Figures 9a to 9c As shown in particular, this also applies to the engagement of the tapered guide groove 22 and the retaining portion 32 with opposite diameters.

[0228] like Figures 10a to 10c As shown, but not limited to, the guide member 30 may specifically include a sliding member 60 closely surrounding the rack 20, particularly at the guide portion 26, and including one or more slots corresponding to one or more tapered guide grooves 22 of the rack 20. The one or more slots of the sliding member 60 corresponding to the one or more tapered guide grooves 22 of the rack 20 may respectively engage with the engaging member 65, particularly with the rack engaging portion 64 of the engaging member 65.

[0229] Figure 11 a The rack 20, which engages with the pre-tensioned engagement member 36, is shown, and Figure 11 b and Figure 10a Schematic cross-sectional views of a rack bar 20 engaging with a guide member 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application are shown.

[0230] Each as Figure 10b , Figure 10c , Figure 11 a , Figure 11 b and Figures 10a to 11 b The exemplary embodiments shown may correspond to the same exemplary embodiments. For example... Figures 12a to 12b As shown, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may include, for example, one or more engagement parts 65, or only one engagement part 65, specifically for engaging the two tapered guide grooves 22 and the two retaining portions 32. The retaining portions 32 may specifically be formed as tapered retaining grooves 35.

[0231] For each tapered guide groove 22 of the rack 20, the engaging member 65 may include a radially inward projection to form a rack engagement portion 64. For each retaining portion 32 of the guide member housing 31, the engaging member 65 may include a radially outward projection to form a housing engagement portion 68.

[0232] The radially inward protrusion forming the rack engagement portion 64 may, for example, be provided in the middle of the engagement member 65 in the axial direction A. The radially inward protrusion forming the rack engagement portion 64 may, for example, be provided between the two sliding members 60 in the axial direction A of the rack.

[0233] Without limitation, the engaging member 65 may have a generally circular or cylindrical shape.

[0234] Alternatively, the guide member 30 may specifically include a sliding member 60 or two sliding members 60. In the case of two sliding members 60, the two sliding members 60 may be arranged axially away from each other.

[0235] The sliding member 60 may be generally circular or cylindrical, especially corresponding to the radial outer surface of the rack 20 at the guide portion 26.

[0236] At the axial end of the sliding member 60 facing the engaging member 65, particularly at the rack and pinion engagement portion 64 facing the engaging member 65, the sliding member 60 may have a tapered shape. This tapered shape may have a reduced wall thickness toward the axial end of the sliding member 60 facing the engaging member 65.

[0237] The pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may specifically include one or two pre-tensioning devices 70 disposed at the axial ends of the engagement member 65 and the sliding member 60, thereby pushing the sliding member 60 toward the radially inward protrusion of the engagement member 65, i.e. toward the rack and pinion engagement portion 64 of the engagement member 65.

[0238] By axially pushing the sliding member 60, particularly by the radially inwardly protruding tapered part toward the engaging member 65, the pre-tensioning device 70 pre-tensions the sliding member 60 to engage with the engaging surface 23 of the tapered retaining groove 22, and pre-tensions the engaging member 65 to engage with the retaining surface 33 of the retaining portion 32, specifically engaging the retaining surface 33 of the retaining groove 35.

[0239] Figure 12a A schematic cross-sectional view of a rack bar 20 engaging with a guide member 36 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0240] Each as Figure 12b and Figure 12a The exemplary implementation shown may correspond to the same exemplary implementation.

[0241] like Figure 12b and Figure 12a As shown, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may include, for example, two or more engagement parts 65, or only two engagement parts 65, particularly for engaging the tapered guide groove 22 and the retaining portion 32.

[0242] The pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may specifically include a radially inner engagement member 65, which engages the tapered guide groove 22 of the rack 20, and the radially inner engagement member 65 further engages the retaining portion 32 of the guide member housing 31.

