Method for testing the friction of a steering column and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a steering column friction test method and a vehicle, wherein the friction test method comprises: overall measurement of at least two rotating friction pairs of the steering column to obtain an overall friction torque; separate measurement of each rotating friction pair to obtain a single friction torque; comparison of the overall friction torque with a sum of each single friction torque to obtain a comparison result; and verification of the accuracy of the overall friction torque according to the comparison result. In the technical scheme of the application, each rotating friction pair in the steering column is measured separately to verify the accuracy of the measured overall friction torque of the steering column, so that accurate steering column friction test data is provided for modeling of a steering system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of steering column friction testing, and more specifically, to a method for testing steering column friction and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In the process of dynamic modeling of steering systems, it is necessary to measure the frictional forces of each kinematic pair in the steering system. Among them, the steering column, as an important rotating friction pair sample in the steering system, has a great influence on the accuracy of its friction test results on the construction of manual force in advanced steering system dynamic modeling.

[0003] Currently, the friction force of the steering column rotating pair is obtained through forward friction tests. This measurement method can only achieve the study of the overall external characteristics of the steering column, but cannot determine the accuracy of the measurement results, and cannot provide accurate steering column friction test data for advanced steering system modeling.

[0004] There is currently no effective solution to the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a method and vehicle for testing the friction of a steering column, in order to solve the technical problem that the accuracy of the friction data of the steering column rotating pair measured by existing means cannot be guaranteed, and accurate data cannot be provided for modeling advanced steering systems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a method for testing the friction of a steering column is provided, comprising: performing an overall measurement on at least two rotating friction pairs of the steering column to obtain an overall friction torque; performing individual measurements on each rotating friction pair to obtain an individual friction torque; comparing the overall friction torque with the sum of the individual friction torques to obtain a comparison result; and verifying the accuracy of the overall friction torque based on the comparison result.

[0007] Furthermore, the overall friction torque is obtained by measuring at least two rotating friction pairs of the steering column as a whole, including: measuring the first and second rotating friction pairs on the steering column as a whole, wherein the first rotating friction pair consists of the inner ring and the outer ring of the upper bearing, and the inner ring and the outer ring of the upper bearing are rotatably connected relative to each other; the second rotating friction pair consists of the inner ring and the outer ring of the lower bearing, and the inner ring and the outer ring of the lower bearing are rotatably connected relative to each other.

[0008] Furthermore, the first and second rotary friction pairs on the steering column are measured as a whole, including: the first fixed clamp rotates at a first preset speed to measure the first no-load torque; the first fixed clamp is connected to the steering shaft and rotates synchronously at the first preset speed to measure the first load torque; and the overall friction torque is calculated based on the first no-load torque and the first load torque.

[0009] Furthermore, each rotating friction pair is measured individually to obtain the individual friction torque, including: the second fixed clamp rotates at a second preset speed to measure the second no-load torque; the second fixed clamp is connected to the upper bearing and rotates synchronously at the second preset speed, wherein the upper bearing is disengaged from the steering column, a first pressing force is applied between the second fixed clamp and the upper bearing to measure the second load torque; the friction torque of the upper bearing is calculated based on the second no-load torque and the second load torque.

[0010] Furthermore, the individual friction torque of each rotating friction pair is measured separately, which also includes: the third fixed clamp rotating at a third preset speed to measure the third no-load torque; the third fixed clamp being connected to the lower bearing and rotating synchronously at the third preset speed, wherein the lower bearing is disengaged from the steering column, a second pressing force is applied between the third fixed clamp and the lower bearing to measure the third load torque; and the friction torque of the lower bearing is calculated based on the third no-load torque and the third load torque.

[0011] Furthermore, the first preset speed, the second preset speed, and the third preset speed can be set to be equal or unequal.

[0012] Furthermore, the overall frictional torque can be measured multiple times and the average value can be taken, as can the frictional torque of each individual unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the measuring tools for the overall frictional torque and the frictional torque of each individual component are the same tool or have equal measurement accuracy.

[0014] Furthermore, based on the comparison results, the accuracy of the overall friction torque is verified, including: when the ratio of the overall friction torque to the sum of the individual friction torques is within the calibration range, the accuracy of the overall friction torque meets the preset requirements.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided in which the steering column friction test is performed by the above-described friction test method.

