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 including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing interest in small mobility. Small mobility can be utilized as an urban-type mobility suitable for a small number of passengers and short-distance travel. Such small mobility compensates for the reduced driving safety caused by a light vehicle body and a high center of gravity, and can have a lean function that tilts the vehicle body according to the driving direction so as to provide the driver with a thrilling drive.

[0003] Small mobility includes a steering input device to which a driver's steering wheel operation is input, a steering actuator that generates a steering force for steering wheels by the driver's steering wheel operation, and a lean actuator for performing the above-described lean function.

[0004] However, considering the small vehicle body and the usage destination of small mobility, a small size of various devices provided in the mobility is required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present embodiments have been devised in the above-described background, and relate to a steering input device that can improve a driver's steering feeling while having a compact structure, and a mobility including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to these embodiments, a steering input device can be provided that includes a steering shaft, a rotor having a spring coupled to the steering shaft with a circumferential separation space formed between its ends, a first support member coupled to the rotor and located in the separation space, a housing that rotatably connects the steering shaft to house the rotor, a second support member located in the separation space, and a coupling member that connects the second support member to the housing.

[0007] Furthermore, according to these embodiments, a mobility device can be provided that includes a steering input device comprising a steering shaft, a rotor having a spring coupled to the steering shaft and with a circumferential separation space formed between its ends, a first support member coupled to the rotor and located in the separation space, a housing that rotatably connects the steering shaft and houses the rotor, a second support member located in the separation space, and a coupling member that connects the second support member to the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to these embodiments, a steering input device and a mobility device including the same can be provided, which have a compact structure and can improve the driver's steering feel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the steering input device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the steering input device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the steering input device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of a part of the steering input device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view of a part of the steering input device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the steering input device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the steering input device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view of a part of the steering input device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c are diagrams illustrating the mobility provided by these embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Some embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to illustrative drawings. In assigning reference numerals to the components in each drawing, identical components may, as far as possible, have the same numeral, even if they appear in other drawings. Furthermore, in describing these embodiments, if a specific description of a related known configuration or function is deemed to obscure the essence of the technical concept, such detailed description may be omitted. Where "includes," "has," "is made," etc., are used as referred to herein, other parts may be added unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed singly, it may include multiple components unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0011] Furthermore, in describing the components of this disclosure, terms such as “First,” “Second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” and “(b)” may be used. Such terms are used solely to distinguish a component from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, sequence, or number of the component in question.

[0012] When describing the positional relationships of constituent elements, if it is stated that two or more constituent elements are "linked," "joined," or "connected," it should be understood that while two or more constituent elements can be directly "linked," "joined," or "connected," they can also be "linked," "joined," or "connected" through the "interposition" of other constituent elements. Here, other constituent elements may be included in one or more of the two or more constituent elements that are "linked," "joined," or "connected" to each other.

[0013] In descriptions of temporal relationships related to constituent elements, methods of operation, or manufacturing methods, if temporal or sequential relationships are described using phrases such as "after," "following," "next," or "before," it may include cases that are not continuous unless "immediately" or "directly" is used.

[0014] On the other hand, if numerical values ​​or corresponding information (e.g., levels) for a component are mentioned, even without further explicit mention, these numerical values ​​or corresponding information may be interpreted to include a range of error that may occur due to various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external shocks, noise, etc.).

[0015] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the steering input device according to this embodiment, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the steering input device according to this embodiment, Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the steering input device according to this embodiment, Figure 4 is a front view of a part of the steering input device according to this embodiment, Figure 5 is a front view of a part of the steering input device according to this embodiment, Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the steering input device according to this embodiment, Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the steering input device according to this embodiment, and Figure 8 is a plan view of a part of the steering input device according to this embodiment.

[0016] According to the present embodiment, a steering input device 100 is provided that includes a steering shaft 110, a rotor 120 coupled to the steering shaft 110 and having a spring 123 with a circumferential separation space 123c formed between both ends, a first support member 130 coupled to the rotor 120 and positioned in the separation space 123c, a housing 150 to which the steering shaft 110 is rotatably coupled to accommodate the rotor 120, a second support member 140 positioned in the separation space 123c, and a coupling member 160 that couples the second support member 140 to the housing 150.

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

[0018] First, referring to FIGS. 9a, 9b, and FIG. 9c, a detailed view is taken of the lean function of the mobility according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9a shows a state in which the lean function of the mobility according to the present embodiment is not performed, and for example, it can be in a stopped, straight-ahead, or reverse state.

[0019] FIGS. 9b and 9c show states in which the lean function of the mobility according to the present embodiment is performed. FIG. 9b shows a state in which the vehicle body is tilted by the lean function during turning travel, and FIG. 9c shows a state in which the height difference between the left and right wheels is offset by the lean function on a stepped terrain.

[0020] That is, by using the lean function, it is possible to improve driving safety during turning travel and provide a thrilling driving environment for the driver, and it is also possible to provide a suspension function for absorbing ground steps.

