Steering column device with steering angle limiting and feel simulation

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hand feeling simulation steering column device with steering angle limit, wherein, torsion bar one end is fixed in motor assembly's output shaft, and the other end is fixed in the hollow structure of gear shaft, and gear shaft is connected with the output shaft through bearing radial, and constitutes steering simulation unit, sensor is fixed on gear shaft, and the casing forms sensor box and gear box through the baffle, gear shaft is connected with the baffle through the needle bearing, gear is fixed on gear shaft, and the gear ring is installed on the baffle through the ball bearing, and the gear ring is engaged transmission with gear, the gear ring side surface sets up the limit block, and the casing sets up the stop block, the output shaft rotates with gear shaft, and gear and gear ring can rotate in step, and realize rotation limit when the limit block rotates to the stop block position. Through the utility model's technical scheme, realizes steering angle mechanical limit through gear - gear ring transmission structure, realizes the reality and consistency of steering wheel steering feeling simulation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of steering device technology, and in particular to a steering column device with steering angle limiting and a tactile simulation steering column. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of automotive intelligent technology and the widespread application of autonomous driving functions, steer-by-wire systems, as a key core technology, are becoming increasingly important in modern vehicles. Unlike traditional mechanical steering systems, steer-by-wire systems achieve complete separation between the steering actuator and the feel simulation mechanism through an electronic control unit. This architecture, while improving design flexibility, also poses new technical requirements for the steering wheel angle limit function.

[0003] In drive-by-wire steering systems, since there is no mechanical connection between the feel simulation mechanism and the steering actuator, the steering wheel angle limit must be achieved through a dedicated limit unit. Existing limit solutions are generally divided into two categories: electronic limit methods based on sensor detection and traditional mechanical limit structures. While electronic limit solutions offer higher accuracy, they require complex sensing systems and control units, significantly increasing costs and posing reliability risks under harsh conditions. Mechanical limit solutions, while simpler in structure and lower in cost, often suffer from noticeable impact noise and vibration issues in practical applications, severely affecting driving comfort.

[0004] In particular, mechanical limit devices using a rack and pinion structure, while achieving the limit function through incomplete tooth profiles, generate significant impact force and noise upon contact at the limit point. This noise not only reduces the driving experience but may also cause structural fatigue and wear over long-term use, affecting the system's lifespan. Furthermore, current limit units require precise adjustment of the reference position during installation to ensure symmetry in left and right steering limits. This process often requires specialized tools and complex procedures, increasing the difficulty and cost of production and assembly. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a steering column device with steering angle limiting for ergonomic steering. It achieves mechanical limiting adjustment of the steering angle through a simple gear-ring gear transmission structure. Mechanical limiting is achieved through the relative structure of the limiting block and the shift block on the ring gear. The coaxial arrangement of the gear and the steering simulation unit optimizes axial space utilization. Furthermore, it can adjust the output torque of the motor assembly based on the steering angle signal detected by the sensor, achieving optimal simulation and adjustment of the steering feel, thus ensuring the realism and consistency of the steering wheel's steering feel.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a steering column device with steering angle limiting and a simulated steering feel, comprising: a motor assembly, a torsion bar, a gear shaft, a sensor, a housing, a gear, a ball bearing, a gear ring, and an upper end cover;

[0007] The output shaft of the motor assembly is configured as an open groove structure, the gear shaft is a hollow cylindrical structure with one end open, one end of the torsion bar is inserted into and fixed in the output shaft, and the other end is inserted into and fixed in the hollow structure of the gear shaft. The open end of the gear shaft is radially connected to the output shaft through a sliding bearing, thus forming a steering simulation unit.

[0008] The sensor is fixed to the outer edge of the gear shaft. The housing is a horizontal H-shaped structure. A central opening is provided on the middle partition of the housing. One end of the housing is connected to the output end of the motor assembly to form a sensor box, and the other end is covered by the upper cover to form a gear box.

[0009] The gear shaft passes through the partition plate through the central opening and extends out of the gearbox, and is connected to the partition plate through a needle roller bearing, and is connected to the opening of the upper end cover through a first oil seal;

[0010] The gear is fixed on the outer edge of the gear shaft in the gearbox. The ball bearing is also fixedly installed on the partition plate. The gear ring is coaxially installed on the ball bearing. The gear ring meshes with the gear for transmission.

