Automobile line control mechanical dual-mode free steering system and automobile

Abstract

This invention discloses a dual-mode free steering system for automobiles and an automobile, relating to the field of automobile design and manufacturing technology. It includes a steering wheel assembly, a steering shaft assembly, and a steering tie rod assembly connected in sequence. A housing is located at the bottom of the steering wheel assembly, and a dual-mode converter is housed within the housing. The dual-mode converter includes a sleeve, a spline, an elastic element, an elastic locking element, and a position sensor. A locking groove adapted to the elastic locking element is provided on the inner wall of the housing. The dual-mode converter of this invention utilizes the relative position information between the elastic locking element and the locking groove to reflect the engagement and disengagement states of the keyway and spline. The position sensor transmits the relative position information between the elastic locking element and the locking groove to a controller, which then controls the activation and deactivation of the steer-by-wire mode. Only simple lifting and lowering of the steering wheel assembly is required to smoothly switch between the steer-by-wire and mechanical steering modes, making it convenient to operate and structurally simple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive design and manufacturing technology, and in particular to a dual-mode free steering system for automobiles and an automobile. Background Technology

[0002] There are two control modes for automotive steering systems. One is the traditional mechanical steering mode, which uses a mechanical connection between the steering rod and the steering wheel, allowing the vehicle to steer according to the driver's needs. The other is the increasingly mature steer-by-wire mode, which eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering wheels. Sensors are integrated into the steering wheel assembly to detect the steering angle and torque applied by the driver. The sensors feed the collected information back to the ECU, which, as the brain of the car, needs to combine the current vehicle information, such as speed and vehicle dynamics, to determine the amount of steering input and then issue steering commands.

[0003] In existing technologies, automotive steering systems generally include both of the above-mentioned control modes simultaneously. However, the switching structure between the two control modes is relatively complex and the operation is cumbersome. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a simple and easy-to-operate automotive steer-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dual-mode free steering system for automobiles with steer-by-wire and mechanical steering, and to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It can smoothly achieve flexible switching between steer-by-wire and mechanical steering modes by simply lifting and pressing the steering wheel assembly. It is easy to operate and has a simple structure.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:

[0006] A dual-mode free-steering system for automobiles includes a steering wheel assembly, a steering shaft assembly, and a steering tie rod assembly connected in sequence. The steering wheel assembly has a housing at its bottom, and a dual-mode converter is housed within the housing. The dual-mode converter includes a sleeve, a spline, an elastic element, an elastic locking element, and a position sensor. The sleeve is fixed to the bottom of the steering wheel assembly, and a keyway is provided on its inner wall. The steering shaft assembly includes a steering rod, and the housing is movably fitted around the outer periphery of the steering rod. The spline is located at the top of the steering rod and is adapted to the keyway. The two ends of the elastic element are fixedly connected to the ends of the steering wheel assembly and the steering rod, respectively. The elastic locking element is fixed to the side wall of the steering rod, and a locking groove adapted to the elastic locking element is provided on the inner wall of the housing. The position sensor is electrically connected to a controller and used to monitor whether the elastic locking element is located within the locking groove. The controller is electrically connected to an actuator for driving the steering tie rod assembly.

[0007] In the compressed state, the spline engages with the keyway, the elastic snap-fit ​​element is located within the snap-fit ​​groove, and the controller, upon receiving a signal from the position sensor, controls the circuit of the actuator to disconnect, thus placing the automotive steer-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system in mechanical steering mode. In the uncompressed state, the spline and keyway separate, the elastic snap-fit ​​element disengages from the snap-fit ​​groove, and the controller, upon receiving a signal from the position sensor, controls the circuit of the actuator to reconnect, thus placing the automotive steer-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system in steer-by-wire mode.

[0008] Preferably, the elastic element is a compression spring, which is sleeved on the top end of the steering rod.

[0009] Preferably, the elastic snap-fit ​​component is a ball-head plunger, and the snap-fit ​​groove is a spherical groove.

[0010] Preferably, the steering rod is provided with a shoulder for limiting the housing, and the shoulder is located inside the housing.

[0011] Preferably, the elastic snap-fit ​​element is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shoulder.

[0012] Preferably, the steering shaft assembly further includes an intermediate shaft and a steering gear. The lower end of the steering rod is connected to the intermediate shaft via a universal joint. The intermediate shaft is connected to the input end of the steering gear. The output end of the steering gear is provided with a gear, which is adapted to a rack provided on the steering tie rod assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the snap-fit ​​groove is provided with a through hole communicating with the outside of the housing, the position sensor is disposed in the through hole, and the connection wire of the position sensor passes through the through hole and is connected to the controller.

