Steering input device and mobility including the same

Abstract

According to the present embodiments, a steering input device may be provided, which includes a steering shaft, a rotor having a spring coupled to the steering shaft and forming a circumferentially spaced apart space between both ends thereof, a first support member coupled to the rotor and positioned in the spaced apart space, a housing to which the steering shaft is rotatably coupled and which accommodates the rotor, a second support member positioned in the spaced apart space, and a coupling member which couples the second support member to the housing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present embodiments relate to a steering input device and a mobility device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, interest in compact mobility vehicles has been increasing. Compact mobility vehicles can be used as urban mobility vehicles suitable for small passenger numbers and short-distance travel. Such compact mobility vehicles can be equipped with a lean function that tilts the vehicle body depending on the direction of travel to compensate for the reduced driving safety caused by a lightweight vehicle body and a high center of gravity design, and to provide the driver with a dynamic driving experience.

[0003] The compact mobility vehicle includes a steering input device to which the driver's steering wheel operation is input, a steering actuator that generates a steering force to steer the wheels in accordance with the driver's steering wheel operation, and a lean actuator for performing the lean function described above.

[0004] However, when considering the small size of the vehicle body and the applications of the miniature mobility vehicle, various devices provided in the mobility vehicle must be small in size. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present embodiments have been devised in light of the above-mentioned background, and relate to a steering input device that has a compact structure and can improve the steering feel of the driver, and a mobility including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present embodiments, a steering input device may be provided, including a steering shaft, a rotor having a spring coupled to the steering shaft and having a circumferentially spaced apart space between both ends thereof, a first support member coupled to the rotor and positioned in the spaced apart space, a housing to which the steering shaft is rotatably coupled and which accommodates the rotor, a second support member positioned in the spaced apart space, and a coupling member which couples the second support member to the housing.

[0007] Furthermore, according to the present embodiments, a mobility device including a steering input device can be provided, the steering input device including a steering shaft, a rotor having a spring coupled to the steering shaft and forming a circumferentially spaced apart space between both ends, a first support member coupled to the rotor and positioned in the spaced apart space, a housing to which the steering shaft is rotatably coupled and which accommodates the rotor, a second support member positioned in the spaced apart space, and a coupling member which couples the second support member to the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present embodiments, a steering input device having a compact structure and capable of improving the steering feel of the driver, and a mobility including the same, can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a steering input device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the steering input device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the steering input device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of a part of the steering input device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of a part of the steering input device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the steering input device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the steering input device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a part of the steering input device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 9a, 9b, and 9c are diagrams for explaining mobility according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, identical components may have the same reference numerals as much as possible, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known structures or functions may obscure the gist of the present technical concept, such a detailed description may be omitted. When terms such as "include," "have," and "be made" are used in this specification, other terms may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it may also include a plural unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0011] Furthermore, in describing components of the present disclosure, terms such as "first," "second," "A," "B," "(a)," "(b)," etc. are used only to distinguish the component from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, sequence, or number of the corresponding components.

[0012] In describing the positional relationship of components, when two or more components are described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected," it should be understood that the two or more components may be directly "coupled," "coupled," or "connected," but that the two or more components may also be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" through an additional "intervening" component. Here, the additional component may be included in one or more of the two or more components that are "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to each other.

[0013] In describing the temporal flow relationship associated with components, operating methods, manufacturing methods, etc., when the temporal or flow sequence relationship is described using, for example, "after," "following," "next," or "before," it may also include cases where the relationship is not consecutive, unless "immediately" or "directly" is used.

[0014] On the other hand, when a numerical value or its corresponding information (e.g., level, etc.) for a component is mentioned, the numerical value or its corresponding information may be interpreted as including an error range that may occur due to various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external impact, noise, etc.), even if not otherwise explicitly stated.

[0015] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a steering input device according to the present embodiments, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the steering input device according to the present embodiments, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the steering input device according to the present embodiments, FIG. 4 is a front view of a portion of the steering input device according to the present embodiments, FIG. 5 is a front view of a portion of the steering input device according to the present embodiments, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the steering input device according to the present embodiments, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the steering input device according to the present embodiments, and FIG. 8 is a plan view of a portion of the steering input device according to the present embodiments.

[0016] According to the present embodiments, a steering input device 100 may be provided, including a steering shaft 110, a rotor 120 having a spring 123 coupled to the steering shaft 110 and forming a circumferential space 123c between both ends thereof, a first support member 130 coupled to the rotor 120 and positioned in the space 123c, a housing 150 to which the steering shaft 110 is rotatably coupled and which accommodates the rotor 120, a second support member 140 positioned in the space 123c, and a coupling member 160 which couples the second support member 140 to the housing 150.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the present embodiments, mobility including the steering input device 100 can be provided.