[0243] The guide member 30 may specifically include an adjusting member 82. The adjusting member 82 may include, for example, a pin, particularly a threaded pin. The threaded pin may be threadedly adjustable from the outside of the guide member housing 31. The threaded pin may be threadedly mounted to the guide member housing 31 and may be adjusted in particular relative to its longitudinal extension from the guide member housing 31.

[0244] The longitudinal extension direction of the adjusting member 82 can be specifically inclined relative to the axial direction A of the rack 20, in particular, so that it passes through the axial direction A in the side view of the rack 20, such as... Figure 12b and Figure 13a As shown.

[0245] The pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may specifically include an intermediate engagement member 65, which faces and / or contacts the radially inner engagement member 65 on its radially inner surface, and faces and / or contacts the adjustment member 82 on its radially outer surface.

[0246] The pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may specifically include a pre-tensioning device 70 disposed at the axial end of the radially inner engagement member 65, specifically at the axial end of the radially inner engagement member 65 opposite to the axial end of the radially inner engagement member 65 facing the adjustment member 82.

[0247] The pretensioning device 70 can be fixed to the guide member housing 31. The pretensioning device 70 can be at least partially disposed in the cavity of the guide member housing 31.

[0248] The intermediate engagement member 65 can be specifically restricted or locked between the radially inner engagement member 65 and the adjusting member 82.

[0249] The intermediate joining member 65 and the radial inner joining member 65 may specifically have corresponding inclined surfaces facing each other. The inclination of the inclined surface of the radial inner joining member 65 may specifically cause the thickness of the radial inner joining member 65 in the radial direction R to decrease in a direction parallel to the axial direction A and away from the pretensioning device 70.

[0250] The pretensioning device 70 specifically pushes the radially inner engaging member 65 toward the intermediate engaging member 65. Based on the inclined surfaces of the radially inner engaging member 65 and the intermediate engaging member 65, wherein axial movement of the intermediate engaging member 65 is specifically blocked by the adjusting member 82, the radially inner engaging member 65 engages the engaging surface 23 of the tapered guide groove 22 and the retaining surface 33 of the optional guide member housing 31 in a pre-tensioned manner. In other exemplary embodiments, the intermediate engaging member 65 may engage the retaining surface 33 of the guide member housing 31 in a pre-tensioned manner.

[0251] Figure 13b and Figure 13c Schematic cross-sectional views of a rack bar 20 engaging with a guide member 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application are shown, and Figure 13a The rack 20 is shown engaging with the pre-tensioned engagement member 36.

[0252] Each as Figure 13b , Figure 13c and Figures 13a to 13c The exemplary implementation shown may specifically correspond to the same exemplary implementation.

[0253] like Figures 13a to 13c As shown, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may include, for example, an engagement member 65 for each tapered guide groove 22, wherein the engagement member 65 specifically engages the tapered guide groove 22 and the retaining portion 32, wherein the tapered guide groove 22 and the retaining portion 32 may face each other in the radial direction R.

[0254] like Figures 13a to 13c As shown, the guide member 30 may include a support portion 78 for each tapered guide groove 22, wherein the support portion 78 may be biased in the radial direction R toward the engagement member 65 by the adjusting member 82, wherein the radially outward pretensioning device 70 may be disposed between the adjusting member 82 and the support portion 78.

[0255] The adjusting member 82 can be threadedly mounted to the guide member housing 31 to adjust the pretension toward the support portion 78. The retaining portion 32 can be disposed in the cavity of the support portion 78, wherein the radially internal pretensioning device 70 can be displaced within the cavity.

[0256] Based on the radial inner and radial outer pretensioning devices 70 and the adjusting member 82, the adjusting member 82 can be threadedly adjusted relative to the guide member housing 31 to increase or decrease the pretension provided by the radial inner and radial outer pretensioning devices 70. The engaging member 65 engages with the tapered guide groove 22 and the retaining portion 32 and their respective surfaces by pretensioning.

