Steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for vehicle, and vehicle

Abstract

A steer-by-wire column feel simulation device (1) for a vehicle, and a vehicle, the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device comprising: a steering tube (10), a core shaft (20), and an angle limiting mechanism (30), wherein the steering tube is sleeved on the core shaft, the angle limiting mechanism comprises a plurality of limiting rings (31), the plurality of limiting rings are sequentially sleeved and assembled along a radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism, any two adjacent limiting rings are rotatable relative to each other along a circumferential direction of the angle limiting mechanism, each limiting ring has a limiting portion (312), along an axial direction of the angle limiting mechanism, the limiting portions of the plurality of limiting rings are located on the same side of the angle limiting mechanism, and at least part of the limiting portions of any two adjacent limiting rings are located on the same circumference. The steer-by-wire column feel simulation device can limit the maximum number of rotations of a steering wheel, has high versatility, is conducive to improving the safety of a vehicle, occupies a small space, and is conducive to improving the space utilization of a vehicle.

Description

A steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for vehicles and vehicles

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510178969.6, filed on February 18, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and in particular to a steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for a vehicle and a vehicle having the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device. Background Technology

[0004] In related technologies, vehicles using steer-by-wire columns lack a physical connection mechanism between the steer-by-wire column and the steering gear, making it impossible to limit the number of steering wheel rotations via the steering gear rack travel. When the vehicle is powered off, the steering wheel can be turned arbitrarily, with no limit on the number of rotations, exceeding the steering column's angle signal range, rendering the vehicle undrivable and affecting its safety. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application aims to at least partially address one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0006] Therefore, one objective of this application is to provide a steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for vehicles, which can limit the number of turns of the steering wheel, enabling the vehicle to be driven normally, thereby improving vehicle safety. It is also highly versatile, and the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device occupies little space, which helps to improve the space utilization of the vehicle.

[0007] Another objective of this application is to propose a vehicle using the aforementioned steering column feel simulation device.

[0008] A steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for a vehicle according to a first aspect embodiment of this application includes: a steering tube, a spindle, and an angle limiting mechanism. The steering tube is fixedly connected to the vehicle. The steering tube is sleeved on the spindle. The spindle is rotatably disposed on the steering tube along the central axis of the spindle. The angle limiting mechanism includes multiple limiting rings. The multiple limiting rings are sequentially sleeved and assembled along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism. The innermost limiting ring is fixedly connected to the spindle, and the outermost limiting ring is fixedly connected to the steering tube. Any two adjacent limiting rings can rotate relative to each other along the circumference of the angle limiting mechanism. Each limiting ring has a limiting portion. Along the axial direction of the angle limiting mechanism, the limiting portions of the multiple limiting rings are located on the same side of the angle limiting mechanism, and at least a portion of the limiting portions of any two adjacent limiting rings are located on the same circumference.

[0009] According to the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for vehicles disclosed in this application, by setting an angle limiting mechanism, the relative number of rotations of the steering tube and spindle can be limited, thereby limiting the maximum number of steering wheel rotations and ensuring normal vehicle driving, which is beneficial to improving vehicle safety. Furthermore, by adjusting the relative position of the limiting parts of any two adjacent limiting rings on the angle limiting mechanism, or by adjusting the number of limiting rings, different steering wheel rotation requirements can be met, which is beneficial to improving the versatility of the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device. In addition, by setting multiple limiting rings to be sequentially fitted along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism, the structure of the angle limiting mechanism is compact, and the axial dimension of the angle limiting mechanism is small, resulting in a small axial dimension of the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device, which can reduce the space occupied by the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device and improve the space utilization of the vehicle.

[0010] The vehicle according to a second aspect of this application includes the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for the vehicle described in the above embodiments.

[0011] According to the vehicle of this application, the steering column feel simulation device for vehicles in the above embodiments can limit the number of steering wheel rotations, improve vehicle safety, and meet different steering wheel rotation requirements.

