CN112550429A - Steering wheel unit for an electromechanical steering system for sensing steering movements of a steering wheel - Google Patents

Steering wheel unit for an electromechanical steering system for sensing steering movements of a steering wheel Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CN112550429A
CN112550429A CN201910910694.5A CN201910910694A CN112550429A CN 112550429 A CN112550429 A CN 112550429A CN 201910910694 A CN201910910694 A CN 201910910694A CN 112550429 A CN112550429 A CN 112550429A
Authority
CN
China
Prior art keywords
steering wheel
steering
unit
cam
force
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
CN201910910694.5A
Other languages
Chinese (zh)
Inventor
A·胡苏
M·阿基姆
M-C·科斯塔凯
M·科瓦奇
M-N·韦莱亚
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Schaeffler Technologies AG and Co KG
Original Assignee
Schaeffler Technologies AG and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Schaeffler Technologies AG and Co KG filed Critical Schaeffler Technologies AG and Co KG
Priority to CN201910910694.5A priority Critical patent/CN112550429A/en
Publication of CN112550429A publication Critical patent/CN112550429A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62DMOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D5/00Power-assisted or power-driven steering
    • B62D5/001Mechanical components or aspects of steer-by-wire systems, not otherwise provided for in this maingroup
    • B62D5/005Mechanical components or aspects of steer-by-wire systems, not otherwise provided for in this maingroup means for generating torque on steering wheel or input member, e.g. feedback

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Steering Control In Accordance With Driving Conditions (AREA)
  • Power Steering Mechanism (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering wheel unit (1) for an electromechanical steering system of a motor vehicle (10) and to an electromechanical steering system for a motor vehicle (10) having such a steering wheel unit (1). The steering wheel unit (1) has a force generating device for loading the steering wheel with a mechanical feedback force to the driver in relation to the current steering and/or driving state. The force generating device has a cam unit (16a,16b), an elastic element (15) and a prestressing mechanism (11,12,13), wherein the elastic element (15) is arranged between the cam unit (16a,16b) arranged on the steering wheel shaft (3) and the prestressing mechanism (11,12,13) and can be deformed by an axial movement of the cam unit (16a,16 b). The force generating device acts upon the steering wheel shaft (3) with a force such that, as the steering wheel is adjusted to an increased extent, deviating from straight travel, an increased restoring force can be generated on the steering wheel for the purpose of feeding back the steering state, which is dependent on the wheel deflection, to the driver.

