Electronic Steering Control Module

Abstract

The present invention aims to improve the precision and safety of steering a vehicle and to provide a comfortable driving space for the driver in a vehicle steering system. In other words, the present invention comprises a lead screw section formed as a horizontal rod that moves laterally to change the driving angle of the wheels; a vertical steering motor section vertically connected from the center rearward upward to serve as a power source for the lateral movement of the lead screw section; a worm gear connection section connecting the lead screw section and the vertical steering motor section via a vertical worm gear; a worm gear housing that surrounds and protects the lower shaft of the vertical steering motor section, the center of the lead screw section, and the worm gear connection section, and serves as a fixing frame to clearly vertically fix the lead screw section and the vertical steering motor section; and a side flange section equipped with a screw movement measurement sensor that enables the lead screw rod to drive stably in the lateral direction. By connecting the power source of the lead screw section and the vertical steering motor section via a worm gear structure using the worm gear connection section, precise and stable steering is achieved with minimal power consumption. Furthermore, by using the frame of the worm gear housing to vertically connect the vertical steering motor section from the rearward upward to the lead screw section, a space for the driver's feet to rest is secured, thereby providing greater comfort to the driver. The invention relates to an electronic steering control module that provides a driving space and measures the lateral movement value of the lead screw rod moving laterally due to a screw movement measurement sensor of the side flange portion, thereby improving the steering error value and increasing the precision of the steering.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering device for steering the driving direction of a vehicle, and more specifically, to a steering module system in which steering action is performed in connection with driving wheels, comprising: a lead screw part formed as a horizontal rod that moves left and right to change the driving angle of the wheels; a vertical steering motor part connected vertically upward from the center rear of the lead screw part to serve as a power source for the lateral movement of the lead screw part; a worm gear connection part connecting the lead screw part and the vertical steering motor part via a vertical worm gear; a worm gear housing that surrounds and protects the lower shaft of the vertical steering motor part, the center of the lead screw part, and the worm gear connection part, and serves as a fixing frame to clearly vertically fix the lead screw part and the vertical steering motor part; and a side flange part having a screw movement measurement sensor that enables the lead screw rod to stably drive in the lateral direction, thereby connecting the power source via a worm gear structure to achieve precise and stable steering with a small power source, and by vertically connecting the vertical steering motor part from the rear upward to the lead screw part to secure a space for the driver's feet to be placed. This invention relates to a technology aimed at providing a more comfortable driving space for the driver and improving steering precision by measuring the driving value of the lead screw rod. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, the vehicle's steering system is located at the front of the vehicle, and when the driver operates the steering wheel, the corresponding rotational motion is transmitted along the steering connecting shaft and converted into the left-right linear lateral movement of the lead screw rod in the steering gear unit. The steering connecting rod (tie rod), connected to both ends of the lead screw rod, changes the angle of the knuckle arm connected to the driving wheel, thereby controlling the direction of the front wheel and enabling steering of the vehicle.

[0005] With the advancement of technology, a Steer-By-Wire (SBW) steering system has been introduced that detects the operation signal of the driving wheel using a sensor and, based on this, moves the lead screw rod laterally using only an electric motor connected to the lead screw rod. As shown in FIG. 2, this SBW system is configured to drive a steering motor connected to the lead screw rod by a horizontal gear to move the lead screw rod laterally, thereby enabling steering of the driving wheels.

[0007] However, conventional SBW systems, in which the steering motor is connected via a horizontal gear, have the drawback of requiring relatively high power output for steering. Furthermore, the asymmetrical placement of the steering motor causes an unbalanced center of gravity, raising concerns that it could compromise vehicle driving stability. Additionally, the horizontal connection structure occupies a large space for the steering system, imposing restrictions on interior layout and driver posture. Moreover, the horizontal gear connection method suffers from low steering precision, and the difficulty of rapid drive deceleration and feedback control during steering motor operation leads to reduced steering safety.

[0009] In addition, conventional SBW systems do not have a separate sensor device for measuring the change value of the lead screw rod that moves laterally to adjust the steering angle. As a result, it is not possible to measure the output value of the steering motor operated according to the input of the steering signal value and the lateral movement value of the lead screw rod, so there was a problem in that the precision of the steering could be significantly reduced if an error occurred between the output value of the steering motor and the lateral movement value of the lead screw rod. Prior art literature

[0012] Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2012-0056460 The problem to be solved

[0013] Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention, while comprehensively considering the aforementioned matters and with the idea of ​​resolving the limitations and problems of existing vehicle steering systems, devoted strenuous efforts to continuous research to develop a new structure, and as a result, conceived the present invention.

