Steering system variable stiffness adjustment device and method

Abstract

The present invention provides a device and method for adjusting the variable stiffness of a steering system, relating to the technical field of automobile steering systems, comprising: a steering column, wherein a pressure block is provided on the outer side of the steering column; a bracket connected to the steering column, wherein a pressure block is slidably provided on the bracket; a driving mechanism connected to the bracket and the pressure block, wherein the driving mechanism is used to drive the pressure block to move toward or away from the pressure block; a control unit electrically connected to a vehicle speed sensor, a road condition sensor and the driving mechanism, wherein the control unit is used to control the operation of the driving mechanism according to vehicle model information, vehicle speed information detected by the speed sensor and road condition information detected by the road condition sensor; the device solves the problem that the existing steering structure cannot match the stiffness of different types of steering systems, and thus cannot meet the handling stability and comfort requirements of different types of vehicles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of automobile steering systems, and more particularly, relates to a device and method for adjusting the variable stiffness of a steering system. Background Art

[0002] In the automotive field, skateboard chassis technology is a future trend in new energy technology, utilizing a decoupled design that separates the vehicle body from the chassis. This technology integrates the vehicle's powertrain, braking, steering, and three-electric systems into a single, independent functional area. Skateboard chassis with varying design philosophies place new demands on chassis performance, particularly steering structure and form. The platform must adapt to different types of steering system stiffness to meet the handling stability and comfort requirements of different vehicle types. Current steering structures are inadequate to address this conflict, necessitating the research and application of new steering system mechanisms and control methods for the skateboard chassis platform. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a steering system variable stiffness adjustment device and method to solve the problem that the existing steering structure cannot match different types of steering system stiffness, and thus cannot meet the handling stability and comfort of different types of vehicles.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a steering system variable stiffness adjustment device, which includes:

[0005] A steering column, wherein a pressure block is provided on the outer side of the steering column;

[0006] A bracket connected to the steering column, with a pressure block slidably provided on the bracket;

[0007] a driving mechanism connected to the bracket and the pressing block, the driving mechanism being used to drive the pressing block to move toward or away from the pressure block;

[0008] A control unit is electrically connected to the vehicle speed sensor, road condition sensor and the driving mechanism of the vehicle. The control unit is used to control the operation of the driving mechanism according to the vehicle model information, the vehicle speed information detected by the speed sensor and the road condition information detected by the road condition sensor.

[0009] Optionally, an elastic component is provided between the pressing block and the pressure-bearing block.

[0010] Optionally, the elastic component includes a spring sheet with a W-shaped cross section, a middle portion of the spring sheet protrudes toward one side and is connected to the pressure block, and two sides of the spring sheet protrude toward the other side and contact the pressure block.

[0011] Optionally, the pressure block includes a plurality of vulcanized rubber blocks arranged side by side on the outer wall of the steering column along the axial direction of the steering column.

[0012] Optionally, the bracket includes a U-shaped main body and two connecting parts arranged on both sides of the main body and extending outward, the steering column is arranged in an opening of the main body, and the steering column is connected to the main body through two connecting rods, one of the connecting parts is used to connect to the body of the car, and the other connecting part is connected to the drive mechanism.

[0013] Optionally, the driving mechanism includes:

[0014] A drive motor, wherein a lead screw is coaxially connected to an output shaft of the drive motor;

[0015] A threaded hole is provided on the pressing block, and the threaded hole is matched with the thread of the screw rod.

[0016] Optionally, the pressure block includes a guide component, a pressure block body and a connector arranged on one side of the pressure block body, the pressure block body and the connector form a cross structure, the guide component includes a connecting arm, two guide blocks are provided at one end of the connecting arm, the threaded hole is opened on the other end of the connecting arm, and two guide holes are provided on the bracket, and the two guide blocks are respectively inserted into the two guide holes and are respectively detachably connected to the two ends of the connector.

[0017] Optionally, a vibration sensor is further included, and the vibration sensor is arranged on the steering wheel.

[0018] The present invention also provides a method for adjusting the variable stiffness of a steering system, utilizing the above-mentioned device for adjusting the variable stiffness of a steering system, the method comprising:

[0019] Obtain vehicle model information, vehicle speed information, and road condition information;

[0020] When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is an off-road vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is flat, the pressing block remains in its first initial position;

[0021] When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is an off-road vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is uneven, the driving mechanism is started to drive the pressing block to move a first distance toward the pressure bearing block;

[0022] When the vehicle type information indicates that the vehicle is a passenger vehicle and the road condition information indicates that the road surface is flat, the pressing block remains in its second initial position;

[0023] When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is a passenger vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is uneven, the driving mechanism is started to drive the pressing block to move a second distance toward the pressure-bearing block.

