Steering wheel system and automobile

Abstract

The steering wheel system comprises a steering wheel and a power generation module, the power generation module is used for being driven by the steering wheel to generate power, and the automobile comprises the steering wheel system. Through the arrangement of the power generation module, the characteristic that a steering wheel is convenient for personnel to operate and output energy can be utilized to convert manpower of vehicle-mounted personnel into electric energy, so that an emergency power supply is provided for the vehicle, and the emergency self-rescue capability of the vehicle under the condition that a vehicle-mounted power supply breaks down is improved; the steering wheel system is a basic function system of the automobile, so that the influence of the emergency power supply on space occupation, weight change and the like of the automobile is small, the automobile does not need to carry large external tools or professional equipment, the use cost is low, and the use reliability of the automobile can be improved. The invention is widely applied to the technical field of automobiles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of automobiles, in particular to a steering wheel system and an automobile. Background Art

[0002] The operation of a car requires the support of electric energy supply. For example, a fuel car is equipped with a generator and a battery to provide power for the on-board electrical equipment, while an electric car can be powered by a power battery and a battery. However, the power supply equipment on the car may fail and fail to supply power, causing trouble for the use of the car. For example, the battery on a fuel car will be depleted due to aging, which is manifested as a decrease in the battery's storage capacity, too low a power supply voltage, etc., and it cannot supply power to the on-board electrical equipment, and the engine cannot be started to drive the generator to generate electricity. At this time, the whole vehicle is in a paralyzed state. If the car is in the wild or in an environment where it is difficult to get timely rescue, it will make it difficult for the occupants to escape for a long time, and they may even be unable to ask for help because the communication equipment cannot get power supply, which puts the occupants in greater danger. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the technical problems that current automobiles face dangers due to lack of power supply when an onboard energy source fails, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a steering wheel system and an automobile.

[0004] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present invention includes a steering wheel system, the steering wheel system comprising:

[0005] Steering wheel;

[0006] Power generation module; the power generation module is used to be driven by the steering wheel to generate electricity.

[0007] Furthermore, the steering wheel system further comprises:

[0008] A steering column, one end of which is connected to the steering wheel.

[0009] Furthermore, the power generation module comprises:

[0010] A generator rotor; the generator rotor is mounted on the steering column;

[0011] Generator stator; the generator stator is installed on the periphery of the steering column.

[0012] Furthermore, the steering wheel system further comprises:

[0013] Transmission module; the transmission module is used to transmit the power of the steering column to the power generation module.

[0014] Further, the steering wheel includes a rim and a plurality of spokes;

[0015] The power generation module includes a generator winding and a magnet. The generator winding is installed in the rim and / or the spokes of the steering wheel. When the steering wheel rotates, the steering wheel rotates relative to the magnet.

[0016] Furthermore, a mounting position is provided at the intersection of each of the spokes on the steering wheel;

[0017] The magnet is used to be detachably mounted in the mounting position of the steering wheel.

[0018] Furthermore, the steering wheel system further comprises:

[0019] Energy storage module; the energy storage module is electrically connected to the power generation module, and the energy storage module is used to receive and store the electrical energy generated by the power generation module.

[0020] Furthermore, the steering wheel system further comprises:

[0021] A travel locking module; the travel locking module is electrically connected to the vehicle-mounted power supply device, and the travel locking module is used to lock the travel of the steering wheel when the power supply capacity value of the vehicle-mounted power supply device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and to release the travel lock of the steering wheel when the power supply capacity value of the vehicle-mounted power supply device is less than the threshold value;

[0022] A switch module; the switch module is electrically connected to the vehicle-mounted power supply device, and the switch module is used to cut off the electrical connection between the power generation module and the energy storage module when the power supply capacity value of the vehicle-mounted power supply device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and to conduct the electrical connection between the power generation module and the energy storage module when the power supply capacity value of the vehicle-mounted power supply device is less than the threshold value.

[0023] Furthermore, the steering wheel system further comprises:

[0024] Power supply module; the power supply module is electrically connected to the energy storage module, and the power supply module is used to receive the electric energy discharged and output by the energy storage module, and supply the electric energy to the on-board electrical equipment.

[0025] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present invention further includes a car, wherein the car includes the steering wheel system of the embodiment.