[0014] Therefore, the technical problem and objective of the present invention is to solve the problem of the need for high output due to the horizontally connected steering motor and the problem of the installation space of the steering motor in a vehicle SBW steering system, and to solve the problem of reduced steering precision due to the lack of a separate sensor device for measuring the lateral movement value of the lead screw rod.

[0015] The technical problems and objectives that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems and objectives will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0017] A specific means according to the embodiment of the present invention for effectively achieving a specific technical purpose while embodying a new concept for solving the technical problem of the present invention as described above is to provide an electronic steering control module comprising: a lead screw part formed as a horizontal rod that moves laterally to the left and right to change the driving angle of the wheel; a vertical steering motor part vertically connected from the center rear to the upper direction to serve as a power source for the lateral movement of the lead screw part; a worm gear connection part that connects the lead screw part and the vertical steering motor part with a vertical worm gear; a worm gear housing that surrounds and protects the lower shaft of the vertical steering motor part, the center of the lead screw part, and the worm gear connection part, and serves as a fixing frame to clearly vertically fix the lead screw part and the vertical steering motor part; and a side flange part having a screw movement measurement sensor that enables the lead screw rod to stably drive in the lateral direction. Effects of the invention

[0019] According to the technology of the present invention, which is based on a unique solution means to solve the technical problem described above,

[0020] By connecting the lead screw section and the vertical steering motor section using a worm gear connection section to the power source via a worm gear structure, precise and stable steering is achieved with a small amount of power. Additionally, by using the frame of the worm gear housing to vertically connect the vertical steering motor section to the lead screw section from the rear upward direction, a space for the driver's feet is secured, providing a more comfortable driving space for the driver. Furthermore, by measuring the lateral movement value of the lead screw rod through the screw movement measurement sensor of the side flange section, the steering error value is improved and the steering precision is enhanced.

[0021] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram showing an embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 2 is an example diagram showing the configuration of a conventional SBW system. FIG. 3 is an illustrative diagram showing an embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view showing the internal configuration according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing an embodiment in which a vertical steering motor unit is vertically connected to a lead screw unit in an upward direction according to the present invention, in a direction vertically perpendicular to the ground from the rear, in a direction inclined to the ground from the rear, and in a direction vertically perpendicular to the ground from the front. FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing the internal configuration according to the present invention. FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views showing the internal configuration according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a fixed rotary screw nut equipped with a ball screw nut according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a worm gear housing according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram showing the appearance of a worm gear housing according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to describing the present invention, it is specified that the terms described below are defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention and should be interpreted in accordance with concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention and meanings commonly accepted or recognized in the relevant technical field. Furthermore, if it is determined that a detailed description of known functions or configurations related to the present invention may obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0025] The drawings attached herein are illustrated with exaggerated or simplified portions for the purpose of explaining the configuration and operation of the technology, as well as for ease of understanding and clarity; it should be noted that each component does not exactly correspond to its actual size and shape.

[0026] In addition, the term "and / or" in this specification means a combination of multiple related described items or includes any of the multiple related described items, and when a part is said to include a certain component, it means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0027] In other words, terms such as 'include,' 'equip,' and 'have' mean that the features, number, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this specification exist, and should be understood as not excluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0028] Furthermore, terms such as top, bottom, upper surface, lower surface, or upper, lower, upper side, lower side, front / rear, left / right, etc., are used for convenience to distinguish the relative positions of each component. For example, the top of a drawing may be named or referred to as the upper part and the bottom as the lower part; the length direction may be named or referred to as the front / rear direction, and the width direction as the left / right direction.

[0029] Additionally, terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components. That is, terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, the first component may be named the second component without exceeding the scope of protection of the present invention, and the second component may also be named the first component.

[0031] The present invention aims to improve the precision and safety of steering a vehicle and to provide a comfortable driving space for the driver in a vehicle steering system.

[0033] First, the present invention relates to a steering control module connected to a driving wheel to perform steering operation, comprising a lead screw part (10), a vertical steering motor part (20), a worm gear connection part (30), a worm gear housing (40), and a side flange part (50).

[0035] That is, the present invention comprises a lead screw part (10) formed as a horizontal rod that changes the driving angle by moving left and right to enable steering operation, a vertical steering motor part (20) that is vertically connected to the center of the lead screw part and serves as a power source for moving the lead screw part laterally, a worm gear connecting part (30) that connects the lead screw part and the vertical steering motor part to a vertical worm gear, and a worm gear housing (40) that surrounds and protects the lower shaft of the vertical steering motor part, the center of the lead screw part, and the worm gear connecting part, and serves as a fixing frame to clearly vertically fix the lead screw part and the vertical steering motor part.

