Steering feedback actuator

Abstract

A steering feedback actuator includes: a housing; a cover disposed to face the housing; the motor is arranged in the shell; a sun gear connected to the motor; a ring gear arranged to surround the sun gear; a planetary gear disposed between the sun gear and the ring gear; a carrier connected to the planetary gear and rotating with rotation of the planetary gear; and a fixing member disposed between the cover and the ring gear and configured to fix the cover to the ring gear. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the speed reduction member and the motor are disposed in spaces separated from each other in the housing, interference between the motor and the speed reduction member can be prevented, and damage to the motor caused by lubricating oil or foreign matter can be prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to a steering feedback actuator, and more specifically, to a steering feedback actuator that provides feedback to the steering wheel in a steer-by-wire (SBW) system. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional power steering systems for vehicles are fluid pressure steering systems, which use an oil pump driven by engine power to generate fluid pressure, and then use this fluid pressure to generate steering assistance power. The disadvantage of this fluid pressure steering system is that it requires multiple parts and has a complex structure. Therefore, a SBW (Steering Wheel Drive) system has been developed, which transmits the driver's steering intention to the wheels via electrical signals, eliminating the need for a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. Because the SBW system can easily change the steering ratio according to vehicle driving conditions, it can improve driving convenience and vehicle stability.

[0003] A SBW system may include a steering feedback actuator (SFA) and a road wheel actuator (RWA). The SFA provides feedback to the steering wheel, allowing the driver to feel the weight of the steering wheel when it is rotated and manipulated. This feedback can be generated and provided by a feedback motor connected to the steering wheel.

[0004] The background technology of this disclosure is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-0530034 (November 14, 2005), entitled "steering repellent power control apparatus of steer-by-wire system that controlling for repellent power torque by width acceleration". Utility Model Content

[0005] Various implementations relate to providing a steering feedback actuator capable of achieving reduced size and high reduction ratio.

[0006] In one embodiment, a steering feedback actuator may include: a housing; a cover arranged to face the housing; a motor arranged within the housing; a sun gear connected to the motor; a ring gear arranged to surround the sun gear; a planetary gear arranged between the sun gear and the ring gear; a bracket connected to the planetary gear and rotating with the rotation of the planetary gear; and a fixing member disposed between the cover and the ring gear and configured to secure the cover to the ring gear.

[0007] The housing may include: a housing body; a first receiving portion disposed within the housing body and configured to receive a motor; a second receiving portion disposed between the first receiving portion and a cover and configured to receive a ring gear; and a partition rib disposed between the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion.

[0008] The planetary gear may include: a first planetary gear body that meshes with a sun gear; and a second planetary gear body that is configured to extend from the first planetary gear body and mesh with a ring gear.

[0009] The diameter of the second planetary gear body can be smaller than the diameter of the first planetary gear body.

[0010] The support may include: a support body arranged to face the planetary gear and configured to penetrate the cover; and a transmission shaft coupled to the support body and configured to extend to the outside of the cover.

[0011] The fixing member may include: a guide rail recessed in either the cover or the ring gear; and a guide pin configured to protrude from the other of the cover and the ring gear and insert into the guide rail.

[0012] The cover and the ring gear can be arranged to face each other in a first direction. The guide rail can include: a first guide rail configured to extend in the first direction; and a second guide rail configured to extend from the first guide rail in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0013] As the guide pin moves from the first guide rail toward the second guide rail, the gap between the cover and the ring gear can be reduced.

[0014] The fixing member may further include: a first wedge portion configured to project from the cover toward the ring gear; and a second wedge portion configured to project from the ring gear toward the cover, contact the first wedge portion, and restrict the guide pin from moving in a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0015] The first and second wedge-shaped portions can be elastically deformable.

[0016] Multiple first wedges can be provided. Multiple first wedges can be arranged in a circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the cover.

[0017] The first wedge portion may include: a first inclined surface arranged to be inclined relative to a first direction; and a first engaging surface configured to extend from the first inclined surface toward the cover and arranged parallel to the first direction. The second wedge portion may include: a second inclined surface arranged parallel to the first inclined surface and configured to contact the first inclined surface; and a second engaging surface configured to extend from the second inclined surface toward the ring gear and arranged parallel to the first direction.

[0018] The second wedge may also include a groove formed recessed from the second engaging surface.

[0019] The fixing member may include: a retainer body fixed within the ring gear; an extension configured to extend from the retainer body and penetrate the cover; and a filler portion disposed at the end of the extension and configured to support the ring gear relative to the cover.

[0020] The cross-sectional area of ​​the filler section can be larger than that of the extension section.

[0021] According to embodiments of this disclosure, since the reduction gear and the motor are arranged in separate spaces within the housing, interference between the motor and the reduction gear can be prevented, and damage to the motor caused by lubricating oil or foreign matter can be prevented.

[0022] According to embodiments of this disclosure, since the first planetary gear body and the second planetary gear body, which have different diameters, are respectively meshed and coupled with the sun gear and the ring gear, the reduction ratio of the reduction member can be further increased within a limited space.

[0023] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, since the ring gear is fixed to the cover by a fixing member, the degree of deformation of the ring gear can be relatively reduced compared to the case where the ring gear is press-fitted and fixed to the housing, and noise generation and reduced durability caused by the deformation of the ring gear can be prevented.

