Steering device

Abstract

A steering device comprises a steering shaft that moves longitudinally when a steering wheel is rotated, a magnet attached to the steering shaft, a control module located next to the steering shaft, and a sensing unit arranged on a surface of the control module for detecting a magnetic field. The control module detects the angle of rotation of a wheel connected to the steering wheel based on the magnetic field detected by the sensing unit.

Description

Cross-reference to related registration

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefits of Korean patent application No. 10-2024-0091657, filed on July 11, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background / Area of ​​the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a steering device and in particular a steering device with a sensor that is able to easily detect a rotation angle of a vehicle wheel. Description of the state of the art

[0003] In general, a rear wheel steering (RWS) system for a vehicle in which a hydraulic device, an engine and a reduction gearbox are mounted serves to steer the rear wheels of a vehicle according to a driving situation of the vehicle.

[0004] A rear-wheel steering (RWS) system is generally operated to reduce the turning radius of a wheel when the vehicle is traveling at low speeds and to improve vehicle stability when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds. That is, when the vehicle is traveling at low speeds, the RWS system controls the rear wheel steering angle in a direction opposite to that of the front wheel steering angle, and when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds, the RWS system controls the rear wheel steering angle in the same direction (i.e., at the same stage) as the front wheel steering angle.

[0005] Therefore, the conventional vehicle or the integrated RWS system can control a rear wheel slip angle in the same direction as that of a front wheel tire when the vehicle turns at high speed, thereby significantly improving the vehicle's stability.

[0006] A system for adjusting the rear steering angle to the front steering angle can be automated. That is, the system can detect the front steering angle using a steering device equipped with a separate sensor and adjust the rear steering angle accordingly.

[0007] The conventional steering device can detect the front wheel steering angle by using a sensor to detect the magnetic force of a magnet mounted on a shaft. To provide a motor and sensor alongside the shaft, the sensor is attached to one side of the shaft, and a separate cable connecting the sensor to the motor is provided, ensuring that the motor and sensor are electrically connected and the sensor is positioned next to the magnet.

[0008] However, to expand a market, it is necessary to simplify a structure and improve performance in order to reduce costs. Summary

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a steering device that is able to easily detect the rotation of a wheel without a separate cable.

[0010] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to the objective described above, and other objectives not described will be clearly understandable to those skilled in the field from the following description.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a steering device is provided comprising a steering shaft configured to move longitudinally when a steering wheel is rotated; a magnet attached to the steering shaft; a control module arranged adjacent to the steering shaft; and a sensing unit arranged on a surface of the control module and configured to detect a magnetic field. The control module is configured to detect the angle of rotation of a wheel connected to the steering wheel based on the magnetic field detected by the sensing unit.

[0012] The control module may include a motor, and the motor may be configured to provide a driving force to control a rotation angle of a wheel not connected to the steering wheel in response to the rotation angle of the wheel connected to the steering wheel.

[0013] The control module may include a circuit board that electrically connects the motor to the sensing unit.

[0014] The circuit board can be located at one end of the motor, a housing extending in one direction parallel to an axial direction of the steering shaft can be located on the circuit board, one side surface of the housing can be flat, and the detection unit can be attached to a surface of the housing facing the steering shaft.

[0015] The steering wheel can be connected to a front wheel of a vehicle, can detect a change in the magnetic field by the sensing unit when the steering wheel turns in order to calculate a rotation angle of the front wheel, and the motor of the control module can turn a rear wheel so that it corresponds to a rotation amount of the front wheel.

[0016] A press-fit pin may protrude from the housing, a press-fit hole may be provided in the sensing unit, and the sensing unit may be electrically connected to the circuit board in such a way that the press-fit pin is inserted into the press-fit hole.

[0017] The detection unit can be connected to the housing by thermal fusion.

[0018] The steering device may include a cover part that covers the housing, the detection unit and the circuit board of the control module.

[0019] The magnet can be arranged so that it is exposed on the steering shaft, the cover part can extend towards the steering shaft to cover part of the steering shaft on which the magnet is located, and the magnet and the detection unit can be directly opposite each other inside the cover part. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] The above-mentioned and further objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer to those skilled in the field when exemplary embodiments thereof are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a view showing a steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a front cross-sectional view showing the steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a lateral cross-sectional view showing the steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a view showing a control module of the steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a view showing a cover arranged on the steering control module according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a view that represents a steering device according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. Figure 7 is a front cross-sectional view showing the steering device according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description

[0021] Since the present invention can have various modifications and embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings. It is understood, however, that this is not intended as a limitation of specific embodiments, but rather encompasses all modifications, correspondences, and substitutions that are within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Should it be determined during the description of the present invention that a detailed description of a related known technology could unnecessarily obscure the core of the present invention, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0022] Terms like "first" and "second" can be used to describe different components, but the components should not be restricted by these terms. The terms merely serve to distinguish the components.

