SE546933C2

SE546933C2 - Handwheel actuator and steering wheel armature assembly for a steer-by-wire steering assembly

Info

Publication number: SE546933C2
Application number: SE2330238A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Kristoffer Jidetoft
Original assignee: Chassis Autonomy Sba Ab
Priority date: 2023-05-25
Filing date: 2023-05-25
Publication date: 2025-03-11
Also published as: SE2330238A1; CN121194915A; WO2024242618A1

Abstract

A handwheel actuator for a steer-by-wire steering assembly and a steering wheel armature assembly comprises a steering column with a steering column shaft, a steering wheel armature having at least one spoke mounted to the steering column shaft, and an electrical component protruding through the steering wheel armature. The at least one spoke is rotatable from a first spoke position to a second spoke position. The electrical component is fixed with respect to the steering column and positioned outside the range of movement of the at least one spoke. This innovative design allows for improved functionality and customization of the steering wheel assembly in various vehicle types and driving scenarios.

Claims

1. A hand wheel actuator for a steer-by-wire steering assembly (100) comprising: a steering column (10) having a steering column shaft (20); a steering wheel armature (30) rotatable with respect to the steering column (10) having a rim (40); at least one inner spoke (50) mounted to the steering column shaft (20) and rotatable from a first spoke position (B) to a second spoke position (C); characterised an inner ring (14) is connected to the at least one inner spoke (50) and rotatable about a steering column axis, and at least one outer spoke (12) is connected between the inner ring (14) and the rim (40).

2. The hand wheel actuator according to claim 1, wherein the steering wheel armature (30) is rotatable less than 180 degrees in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction from a central position.

3. The hand wheel actuator according to claim 2, wherein the steering wheel armature (30) is between 90 degrees and 170 degrees in the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction¿fg;¿;g_s¿3;3_

4. The hand wheel actuator according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an electrical component (70) protruding through the steering wheel armature (30) and electrically connected to an electrical and data connection (80) and wherein the electrical component (70) is positioned outside the range of movement of the at least one inner spoke (50).

5. The hand wheel actuator according to claim 4, wherein the electrical component (70) is selected from the group consisting of a motor, an encoder, a sensor, control circuitry, a communication module, error detection and correction circuitry, diagnostic and monitoring circuitry, safety features, an airbag, and a display screen.

6. The hand wheel actuator according to claim 5, further comprising a component housing (130) mounted fixed with respect to the steering column (10) and configured to protect the electrical component (70) mounted inside the component housing (130).

7. The hand wheel actuator according to claim 6, further comprising a first spoke end stop (140) configured to engage the at least one inner spoke (50) when the spoke is in the first spoke position and prevent further movement of the at least one inner spoke (50) in the first rotation direction.

8. The hand wheel actuator according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a second spoke end stop (150) configured to engage the at least one inner spoke (50) when the spoke is in the second spoke position and prevent further movement of the at least one inner spoke (50) in the second rotation direction.

9. The hand wheel actuator according to any of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a steer-by-wire steering actuator (90) configured to translate electronic signals received from the steering wheel armature (30) into physical steering movements of a vehicle.

10. The hand wheel actuator according to claimfurther comprising an electronic control unit (110) connected to the electrical and data connection (80).

11. The hand wheel actuator according to claim 10, further comprising a steering angle sensor (120) electrically connected to the electronic control unit (110) and configured to measure the angle of the steering column shaft (20) and the direction in which it is turning.

12. The hand wheel actuator according to claim 11, wherein the steering angle sensor (120) is selected from the group consisting of a magnetic field steering angle sensor, an optical steering angle sensor, an ultrasonic steering angle sensor, a capacitive steering angle sensor, a piezoresistive steering angle sensor, a fiber optic steering angle sensor, and a rotary transformer steering angle sensor.

13. The hand wheel actuator according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one inner spoke (50) is mounted in the middle of the steering wheel armature (30).

14. The hand wheel actuator according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the inner ring (14) is fixed with respect to the at least one inner spoke (50) and allows any outer spoke configuration.

15. A steering wheel armature assembly for a handwheel actuator (100) comprising: a steering wheel armature (30) having a rim (40) and at least one inner spoke (50) mountable to a steering column shaft (20) wherein the at least one spoke (50) is rotatable from a first spoke position (B) to a second spoke position (C) when mounted to the steering column shaft (20); characterised an inner ring (14) connected to the at least one inner spoke (50) and rotatable about a steering column axis, and at least one outer spoke (12) is connected between the inner ring (14) and rim (40).