Steering assembly having a rod element and a guide element, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering assembly (2) for a vehicle (1), comprising a rod element (10) for adjusting a steering angle (3.1) of at least one wheel (3) of the vehicle (1) as a result of a rotational movement of a steering drive (5) of the vehicle (1) about an axis of rotation (201), and a guide element (20) for guiding the rod element (10) in a thrust direction (200) parallel to the axis of rotation (201), said guide element having an anti-rotation element (21), by means of which a rotation of the rod element (10) about the axis of rotation (201) can be prevented, and a loading surface (22), on which the rod element (10) can be placed for supporting a transverse load (202). The invention also relates to a vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Steering arrangement with rod element and guide element as well as vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a steering arrangement for a vehicle and a vehicle.

[0004] Push rod guides for steering systems are generally known from the state of the art. Such push rods are also called steering rods. These are typically used to adjust the steering angle of the wheels and thus the steering angle of the vehicle.

[0005] In steer-by-wire steering systems, a mechanical connection to the steering wheel is no longer necessary, so the movement of the push rod is usually carried out by a steering actuator. In this case, a rotary movement of a steering actuator is converted, for example, via a screw drive, into a linear movement of the push rod in order to move the push rod parallel to the axis. The respective push rod guide in such steering systems serves to prevent the rotary movement of the push rod for the linear movement initiated by the screw drive. For example, it is known from DE 102019 133406 A1 to provide a cross-section that is flattened by a straight chord of a circle to prevent rotation of the push rod.

[0006] However, operating loads on the wheel suspension can also lead to bending stress on the push rod during vehicle operation, resulting in a transverse force acting on the push rod guide. Such a transverse force can cause significant stress on the push rod guide, particularly at notched points.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve the support of transverse loads in a steering arrangement with a compact design.

[0008] The above object is achieved by a steering arrangement having the features of claim 1, as well as a vehicle having the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the steering arrangement according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a steering arrangement for a vehicle is provided. The steering arrangement has a rod element for adjusting a steering angle of at least one wheel of the vehicle as a result of a rotational movement of a steering drive of the vehicle about a rotational axis. The steering arrangement further comprises a guide element for guiding the rod element in a thrust direction along the rotational axis. The guide element comprises an anti-twist device, by means of which rotation of the rod element about the rotational axis can be prevented, and a load surface, against which the rod element can be applied, in particular directly, to support a transverse load. The guide element further has at least a first section and a second section along the thrust direction. The load surface extends along the first section. The anti-twist device is limited to the second section, i.e., in particular, the anti-twist device extends only along the second section.

[0010] The vehicle can preferably be a motor vehicle, e.g., in the form of an electric vehicle, and / or an aircraft with a landing gear. The rod element can preferably be designed for adjusting two opposing wheels. The wheels can be the front wheels of the vehicle. The steering arrangement can, in particular, be part of a steer-by-wire steering system.

[0011] The rod element can be a steering rod, in particular in the form of a push rod. The rod element can extend between two wheels, preferably in one piece or in multiple parts. To move the rod element as a result of the rotational movement of the steering drive, the rod element can have a threaded section that is operatively connected to the steering drive. The steering drive can comprise an electric motor and / or be controllable by a control unit of the vehicle to adjust the steering angle. Furthermore, a screw drive, in particular a ball screw drive, can be formed by the steering drive with the threaded section. The axis of rotation can be, for example, a drive axis, in particular in the form of a motor axis of rotation, of the steering drive. In particular, the axis of rotation is a geometric axis. The thrust direction can be oriented, in particular, from the steering drive in the direction of the wheel.Furthermore, the thrust direction is in particular parallel to the axis of rotation and / or identical to the axis of rotation.

[0012] The guide element preferably forms a push rod guide for the rod element. The guide element can be designed to guide the rod element circumferentially around the rod element, preferably in a ring-like and / or sleeve-like configuration. The anti-rotation device can prevent the rod element from rotating as a result of the rotational movement of the steering drive, so that the rotational movement is translated into the movement of the rod element along the thrust direction. The anti-rotation device preferably comprises a positive-locking receptacle for the rod element. For example, the anti-rotation device can have an eccentric obstacle to the rotation of the rod element within the guide element.

