Steering-by-wire device, steering-by-wire system and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a steer-by-wire device, a steer-by-wire system and a vehicle. The steer-by-wire device comprises a steer-by-wire column assembly, the steer-by-wire column assembly comprises a steering column, one end of the steering column is connected to a steering component, and the steering component is used for receiving steering operation of a driver; the hand feeling simulator comprises a motor and a torque sensor, and a rotor of the motor is directly connected with the other end of the steering column through the torque sensor; and the control unit is used for controlling the motor to generate reaction force torque according to the steering operation. The motor of the hand feeling simulator is directly connected with the steering column through the torque sensor, a complex transmission connection structure between the motor and the steer-by-wire column assembly in an existing device is omitted, the connection mode of the hand feeling simulator and the steering column is simplified, the size of the steer-by-wire device is reduced, and the cost of the steer-by-wire device is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automobiles, and in particular to a wire-controlled steering device, a wire-controlled steering system and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Steering by Wire (SbW) is a new steering technology that eliminates the physical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels and completely uses electrical signals to control the steering of the wheels. It breaks away from the various limitations of traditional automobile steering systems and has the advantages of fast response, comfort, and lightness.

[0003] The current wire-controlled steering device has problems such as large size, complex connection structure and high cost, and it is necessary to improve the existing wire-controlled steering device. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the problems in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a steer-by-wire device, a steer-by-wire system and a vehicle, which have the advantages of small size, simple connection method and low cost.

[0005] The present invention provides a wire-controlled steering device, comprising:

[0006] A wire-controlled steering column assembly includes a steering column, one end of which is connected to a steering component for receiving a steering operation by a driver;

[0007] A hand feel simulator, comprising a motor and a torque sensor, wherein the rotor of the motor is directly connected to the other end of the steering column via the torque sensor;

[0008] A control unit is used to control the motor to generate a reaction torque according to the steering operation.

[0009] In some embodiments, the torque sensor is used to detect the torque of the steering column and generate a torque detection signal;

[0010] The control unit provides a torque control signal to the hand feeling simulator according to the torque detection signal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the wire-controlled steering column assembly, the hand feel simulator, and the control unit are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the steering column.

[0012] In some embodiments, the wire-controlled steering column assembly further includes a first housing, and the steering column is rotatably disposed inside the first housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the hand simulator further includes a second shell, and the motor is placed inside the second shell; the torque sensor includes a third shell and a rotating shaft rotatably connected to the third shell.

[0014] In some embodiments, a plurality of mounting posts are provided on the circumference of the third shell, a plurality of mounting holes opposite to the mounting posts are provided on the second shell, and the mounting posts cooperate with the mounting holes to fixedly connect the second shell and the third shell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the rotor is connected to a first end of the rotating shaft, and the steering column is connected to a second end of the rotating shaft.

[0016] The present invention also provides a steer-by-wire system, comprising:

[0017] A steer-by-wire device as described in any one of the above items; and

[0018] A turning device turns the wheels in response to a steering operation of the driver received by the steer-by-wire device.

[0019] In some embodiments, the control unit generates a slewing control signal according to the driver's steering operation received by the steer-by-wire device, and transmits the slewing control signal to the slewing device.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a vehicle, comprising the steer-by-wire system as described above.

[0021] The steer-by-wire device, steer-by-wire system, and vehicle provided by the present invention have the following advantages:

[0022] The motor of the hand feel simulator in the present invention is directly connected to the steering column through a torque sensor, eliminating the complex transmission connection structure between the motor of the hand feel simulator and the wire-controlled steering column assembly in the existing device, simplifying the connection method between the hand feel simulator and the steering column, reducing the volume of the wire-controlled steering device, and reducing the cost of the wire-controlled steering device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments made with reference to the following drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a steer-by-wire device provided by an embodiment of the present invention from a first viewing angle;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a steer-by-wire device provided by an embodiment of the present invention at a second viewing angle;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the connection between the hand feeling simulator and the control unit provided by one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a steer-by-wire device provided by one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a torque sensor provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram of a third shell of a hand feeling simulator provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a control unit provided by an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle provided in one embodiment of the present utility model.

[0032] Reference numerals:

[0033] 100 The second housing of the wire-controlled steering device 23 provided in this embodiment

[0034] 10 Mounting hole for wire-controlled steering column assembly 231

[0035] 11 Steering column 30 control unit

[0036] 12 First housing 200 Steering component

[0037] 20 Hand Feel Simulator 300 Rotation Unit

[0038] 21 Rotor 310 Rack shaft

[0039] 22 Torque sensor 320 Rotational force generating unit

[0040] 221 Third housing 330 Tie rod

[0041] 2211 Mounting column 340 Steering knuckle arm

[0042] 222 rotating shaft 400 wheel DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concepts of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. Identical reference numerals in the drawings represent identical or similar structures, and thus repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0044] In the description of this application, reference to the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and integrate different embodiments or examples described in this application, as well as features of different embodiments or examples, unless otherwise contradictory.