[0024] According to embodiments of this disclosure, since the guide rail and guide pin can fix the ring gear to the cover only by the relative movement of the cover and the ring gear, assembly steps can be reduced and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0025] According to embodiments of this disclosure, because the movement of each of the first and second wedge portions in the second direction of the guide pin is restricted, it is possible to prevent the cover and the ring gear from being arbitrarily separated by external vibration or external force. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of a steering device including a steering feedback actuator (SFA) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of an SFA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the construction of an SFA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the construction of an SFA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view showing the structure of the cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of a ring gear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a ring gear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of a planetary gear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the first wedge portion and the second wedge portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figures 10 to 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of assembling an SFA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 16 This is a schematic view illustrating the construction of a fixing member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of forming the filler portion according to this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In the following description, a steering feedback actuator (SFA) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] In this process, for clarity and convenience of description, the thickness of lines or the dimensions of components shown in the accompanying drawings may be enlarged. The terms described below have been defined by taking into account their function in this disclosure and may be changed according to the intent or practice of the passenger or operator. Therefore, these terms should be defined based on the overall content of this specification.

[0040] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a component is described as being "connected (or coupled)" to another component, that component may be "directly connected (or coupled)" to the other component, or it may be "indirectly connected (or coupled)" to the other component using another component located between the two components. When it is mentioned that a component "includes (or contains)" other components, this means that the component may also "include" the other component, rather than excluding the other component, unless there is an explicit description to the contrary.

[0041] Furthermore, throughout the specification, the same reference numerals may denote the same parts. Although the same or similar reference numerals may not be mentioned or described in a particular drawing, they may be described based on another drawing. Moreover, although reference numerals may not be indicated in a portion of a particular drawing, that portion may be described based on another drawing. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, the number, shape, and size of detailed parts included in the drawings of this application, relative differences between dimensions, etc., have been defined, and the embodiments are not limited, and implementations can take various forms.

[0042] In the following description of this disclosure using multiple embodiments, redundant descriptions of components that are the same as or correspond to each other in the multiple embodiments are omitted. For example, if another embodiment discloses a component that is the same as or corresponds to a component disclosed in any of the embodiments, then in that other embodiment, the description of the corresponding component is omitted, and the components that are different are mainly described.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of a steering device including a steering feedback actuator (SFA) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 The steering device according to this embodiment may include: a steering wheel 10, which is rotated by the driver's operation; a steering shaft 20, which is connected to the steering wheel 10; a steering actuator 31, which is spaced apart from the steering shaft 20 and adjusts the steering angle of the wheel W; and a steering feedback actuator (SFA) 40, which is connected to the steering shaft 20 and applies feedback to the steering shaft 20 in a direction opposite to the operation direction of the steering wheel 10.

[0045] The steering actuator 31 can adjust the steering angle of the wheel W based on data detected by a steering input sensor (not shown), which detects steering input information including at least one of the rotation angle and torque of the steering shaft 20.

[0046] The steering input sensor may include various types of sensing devices capable of detecting at least one of the rotational angle and torque of the steering shaft 20, such as angle sensors and torque sensors.

[0047] The steering actuator 31 may include a steering motor that rotates the pinion shaft 32 by power received from an external source. The steering actuator 31 can steer the wheels W by sliding a rack 33 connected to the pinion shaft 32 via a tie rod 34 and a steering knuckle arm 35.

[0048] SFA 40 can apply feedback to steering shaft 20 based on data detected by steering output sensor (not shown), which detects steering output information including at least one of the rotation angle of wheel W and the position of rack 33.

[0049] The steering output sensor may include various types of sensing devices capable of detecting at least one of the rotation angle of wheel W and the position of rack 33, such as angle sensors, position sensors, radar, cameras, and image sensors.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of an SFA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the construction of an SFA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the construction of an SFA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] See Figures 1 to 4 According to this embodiment, the SFA 40 includes a housing 100, a cover 200, a motor 300, a reduction member 400, and a fixing member 500.

[0052] The housing 100 forms the schematic appearance of the SFA 40 and can generally support the cover 200, motor 300, reduction member 400 and fixing member 500.

[0053] The housing 100 according to this embodiment may include a housing body 110, a first receiving portion 120, a second receiving portion 130, and a partition rib 140.

[0054] The housing body 110 can be formed as a hollow cylinder. The central axis of the housing body 110 can be arranged parallel to the first direction. Based on Figure 4 The description below illustrates an example where the first direction, as described below, is a direction from bottom to top parallel to the X-axis. The two ends of the housing body 110 perpendicular to the first direction can be configured to be open.

[0055] The first receiving portion 120 and the second receiving portion 130 can be arranged inside the housing body 110. The first receiving portion 120 and the second receiving portion 130 can be used as components to provide space for accommodating the motor 300 and the reduction member 400 within the housing body 110.

[0056] According to this embodiment, the first receiving portion 120 and the second receiving portion 130 can refer to spaces belonging to the entire internal space of the housing body 110 and arranged facing each other in a first direction. The first receiving portion 120 and the second receiving portion 130 can communicate with the external space of the housing body 110 through the open ends of the housing body 110. In this embodiment, the first receiving portion 120 and the second receiving portion 130 can be arranged sequentially in the first direction. That is, the second receiving portion 130 can be arranged at a position spaced apart from the first receiving portion 120 in the first direction at a predetermined interval. The cross-sectional shape of each of the first receiving portion 120 and the second receiving portion 130 perpendicular to the first direction can be designed and changed to various shapes other than circles, such as ellipses and polygons.

[0057] The partition rib 140 can be arranged between the first receiving portion 120 and the second receiving portion 130. The partition rib 140 can be used as a component to separate the first receiving portion 120 and the second receiving portion 130 from each other within the housing body 110.