[0013] The loading surface can comprise an inner surface of an opening in the guide element. The rod element can protrude through the opening and / or be inserted through it. In particular, the loading surface can be cylindrical and / or shaped as a section of a cylindrical outer surface of the guide element. Thus, the rod element can contact the loading surface, in particular at least under the transverse load. Furthermore, the rod element can be placed against the loading surface under the transverse load, for example over its entire surface or in a linear manner, in order to enable the support of the transverse load. It can be provided that the rod element is mounted on the loading surface so that it can slide along the thrust direction.

[0014] The first and second sections of the guide element are, in particular, axially successive sections of the guide element. In particular, the first section can be designed for orientation in the direction of the wheel and the second section for orientation in the direction of the steering drive. Furthermore, the first and second sections can be connected to one another, in particular integrally and / or by a material fit. For example, the guide element can comprise a guide body which has the first and second sections. The first and second sections can differ, for example, in that the second section has the anti-twist device and the first section does not. The load surface preferably extends along the first and second sections of the guide element. The transverse load, in particular in the form of a bearing load on the guide element, can comprise a transverse force and / or a bending moment on the guide element.

[0015] Because the anti-twist device is limited to the second section, i.e., in particular, does not extend along the first section, the load in the first section can act, preferably exclusively, on the load surface. This can result in a bearing load on the guide element, which relieves the load on the anti-twist device. In particular, it has been recognized within the scope of the present invention that the greatest load induced by the transverse force acts on the end of the guide element facing the wheel, while at the end of the guide element facing away from the wheel, the load may already be partially reduced. The load surface can also form a notch-free region of the guide element for supporting the rod element. The anti-twist device can also have a structure with one or more notches to positively prevent rotation of the rod element.Thus, the first and second sections and in particular the restriction of the anti-twist device to the second section can enable improved load control, by which undefined stress peaks in the area of ​​the anti-twist device can be avoided.

[0016] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable for the first section to have a first width and the second section to have a second width along the direction of thrust, wherein the first width differs from the second width by a factor of between 0.2 and 3. Within the scope of the invention, it has further been recognized that the level of the individual load in the respective section can be improved by adapting the size of the geometric shape for the respective sub-task. A factor of between 0.2 and 3 has proven particularly advantageous. Thus, the first width can in particular be 0.2 to 3 times the second width. In particular, the length of the first section, which supports the rod element in particular radially, can differ from the second section for supporting a torsional moment by a factor of between 0.2 and 3.This allows the anti-twist device to have an advantageous distance from the wheel-side end of the guide element and thus be protected from the maximum transverse load.

[0017] Furthermore, in a steering arrangement according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the anti-rotation device has at least one toothing and the rod element has a mating contour, wherein the toothing engages with the mating contour to positively prevent rotation about the axis of rotation. The toothing and / or the mating contour can be broached. Due to the positive connection, the anti-rotation device can be implemented in a simple and compact manner. To positively prevent rotation, the toothing can have at least one projection protruding radially to the axis of rotation and the mating contour can have at least one recess corresponding to the projection. For example, the toothing can have one or more teeth that engage with the mating contour. The mating contour can comprise one or more hollow teeth for receiving the one or more teeth of the toothing.However, it is also conceivable, conversely, that the counter-contour has at least one projection extending radially opposite the rotational axis, and that the toothing has at least one recess corresponding to the projection. It can be provided that the counter-contour of the rod element extends along the first and second sections of the guide element, preferably that the counter-contour extends from the second section to the wheel-side end of the rod element. This allows the guide element to be slid onto the rod element for assembly.