[0012] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a steering column feel simulation device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the angle limiting mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the angle limiting mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a limiting ring according to an embodiment of this application. Embodiments of the present invention

[0017] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0018] The following description, with reference to Figures 1-4, describes a steer-by-wire column feel simulation device 1 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of this application. The steer-by-wire column feel simulation device 1 can be installed on a vehicle.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, a steer-by-wire column feel simulation device 1 for a vehicle, as shown in Figures 1-4, may include: a steering tube 10, a spindle 20, and an angle limiting mechanism 30. The steering tube 10 is fixedly connected to the vehicle and is sleeved on the spindle 20. The spindle 20 is rotatably disposed on the steering tube 10 along the central axis of the spindle 20. The angle limiting mechanism 30 includes a plurality of limiting rings 31, which are positioned along the angle limiting mechanism 30. The components are assembled radially in sequence. The innermost limiting ring 31 is fixedly connected to the spindle 20, and the outermost limiting ring 31 is fixedly connected to the steering tube 10. Any two adjacent limiting rings 31 can rotate relative to each other along the circumference of the angle limiting mechanism 30. Each limiting ring 31 has a limiting part 312. Along the axial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the limiting parts 312 of multiple limiting rings 31 are located on the same side of the angle limiting mechanism 30, and at least a portion of the limiting parts 312 of any two adjacent limiting rings 31 are located on the same circumference.

[0020] It should be noted that in vehicles using steer-by-wire columns, there is a lack of physical connection between the steer-by-wire column and the steering gear, making it impossible to limit the number of steering wheel rotations via the steering gear rack travel. When the vehicle is powered off, the steering wheel can be turned arbitrarily, with no limit on the number of rotations, exceeding the range of the steering column's angle signal, making the vehicle undrivable and affecting its safety.

[0021] Based on this, this application proposes a steer-by-wire column feel simulation device 1 for a vehicle. The steering column 10 can be connected to the dashboard crossbeam of the vehicle. The steering column 10 can be connected to the dashboard crossbeam by bolts, thereby fixing the steering column 10 to the vehicle. The spindle 20 can be connected to the steering wheel. The spindle 20 can transmit the steering torque applied by the driver through the steering wheel to the steering gear. The steering column 10 can be sleeved on the spindle 20, and the spindle 20 can rotate relative to the steering column 10 along the central axis of the spindle 20. As an example, a first bearing can be provided between the spindle 20 and the steering column 10. The spindle 20 can pass through the inner ring of the first bearing and can be interference-fitted with the inner ring of the first bearing. The spindle 20 and the first bearing are fixedly connected. The steering column 10 can be sleeved on the outer ring of the first bearing and can be interference-fitted with the outer ring of the first bearing. The inner and outer rings of the first bearing rotate relative to each other, thereby achieving the effect of the spindle 20 rotating relative to the steering column 10.

[0022] As an example, along the axial direction of the spindle 20, the other end of the spindle 20 away from the steering wheel can be connected to the motor assembly 50. The motor assembly 50 can simulate the influence of different road conditions on steering based on the vehicle's driving status and road condition information. By accurately simulating the corresponding steering resistance, the driver can feel a steering feel that matches the actual vehicle when driving, thus improving driving comfort.

[0023] The angle limiting mechanism 30 may include multiple limiting rings 31, which can be arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30. The multiple limiting rings 31 can be assembled sequentially. The number of limiting rings 31 can be two, three, four, etc., depending on the different number of rotations required by the steering wheel. This embodiment uses four limiting rings 31 as an example. As an example, along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the angle limiting mechanism 30 may include a limiting ring 31 located at the innermost ring, a limiting ring 31 located at the outermost ring, and two limiting rings 31 located between the innermost and outermost rings. These two limiting rings 31 can be referred to as the first limiting ring and the second limiting ring, respectively. The first limiting ring can be arranged adjacent to the innermost limiting ring 31, and the second limiting ring can be arranged adjacent to the outermost limiting ring 31. Along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the innermost limiting ring 31, the first limiting ring, the second limiting ring, and the outermost limiting ring 31 are arranged sequentially. The first limiting ring is fitted over the innermost limiting ring 31, the second limiting ring is fitted over the first limiting ring, and the outermost limiting ring 31 is fitted over the second limiting ring, thus achieving the effect of multiple limiting rings 31 being assembled sequentially. By setting multiple limiting rings 31 to be assembled sequentially along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the structure of the angle limiting mechanism 30 is made compact. The axial dimension of the angle limiting mechanism 30 can be equal to the axial dimension of the limiting rings 31. The smaller axial dimension of the angle limiting mechanism 30 results in a smaller axial dimension of the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device 1, which reduces the space occupied by the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device 1 and helps to improve the space utilization of the vehicle.

