Steering apparatus for vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a steering apparatus for a vehicle, including: a housing; a rotating shaft rotatably accommodated in the housing; a moving member interposed between the rotating shaft and the housing and moving by rotation of the rotating shaft; a first rotation restrictor provided inside the housing and configured to restrict an amount of movement of the moving member in the first direction, thereby restricting an amount of rotation of the rotating shaft in the first direction; and a second rotation restrictor coupled to the housing and configured to cover the opening of the housing and restrict an amount of movement of the moving member in the second direction, thereby restricting an amount of rotation of the rotating shaft in the second direction. According to the present disclosure, when a driver operates a steering wheel, a rotating shaft connected to the steering wheel rotates. The movement of the moving member moving in the axial direction of the rotating shaft is restricted by the first rotation restricting member or the second rotation restricting member, so that the rotating shaft rotates within a set angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a steering device for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a steering device for a vehicle that can limit the rotation of a rotating shaft. Background Art

[0002] A steer-by-wire (SBW) system is an intelligent steering system using electrical signals, which transmits the driver's steering intention through electrical signals for control without a mechanical connection between the driver's steering wheel and the wheels.

[0003] The SBW system includes: a steering feedback actuator (SFA) that provides a reaction force to the steering wheel for the driver; and a road wheel actuator (RWA) that transmits the driver's steering intention to the wheels and moves the wheels. The SFA and the RWA are connected only by wires without a mechanical connection. Therefore, the SFA system requires a structure that restricts the rotation direction. In the related art, a leadscrew mechanism is used to limit the number of rotations.

[0004] Due to tolerance variations caused by the injection molding process of plastic bushings, the leadscrew mechanism in the related art faces challenges in managing straightness. Due to the gap between the plastic bushing and the nut, the friction dispersion significantly increases, and noise is generated when using a steel nut. The assembly of a square bushing requires increased housing processing costs and additional processes.

[0005] When friction is evaluated at extremely low temperatures, the plastic may adhere due to shrinkage, resulting in increased friction. In addition, the plastic needs to be set to a high strength to accommodate the increase in braking torque during the steering process. Therefore, this problem needs to be improved.

[0006] The related art of the present disclosure is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2020-0047871 (published on May 8, 2020, titled "Device for Limited Steering Angle in a Steer-by-Wire System"). Summary of the Utility Model

[0007] The present disclosure is made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a steering device for a vehicle that can limit the rotation of a rotating shaft.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a steering device for a vehicle includes: a housing; a rotating shaft rotatably accommodated in the housing; a moving member disposed between the rotating shaft and the housing and moved by the rotation of the rotating shaft; a first rotation restricting member disposed inside the housing and configured to restrict the amount of movement of the moving member in a first direction, thereby restricting the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft in the first direction; and a second rotation restricting member coupled to the housing and configured to cover an opening of the housing and restrict the amount of movement of the moving member in a second direction, thereby restricting the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft in the second direction.

[0009] The rotating shaft may be provided with a spiral configured to move the moving member.

[0010] The first rotation restricting member may include: a guiding portion recessed inside the housing, formed along an axial direction of the rotating shaft, and configured to guide the movement of the moving member; and a locking protrusion disposed on one side of the guiding portion and configured to restrict the movement of the moving member.

[0011] The moving member may include a spherical ball member.

[0012] The ball member may roll between the spiral and the guiding portion.

[0013] The ball member, the spiral, and the guiding portion may have the same curvature.

[0014] The guiding portion may be formed in a straight shape or a diagonal shape.

[0015] A plurality of moving members may be provided. A plurality of spirals may be provided in the rotating shaft, and the plurality of spirals are configured to move the plurality of moving members respectively.

[0016] The plurality of moving members may be positioned at corresponding positions on the plurality of spirals along the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

[0017] The spiral may include: a first spiral formed along the axial direction of the rotating shaft; and a second spiral formed along the axial direction of the rotating shaft and spaced apart from the first spiral.

[0018] A plurality of first rotation restricting members are spaced apart inside the housing.

[0019] When contacting the first rotation restricting member, the plurality of moving members respectively contact the plurality of first rotation restricting members simultaneously.

[0020] When contacting the second rotation restricting member, the plurality of moving members respectively contact the plurality of second rotation restricting members simultaneously.