[0011] The toothed ring has a protruding limiting block on its side edge, and the housing has a stop block, the height of which is adapted to the height of the limiting block and the stop block.

[0012] The output shaft of the motor assembly can rotate relative to the gear shaft via the torsion bar, thereby simulating the steering feel of the steering simulation unit. At the same time, the gear and the gear ring can rotate synchronously, and the rotation is limited when the limit block rotates to the position of the gear block.

[0013] In the above technical solution, preferably, the steering column device with steering angle limiting further includes an installation reference line and an adjustment reference line. The installation reference line is engraved on the side of the housing near the upper end cover, and the adjustment reference line is engraved on the edge of the gear ring. According to the rotation direction and the steering angle to be limited, the relative installation angle between the gear ring and the gear is adjusted so that the adjustment reference line is aligned with the installation reference line.

[0014] In the above technical solution, preferably, the adjustment reference line is marked at 180° opposite to the middle position of the limiting block, the installation reference line is marked on the housing at a radial position corresponding to the gear shaft, and the adjustment reference line and the installation reference line are aligned so that the limiting angles of the different rotation directions are the same.

[0015] In the above technical solution, preferably, a limiting ring is provided on the edge of the limiting block, and a buffer washer is installed in the limiting ring.

[0016] In the above technical solution, preferably, a bearing support seat is provided on one side of the partition plate near the gearbox, the ball bearing is supported on the bearing support seat, the gear press-fit shaft passes through the inner ring of the ball bearing, the inner ring of the ball bearing is fitted with the outer end face of the gear press-fit shaft, and the gear press-fit shaft is interference-fitted or threadedly connected to the bearing support seat to fix the ball bearing, and the gear ring is interference-fitted to the outer edge of the ball bearing.

[0017] In the above technical solution, preferably, a second oil seal is also provided between the gear shaft and the partition plate to separate the sensor box from the gear box.

[0018] In the above technical solution, preferably, the sensor is welded and fixed to the outer edge of the gear shaft in the sensor box, and a target plate is interference-fitted or welded on the output shaft. The sensor and the target plate are adapted to detect the rotation angle signal of the gear shaft relative to the output shaft.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: the mechanical limit adjustment of the steering angle is achieved through the simple mechanical structure of gear-ring gear transmission; the mechanical limit is achieved through the relative structure of the limit block and the gear block on the ring gear; the coaxial setting of the gear and the steering simulation unit optimizes the utilization of axial space; and the output torque of the motor assembly can be adjusted according to the steering angle signal detected by the sensor to achieve the simulation and adjustment of the optimal feel, ensuring the realism and consistency of the steering wheel feel. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a steering column device with steering angle limiting disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the right end face of a steering column device with steering angle limiting disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the shell disclosed in one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a gear and a gear ring according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the setting method of the installation reference line and the adjustment reference line according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a gear ring disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] In the diagram, the correspondence between the components and the reference numerals is as follows:

[0027] 1. Motor assembly, 2. Torsion bar, 3. Gear shaft, 4. Sensor, 5. Housing, 51. Partition plate, 52. Sensor box, 53. Gearbox, 54. Stop block, 55. Mounting reference line, 56. Bearing support seat, 57. Gear press-fit shaft, 58. Ball bearing, 6. Gear, 7. Gear ring, 71. Limit block, 72. Adjustment reference line, 73. Limit ring, 74. Buffer washer, 8. Top cover, 9. Output shaft, 10. Sliding bearing, 11. Needle roller bearing, 12. First oil seal, 13. Second oil seal, 14. Target plate. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0029] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0030] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a steering column device with steering angle limiting provided by this utility model includes: a motor assembly 1, a torsion bar 2, a gear shaft 3, a sensor 4, a housing 5, a gear 6, a ball bearing 58, a gear ring 7, and an upper end cover 8.

[0031] The output shaft 9 of the motor assembly 1 is set as an open groove structure, the gear shaft 3 is a hollow column structure with one end open, one end of the torsion bar 2 is inserted into and fixed in the output shaft 9, and the other end is inserted into and fixed in the hollow structure of the gear shaft 3. The open end of the gear shaft 3 is radially connected to the output shaft 9 through a sliding bearing 10, thus forming a steering simulation unit.