[0018] Furthermore, in a steering arrangement according to the invention, it is conceivable that the toothing has at least two teeth for positively preventing rotation about the axis of rotation, which teeth are located opposite one another with respect to the axis of rotation, in particular wherein a connecting line between the two teeth is perpendicular to a load direction of the transverse load and / or the two teeth are at the same distance from a center of the load surface. The connecting line can in particular be a geometric line. For example, the transverse load can run horizontally and the teeth can be arranged on a vertical line, in particular through the axis of rotation. Preferably, the teeth are arranged symmetrically to one another with respect to the axis of rotation and / or a center plane of the rod element in which the axis of rotation runs.By arranging them perpendicular to the load direction and / or maintaining the same distance from the center of the load surface, it can be ensured that the teeth and / or the counter contour are subjected to bending stress and / or load along the tooth flank. This allows the transverse load to be absorbed in its original effective direction. Furthermore, high notch stresses within the toothing and / or the counter contour can be avoided.

[0019] Furthermore, in a steering arrangement according to the invention, it is conceivable for the toothing and the counter-contour to be movable relative to one another, wherein the toothing and the counter-contour are preloaded against one another in a normal state. For example, the toothing and the counter-contour can have a certain amount of play relative to one another, wherein the toothing is preloaded in a normal state to compensate for the play. The relative mobility enables the toothing and the counter-contour to move relative to one another as a result of the transverse load in order to avoid or reduce plastic deformation of the toothing and / or the counter-contour. The normal state can be understood, for example, as an installed state. Rattling of the components can be prevented by the preload in the normal state. It can be provided that the toothing and the counter-contour are spring-loaded against one another in order to apply the preload relative to the mobility.For this purpose, the guide element and / or the toothing can be slotted and / or comprise a deformable elastomer. Furthermore, the toothing and the mating contour can be pressed into one another in order to apply the preload. The teeth of the toothing can preferably have the play in the form of tooth flank play in the mating contour. Furthermore, in a steering arrangement according to the invention, it is conceivable for the load surface and the rod element, in particular in the first section and / or in the second section, to have a circular, in particular cylinder-like, shape at least in sections, wherein the load surface encloses a circumferential angle of 120 degrees or more with respect to the axis of rotation. The shape, which is circular at least in sections, can in particular comprise a circular arc-shaped cross-section.The circumferential angle of 120 degrees or more ensures that the rod element rests against the load surface over a large area when subjected to transverse loads. Along the circumferential angle of 120 degrees, the rod element can be free of the counter contour. The load surface is particularly free of the toothing along the circumferential angle of 120 degrees. In particular, if the counter contour extends along the first and second sections, the largest possible contact area between the rod element and the load surface can be ensured over the circumferential angle of 120 degrees.

[0020] Furthermore, in a steering arrangement according to the invention it can advantageously be provided that the guide element is made of plastic and / or the load surface and the anti-twist device are formed integrally with one another. The integral design of the load surface and the anti-twist device can be understood as a one-piece, i.e. in particular materially connected and / or integrally formed, and preferably materially connected, connection of the load surface and the anti-twist device. Thus, the first and second sections can be designed as one piece and differ in particular only functionally and geometrically. By designing the guide element from plastic, the guide element can be produced cost-effectively. For example, the guide element can be a plastic injection-molded part, in particular a multi-component plastic injection-molded part.Due to the load-optimized design of the first and second sections, the strength of the plastic can be sufficient to withstand even high lateral forces on the wheel.

[0021] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable for the rod element to be designed at least partially or completely as a tubular body. For example, the rod element can be designed as a cold-drawn component. By designing the rod element as a tubular body, the rod element can be hollow. This allows material to be saved and the weight of the rod element to be kept low. Furthermore, the design as a tubular body can achieve high rigidity, in particular with regard to torsion and / or bending. This can simplify the bearing of the transverse load and / or the prevention of rotational movement. It is further conceivable in a steering arrangement according to the invention for the guide element to be arranged in a carrier body which can be fastened to a vehicle part of the vehicle, in particular wherein the guide element is fastened in the carrier body in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.The vehicle part to which the support body can be attached can be, for example, a housing of the steering assembly. The support body can be configured to surround the guide element. In particular, the support body can comprise a guide bushing in which the guide element is received. For example, a locking connection, preferably in the form of a clip connection, can be provided, by which the guide element is attached in and / or to the support body. This can simplify installation of the guide element in the vehicle and / or improve compatibility of the steering assembly with different vehicle variants.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has several, preferably four, wheels and a steering drive for adjusting a steering angle of at least one, preferably two, of the vehicle's wheels. Furthermore, the vehicle comprises a steering arrangement according to the invention.