[0037] The above worm gear connection part is composed of a worm gear (210) connected to the lower shaft of the vertical steering motor part to power-connect the vertical steering motor part and the lead screw part in a worm gear structure, which becomes a driving gear by rotating the worm, and a worm wheel gear (220) which is vertically connected to the worm gear (210) in the center of the lead screw part and becomes a driven gear by rotating the worm wheel.

[0039] In addition, the worm gear connection part is connected to the worm wheel gear (220) on both sides of the worm wheel gear (220), and is fixedly supported so that the worm wheel gear (220) is positioned in the center and is inserted into the worm wheel bearing to form a worm wheel support member (221) which becomes the rotation axis of the worm wheel gear (220).

[0041] At this time, the worm gear (210) and the worm wheel gear (220) are provided with materials having different rigidities so that the worm gear (210) has relatively higher rigidity than the worm wheel gear (220), so that the worm wheel gear acts as a lubricating film, disperses wear, and enables stable gear operation.

[0043] Here, the vertical steering motor unit and the lead screw unit are connected by a worm gear structure so that steering is accurately achieved by operating precisely according to the reduction ratio of the worm gear (210), and when the vertical steering motor unit stops due to the vertically connected worm gear (210), the self-lock, which is the steering lock, is quickly achieved so that stable operation is achieved.

[0045] In addition, the vertical steering motor unit is composed of a vertically provided vertical steering motor (100) that operates by receiving a steering signal and serves as a power source, and a worm gear connecting member (110) that is connected to the worm gear (210) of the worm gear connecting member on the lower motor shaft of the vertical steering motor (100) and operates the worm gear (210).

[0047] The vertical steering motor part of the present invention is most characterized by the fact that the lead screw part is vertically connected to the lead screw part by a worm gear connection part.

[0049] The above-mentioned vertical steering motor part is provided to protrude upward from the central rear of the lead screw part and to be vertically connected to the lead screw part and the worm gear connection part.

[0051] Here, the vertical steering motor unit is positioned vertically to the lead screw unit in the center of the steering control module, so that the vehicle's center of gravity is located in the center and operates from the center, thereby ensuring stable driving. Additionally, by positioning the vertical steering motor unit vertically to the lead screw unit at the central rear of the steering control module and configuring the steering structure module at the front of the vehicle, the clearance space formed on both sides of the space occupied by the vertical steering motor unit can be secured as a space for the driver's feet to be placed.

[0053] In addition, the configuration in which the vertical steering motor part is vertically connected to the lead screw part by protruding upward through the worm gear connection part includes forming the vertical steering motor part so that it protrudes vertically from the ground or protrudes at an angle to the rear, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0055] In addition, the vertical steering motor unit may be provided to be vertically connected in an upward direction to the lead screw unit and the central front.

[0057] In addition, the vertical steering motor (100) is equipped with a BLDC motor so that it operates smoothly in electrical operation and precise control is achieved in steering.

[0059] In addition, the lead screw portion is composed of a rod-shaped lead screw rod (310) having a lead screw thread (311) in the center, and a fixed rotating screw nut (320) which is fixed in the center to move the lead screw rod (310) left and right and is connected to a worm wheel gear (220) to engage with the lead screw thread (311) and rotate axially.

[0061] At this time, the nut structure of the fixed rotating screw nut (320) can be implemented by providing a ball screw nut (320a) having a ball screw structure.

[0063] In addition, the worm gear housing is provided with side flange portions (50) that support the lead screw rod (310) of the lead screw portion on the left and right sides.

[0065] Here, the side flange portion is composed of a through-formed side flange (400) that allows the lead screw rod (310) to move stably in the left and right lateral directions without axial rotation, a bearing bush (410) that surrounds the lead screw rod (310) on the inner side of the side flange (400) and provides a lubricating function for the lateral movement, and a rotation-prevention half-moon key (420) formed in a semi-circular shape that acts as a rotation-prevention key having a rotation-prevention key surface (421) that engages with the rotation-prevention surface (312) at both ends of the lead screw rod (310) so that the lead screw rod (310) does not rotate axially at one end of the bearing bush (410).

[0067] Furthermore, a screw movement measuring sensor (440) is configured to measure the lateral movement value of the lead screw rod (310) based on a zero point (313) formed on the anti-rotation surface (312) of the lead screw rod (310) inserted into the measuring hole (430) to calculate information on the steering value at one end of the side flange portion, and a side flange (400) and an anti-rotation bushing.