[0024] Optionally, the method further includes controlling the operation of the driving mechanism according to vibration information of the steering wheel of the vehicle.

[0025] The present invention provides a device and method for adjusting the variable stiffness of a steering system, which have the following beneficial effects: the device for adjusting the variable stiffness of a steering system is provided with a pressure block on a steering column, and a pressure block is slidably provided on a bracket. The pressure block can be driven by a driving mechanism to apply pressure to the pressure block, thereby adjusting the stiffness of the steering system. The driving mechanism is controlled by a control unit according to vehicle model information, vehicle speed information, and road condition information. The driving mechanism can form a steering system stiffness that matches different vehicle models, different vehicle speed conditions, and different road conditions, thereby meeting the handling stability and comfort requirements of different types of vehicles.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals generally represent like components throughout the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a steering system variable stiffness adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from one perspective.

[0029] Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram from another perspective of a variable stiffness adjustment device for a steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a variable stiffness adjustment device for a steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a guide component of a variable stiffness adjustment device for a steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a bracket of a variable stiffness adjustment device for a steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a pressure block of a variable stiffness adjustment device for a steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of an elastic component of a variable stiffness adjustment device for a steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a pressure block of a variable stiffness adjustment device for a steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 9 A schematic structural diagram of an end surface of a variable stiffness adjustment device for a steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of a variable stiffness adjustment device for a steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 11 A control block diagram of a variable stiffness adjustment device for a steering system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Description of reference numerals:

[0040] 1. Steering column; 2. Pressure block; 3. Bracket; 4. Pressure block; 5. Control unit; 6. Elastic component; 7. Main body; 8. Connecting part; 9. Connecting rod; 10. Drive motor; 11. Threaded hole; 12. Screw; 13. Guide component; 14. Pressure block body; 15. Connector; 16. Connecting arm; 17. Guide block; 18. Guide hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below. Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided to make the present invention more thorough and complete and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the present invention provides a steering system variable stiffness adjustment device, the mechanism comprising:

[0043] A steering column 1, with a pressure block 2 provided on the outside of the steering column 1;

[0044] The bracket 3 is connected to the steering column 1, and a pressure block 4 is slidably provided on the bracket 3;

[0045] A driving mechanism is connected to the bracket 3 and the pressing block 4, and is used to drive the pressing block 4 to move toward or away from the pressure block 2;

[0046] The control unit 5 is electrically connected to the vehicle speed sensor, road condition sensor and driving mechanism of the vehicle. The control unit 5 is used to control the operation of the driving mechanism according to the vehicle model information, the vehicle speed information detected by the speed sensor and the road condition information detected by the road condition sensor.

[0047] Specifically, in order to solve the problem that the existing steering structure cannot match the stiffness of different types of steering systems, and thus cannot meet the handling stability and comfort of different types of automobiles; the steering system variable stiffness adjustment device provided by the present invention is provided with a pressure block 2 on the steering column 1, and a pressure block 4 is slidably provided on the bracket 3. The pressure block 4 can be driven by a driving mechanism to apply pressure to the pressure block 2 to achieve adjustment of the stiffness of the steering system. The driving mechanism is controlled by a control unit 5 according to vehicle model information, vehicle speed information and road condition information. It can form a steering system stiffness that matches different vehicle models, different vehicle speed conditions and different road conditions to meet the handling stability and comfort of different types of automobiles.

[0048] Optionally, an elastic component 6 is provided between the pressure block 4 and the pressure-bearing block 2 .

[0049] Specifically, when the pressure block 4 moves toward the pressure block 2 , the elastic component 6 applies pressure to the pressure block 2 , thereby adjusting the stiffness of the steering system.

[0050] Optionally, the elastic component 6 includes a spring piece with a W-shaped cross section, the middle of the spring piece protrudes to one side and is connected to the pressure block 4 , and both sides of the spring piece protrude to the other side and contact the pressure block 2 .

[0051] Specifically, the structure of the elastic component 6 is as follows Figure 7 As shown, when in use, the pressing block 4 presses the middle of the spring sheet, and both sides of the spring sheet contact the pressure-bearing block 2 , causing the spring sheet to elastically deform and exert pressure on the pressure-bearing block 2 .

[0052] Optionally, the pressure block 2 includes a plurality of vulcanized rubber blocks arranged side by side on the outer wall of the steering column 1 along the axial direction of the steering column 1 .

[0053] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of vulcanized rubber blocks are arranged on the outer wall of the steering column 1 along the axial direction of the steering column 1 to form a pressure block 2 .

[0054] In this embodiment, five vulcanized rubber blocks are evenly distributed on the outer wall of the steering column 1, with a spacing of 1.5 mm between adjacent vulcanized rubber blocks and a size of 20×23 mm. The stiffness and modal characteristics of the steering system are adjusted by changing the deformation of the vulcanized rubber blocks.