[0018] First, let us look at the lean function of the mobility according to the present embodiment in more detail with reference to Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c. Figure 9a shows a state in which the lean function of the mobility according to the present embodiment is not being performed, which may be a stopped, straight ahead, or reverse state.

[0019] Figures 9b and 9c show the state in which the lean function of the mobility according to the present embodiments is performed, where Figure 9b shows the state in which the vehicle body tilts due to the lean function when turning, and Figure 9c shows the state in which the height difference between the left and right wheels is offset by the lean function on uneven terrain.

[0020] In other words, the lean function can be used to improve driving safety when cornering, provide the driver with a dynamic driving environment, and also provide a suspension function that absorbs ground irregularities.

[0021] The mobility of the present embodiment includes a lean bar 900, both ends of which are connected to the left and right wheels to perform the lean function. Both ends of the lean bar 900 are connected to the left and right wheels via a linkage structure. The mobility of the present embodiment also includes a lean actuator, and the lean function is performed by rotating the lean bar by the lean actuator.

[0022] The mobility according to the present embodiments includes a steering input device 100 according to the present embodiments. The steering input device 100 according to the present embodiments is provided in the mobility according to the present embodiments and receives a steering input from the driver.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the mobility according to the present embodiments may further include a steering angle sensor that senses the rotation angle of the steering shaft, a steering actuator that generates a steering force for steering the wheels, and an electronic control device that receives rotation angle information of the steering shaft from the steering angle sensor and controls the steering actuator.

[0024] A steering wheel is connected to the steering shaft, and a driver can operate the steering input device 100 according to the present embodiments by operating the steering wheel. The steering angle sensor senses the rotation angle of the steering shaft and transmits it to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit can control the steering actuator based on the rotation angle information of the steering shaft received from the steering angle sensor and other information, such as vehicle speed and driver steering torque. Under the control of the electronic control unit, the steering actuator generates a steering force for steering the wheels, thereby performing steering of the mobility according to the present embodiments.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the steering actuator can steer the front wheels. Both front wheels of the mobility vehicle according to this embodiment can be connected to a lean bar to perform a lean function by the lean actuator, and can also be steered by the steering actuator.

[0026] 1 to 4, the steering input device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a steering shaft 110, a rotor 120, a first support member 130, a housing 150, a second support member 140, and a connecting member 160.

[0027] The steering shaft 110 is connected to the steering wheel and is rotated by the driver operating the steering wheel. The rotor 120 is connected to the steering shaft 110 and rotates together with the steering shaft 110. The steering shaft 110 is rotatably connected to the housing 150. The steering shaft 110 may be connected to the housing 150 by a bearing.

[0028] The housing 150 accommodates the rotor 120. The housing 150 may include a hollow main housing 151 accommodating the rotor 120, a cover housing 153 to which one side of the steering shaft 110 is coupled and which is coupled to the main housing 151, and a sensor housing 152 to which the other side of the steering shaft 110 is coupled and which accommodates a sensor 212 (described below). The steering input device 100 according to the present embodiments may be installed by coupling the main housing 151 to a vehicle body.

[0029] The rotor 120 is provided with a spring 123. As the steering shaft 110 rotates, the torque generated by the spring 123 twisting is provided to the steering shaft 110 as a reaction torque, improving the driver's steering feel. In addition, the torque provided by the spring 123 allows the rotated steering wheel to return to a neutral position.

[0030] A circumferential space 123c (see FIG. 4) is formed between one end (see reference numeral 123a) and the other end (see reference numeral 123b) of the spring 123. A first support member 130 and a second support member 140 are positioned in the space 123c formed between both ends of the spring 123 (see FIG. 5).

[0031] Since the steering feel provided to the driver must be the same regardless of the direction of rotation of the steering wheel, both ends of the spring 123, the first support member 130, and the second support member 140 are provided symmetrically. As shown in the drawing, the first support member 130 has a load shape parallel to the steering axis 110, and can support both ends of the spring 123.

[0032] The second support member 140 may include a first support 141 supporting one end of the spring 123 and a second support 142 supporting the other end of the spring 123, as will be described in detail below.