[0016] By applying the technical solution of this invention, the accuracy of the overall friction torque of the steering column is verified by individually measuring each rotating friction pair in the steering column, thereby ensuring accurate steering column friction test data for steering system modeling. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1A schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the friction testing method for the steering column according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0019] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0020] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0021] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same devices, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0023] Combination Figure 1 As shown, according to a specific embodiment of this application, a method for testing the friction of a steering column is provided.

[0024] Specifically, the test steps for the steering column friction test method include:

[0025] Step S1: Perform an overall measurement on at least two rotating friction pairs of the steering column to obtain the overall friction torque.

[0026] Step S2: Measure each rotating friction pair individually to obtain the individual friction torque.

[0027] Step S3: Compare the overall frictional torque with the sum of the frictional torques of each individual component to obtain the comparison result.

[0028] Step S4: Based on the comparison results, verify the accuracy of the overall friction torque.

[0029] In the embodiments of this application, the accuracy of the overall friction torque of the steering column is verified by individually measuring each rotating friction pair in the steering column, so as to ensure that accurate steering column friction test data is provided for steering system modeling.

[0030] It should be noted that a steering column includes at least two rotating friction pairs. Generally, a steering column includes: a housing, a steering shaft, an upper bearing, and a lower bearing. The housing and the steering shaft are connected via the upper and lower bearings to allow the steering shaft to rotate relative to the housing. As an alternative implementation, other bearings besides the upper and lower bearings can also be provided between the steering column and the housing to ensure stable rotation of the steering shaft.

[0031] Specifically, in step S1, the overall friction torque of at least two rotating friction pairs of the steering column is obtained by overall measurement, including: overall measurement of the first rotating friction pair and the second rotating friction pair on the steering column, wherein the first rotating friction pair is composed of the inner ring and the outer ring of the upper bearing, and the inner ring and the outer ring of the upper bearing are rotatably connected relative to each other; the second rotating friction pair is composed of the inner ring and the outer ring of the lower bearing, and the inner ring and the outer ring of the lower bearing are rotatably connected relative to each other.

[0032] It should be noted that the steering column is fixedly connected to the inner rings of both the upper and lower bearings, meaning there is no relative movement between the steering column and the bearing inner rings. The rotating friction pair of the steering column consists of the inner and outer rings of the bearings. The measured frictional torque generated by the upper and lower bearings as a whole is the overall frictional torque of the steering column.

[0033] Further, in step S1, the first and second rotary friction pairs on the steering column are measured as a whole, including the following steps:

[0034] Step S11: The first fixed fixture rotates at a first preset speed, and the first no-load torque is measured. It should be noted that the first fixed fixture is used to connect the measuring tool and the steering shaft. The measuring tool can be a torsion actuator. The first fixed fixture is driven by a torsion motor, and the first preset speed can be freely set, for example, it can be set to 5° / s, 10° / s, etc.

[0035] Step S12: The first fixed fixture is connected to the steering shaft and rotates synchronously at a first preset speed to measure the first load torque. It should be noted that after the first fixed fixture is connected to the steering shaft, the measuring tool is connected to the steering shaft, and the measured first load torque is the sum of the overall friction torque and the first no-load torque.

[0036] Step S13: Calculate the overall friction torque based on the first no-load torque and the first load torque.

[0037] Through the measurement methods described in steps S11 to S13, the difference between the first no-load torque and the first loaded torque is the overall friction torque, thus eliminating the influence of the first fixed fixture on the overall friction torque. The structure of the first fixed fixture is not limited, as long as it enables a fixed connection between the measuring tool and the steering shaft.

[0038] As an alternative embodiment, in steps S11 and S12, since the rotational speed is independent of friction, the preset rotational speed can be the same or different.

[0039] Further, in step S2, each rotating friction pair is measured individually to obtain the individual friction torque, including the following steps:

[0040] Step S21: The second fixed fixture rotates at a second preset speed, and the second no-load torque is measured. It should be noted that the second fixed fixture is used to connect the measuring tool and the upper bearing. The measuring tool can be a torsion actuator. The second fixed fixture is driven by a torsion motor, and the second preset speed can be freely set, for example, it can be set to 5° / s, 10° / s, etc.