Description

Steering wheel unit for an electromechanical steering system for sensing steering movements of a steering wheel
Technical Field
The invention relates to a steering wheel unit for an electromechanical steering system of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention also relates to an electromechanical steering system comprising such a steering wheel unit.
Background
The field of application of the invention extends to so-called Steer-by-Wire systems (Steer-by-Wire) for motor vehicles, in which no direct mechanical coupling exists between the steering wheel of the motor vehicle and the steered wheels. Instead, the steering angle and, if applicable, the rotational speed of the steering wheel and/or the torque applied to the steering wheel are sensed by suitable sensor devices and transmitted in the form of electrical control values to an electromechanical steering actuator unit, which converts a steering signal predefined in the form of electricity into a mechanical control of the steering angle (Lenkausschlag) of the wheels of the steerable axle.
Direct mechanical feedback of the actually implemented wheel steering angle, which in mechanically coupled systems can usually be felt by the driver in the form of a return force on the steering wheel, which is dependent on the vehicle speed, in the form of vibrations superimposed on it, is therefore dispensed with in the steering system.
From US 2017/0320515 a1, an electromechanical steering system for a motor vehicle is known, which is equipped with a special force generating device on the steering wheel unit for loading the steering wheel with a mechanical feedback force which is transmitted to the driver in relation to the current steering state and driving state. For this purpose, the steering wheel unit has an electric motor for generating a feedback force by applying a corresponding torque to the steering wheel shaft. By suitable actuation of the electric motor, the driver obtains a realistic driving feel via the steering wheel, as in a mechanically coupled steering system. Furthermore, the force generating device provided for this purpose also comprises a lockable clutch which is actuated by the electromagnetic actuator in a brake-acting manner in order to prevent further rotation of the steering wheel shaft when the wheel has reached a predetermined end stop position in the respective direction of rotation. For this purpose, the clutch is electrically controlled to set the steering wheel shaft in the above-mentioned situation. In this prior art, the electric motor for applying the mechanical feedback force constitutes the active member, which therefore also requires electrical actuation.
Another electromechanical steering system for a motor vehicle is known from US 2002/0189888 a1, which is also equipped with an electric motor for generating a mechanical feedback force on the steering wheel. For this purpose, the electric motor is arranged parallel to the steering wheel shaft axis and acts on the steering wheel shaft via a belt drive. This technical solution requires a larger installation space in the transverse direction with respect to the steering wheel axis than the prior art discussed above.
Disclosure of Invention
The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a steering wheel unit for an electromechanical steering system of a motor vehicle, which can be mounted in a space-saving and/or energy-saving manner and can transmit a mechanical feedback force to the driver with respect to the current steering state by means of simple mechanical means.
This object is achieved in that, proceeding from a steering wheel unit according to the preamble of claim 1, the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 are combined. Reference is made to claim 10 with regard to an electromechanical steering system comprising such a steering wheel unit. The dependent claims present advantageous embodiments of the invention.
The present invention includes the following technical teachings: a steering wheel unit for an electromechanical steering system of a motor vehicle is provided. The steering wheel unit has a force generating device for loading the steering wheel with a mechanical feedback force to the driver with regard to the current steering state and/or driving state. The force generating device comprises a cam unit, an elastic element and a prestressing mechanism, wherein the elastic element is arranged between the cam unit arranged on the steering wheel shaft and the prestressing mechanism and can be deformed by an axial movement of the cam unit. The force generating device acts upon the steering wheel shaft with a force such that, as the steering wheel is adjusted in an increasing manner away from straight travel, an increasing restoring force can be generated on the steering wheel for the purpose of feeding back the steering state, which is dependent on the wheel deflection, to the driver.
The advantage of the solution according to the invention is, in particular, that passive components are used for realizing the solution according to the invention, which do not need to be controlled by an electric control unit. Thus, the energy requirements of the electromechanical steering system may be reduced. Furthermore, the passive component, in particular the cam unit and the spring element, can be arranged coaxially around the steering wheel shaft in a space-saving manner.
In other words, the solution according to the invention ensures that, when the steering wheel is rotated in one direction of rotation or the other, the spring element is pressed by the cam unit, which can be controlled and adjusted by the pretensioning mechanism in order to obtain the desired value of the restoring force. In particular, the cam unit may convert a rotational movement of the steering wheel into a linear (axial) movement of the elastic element, whereby a mechanical potential energy is established which is used to generate the mechanical reset force.
Preferably, the cam unit has at least two cams, wherein the second cam is movable forward or backward along the steering wheel shaft by rotation of the first cam. The two cams can have at least one wave-shaped side which faces one another and is in engagement. Thus, a rotation of the steering wheel shaft and thus of the first cam can act on the second camshaft and a corresponding movement of the second cam can be achieved.
According to a preferred embodiment, the second cam has at least one projection on the circumferential surface, which prevents the second cam from rotating and interacts with a groove introduced on the housing inner wall side for longitudinal guidance in the axial direction of movement. The first cam rotated by the rotation of the steering wheel shaft may act on the second cam so that the second cam may be rotated together. This can be prevented by projections formed on the circumferential surface or on the lateral surface of the second cam. The projection can cooperate with a groove provided on the inner circumferential surface of the housing in order to enable longitudinal guidance of the second cam in the axial direction of movement. However, the second cam may preferably have at least two projections in order to ensure that the axial movement of the second cam is not rotational. The two protrusions may be provided at an arbitrary interval along the circumferential surface of the second cam. The inner circumferential surface of the housing may have grooves corresponding to the number and positions of the protrusions.
According to one embodiment, an elastic element is arranged between the second cam and the pretensioning mechanism for receiving a turning force exerted by the driver on the steering wheel. In this way, the elastic element can be linearly deformed by the axial movement of the second cam. Preferably, the spring element is therefore arranged around the longitudinal axis of the steering wheel unit.
According to a preferred embodiment, the prestressing mechanism has an axially adjustable nut and has a threaded element, wherein the position of the nut can be adjusted by rotation of the threaded element by means of an electric motor. Preferably, the feedback force generated according to the present invention is used to feed back the current steering state. In order to also provide further feedback information, for example the end stop position of the wheel (which can be sensed by a corresponding end stop on the steering wheel) or the surface structure of the roadway (which is fed back by corresponding mechanical vibrations), a pretensioning mechanism can be used. In the solution according to the invention, the feedback force exerted by the electric motor is used to reduce or increase the force generated by the elastic action of the elastic element in a targeted and situation-dependent manner in order to produce a real driving feel on the steering wheel. The electric power consumption of the steering wheel unit according to the invention is therefore less than in the steering wheel unit of the prior art mentioned at the outset which is completely actively actuated. Further, the size of the motor used can be reduced, whereby the installation space and cost can be saved.