[0014] Preferably, the actuator is an electro-hydrostatic actuator.

[0015] Preferably, the electro-hydraulic actuator includes a permanent magnet synchronous motor, a gear pump, and a hydraulic cylinder. The permanent magnet synchronous motor is fixedly mounted on the gear pump, and the output end of the permanent magnet synchronous motor meshes with the input end of the gear pump. The gear pump is fixedly mounted on the hydraulic cylinder, and the gear pump is connected to the inside of the hydraulic cylinder through a hydraulic delivery pipe. The hydraulic cylinder is connected to the steering tie rod assembly and drives the steering tie rod assembly to move left and right.

[0016] The present invention also provides an automobile, including the steer-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system disclosed in any of the preceding claims.

[0017] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0018] By setting up a dual-mode converter connecting the steering wheel assembly and the steering shaft assembly, the activation and deactivation of the mechanical steering mode are achieved through the engagement and disengagement of the keyway and spline. The relative position information of the elastic snap-fit ​​component and the snap-fit ​​groove is used to reflect the engagement and disengagement state of the keyway and spline. The relative position information of the elastic snap-fit ​​component and the snap-fit ​​groove is transmitted to the controller through a position sensor, and the controller then controls the activation and deactivation of the steer-by-wire mode. The overall solution only requires simple lifting and pressing of the steering wheel assembly to smoothly switch between the steer-by-wire mode and the mechanical steering mode. It is easy to operate and has a simple structure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automotive steer-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system disclosed in this invention;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connection between the steering wheel assembly and the steering shaft assembly;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the dual-mode converter in the diagram;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electro-hydrostatic actuator disclosed in this invention;

[0024] The components include: 1. Steering wheel assembly; 2. Dual-mode converter; 3. Steering shaft assembly; 4. Controller; 5. Steering gear; 6. Permanent magnet synchronous motor; 7. Gear pump; 8. Steering tie rod assembly; 9. Hydraulic cylinder; 10. Position sensor; 11. Housing; 12. Sleeve; 13. Elastic element; 14. Elastic snap-fit ​​element; 15. Spline; and 16. Hydraulic transmission pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dual-mode free steering system for automobiles with steer-by-wire and mechanical steering, and to solve the problems existing in the prior art. It can smoothly achieve flexible switching between steer-by-wire and mechanical steering modes by simply lifting and pressing the steering wheel assembly. It is easy to operate and has a simple structure.

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 This embodiment provides a dual-mode free steering system for automobiles, including a steering wheel assembly 1, a steering shaft assembly 3, and a steering tie rod assembly 8 connected in sequence. A housing 11 is provided at the bottom of the steering wheel assembly 1, and a dual-mode converter 2 is disposed within the housing 11. The dual-mode converter 2 includes a sleeve 12, a spline 15, an elastic element 13, an elastic snap-fit ​​element 14, and a position sensor 10. Sleeve 12 is fixed to the bottom of steering wheel assembly 1, and a keyway is provided on the inner wall of sleeve 12; steering shaft assembly 3 includes steering rod, housing 11 is movably sleeved on the outer periphery of steering rod, spline 15 is provided at the top of steering rod and is adapted to the keyway on the inner wall of sleeve 12; the two ends of elastic member 13 are fixedly connected to the top of steering wheel assembly 1 and steering rod respectively; elastic snap-fit ​​member 14 is fixed on the side wall of steering rod, and snap-fit ​​groove adapted to elastic snap-fit ​​member 14 is provided on the inner wall of housing 11; position sensor 10 is used to detect whether elastic snap-fit ​​member 14 is located in snap-fit ​​groove and is electrically connected to controller 4, controller 4 is electrically connected to actuator for driving steering tie rod assembly 8.

[0030] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: the steering wheel assembly 1 can drive the outer shell 11 to move up and down around the outer periphery of the steering rod, and at the same time control the engagement state of the keyway in the sleeve 12 with the spline 15 at the top of the steering rod.

[0031] When the driver presses down on the steering wheel assembly 1, the keyway engages with the spline 15. At this time, the steering wheel assembly 1 can drive the steering shaft assembly 3 to rotate via the steering rod. The steering shaft assembly 3 drives the steering tie rod assembly 8 below to move left and right laterally, thus achieving mechanical steering. When the driver presses down on the steering wheel assembly 1 until the spline 15 engages with the keyway, the elastic element 13 is in a compressed state, and the outer shell 11 moves down simultaneously until the elastic snap-fit ​​element 14 on the side wall of the steering rod engages with the snap-fit ​​groove on the inner wall of the outer shell 11. After the position sensor 10 senses that the elastic snap-fit ​​element 14 is located in the snap-fit ​​groove, it transmits a signal to the controller 4. After receiving the signal, the controller 4 disconnects the circuit of the control actuator, and the vehicle's drive-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system is in mechanical steering mode.