[0021] According to the present disclosure, when a driver operates a steering wheel, a rotary shaft connected to the steering wheel rotates. The movement of a moving member that moves in the axial direction of the rotary shaft is restricted by a first rotation restrictor or a second rotation restrictor, so that the rotary shaft rotates within a set angle.

[0022] In addition, due to a plurality of moving members that move in the axial direction of the rotary shaft, the present disclosure can distribute the load between the first rotation restrictor and the second rotation restrictor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view showing a steering device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 is a bottom view showing a steering device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3 is a sectional view showing a steering device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a sectional view showing an operating state of a steering device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view showing a steering device for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 7 is a bottom view showing a steering device for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 8 is a sectional view showing a steering device for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a sectional view showing an operating state of a steering device for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of a steering device for a vehicle according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For clarity and convenience of description, the thickness of lines, the dimensions of constituent elements, etc. may be shown in the drawings in a non-precise ratio. In addition, the terms used hereinafter are defined in consideration of their functions in the present disclosure and may vary according to the intention of the user or operator or conventional practice. Therefore, these terms should be defined based on this specification according to the context.

[0032] Figure 1Is a bottom perspective view of a steering device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 Is a bottom view of a steering device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 Is a sectional view of a steering device for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 to 5 , a steering device 1 for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing 110, a rotating shaft 120, a moving member 130, a first rotation restricting member 140, and a second rotation restricting member 150.

[0034] The housing 110 can be mounted on the vehicle body. The housing 110 can be made of metal or resin and can be fixedly mounted on the vehicle body forming the driver's seat. An opening 110a can be provided on one side ( Figure 1 the lower side in

[0035] The rotating shaft 120 is rotatably received in the housing 110. One side ( Figure 3 the upper side in

[0036] The rotating shaft 120 can be axially coupled to a bearing 10 installed inside the housing 110. The bearing 10 can rotatably support the rotating shaft 120.

[0037] The moving member 130 is disposed between the rotating shaft 120 and the housing 110. The moving member 130 moves by the rotation of the rotating shaft 120. The moving member 130 can include a spherical ball member 131. The ball member 131 can be made of metal or plastic.

[0038] The rotating shaft 120 can be provided with a helix 121. The helix 121 can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the opposite side ( Figure 3 the lower side in

[0039] The ball member 131 can be located on the thread groove of the helix 121. In this case, the ball member 131 can have the same curvature as the thread groove.

[0040] The first rotation restricting member 140 can be provided inside the housing 110. The first rotation restricting member 140 restricts the amount of movement of the moving member 130 in a first direction (a), thereby restricting the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft 120 in a first direction (A).

[0041] That is, by restricting the movement of the moving member 130, the first rotation restricting member 140 can restrict the rotation of the rotating shaft 120 so that the rotating shaft 120 rotates within a set angle. The first rotation restricting member 140 may include a guiding portion 141 and a locking protrusion 142.

[0042] The guiding portion 141 may be recessed into the inner side of the housing 110. The guiding portion 141 may be formed along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 120. The guiding portion 141 may guide the movement of the moving member 130.

[0043] The ball member 131 may be located on the guiding portion 141. The ball member 131 may have the same curvature as the guiding portion 141. The ball member 131 may roll between the spiral 121 and the guiding portion 141. In addition, according to the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 120, the ball member 131 may reciprocate in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 120.

[0044] Grease may be applied to the ball member 131 that rolls between the spiral 121 and the guiding portion 141 to reduce the frictional resistance.

[0045] The guiding portion 141 may be formed in a straight line shape that is the same as the axial direction of the rotating shaft 120, or may be formed in a diagonal shape that is inclined at a set angle.

[0046] The locking protrusion 142 may be provided on one side ( Figure 3 the upper side in

[0047] of the guiding portion 141). The locking protrusion 142 may protrude from the guiding portion 141 toward the rotating shaft 120. In addition, the guiding portion 141 may be stepped with respect to the locking protrusion 142. The locking protrusion 142 may restrict the movement of the moving member 130.

[0048] That is, by restricting the movement of the moving member 130, the second rotation restricting member 150 can restrict the rotation of the rotating shaft 120 so that the rotating shaft 120 rotates within a set angle.

[0049] The operation process of the steering device for a vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure having the above configuration will be described below.