[0041] Step S22: The second fixing clamp is connected to the upper bearing and rotates synchronously at a second preset speed. The upper bearing is disengaged from the steering column, and a first pressing force is applied between the second fixing clamp and the upper bearing. The second load torque is measured. It should be noted that the upper bearing is disengaged from the steering column, meaning it is removed and measured separately. The first pressing force applied between the second fixing clamp and the upper bearing is equal to the pressing force between the upper bearing and the steering shaft. Specifically, the second fixing clamp is connected to the inner ring of the upper bearing, and the first pressing force is applied between the inner ring of the upper bearing and the second fixing clamp.

[0042] Step S23: Calculate the friction torque of the upper bearing based on the second no-load torque and the second load torque.

[0043] Through the measurement methods described in steps S21 to S23, the difference between the second no-load torque and the second load torque is the individual friction torque of the upper bearing, thus eliminating the influence of the second fixed fixture on the individual friction torque. The structure of the second fixed fixture is not limited, as long as it enables a fixed connection between the measuring tool and the upper bearing.

[0044] As an alternative embodiment, in steps S21 and S22, since the rotational speed is independent of friction, the preset rotational speed can be the same or different.

[0045] Furthermore, in step S2, the individual friction torque of each rotating friction pair is measured separately, and the following steps are also included:

[0046] Step S24: The third fixed fixture rotates at a third preset speed, and the third no-load torque is measured. It should be noted that the third fixed fixture is used to connect the measuring tool and the lower bearing. The measuring tool can be a torsion actuator. The third fixed fixture is driven by a torsion motor, and the third preset speed can be freely set, for example, it can be set to 5° / s, 10° / s, etc.

[0047] Step S25: The third fixing clamp is connected to the lower bearing and rotates synchronously at a third preset speed. The lower bearing disengages from the steering column, and a second pressing force is applied between the third fixing clamp and the lower bearing. The third load torque is measured. It should be noted that the lower bearing is disengaged from the steering column, meaning it is removed and measured separately. The second pressing force applied between the third fixing clamp and the lower bearing is equal to the pressing force between the lower bearing and the steering shaft. Specifically, the third fixing clamp is connected to the inner ring of the lower bearing, and the second pressing force is applied between the inner ring of the upper bearing and the third fixing clamp.

[0048] Step S26: Calculate the friction torque of the lower bearing based on the third no-load torque and the third load torque.

[0049] Through the measurement methods described in steps S24 to S26, the difference between the third no-load torque and the third loaded torque is the individual friction torque of the lower bearing, thus eliminating the influence of the third fixed fixture on the individual friction torque. The structure of the third fixed fixture is not limited, as long as it enables a fixed connection between the measuring tool and the upper bearing.

[0050] As an alternative embodiment, in steps S24 and S25, since the rotational speed is independent of friction, the preset rotational speed can be the same or different.

[0051] Furthermore, the first preset speed, the second preset speed, and the third preset speed can be set to be equal or unequal.

[0052] It should be noted that since the rotational speed is independent of friction, it can be freely set according to the performance of the torsion motor; however, the measurement accuracy of the torsion motor must be kept consistent before each measurement to avoid affecting the measurement results.

[0053] Furthermore, the overall frictional torque can be measured multiple times and the average value can be taken, as can the frictional torque of each individual unit.

[0054] It should be noted that a single measurement cannot eliminate the possibility of randomness; taking the average of multiple measurements provides a more accurate result.

[0055] As an alternative implementation, in addition to measuring the average value of multiple measurements, the measurement time for each measurement can be extended to prevent the unstable operation of the component from affecting the measurement results.

[0056] Furthermore, the measuring tools for the overall frictional torque and the frictional torque of each individual component are the same tool or have equal measurement accuracy. Using the same tool or having equal measurement accuracy eliminates the influence of the measuring tool on the measurement results.