[0024] Along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the innermost limiting ring 31 can be sleeved on the spindle 20, and the innermost limiting ring 31 can be interference-fitted with the spindle 20, and the innermost limiting ring 31 and the spindle 20 are fixedly connected. The steering tube 10 can be sleeved on the outermost limiting ring 31, and the outermost limiting ring 31 can be interference-fitted with the steering tube 10, and the outermost limiting ring 31 and the steering tube 10 are fixedly connected. Any two adjacent limiting rings 31 can rotate relative to each other along the circumference of the angle limiting mechanism 30. That is, the first limiting ring can rotate relative to the innermost limiting ring 31 along the circumference of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the first limiting ring can rotate relative to the second limiting ring along the circumference of the angle limiting mechanism 30, and the second limiting ring can rotate relative to the outermost limiting ring 31 along the circumference of the angle limiting mechanism 30. This allows the innermost limiting ring 31 to rotate relative to the outermost limiting ring 31, achieving the effect of the spindle 20 rotating relative to the steering tube 10. Each limiting ring 31 has a limiting part 312. When multiple limiting rings 31 are sequentially fitted and assembled, the limiting parts 312 of the multiple limiting rings 31 are located on the same side of the angle limiting mechanism 30 along the axial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30.

[0025] Each limiting portion 312 can extend radially along the corresponding limiting ring 31, and each limiting portion 312 can protrude radially from the outer peripheral wall of the corresponding limiting ring 31. As an example, the limiting ring 31 may include a limiting ring body 311 and a limiting portion 312, the limiting ring body 311 and the corresponding limiting portion 312 are fixedly connected, the limiting ring body 311 can be constructed as a ring structure, and the limiting ring bodies 311 of multiple limiting rings 31 are sequentially fitted and assembled. The limiting portion 312 can extend radially along the limiting ring 31, and the limiting portion 312 can extend from the inner side of the corresponding limiting ring body 311 to the outer side of the corresponding limiting ring body 311 and protrude from the outer peripheral wall of the corresponding limiting ring body 311. At least a portion of the limiting portion 312 of the inner limiting ring 31 and at least a portion of the limiting portion 312 of the outer limiting ring 31 of any two adjacent limiting rings 31 are located on the same circumference. At least a portion of the limiting portion 312 of any two adjacent limiting rings 31 is located on the same circumference. When the inner limiting ring 31 of any two adjacent limiting rings 31 rotates relative to the outer limiting ring 31, the limiting portions 312 of the two limiting rings 31 can abut, thereby preventing the two adjacent limiting rings 31 from rotating relative to each other. When the limiting portions 312 of the two adjacent limiting rings 31 abut each other, the inner limiting ring 31 can drive the outer limiting ring 31 to rotate, and the two limiting rings 31 can rotate synchronously.

[0026] When the spindle 20 rotates relative to the steering tube 10, the spindle 20 rotates and drives the innermost limiting ring 31 in the angle limiting mechanism 30 to rotate. When the limiting part 312 of the innermost limiting ring 31 and the limiting part 312 of the limiting ring 31 located outside and adjacent to it abut each other, the two limiting rings 31 cannot rotate relative to each other. The innermost limiting ring 31 can drive the limiting ring 31 located outside and adjacent to it to rotate synchronously. When the multiple limiting rings 31 located inside the outermost limiting ring 31 rotate synchronously, and the outermost of the multiple limiting rings 31 located inside the outermost limiting ring 31... When the limiting part 312 of the limiting ring 31 abuts against the limiting ring 31 located on the outermost ring of the angle limiting mechanism 30, all the limiting rings 31 in the angle limiting mechanism 30 stop rotating, and the angle limiting mechanism 30 is at the rotation limit position, which can achieve the effect of limiting the number of rotations of the angle limiting mechanism 30, and thus can achieve the effect of limiting the relative number of rotations of the steering tube 10 and the spindle 20, which is beneficial to limiting the maximum number of rotations of the steering wheel. Furthermore, by adjusting the relative position of the limiting part 312 of any two adjacent limiting rings 31 on the angle limiting mechanism 30, different maximum numbers of rotations of the steering wheel can be achieved.

[0027] It should be noted that, along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the side closer to the center of the angle limiting mechanism 30 is the inner side, and the side farther away from the center of the angle limiting mechanism 30 is the outer side.