[0023] Thus, a vehicle according to the invention offers the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a steering arrangement according to the invention. The steering drive and the steering arrangement can form a steering system, in particular in the form of a steer-by-wire steering system. To control the steering drive, the vehicle can comprise a control unit, in particular for executing a driver assistance function and / or an autonomous driving function for the vehicle, and / or a steering means for manual actuation. Furthermore, the vehicle can have a steering suspension, in particular with at least one tie rod, by means of which the transverse load can be induced on the steering arrangement.

[0024] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show schematically:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a steering arrangement according to the invention in perspective view,

[0026] Figure 2-4 different cross sections of the steering arrangement, and

[0027] Figure 5 shows a vehicle according to the invention with the steering arrangement. In the following description of some embodiments of the invention, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a steering arrangement 2 according to the invention for a vehicle 1 in a perspective view in a first exemplary embodiment. The vehicle 1 is shown with the steering arrangement 2 in Figure 5 and has a plurality of wheels 3 and a steering drive 5 for adjusting a steering angle 3.1 of at least one of the wheels 3, here the front wheels, of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 preferably has a control unit 6 and / or a steering means 7, e.g., in the form of a steering wheel, for controlling the steering drive 5. In order to adjust the steering angle 3.1, the steering drive 5 is designed to perform a rotational movement about a rotational axis 201. The steering arrangement 2 has a rod element 10, which, as a result of the rotational movement of the steering drive 5, is movable, in particular linearly, in a thrust direction 200 parallel to, in particular identical to, the rotational axis 201. By moving the rod element 10, the steering angle 3.1 of the wheels 3 can be changed.For this purpose, the steering drive 5 preferably comprises a screw drive, e.g., in the form of a ball screw. The rod element 10 can be designed as a tubular body, at least in part or entirely.

[0029] The steering assembly 2 further comprises a guide element 20 for guiding the rod element 10 in the thrust direction 200. The guide element 20 can be made of plastic. Furthermore, the guide element 20 is shown in a cross-section in Figure 2. In the present exemplary embodiment, the guide element 20 is further arranged in a carrier body 30, which can be fastened to a vehicle part 4 of the vehicle 1. For this purpose, the guide element 20 is fastened in the carrier body 30 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, preferably by a snap-in connection. However, it is also conceivable for the guide element 20 to be fastened directly to the vehicle part 4 without the carrier body 30. For symmetrical mounting, the steering assembly 2 can have guide elements 20, as shown in Figure 5.

[0030] Each guide element 20 further comprises an anti-rotation device 21, by which rotation of the rod element 10 about the rotation axis 201 can be prevented. As shown in Figure 4, the anti-rotation device 21 comprises at least one toothing 25 for positively preventing rotation of the rod element 10 about the rotation axis 201. For this purpose, the rod element 10 comprises a counter-contour 11 for positively preventing rotation about the rotation axis 201. The toothing 25 further comprises two teeth 26 for positively preventing rotation about the rotation axis 201. The teeth 26 are opposite one another with respect to the rotation axis 201. A connecting line 26.1 of the two teeth 26 runs perpendicular to a load direction 203 of a transverse load 202. Furthermore, the two teeth 26 have the same distance from a surface center 22.1 of a load surface 22, i.e. they are offset from each other by 180 degrees with respect to the rotation axis 201.Preferably, the toothing 25 and the counter contour 11 are movable relative to each other and preloaded against each other in a normal state.