[0055] Optionally, the bracket 3 includes a U-shaped main body 7 and two connecting parts 8 arranged on both sides of the main body 7 and extending outward, the steering column 1 is arranged in the opening of the main body 7, and the steering column 1 is connected to the main body 7 through two connecting rods 9, one of the connecting parts 8 is used to connect to the body of the car, and the other connecting part 8 is connected to the drive mechanism.

[0056] Optionally, the driving mechanism includes:

[0057] A drive motor 10, wherein a lead screw 12 is coaxially connected to an output shaft of the drive motor 10;

[0058] The threaded hole 11 is formed on the pressing block 4 , and the threaded hole 11 is threadably matched with the screw rod 12 .

[0059] Specifically, the driving motor 10 can drive the screw rod 12 to rotate, and through the threaded engagement between the screw rod 12 and the threaded hole 11 , the pressing block 4 can be driven to move.

[0060] Optionally, the pressing block 4 includes a guide component 13, a pressing block body 14 and a connector 15 arranged on one side of the pressing block body 14. The pressing block body 14 and the connector 15 form a cross structure. The guide component 13 includes a connecting arm 16. Two guide blocks 17 are provided at one end of the connecting arm 16. A threaded hole 11 is provided at the other end of the connecting arm 16. Two guide holes 18 are provided on the bracket 3. The two guide blocks 17 are respectively inserted into the two guide holes 18 and are respectively detachably connected to the two ends of the connector 15.

[0061] Specifically, a guide hole 18 is provided on the bracket 3 , and the guide component 13 passes through the guide block 17 to ensure the guidance of the moving direction of the pressing block 4 .

[0062] Optionally, a vibration sensor is further included, and the vibration sensor is arranged on the steering wheel.

[0063] Specifically, the vibration sensor detects vibration information at the steering wheel. The vibration sensor can also be connected to the control unit 5 as another basis for the control unit 5 to control the drive mechanism, thereby improving the accuracy and flexibility of the steering system variable stiffness adjustment device in adjusting the steering system stiffness.

[0064] The present invention also provides a method for adjusting the variable stiffness of a steering system, utilizing the above-mentioned device for adjusting the variable stiffness of a steering system, the method comprising:

[0065] Obtain vehicle model information, vehicle speed information, and road condition information;

[0066] When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is an off-road vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is flat, the pressing block remains in its first initial position;

[0067] When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is an off-road vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is uneven, the driving mechanism is started to drive the pressing block to move a first distance toward the pressure bearing block;

[0068] When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is a passenger vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is flat, the pressing block remains in its second initial position;

[0069] When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is a passenger vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is uneven, the driving mechanism is started to drive the pressing block to move a second distance in a direction close to the pressure bearing block.

[0070] Specifically, the vehicle model information can be manually input into the control unit 5 according to the different vehicle models, and is applicable to different types of vehicles. For example, different vehicle model information represents off-road vehicles and passenger vehicles respectively; the vehicle speed information can be measured by the vehicle speed sensor provided by the vehicle and input into the control unit 5; the road condition sensor can be directly purchased from outside and is used to determine whether the current road condition is flat or bumpy. The specific judgment basis can be set according to different vehicles.

[0071] In this embodiment, the template vehicle address input 0 of the control unit 5 indicates an off-road vehicle, and the off-road vehicle control strategy is executed; at this time, the road condition sensor determines whether the road surface is uneven. If it is a flat road, the driving mechanism is not activated, the pressure block 4 is in the first initial position X0, and the pressure block 4 applies a first initial pressure to the pressure block 2 at the first initial position; when it is determined to be an uneven road surface, the driving mechanism adjustment mode is activated, and the displacement is adjusted to the first distance. The calculation formula for the first distance is:

[0072] △X=(Xmax*v) / Vmax

[0073] Wherein, △X is the first distance, Xmax is the maximum adjustment distance (3-5 mm for off-road vehicles), v is the real-time speed of the vehicle, and Vmax is the maximum speed of the vehicle (Vmax = 120 km / h for off-road vehicles).

[0074] When the road surface is converted from a bumpy road surface to a flat road surface, the driving mechanism automatically starts, driving the pressing block 4 to return to the first initial position X0 within 5 seconds.