[0069] At this time, a target magnet (313a), which is a measuring magnet, can be placed at the zero point (313), and a screw movement measuring sensor (440) can be provided as a magnetic sensor having an element that detects the magnetism of the target magnet.

[0071] In addition, the screw movement measurement sensor (440) can be implemented by being equipped with a photosensor that detects the position of the zero point (313).

[0073] In addition, the above worm gear housing is formed as a left and right divided housing body (500) that is divided left and right and joined to the inner side to form a housing frame.

[0075] Accordingly, the worm gear housing is provided with a vertical worm room (500a) formed as a vertical circular space in which a worm gear (210) is housed, and a horizontal worm wheel room (500b) connected to the vertical worm room (500a) and formed as a horizontal cylindrical space in which a worm wheel gear (220) is housed.

[0077] Additionally, the worm gear housing is provided with an upper connecting surface (510) that connects the lower part of the vertical steering motor section and the left and right housing bodies (500) together, a rear connecting vertical rib (520) formed in a vertical frame shape to reinforce and connect the left and right housing bodies (500) with a rib reinforcement structure at the rear, a front connecting semicircular rib (530) formed in a semicircular frame shape to reinforce and connect the left and right housing bodies (500) with a rib reinforcement structure at the front, and side reinforcing rib grooves (540) formed as grooves to increase structural rigidity on both sides of the left and right housing bodies (500), thereby increasing the binding strength of the left and right housing bodies (500) and providing high durability through the rib reinforcement structure.

[0079] At this time, the upper binding surface (510) may be provided with a steering motor mounting groove (511) in which the vertical steering motor is seated so that the vertical steering motor is clearly secured at the binding position of the vertical steering motor.

[0081] In addition, the device is equipped with a motor bracket (560) that fixes and supports an upper worm bearing (611) on the upper part of the vertical worm room (500a), and a worm gear bracket (570) that is inserted into a bracket insertion groove (551) formed in the bottom surface of the worm gear housing, and which fixes and supports the lower worm bearing (612) on the bottom of the vertical worm room (500a) and connects the left and right housing bodies (500) on the bottom.

[0083] The worm gear housing is provided with a centrally formed worm wheel gear bracket (850) that holds the lead screw rod (310) at both ends of the horizontal worm wheel room (500b) and holds the worm wheel bearing (620).

[0085] In addition, the vertical steering motor part is equipped with a motor output measuring sensor (101) that measures the output value of the vertical steering motor part to detect an abnormality and adjust the steering value of the steering control being steered by comparing the lateral movement value of the lead screw rod (310) measured by the screw movement measuring sensor (440) with the error value and calculating the error value.

[0087] In addition, a worm gear oil seal (710) is provided to prevent oil leakage by being located on the upper part of the vertical steering motor (100) drive shaft above the vertical worm room (500a).

[0089] In addition, it is composed of worm wheel bearings (620) that hold the rotation of the worm wheel support (221) on the outer side of both worm wheel support members.

[0091] In addition, a worm wheel gear oil seal (720) is provided to prevent oil leakage by being inserted into the lead screw rod (310) in the two through-holes through which the lead screw rod (310) passes in the worm wheel gear bracket (710). Explanation of the symbols

[0097] 1: Lead screw rod of a conventional SBW system 2: Steering motor of a conventional SBW system 2: Horizontal gear of a conventional SBW system 10: Lead screw section 20: Vertical steering motor unit 30: Worm gear connection 40: Worm gear housing 50: Side flange section 100: Vertical steering motor 101: Motor output measurement sensor 110: Worm gear fastener 210: Worm gear 220: Worm wheel gear 221: Wormwheel support 310: Lead screw rod 311: Lead screw helix 312: Anti-rotation surface 313: Zero Point 313a: Target magnet 320: Fixed rotary screw nut 320a: Ball screw nut 400: Side flange 410: Bearing bush 420: Anti-rotation crescent key 421: If you use the anti-rotation key 430: Measuring hole 440: Screw movement measurement sensor 500: Left and right housing body 500a: Vertical Worm Room 500b: Horizontal worm wheel room 510: Upper binding surface 511: Steering motor mounting groove 520: Rear binding vertical rib 530: Front binding rib 540: Side reinforcement rib groove 551: Bracket insertion groove 560: Motor bracket 570: Worm gear bracket 580: Worm wheel gear bracket 611: Upper worm bearing 612: Lower worm bearing 620: Worm wheel bearing 710: Worm gear oil seal 720: Worm wheel gear oil seal