[0023] The terms used in this application serve solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular includes the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are to be understood as indicating the presence of a feature, number, step, process, component, part, or combination thereof described in the description, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, processes, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] Furthermore, in the overall description, when a particular component is described as being "connected" to another, it does not only mean that two or more components are directly connected, but it can also mean that two or more components are indirectly connected via another component, are physically or electrically connected, or have different names depending on their position or function, but are integrated.

[0025] When a component is described as being formed or arranged on (above) or below (under) another component, "on (above)" or "below (under)" can encompass not only the case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Furthermore, the description "on (above) or below (under)" can mean not only an upward direction, but also a downward direction relative to a component.

[0026] A steering device according to embodiments of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and in the description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding components are designated with the same reference numerals and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0027] A rear-wheel steering system is a system for controlling the rear wheel steering angle in accordance with the steering angle of a front wheel. A rear wheel can be turned in a direction corresponding to the steering angle of the front wheel to ensure stability at high speeds, and can be turned in a direction opposite to the steering angle of the front wheel to ensure a smaller turning radius.

[0028] Steering the rear wheel in this way can make turning the vehicle easier or ensure stability while driving. Since the rear wheel can be automatically steered according to the angle of the front wheel, a device for detecting the steering angle of the front wheel must be provided.

[0029] Conventional steering systems can detect the steering angle of the front wheel by using a magnet on a steering shaft and a sensing unit located next to the magnet, which detects a magnetic field that changes depending on the magnet's movement. Once the front wheel's steering angle is detected, a separate motor can be installed to control the steering angle of a rear wheel in response.

[0030] The sensing unit provided in the conventional steering device can be connected next to the steering shaft, and a cable connecting the sensing unit to a circuit board provided on the motor can be arranged so that the motor is operated in response to the steering angle of the front wheel detected by the sensing unit.

[0031] However, since the detection unit and the circuit board are connected via the cable, additional space is required, and a connection part to which the cable is attached must be formed on the circuit board, which is provided on one side of the motor.

[0032] The present invention provides a steering device in which a detection unit 25 can be directly attached to a housing 24 which is connected to a circuit board 16, and a magnet 12 and the detection unit 25 can be arranged such that they are opposite each other in adjacent positions in order to easily detect a steering angle without a separate cable.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 is a view showing a steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 1 A steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise a steering shaft 10 which moves in a longitudinal direction when a steering wheel is turned, a magnet 12 attached to the steering shaft 10 and a control module 20 arranged next to the steering shaft 10.

[0035] The control module 20 can be arranged parallel to the steering shaft 10, and the detection unit 25 and the magnet 12 can be arranged so that they are opposite each other on opposite surfaces of the control module 20 and the steering shaft 10, respectively.

[0036] The sensing unit 25, provided on a side surface of the control module 20, is arranged on a surface of the control module 20 facing the steering shaft 10 in order to minimize the gap to the magnet 12. The sensing unit 25 can detect the rotation angle of a wheel connected to a steering wheel by means of a detected magnetic field. The steering shaft 10 is covered by a steering shaft housing 14, and the steering shaft 10 is arranged so that it moves longitudinally within it. The magnet 12 can be attached to the steering shaft 10, and the sensing unit 25 can detect a magnetic field from the magnet 12.

[0037] The control module 20 can contain a motor 22 for controlling a wheel that is not connected to a steering wheel. If the sensing unit 25 detects a change in magnetism corresponding to a movement of the steering shaft 10 to detect a rotation angle of a front wheel, the motor 22 can rotate the rear wheel in a direction that facilitates driving, for example, a direction corresponding to the front wheel.

[0038] A clamp-shaped mounting unit can be provided at both ends of the steering shaft 10, and the rear wheel can be connected to the mounting unit and rotated by driving the motor 22. The front wheel and the steering shaft 10 can be connected by a separate electrical signal or the like, so that the steering shaft 10 can move longitudinally when the front wheel rotates.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 is a front cross-sectional view showing the steering device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 2 corresponds to a view showing a cross-section along a Fig. The control module 20 can comprise the motor 22, the circuit board 16 arranged at the end of the motor 22, and the housing 24 extending from the circuit board 16, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4. It can therefore be confirmed that the housing 24 and the circuit board 16 are represented by a surface along line AA. The circuit board 16 can serve to electrically connect the detection unit 25 to the motor 22.