Furthermore, the external thread section of the threaded element may be an integral part of a completely different transmission assembly which converts a rotational movement of the threaded element into a linear movement of the nut. The external thread section of the threaded element and the corresponding internal thread of the nut may be a metric thread, a trapezoidal thread or a round thread for converting a rotational movement into a linear movement. This arrangement of the threads engaging one another can be realized in a simple manner in terms of production technology. In order to minimize the sliding friction losses, however, the external thread section of the threaded element can be a component of a ball screw drive or a rolling screw drive or a planetary screw drive, which serves to convert a rotational movement into a linear movement.
According to one embodiment, the steering wheel unit comprises a stop tab between the spring element and the nut, wherein the stop tab interacts with a groove introduced on the housing inner wall side for longitudinally guiding the spring element in the axial direction of movement. To pretension the elastic element, the position of the nut is adjusted by rotation of the threaded element, whereby the nut is also rotated together. This may be applied to the linear deformation of the elastic element. The stop between the nut and the spring element makes it possible to prevent the spring element from being influenced by the rotation of the nut, which provides a reliable transmission of the pretensioning force.
According to one embodiment, the first cam is supported by a rolling bearing radially and axially along the steering wheel shaft. For example, ball bearings can be used as rolling bearings. The radial support of the steering wheel shaft enables a rotational movement of the steering wheel. The axial bearing prevents the steering wheel shaft from moving in the axial direction and at the same time serves as a counter bearing (gegellager) for the spring element of the linear movement in the sense of functional integration.
According to one embodiment, the steering wheel unit comprises a transmission element arranged in the region of the steering wheel shaft of the steering wheel for transmitting the rotational travel of the steering wheel to the cam unit with a small angle of rotation. In other words, the transmission element can serve to transmit a small rotation of the steering wheel to the cam unit itself reliably and to convert the rotation of the first cam into a corresponding angle of rotation of the steering wheel in order to provide a reliable association between the steering wheel and the force generating device.
According to one embodiment, the steering wheel unit comprises a steering motion sensor arranged in the region of the steering wheel shaft of the steering wheel for sensing the steering wheel position. The steering motion sensor may sense the torque or angular position of the steering wheel and transmit them to the electronic control unit.
Another aspect of the invention relates to an electromechanical steering system having the steering wheel unit described above and below. The electromechanical steering system also has an electromechanical steering actuator unit for mechanically adjusting the steerable axle and, if necessary, an electric control unit. In this case, the electromechanical steering system can obtain a predefined manipulated variable (stelwettvorgabe) from the steering motion sensor, which is then converted by the electronic control unit into a control command for the steering actuator unit, for example an electric motor. The steering actuator unit in turn influences the wheels in such a way that they rotate in accordance with the predefined setting value of the steering motion sensor. Thus, a steerable axle can be produced.
Drawings
Further measures to improve the invention are shown in detail below together with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention on the basis of the drawings. The figures show:
figure 1 a motor vehicle with a steering wheel unit of the steering system,
figure 2 is a schematic view of an electromechanical steering system for the vehicle of figure 1,
FIG. 3 a schematic longitudinal section through a steering wheel unit of the steering system of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, and
fig. 4 is a schematic view of a cam unit of the steering wheel unit of fig. 1 to 3.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle 10 having an electromechanical steering system, which comprises a steering wheel unit 1 described below. Typically, the electromechanical steering system is arranged in the front region of the vehicle 10 and is provided for turning or deflecting the front wheels of the vehicle 10 in accordance with the driver's wishes. Alternatively or additionally, the electromechanical steering system can also act on the rear wheels, for example in an active rear wheel steering system or in a fork lift truck. The steering wheel unit 1 may be arranged below the dashboard, for example, in the region of the driver's seat in the direction of the motor compartment.
According to fig. 2, the electromechanical steering system for a motor vehicle 10 is essentially composed of a steering wheel unit 1, in the cylindrical housing 2 of which a steering wheel shaft 3 is rotatably mounted. A steering wheel 4 for operation by a driver is mounted on the distal end side of the steering wheel shaft 3. Via the electrical connection line 5, the steering wheel unit 1 is connected to a steering actuator unit 7, which is designed, for example, as an electromechanical unit, by means of an electric control device 6. The steering actuator unit 7 serves to convert a steering signal, which is electrically predefined by the steering wheel unit 1 by means of the control device 6, into a mechanical adjustment of the steering angle of the wheels 8a and 8b of the rotatable axle 9. Furthermore, the steering actuator unit 7 may also be configured as an electro-hydraulic type or the like.
According to fig. 3, in the steering unit 1, the torque exerted on the steering wheel 4 by the driver as a result of the steering movement is transmitted to the housing interior via the steering wheel shaft 3. There, the steering motion sensor 20, the transmission element 19, the rolling bearing 18 and the cam units 16a,16b are arranged on the steering wheel shaft 3. The cam unit 16a,16b is composed of two cams 16a,16b, wherein the second cam 16b has two projections 17 spaced apart from one another on the circumferential surface of the second cam 16b, as shown in fig. 4. The projection 17 interacts with a groove 21 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the housing 2 in order to achieve a longitudinal guidance of the second cam 16b in the axial direction of movement. At the end-face-side end region of the preferably cylindrical housing 2 of the steering wheel unit 1, a prestressing mechanism 11,12,13 is provided, which has an axially adjustable nut 13 and a threaded element 12. The position of the nut 13 is controlled and adjusted by the rotation of the threaded element 12 by means of the motor 11 in order to obtain the desired value of the return force. In other words, the electric motor 11 may exert a further feedback force which is superimposed on the feedback force of the passive structural element, for example the elastic element 15, and/or the additional feedback force. The spring element 15 is arranged between a cam unit 16a,16b arranged on the steering wheel shaft 3 and the prestressing mechanism 11,12,13 and can be deformed by an axial movement of the cam unit 16a,16b, wherein a stop 14 is arranged between the nut 13 of the prestressing mechanism 11,12,13 and the spring element 15. The spring element 15 serves here to receive a rotational force exerted by the driver on the steering wheel 4 between the second cam 16b and the pretensioning means 11,12, 13. Furthermore, the stop tab 14 prevents possible radial deformation of the spring element 15 and interacts with a groove 21 for longitudinal guidance in the axial direction of movement, which is introduced on the housing inner wall side.
The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. But also variants covered by the protective scope of the following claims can be considered.
List of reference numerals
1 steering wheel unit
2 casing
3 steering wheel shaft
4 steering wheel
5 electric connection wire
6 electric control device
7-steering actuator unit
8 wheel
9 axle
10 Motor vehicle
11 electric motor
12 screw element
13 nut
14 stop sheet
15 elastic element
16a,16b cam unit
17 projection
18 rolling bearing
19 transfer element
20 turning motion sensor
21 groove