[0075] The template vehicle address input 1 of the control unit 5 indicates a passenger car, and the passenger vehicle control strategy is executed. At this time, the road condition sensor determines whether the road surface is uneven. If it is a flat road surface, the driving mechanism is not activated, and the pressure block 4 is in the second initial position X1. The pressure block 4 applies a second initial pressure to the pressure block 2 at the second initial position. If it is determined to be an uneven road surface, the driving mechanism adjustment mode is activated, and the displacement is adjusted to the second distance. The calculation formula for the second distance is:

[0076] △X=(Xmax*v) / Vmax

[0077] △X is the second distance, Xmax is the maximum adjustment distance (0.5-3mm for passenger car models), v is the real-time speed of the car, and Vmax is the maximum speed of the car (Vmax=160km / h for passenger car models);

[0078] When the road surface is converted from a bumpy road surface to a flat road surface, the driving mechanism is automatically started, driving the pressing block 4 to return to the second initial position X1 within 5 seconds.

[0079] Optionally, the method further includes controlling the operation of the driving mechanism according to vibration information of the steering wheel of the vehicle.

[0080] Specifically, the vibration information at the steering wheel can also be used as another basis for controlling the driving mechanism. When the vibration at the steering wheel becomes larger, the pressure block 4 moves toward the pressure block 2, increasing the pressure on the pressure block 2. Conversely, the pressure on the pressure block 2 is reduced, thereby improving the accuracy and flexibility of the steering system variable stiffness adjustment device in adjusting the steering system stiffness.

[0081] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above description is intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive, and not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. A variable stiffness adjustment device for a steering system, characterized in that: The device includes: A steering column, wherein a pressure block is provided on the outer side of the steering column; A bracket connected to the steering column, with a pressure block slidably provided on the bracket; a driving mechanism connected to the bracket and the pressing block, the driving mechanism being used to drive the pressing block to move toward or away from the pressure block; a control unit electrically connected to a vehicle speed sensor, a road condition sensor, and the drive mechanism, the control unit being configured to control the operation of the drive mechanism based on vehicle type information, vehicle speed information detected by the vehicle speed sensor, and road condition information detected by the road condition sensor, and capable of forming a steering system stiffness that matches different vehicle types, different vehicle speed conditions, and different road conditions; When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is an off-road vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is flat, the pressing block remains in its first initial position; When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is an off-road vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is uneven, the driving mechanism is started to drive the pressing block to move a first distance toward the pressure bearing block; When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is a passenger vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is flat, the pressing block remains in its second initial position; When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is a passenger vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is uneven, the driving mechanism is started to drive the pressing block to move a second distance in a direction close to the pressure bearing block.

2. The steering system variable stiffness adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An elastic component is provided between the pressing block and the pressure-bearing block.

3. The steering system variable stiffness adjustment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic component includes a spring piece with a W-shaped cross section, a middle portion of the spring piece protrudes toward one side and is connected to the pressure block, and two sides of the spring piece protrude toward the other side and contact the pressure block.

4. The steering system variable stiffness adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure block includes a plurality of vulcanized rubber blocks arranged side by side on the outer wall of the steering column along the axial direction of the steering column.

5. The steering system variable stiffness adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket includes a U-shaped main body and two connecting parts arranged on both sides of the main body and extending outward. The steering column is arranged in an opening of the main body. The steering column is connected to the main body through two connecting rods, one of the connecting parts is used to connect to the body of the car, and the other connecting part is connected to the drive mechanism.

6. The steering system variable stiffness adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving mechanism comprises: A drive motor, wherein a lead screw is coaxially connected to an output shaft of the drive motor; A threaded hole is provided on the pressing block, and the threaded hole is matched with the thread of the screw rod.

7. The steering system variable stiffness adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure block includes a guide component, a pressure block body and a connector arranged on one side of the pressure block body. The pressure block body and the connector form a cross structure. The guide component includes a connecting arm. Two guide blocks are provided at one end of the connecting arm. A threaded hole is provided on the other end of the connecting arm. Two guide holes are provided on the bracket. The two guide blocks are respectively inserted into the two guide holes and are respectively detachably connected to the two ends of the connector.

8. The steering system variable stiffness adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also includes a vibration sensor, which is arranged on the steering wheel.

9. A method for adjusting the variable stiffness of a steering system, using the device for adjusting the variable stiffness of a steering system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The method includes: Obtain vehicle model information, vehicle speed information, and road condition information; When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is an off-road vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is flat, the pressing block remains in its first initial position; When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is an off-road vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is uneven, the driving mechanism is started to drive the pressing block to move a first distance toward the pressure bearing block; When the vehicle type information indicates that the vehicle is a passenger vehicle and the road condition information indicates that the road surface is flat, the pressing block remains in its second initial position; When the vehicle type information shows that the vehicle is a passenger vehicle and the road condition information shows that the road surface is uneven, the driving mechanism is started to drive the pressing block to move a second distance toward the pressure-bearing block.

10. The method for adjusting the variable stiffness of a steering system according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes controlling the operation of the drive mechanism according to the vibration information of the steering wheel of the car.

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