[0033] The first support member 130 is connected to the rotor 120 and rotates together with the steering shaft 110, and the second support member 140 is connected to the housing 150 by a connecting member 160. That is, when the steering shaft 110 rotates, the first support member 130 rotates but the second support member 140 is fixed. As the steering shaft 110 rotates, the first support member 130 is supported by one end or the other end of the spring 123 and rotates, while the other end or one end of the spring 123 is supported by the second support member 140 and fixed.

[0034] Therefore, the spring 123 is twisted, and a reaction torque is applied to the steering shaft 110. The mechanism for providing the reaction torque by the torsion of the spring 123 will be described in detail later.

[0035] 2, the steering input device 100 according to the present embodiments may further include a damper 211 coupled to the steering shaft 110 and the housing 150. The damper 211 may be coupled to an end of the steering shaft 110 and to the sensor housing 152. The damper 211 provides damping in the rotational direction to the steering shaft 110, thereby improving steering feel.

[0036] Also, according to an embodiment, the steering input device 100 according to the present embodiments may further include a sensor 212 that senses the rotation angle of the steering shaft 110 .

[0037] The sensor 212 can sense the rotation angle of the steering shaft 110 and transmit the rotation angle information to an electronic control device that controls a steering actuator that generates a steering force for steering the wheels. That is, the steering shaft 110 of the steering input device 100 according to the present embodiments may not be mechanically connected to the wheels to be steered.

[0038] The electronic control device can control the steering actuator based on the rotation angle information sensed by the sensor 212 and information sensed by other sensors, such as the vehicle speed and the driver's steering torque.

[0039] 2 and 3, according to one embodiment, the rotor 120 may include a first rotor 121 to which a first support member 130 is coupled and a second rotor 122 to which a spring 123 is seated.

[0040] According to one embodiment, serrations 121b and 110b may be formed on at least one side of the first rotor 121 and the steering shaft 110, and they may be serration coupled together. Therefore, the rotor 120 and the steering shaft 110 may be fixed in the circumferential direction and rotate together.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first rotor 121 may have a first stopper 121a, and the housing 150 may have a second stopper 153a that may be supported in the circumferential direction by the first stopper 121a. The rotation of the steering shaft 110 is stopped by the first stopper 121a being supported by the second stopper 153a.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the first stopper 121a may be formed on one axial side of the first rotor 121, and the first support member 130 may be coupled to the other axial side of the first rotor 121.

[0043] The second stopper 153a is formed on the inner surface of the sensor housing 152, and the first stopper 121a and the second stopper 153a are formed on the opposing surfaces of the first rotor 121 and the sensor housing 152, respectively. The first support member 130 may be coupled to the other axial side of the first rotor 121, i.e., the side opposite to the side on which the first stopper 121a is formed.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the spring 123 may be mounted on an outer surface of the second rotor 122. The second rotor 122 may be coupled to the other axial side of the first rotor 121, i.e., the side to which the first support member 130 is coupled. Thus, the first rotor 121 and the second rotor 122 rotate together. The spring 123 is mounted on the outer surface of the second rotor 122, and both ends are bent to protrude radially from the outer surface of the second rotor 122, as described below.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the second rotor 122 may include a first bushing 221 having a first protrusion 221a formed on its outer surface, which is coupled to the first rotor 121 and supported by the spring 123 on one axial side, and a second bushing 222 having a second protrusion 222a formed on its outer surface, which is coupled to the first bushing 221 and supported by the spring 123 on the other axial side.

[0046] The first bushing 221 and the second bushing 222 are axially coupled, and the spring 123 is positioned between the first protrusion 221a and the second protrusion 222a on the outer surfaces of the first bushing 221 and the second bushing 222 (see FIG. 2).

[0047] 4 and 5, according to one embodiment, one end and the other end of the spring 123 may be bent and extended radially to form the space 123c. The ends of the spring 123 are spaced apart in the axial direction and form the space 123c in the circumferential direction.

[0048] According to one embodiment, one end of the spring 123 may be supported on one circumferential side by the first support member 130, and the other end of the spring 123 may be supported on the other circumferential side by the first support member 130. That is, one end and the other end of the spring 123 are supported on opposite sides of each other by the first support member 130 positioned in the space 123c.

[0049] When the rotor 120 rotates in one circumferential direction together with the steering shaft 110, the first support member 130 is supported by one end of the spring 123 and rotates. However, the other end of the spring 123 is supported by the fixed second support member 140 and is fixed and cannot rotate, so that the spring 123 twists, and a reaction torque is applied to the steering shaft 110.