[0257] like Figures 14a to 14cAs shown, the guide member 30 may specifically include two pre-tensioned engagement members 36. Alternatively, the two pre-tensioned engagement members 36 may be specifically positioned on radially opposite sides of the rack 20.

[0258] Figure 14a A schematic cross-sectional view of a rack bar 20 engaging with a guide member 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0259] Each as Figure 14b , Figure 14c and Figures 14a to 14c The exemplary implementation shown may specifically correspond to the same exemplary implementation.

[0260] like Figure 15a As shown, the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may include, for example, three engagement parts 65, specifically three generally circular engagement parts 65, wherein these three generally circular engagement parts 65 may be arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction A of the rack 20.

[0261] The pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may include an axial intermediate engagement member 65 and two axially outer engagement members 65, wherein the axial intermediate engagement member 65 is disposed between the two axially outer engagement members 65 along the axial direction A. The axial intermediate engagement member 65 may specifically include a rack engagement portion 64 for each tapered guide groove 22 of the rack bar 20. Each axially outer engagement member 65 may specifically include a housing engagement portion 68 for engaging the retaining portion 32 of the guide member housing 31.

[0262] The axial intermediate engagement member 65 may have an inclined surface at each of its axial ends, which faces one of the two axially outer engagement members 65. Specifically, the inclined surface may be formed such that its thickness decreases in the radial direction R toward its axial distal end. Each of the two axially outer engagement members 65 may have a corresponding inclined surface corresponding to the corresponding inclined surface of the axial intermediate engagement member 65 to which the axially outer engagement member 65 faces.

[0263] The pre-tensioned engagement member 36 may include one or more pre-tensioning devices 70, specifically disposed at the axial ends of the three engagement members 65.

[0264] The guide member 30 may specifically include one or more retaining members 72, such as retaining rings, specifically for axially holding the pre-tensioned engagement member 36 in place relative to the guide member housing 31.

[0265] The guide member 30 may optionally also include one or more washers 38 for pre-limiting the thrust of one or more pre-tensioning devices 70 in the axial direction A. The one or more washers 38 may be axially disposed, in particular, between one of the engaging members 65 and the retaining member 83, or between one of the engaging members 65 and the axial support portion of the guide member housing 31.

[0266] Based on the corresponding inclined surfaces of the pretensioning device 70 and the three engagement members 65, the axial intermediate engagement member 65 is pushed radially inward to engage the engagement surface 23 of the tapered guide groove 22 with pretension, and the two outer axial engagement members 65 are pushed radially outward to engage the retaining surface 33 of the retaining portion 22 with pretension.

[0267] Figure 15b and Figure 15c Schematic cross-sectional views of a rack bar 20 engaging with a guide member 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application are shown, and Figure 15a The rack 20 is shown engaging with the pre-tensioned engagement member 36.

[0268] Each as Figure 15b , Figure 15c and Figures 15a to 15c The exemplary implementation shown may specifically correspond to the same exemplary implementation.

[0269] like Figure 14c The exemplary embodiments shown are in conjunction with Figures 14A to 14B. Figures 14a to 14c The similar implementations discussed herein mean that, in the following text, only those related to [the previous implementation] will be discussed. Figures 15a to 15c The differences between the embodiments shown are as follows.

[0270] like Figure 15a As shown, the axial intermediate joint member 65, specifically the inclined surface at the axial end of the axial intermediate joint member, may have a substantially spherical shape, specifically on its radially outer surface, which particularly allows for compensation of angular misalignment.

[0271] The axially outer engagement member 65 may accordingly have a corresponding spherical inclined surface facing the axially intermediate engagement member 65.

[0272] In addition to having a rack and pinion engagement portion 64, an axial intermediate engagement portion 65, specifically on the radially inner side of the axial intermediate engagement portion 65, may have a housing engagement portion 68 that engages with the retaining portion 32 of the guide member housing 31, specifically on the radially outer side of the axial intermediate engagement portion 65.