Claims (10)

1. A steering wheel unit (1) for an electromechanical steering system of a motor vehicle, comprising:
a force generating device for loading the steering wheel with a mechanical feedback force to the driver regarding the current steering state and/or driving state,
characterized in that the force generating device comprises a cam unit (16a,16b), an elastic element (15) and a prestressing mechanism (11,12,13), wherein the elastic element (15) is arranged between the cam unit (16a,16b) arranged on the steering wheel shaft (3) and the prestressing mechanism (11,12,13), wherein the elastic element (15) can be deformed by an axial movement of the cam unit (16a,16b), wherein the force generating device acts on the steering wheel shaft (3) with a force such that an increased restoring force can be generated on the steering wheel for the purpose of feeding back a steering state relating to a wheel deflection to the driver in response to an increased adjustment of the steering wheel deviating from a straight-ahead driving.
2. Steering wheel unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cam unit (16a,16b) has at least two cams, wherein the second cam (16b) is movable forward or backward along the steering wheel shaft (3) by rotation of the first cam (16 a).
3. Steering wheel unit (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the second cam (16b) has at least one projection (17) on the circumference, which prevents the second cam (16b) from rotating and interacts with a groove (21) introduced on the housing inner wall side for longitudinal guidance in the axial direction of movement.
4. Steering wheel unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic element (15) is arranged between the second cam (16b) and the pretensioning mechanism (11,12,13) for receiving a turning force exerted by the driver on the steering wheel (4).
5. Steering wheel unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pretensioning mechanism (11,12,13) has an axially adjustable nut (13) and has a threaded element (12), wherein the position of the nut (13) can be adjusted by rotation of the threaded element (12) by means of the electric motor (11).
6. Steering wheel unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a stop sheet (14) between the elastic element (15) and the nut (13), wherein the stop sheet (14) cooperates with a slot (21) introduced on the housing inner wall side for longitudinally guiding the elastic element (15) in the axial direction of movement.
7. Steering wheel unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cam (16a) is supported by a rolling bearing (16b) radially and axially along the steering wheel shaft (3).
8. Steering wheel unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a transmission element (19) arranged in the region of the steering wheel shaft (3) of the steering wheel (4) for transmitting the rotational travel of the steering wheel (4) to the cam unit (16a,16b) with a small angle of rotation.
9. Steering wheel unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a steering movement sensor (20) arranged in the region of the steering wheel shaft (3) of the steering wheel (4) for sensing the steering wheel position.
10. Electromechanical steering system for a motor vehicle (10), comprising a steering wheel unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims and an electromechanical steering actuator unit (7) for mechanically adjusting the steering angle of the wheels (8a,8b) of a steerable axle (9).
CN201910910694.5A 2019-09-25 2019-09-25 Steering wheel unit for an electromechanical steering system for sensing steering movements of a steering wheel Pending CN112550429A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201910910694.5A CN112550429A (en) 2019-09-25 2019-09-25 Steering wheel unit for an electromechanical steering system for sensing steering movements of a steering wheel