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

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

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

[0024] A steering wheel is connected to the steering shaft, and the driver can operate the steering input device 100 according to this embodiment 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, as well as other information such as vehicle speed and the driver's steering torque. Under the control of the electronic control unit, the steering actuator generates a steering force to steer the wheels, and the steering of the mobility according to this embodiment is performed.

[0025] In one embodiment, the steering actuator can steer the front wheels. In this embodiment, both front wheels of the mobility are connected to a lean bar and a lean function can be performed by a lean actuator, and they can also be steered by the steering actuator.

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

[0027] The steering shaft 110 is connected to the steering wheel and rotated by the driver's steering wheel operation. The rotor 120 is coupled to the steering shaft 110 and rotates together with the steering shaft 110. The steering shaft 110 is rotatably coupled to the housing 150. The steering shaft 110 can be coupled to the housing 150 by bearings.

[0028] The housing 150 houses the rotor 120. The housing 150 is hollow and may include a main housing 151 that houses 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 houses a sensor 212 described later. The steering input device 100 according to these embodiments can be installed while the main housing 151 is coupled to the vehicle body.

[0029] The rotor 120 is equipped with a spring 123. As the steering shaft 110 rotates, the torque generated by the twisting of the spring 123 is supplied 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 the neutral position.

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

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

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

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

[0034] Therefore, the spring 123 twists, providing a reaction torque to the steering shaft 110. The structure for providing reaction torque due to the twisting of the spring 123 will be described in detail later.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2 for a more detailed view, the steering input device 100 according to this embodiment may further include a damper 211 coupled to the steering shaft 110 and the housing 150. The damper 211 may be coupled to the end of the steering shaft 110 and to the sensor housing 152. The damper 211 provides rotational damping to the steering shaft 110, thereby improving the steering feel.

[0036] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the steering input device 100 according to this embodiment 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 unit that controls the steering actuator, which generates steering force to steer the wheels. In other words, the steering shaft 110 of the steering input device 100 according to these embodiments may not be mechanically connected to the wheel being steered.

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

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

[0040] In one embodiment, serrations 121b and 110b can be formed on at least one side of the first rotor 121 and the steering shaft 110, and they can be joined by serrations. Thus, the rotor 120 and the steering shaft 110 can be fixed in the circumferential direction and rotate together.

[0041] In one embodiment, a first stopper 121a is formed on the first rotor 121, and a second stopper 153a is formed on the housing 150, which can be circumferentially supported 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 one embodiment, the first stopper 121a is formed on one axial side of the first rotor 121, and the first support member 130 can 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 surfaces of the first rotor 121 and the sensor housing 152 that face each other. The first support member 130 can be coupled to the other axial side of the first rotor 121, that is, the side opposite to the surface on which the first stopper 121a is formed.

[0044] In one embodiment, the spring 123 can be attached to the outer surface of the second rotor 122. The second rotor 122 can be coupled to the other axial side of the first rotor 121, that is, the surface to which the first support member 130 is attached. Thus, the first rotor 121 and the second rotor 122 rotate together. The spring 123 is attached to the outer surface of the second rotor 122 and, as will be described later, is provided such that both ends are bent and protrude radially from the outer surface of the second rotor 122.

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

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

[0047] Referring to Figures 4 and 5 in detail, according to one embodiment, one end and the other end of the spring 123 can be bent and extended radially to form a separation space 123c. Both ends of the spring 123 are separated in the axial direction and form a separation space 123c in the circumferential direction.

[0048] In one embodiment, one end of the spring 123 can be supported by the first support member 130 on one side in the circumferential direction, and the other end of the spring 123 can be supported by the first support member 130 on the other side in the circumferential direction. That is, one end and the other end of the spring 123 are supported by the first support member 130 located in a separation space 123c on opposite sides to each other.

[0049] When the rotor 120 rotates to one side in the circumferential direction together with the steering shaft 110, the first support member 130 rotates while being supported by one end of the spring 123. However, the other end of the spring 123 is fixed and unable to rotate because it is supported by the fixed second support member 140, causing the spring 123 to twist and providing a reaction torque to the steering shaft 110.

[0050] Conversely, if the rotor 120 rotates to the other side in the circumferential direction along with the steering shaft 110, the first support member 130 rotates supported by the other end of the spring 123, while one end of the spring 123 is fixed and unable to rotate due to the second support, thus causing the spring 123 to twist and providing a reaction torque to the steering shaft 110.

[0051] In one embodiment, one end of the spring 123 can be simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140 on one side in the circumferential direction, and the other end of the spring 123 can be simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140 on the other side in the circumferential direction. That is, one end and the other end of the spring 123 can be simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140 on opposite sides, respectively.

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

[0053] In other words, if, in the neutral position of the steering wheel, 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, then when the steering shaft 110 rotates circumferentially, no twisting of the spring 123 occurs until the ends of the spring 123 are supported by the second support member 140, and therefore no reaction torque is provided, resulting in a decrease in steering feel.

[0054] Alternatively, if, in the neutral position of the steering wheel, 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 spin freely until the ends of the spring 123 are supported by the first support member 130, thus reducing the steering feel.