[0273] Further as Figure 15b and Figure 15aAs shown, the axial intermediate engagement member 65 may specifically have one or more grooves on its radial inner surface, wherein a pre-tensioning member 70 may be provided in each groove on the radial inner surface. Optionally, another engagement member 65 may also be provided in each groove on the radial inner surface, such that the pre-tensioning member 70 and / or one or more other engagement members 65 provided in the one or more grooves can engage the tapered guide groove 22.

[0274] Based on the pre-tensioning devices 70 disposed in one or more grooves on the radial inner surface of the intermediate joint member 65, the pre-tensioning devices 70 disposed at the axial ends of the three joint members 65, and the corresponding inclined surfaces of the three joint members 65, the housing joint portion 68 of the axial intermediate joint member 65 is pushed radially outward to pre-tension the retaining surface 33 of the retaining portion 22, and the pre-tensioning devices 70 are optionally disposed in the grooves on the radial inner surface of the axial intermediate joint member 65, and are pushed radially inward to pre-tension the joint surface 23 of the tapered guide groove 22.

[0275] like Figure 15b and Figures 16b to 17b As shown, but not limited to, the guide member 30 may specifically include a sliding member 60 that closely surrounds the rack 20, specifically at the guide portion 26, and includes one or more slots corresponding to one or more tapered guide grooves 22 of the rack 20. The one or more slots of the sliding member 60 corresponding to the one or more tapered guide grooves 22 of the rack 20 may correspondingly engage with the axial intermediate engagement member 65, specifically with the rack engagement portion 64 of the axial intermediate engagement member 65.

[0276] Figure 16a Schematic cross-sectional views of a rack bar 20 engaging with a guide member 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application are shown, and Figure 16a The rack 20 is shown engaging with the pre-tensioned engagement member 36.

[0277] Each as Figure 16b , Figure 17a , Figure 17b and Figures 16a to 17b The exemplary implementation shown may specifically correspond to the same exemplary implementation.

[0278] like Figures 16a to 17b As shown, the rack and pinion engagement portion 64, the housing engagement portion 68, and the pretensioning device 70 can be integrally formed. That is, as... ​The shown engagement component 65 specifically has a housing engagement portion 68 that engages with the retaining portion 32 of the guide member housing 31, a rack engagement portion 64 that engages with the tapered guide groove 22, and a pre-tensioning device 70, such that the housing engagement portion 68 is pre-tensioned to the retaining surface 33 of the retaining portion 32, and the rack engagement portion 64 is pre-tensioned to engage with the engagement surface 23 of the tapered guide groove 22.

[0279] The engaging member 65 may be formed as a bridge, wherein one or more radially inner portions of the bridge engage with the tapered guide groove 22, and wherein one or more radially outer portions of the bridge engage with the retaining portion 32.

[0280] The guide member 30 may include one or more washers 38 and one or more retaining members 82 for pre-adjusting the axial extension of the engagement member 65 in the axial direction A, so as to specifically bend the legs of the bridge between one or more housing engagement portions 68 and one or more rack and pinion engagement portions 64.

[0281] Based on the pre-adjusted axial extension of the bridge-shaped joint member 65, the integrally formed joint member 65 is pre-tensioned to engage the retaining surface 33 and to engage the joint surface 23.

[0282] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0283] 1. Steering System

[0284] 10. Steering wheel

[0285] 12 Steering Column

[0286] 14 wheels

[0287] 20 rack and pinion

[0288] 22 Conical guide groove

[0289] 23 (Matching surface of the tapered guide groove)

[0290] 26. Guiding section

[0291] 27. Axial length (of the guide section)

[0292] 28 Actuating Part

[0293] 29. Axial length (of the actuating part)