[0026] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the steering wheel system in the embodiment, by providing a power generation module, can utilize the characteristic of the steering wheel that is easy for people to operate and output energy, and convert the manpower of the accompanying personnel into electrical energy, thereby providing an emergency power supply for the automobile, and improving the emergency self-rescue capability of the automobile in the event of a failure in the on-board power supply; since the steering wheel system is a basic functional system of the automobile, the realization of the emergency power supply has a relatively small impact on the space occupancy and weight change of the automobile, and the automobile does not need to carry large external tools or professional equipment, the use cost is low, and the reliability of the automobile can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the steering wheel system;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a first specific structure of a steering wheel system in an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 A second specific structural schematic diagram of the steering wheel system in the embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 A third specific structural schematic diagram of the steering wheel system in the embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the functional structure of the steering wheel system in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In this embodiment, a steering wheel system is provided. The steering wheel system can be Figure 1 As shown, it includes components such as a steering wheel and a steering column, wherein one end of the steering column is connected to the steering wheel, and the other end of the steering column is connected to components such as a mechanical power-assist mechanism (mechanical power steering system) or a steering simulator (wire-controlled electric power steering system).

[0033] When using the steering control function of the steering wheel system, the driver turns the steering wheel by hand, and the steering wheel drives the steering column to rotate. For the mechanical power steering system, the steering column transmits the torque of the steering wheel to the mechanical power steering mechanism, which amplifies the torque through components such as gear racks or hydraulic rods, thereby driving the steering wheel to rotate; for the wire-controlled electric power steering system, the steering simulator detects the rotation angle of the steering column, thereby calculating the rotation angle of the steering wheel and generating a control signal for the power steering motor, and sending the control signal to the power steering motor, which drives the steering wheel to rotate.

[0034] In this embodiment, the steering wheel system is also provided with a power generation module, so that the steering wheel system has a power generation function in addition to a steering control function. Specifically, when the car is working normally and the driver uses the steering control function of the steering wheel system, the power generation module may not work; when the car encounters an emergency such as battery failure and the on-board electrical equipment cannot be powered and cannot work, the driver or other passengers can turn the steering wheel in the steering wheel system by hand to generate kinetic energy, and the steering wheel transfers the kinetic energy to the power generation module, which works to generate electricity, thereby generating electrical energy for the on-board electrical equipment. For example, the electric energy generated by the power generation module can be used for vehicle-mounted electrical appliances such as the engine starter, oil pump and spark plugs. The starter, oil pump and spark plugs can respectively start, refuel and ignite the engine, thereby starting the engine and driving the generator to work. The entire vehicle obtains power from the generator and works normally. The electric energy generated by the power generation module can also be used for vehicle-mounted communication equipment, or after being converted into a suitable voltage by the vehicle-mounted power supply equipment, it can be used for electrical equipment such as handheld communication equipment, so that the accompanying personnel can use the communication equipment to seek rescue, reduce the risk of not getting rescue for a long time, and ensure the safety of life and property.

[0035] In this embodiment, by setting up a power generation module in the steering wheel system, the characteristic of the steering wheel that is easy for people to operate and output energy can be utilized to convert the manpower of the accompanying personnel into electrical energy, thereby providing an emergency power supply for the car and improving the emergency self-rescue capability of the car in the event of a failure in the on-board power supply; since the steering wheel system is a basic functional system of the car, the implementation of the emergency power supply has a relatively small impact on the space occupancy and weight change of the car, and the car does not need to carry large external tools or professional equipment, the use cost is low, and the reliability of the car can be improved.

[0036] The steering wheel system in this embodiment has a first specific structure as follows: Figure 2 See Figure 2 In this structure, the power generation module includes two parts: a generator rotor and a generator stator, wherein the generator rotor is a coil and the generator stator is a magnet, or the generator rotor is a magnet and the generator stator is a coil. The generator rotor is mounted on the steering column. When the steering wheel rotates, the steering wheel drives the steering column to rotate, and the steering column drives the generator rotor to rotate. The generator stator is mounted on the periphery of the steering column, for example, the generator stator can be installed in a position such as a steering column protection tube. When the steering wheel rotates, the generator stator does not rotate. In this way, when the steering wheel rotates, the generator rotor and the generator stator will rotate relative to each other, thereby converting the kinetic energy transmitted by the steering wheel into electrical energy.

[0037] The second specific structure of the steering wheel system in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 3 See Figure 3In this structure, the generator rotor and the generator stator in the power generation module can be packaged as a whole independent of the steering column, and a transmission module is set between the steering column and the power generation module. Specifically, the transmission module can be a component such as a gear, a belt, a chain or a shaft connector. Taking the gear as an example, a gear can be installed on the steering column, which is concentric with the steering column and fixed to the steering column, and another gear can be installed on the input shaft of the power generation module (which can drive the generator rotor), and the two gears are meshed. In this way, when the steering wheel rotates, the torque of the steering wheel can be transmitted to the power generation module through the gear, driving the generator rotor to rotate relative to the generator stator, thereby converting the kinetic energy transmitted by the steering wheel into electrical energy.