[0050] Figure 4 and Figure 5 are cross-sectional views showing the operation states of the steering device for a vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 When the rotary shaft 120 performs a first - direction rotation (A), the moving member 130 performs a first - direction movement (a) along the helix 121 of the rotary shaft 120. In this case, the movement of the moving member 130 is guided by the guide portion 141 toward the axial direction of the rotary shaft 120. Here, the first - direction rotation (A) of the rotary shaft 120 may be counter - clockwise, and the first - direction movement (a) of the moving member 130 may be along a direction opposite to the position of the opening 110a of the housing 110 ( Figure 4 the upper side in

[0052] The movement of the moving member 130 that performs the first - direction movement (a) through the helix 121 of the rotary shaft 120 and the guide portion 141 is restricted by the locking projection 142, thereby restricting the first - direction rotation (A) of the rotary shaft 120.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5 When the rotary shaft 120 performs a second - direction rotation (B), the moving member 130 performs a second - direction movement (b) along the helix 121 of the rotary shaft 120. In this case, the movement of the moving member 130 is guided by the guide portion 141 toward the axial direction of the rotary shaft 120. Here, the second - direction rotation (B) of the rotary shaft 120 may be clockwise, and the second - direction movement (b) of the moving member 130 may be along the direction where the opening 110a of the housing 110 is located ( Figure 5 the lower side in

[0054] The movement of the moving member 130 that performs the second - direction movement (b) through the helix 121 of the rotary shaft 120 and the guide portion 141 is restricted by the second rotation restrictor 150 (which is coupled to the housing 110 and configured to cover the opening 110a), thereby restricting the second - direction rotation (B) of the rotary shaft 120.

[0055] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view showing a steering device for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a bottom view showing a steering device for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a cross - sectional view showing a steering device for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Reference Figures 6 to 10 The steering device 2 for a vehicle according to the second embodiment includes a housing 210, a rotary shaft 220, a moving member 230, a first rotation restrictor 240, and a second rotation restrictor 250, and the details are as follows.

[0057] The housing 210 can be mounted on the vehicle body. The housing 210 can be made of metal or resin and can be fixedly mounted on the vehicle body forming the driver's seat. An opening 210a can be provided on one side of the housing 210 ( Figure 6 the lower side in

[0058] The rotary shaft 220 is rotatably received in the housing 210. One side of the rotary shaft 220 ( Figure 8 the upper side in

[0059] can be joined to the shaft of a worm gear (not shown) mounted in the steering device 2 for the vehicle and can rotate axially in response to the rotation of the shaft of the worm gear.

[0060] The moving member 230 is disposed between the rotary shaft 220 and the housing 210. The moving member 230 moves by the rotation of the rotary shaft 220. The moving member 230 can include a spherical ball member 231. The ball member 231 can be made of metal or plastic.

[0061] A plurality of moving members 230 can be provided. According to one embodiment, the moving member 230 can include a first moving member 231 and a second moving member 232. In addition, the first moving member 231 can include a first ball member 231a, and the second moving member 232 can include a second ball member 232a.

[0062] The rotary shaft 220 can be provided with a helix 221. The helix 221 can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the opposite side ( Figure 8 the lower side in

[0063] of the rotary shaft 220. A plurality of helices 221 can be provided. In other words, the rotary shaft 220 can include a multi-threaded screw having a plurality of helices 221.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the helix 221 can include a first helix 221a and a second helix 221b. The first helix 221a can be formed along the axial direction of the rotary shaft 220. The first helix 221a can be configured to move the first moving member 231.

[0065] The second helix 221b can be formed along the axial direction of the rotary shaft 220. The second helix 221b can be spaced apart from the first helix 221a. In the second embodiment, the rotary shaft 220 can be exemplified as a double-threaded screw.

[0066] The second ball member 232a may be located on the thread groove of the second helix 221b. The second ball member 232a may have the same curvature as the thread groove of the second helix 221b.

[0067] The first rotation restrictor 240 may be disposed inside the housing 210. The first rotation restrictor 240 restricts the amount of movement of the moving member 230 in the first direction (a), thereby restricting the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft 220 in the first direction (A).

[0068] That is, by restricting the movement of the moving member 230, the first rotation restrictor 240 can restrict the rotation of the rotating shaft 220 so that the rotating shaft 220 rotates within a set angle. A plurality of first rotation restrictors 240 may be provided.