[0032] When the driver pulls up the steering wheel assembly 1, the keyway and spline 15 disengage, and the steering wheel assembly 1 loses its function of controlling the lateral movement of the steering tie rod assembly 8 through the steering shaft assembly 3. At this time, the housing 11 moves upward under the drive of the steering wheel assembly 1, and the elastic snap-fit ​​14 disengages from the snap-fit ​​groove. After the position sensor 10 senses that the elastic snap-fit ​​14 has disengaged from the snap-fit ​​groove, it transmits a signal to the controller 4. After receiving the signal, the controller 4 controls the circuit of the actuator to be connected, and the vehicle's steer-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system is in steer-by-wire state.

[0033] The elastic locking element 14 is a compression spring sleeved on the top of the steering rod. Both ends of the compression spring are fixedly connected to the bottom of the steering wheel assembly 1 and the steering rod, respectively. The elastic locking element 14 can be a ball-head plunger, and the locking groove is a spherical groove. When the steering wheel assembly 1 is pressed down until the spline 15 engages with the keyway, the compression spring stores elastic potential energy, and the ball-head plunger engages in the spherical groove. The locking resistance of both overcomes the elastic potential energy of the compression spring, thus positioning the axial position of the steering wheel assembly 1. When the steering wheel assembly 1 is pulled up, the ball-head plunger disengages from the spherical groove under external force, the elastic potential energy stored in the compression spring is released, and the spring returns to its natural state, providing support for the steering wheel assembly 1 and maintaining the steering wheel in a fixed axial position.

[0034] The compression spring, ball plunger, and spherical groove in the above solution can be replaced by any existing part or structure that can achieve the above functions.

[0035] Furthermore, the steering lever is provided with a shoulder for limiting the housing 11. The shoulder is located inside the housing 11. When the housing 11 moves upward under the drive of the steering wheel assembly 1, the upward distance of the steering wheel can be limited by the contact between the shoulder and the inner surface of the housing 11, so as to avoid the driver from excessively lifting the steering wheel and causing damage to the elastic element 13.

[0036] On the other hand, the upper surface of the shoulder can also provide a suitable fixed connection platform for the lower end of the compression spring.

[0037] As a preferred embodiment, the elastic snap-fit ​​member 14 can be disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shoulder, further reducing the overall space occupied by the structure.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the snap-fit ​​groove has a through hole connecting to the outside of the housing 11. This through hole, along with the snap-fit ​​groove, penetrates the side wall of the housing 11. The position sensor 10 is disposed within this through hole, and its connecting wire passes through the through hole to connect to the external controller 4. This arrangement allows the position sensor 10 to more intuitively sense whether the elastic snap-fit ​​member 14 is located within the snap-fit ​​groove, reducing the performance requirements of the position sensor 10 and expanding the selection range of the position sensor 10.

[0039] In addition to the steering rod, the steering shaft assembly 3 also includes an intermediate shaft and a steering gear 5. The lower end of the steering rod is connected to the intermediate shaft via a universal joint. The intermediate shaft is connected to the input end of the steering gear 5. A gear is provided at the output end of the steering gear 5. A rack is provided on the steering tie rod assembly 8 to match the gear. When the steering shaft assembly 3 rotates under the drive of the steering wheel assembly 1, the rotational motion of the steering shaft assembly 3 is converted into the linear motion of the steering tie rod assembly 8 through the gear and rack structure, thereby pushing or pulling the steering tie rod system and the steering knuckle, causing the steering wheels of the car to deflect at a certain angle.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment, the actuator electrically connected to the controller 4 is an electro-hydraulic actuator, which includes a permanent magnet synchronous motor 6, a gear pump 7, and a hydraulic cylinder 9. The permanent magnet synchronous motor 6 is fixedly mounted on the gear pump 7, and the output end of the permanent magnet synchronous motor 6 meshes with the input end of the gear pump 7. The gear pump 7 is fixedly mounted on the hydraulic cylinder 9, and the gear pump 7 is connected to the inside of the hydraulic cylinder 9 through a hydraulic delivery pipe 16. The hydraulic cylinder 9 is connected to the steering tie rod assembly 8 and drives the steering tie rod assembly 8 to move left and right.