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201910910694.5A CN112550429A (en) 2019-09-25 2019-09-25 Steering wheel unit for an electromechanical steering system for sensing steering movements of a steering wheel

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CN112550429A true CN112550429A (en) 2021-03-26

Family

ID=75029169

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CN201910910694.5A Pending CN112550429A (en) 2019-09-25 2019-09-25 Steering wheel unit for an electromechanical steering system for sensing steering movements of a steering wheel

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CN (1) CN112550429A (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5803202A (en) * 1995-10-20 1998-09-08 Mercedes-Benz Ag Reaction simulator especially for a vehicle steering system
US20020189888A1 (en) * 2001-06-19 2002-12-19 Magnus Brian J. Steer-by wire handwheel actuator
DE102009018047A1 (en) * 2009-04-18 2010-10-21 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Vehicle steering system for use with by-wire design without mechanical drive between steering wheel of driver and steering drive, has hydraulic relapse level, where energy storage element arrangement is provided in or on hydraulic feed unit
CN107284516A (en) * 2017-03-30 2017-10-24 吉林大学 It is a kind of to guide assistant steering device with adjustable limiting and time positive power tactile
CN109131555A (en) * 2017-06-19 2019-01-04 通用汽车环球科技运作有限责任公司 For providing the vehicle and wheel steering system of touch feedback

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5803202A (en) * 1995-10-20 1998-09-08 Mercedes-Benz Ag Reaction simulator especially for a vehicle steering system
US20020189888A1 (en) * 2001-06-19 2002-12-19 Magnus Brian J. Steer-by wire handwheel actuator
DE102009018047A1 (en) * 2009-04-18 2010-10-21 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Vehicle steering system for use with by-wire design without mechanical drive between steering wheel of driver and steering drive, has hydraulic relapse level, where energy storage element arrangement is provided in or on hydraulic feed unit
CN107284516A (en) * 2017-03-30 2017-10-24 吉林大学 It is a kind of to guide assistant steering device with adjustable limiting and time positive power tactile
CN109131555A (en) * 2017-06-19 2019-01-04 通用汽车环球科技运作有限责任公司 For providing the vehicle and wheel steering system of touch feedback

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP6393858B1 (en) Rudder angle regulating device
US11945519B2 (en) Reaction force generating device and steering device
JP4889736B2 (en) Steering device for super position steering mechanism
JP4442630B2 (en) Vehicle steering control device
US20170217475A1 (en) Steering Device
US8177019B2 (en) Steering device for vehicle
CN112049179B (en) Manually operable control device
US8813901B2 (en) Vehicle steering system
CN110550091A (en) Steer-by-wire steering system and method of operating such a system
EP3135944B1 (en) Driving force transmission device
CN112770956B (en) Drive-by-wire steering gear with a coupling rod supported on a pressure part
CN116238584A (en) Steer-by-wire steering device and control method thereof
CN110861703A (en) Steering control apparatus
CN112537366A (en) Steering wheel unit for detecting a steering movement of a steering wheel of an electromechanical steering system
CN111038574B (en) Steering device of steer-by-wire system
CN105083372A (en) Steering system with tilted motor axis
CN113710560B (en) Drive-by-wire steering system for a motor vehicle with concentric drive
CN112550429A (en) Steering wheel unit for an electromechanical steering system for sensing steering movements of a steering wheel
US11623682B2 (en) Steer-by-wire steering system having a spindle drive
US20220212714A1 (en) Steering system for a motor vehicle
US20220379950A1 (en) Steer-by-wire type steering apparatus
JP3923691B2 (en) Vehicle steering system
EP2562063B1 (en) Steering unit for a steer-by-wire steering system
KR20180018125A (en) Variable limiting apparatus of steering wheel rotation angle
CN112537368B (en) Steering wheel unit for generating feedback on steering wheel of electromechanical steering system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PB01 Publication
PB01 Publication
SE01 Entry into force of request for substantive examination
SE01 Entry into force of request for substantive examination