[0055] Alternatively, if, in the neutral position of the steering wheel, neither end of the spring 123 is supported by either the first support member 130 or the second support member 140, it is natural that the driver's steering feel will be reduced. Therefore, in order to provide the driver with a high level of steering feel, both ends of the spring 123 must be supported simultaneously by both the first support member 130 and the second support member 140.

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

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, in the neutral position, both ends of the spring 123 are simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140. As shown in Figure 6, when the steering shaft 110 is rotated, one end or the other end of the spring 123 remains stationary due to the second support member 140 even when the first support member 130 is rotated.

[0058] Therefore, when the driver rotates the steering wheel in 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 will not twist until the driver rotates the steering wheel by that amount, thus reducing the steering feel. Through this structure, the steering input device 100 according to these embodiments can provide the driver with a high level of steering feel.

[0059] However, it is practically impossible to assemble the parts so that both ends of the spring 123 are simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140, considering manufacturing tolerances, assembly tolerances, etc. Therefore, a design is needed to assemble the device so that both ends of the spring 123 are simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the second support member 140 may include a first support 141 that supports one end of the spring 123, and a second support 142 that supports the other end of the spring 123.

[0061] The first support member 130 is a single unit and is simultaneously supported at both ends of the spring 123, while the second support member 140 is separated into a first support 141 and a second support 142, which can be supported at one end and the other end of the spring 123, respectively. That is, one end of the spring 123 can be simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the first support 141, and the other end of the spring 123 can be simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support 142.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the first support 141 can 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 can 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] In other words, with both ends of the spring 123 supported on both sides of the first support member 130, the first support member 141 and the second support member 142 can be coupled to the housing 150 such that they are in close contact with one end and the other end of the spring 123 in the separation space 123c, respectively. Thus, one end of the spring 123 can be simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the first support member 141, and the other end of the spring 123 can be simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 142.

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

[0065] In other words, the first support 141 and the second support 142 inserted into the slit 154 are movable along the direction in which the slit 154 is formed. Then, by bringing the first support 141 and the second support 142, which are movable along the slit 154, into close contact with one end and the other end of the spring 123, respectively, and then fixing them to the housing 150 with the connecting member 160, both ends of the spring 123 can be simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140.

[0066] Referring to Figure 8 for a more detailed view, according to one embodiment, the first support 141 and the second support 142 can be formed such that their width narrows along the axial direction.

[0067] Both sides of the first support 141 and the second support 142 are formed with inclined surfaces, and they can be formed so that their width narrows along the axial direction. The first support 141 and the second support 142 can be formed so that their width narrows as they face outward on the axial inward side, that is, as they move away from each other.

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

[0069] This assembly method allows both ends of the spring 123 to be simultaneously supported by the first support member 130 and the second support member 140.

[0070] A steering input device having such a shape and a mobility device including the same can be provided, which has a compact structure and can improve the driver's steering feel.

[0071] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of this disclosure, and a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains could make various modifications and variations without deviating from the essential characteristics of this technical concept. Furthermore, these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only, not to limit, the technical concept of this disclosure, and therefore the scope of this technical concept is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted in accordance with the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of this disclosure.

Claims

1. Steering axis and, A rotor comprising a spring connected to the steering shaft, with a circumferential separation space formed between its two ends, A first support member coupled to the rotor and located in the separation space, The steering shaft is rotatably coupled to a housing that houses the rotor, A second support member located in the aforementioned separation space, A connecting member for connecting the second support member to the housing, A steering input device including a steering input device.

2. The steering input device according to 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 the rotation angle of the steering shaft.

4. The rotor is The steering input device according to claim 1, further comprising a first rotor to which the first support member is coupled, and a second rotor to which the spring is attached.

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

6. A first stopper is formed on the first rotor. The steering input device according to claim 4, characterized in that a second stopper is formed in the housing which can be supported in the circumferential direction by the first stopper.

7. The first stopper is formed on one axial side of the first rotor, The steering input device according to claim 6, characterized in that the first support member is coupled to the other axial side of the first rotor.

8. The steering input device according to claim 4, characterized in that the spring is fixed to the outer surface of the second rotor.

9. The second rotor is A first bush having a first projection formed on its outer surface, which is coupled to the first rotor and supported by the spring on one axial side, and The steering input device according to claim 4, further comprising: a second bush having a second projection formed on its outer surface, which is coupled to the first bush and supported by the spring on the other axial side.

10. The steering input device according to claim 1, characterized in that one end and the other end of the spring are bent and extended radially to form the separation space.

11. One end of the spring is supported by the first support member on one side in the circumferential direction. The steering input device according to claim 10, characterized in that the other end of the spring is supported by the first support member on the other side in the circumferential direction.

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

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

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

15. The first support 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 according to claim 14, characterized in that the second support 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 has a slit into which the first support and the second support are inserted so as to be movable in the axial direction. The steering input device according to claim 14, characterized in that the first support and the second support are fixed to the housing by the connecting member through the slit.

17. The steering input device according to claim 13, characterized in that the first support and the second support are formed such that their width narrows along the axial direction.

18. Mobility including a steering input device according to claim 1.

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

20. The mobility according to claim 19, characterized in that the steering actuator steers the front wheels.

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