[0032] Sensor 4 is fixed to the outer edge of gear shaft 3. Housing 5 is a horizontal H-shaped structure. A central opening is provided on the middle partition 51 of housing 5. One end of housing 5 is connected to the output end of motor assembly 1 to form sensor box 52. The other end is covered by the upper end cover 8 to form gear box 53.

[0033] The gear shaft 3 passes through the partition 51 through the central opening and extends out of the gearbox 53, and is connected to the partition 51 through the needle roller bearing 11, and is connected to the opening of the upper end cover 8 through the first oil seal 12.

[0034] Gear 6 is fixed on the outer edge of gear shaft 3 in gearbox 53. Ball bearing 58 is also fixedly installed on partition 51. Gear ring 7 is coaxially installed on ball bearing 58. Gear ring 7 meshes with gear 6 for transmission.

[0035] The side edge of the gear ring 7 is provided with a protruding limiting block 71, and the housing 5 is provided with a stop block 54. The height of the limiting block 71 and the stop block 54 are adapted to each other.

[0036] The output shaft 9 of the motor assembly 1 can rotate relative to the gear shaft 3 via the torsion bar 2 to simulate the steering feel of the steering simulation unit. At the same time, the gear 6 and the gear ring 7 can rotate synchronously and achieve rotation limit when the limit block 71 rotates to the position of the stop block 54.

[0037] In this embodiment, the mechanical limit adjustment of the steering angle is achieved through a simple mechanical structure of gear-ring gear transmission. The mechanical limit is achieved through the relative structure of the limit block 71 on the ring gear 7 and the stop block 54. The coaxial setting of the gear 6 and the steering simulation unit optimizes the utilization of axial space and can adjust the output torque of the motor assembly 1 according to the steering angle signal detected by the sensor 4, so as to achieve the simulation and adjustment of the optimal feel and ensure the realism and consistency of the steering wheel steering feel.

[0038] Specifically, the gear shaft 3 is radially supported by a needle roller bearing 11 between the gear shaft 3 and the partition plate 51, and the gear shaft 3 is radially connected to the output shaft 9 of the motor assembly 1 by a sliding bearing 10, thereby realizing the relative rotation of the gear shaft 3 and the output shaft 9.

[0039] Specifically, during implementation, a steering wheel can be set on the steering simulation unit. The rotation of the steering wheel drives the gear shaft 3 to rotate relative to the output shaft 9 of the motor assembly 1. The relative rotation is achieved based on the sliding bearing 10, and an angle difference is formed between the gear shaft 3 and the output shaft 9 of the motor assembly 1. At the same time, based on the detection of the steering angle by the sensor 4, the motor assembly 1 can be controlled to output appropriate torque according to the steering angle, and the feedback is sent to the steering wheel to simulate the optimal feel.

[0040] Furthermore, during implementation, a limiting block 71 can be set on the gear ring 7. This limiting block 71 will block the rotation during both clockwise and counterclockwise turns, thus achieving mechanical limiting. Depending on the specific limiting angle requirements, two limiting blocks 71 can also be set, which will block the rotation during both clockwise and counterclockwise turns, thereby achieving mechanical limiting in two directions respectively.

[0041] Specifically, the steering wheel's rotation angle range can be calculated using the gear ratio of gear 6 and gear ring 7, as well as the angle occupied by the limiting block 71 used for limiting. The structure is simple and the axial structure is compact.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, in the above embodiment, preferably, the steering column device with steering angle limiting also includes an installation reference line 55 and an adjustment reference line 72. The installation reference line 55 is engraved on the side of the housing 5 near the upper end cover 8, and the adjustment reference line 72 is engraved on the edge of the gear ring 7. According to the rotation direction and the steering angle to be limited, the relative installation angle between the gear ring 7 and the gear 6 is adjusted so that the adjustment reference line 72 is aligned with the installation reference line 55.

[0043] During installation, the required relative angle can be achieved by aligning the adjustment reference line 72 with the installation reference line 55 according to the pre-set positions of the installation reference line 55 and the adjustment reference line 72.