[0058] The partition rib 140 according to this embodiment can be in the form of a generally circular plate. The central axis of the partition rib 140 can be arranged on the same axis as the central axis of the housing body 110. The outer circumferential surface of the partition rib 140 can be integrally formed with the inner circumferential surface of the housing body 110, or can be coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the housing body 110 by welding or fitting coupling. The two surfaces of the partition rib 140 perpendicular to the first direction can be arranged facing the first receiving portion 120 and the second receiving portion 130, respectively.

[0059] The cover 200 can be arranged to face the housing 100 and can seal the internal space of the housing 100. The cover 200 can be arranged to face the second receiving portion 130 in a first direction.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view showing the structure of the cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] refer to Figures 2 to 5 According to this embodiment, the cover 200 may include a first cover body 210 and a second cover body 220.

[0062] The first cover body 210 can be arranged inside the shell 100.

[0063] According to this embodiment, the first cover body 210 can be in the form of a cylinder that is hollow inside and open on both sides. The outer diameter of the first cover body 210 can be smaller than or the same as the inner diameter of the housing body 110. The central axis of the first cover body 210 can be arranged on the same axis as the central axis of the housing body 110. The first cover body 210 can be arranged inside the housing body 110, more specifically, inside the second receiving portion 130. The first cover body 210 can be inserted into the second receiving portion 130 by moving it from the outside of the housing body 110 toward the housing body 110 in a direction opposite to the first direction. In another embodiment, the first cover body 210 can be inserted into the second receiving portion 130 as the housing body 110 moves toward the first cover body 210 in the first direction.

[0064] The second cover body 220 extends from the first cover body 210 and can seal the housing 100.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the second cover body 220 may be in the form of a circular plate disposed within the first cover body 210. The outer circumferential surface of the second cover body 220 may be integrally formed with the inner circumferential surface of the first cover body 210, and may be coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the first cover body 210 by welding or assembly. The central axis of the second cover body 220 may be arranged on the same axis as the central axis of the first cover body 210. One surface of the second cover body 220 perpendicular to the first direction may be arranged to face the second receiving portion 130 in the first direction. The other surface of the second cover body 220 perpendicular to the first direction may be arranged to face the external space of the first cover body 210.

[0066] The cover 200 according to this embodiment may also include a support portion 230.

[0067] The support portion 230 extends from the first cover body 210 and can contact the housing 100.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the support portion 230 extends from the outer peripheral surface of the first cover body 210 toward the outer side of the first cover body 210 in the radial direction. The support portion 230 may be in the form of a ring surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the first cover body 210. When the first cover body 210 is inserted into the second receiving portion 130 at a set distance or greater, the support portion 230 may contact the end face of the housing body 110 arranged around the second receiving portion 130. The support portion 230 may be fixed to the housing body 110 by various types of coupling methods (such as welding, bolting, and assembly coupling).

[0069] The motor 300 is arranged inside the housing 100 and can generate driving force for driving the SFA 40.

[0070] The motor 300 according to this embodiment can be exemplified as various types of motors, each motor being constructed to include a stator (not shown) and a rotor (not shown), the rotor rotating by a magnetic field generated by the stator and capable of generating torque. The motor 300 can be arranged within the first receiving portion 120. The motor 300 can be fixed to the inner side of the housing body 110 surrounding the first receiving portion 120 or to a surface of the partition rib 140 facing the first receiving portion 120.

[0071] The motor 300 may include an output shaft 310 connected to the rotor.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the output shaft 310 can be in the form of a rod arranged parallel to the length direction of the first direction. The central axis of the output shaft 310 can be arranged on the same axis as the central axis of the housing body 110. One side of the output shaft 310 can be connected to the rotor. The other side of the output shaft 310 can protrude into the second receiving portion 130 through a partition rib 140. The output shaft 310 can be rotatably supported relative to the partition rib 140 by a bearing. When the motor 300 is driven, the output shaft 310 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about the central axis.

[0073] The reduction gear 400 is arranged inside the housing 100 and can be connected to the motor 300. The reduction gear 400 can be used as a component to transmit the torque generated by the motor 300 to the steering shaft 20.

[0074] The speed reduction member 400 can be arranged within the second receiving portion 130. Therefore, the SFA 40 according to this embodiment can prevent interference between the motor 300 and the speed reduction member 400, and can prevent lubricating oil from the speed reduction member 400 from entering the motor 300.

[0075] The deceleration member 400 according to this embodiment may include a sun gear 410, a ring gear 420, a planetary gear 430, and a support 440.

[0076] The sun gear 410 can be connected to the motor 300.

[0077] The sun gear 410 according to this embodiment can be in the form of a cylindrical spur gear or pinion gear, which has gear teeth formed on its outer circumferential surface. The sun gear 410 can be connected to the other side of the output shaft 310 of the motor 300, which protrudes into the second receiving portion 130. The central axis of the sun gear 410 is parallel to the first direction and can be arranged on the same axis as the central axis of the output shaft 310. The sun gear 410 can be integrally formed with the output shaft 310 of the motor 300 and can be coupled to the output shaft of the motor 300 by welding or spline coupling.

[0078] The ring gear 420 is spaced apart from the sun gear 410 and can be arranged to surround the sun gear 410. The ring gear 420 can be fixed to the cover 200 by a fixing member 500. The ring gear 420 can be made of plastic material. Therefore, the ring gear 420 can reduce the overall weight of the SFA 40 and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0079] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of a ring gear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the structure of a ring gear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The ring gear 420 according to this embodiment may include a ring gear body 421 and a flange 422.

