Angle limiting structure of automobile steering system road feeling simulator

Abstract

The utility model discloses an angle limiting structure of a road feel simulator of an automobile steering system, which comprises a shell internally provided with a worm gear assembly, and further comprises a limiting worm arranged in the shell and positioned on one side of the worm gear assembly, the worm thread part is located at the first axial end of the limiting worm and meshed with the worm gear assembly, the limiting lead screw part is located at the second axial end of the limiting worm, a limiting nut is arranged on the outer side of the limiting lead screw part in a sleeving mode, and the limiting nut and the shell are in anti-rotation fit. A limiting part used for limiting axial movement of the limiting nut is arranged at the position, close to the second axial end of the limiting worm, of the shell, and the limiting worm located on the side portion of the worm wheel assembly is independently arranged in the inner space of the shell so that rotation of the worm wheel assembly can be converted into axial movement of the limiting nut. Therefore, angle limiting of a large stroke is achieved, an existing worm wheel assembly does not need to be modified, and adaptability is good.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive steering system technology, specifically to an angle limiting structure for an automotive steering system road feel simulator. Background Technology

[0002] A road feel simulator for automotive steering systems is a device used to simulate road conditions and steering force feedback during vehicle operation. It allows drivers to experience road feedback similar to real driving in a simulator or actual vehicle, including road unevenness, steering resistance, and self-centering force, thereby improving the driving experience and training effectiveness. It is typically based on force feedback technology, implemented through motors, sensors, and a control system. Sensors monitor information such as the steering wheel's rotation angle, speed, and force. The control system calculates the force to be applied to the steering wheel based on this information, along with a preset road surface model and algorithm. This force is then fed back to the driver via a motor. For example, when simulating a vehicle driving on a rough road surface, sensors detect minute vibrations in the steering wheel. The control system calculates the corresponding force based on the road roughness model and uses a motor to vibrate the steering wheel, allowing the driver to feel the road unevenness. To limit the steering wheel's extreme positions, an angle limiting structure needs to be installed in the road feel simulator. However, existing angle limiting structures have relatively small travel and the limiting travel is not adjustable, failing to meet the requirements. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides an angle limiting structure for a road feel simulator of an automotive steering system, which can solve various problems of existing angle limiting structures for road feel simulators.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an angle limiting structure for a road feel simulator of an automotive steering system, comprising a housing, inside which a worm gear assembly is disposed, and a limiting worm, disposed within the housing and located on one side of the worm gear assembly. The limiting worm includes a worm thread portion located at the first axial end of the limiting worm and meshing with the worm gear assembly, and a limiting screw portion located at the second axial end of the limiting worm. A limiting nut is sleeved on the outer side of the limiting screw portion, and the limiting nut and the housing are anti-rotationally fitted. A limiting component for limiting the axial movement of the limiting nut is disposed on the housing near the second axial end of the limiting worm. By utilizing the internal space of the housing to separately set the limiting worm located on the side of the worm gear assembly, the rotation of the worm gear assembly is converted into the axial movement of the limiting nut, thereby achieving angle limiting with a relatively large stroke. No modification to the existing worm gear assembly is required, resulting in good adaptability.

[0005] Preferably, the limiting worm gear is provided with bearings that cooperate with the housing at both the first axial end and the middle part, ensuring the stable rotation of the limiting worm gear.

[0006] Preferably, an anti-rotation groove is provided axially inside the housing corresponding to the position of the limiting screw, and an anti-rotation protrusion is provided on the outside of the limiting nut, which is embedded in the anti-rotation groove. The cooperation between the anti-rotation protrusion and the anti-rotation groove can ensure that the limiting nut can only move axially and cannot rotate.

[0007] Preferably, an outer cylinder is provided on the housing at a position corresponding to the limiting screw part. The limiting nut moves axially within the outer cylinder. The limiting screw part and the outer cylinder can be set to different lengths as needed to meet the requirements of different rotation angle restrictions. Moreover, the length of the limiting screw part and the outer cylinder will not occupy the original space of the housing.