[0294] 30 Guide components

[0295] 31 Guide component housing

[0296] 32. Retaining part

[0297] 33 (Retaining part) Retaining surface

[0298] 35 (conical) retaining groove

[0299] 36 Pre-tensioned joint components

[0300] 38 Washer

[0301] 40 Actuators

[0302] 42 Ball Screw

[0303] 44 Power Connector

[0304] 46 Power Units

[0305] 50 Housing

[0306] 60 Sliding Member

[0307] 64 (tapered) rack and pinion joint

[0308] 65 Housing joint

[0309] 68. Housing joint portion

[0310] 70 Pretensioning device

[0311] 72 Retaining components

[0312] 74 cover screws

[0313] 75 Failure Fuse Components

[0314] 76 rack bushing

[0315] 78 (The support portion of the guide member housing)

[0316] 82 Adjustment components

[0317] 100 Steering System

[0318] Axial direction

[0319] AX axis

[0320] F Drive direction

[0321] R radial direction

[0322] U circumferential direction

[0323] V (vertical direction)

[0324] W (vehicle width direction)

Claims

1. A steering system (1) for steer-by-wire of a vehicle, the steering system (1) comprising: A rack and pinion (20) is used to move the steering wheel (14) of the vehicle. Actuator (40), configured to move rack (20) in the axial direction (A) of rack (20); and A guide member (30) is used to guide the rack rod (20). The guide member (30) is configured to circumferentially surround and slidably engage the guide portion (26) of the rack (20) to allow the rack (20) to move along the axial direction (A) while preventing the rack (20) from moving along the radial direction (R) and the circumferential direction (U). The guide portion (26) of the rack (20) includes a tapered guide groove (22), which has two opposing mating surfaces (23) in the circumferential direction (U) of the rack (20). The guide member (30) includes: Guide member housing (31); and A pre-tensioned engagement member (36) is arranged in the guide member housing (31) and has a tapered rack engagement portion (64), a housing engagement portion (68) and a pre-tensioning device (70). The guide member housing (31) has a retaining portion (32) for holding the pre-tensioned engagement member (36), the retaining portion (32) including two retaining surfaces (33) opposite to each other in the circumferential direction (U) of the rack (20). The pre-tensioning device (70) is configured to engage the tapered rack engagement portion (64) with the engagement surface (23) of the tapered guide groove (22) in a pre-tensioned manner, and to engage the housing engagement portion (68) with the retaining surface (33) in a pre-tensioned manner. The two mating surfaces (23) are respectively formed to point to the central axis (AX) of the rack (20).

2. The steering system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The pre-tensioned engagement member (36) includes at least two engagement parts (65), wherein the pre-tensioning device (70) is configured to push the engagement parts (65) apart along the circumferential direction (U) and / or the radial direction (R), and / or apply a rotational force in the opposite rotational direction to the engagement parts (65).

3. The steering system (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The tapered rack engagement portion (64) is formed by at least two of the engagement components (65).

4. The steering system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The housing joint portion (68) is formed by at least two of the joint components (65).

5. The steering system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The rack and pinion joint (64), the housing joint (68), and the pretensioning device (70) are integrally formed.

6. The steering system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The pretensioning device (70) includes a rubber spring, wherein the rubber spring is optionally molded onto a portion of the pretensioned engagement member (36).

7. The steering system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The retaining portion (32) of the guide member housing (31) includes a tapered retaining groove (35), and the two retaining surfaces (33) are formed by the inner wall of the retaining groove (35).

8. The steering system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rack (20) is slidably located in the surrounding guide member housing (31), wherein the guide member housing (31) optionally includes a support portion (78) for slidably supporting the rack (2).

9. The steering system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The pre-tensioned engagement member (36) is held in place by a washer (38) relative to the guide member housing (31) in the axial direction (A).

10. The steering system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The actuator (40) includes a ball screw for axially moving the rack (20).

11. The steering system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The actuator (40) is configured to be electrically controlled to axially move the rack (20) in response to steering movements by the user of the vehicle.

12. A vehicle to be subjected to steer-by-wire, comprising: Steering wheel (10); as well as Steering system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The steering wheel (10) is communicatively connected to the actuator (40).

Images