[0081] The ring gear body 421 according to this embodiment can be in the form of a cylinder that is hollow inside and open on both sides. The outer diameter of the ring gear body 421 can be smaller than the inner diameter of the housing body 110. The ring gear body 421 can be arranged within the second receiving portion 130. The central axis of the ring gear body 421 can be arranged on the same axis as the central axis of the housing body 110. Gear teeth that mesh with the planetary gear 430 can be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the ring gear body 421. The outer circumferential surface of the ring gear body 421 can be spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the housing body 110 by a predetermined interval. Therefore, the ring gear body 421 can prevent noise generation and damage caused by collision with the housing body 110.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the flange 422 can be in the form of a ring with a hollow portion formed therein. The flange 422 can be integrally formed with one end of the ring gear body 421 arranged facing the cover 200. In another embodiment, the flange 422 can be coupled to one end of the ring gear body 421 by welding, bolting, or assembly coupling. The outer circumferential surface of the flange 422 can be configured to face the inner circumferential surface of the first cover body 210 in the radial direction of the housing body 110. A surface of the flange 422 facing the cover 200 (i.e., based on...) Figure 4 and Figure 6 The upper surface can be configured as a surface facing the second cover body 220 and the second receiving portion 130 in the first direction (i.e., based on...). Figure 4 and Figure 5 (the lower surface).

[0083] Planetary gear 430 is disposed within the second receiving portion 130 and may be positioned between the sun gear 410 and the ring gear 420. Planetary gear 430 can mesh and couple with both the sun gear 410 and the ring gear 420. The central axis of planetary gear 430 may be arranged parallel to a first direction. When the sun gear 410 rotates, planetary gear 430 can rotate about its central axis by the torque received from the sun gear 410. When the ring gear 420 is fixed to the cover 200 by the fixing member 500, planetary gear 430 can revolve around the sun gear 410 between the sun gear 410 and the ring gear 420 as the sun gear 410 rotates.

[0084] Multiple planetary gears 430 can be configured. Multiple planetary gears 430 can be arranged at predetermined intervals in their circumferential direction with the central axis of the sun gear 410 as the center. Figure 3 An example of forming three planetary gears 430 is shown, but the number of planetary gears 430 is not limited to this and can be designed and changed in various numbers (such as two and four).

[0085] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of a planetary gear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] refer to Figures 2 to 8 The planetary gear 430 according to this embodiment may include a first planetary gear body 431 and a second planetary gear body 432.

[0087] The first planetary gear body 431 forms the appearance of the planetary gear 430 on one side and can mesh with the sun gear 410.

[0088] According to this embodiment, the first planetary gear body 431 may be in the form of a cylindrical spur gear or pinion, which has gear teeth formed on its outer circumferential surface. The central axis of the first planetary gear body 431 may be set to be parallel to a first direction.

[0089] The outer circumferential surface of the first planetary gear body 431 can mesh and couple with the outer circumferential surface of the sun gear 410. Therefore, when the sun gear 410 rotates, the first planetary gear body 431 can rotate about the central axis by the torque received from the sun gear 410.

[0090] The second planetary gear body 432 forms the appearance of the planetary gear 430 on the other side and can mesh with the ring gear 420.

[0091] According to this embodiment, the second planetary gear body 432 can extend from the first planetary gear body 431 in a first direction. The second planetary gear body 432 can be in the form of a cylindrical spur gear or pinion with gear teeth formed on its outer circumferential surface. The central axis of the first planetary gear body 431 can be arranged on the same axis as the central axis of the first planetary gear body 431. The second planetary gear body 432 can be integrally formed with the first planetary gear body 431, and can be coupled to the first planetary gear body 431 after being manufactured separately from it.

[0092] The outer circumferential surface of the second planetary gear body 432 can mesh and couple with the ring gear 420 (more specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the ring gear body 421). When the ring gear 420 is fixed to the cover 200 by the fixing member 500, the second planetary gear body 432, together with the first planetary gear body 431, can revolve around the sun gear 410 in a circumferential direction.

[0093] The diameter of the second planetary gear body 432 may differ from the diameter of the first planetary gear body 431. For example, the diameter of the second planetary gear body 432 may be smaller than the diameter of the first planetary gear body 431. The number of gear teeth formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second planetary gear body 432 may be less than the number of gear teeth on the first planetary gear body 431. Therefore, the planetary gear 430 can achieve a high reduction ratio by relatively increasing the reduction ratio based on the ratio of the number of gear teeth on the first planetary gear body 431 to the number of gear teeth formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second planetary gear body 432.

[0094] The bracket 440 is connected to the planetary gear 430 and can rotate as the planetary gear 430 rotates. The bracket 440 can be used as a component to ultimately transmit the torque generated by the motor 300 to the steering shaft 20.

[0095] The bracket 440 according to this embodiment may also include a bracket body 441 and a transmission shaft 442.

[0096] The support body 441 is arranged to face the planetary gear 430 and can penetrate the cover 200. The support body 441 can be connected to the planetary gear 430. When the planetary gear 430 performs orbital motion, the support body 441 can rotate about its central axis. Therefore, when the motor 300 is running, the torque generated by the motor 300 can be transmitted to the support body 441 in sequence through the sun gear 410 and the planetary gear 430.

[0097] According to this embodiment, the support body 441 can be arranged to face the planetary gear 430 in a first direction. The central axis of the support body 441 can be arranged on the same axis as the central axis of the housing body 110.

[0098] One side of the support body 441 (i.e., based on) Figure 4 The top of the cover 200 can penetrate the second cover body 220. One side of the support body 441 can be supported to the second cover body 220 by a bearing that is centered about a central axis.

[0099] On the other side of the support body 441 (i.e., based on) Figure 4 The bottom of the support body 441 can be connected to the planetary gear 430 via a support pin (not shown) that penetrates the central portion of the planetary gear 430. Multiple planetary gears 430 can be connected to the other side of the support body 441.