[0028] In this embodiment, by setting the angle limiting mechanism 30, the relative number of rotations of the steering tube 10 and the spindle 20 can be limited, thus limiting the maximum number of steering wheel rotations and allowing the vehicle to be driven normally, which is beneficial to improving vehicle safety. Furthermore, by adjusting the relative position of the limiting portions 312 of any two adjacent limiting rings 31 on the angle limiting mechanism 30, or by adjusting the number of limiting rings 31, different steering wheel rotation requirements can be met, which is beneficial to improving the versatility of the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device 1. In addition, by setting multiple limiting rings 31 to be sequentially fitted along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the structure of the angle limiting mechanism 30 is compact, and the axial dimension of the angle limiting mechanism 30 is small, resulting in a small axial dimension of the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device 1, which reduces the space occupied by the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device 1 and improves the space utilization of the vehicle.

[0029] In some embodiments of this application, each limiting ring 31 also has a circular limiting ring body 311. The limiting ring bodies 311 of multiple limiting rings 31 are sequentially fitted and assembled. The limiting ring body 311 and the corresponding limiting part 312 are fixedly connected. The limiting part 312 of the limiting ring 31 located inside the outermost limiting ring 31 extends radially along the angle limiting mechanism 30 so that at least a portion of the limiting parts 312 of any two adjacent limiting rings 31 are located on the same circumference.

[0030] Each limiting ring 31 also has a limiting ring body 311. When the angle limiting mechanism 30 is set in the vertical direction, that is, when the axis of the angle limiting mechanism 30 is in the height direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting ring body 311 can be circular, and the limiting ring body 311 can be constructed as a ring structure. The limiting ring bodies 311 of multiple limiting rings 31 can be arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, and multiple limiting ring bodies 311 can be assembled sequentially. The limiting ring body 311 can be fixedly connected to the corresponding limiting part 312, the limiting ring body 311 can be welded to the corresponding limiting part 312, and the limiting ring body 311 and the corresponding limiting part 312 can be integrally formed.

[0031] The limiting portions 312 of the multiple limiting rings 31 located inside the outermost limiting ring 31 can all extend radially along the angle limiting mechanism 30. The limiting portions 312 of the multiple limiting rings 31 located inside the outermost limiting ring 31 can all extend outward toward the angle limiting mechanism 30. At least a portion of the limiting portions 312 of any two adjacent limiting rings 31 can be located on the same circumference. When the inner limiting ring 31 of any two adjacent limiting rings 31 rotates, the limiting portion 312 of the inner limiting ring 31 can abut against the limiting portion 312 of the outer limiting ring 31 that is adjacent to it. Furthermore, if the inner limiting ring 31 of any two adjacent limiting rings 31 continues to rotate, the two limiting rings 31 can rotate synchronously. The limiting portion 312 of any limiting ring 31 located inside the outermost limiting ring 31 can abut against the limiting portion 312 of the limiting ring 31 located outside and adjacent to it, thereby limiting the relative rotation number of any two adjacent limiting rings 31. When multiple limiting rings 31 located inside the outermost limiting ring 31 rotate synchronously, and the limiting portion 312 of the outermost limiting ring 31 abuts against the outermost limiting ring 31 of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the multiple limiting rings 31 in the angle limiting mechanism 30 no longer rotate, and the angle limiting mechanism 30 is at its rotation limit position, thereby limiting the rotation number of the angle limiting mechanism 30, and thus limiting the relative rotation number of the steering tube 10 and the spindle 20, which is beneficial for limiting the maximum number of rotations of the steering wheel.

[0032] As an example, the length of the limiting portion 312 of the outermost limiting ring 31 along the radial direction of the limiting ring 31 can be the same as the thickness of the limiting ring body 311 of the outermost limiting ring 31 along the radial direction of the limiting ring 31. The limiting portion 312 of the outermost limiting ring 31 does not protrude from the outer peripheral wall of the corresponding limiting ring body 311 along the radial direction of the limiting ring 31, so that the outermost limiting ring 31 can abut against the inner wall of the steering tube 10, and the steering tube 10 and the angle limiting mechanism 30 can be fixedly connected.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, at least one limiting ring 31 has its limiting ring body 311 and limiting portion 312 integrally formed.