[0069] The plurality of first rotation restrictors 240 may be spaced apart inside the housing 210. In addition, the plurality of first rotation restrictors 240 may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the housing 210. The first rotation restrictor 240 may include a guide portion 241 and a locking protrusion 242.

[0070] The guide portion 241 may be recessed inside the housing 210. The guide portion 241 may be formed along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 220. The guide portion 241 may guide the movement of the moving member 230. The guide portion 241 may include a first guide portion 241a and a second guide portion 241b.

[0071] The first ball member 231a may be located on the first guide portion 241a. The first ball member 231a may have the same curvature as the first guide portion 241a. The first ball member 231a may roll between the first helix 221a and the guide portion 241a. Grease may be applied to the first ball member 231a that rolls between the first helix 221a and the first guide portion 241a to reduce the frictional resistance.

[0072] The second ball member 232a may be located on the second guide portion 241b. The second ball member 232a may have the same curvature as the second guide portion 241b. The second ball member 232a may roll between the second helix 221b and the second guide portion 241b. Grease may be applied to the second ball member 232a that rolls between the second helix 221b and the second guide portion 241b to reduce the frictional resistance.

[0073] According to the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 220, the first ball member 231a and the second ball member 232a may reciprocate in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 220.

[0074] The first guide portion 241a and the second guide portion 241b may be formed in a straight line shape that is the same as the axial direction of the rotating shaft 220, or in a diagonal shape that is inclined at a set angle.

[0075] The locking projection 242 may be provided on one side ( Figure 8 the upper side in ) of the guide portion 241. The locking projection 242 may protrude from the guide portion 241 toward the rotation axis 220. Further, the guide portion 241 may be stepped with respect to the locking projection 242.

[0076] A plurality of locking projections 242 may be provided. For example, in the case of a double-threaded screw, two locking projections 242 may be provided, and in the case of a triple-threaded screw, three locking projections 242 may be provided.

[0077] In other words, the number of the moving members 230 may be equal to the number of the locking projections 242. When the rotation axis 220 is a double-threaded screw in which two helices 221 are formed, the moving members 230 may be respectively positioned on the threads, and each thread may be provided with a locking projection 242.

[0078] According to the second embodiment, the locking projection 242 may include a first locking projection 242a and a second locking projection 242b. The first locking projection 242a may restrict the movement of the first moving member 231, and the second locking projection 242b may restrict the movement of the second moving member 232.

[0079] The second rotation restrictor 250 is coupled to the housing 210. The second rotation restrictor 250 covers the opening 210a of the housing 210. The second rotation restrictor 250 restricts the amount of movement of the moving member 230 in the second direction (b), thereby restricting the amount of rotation of the rotation axis 220 in the second direction (B).

[0080] That is, by restricting the movement of the moving member 230, the second rotation restrictor 250 may restrict the rotation of the rotation axis 220 so that the rotation axis 220 rotates within a set angle.

[0081] The operation process of the steering device for a vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure having the above configuration will be described below.

[0082] Figure 9 and Figure 10 are cross-sectional views showing the operation states of the steering device for a vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 9 , when the rotation axis 220 performs a first-direction rotation (A), the first moving member 231 and the second moving member 232 perform a first-direction movement (a) along the first helix 221a and the second helix 221b of the rotation axis 220.

[0084] The movement of the first moving member 231 is guided by the first guiding portion 241a in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 220, and the movement of the second moving member 232 is guided by the second guiding portion 241b in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 220.

[0085] The first-direction rotation (A) of the rotating shaft 220 may be in the counterclockwise direction, and the first-direction movement (a) of the first moving member 231 and the second moving member 232 may be along the direction opposite to the position of the opening 210a of the housing 210 ( Figure 9 the upper side in).

[0086] The movement of the first moving member 231 that performs the first-direction movement (a) through the first helix 221a of the rotating shaft 220 and the first guiding portion 241a and the movement of the second moving member 232 that performs the first-direction movement (a) through the second helix 221b and the second guiding portion 241b are respectively restricted by the first locking protrusion 242a and the second locking protrusion 242b, thereby restricting the first-direction rotation (A) of the rotating shaft 220.

[0087] The plurality of moving members 230 may be positioned at corresponding positions on the plurality of helices 221 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 220.