[0100] The transmission shaft 442 is coupled to the support body 441 and can extend toward the outside of the cover 200.

[0101] According to this embodiment, the transfer shaft 442 can be connected to one side of the support body 441 that penetrates the second cover body 220. The central axis of the transfer shaft 442 can be arranged on the same axis as the central axis of the support body 441. The transfer shaft 442 can be integrally formed with the support body 441. In another embodiment, the transfer shaft 442 can be coupled to the support body 441 by various types of coupling methods (such as welding, bolting, and spline coupling). When the support body 441 rotates, the transfer shaft 442 can rotate together with the support body 441 about the central axis.

[0102] The end of the transmission shaft 442 may extend outward toward the second cover body 220. The end of the transmission shaft 442 may be connected to the steering shaft 20. Alternatively, the end of the transmission shaft 442 may be directly connected to the steering shaft 20. In another embodiment, the end of the transmission shaft 442 may be directly connected to the steering shaft 20 via various types of connecting devices (not shown) (such as gears and pulleys).

[0103] A fixing member 500 can be disposed between the cover 200 and the ring gear 420. The fixing member 500 can be used as a component to fix the ring gear 420 to the cover 200. Therefore, compared with the case where the ring gear 420 is press-fitted into the housing body 110, the SFA 40 according to this embodiment can relatively reduce the degree of deformation of the ring gear 420, and can prevent noise generation and reduced durability due to deformation of the ring gear 420.

[0104] The fixing member 500 according to this embodiment may include a guide rail 510 and a guide pin 520. Hereinafter, an example is described where the guide rail 510 is formed in the cover 200 and the guide pin 520 is formed in the ring gear 420, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The guide rail 510 may be formed in the ring gear 420, or the guide pin 520 may be formed in the cover 200.

[0105] When the cover 200 and the ring gear 420 are assembled, the guide rail 510 can be used as a component to guide the movement of the guide pin 520.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the guide rail 510 may have the form of a groove recessed from the cover 200 (more specifically, from the inner circumferential surface of the first cover body 210 toward the outer circumferential surface of the first cover body 210). Multiple guide rails 510 may be provided. The multiple guide rails 510 may be arranged at predetermined intervals in their circumferential direction, centered on the central axis of the first cover body 210.

[0107] The guide rail 510 according to this embodiment may include a first guide rail 511 and a second guide rail 512.

[0108] The first guide rail 511 may be a portion of the guide rail 510, which is part of the entire guide rail 510 and extends in a first direction. One end of the first guide rail 511 (i.e., based on...) Figure 5 The bottom of the first cover body 210 can penetrate one end of the partition rib 140 arranged towards the second receiving portion 130 (i.e., based on the bottom of the first cover body 210). Figure 5 (Bottom)

[0109] The second guide rail 512 may be the remainder of the entire portion of the guide rail 510 excluding the first guide rail 511. The second guide rail 512 may extend from the first guide rail 511 in a second direction intersecting the first direction. In this embodiment, the second direction may be exemplified as... Figure 5 The direction shown is inclined towards the YZ plane from the first direction at a set angle θ and extends clockwise along the inner circumferential surface of the first cover body 210 centered on the central axis of the first cover body 210.

[0110] When the cover 200 and the ring gear 420 are assembled, the guide pin 520 is inserted into the guide rail 510, and the guide pin 520 can be used as a component to mechanically support the ring gear 420 relative to the cover 200.

[0111] The guide pin 520 moves along the guide rail 510 and can adjust the gap between the cover 200 and the ring gear 420. For example, as the guide pin 520 moves from the first guide rail 511 toward the second guide rail 512, the gap between the cover 200 and the ring gear 420 (parallel to the first direction) can gradually decrease. More specifically, when the guide pin 520 moves along the first guide rail 511 in the first direction, either the cover 200 or the ring gear 420 can move toward the other cover 200 or the other ring gear 420 in a direction parallel to the first direction. When the guide pin 520 moves along the second guide rail 512 in the second direction, either the cover 200 or the ring gear 420 can rotate relative to the other cover 200 or the other ring gear 420 about the central axis of the housing body 110 and can move toward the other cover 200 or the other ring gear 420.

[0112] When the guide pin 520 is arranged at the end of the second guide rail 512, the support portion 230 can contact the housing body 110 in a manner that surrounds the end face of the second receiving portion 130.

[0113] The guide pin 520 may be made of the same material as the ring gear 420. In another embodiment, the guide pin 520 may be made of a different material than the ring gear 420 (e.g., a metallic material).

[0114] Multiple guide pins 520 can be provided. The number of guide pins 520 can be the same as the number of guide rails 510. During the assembly of cover 200 and ring gear 420, each guide pin 520 can be inserted into a different guide rail 510.

[0115] The guide pin 520 according to this embodiment may include a pin body 521 and a protrusion 522.

[0116] The pin body 521 is arranged inside the ring gear 420 and can support the protrusion 522.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the pin body 521 can be disposed within the flange 422. The pin body 521 can be integrally formed with the flange 422 by injection molding and can be fixed within the flange 422 by adhesive or press fitting.

[0118] The protrusion 522 extends from the pin body 521 and can be inserted into the guide rail 510.

[0119] According to this embodiment, the protrusion 522 can be in the form of a rod extending radially from the pin body 521 in the ring gear 420. The protrusion 522 can penetrate the outer circumferential surface of the flange 422 and protrude to the outside of the flange 422. The length of the protrusion 522 can be variously designed and varied within the range of the length into which the protrusion 522 can be inserted into the guide rail 510. The end of the protrusion 522 can be rounded and formed with a predetermined curvature. Therefore, the protrusion 522 can be smoothly inserted into the guide rail 510.