[0045] To address the issues with prior art steer-by-wire devices, the present invention provides a steer-by-wire device comprising: a steer-by-wire steering column assembly including a steering column, one end of which is connected to a steering member on which the driver performs steering operations; a hand feel simulator including a motor connected to the other end of the steering column; and a control unit for controlling the motor to generate a reaction torque based on the steering operation. By directly connecting the steering column to the motor in the hand feel simulator, the motor directly provides a reaction force to the steering column, eliminating the transmission connection mechanism between the steering column and the motor, simplifying the connection between the steering column and the motor, and reducing the size and cost of the steer-by-wire device.

[0046] The structure of the steer-by-wire device of the present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic diagrams of different angles of a steer-by-wire device provided by an embodiment of the present invention are shown; Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a steer-by-wire device provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing the connection between a hand feeling simulator and a control unit provided by an embodiment of the present utility model is shown; Figures 5 to 7 Schematic diagrams respectively show a torque sensor, a third housing of a hand feel simulator, and a control unit provided in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a vehicle with steer-by-wire technology provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a wire-controlled steering device, including a wire-controlled steering column assembly 10, a hand feel simulator 20 and a control unit 30. The wire-controlled steering column assembly 10, the hand feel simulator 20 and the control unit 30 are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the steering column 11.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the steering-by-wire steering column assembly 10 includes a steering column 11, one end of which is connected to a steering member (not shown) for receiving steering inputs from the driver. A hand-feel simulator 20 includes a motor and a torque sensor 22, with the motor's rotor directly connected to the other end of the steering column 11 via the torque sensor 22. A control unit 30 is configured to control the motor to generate a reaction torque based on the steering input.

[0049] By directly connecting the steering column 11 to the motor in the hand feel simulator 20, the motor can directly provide a reaction force to the steering column 11, thereby eliminating the transmission connection mechanism between the steering column 11 and the motor, simplifying the connection method between the steering column 11 and the motor, reducing the volume of the wire-controlled steering device, and reducing the cost of the wire-controlled steering device.

[0050] Specifically, the steering component is exemplified by a circular steering wheel, one end of the steering column 11 being connected to the steering wheel, and the driver's rotation of the steering wheel can drive the steering column 11 to rotate. It should be noted that the steering component in the present invention is not limited to the circular steering wheel described above, and can have other shapes or structures, as long as the driver can point and steer it.

[0051] Furthermore, the torque sensor 22 is used to detect the torque generated by the steering column 11 and generate a torque detection signal. The control unit 30 provides a torque control signal to the feel simulator 20 based on the torque detection signal. The steering operation performed by the driver is reflected on the steering column 11 as parameters such as the steering column 11's rotational torque, angular velocity, and rotational speed. The control unit 30 generates a torque control signal based on the detected torque detection signal, so that the reaction torque in the direction opposite to the steering torque input by the driver through the steering component is transmitted to the steering column 11, allowing the driver to obtain a steering feel.

[0052] Furthermore, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the wire-controlled steering column assembly 10 further includes a first housing 12, and the steering column 11 is rotatably disposed inside the first housing 12. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the hand simulator 20 further includes a second housing 23, and the motor is placed inside the second housing 23. Figure 3Only the motor's rotor 21 is shown; the torque sensor 22 also includes a third housing 221 and a rotating shaft 222 rotatably connected to the third housing 221. The rotor 21 is connected to the first end of the rotating shaft 222, and the steering column 11 is connected to the second end of the rotating shaft 222. The steering column 11 and rotor 21 are directly connected to both ends of the rotating shaft 222, directly connecting the steering column 11 to the feel simulator 20 without any transmission structure between them. This simplifies the connection between the steering column 11 and the motor, reduces the size of the steer-by-wire device, and reduces the cost of the steer-by-wire device. Because the steering column 11 is directly connected to the motor's rotor 21, the torque of the motor's rotor 21 is the same as the torque, angular velocity, and rotational speed of the steering column 11. Therefore, only one torque sensor is required to detect the torque, angular velocity, and rotational speed of the motor and steering column 11. Compared to conventional steer-by-wire devices, the steer-by-wire device provided by the present invention eliminates one angle sensor, reducing the cost of the steer-by-wire device.

[0053] When the control unit 30 transmits a torque control signal to the motor, it first provides the torque control signal to the stator of the motor, and then the rotor 21 of the motor generates a reaction force in the opposite direction of the driver's steering operation in response to the stator. The reaction force is transmitted to the steering column 11 through the torque sensor 22, so that the driver can get a driving feel.

[0054] Furthermore, if Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the torque sensor 22 is fixedly mounted on the second housing 23, which provides a stable installation for the torque sensor 22 to avoid excessive vibration, thereby affecting the stability of the data detected by the torque sensor 22 and the measurement accuracy. Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of mounting posts 2211 are provided on the circumference of the third shell 221; Figure 6 As shown, the second housing 23 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 231 opposite to the mounting posts 2211; Figure 4 As shown, the mounting post 2211 cooperates with the mounting hole 231 to securely connect the torque sensor 22 to the second housing 23 .