[0008] Preferably, the end of the outer cylinder is provided with a limiting end cap for restricting the axial movement of the limiting nut. The limiting end cap can be used as a limiting component to limit the extreme position of the limiting nut, which simplifies the assembly process and the structure of the outer cylinder.

[0009] Preferably, a worm assembly meshing with the worm gear assembly is provided on the other side of the worm gear assembly inside the housing. A motor axially connected to the worm gear assembly is installed on the housing. The worm gear assembly can be rotated by driving the motor, thereby simulating the resistance and vibration of the road feel and transmitting them to the steering wheel.

[0010] Preferably, the axial end of the worm gear assembly is provided with a plurality of first protruding teeth around the circumference, and a coupling is sleeved on the main shaft of the motor. The end face of the coupling is provided with a plurality of second protruding teeth around the circumference. The first protruding teeth and the second protruding teeth are on the same plane. A buffer is coaxially provided between the coupling and the worm gear assembly. The buffer is provided with a plurality of partition blocks arranged circumferentially. The partition blocks separate the first protruding teeth and the second protruding teeth. By providing a buffer between the coupling and the worm gear assembly, the transmission between the motor and the worm gear assembly can be made smooth, with less impact, vibration and noise, and abnormal noise is avoided.

[0011] Preferably, an axially movable top block is installed inside the worm gear assembly near the coupling. One end of the top block abuts against the buffer, and an elastic element is installed between the other end and the worm gear assembly. This can limit the position of the buffer and prevent it from jumping between the worm gear assembly and the coupling, thus preventing abnormal noise.

[0012] Preferably, the buffer component has a through hole in the middle, and the end of the motor spindle is inserted into the through hole, which can improve the coaxiality of the installation between the buffer component and the coupling.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0014] By utilizing the internal space of the housing to separately set a limiting worm gear located on the side of the worm gear assembly, the rotation of the worm gear assembly is converted into the axial movement of the limiting nut, thereby achieving a relatively large stroke angle limit. No modification to the existing worm gear assembly is required, resulting in good adaptability. When the steering wheel angle is rotated to the design limit position, the worm gear reaches the hard limit stop point, thereby controlling the limit rotation angle of the steering wheel and preventing over-steering, damage to the angle sensor, and vehicle accidents. By setting a buffer between the coupling and the worm gear assembly, the transmission between the motor and the worm gear assembly can be made smooth, with low impact, vibration, and noise, avoiding abnormal noise. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a front sectional view of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the worm gear assembly of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the motor of this utility model.

[0019] Figure label:

[0020] 1. Housing; 11. Steering inner tube; 12. Limiting nut; 13. Coupling; 131. Second convex tooth; 14. Outer cylinder; 2. Worm gear assembly; 3. Worm assembly; 31. First convex tooth; 4. Limiting worm; 41. Worm threaded part; 42. Limiting screw part; 5. Motor; 6. Bearing; 7. Limiting end cover; 8. Elastic element; 9. Top block; 10. Buffer element; 101. Through hole; 102. Separator block. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] like Figure 1-4As shown, this utility model provides the following technical solution to solve various problems of existing road feel simulator installation angle limiting structures: An angle limiting structure for a car steering system road feel simulator includes a housing 1, a worm gear assembly 2 is disposed inside the housing 1, and a limiting worm 4 is disposed inside the housing 1 and located on one side of the worm gear assembly 2. The limiting worm 4 includes a worm threaded portion 41 located at the first axial end of the limiting worm 4 and meshing with the worm gear assembly 2, and a limiting screw portion 42 located at the second axial end of the limiting worm 4. A limiting nut 12 is sleeved on the outer side of the limiting screw part 42. The limiting nut 12 and the housing 1 are anti-rotation fit. A limiting component for limiting the axial movement of the limiting nut 12 is provided on the housing 1 near the second axial end of the limiting worm 4. By using the internal space of the housing 1 to separately set the limiting worm 4 on the side of the worm gear assembly 2, the rotation of the worm gear assembly 2 is converted into the axial movement of the limiting nut 12, thereby achieving a relatively large stroke angle limit. No modification to the existing worm gear assembly 2 is required, and the adaptability is good.