[0120] The fixing member 500 according to this embodiment may further include a first wedge portion 530 and a second wedge portion 540.

[0121] Both the first wedge portion 530 and the second wedge portion 540 can serve as components that allow the guide pin 520 (more specifically, the protrusion 522) to move within the second guide rail 512 in a second direction and restrict the protrusion 522 from moving in a direction opposite to the second direction. Therefore, the first wedge portion 530 and the second wedge portion 540 can prevent the protrusion 522 from moving in a direction opposite to the second direction and prevent the cover 200 and the ring gear 420 from arbitrarily separating from each other due to external vibration or external force.

[0122] The first wedge-shaped portion 530 can protrude from the cover 200 toward the ring gear 420 in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0123] Multiple first wedge portions 530 can be provided. Multiple first wedge portions 530 can be arranged at predetermined intervals in their circumferential direction with the central axis of the cover 200 as the center.

[0124] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the first wedge portion and the second wedge portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] refer to Figures 2 to 9 According to this embodiment, the first wedge-shaped portion 530 may include a first inclined surface 531 and a first trapping surface 532.

[0126] The first inclined plane 531 can be arranged to be inclined relative to the first direction.

[0127] According to this embodiment, the first inclined surface 531 can be positioned on a surface of the second cover body 220 facing the ring gear 420 in a first direction (i.e., based on...). Figure 5 and Figure 9 The lower surface extends toward the flange 422 at a predetermined angle to the first direction. Figure 5 and Figure 9 An example is shown in which the first inclined surface 531 extends in the direction of protrusion toward the flange 422 as the first inclined surface 531 points more to the right or clockwise. However, the direction in which the first inclined surface 531 extends is not limited to this and can be designed and changed in various ways depending on the shape of the guide rail 510 and the direction in which the guide rail 510 extends.

[0128] The first contact surface 532 can extend from the first inclined surface 531 toward the cover 200.

[0129] According to this embodiment, the first snap-fit ​​surface 532 can extend from the end of the first inclined surface 531 extending toward the flange 422 toward a surface of the second cover body 220. The first snap-fit ​​surface 532 can be configured to be parallel to the first direction. That is, the first snap-fit ​​surface 532 can be arranged to be perpendicular to a surface of the second cover body 220.

[0130] The second wedge-shaped portion 540 can protrude from the ring gear 420 toward the cover 200 in the first direction.

[0131] Multiple second wedge portions 540 can be provided. The number of multiple second wedge portions 540 can be the same as the number of multiple first wedge portions 530. The multiple second wedge portions 540 can be arranged at predetermined intervals in their circumferential direction with the central axis of the ring gear 420 as the center. During the assembly of the cover 200 and the ring gear 420, the second wedge portions 540 can contact different first wedge portions 530.

[0132] The second wedge-shaped portion 540 according to this embodiment may include a second inclined surface 541 and a second engaging surface 542.

[0133] The second inclined plane 541 is inclined relative to the first direction and can be arranged parallel to the first inclined plane 531.

[0134] According to this embodiment, the second inclined surface 541 can be obtained from one surface of the flange 422 (i.e., based on...). Figure 6 and Figure 9 The upper surface of the cover (which faces a surface of the second cover body 220 in the first direction) extends at a predetermined angle to the first direction. Figure 6 and Figure 9An example is shown in which the second slope 541 extends in the direction of protrusion toward the second cover body 220 as the second slope 541 points more to the left or counterclockwise. However, the direction in which the second slope 541 extends is not limited to this and can be designed and changed in various ways depending on the direction in which the first slope 531 extends.

[0135] The second inclined surface 541 can be arranged parallel to the first inclined surface 531. When the guide pin 520 is arranged inside the second guide rail 512, the second inclined surface 541 can contact the first inclined surface 531.

[0136] The second contact surface 542 can extend from the second inclined surface 541 toward the ring gear 420.

[0137] According to this embodiment, the second snap-fit ​​surface 542 can extend from the end of the second inclined surface 541 that extends toward the second cover body 220 toward a surface of the flange 422. The second snap-fit ​​surface 542 can be arranged parallel to the first direction. That is, the second snap-fit ​​surface 542 can be arranged perpendicular to a surface of the flange 422.

[0138] When the guide pin 520 moves within the second guide rail 512 in a direction opposite to the second direction, the second locking surface 542 can contact the first locking surface 532. In this case, since the first locking surface 532 and the second locking surface 542 are arranged parallel to the first direction, the first locking surface 532 and the second locking surface 542 can restrict the movement of the guide pin 520 in the second direction.

[0139] The first wedge portion 530 and the second wedge portion 540 can be configured to be elastically deformable. For example, both the first wedge portion 530 and the second wedge portion 540 can be made of an elastically deformable material (such as plastic). Therefore, when the first inclined surface 531 and the second inclined surface 541 are in contact with each other, the first wedge portion 530 and the second wedge portion 540 can make the movement of the guide pin 520 in the second direction smoother through their elastic deformation.

[0140] The second wedge-shaped portion 540 according to this embodiment may also include a groove 543.

[0141] According to this embodiment, the groove 543 may have the form of a groove formed recessed from the second engaging surface 542 to the interior of the second wedge-shaped portion 540. The direction in which the groove 543 extends is not limited to... Figure 9 The direction shown in the figure can be designed and modified in various ways within the range of directions intersecting with the first direction. Therefore, when the first inclined surface 531 and the second inclined surface 541 are in contact with each other, the groove 543 allows the compression and deformation of the second wedge portion 540 to proceed more smoothly.

[0142] The SFA 40 according to this embodiment may also include a control component 600.

[0143] The control component 600 can be used as a component that typically controls the operation of the motor 300.

