Steering device for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering device (110) for a vehicle (100) with a steering motor (112) which is designed to swivel a vehicle wheel (111) depending on a steering input, wherein a brake (113) is provided which is arranged on the vehicle wheel (111) and is designed to absorb forces (F) acting on the vehicle wheel (111) on a transverse axis (x) of the vehicle (100).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a steering device for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] CN 120057093 A discloses a magnetorheologically assisted steering device in which a steering motor is mechanically connected in series with a magnetorheological damper, so that the steering motor is assisted when turning by means of a change in a damping force.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing a novel steering device for a vehicle.

[0004] The problem is solved according to the invention by a steering device which has the features of claim 1.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] In a steering device for a vehicle with a steering motor which is designed to pivot a vehicle wheel depending on a steering input, it is provided according to the invention that a brake is provided which is arranged on the vehicle wheel and is designed to absorb forces acting on the vehicle wheel on a transverse axis of the vehicle.

[0007] During cornering, high external forces acting on the vehicle wheel, such as centripetal forces, must be compensated for. In a mechanical rack and pinion steering system, a rack absorbs these forces. In an independent wheel steering system, these forces must be absorbed and compensated by the steering motor. Current technology uses large, heavy, and expensive steering motors for this purpose.

[0008] The steering system allows for the compensation of forces acting on the vehicle wheel by means of the brake, for example, a magnetorheological brake. The steering motor, for example, an electric actuator, therefore only needs to exert a force to turn the vehicle wheel. This allows the steering motor to be smaller, making it lighter and less expensive. Furthermore, less energy is required to turn the vehicle wheel.

[0009] Furthermore, the combination of a smaller steering motor and a brake enables new steering concepts and / or axle designs that are not feasible with a more massive actuator system.

[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0011] This shows: Fig. 1 schematically a possible embodiment of a steering device of a vehicle.

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a possible embodiment of a steering device 110 of a vehicle 100.

[0013] The vehicle 100 has two such steering devices 110 and a control unit 120, wherein the steering devices 110 are each arranged on opposite sides of an axle of the vehicle 100 which is not shown in detail.

[0014] The steering devices 110 each include a vehicle wheel 111, a steering motor 112 and a brake 113.

[0015] The steering motor 112 is mechanically coupled to the vehicle wheel 111 in such a way that the vehicle wheel 111 can be swung by means of the steering motor 112 depending on a steering input from a driver not shown in detail.

[0016] The steering motor 112, for example, is designed as an electric actuator which moves a steering linkage (not shown in detail) in order to swivel the vehicle wheel 111.

[0017] The brake 113 is mechanically coupled to the vehicle wheel 111 in such a way that forces F acting on the vehicle wheel 111 on a transverse axis x of the vehicle 100 are absorbed and compensated by the brake 113.

[0018] The brake 113, for example, is designed as a magnetorheological brake 114. The magnetorheological brake 114 is, for example, mechanically coupled to the steering linkage. Other brake concepts are also possible.

[0019] A magnetorheological brake 114 is a brake 113 that generates a braking force by means of a magnetorheological fluid. Magnetorheological fluids are characterized by the fact that their viscosity can be changed by means of an external magnetic field. By applying a magnetic field, magnetic elements in the fluid align themselves along the magnetic field lines and cause the viscosity to change. The increased viscosity generates resistance, which results in a braking torque on rotating elements of the magnetorheological brake 114.

[0020] The control unit 120 is designed to control the steering motors 112 and the magnetorheological brake 114 depending on the steering input of the driver.

[0021] In one embodiment not shown in detail, the vehicle 100 has a detection unit configured to detect forces F acting on the respective vehicle wheel 111, for example centripetal forces F_z, and to transmit a value of these forces F to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 controls the brake 113 according to the transmitted values.

[0022] When the driver makes a steering input, the control unit 120 sends a signal to the motors 112 and the magnetorheological brake 114.

[0023] The motors 112 then swivel the vehicle wheels 111. Simultaneously, the magnetic field is applied to the magnetorheological brake 114, thus solidifying the magnetorheological fluid of the magnetorheological brake 114. During cornering, forces F acting on the outer vehicle wheel 111, for example centripetal forces F_z, exert pressure on the outer vehicle wheel 111. These centripetal forces F_z are absorbed by the magnetorheological brake 114 of the outer vehicle wheel 111 by locking the steering linkage using the magnetorheological brake 114.

[0024] In the illustration, arrows for the forces F are shown on both sides as an example; during the described curve, forces F only act on one side from the outside on the respective vehicle wheel 111. Reference symbol list 100 vehicles 110 Steering device 111 Vehicle wheel 112 Steering motor 113 Brake 114 magnetorheological brake 120 control unit F force F_z Centripetal force x transverse axis 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] CN 120057093 A

[0002]

Claims

[1] Steering device (110) for a vehicle (100) with a steering motor (112) which is configured to swivel a vehicle wheel (111) depending on a steering input, characterized by a brake (113) which is arranged on the vehicle wheel (111) and is designed to absorb forces (F) acting on the vehicle wheel (111) on a transverse axis (x) of the vehicle (100). [2] Steering device (110) according to claim 1 characterized by , that the brake (113) is designed as a magnetorheological brake (114). [3] Steering device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control unit (120) which is designed to control the steering motor (112) and the brake (113) depending on a steering input. [4] Steering device (110) according to claim 3, characterized bya detection device which is designed to detect forces (F) acting on the vehicle wheel (111) and to transmit a value of the detected forces (F) to the control unit (120).

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