A steering column device with steering angle limiting and tactile feedback

Abstract

This utility model discloses a steering column device with steering angle limiting for ergonomic steering. One end of a torsion bar is fixed to the output shaft of a motor assembly, and the other end is fixed within the hollow structure of a gear shaft. The gear shaft and output shaft are radially connected via bearings, forming a steering simulation unit. A sensor is fixed to the gear shaft, and a housing is formed by a partition to create a sensor box and a gear box. The gear shaft is connected to the partition via a needle roller bearing. A gear is fixed to the gear shaft, and a gear ring is mounted on the partition via a ball bearing. The gear ring meshes with the gear, and the gear ring has partially incomplete teeth. The output shaft rotates relative to the gear shaft, and the gear and gear ring can rotate synchronously, achieving rotational limiting when the partially incomplete teeth reach the meshing position with the gear. Through the technical solution of this utility model, the steering angle is mechanically limited via a gear-gear ring transmission structure, achieving realism and consistency in the simulation of steering wheel steering feel.

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 development of intelligent and autonomous driving functions in automobiles, steer-by-wire systems, as one of the key core technologies, are increasingly widely used in modern vehicles. Steer-by-wire systems consist of a steering actuator and a hand feel simulation mechanism. Since there are no direct mechanical parts connecting the hand feel simulation mechanism and the steering actuator, the steering wheel angle limiting function needs to be achieved through the steering angle limiting unit of the hand feel simulation mechanism.

[0003] As the automotive industry rapidly advances towards intelligent and autonomous driving, steer-by-wire systems, as a key core technology, are increasingly widely used in modern vehicles. Steer-by-wire systems replace traditional mechanical connections with electronic signals, separating the steering actuator from the feel-simulation mechanism, thereby improving driving agility and system integration. However, this separation design also brings new technical challenges, particularly the implementation of the steering wheel angle limit function.

[0004] In traditional steering systems, steering angle limiting is typically achieved through mechanical hard stops or hydraulic damping, which are relatively simple in structure and low in cost. However, in drive-by-wire steering systems, due to the lack of a direct mechanical connection between the feel-simulation mechanism and the steering actuator, the steering wheel angle limiting must rely entirely on a dedicated limiting unit within the feel-simulation mechanism. Existing steering angle limiting units often employ complex sensor arrays, electromagnetic brakes, or multi-stage gear combinations. While these solutions are reliable, they suffer from bulky structures, high manufacturing costs, and large axial space requirements. For example, some limiting units use high-precision encoders in conjunction with electronic control units to achieve soft limiting, but this significantly increases system costs and leads to a higher failure rate. Other solutions use a combination of mechanical stops and spring dampers, but these often generate significant noise and impact vibration, affecting driving comfort.

[0005] Furthermore, current limit units require repeated calibration of the reference position during installation and commissioning to ensure symmetrical left and right turns. This process is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error. Some products adopt an integrated housing design, which simplifies the manufacturing process but leads to maintenance difficulties. Local damage necessitates replacement of the entire assembly, further increasing lifecycle costs. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a steering column device with steering angle limiting that simulates steering feel. It achieves mechanical limiting adjustment of the steering angle through a simple mechanical structure using a gear-ring gear transmission. The mechanical limiting is achieved through a non-full tooth design 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.

[0007] 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;

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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 by a needle roller bearing, and is connected to the opening of the upper end cover by an oil seal;

[0011] 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. The gear ring is coaxially installed on the ball bearing. The gear ring meshes with the gear for transmission. The gear ring is provided with incomplete teeth.

[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 incomplete tooth reaches the meshing position with the gear.

[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 the middle position of the incomplete tooth, the installation reference line is marked on the housing at the 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 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.

[0016] In the above technical solution, preferably, an oil seal is also provided between the gear shaft and the partition plate to separate the sensor box from the gear box.

[0017] 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.

[0018] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: 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 incomplete tooth design on the ring gear; the coaxial arrangement 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, achieving optimal simulation and adjustment of the steering feel, ensuring the realism and consistency of the steering wheel feel. The pre-setting of the installation and adjustment reference lines facilitates the adjustment of the left and right limit angles and improves the consistency of the adjustment process. Attached Figure Description

[0019] 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;

[0020] Figure 2This 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;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the shell disclosed in one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] 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;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a gear ring disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] In the diagram, the correspondence between the components and the reference numerals is as follows:

[0025] 1. Motor assembly, 2. Torsion bar, 3. Gear shaft, 4. Sensor, 5. Housing, 51. Partition plate, 52. Sensor box, 53. Gearbox, 54. Mounting reference line, 55. Bearing support seat, 56. Gear press-fit shaft, 57. Ball bearing, 6. Gear, 7. Gear ring, 71. Incomplete gear, 72. Adjustment reference line, 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

[0026] 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.

[0027] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0028] 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 57, a gear ring 7, and an upper end cover 8.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 second oil seal 13.

[0032] Gear 6 is fixed on the outer edge of gear shaft 3 in gearbox 53. Ball bearing 57 is also fixed on partition 51. Gear ring 7 is coaxially mounted on ball bearing 57. Gear ring 7 meshes with gear 6 for transmission. Incomplete teeth 71 are provided on gear ring 7.

[0033] 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 incomplete tooth 71 reaches the meshing position with the gear 6.