[0038] The third specific structure of the steering wheel system in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 4 shown. Figure 4 The top view of the steering wheel includes a rim and a plurality of spokes, and the spokes intersect and connect to the steering column. Specifically, a bracket is installed at a position such as the dashboard of the car, a bearing is installed on the bracket, and the intersection of the spokes is installed on the bearing, so that the steering wheel can be installed on the car and can rotate. A mounting position can be set at a position such as the bracket where the steering wheel is installed, and a magnet is installed at the mounting position, wherein the magnet can be a permanent magnet. The magnet and the bracket where the steering wheel is installed remain fixed, so that when the steering wheel is turned, the steering wheel rotates relative to the bracket, while the magnet is stationary relative to the bracket, so the steering wheel rotates relative to the magnet.

[0039] In this embodiment, a mounting position for mounting the magnet can be made on the bracket for mounting the steering wheel by hollowing out or other methods, and the magnet can be installed in the mounting position or removed from the mounting position. In this way, when the power generation function of the steering wheel system is needed, the magnet is installed in the mounting position, and when the power generation function of the steering wheel system is not needed, the magnet can be taken out of the mounting position and placed in the trunk or spare tire, etc., so as to avoid the strong magnetic field of the magnet from affecting the cab.

[0040] In this embodiment, a generator winding is also provided, and the generator winding and the magnet constitute a power generation module. The generator winding is installed in the rim and / or spokes of the steering wheel, for example Figure 4 As shown, hollow pipes are used as spokes, and generator windings are installed inside the spokes. Electric slip rings can be installed at the connection between the steering column and the steering wheel, and the generator windings are connected to the energy storage module and other components through the electric slip rings, so that when the generator windings rotate with the steering wheel, they can also maintain a good connection with the energy storage module and other components.

[0041] In this embodiment, Figure 4The principle of the structure shown is that permanent magnets and other magnets will generate magnetic lines of force in the space where the generator windings are located. When the steering wheel is turned, the generator windings are driven to cut the magnetic lines of force, thereby generating current. The current is led out to the energy storage module and other components through the electric slip ring, thereby realizing the use of the steering wheel to generate electricity.

[0042] In this embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the installation position of the magnet can be near the intersection of the spokes of the steering wheel, that is, at the center of the steering wheel. If the magnetic induction intensity generated by the magnet is B, the length of a single turn of the generator winding is L, and the speed at which a single turn of the generator winding cuts the magnetic field lines is v, then the induced electromotive force generated by a single turn of the generator winding is E=BLv, which can be estimated. For example, if a neodymium iron boron magnet is used as a magnet, the magnitude of the magnetic induction intensity B is about 1T; the radius of the steering wheel of a family car is about 20cm, then the length L of a single turn of the generator winding is about 20cm; assuming that the steering wheel is turned at a speed of 1 turn per second, then the average linear velocity of a single turn of the generator winding is the linear velocity at its end point, that is, the magnitude of v is about L / 2×2πHz, that is, v=62.8cm / s. In this way, it can be calculated that the induced electromotive force E generated by a single turn of the generator winding is about 0.1256V. Assuming that the generator winding has 100 turns, the two ends of the generator winding will be able to obtain an electromotive force of about 12V, reaching a practical level. When more turns are set, or more generator windings are set using more spokes and / or wheel rims, or the steering wheel speed is increased, Figure 4 The structure shown can obtain a voltage of 12V-36V which is suitable for vehicle-mounted electrical equipment.

[0043] In this embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the steering wheel system also includes components such as an energy storage module, a power supply module, a switch module and a travel locking module.

[0044] In this embodiment, components with energy storage functions such as batteries or super capacitors can be used as energy storage modules. Figure 5 The energy storage module is electrically connected to the power generation module, and the energy storage module receives and stores the electric energy generated by the power generation module. The energy storage module can also filter and stabilize the electric energy generated by the power generation module.

[0045] In this embodiment, a power supply module with functions such as rectification and inversion can be provided. The energy storage module outputs the electric energy generated by the power generation module to the power supply module, and the power supply module supplies the electric energy to the vehicle-mounted electrical equipment for use.

[0046] In this embodiment, a level conduction control component, such as an NMOS tube, can be used as a switch module. Figure 5, taking the PMOS tube as an example, the source of the PMOS tube is electrically connected to the power generation module, the drain is electrically connected to the energy storage module, and the gate is connected to the vehicle-mounted power supply device (such as a battery). The power supply capacity value of the vehicle-mounted power supply device is specifically the discharge voltage of the battery. When the vehicle-mounted power supply device (battery) is working normally, the power supply capacity value of the vehicle-mounted power supply device is greater than or equal to the threshold value (for example, 10V), the voltage loaded on the gate of the PMOS tube is high, and the source and drain of the PMOS tube are not conducting, thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the power generation module and the energy storage module, that is, the power generation module is not connected to the load; when the vehicle-mounted power supply device (battery) has a fault such as power loss, the power supply capacity value of the vehicle-mounted power supply device is less than the threshold value (for example, 10V), the voltage loaded on the gate of the PMOS tube is low, and the source and drain of the PMOS tube are conducting, thereby conducting the electrical connection between the power generation module and the energy storage module, and the power generation module is connected to the energy storage module and the power supply module and other loads, and can generate electricity by turning the steering wheel for use by the vehicle-mounted electrical equipment.