[0088] When the rotating shaft 220 is a double-threaded screw in which two helices 221 are formed, the first moving member 231 and the second moving member 232 may be located at the same position in the axial direction and may move the same amount. Accordingly, the first moving member 231 and the second moving member 232 are respectively locked by the first locking protrusion 242a and the second locking protrusion 242b at the same time.

[0089] The plurality of moving members 230 may respectively contact the first rotation restricting member 240, particularly the locking protrusion 242, so as to respectively contact the plurality of locking protrusions 242 at the same time.

[0090] When the rotating shaft 220 is a triple-threaded screw in which three helices 221 are formed, the three moving members may be located at the same position in the axial direction and may move the same amount. Accordingly, the three moving members 230 are respectively locked by the three locking protrusions 242.

[0091] Refer to Figure 6 and Figure 10 , when the rotating shaft 220 performs the second-direction rotation (B), the first moving member 231 and the second moving member 232 perform the second-direction movement (b) along the first helix 221a and the second helix 221b of the rotating shaft 220.

[0092] The movement of the first moving member 231 is guided by the first guiding portion 241a in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 220, and the movement of the second moving member 232 is guided by the second guiding portion 241b in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 220.

[0093] The second-direction rotation (B) of the rotary shaft 220 may be clockwise, and the second-direction movement (b) of the first moving member 231 and the second moving member 232 may be along the direction where the opening 210a of the housing 210 is located ( Figure 10 the lower side in).

[0094] The first moving member 231 performs the second-direction movement (b) through the first helix 221a of the rotary shaft 220 and the first guiding portion 241a, and the second moving member 232 performs the second-direction movement (b) through the second helix 221b and the second guiding portion 241b. The movement of both moving members is restricted by the second rotation restrictor 250 (which is coupled to the housing 210 and configured to cover the opening 210a), thereby restricting the second-direction rotation (B) of the rotary shaft 220.

[0095] The steering device 1 for a vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may operate as follows: When a driver operates the steering wheel, the rotary shaft 120 connected to the steering wheel rotates. The movement of the moving member 130 moving in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 120 is restricted by the first rotation restrictor 140 or the second rotation restrictor 150, thereby causing the rotary shaft 120 to rotate within a set angle.

[0096] Due to the plurality of moving members 230 moving in the axial direction of the rotary shaft 220, the steering device 2 for a vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can distribute the load between the first rotation restrictor 240 and the second rotation restrictor 250.

[0097] The present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible.

Claims

1. A steering device for a vehicle, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing; A rotating shaft rotatably received in the housing; A moving member disposed between the rotating shaft and the housing and moved by rotation of the rotating shaft; A first rotation restricting member disposed inside the housing and configured to restrict the amount of movement of the moving member in a first direction, thereby restricting the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft in the first direction; And A second rotation restricting member coupled to the housing and configured to cover an opening of the housing and restrict the amount of movement of the moving member in a second direction, thereby restricting the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft in the second direction.

2. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating shaft is provided with a helix configured to move the moving member.

3. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first rotation restricting member includes: A guiding portion recessed inside the housing, formed along an axial direction of the rotating shaft and configured to guide movement of the moving member; and A locking protrusion provided on one side of the guiding portion and configured to restrict movement of the moving member in the first direction.

4. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The moving member includes a spherical ball member.

5. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ball member rolls between the helix and the guiding portion.

6. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The ball member, the helix and the guiding portion have the same curvature.

7. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guiding portion is formed in a straight shape or a diagonal shape.

8. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, A plurality of the moving members are provided, and a plurality of helices are provided in the rotating shaft, the plurality of helices being configured to move the plurality of moving members respectively.

9. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plurality of moving members are positioned at corresponding positions on the plurality of helices along the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

10. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that, The helix includes: A first helix formed along the axial direction of the rotating shaft; and A second helix formed along the axial direction of the rotating shaft and spaced apart from the first helix.

11. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that, A plurality of the first rotation restricting members are spaced apart inside the housing.

12. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that, When contacting the first rotation restricting member, the plurality of moving members respectively contact the plurality of first rotation restricting members simultaneously.

13. The steering device for a vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that, When contacting the second rotation restricting member, the plurality of moving members respectively contact the plurality of second rotation restricting members simultaneously.

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