[0041] It is evident that the in Fig. The detection unit 25 shown in Figure 2 is arranged such that it extends from a side surface of the housing 24 in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft 10. That is, a cross-section of the Fig. The depicted recording unit 25 corresponds to a side cross-section of the recording unit 25.

[0042] It can be determined that the steering shaft 10 is arranged to be inserted into the steering shaft housing 14, and the magnet 12 is attached to the steering shaft 10. The magnet 12 projects from the control module 20 in a direction in which the control module is configured to face the sensing unit 25 and is attached. To provide the magnet 12, an empty space can be formed within the steering shaft housing 14 so that the magnet 12 can be arranged.

[0043] The detection unit 25 and the magnet 12 are positioned opposite each other and arranged such that the housing 24 and the steering shaft housing 14 cover the empty space between the detection unit 25 and the magnet 12. The materials of the housing 24 and the steering shaft housing 14 can be selected so that the detection unit 25 can easily detect the magnetic field of the magnet 12. For example, the housing 24 and the steering shaft housing 14 can be made of a plastic resin.

[0044] The housing 24 is attached to the circuit board 16, and the circuit board 16 is located at an end section of the motor 22. Accordingly, the housing 24 can be positioned so that it protrudes from the end section of the motor 22. The housing 24 can extend from the circuit board 16 and be shaped such that the sensing unit 25 can be securely positioned facing the magnet 12. The housing 24 can serve as a support for the sensing unit 25 and may include elements for electrically connecting the sensing unit 25 to the circuit board 16.

[0045] Fig. Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As from Fig. As can be seen from Figure 3, it can be confirmed that the magnet 12 is attached to one side of the elongated steering shaft 10 and that the steering shaft 10 is covered by the steering shaft housing 14. The steering shaft housing 14 encloses the steering shaft 10 and provides a space for the steering shaft 10 to move longitudinally. Since the magnet 12 is located on one side of the steering shaft 10 and moves with the steering shaft 10, a space within the steering shaft housing 14 is provided for the magnet 12 to move within.

[0047] The control module 20 can be arranged on a side face of the steering shaft 10. The control module 20 can be arranged parallel to the steering shaft 10 in one direction. The control module 20 can comprise the motor 22, the circuit board 16, the housing 24, and a cover part 26. The motor 22 can be connected to a wheel that is not connected to the steering wheel to rotate the wheel. For example, the motor 22 can be connected to the rear wheel, and the front wheel can be connected to the steering wheel.

[0048] Fig. Figure 4 is a view showing a control module of the steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 5 is a view showing a cover arranged on the control module of the steering device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] With reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control module 20 can comprise the motor 22, the circuit board 16, the housing 24 and the cover part 26.

[0050] The circuit board 16 can be located at an end section of the motor 22 and can be electrically connected to the motor 22. The housing 24 can be arranged on the circuit board 16 and can rest on the end section of the motor 22 and protrude from it.

[0051] One side surface of the housing facing the steering shaft 10 can be flat. The detection unit 25 can be arranged on this surface. The detection unit 25 can be coupled to the flat surface and can face the magnet 12 of the steering shaft 10. The detection unit 25 can be connected to the housing 24 via a separate fastening device. The fastening device can be a press-fit pin. A hole into which the press-fit pin can be inserted can be formed in the detection unit 25, and the press-fit pin can be pressed into the hole so that the detection unit 25 is coupled to the housing 24 and simultaneously electrically connected to the circuit board 16.

[0052] The detection unit 25 can be connected to the circuit board 16 via a press-fit pin and securely attached to the housing 24 using a separate mounting unit. Alternatively, the detection unit 25 can be joined and securely fixed to the housing 24 using a heat-melting process. Furthermore, any method for connecting the detection unit 25 to the housing 24 can be used.

[0053] Since the detection unit 25 is directly connected to the housing 24, no separate cable mounting unit is required. Accordingly, the size and design of the housing 24 can be small and simple.

[0054] Since the motor 22, the sensing unit 25, and the circuit board 16 are electrically connected components, they should be protected from external influences and the ingress of moisture. Therefore, the control module 20 can include a cover 26 for covering the housing 24 and the circuit board 16. This cover 26 protects the housing 24, the sensing unit 25, and the circuit board 16 from external influences, dust, and moisture. The cover 26 also covers a space between the sensing unit 25 and the magnet 12 and can therefore be made of a material that does not interfere with the measurement of a magnetic field.