[0044] In the above embodiment, preferably, the adjustment reference line 72 is marked at the middle position of the limiting block 71 at 180° opposite, and the mounting reference line 55 is marked on the housing 5 at the radial position corresponding to the central shaft of the gear 6. The adjustment reference line 72 and the mounting reference line 55 are aligned so that the limiting angles in different rotation directions are the same.

[0045] During implementation, by marking the adjustment reference line 72 at the middle position opposite to the limiting block 71, and marking the mounting reference line 55 on the housing 5 at the radial position corresponding to the central shaft of the gear 6, since the mounting reference line 55 is set at the edge of the housing 5, aligning the adjustment reference line 72 with the mounting reference line 55, the adjustment reference line 72 on the gear ring 7 is located at the position furthest from the gear 6, while the limiting block 71 is located at the position closest to the gear 6. During relative rotation, whether rotating clockwise or counterclockwise, there is a limiting angle of nearly 180° (the width of the limiting block 71 and the stop block 54 will cause them to block the rotation when the gear ring 7 rotates nearly 180°).

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, in the above embodiment, preferably, a limiting ring 73 is provided on the edge of the limiting block 71, and a buffer washer 74 is installed in the limiting ring 73.

[0047] Specifically, the buffer washer 74 is installed in the edge limiting ring 73 of the limiting block 71. When the toothed ring 7 rotates relative to the stop block 54, the limiting block 71 and the stop block 54 come into contact, which can reduce the impact and noise during mechanical limiting and improve the operating experience during mechanical limiting.

[0048] In the above embodiment, preferably, a bearing support seat 56 is provided on one side of the partition plate 51 near the gearbox 53, the ball bearing 58 is supported on the bearing support seat 56, the gear press-fit shaft 57 passes through the inner ring of the ball bearing 58, the inner ring of the ball bearing 58 is fitted with the outer end face of the gear press-fit shaft 57, and the gear press-fit shaft 57 is interference-fitted or threadedly connected to the bearing support seat 56 to fix the ball bearing 58, and the gear ring 7 is interference-fitted on the outer edge of the ball bearing 58.

[0049] During implementation, the bearing support seat 56 is set on the partition plate 51 at a certain distance from the central opening. The mounting axis of the ball bearing 58 is parallel to the axis of the gear shaft 3. After the gear ring 7 is installed on the ball bearing 58, the teeth of the gear ring 7 can mesh with the teeth of the gear 6 to achieve transmission connection.

[0050] In the above embodiment, preferably, a second oil seal 13 is also provided between the gear shaft 3 and the partition plate 51 to separate the sensor box 52 and the gear box 53.

[0051] In the above embodiment, preferably, the sensor 4 is welded and fixed to the outer edge of the gear shaft 3 in the sensor box 52, and the output shaft 9 is interference-fitted or welded with a target plate 14. The sensor 4 and the target plate 14 are adapted to detect the rotation angle signal of the gear shaft 3 relative to the output shaft 9.

[0052] During implementation, as the output shaft 9 rotates relative to the gear shaft 3, the sensor 4 also rotates relative to the target plate 14, thus enabling the sensor 4 to detect the rotation angle relative to the target plate 14. Simultaneously, the mounting positions of the target plate 14 and the sensor 4 need to be adapted to ensure that the sensor 4 can detect the relative rotation signal of the target plate 14.

[0053] According to the above-described embodiment of the hand-feel simulated steering column device with steering angle limit, during the installation process, the torsion bar 2 and the sliding bearing 10 are first pressed onto the output shaft end of the motor assembly 1, and the target plate 14 and the sensor 4 are welded onto the output shaft 9 and the gear shaft 3, respectively.

[0054] Because the steering simulation unit rotates at a relatively slow speed, the impact load on the limiting block 71 is small, and it can be used for limiting. The gear ring 7 is press-fitted onto the outer ring of the ball bearing 58, and the buffer washer 74 is installed onto the gear ring 7. The gear ring 7, ball bearing 58, and buffer washer 74 are fixed to the corresponding positions on the housing 5 via interference fit or threaded connection between the gear press-fit shaft 57 and the housing 5. During the press-fitting process, it should be ensured that the adjustment reference line 72 on the gear ring 7 is aligned with the installation reference line 55 on the housing 5, thereby ensuring that the steering limit of the steering simulation unit conforms to the preset angle. If the adjustment reference line 72 is set at the opposite midpoint of the limiting block 71, the alignment of the adjustment reference line 72 with the installation reference line 55 ensures that the number of forward and reverse rotations of the steering simulation unit is consistent.