[0034] The main body 311 of the limiting ring can be integrally formed with the corresponding limiting part 312. At least one limiting ring 31's main body 311 can be integrally formed with the limiting part 312. This application uses the example of multiple limiting rings 31 where the main body 311 and the limiting part 312 are all integrally formed. By setting the main body 311 of the limiting ring and the corresponding limiting part 312 to be integrally formed, it is beneficial to improve the connection strength between the main body 311 of the limiting ring and the corresponding limiting part 312, to improve the integrity of the limiting ring 31, and to reduce the probability of damage to the limiting ring 31 when the inner limiting ring 31 rotates to the point where the limiting part 312 abuts against the outer limiting part 312, causing the main body 311 of the limiting ring and the corresponding limiting part 312 to separate.

[0035] In some embodiments of this application, when any two adjacent limiting rings 31 are rotated such that their corresponding limiting portion 312 abuts against the limiting portion 312 of the outer limiting ring 31, the limiting portion 312 of the inner limiting ring 31 and the limiting portion 312 of the outer limiting ring 31 abut against each other.

[0036] In any two adjacent limiting rings 31, the inner limiting ring 31 can rotate relative to the outer limiting ring 31. The inner limiting ring 31 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. When the inner limiting ring 31 rotates to make its corresponding limiting part 312 abut against the outer limiting part 312, the side of the limiting part 312 of the inner limiting ring 31 along the circumference of the limiting ring 31 can abut against the side of the limiting part 312 of the outer limiting ring 31 along the circumference of the limiting ring 31. The surface abutting of the limiting parts 312 of the inner and outer limiting rings 31 increases the contact area between the limiting parts 312 of the inner and outer limiting rings 31, reduces the risk of stress concentration in the two limiting parts 312 when they abut, and helps to reduce the force exerted by the limiting part 312 of the inner limiting ring 31 on the limiting part 312 of the outer limiting ring 31. This also facilitates the inner limiting ring 31 of any two adjacent limiting rings 31 to drive the outer limiting ring 31 to rotate.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, the central axes of the plurality of limiting rings 31 are parallel to each other.

[0038] Each limiting ring 31 can rotate along its corresponding central axis. The central axes of multiple limiting rings 31 are parallel to each other. The parallel central axes of multiple limiting rings 31 can improve the overall rotational stability of the angle limiting mechanism 30 and reduce stress concentration or movement obstruction caused by central axis deviation. Multiple limiting rings 31 can be sequentially fitted and assembled along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30. The central axes of multiple limiting rings 31 can be collinear, and the central axes of multiple limiting rings 31 can be collinear with the central axis of the mandrel 20, which can improve the stability of the angle limiting mechanism 30 during rotation.

[0039] In some embodiments of this application, along the axial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the limiting portions 312 of at least two limiting rings 31 have the same thickness.

[0040] Each limiting ring 31 has a limiting portion 312. Along the axial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the limiting portions 312 of multiple limiting rings 31 are all located on the same side of the angle limiting mechanism 30, and the limiting portions 312 of at least two limiting rings 31 have the same thickness. When the limiting portions 312 of multiple limiting rings 31 abut against each other and the angle limiting mechanism 30 is in the rotation limit position, the limiting portions 312 of multiple limiting rings 31 share the force from the rotating components (e.g., spindle 20, steering tube 10). The limiting portions 312 with the same thickness can distribute the load more evenly, making the multiple limiting portions 312 bear the force evenly, reducing the risk that a certain limiting ring 31 may bear too much load due to its small thickness, leading to premature damage or failure, and thus helping to extend the service life of the angle limiting mechanism 30. This application embodiment uses the example of multiple limiting rings 31 having the same thickness dimension for their limiting portions 312 along the axial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30. By setting the thickness dimension of the limiting portions 312 of multiple limiting rings 31 to be the same, the same mold can be used to manufacture limiting portions 312 of the same thickness, which helps to reduce costs. As an example, in stamping or injection molding processes, using the same set of molds to produce the limiting portions 312 of multiple limiting rings 31 reduces the number of molds to be designed and manufactured, thereby reducing production costs and production cycle.

[0041] In some embodiments of this application, the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device 1 for a vehicle further includes: a bearing structure 40, wherein a bearing structure 40 is provided between any two adjacent limiting rings 31, so that any two adjacent limiting rings 31 can rotate relative to each other along the circumference of the angle limiting mechanism 30.