[0055] Fig. Figure 6 is a view showing a steering device according to a further embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 7 is a front cross-sectional view showing the steering device according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] With reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 The cover part 26 of the steering device according to a further embodiment of the present invention covers the housing 24, the circuit board 16 and the detection unit 25 of the control module 20 and can extend in a direction in which the steering shaft 10 is arranged in order to cover part of the steering shaft 10.

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the cover part 26 can extend such that it covers at least part of the steering shaft 10. Since the steering shaft 10 is equipped with the magnet 12, the magnet can be arranged on a section covered by the cover part 26.

[0058] Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view along a line BB in Fig.6. Referring to a cross-section, the magnet 12 provided on one side of the steering shaft 10 can be surrounded by the steering shaft housing 14, or, conversely, a portion of the steering shaft housing 14 can be cut through, exposing the magnet 12 to the outside. A section of the steering shaft housing 14 in which the magnet 12 is located can be cut through and opened, and the magnet 12 can be positioned so that it is exposed from the steering shaft housing 14. The corresponding section can be surrounded by the cover part 26, and the magnet 12 and the sensing unit 25 can be arranged within the cover part 26.

[0059] Since the steering shaft housing 14 is cut through and the cover part 26 extends to cover both the magnet 12 and the detection unit 25, no separate component can be provided between the magnet 12 and the detection unit 25. This means that the magnet 12 and the detection unit 25 can be arranged so that they are directly opposite each other without any obstruction between them.

[0060] The interior of the cover part 26 can be designed as an empty space, allowing the magnet 12 and the detection unit 25 to be directly opposite each other, and enabling the detection unit 25 to easily detect changes in the magnetic field of the magnet 12. In this case, the separation distance between the detection unit 25 and the magnet 12 can be adjusted by modifying the shape of the housing 24 or the steering shaft 10.

[0061] At least part of the housing 24 can project in the direction in which the steering shaft 10 is arranged. The detection unit 25 can be arranged on the projecting part of the housing 24 to reduce the distance between the detection unit 25 and the magnet 12.

[0062] In contrast, a section of the steering shaft 10, to which the magnet 12 is attached, may protrude. At least part of the steering shaft 10 may protrude in the direction in which the housing 24 is arranged, and the magnet 12 may be arranged on the protruding section to reduce the distance between the sensing unit 25 and the magnet 12.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily detect the rotation angle of a wheel connected to the steering shaft without a separate cable, since a detection unit provided in a control module is arranged such that it is opposite a magnet provided on a steering shaft.

[0064] Various and useful advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to the contents described above and will be more easily understood when describing specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0065] Although the above description refers to specific embodiments of the present invention, it is apparent to those skilled in the field that the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in the attached claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 10-2024-0091657

[0001]

Claims

[1] Steering device comprising: a steering shaft designed to move in a longitudinal direction when a steering wheel is turned; a magnet attached to the steering shaft; a control module located next to the steering shaft; and a detection unit arranged on a surface of the control module and configured to detect a magnetic field, wherein the control module is configured to detect a rotation angle of a wheel connected to the steering wheel based on the magnetic field detected by the detection unit. [2] Steering device according to claim 1, wherein the control module comprises a motor and the motor is configured to provide a driving force to control a rotation angle of a wheel not connected to the steering wheel in response to the rotation angle of the wheel connected to the steering wheel. [3] Steering device according to claim 2, wherein the control module comprises a printed circuit board that electrically connects the motor to the detection unit. [4] Steering device according to claim 3, wherein the circuit board is arranged at one end of the motor, a housing that extends in one direction parallel to an axial direction of the steering shaft, is arranged on the circuit board, one side surface of the case is flat and the detection unit is attached to a surface of the housing that faces the steering shaft. [5] Steering device according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the steering wheel is connected to a front wheel of a vehicle and detects a change in the magnetic field by the sensing unit when the steering wheel turns in order to calculate a rotation angle of the front wheel, and the motor of the control module turns a rear wheel so that it corresponds to a rotation amount of the front wheel. [6] Steering device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a press-fit pin protrudes from the housing, a hole for press fit is provided in the detection unit and the detection unit is electrically connected to the circuit board in such a way that the press-fit pin is inserted into the hole for a press fit. [7] Steering device according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the detection unit is connected to the housing by heat fusion. [8] Steering device according to one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising a cover part which covers the housing, the detection unit and the circuit board of the control module. [9] Steering device according to claim 8, wherein the magnet is arranged so that it is exposed on the steering shaft, the cover part extends towards the steering shaft to cover a part of the steering shaft on which the magnet is located, and The magnet and the detection unit are located directly opposite each other within the cover part.

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