[0144] The control component 600 according to this embodiment may include a control housing 610 and a control module 620.

[0145] According to this embodiment, the control housing 610 can be in the form of a container that is hollow inside and open on one side. The open side of the control housing 610 can be arranged to face the first receiving portion 120. The control housing 610 can be arranged to contact the end of the housing body 110 around the first receiving portion 120. The control housing 610 can be integrally formed with the housing body 110 or coupled to the housing body 110 by welding or bolting.

[0146] The control module 620 is disposed within the control housing 610 and can be connected to the motor 300. The control module 620 can control the operation of the motor 300 based on data detected by the steering output sensor. The control module 620 can be configured to include at least one of an electronic control unit (ECU), a central processing unit (CPU), a processor, or a system-on-chip (SoC), and can control multiple hardware or software components by driving an operating system or application, and can perform various types of data processing and operations. The control module 620 can be configured to execute at least one instruction stored in memory and store the result data of the execution in memory. The control module 620 can be configured to include at least one of radio frequency (RF), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and near field communication (NFC) devices, which can receive data detected by the steering output sensor and input signals generated by the driver terminal or various input devices, and various communication protocols can be implemented in these devices.

[0147] The process of assembling the SFA 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described below.

[0148] Figures 10 to 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of assembling an SFA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] refer to Figure 10With the motor 300 and the reduction gear 400 already installed inside the housing 100, the cover 200 can move toward the ring gear 420 in a direction opposite to the first direction. Figure 10 An example is shown where the cover 200 moves toward the ring gear 420 in a direction opposite to the first direction, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The ring gear 420 can move toward the cover 200 in the first direction.

[0150] refer to Figure 11 As the cover 200 moves toward the ring gear 420 at a set distance or further, the protrusion 522 inserts into the first guide rail 511.

[0151] As the protrusion 522 moves along the first guide rail 511 in the first direction, the cover 200 continues to move in the opposite direction to the first direction, and the gap between the cover 200 and the ring gear 420 decreases.

[0152] refer to Figure 12 Since the protrusion 522 is already positioned at the end of the first guide rail 511, and either the cover 200 or the ring gear 420 rotates relative to the other of the cover 200 or the ring gear 420 about the central axis of the housing body 110, the protrusion 522 moves along the second guide rail 512 in the second direction.

[0153] As the protrusion 522 moves along the second guide rail 512 in the second direction, the cover 200 rotates relative to the ring gear 420 and continues to move in the opposite direction to the first direction, and the gap between the cover 200 and the ring gear 420 decreases.

[0154] refer to Figures 13 to 15 When the protrusion 522 is arranged inside the second guide rail 512, the first inclined surface 531 contacts the second inclined surface 541.

[0155] When the protrusion 522 moves along the second guide rail 512 in the second direction, the first inclined surface 531 and the second inclined surface 541 move in opposite directions while the first inclined surface 531 and the second inclined surface 541 are in contact with each other.

[0156] The first wedge portion 530 and the second wedge portion 540 are compressed and deformed by a compressive force applied in a direction perpendicular to the first inclined surface 531 and the second inclined surface 541.

[0157] Therefore, as the protrusion 522 moves along the second guide rail 512 in the second direction, the first inclined surface 531 and the second inclined surface 541 can move relative to each other without increasing the gap between the cover 200 and the ring gear 420.

[0158] When the protrusion 522 moves along the second guide rail 512 in the second direction at predetermined intervals or greater intervals, the first inclined surface 531 and the second inclined surface 541 separate from each other.

[0159] This operation is repeated until the support 230 and the housing body 110 are arranged to contact the end of the second receiving portion 130.

[0160] As the first inclined surface 531 and the second inclined surface 541 separate from each other, the first snap-fit ​​surface 532 and the second snap-fit ​​surface 542 are arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0161] In this state, when the protrusion 522 moves along the second guide rail 512 in a direction opposite to the second direction, the first engaging surface 532 and the second engaging surface 542 come into contact with each other and restrict the movement of the protrusion 522 in the direction opposite to the second direction. Therefore, the cover 200 and the ring gear 420 can be maintained in a state where the cover 200 and the ring gear 420 are already fastened to each other.

[0162] In the following, an SFA 40 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0163] Referenced Figures 1 to 15 Compared to the SFA 40 described in this disclosure, the SFA 40 according to this embodiment can be constructed by making only the detailed components of the fixing member 500 different.

[0164] Therefore, when describing the SFA 40 according to this embodiment, only the detailed components of the fixing member 500 are described compared to the SFA 40 according to the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0165] The description of the SFA 40 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the remaining components of the SFA 40 according to the embodiments of this disclosure without any changes.

[0166] Figure 16 This is a schematic view illustrating the construction of a fixing member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0167] refer to Figure 16 The fixing member 500 according to this embodiment may include a retainer 550.

[0168] The retainer 550 extends from the ring gear 420 toward the cover 200 and can be secured to the cover 200. The retainer 550 can be made of a material different from that of the ring gear 420. For example, the retainer 550 can be made of a metallic material (such as steel). The retainer 550 can be integrally manufactured with the ring gear 420 by injection molding.

[0169] Multiple retainers 550 may be provided. Multiple retainers 550 may be arranged at predetermined intervals between the ring gear 420 and the cover 200 in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the ring gear 420.

[0170] The retainer 550 according to this embodiment includes a retainer body 551, an extension 552, and a filler portion 553.

[0171] The retainer body 551 is fixed inside the ring gear 420 and typically supports the extension 552 and the filler portion 553.