[0023] Specifically, the worm gear assembly 2 is used to connect to the steering inner tube 11 of the steering system. The worm gear assembly 2 is located in the middle of the housing 1. The limiting worm 4 can be installed using the side space of the worm gear assembly 2 without occupying the axial space of the worm gear assembly 2, making the installation more flexible. The thickness of the limiting nut 12 can be adjusted according to its stroke requirements. For example, the axial thickness of the limiting nut 12 is 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm, which corresponds to different ranges of steering angles. For example, in this embodiment, the axial thickness of the limiting nut is 4mm, the stroke is ±30mm, the worm gear can rotate at an angle of ±540°, the worm gear transmission ratio is 10:1, and the pitch of the limiting worm is 2.

[0024] In this embodiment, the limiting worm 4 is provided with bearings 6 that cooperate with the housing 1 at both the first axial end and the middle part, ensuring the stable rotation of the limiting worm 4. A step can be provided in the middle part of the limiting worm 4. The step can limit the stroke of the limiting nut 12 and also limit the position of the bearing 6.

[0025] In this embodiment, as an anti-rotation structure, an anti-rotation groove (not shown in the figure) is provided axially inside the housing 1 at the position corresponding to the limiting screw part 42. An anti-rotation protrusion embedded in the anti-rotation groove is provided on the outer side of the limiting nut 12. Through the cooperation of the anti-rotation protrusion and the anti-rotation groove, the limiting nut 12 can only move axially and cannot rotate. The anti-rotation groove can be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the limiting screw part 42. Similarly, there are two anti-rotation protrusions, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the limiting nut 12.

[0026] To simplify the structure of the housing 1, an outer cylindrical member 14 is provided on the housing 1 at a position corresponding to the limiting screw part 42. The limiting nut 12 moves axially within the outer cylindrical member 14. The limiting screw part 42 and the outer cylindrical member 14 can be set with different lengths as needed to meet the requirements of different rotation angle restrictions. Moreover, the length of the limiting screw part 42 and the outer cylindrical member 14 does not occupy the original space of the housing 1. The outer cylindrical member 14 and the housing 1 can be detachably connected or have an interference fit. Different models of products can be assembled with outer cylindrical members 14 of different lengths without changing the structure of the housing 1, thus saving costs. At the same time, the end of the outer cylindrical member 14 is provided with a limiting end cap 7 for limiting the axial movement of the limiting nut 12. The limiting end cap 7 can act as a limiting component to limit the extreme position of the limiting nut 12, simplifying the assembly process and the structure of the outer cylindrical member 14. The limiting end cap 7 can be connected to the outer cylindrical member 14 with screws.

[0027] In this embodiment, a worm assembly 3 that meshes with the worm gear assembly 2 is provided on the other side of the worm gear assembly 2 inside the housing 1. A motor 5 that is axially connected to the worm gear assembly 3 is installed on the housing 1. The worm gear assembly 3 is driven to rotate by the motor 5, which can cause the worm gear assembly 2 to rotate, thereby simulating the resistance and vibration of the road feel and transmitting them to the steering wheel.

[0028] As a connection between the worm gear assembly 3 and the motor 5, the axial end of the worm gear assembly 3 is provided with a plurality of first protruding teeth 31 around its circumference. A coupling 13 is sleeved on the main shaft of the motor 5. The end face of the coupling 13 is provided with a plurality of second protruding teeth 131 around its circumference. The first protruding teeth 31 and the second protruding teeth 131 are on the same plane. A buffer member 10 is coaxially arranged between the coupling 13 and the worm gear assembly 3. The buffer member 10 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially arranged partition blocks 102, which separate the first protruding teeth 31 from the second protruding teeth 131. A buffer 10 is provided between the coupling 13 and the worm gear assembly 3 to ensure smooth transmission between the motor 5 and the worm gear assembly 3, with low impact, vibration, and noise, and to prevent abnormal noise. The number of first convex teeth 31 and second convex teeth 131 is the same, which can be 4 or 6. The number of partition blocks 102 on the buffer 10 is twice the number of first convex teeth 31 and second convex teeth 131. Therefore, two partition blocks 102 are provided between adjacent first convex teeth 31, and a second convex tooth 131 is provided between two partition blocks 102. The buffer 10 can be made of epoxy resin, nylon, or other materials, which are not prone to generating noise.