[0057] Further, in step S3, based on the comparison results, the accuracy of the overall friction torque is verified, including:

[0058] When the ratio of the overall friction torque to the sum of the friction torques of each individual component is within the calibrated range, the accuracy of the overall friction torque meets the preset requirements.

[0059] It should be noted that the ideal value of the ratio of the overall frictional torque to the sum of the frictional torques of each individual component is 1. The calibration range of the ratio is set according to the actual situation. For example, it can be set to [0.995, 1.005].

[0060] If the ratio of the two values ​​is within the calibration range, it indicates that the overall friction torque can provide accurate steering column friction test data for advanced steering system modeling. If the ratio is not within the calibration range, it indicates that the measurement result of the overall friction torque has a large deviation, and it is necessary to adjust the measuring tools and fixing fixtures to reproduce the measurement.

[0061] According to another specific embodiment of this application, a vehicle is provided in which the steering column friction test is performed using the friction test method described in the above embodiment.

[0062] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0063] In addition to the above, it should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "another embodiment," and "embodiment" used in this specification refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment, which are included in at least one embodiment described in the general description of this application. The appearance of the same expression in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, the intention is to suggest that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments also falls within the scope of this invention.

[0064] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0065] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for testing the friction of a steering column, characterized in that, include: The overall friction torque is obtained by measuring at least two rotating friction pairs of the steering column as a whole. Each of the aforementioned rotary friction pairs is measured individually to obtain the individual friction torque; The overall frictional torque is compared with the sum of the frictional torques of each individual unit to obtain the comparison result; Based on the comparison results, the accuracy of the overall friction torque is verified.

2. The friction test method for the steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overall friction torque is obtained by measuring at least two rotating friction pairs of the steering column as a whole, including: The first and second rotary friction pairs on the steering column are measured as a whole. The first rotary friction pair consists of the inner ring and the outer ring of the upper bearing, which are rotatably connected relative to each other. The second rotary friction pair consists of the inner ring and the outer ring of the lower bearing, which are rotatably connected relative to each other.

3. The friction test method for the steering column according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first and second rotary friction pairs on the steering column are measured as a whole, including: The first fixed clamp rotates at a first preset speed, and the first no-load torque is measured. The first fixed clamp is connected to the steering shaft and rotates synchronously at the first preset speed to measure the first load torque; The overall friction torque is calculated based on the first no-load torque and the first loaded torque.

4. The friction test method for the steering column according to claim 3, characterized in that, Individual measurements are performed on each of the aforementioned rotating friction pairs to obtain the individual friction torque, including: The second fixed clamp rotates at the second preset speed, and the second no-load torque is measured. The second fixing clamp is connected to the upper bearing and rotates synchronously at the second preset speed. The upper bearing is disengaged from the steering column. A first pressing force is applied between the second fixing clamp and the upper bearing, and the second load torque is measured. The frictional torque of the upper bearing is calculated based on the second no-load torque and the second load torque.

5. The friction test method for the steering column according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes individually measuring each of the rotary friction pairs to obtain the individual friction torque, and also includes: The third fixed clamp rotates at the third preset speed, and the third no-load torque is measured. The third fixing clamp is connected to the lower bearing and rotates synchronously at the third preset speed. The lower bearing is disengaged from the steering column. A second pressing force is applied between the third fixing clamp and the lower bearing, and the third load torque is measured. The frictional torque of the lower bearing is calculated based on the third no-load torque and the third load torque.

6. The friction test method for the steering column according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first preset speed, the second preset speed, and the third preset speed are set to be equal or unequal.

7. The friction test method for the steering column according to claim 5, characterized in that, The overall frictional torque can be measured multiple times and the average value is taken, and the frictional torque of each individual unit can also be measured multiple times and the average value is taken.

8. The friction test method for the steering column according to claim 5, characterized in that, The measuring tools for the overall friction torque and the individual friction torques are the same tool or have equal measurement accuracy.

9. The friction test method for a steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the comparison results, the accuracy of the overall friction torque is verified, including: When the ratio of the overall friction torque to the sum of the individual friction torques is within the calibrated range, the accuracy of the overall friction torque meets the preset requirements.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The steering column friction test of the vehicle is conducted by the friction test method described in any one of claims 1-9.

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