Claims

Claim 1 In a steering control module connected to a driving wheel to perform steering operation, the module comprises: a lead screw section (10) formed as a horizontal rod that moves laterally left and right to change the driving angle to perform steering operation; a vertical steering motor section (20) vertically connected to the center of the lead screw section and serving as a power source for moving the lead screw section laterally; a worm gear connection section (30) that connects the lead screw section and the vertical steering motor section to a vertical worm gear; a worm gear housing (40) that surrounds and protects the lower shaft of the vertical steering motor section, the center of the lead screw section, and the worm gear connection section, and serves as a fixing frame to clearly vertically fix the lead screw section and the vertical steering motor section; and side flange sections (50) that support the lead screw rod (310) of the lead screw section on both the left and right sides of the worm gear housing (40). The vertical steering motor section is provided to protrude upward from the center rear of the lead screw section and to be connected to the lead screw section and the worm gear connection section. The electronic steering control module is characterized in that the worm gear connection part is configured to power-connect the vertical steering motor part and the lead screw part in a worm gear structure, and is composed of a worm gear (210) connected to the lower shaft of the vertical steering motor part to become a driving gear by worm rotation, and a worm wheel gear (220) vertically connected to the worm gear (210) in the center of the lead screw part to become a driven gear by worm wheel rotation, and the lead screw part is composed of a rod-shaped lead screw rod (310) having a lead screw thread (311) in the center, and a fixed rotating screw nut (320) positioned in the center to move the lead screw rod (310) left and right, connected to the worm wheel gear (220), and rotates axially by engaging with the lead screw thread (311). Claim 2 An electronic steering control module according to claim 1, wherein the worm gear connection part is provided with a worm wheel support member (221) that is connected to the worm wheel gear (220) on both sides of the worm wheel gear (220) and fixes the worm wheel gear (220) so that it is fixedly positioned in the center, and the vertical steering motor part is composed of a vertically provided vertical steering motor (100) that operates by receiving a steering signal and serves as a power source, and a worm gear connection member (110) that is connected to the worm gear (210) of the worm gear connection part on the lower motor shaft of the vertical steering motor (100) and operates the worm gear (210). Claim 3 In claim 1, the side flange portion comprises a through-formed side flange (400) that allows the lead screw rod (310) to stably drive left and right lateral movement without axial rotation, a bearing bush (410) that surrounds the lead screw rod (310) on the inner side of the tube of the side flange (400) and provides a lubricating function for lateral movement, and a rotation-prevention half-moon key (420) formed in a semicircular shape that acts as a rotation-prevention key having a rotation-prevention key surface (421) that engages with the rotation-prevention surface (312) at both ends of the lead screw rod (310) so that the lead screw rod (310) does not rotate axially at one end of the bearing bush (410), and a measuring hole (430) formed through the side flange (400) and the rotation-prevention bush to calculate steering value information at one end of the side flange portion, and a device inserted into the measuring hole (430) and on the rotation-prevention surface (312) of the lead screw rod (310). An electronic steering control module characterized by configuring a screw movement measuring sensor (440) that measures the lateral movement value of a lead screw rod (310) based on a formed zero point (313). Claim 4 In claim 1, the worm gear housing is formed as left and right housing bodies (500) that are divided left and right and joined to the inner side to form a housing frame, and is provided with a vertical worm room (500a) formed as a vertical circular space in which a worm gear (210) is housed inside, and a horizontal worm wheel room (500b) connected to the vertical worm room (500a) and formed as a horizontal cylindrical space in which a worm wheel gear (220) is housed, and is provided with an upper binding surface (510) that is connected to the lower part of the vertical steering motor section and the left and right to bind the left and right housing bodies (500) together, a rear binding vertical rib (520) formed in a vertical frame shape to reinforce and bind the left and right housing bodies (500) at the rear with a rib reinforcement structure, and a front binding semicircular rib (530) formed in a semicircular frame shape to reinforce and bind the left and right housing bodies (500) at the front with a rib reinforcement structure. An electronic steering control module characterized by having side reinforcing rib grooves (540) formed as grooves to increase structural rigidity on both sides of left and right housing bodies (500), a motor bracket (560) that fixes and supports an upper worm bearing (611) on the upper side of a vertical worm room (500a), a worm gear bracket (570) that is inserted into a bracket insertion groove (551) formed by carving into the bottom surface of the worm gear housing, which houses a lower worm bearing (612) on the lower bottom of the vertical worm room (500a), fixes and supports the lower worm bearing, and binds the left and right housing bodies (500) from the bottom, and a centrally formed worm wheel gear bracket (850) that holds a lead screw rod (310) and holds a worm wheel bearing (620) at both ends of the horizontal worm wheel room (500b) of the worm gear housing.

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