[0172] According to this embodiment, the retainer body 551 can be formed as a hollow ring. The retainer body 551 can be arranged within the flange 422. The central axis of the retainer body 551 can be arranged on the same axis as the central axis of the flange 422.

[0173] The extension 552 extends from the retainer body 551 and can penetrate the cover 200.

[0174] According to this embodiment, the extension 552 can be in the form of a post extending from the retainer body 551 toward the cover 200 in a first direction. The extension 552 can protrude from a surface of the second cover body 220 facing the cover 200 of the flange 422. The extension 552 can penetrate the second cover body 220 in the first direction. For this purpose, a through hole for inserting the extension 552 can be formed in the second cover body 220.

[0175] The caulking part 553 is arranged at the end of the extension 552 and can support the ring gear 420 relative to the cover 200.

[0176] According to this embodiment, the sealant 553 can be arranged at the end of the extension 552 that penetrates the second cover body 220 along the first direction. The cross-sectional area of ​​the sealant 553 can be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the extension 552. The sealant 553 can be arranged facing the retainer body 551, with the second cover body 220 located therebetween. Thus, the sealant 553 is trapped and coupled to the lateral surface of the second cover body 220, and the sealant 553 can restrict relative movement between the cover 200 and the ring gear 420 in a direction parallel to the first direction. The sealant 553 can be integrally formed with the extension 552. In another embodiment, after the sealant 553 is manufactured separately from the extension 552, the sealant 553 can be coupled to the extension 552.

[0177] Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of forming the filler portion according to this embodiment.

[0178] refer to Figures 16 to 18 According to this embodiment, the caulking portion 553 can be formed in its initial state to have the same cross-sectional area as the extension portion 552. As the cover 200 moves toward the ring gear 420 in a direction opposite to the first direction, the caulking portion 553 can penetrate the second cover body 220 together with the extension portion 552.

[0179] Subsequently, the caulking section 553 can be pressurized in the first direction by a pressurizing device J (such as a press).

[0180] The cross-sectional area of ​​the sealant 553 is increased by the pressure applied by the pressurizing device J. The sealant 553 can be held in place and coupled to the side surface of the second cover body 220.

[0181] The retainer 550 according to this embodiment may further include a reinforcement 554.

[0182] The reinforcement 554 can be used as a component that connects to the retainer body 551 and enhances the coupling force between the retainer 550 and the ring gear 420.

[0183] According to this embodiment, the reinforcement 554 can extend from the retainer body 551 toward the ring gear body 421. The reinforcement 554 can be in the form of a cylinder having a central axis arranged on the same axis as the central axis of the ring gear body 421. The length of the reinforcement 554 can be designed and varied according to the length of the ring gear body 421 parallel to the first direction.

[0184] This disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but these are merely exemplary. It should be understood that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments are possible based on well-known techniques in the art to which this applies.

[0185] Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of this disclosure is based on the technical solutions described above and should be determined based on the above-described details of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A steering feedback actuator, characterized in that, include: case; The cover is arranged to face the housing; The motor is arranged inside the housing; The sun gear is connected to the motor; A ring gear arranged to surround the sun gear; A planetary gear, which is arranged between the sun gear and the ring gear; A support, which is connected to the planetary gear and rotates as the planetary gear rotates; as well as A fixing member is disposed between the cover and the ring gear and is configured to fix the cover to the ring gear.

2. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes: Shell body; A first receiving portion is arranged within the housing body and configured to receive the motor; A second receiving portion, disposed between the first receiving portion and the cover, and configured to receive the ring gear; and A partition rib is arranged between the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion.

3. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The planetary gears include: The first planetary gear body meshes with the sun gear; and The second planetary gear body is configured to extend from the first planetary gear body and mesh with the ring gear.

4. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the second planetary gear body is smaller than the diameter of the first planetary gear body.

5. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support includes: The support body, arranged to face the planetary gear and configured to penetrate the cover; and A transmission shaft, which is coupled to the support body and configured to extend to the outside of the cover.

6. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing component includes: The guide rail is recessed into the interior of either the cover or the ring gear; and A guide pin is configured to protrude from the cover and another of the ring gear and insert into the guide rail.

7. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cover and the ring gear are arranged to face each other in a first direction, and The guide rail includes: A first guide rail, configured to extend in the first direction; and The second guide rail is configured to extend from the first guide rail in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

8. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 7, characterized in that, As the guide pin moves from the first guide rail toward the second guide rail, the gap between the cover and the ring gear decreases.

9. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fixing component also includes: A first wedge-shaped portion, configured to protrude from the cover toward the annular gear; and The second wedge portion is configured to protrude from the ring gear toward the cover, contact the first wedge portion, and restrict the guide pin from moving in a direction opposite to the second direction.

10. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first wedge portion and the second wedge portion are elastically deformable.

11. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first wedge portion is configured as multiple, and Multiple first wedge-shaped portions are arranged in a circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the cover.

12. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first wedge-shaped portion includes: A first inclined plane, which is arranged to be inclined relative to the first direction; and A first contact surface is configured to extend from the first bevel toward the cover and is arranged parallel to the first direction. The second wedge-shaped portion includes: A second inclined surface, arranged parallel to the first inclined surface and configured to contact the first inclined surface; and The second engagement surface is configured to extend from the second inclined surface toward the ring gear and is arranged parallel to the first direction.

13. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second wedge-shaped portion also includes a groove formed recessed from the second snap-fit ​​surface.

14. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing component includes: The retainer body is fixed inside the ring gear; An extension, configured to extend from the retainer body and penetrate the cover; and A caulking section is disposed at the end of the extension and is configured to support the ring gear relative to the cover.

15. The steering feedback actuator according to claim 14, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the filler portion is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the extension portion.

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