[0042] Along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, a bearing structure 40 is provided between any two adjacent limiting rings 31. The bearing structure 40 can be a rolling bearing, a sliding bearing, etc. The inner limiting ring 31 of any two adjacent limiting rings 31 can be connected to the inner ring of the bearing structure 40, and the outer limiting ring 31 of any two adjacent limiting rings 31 can be connected to the outer ring of the bearing structure 40. The inner and outer rings of the bearing structure 40 rotate relative to each other, so that any two adjacent limiting rings 31 can rotate relative to each other along the circumference of the angle limiting mechanism 30, so that the steering tube 10 and the spindle 20 can rotate relative to each other, and so that the steering column feel simulation device 1 can work normally.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the bearing structure 40 may include a cage 41 and a plurality of balls 42. The cage 41 is annular and extends circumferentially around the corresponding limiting ring 31. The plurality of balls 42 are arranged sequentially along the circumferential direction of the cage 41 and are all inserted through the cage 41. The two limiting rings 31 adjacent to the bearing structure 40 each form a guide groove 313 opposite to the balls 42. The guide groove 313 extends circumferentially along the corresponding limiting ring 31 so that the guide groove 313 is annular. The plurality of balls 42 are all assembled in the corresponding guide groove 313.

[0044] This application uses a rolling bearing structure 40 as an example for illustration. The bearing structure 40 may include a cage 41 and multiple balls 42. The cage 41 extends circumferentially around a corresponding limiting ring 31 and may be annular. The cage 41 is fitted onto the corresponding limiting ring 31. Multiple balls 42 are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the cage 41 and may pass radially through the cage 41. The cage 41 ensures that the spacing between any two adjacent balls 42 remains constant. The balls 42 can roll on the cage 41, and the cage 41 can drive the balls 42 to move circumferentially along the corresponding limiting ring 31, allowing the two limiting rings 31 adjacent to the bearing structure 40 to rotate relative to each other. The cage 41 reduces the risk of the balls 42 falling off the angle limiting mechanism 30, thus improving the reliability of the angle limiting mechanism 30 and extending its service life. As an example, the cage 41 may be provided with a plurality of first mounting holes, and the plurality of first mounting holes may be provided one-to-one with a plurality of balls 42. The balls 42 pass through the corresponding first mounting holes, thereby allowing the balls 42 to pass through the corresponding cage 41.

[0045] As an example, multiple balls 42 can be evenly arranged circumferentially along the bearing structure 40. Along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, from the inner side to the outer side of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the radial dimensions of the multiple limiting rings 31 arranged sequentially gradually increase, and the corresponding radial dimension of the bearing structure 40 also gradually increases. The angle limiting mechanism 30 may include at least one cage 41. When there are multiple cages 41, the number of balls 42 on each cage 41 can be the same, or the number of balls 42 on each cage 41 can be different.

[0046] Both limiting rings 31 adjacent to the bearing structure 40 have guide grooves 313. The guide grooves 313 can be arranged radially relative to the balls 42 of the corresponding limiting rings 31, and can extend circumferentially along the corresponding limiting rings 31. The guide grooves 313 can be constructed as annular. The cross-sectional shape of the guide grooves 313 can be constructed as arcs. The outer peripheral wall of the balls 42 can abut against the inner wall of the corresponding guide grooves 313. Multiple balls 42 can be assembled in the corresponding guide grooves 313, thereby achieving the effect of relative rotation of the two limiting rings 31 adjacent to the bearing structure 40. By setting the cage 41 and multiple balls 42, the reliability of the relative rotation of the two limiting rings 31 adjacent to the bearing structure 40 can be improved.

[0047] In some embodiments of this application, the retainer 41 may include: a first sub-retainer 411 and a second sub-retainer 412, the first sub-retainer 411 and the second sub-retainer 412 being opposite to and fixedly connected along the axial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30, the first sub-retainer 411 and the second sub-retainer 412 jointly defining a plurality of mounting holes 43, the plurality of mounting holes 43 being arranged sequentially along the circumference of the retainer 41, and each mounting hole 43 being fitted with a ball 42.

[0048] The first sub-cage 411 and the second sub-cage 412 can be arranged opposite each other along the axial direction of the angle limiting mechanism 30. The first sub-cage 411 and the second sub-cage 412 can be fixedly connected by welding, snap-fitting, or other methods. The first sub-cage 411 and the second sub-cage 412 can jointly define a plurality of mounting holes 43 (i.e., the first assembly holes in the above embodiment). The plurality of mounting holes 43 can be arranged sequentially along the circumference of the cage 41, and the plurality of mounting holes 43 can be evenly arranged along the circumference of the cage 41. The plurality of mounting holes 43 can be arranged one-to-one with a plurality of balls 42. Each mounting hole 43 can be fitted with a ball 42. The ball 42 passes through the corresponding mounting hole 43, thereby achieving the effect of assembling a plurality of balls 42 between two adjacent limiting rings 31, so that the two adjacent limiting rings 31 can rotate smoothly relative to each other, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the angle limiting mechanism 30.