[0050] Conversely, when the rotor 120 rotates in the other circumferential direction together with the steering shaft 110, the first support member 130 is supported by the other end of the spring 123 and rotates, while one end of the spring 123 is supported by a fixed second support and is fixed and cannot rotate, so that the spring 123 also twists, and a reaction torque is applied to the steering shaft 110.

[0051] According to one embodiment, one end of the spring 123 may be simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140 on one circumferential side, and the other end of the spring 123 may be simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140 on the other circumferential side. That is, one end and the other end of the spring 123 may be simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140 on opposite sides of each other.

[0052] If both ends of the spring 123 cannot be supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140 simultaneously, the driver's steering feeling will be reduced.

[0053] That is, in the neutral state of the steering wheel, if both ends of the spring 123 are supported only by the first support member 130 and there is a gap between both ends of the spring 123 and both sides of the second support member 140, when the steering shaft 110 rotates in the circumferential direction, the spring 123 does not twist and no reaction torque is provided until the ends of the spring 123 are supported by the second support member 140, resulting in a poor steering feel.

[0054] Alternatively, when the steering wheel is in a neutral position, if both ends of the spring 123 are supported only by the second support member 140 and there is a gap between both ends of the spring 123 and both sides of the first support member 130, the steering shaft 110 will rotate freely until the end of the spring 123 is supported by the first support member 130, thereby reducing the steering feel.

[0055] Alternatively, if both ends of the spring 123 cannot be supported by either the first support member 130 or the second support member 140 when the steering wheel is in a neutral position, the driver's steering feel will be reduced. Therefore, in order to provide the driver with a good steering feel, both ends of the spring 123 need to be supported by both the first support member 130 and the second support member 140 at the same time.

[0056] 5 shows a state in which both ends of the spring 123 are simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140 at the neutral position. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the steering shaft 110 is rotated counterclockwise from the neutral position, with one end of the spring 123 being supported and fixed by the second support member 140 and the other end of the spring 123 being supported and rotated by the first support member 130.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, in the neutral state, both ends of the spring 123 are simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, when the steering shaft 110 is rotated, one end or the other of the spring 123 is not moved by the second support member 140 even if the first support member 130 is rotated.

[0058] Therefore, when the driver rotates the steering wheel from the neutral position, the spring 123 immediately twists, providing a reaction torque. If there is a gap between the end of the spring 123 and the second support member 140, the spring 123 does not twist before the driver rotates the steering wheel by that distance, resulting in a reduced steering feel. Through this structure, the steering input device 100 according to the present embodiments can provide the driver with a high steering feel.

[0059] However, when manufacturing tolerances, assembly tolerances, etc. are taken into consideration, it is impossible to actually assemble the parts so that both ends of the spring 123 are supported simultaneously by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140. Therefore, a design for assembling the device so that both ends of the spring 123 are supported simultaneously by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140 is required.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the second support member 140 may include a first support 141 on which one end of the spring 123 is supported, and a second support 142 on which the other end of the spring 123 is supported.

[0061] The first support member 130 is configured as a single body and is supported simultaneously on both ends of the spring 123, and the second support member 140 is separated into a first support member 141 and a second support member 142 and may be supported respectively on one end and the other end of the spring 123. That is, one end of the spring 123 may be supported simultaneously by the first support member 130 and the first support member 141, and the other end of the spring 123 may be supported simultaneously by the first support member 130 and the second support member 142.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the first support 141 may be coupled to the housing 150 so as to be in close contact with one end of the spring 123 supported by the first support member 130, and the second support 142 may be coupled to the housing 150 so as to be in close contact with the other end of the spring 123 supported by the second support member 140.

[0063] That is, first, with both ends of spring 123 supported on both sides of first support member 130, first support member 141 and second support member 142 may be coupled to housing 150 so as to be in close contact with one end and the other end of spring 123, respectively, within space 123c. Thus, one end of spring 123 may be supported by first support member 130 and first support member 141 simultaneously, and the other end of spring 123 may be supported by first support member 130 and second support member 142 simultaneously.

[0064] Referring to Figures 2 and 7 in more detail, according to one embodiment, the housing 150 is formed with a slit 154 into which the first support 141 and the second support 142 are inserted so as to be axially movable, and the first support 141 and the second support 142 can be fixed to the housing 150 at the slit 154 by a connecting member 160.

[0065] That is, the first support member 141 and the second support member 142 inserted into the slit 154 can move along the direction in which the slit 154 is formed. The first support member 141 and the second support member 142, which can move along the slit 154, are brought into close contact with one end and the other end of the spring 123, respectively, and then fixed to the housing 150 by the connecting member 160, so that both ends of the spring 123 can be supported by the first supporting member 130 and the second supporting member 140 simultaneously.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 8 in detail, according to an embodiment, the first support 141 and the second support 142 may be formed to have a narrower width along the axial direction.