[0031] Furthermore, the steering assembly 2 comprises the loading surface 22, against which the rod element 10 can be applied to support the transverse load 202. The loading surface 22 is advantageously designed as a section of a cylindrical surface. The support of the transverse load 202 by the loading surface 22 is shown in Figure 3. The loading surface 22 and the rod element 10 have a circular shape, at least in sections. The loading surface 22 forms a circumferential angle 22.2 of 120 degrees or more with respect to the rotation axis 201.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the guide element 20 has at least a first section 23 and a second section 24 along the thrust direction 200. The load surface 22 extends along the first and second sections 23, 24. The anti-twist device 21, however, is limited to the second section 24 and therefore only extends along the second section 24. For example, the first section 23 can have a first width 23.1 and the second section 24 a second width 24.1 along the thrust direction 200. The first width 23.1 preferably differs from the second width 24.1 by a factor between 0.2 and 3. By dividing the guide element

[0033] 20 into the first and second sections 23, 24 it can be achieved that the anti-twist device

[0034] 21 in the second section 24 experiences a significantly lower load 202.1 due to the transverse load 202 than the load surface 22 in the first section 23. The first and second sections 23, 24, and thus the load surface 22 and the anti-rotation device 21, can be formed integrally with one another. For example, the guide element 20 can be designed as a one-piece plastic injection-molded part.

[0035] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively within the framework of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can, if technically expedient, be freely combined with one another within the scope of protection defined by the patent claims, without departing from the scope of the present invention. List of reference numerals Vehicle Steering arrangement Wheel Steering angle Vehicle part Steering drive Control unit Steering means Rod element Counter contour Guide element Anti-twist device Load area Center of surface Circumferential angle First section First width Second section Second width Toothing Teeth Connecting line Support body Thrust direction Rotation axis Transverse load Load as a result of 202 load direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Steering arrangement (2) for a vehicle (1), comprising a rod element (10) for adjusting a steering angle (3.1) of at least one wheel (3) of the vehicle (1) as a result of a rotational movement of a steering drive (5) of the vehicle (1) about an axis of rotation (201), and a guide element (20) for guiding the rod element (10) in a thrust direction (200) along the axis of rotation (201) with an anti-twist device (21) by means of which a rotation of the rod element (10) about the axis of rotation (201) can be prevented, and a loading surface (22) against which the rod element (10) can be placed to support a transverse load (202), characterized in that the guide element (20) has at least a first section (23) and a second section (24) along the thrust direction (200), wherein the loading surface (22) extends along the first section (23) and the anti-twist device (21) is limited to the second section (24).

2. Steering arrangement (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first section (23) has a first width (23.1) and the second section (24) has a second width (24.1) along the thrust direction (200), wherein the first width (23.1) differs from the second width (24.1) by a factor between 0.2 and 3.

3. Steering arrangement (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the anti-rotation device (21) has at least one toothing (25) and the rod element (10) has a counter-contour (11), wherein the toothing (25) engages in the counter-contour (11) to positively prevent rotation about the axis of rotation (201).

4. Steering arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toothing (25) has at least two teeth (26) for positively preventing rotation about the axis of rotation (201), which teeth are opposite one another with respect to the axis of rotation (201), wherein a connecting line (26.1) of the two teeth (26) is perpendicular to a load direction (203) of the transverse load (202) and / or the two teeth (26) have the same distance to a surface center (22.1) of the loading surface (22).

5. Steering arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toothing (25) and the counter-contour (11) are movable relative to one another, wherein the toothing (25) and the counter-contour (11) are prestressed against one another in a normal state.

6. Steering arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loading surface (22) and the rod element (10) have a circular shape at least in sections, wherein the loading surface (22) encloses a circumferential angle (22.2) of 120 degrees or more with respect to the axis of rotation (201).

7. Steering arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (20) made of plastic and / or the loading surface (22) and the anti-twist device (21) are formed integrally with one another.

8. Steering arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod element (10) is designed at least partially or completely as a tubular body.

9. Steering arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (20) is arranged in a carrier body (30) which can be fastened to a vehicle part (4) of the vehicle (1), wherein the guide element (20) is fastened in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner in the carrier body (30).

10. Vehicle (1) comprising a plurality of wheels (3), a steering drive (5) for adjusting a steering angle (3.1) of at least one of the wheels (3) of the vehicle (1), and a steering arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

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