[0034] In this embodiment, the mechanical limit adjustment of the steering angle is achieved through a simple mechanical structure of gear 6 and gear ring 7. The mechanical limit is achieved through the design of the incomplete tooth 71 on the gear ring 7. The coaxial setting of gear 6 and steering simulation unit optimizes the utilization of axial space and can adjust the output torque of motor assembly 1 according to the steering angle signal detected by sensor 4, thereby achieving the simulation and adjustment of optimal feel and ensuring the authenticity and consistency of steering wheel steering feel.

[0035] Among them, the gear shaft 3 is radially supported by the 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 through the sliding bearing 10, so as to realize the relative rotation of the gear shaft 3 and the output shaft 9.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Furthermore, during implementation, a partially incomplete tooth 71 can be provided on the gear ring 7, with the rest being effective teeth capable of meshing with the gear 6. During clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, the partially incomplete tooth 71 blocks the rotation, achieving mechanical limiting. Depending on the specific limiting angle requirement, two partially incomplete teeth 71 can also be provided, with the rest being effective teeth capable of meshing with the gear 6. During clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, these two partially incomplete teeth 71 respectively block the rotation, achieving mechanical limiting in two directions.

[0038] 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 incomplete tooth 71 used for limiting the position. The structure is simple and the axial structure is compact.

[0039] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the above embodiment, preferably, the steering column device with steering angle limiting also includes an installation reference line 54 and an adjustment reference line 72. The installation reference line 54 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 54.

[0040] During installation, the required relative angle can be achieved by aligning the adjustment reference line 72 with the installation reference line 54 according to the pre-set positions of the installation reference line 54 and the adjustment reference line 72.

[0041] In the above embodiment, preferably, the adjustment reference line 72 is marked at the middle position of the incomplete tooth 71, and the mounting reference line 54 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 54 are aligned so that the limiting angles in different rotation directions are the same.

[0042] During implementation, by marking the adjustment reference line 72 at the middle position of the incomplete tooth 71 and the mounting reference line 54 on the housing 5 at the radial position corresponding to the central axis of the gear 6, since the mounting reference line 54 is set at the edge of the housing 5, aligning the adjustment reference line 72 with the mounting reference line 54, the adjustment reference line 72 on the gear ring 7 is located at the position furthest from the gear 6. During relative rotation, whether rotating clockwise or counterclockwise, there can be a limiting angle of nearly 180° (the width of the incomplete tooth 71 will cause it to be unable to mesh and rotate when it approaches 180°).

[0043] In the above embodiment, preferably, a bearing support seat 55 is provided on one side of the partition plate 51 near the gearbox 53, the ball bearing 57 is supported on the bearing support seat 55, the gear press-fit shaft 56 passes through the inner ring of the ball bearing 57, the inner ring of the ball bearing 57 is fitted with the outer end face of the gear press-fit shaft 56, and the gear press-fit shaft 56 is interference-fitted or threadedly connected to the bearing support seat 55 to fix the ball bearing 57, and the gear ring 7 is interference-fitted on the outer edge of the ball bearing 57.

[0044] During implementation, the bearing support seat 55 is set on the partition plate 51 at a certain distance from the central opening. The mounting axis of the ball bearing 57 is parallel to the axis of the gear shaft 3. After the gear ring 7 is installed on the ball bearing 57, the teeth of the gear ring 7 can mesh with the teeth of the gear 6 to achieve transmission connection.

[0045] In the above embodiment, preferably, a first oil seal 12 is also provided between the gear shaft 3 and the partition 51 to separate the sensor box 52 from the gear box 53.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The gear ring 7 is press-fitted onto the outer ring of the ball bearing 57. Through interference fit or threaded connection between the gear press-fit shaft 56 and the housing 5, the gear ring 7 and bearing are fixed to the corresponding positions on 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 54 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 middle position of a partially completed gear 71, the alignment of the adjustment reference line 72 with the installation reference line 54 ensures that the number of forward and reverse rotations of the steering simulation unit is consistent.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 device with steering angle limiting and tactile feedback, characterized in that, 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 by a needle roller bearing, and is connected to the opening of the upper end cover by an 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. The gear ring is coaxially installed on the ball bearing. The gear ring meshes with the gear for transmission. The gear ring is provided with incomplete teeth. 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 incomplete tooth reaches the meshing position with the gear.

2. The hand-feel simulated steering column device with steering angle limiting 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 hand-feel simulated steering column device with steering angle limiting according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment reference line is marked at the middle position of the incomplete tooth, and the mounting reference line is marked on the housing at the radial position corresponding to the gear shaft. The adjustment reference line and the mounting reference line are aligned so that the limiting angles are the same in different rotation directions.

4. The hand-feel simulated steering column device with steering angle limiting according to claim 1, characterized in that, 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.

5. The hand-feel simulated steering column device with steering angle limiting according to claim 1, characterized in that, An oil seal is also provided between the gear shaft and the partition plate to separate the sensor box from the gear box.

6. The hand-feel simulated steering column device with steering angle limiting according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor is welded and fixed to the outer edge of the gear shaft in the sensor box. A target plate is interference-fitted or welded onto the output shaft. The sensor is adapted to the target plate to detect the rotation angle signal of the gear shaft relative to the output shaft.

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