[0067] The first support 141 and the second support 142 may have inclined surfaces on both sides thereof, and may be formed to have a width that narrows along the axial direction. The first support 141 and the second support 142 may be formed to face outward from the inner side in the axial direction, that is, the width may narrow as the first support 141 and the second support 142 move away from each other in the axial direction.

[0068] Therefore, while positioned axially inward and not in contact with the ends of the spring 123, the first support 141 and the second support 142 are moved axially outward along the slit 154 and are supported by both ends of the spring 123, and in this state the first support 141 and the second support 142 can be fixed to the housing 150 by the connecting member 160.

[0069] By assembling in this manner, both ends of the spring 123 can be supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140 simultaneously.

[0070] According to a steering input device having such a shape and a mobility including the same, a steering input device and a mobility including the same can be provided that have a compact structure and can improve the steering feel of the driver.

[0071] The above description merely exemplifies the technical concept of the present disclosure, and various modifications and variations may be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the technical concept. Furthermore, the present examples are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical concept of the present disclosure, and therefore the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure should not be limited by these examples. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A steering shaft; a rotor coupled to the steering shaft and including a spring having a circumferentially spaced apart space between both ends; a first support member coupled to the rotor and positioned in the space; a housing to which the steering shaft is rotatably coupled and which accommodates the rotor; a second support member positioned in the space; a coupling member that couples the second support member to the housing; A steering input device comprising:

2. The steering input device of claim 1 , further comprising a damper coupled to the steering shaft and the housing.

3. The steering input device according to claim 1 , further comprising a sensor for sensing a rotation angle of the steering shaft.

4. The rotor is 2. The steering input device of claim 1, comprising: a first rotor to which the first support member is coupled; and a second rotor to which the spring is seated.

5. The steering input device according to claim 4, wherein serrations are formed on at least one side of the first rotor and the steering shaft.

6. The first rotor is formed with a first stopper, 5. The steering input device according to claim 4, wherein the housing is formed with a second stopper that is circumferentially supported by the first stopper.

7. The first stopper is formed on one axial side surface of the first rotor, The steering input device according to claim 6, wherein the first support member is coupled to another axial side of the first rotor.

8. The steering input device according to claim 4, wherein the spring is mounted on an outer surface of the second rotor.

9. The second rotor is a first bushing coupled to the first rotor and having a first protrusion formed on an outer surface thereof, the first protrusion being supported by the spring at one axial side thereof; and 5. The steering input device according to claim 4, further comprising: a second bushing having a second protrusion formed on an outer surface thereof, the second protrusion being coupled to the first bushing and supported by the spring at the other axial side thereof.

10. 2. The steering input device according to claim 1, wherein one end and the other end of the spring are bent and extended in a radial direction to form the space.

11. One end of the spring is supported by the first support member at one circumferential side, The steering input device according to claim 10, wherein the other end of the spring is supported by the first support member at the other circumferential side.

12. One end of the spring is supported by the first support member and the second support member at one circumferential side, The steering input device according to claim 10, wherein the other end of the spring is supported simultaneously by the first support member and the second support member on the other circumferential side.

13. The second support member is a first support member on which one end of the spring is supported; and The steering input device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second support member for supporting the other end of the spring.

14. The steering input device according to claim 13, wherein positions of the first support and the second support coupled to the housing are adjustable.

15. the first support member is coupled to the housing so as to be in close contact with one end of the spring supported by the first support member; The steering input device of claim 14, wherein the second support member is coupled to the housing so as to be in close contact with the other end of the spring supported by the second support member.

16. The housing is formed with slits into which the first support body and the second support body are inserted so as to be axially movable, The steering input device according to claim 14, wherein the first support body and the second support body are fixed to the housing through the slit by the connecting member.

17. The steering input device according to claim 13, wherein the first support body and the second support body are formed to have a width that narrows along an axial direction.

18. A mobility device comprising the steering input device according to claim 1.

19. a steering angle sensor for sensing a rotation angle of the steering shaft; a steering actuator that generates a steering force for steering the wheels; The mobility device according to claim 18, further comprising: an electronic control unit that receives rotation angle information of the steering shaft from the steering angle sensor and controls the steering actuator.

20. 20. The mobility device of claim 19, wherein the steering actuator steers the front wheels.

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