[0049] The vehicle according to the second aspect of this application includes the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device 1 for the vehicle described in the above embodiments.

[0050] According to the embodiments of this application, the vehicle using the steer-by-wire column feel simulation device 1 described in the above embodiments can limit the number of steering wheel rotations, improve vehicle safety, and meet different steering wheel rotation requirements.

[0051] The steering column feel simulation device 1 according to the embodiments of this application, as well as other components and operations of the vehicle, are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0052] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0053] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for vehicles, wherein, include: Steering tube (10), the steering tube (10) is used for fixed connection with the vehicle; A mandrel (20) is provided, and the steering tube (10) is sleeved on the mandrel (20). The mandrel (20) is rotatably disposed on the steering tube (10) along the central axis of the mandrel (20). An angle limiting mechanism (30) includes multiple limiting rings (31). The multiple limiting rings (31) are sequentially fitted and assembled along the radial direction of the angle limiting mechanism (30). The innermost limiting ring (31) is fixedly connected to the spindle (20), and the outermost limiting ring (31) is fixedly connected to the steering tube (10). Any two adjacent limiting rings (31) can rotate relative to each other along the circumference of the angle limiting mechanism (30). Each limiting ring (31) has a limiting part (312). Along the axial direction of the angle limiting mechanism (30), the limiting parts (312) of the multiple limiting rings (31) are located on the same side of the angle limiting mechanism (30), and at least a portion of the limiting parts (312) of any two adjacent limiting rings (31) are located on the same circumference.

2. The steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for vehicles according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the limiting rings (31) also has a circular limiting ring body (311). The limiting ring bodies (311) of the multiple limiting rings (31) are sequentially fitted and assembled. The limiting ring body (311) and the corresponding limiting part (312) are fixedly connected. The limiting part (312) of the limiting ring (31) located inside the outermost limiting ring (31) extends radially along the angle limiting mechanism (30) so that at least a portion of the limiting part (312) of any two adjacent limiting rings (31) is located on the same circumference.

3. The steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for vehicles according to claim 2, wherein, At least one of the limiting rings (31) has its limiting ring body (311) and limiting part (312) integrally formed.

4. The steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, In any two adjacent limiting rings (31), when the inner limiting ring (31) rotates to the point where the limiting part (312) abuts against the limiting part (312) of the outer limiting ring (31), the limiting part (312) of the inner limiting ring (31) and the limiting part (312) of the outer limiting ring (31) abut against each other.

5. The steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The central axes of the plurality of limiting rings (31) are parallel to each other.

6. The steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, Along the axial direction of the angle limiting mechanism (30), the limiting portions (312) of at least two of the limiting rings (31) have the same thickness dimension.

7. The steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, Also includes: The bearing structure (40) is provided between any two adjacent limiting rings (31) so that any two adjacent limiting rings (31) can rotate relative to each other along the circumference of the angle limiting mechanism (30).

8. The steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for vehicles according to claim 7, wherein, The bearing structure (40) includes a cage (41) and a plurality of balls (42). The cage (41) is annular and extends circumferentially around the corresponding retaining ring (31). The plurality of balls (42) are arranged sequentially along the circumferential direction of the cage (41) and are all inserted through the cage (41). The two retaining rings (31) adjacent to the bearing structure (40) each form a guide groove (313) opposite to the balls (42). The guide groove (313) extends circumferentially along the corresponding retaining ring (31) so that the guide groove (313) is annular. The plurality of balls (42) are all assembled in the corresponding guide groove (313).

9. The steer-by-wire column feel simulation device for a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein, The retainer (41) includes a first sub-retainer (411) and a second sub-retainer (412). The first sub-retainer (411) and the second sub-retainer (412) are opposite to each other and fixedly connected along the axial direction of the angle limiting mechanism (30). The first sub-retainer (411) and the second sub-retainer (412) together define a plurality of mounting holes (43). The plurality of mounting holes (43) are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the retainer (41). Each mounting hole (43) is fitted with a ball (42).

10. A vehicle, wherein, Includes a steer-by-wire column feel simulation device (1) for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1-9.

Images