[0041] The steering wheel assembly 1 typically includes a steering wheel, a steering wheel angle sensor, and a torque sensor. The steering wheel angle sensor and torque sensor are electrically connected to the controller 4. Their main function is to convert the driver's steering intention into digital signals and transmit them to the controller 4. When the vehicle's steer-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system is in steer-by-wire mode, the controller 4 sends forward and reverse rotation commands to the permanent magnet synchronous motor 6 based on the torque angle signals collected by the steering wheel angle sensor and torque sensor. The permanent magnet synchronous motor 6 drives the gear pump 7 to operate, generating flow in the two output chambers of the gear pump 7. This flow, through a mode conversion valve, drives the hydraulic cylinder 9 to move left and right, thereby causing the steering tie rod assembly 8 to move left and right, achieving left and right steering of the vehicle.

[0042] This embodiment improves upon existing automotive steering modes by smoothly switching between steer-by-wire and mechanical steering modes through simple lifting and pressing of the steering wheel assembly 1. It is easy to operate, has a simple structure, compact parts, high response speed, long service life, and good safety and controllability.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] This embodiment provides a vehicle, including the vehicle drive-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system described in Embodiment 1.

[0045] Any adaptive changes made according to actual needs are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0046] It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A dual-mode, steer-by-wire system for automobiles, characterized in that: The system includes a steering wheel assembly, a steering shaft assembly, and a steering tie rod assembly connected in sequence. The steering wheel assembly has a housing at its bottom, and a dual-mode converter is housed within the housing. The dual-mode converter includes a sleeve, a spline, an elastic element, an elastic snap-fit ​​element, and a position sensor. The sleeve is fixed to the bottom of the steering wheel assembly, and a keyway is provided on its inner wall. The steering shaft assembly includes a steering rod, and the housing is movably fitted around the outer periphery of the steering rod. The spline is located at the top of the steering rod and is adapted to the keyway. The two ends of the elastic element are fixedly connected to the ends of the steering wheel assembly and the steering rod, respectively. The elastic snap-fit ​​element is fixed to the side wall of the steering rod, and a snap-fit ​​groove adapted to the elastic snap-fit ​​element is provided on the inner wall of the housing. The position sensor is electrically connected to a controller and used to monitor whether the elastic snap-fit ​​element is located within the snap-fit ​​groove. The controller is electrically connected to an actuator for driving the steering tie rod assembly. When the elastic element is compressed, the spline engages with the keyway, the elastic snap-fit ​​element is located in the snap-fit ​​groove, and after the controller receives the signal from the position sensor, it controls the circuit of the actuator to disconnect, and the automotive drive-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system is in mechanical steering state. In its natural state, the spline and the keyway of the elastic element are separated, the elastic snap-fit ​​element disengages from the snap-fit ​​groove, and after receiving the signal from the position sensor, the controller controls the circuit of the actuator to be turned on, and the automotive steer-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system is in steer-by-wire state.

2. The automotive drive-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic element is a compression spring, which is sleeved on the top of the steering rod.

3. The automotive drive-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic snap-fit ​​component is a ball-head plunger, and the snap-fit ​​groove is a spherical groove.

4. The automotive drive-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering rod is provided with a shoulder for limiting the housing, and the shoulder is located inside the housing.

5. The automotive drive-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The elastic snap-fit ​​element is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shoulder.

6. The automotive drive-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering shaft assembly also includes an intermediate shaft and a steering gear. The lower end of the steering rod is connected to the intermediate shaft via a universal joint. The intermediate shaft is connected to the input end of the steering gear. The output end of the steering gear is provided with a gear, which is adapted to a rack provided on the steering tie rod assembly.

7. The automotive drive-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The snap-fit ​​groove has a through hole that connects to the outside of the housing. The position sensor is disposed in the through hole, and the connection wire of the position sensor passes through the through hole and is connected to the controller.

8. The automotive drive-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The actuator is an electro-hydrostatic actuator.

9. The automotive drive-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The electro-hydraulic actuator includes a permanent magnet synchronous motor, a gear pump, and a hydraulic cylinder. The permanent magnet synchronous motor is fixedly mounted on the gear pump, and the output end of the permanent magnet synchronous motor meshes with the input end of the gear pump. The gear pump is fixedly mounted on the hydraulic cylinder, and the gear pump is connected to the inside of the hydraulic cylinder through a hydraulic delivery pipe. The hydraulic cylinder is connected to the steering tie rod assembly and drives the steering tie rod assembly to move left and right.

10. A car, characterized in that: Including the automotive drive-by-wire mechanical dual-mode free steering system as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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