[0055] The first oil seal 12 and the needle roller bearing 11 between the gear shaft 3 and the housing 5 are sequentially pressed into the housing 5. After inserting the sensor 4 wiring harness, the housing 5 and the motor assembly 1 are connected together by bolts.

[0056] The second oil seal 13 between the gear shaft 3 and the upper end cover 8 is press-fitted into the upper end cover 8 and connected to the housing 5 by bolts. The upper end cover 8 can isolate the steering simulation unit from the outside world, reduce noise, and improve the user experience.

[0057] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A steering column apparatus with a feel simulator having a steering angle limiter, characterized by include: Motor assembly, torsion bar, gear shaft, sensor, housing, gear, ball bearing, gear ring, and top cover; The output shaft of the motor assembly is configured as an open groove structure, the gear shaft is a hollow cylindrical structure with one end open, one end of the torsion bar is inserted into and fixed in the output shaft, and the other end is inserted into and fixed in the hollow structure of the gear shaft. The open end of the gear shaft is radially connected to the output shaft through a sliding bearing, thus forming a steering simulation unit. The sensor is fixed to the outer edge of the gear shaft. The housing is a horizontal H-shaped structure. A central opening is provided on the middle partition of the housing. One end of the housing is connected to the output end of the motor assembly to form a sensor box, and the other end is covered by the upper cover to form a gear box. The gear shaft passes through the partition plate through the central opening and extends out of the gearbox, and is connected to the partition plate through a needle roller bearing, and is connected to the opening of the upper end cover through a first oil seal; The gear is fixed on the outer edge of the gear shaft in the gearbox. The ball bearing is also fixedly installed on the partition plate. The gear ring is coaxially installed on the ball bearing. The gear ring meshes with the gear for transmission. The toothed ring has a protruding limiting block on its side edge, and the housing has a stop block, the height of which is adapted to the height of the limiting block and the stop block. The output shaft of the motor assembly can rotate relative to the gear shaft via the torsion bar, thereby simulating the steering feel of the steering simulation unit. At the same time, the gear and the gear ring can rotate synchronously, and the rotation is limited when the limit block rotates to the position of the gear block.

2. The feel simulator column device with a steering angle limit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an installation reference line and an adjustment reference line. The installation reference line is engraved on the side of the housing near the upper end cover, and the adjustment reference line is engraved on the edge of the gear ring. According to the rotation direction and the turning angle to be limited, the relative installation angle between the gear ring and the gear is adjusted so that the adjustment reference line is aligned with the installation reference line.

3. The feel simulator column device with a limited steering angle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment reference line is marked at 180° opposite to the middle position of the limiting block, and the installation reference line is marked on the housing at a radial position corresponding to the gear shaft. The adjustment reference line and the installation reference line are aligned so that the limiting angle is the same in different rotation directions.

4. The feel simulator column apparatus with a limited steering angle according to claim 1, wherein The edge of the limiting block is provided with a limiting ring, and a buffer washer is installed in the limiting ring.

5. The feel simulator column assembly with a limited steering angle according to claim 1, wherein A bearing support seat is provided on one side of the partition plate near the gearbox. The ball bearing is supported on the bearing support seat. The gear press-fit shaft passes through the inner ring of the ball bearing. The inner ring of the ball bearing is fitted with the outer end face of the gear press-fit shaft. The gear press-fit shaft is interference-fitted or threaded into the bearing support seat to fix the ball bearing. The gear ring is interference-fitted onto the outer edge of the ball bearing.

6. The feel simulator column assembly with a limited steering angle according to claim 1, wherein A second oil seal is also provided between the gear shaft and the partition plate to separate the sensor box from the gear box.

7. The feel simulator column assembly with a limited steering angle according to claim 1, wherein The sensor is welded to the outer rim of the gear shaft in the sensor box, the output shaft is interference fitted or welded with a target plate, and the sensor is matched with the target plate to detect the rotation angle signal of the gear shaft relative to the output shaft.

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