[0055] The present invention also provides a steer-by-wire system comprising a steer-by-wire device and a slewing device as described in any of the above embodiments. The slewing device rotates the wheels in response to the driver's steering operation received by the steer-by-wire device 100. Specifically, in some embodiments, the slewing device rotates by generating a slewing control signal based on the driver's steering operation received by the steer-by-wire device 100 by the control unit 30, and transmitting the slewing control signal to the slewing device. Because the steer-by-wire device 100 in the disclosed embodiment has the advantages of low cost, simple connection, and small size, the steer-by-wire system in the disclosed embodiment has the advantages of low cost, simple connection, and small size.

[0056] The present invention also provides a vehicle including the above-described steer-by-wire system. Since the steer-by-wire system obtained according to this solution has advantages such as low cost, simple connection, and small size, the vehicle of the disclosed embodiment has advantages such as low cost, simple connection, and small size.

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, a vehicle includes a steer-by-wire device 100, a steering member 200, a slewing device 300, and wheels 400. There is no mechanical torque transmission path between the steering member 200 and the slewing device 300. Instead, the steering device 100 responds to the driver's steering operation via the steering member 200, thereby controlling the slewing device 300 to steer the wheels 400. The steering device 100 has the function of receiving the driver's steering operation via the steering member 200, generating a reaction force to resist the steering operation, and transmitting the reaction force to the steering member 200. The slewing device 300 is configured to slew the wheels 400 in response to the driver's steering operation received by the steering device 100.

[0058] The slewing device 300 includes a rack shaft 310, a slewing force generating unit 320, a tie rod 330, and a knuckle arm 340. The slewing force generating unit 320 generates a slewing force based on a slewing control signal from the control unit 30, thereby displacing the rack shaft 310 axially. As the rack shaft 310 moves axially, the wheels 400 slew via the tie rods 330 provided at both ends of the rack shaft 310 and the knuckle arm 340 connected to the tie rods 330. The slewing force generating unit 320 includes a motor and a conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the motor's output shaft into linear motion in the axial direction of the rack shaft 310.

[0059] Specifically, the control unit 30 refers to the torque detection signal provided by the torque sensor 22 to generate a torque control signal and a rotation control signal. The torque control signal is used to control the torque generated by the feel simulator 20, and the rotation control signal is used to control the rotational force generated by the rotational force generating unit 320. The control unit 30 then supplies the torque control signal and the rotation control signal to the feel simulator 20 and the rotational force generating unit 320, respectively.

[0060] The control unit 30 may be further configured to generate the torque control signal and the slew control signal by further referring to a signal representing the steering angle of the steering member 200 and a vehicle speed indicator from a vehicle speed sensor.

[0061] In summary, the steer-by-wire device, steer-by-wire system, and vehicle provided by the present invention have the following advantages:

[0062] The wire-controlled steering device provided by the utility model eliminates the complex transmission connection structure between the hand feel simulator and the wire-controlled steering column assembly in the existing device by directly connecting the motor in the hand feel simulator to the steering column in the wire-controlled steering column assembly. Therefore, the connection method between the hand feel simulator and the steering column is simplified, the volume of the wire-controlled steering device is reduced, and the cost of the wire-controlled steering device is further reduced.

[0063] The above content is a further detailed description of the present invention in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, and the specific implementation of the present invention cannot be considered to be limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art of the present invention, without departing from the concept of the present invention, several simple deductions or substitutions can be made, which should be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wire-controlled steering device, characterized in that: include: A wire-controlled steering column assembly includes a steering column, one end of which is connected to a steering component for receiving a steering operation by a driver; A hand feel simulator, comprising a motor and a torque sensor, wherein the rotor of the motor is directly connected to the other end of the steering column via the torque sensor; A control unit is used to control the motor to generate a reaction torque according to the steering operation.

2. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 1, wherein: The torque sensor is used to detect the torque of the steering column and generate a torque detection signal; The control unit provides a torque control signal to the hand feeling simulator according to the torque detection signal.

3. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 1, wherein: The wire-controlled steering column assembly, the hand feel simulator and the control unit are arranged in sequence along the axial direction of the steering column.

4. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 1, wherein: The wire-controlled steering column assembly further includes a first housing, and the steering column is rotatably disposed inside the first housing.

5. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 1, wherein: The hand simulator further includes a second shell, and the motor is placed inside the second shell; the torque sensor includes a third shell and a rotating shaft rotatably connected to the third shell.

6. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A plurality of mounting posts are provided on the circumference of the third shell, and a plurality of mounting holes opposite to the mounting posts are provided on the second shell. The mounting posts cooperate with the mounting holes to fixedly connect the second shell and the third shell.

7. The steer-by-wire device according to claim 5, wherein: The rotor is connected to a first end of the rotating shaft, and the steering column is connected to a second end of the rotating shaft.

8. A steer-by-wire system, characterized in that: include: The steer-by-wire device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and A turning device turns the wheels in response to a steering operation of the driver received by the steer-by-wire device.

9. The steer-by-wire system according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit generates a turning control signal according to a steering operation of a driver received by the steer-by-wire device, and transmits the turning control signal to the turning device.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: Comprising a steer-by-wire system as claimed in claim 8 or 9.

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