[0029] In this embodiment, to ensure the secure installation of the buffer 10, an axially movable top block 9 is installed inside the worm gear assembly 3 near the coupling 13. One end of the top block 9 abuts against the buffer 10, and an elastic element 8 is installed between the other end and the worm gear assembly 3. This limits the position of the buffer 10, preventing it from jumping between the worm gear assembly 3 and the coupling 13 and causing abnormal noise. Additionally, a through hole 101 is provided in the middle of the buffer 10. The end of the motor 5's main shaft is inserted into the through hole 101, which improves the coaxiality of the buffer 10 and the coupling 13.

[0030] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0031] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined.

[0032] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. An angle limiting structure of a road feel simulator of an automobile steering system, comprising a housing (1), an inside of the housing (1) is provided with a worm gear assembly (2), characterized in that, It also includes a limiting worm (4), which is disposed inside the housing (1) and located on one side of the worm gear assembly (2). The limiting worm (4) includes a worm thread (41) located at the first axial end of the limiting worm (4) and meshing with the worm gear assembly (2) and a limiting screw (42) located at the second axial end of the limiting worm (4). A limiting nut (12) is sleeved on the outside of the limiting screw (42). The limiting nut (12) and the housing (1) are anti-rotation fit. A limiting component for limiting the axial movement of the limiting nut (12) is provided on the housing (1) near the second axial end of the limiting worm (4).

2. The angle limiting structure of a road feel simulator for a vehicle steering system according to claim 1, characterized by: The limiting worm (4) is provided with bearings (6) that cooperate with the housing (1) at its first axial end and middle.

3. The angle limiting structure of the automotive steering system road feel simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) has an anti-rotation groove along the axial direction at the position corresponding to the limiting screw part (42), and the limiting nut (12) has an anti-rotation protrusion embedded in the anti-rotation groove on the outside.

4. The angle limiter structure for a road-feeling simulator of a vehicle steering system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: An outer cylinder (14) is provided on the housing (1) at a position corresponding to the limiting screw part (42), and the limiting nut (12) moves axially within the outer cylinder (14).

5. The angle limiting structure of a road feel simulator of an automotive steering system according to claim 4, characterized by: The end of the outer cylinder (14) is provided with a limiting end cap (7) for limiting the axial movement of the limiting nut (12).

6. The angle limiting structure of a road feel simulator of an automobile steering system according to claim 1, characterized by: The housing (1) is provided with a worm assembly (3) that meshes with the worm gear assembly (2) on the other side of the worm gear assembly (2), and a motor (5) that is axially connected to the worm gear assembly (3) is installed on the housing (1).

7. The angle limiting structure of a road feel simulator of an automotive steering system according to claim 6, characterized by: The worm gear assembly (3) has a plurality of first protruding teeth (31) arranged around its circumference at its axial end. A coupling (13) is sleeved on the main shaft of the motor (5). A plurality of second protruding teeth (131) are arranged around its circumference on the end face of the coupling (13). The first protruding teeth (31) and the second protruding teeth (131) are on the same plane. A buffer (10) is coaxially arranged between the coupling (13) and the worm gear assembly (3). A plurality of partition blocks (102) are arranged circumferentially on the buffer (10). The partition blocks (102) separate the first protruding teeth (31) and the second protruding teeth (131).

8. The angle limiting structure of a road feel simulator of an automotive steering system according to claim 7, characterized by: The worm gear assembly (3) has an axially movable top block (9) installed inside one end near the coupling (13). One end of the top block (9) abuts against the buffer (10), and the other end is fitted with an elastic element (8) between it and the worm gear assembly (3).

9. The angle limiting structure of a road feel simulator of an automotive steering system according to claim 7, characterized by: The buffer (10) has a through hole (101) in the middle, and the end of the main shaft of the motor (5) is inserted into the through hole (101).

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