[0047] Since the steering range of the steering wheel is usually limited, the rotation range of the steering wheel in the steering wheel system also needs to be limited to a certain range. For example, starting from the steering wheel in the normal position, it can only rotate one and a half circles, that is, 540°, in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. In current cars, a locking mechanism is set for the steering wheel in the steering wheel system to limit the rotation range of the steering wheel. However, current cars use an uncontrollable locking mechanism, so the rotation range limit of the steering wheel is not adjustable.

[0048] In this case, when the power generation function of the steering wheel system is needed, the direction of the steering wheel can be repeatedly changed. For example, the steering wheel can be turned clockwise first, so that the steering wheel turns 540° clockwise to the limit (commonly known as "turning the steering wheel all the way to the right"), then turned counterclockwise, so that the steering wheel turns 1080° to the limit in the counterclockwise direction (commonly known as "turning the steering wheel all the way to the left"), and then turned clockwise, so that the steering wheel turns 1080° to the limit in the clockwise direction... This can also transfer kinetic energy to the power generation module to convert it into electrical energy.

[0049] In this embodiment, a controllable travel locking module is provided in the steering wheel system. The locking mechanism in the travel locking module is controllable. For example, when the vehicle-mounted power supply device (battery) is working normally, the travel locking module detects that the power supply capacity value of the vehicle-mounted power supply device is greater than or equal to a threshold value (for example, 10V), then the travel locking module controls the locking mechanism therein to act, thereby limiting the rotation range of the steering wheel (for example, the clockwise and counterclockwise directions can only be rotated at most one and a half circles, i.e., 540°), and realizing the steering control function of the steering wheel system; when the vehicle-mounted power supply device (battery) has a fault such as a power shortage, the travel locking module detects that the power supply capacity value of the vehicle-mounted power supply device is less than a threshold value (for example, 10V), then the travel locking module controls the locking mechanism therein to stop acting, and the locking mechanism no longer limits the rotation range of the steering wheel, and the steering wheel can be rotated arbitrarily, which is convenient for the accompanying personnel to use the power generation function of the steering wheel system. For example, when the vehicle attendant uses the power generation function of the steering wheel system, he only needs to continuously turn it in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, without repeatedly changing the direction of the steering wheel. This helps reduce the physical loss of the vehicle attendant and increase the actual power generation power of the steering wheel system.

[0050] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, when a feature is referred to as "fixed" or "connected" to another feature, it may be directly fixed or connected to the other feature, or it may be indirectly fixed or connected to the other feature. In addition, the descriptions of up, down, left, right, etc. used in the present disclosure are only relative to the relative positional relationship of the components of the present disclosure in the accompanying drawings. The singular forms of "a" and "the" used in the present disclosure are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates other meanings. In addition, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this embodiment have the same meaning as those generally understood by technicians in this technical field. The terms used in the specification of this embodiment are only for describing specific embodiments, not for limiting the present invention. The term "and / or" used in this embodiment includes any combination of one or more related listed items.

[0051] It should be understood that, although the term first, second, third etc. may be adopted to describe various elements in the present disclosure, these elements should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of elements from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element may also be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language ("for example", "such as" etc.) provided by the present embodiment is only intended to better illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and unless otherwise required, the scope of the present invention will not be limited.

[0052] It should be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be implemented or enforced by computer hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or by computer instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable memory. The method may be implemented in a computer program using standard programming techniques - including a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured with a computer program, wherein the storage medium so configured causes the computer to operate in a specific and predefined manner - according to the methods and drawings described in the specific embodiments. Each program may be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, if desired, the program may be implemented in assembly or machine language. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language. In addition, the program may be run on a programmed dedicated integrated circuit for this purpose.

[0053] In addition, the operations of the process described in this embodiment may be performed in any suitable order, unless otherwise indicated in this embodiment or otherwise clearly contradicted by the context. The process described in this embodiment (or variations and / or combinations thereof) may be performed under the control of one or more computer systems configured with executable instructions, and may be implemented as a code (e.g., executable instructions, one or more computer programs, or one or more applications) executed on one or more processors in common, by hardware or a combination thereof. A computer program includes a plurality of instructions that may be executed by one or more processors.

[0054] Further, the method can be implemented in any type of computing platform that is operably connected to a suitable computer, including but not limited to a personal computer, a minicomputer, a mainframe, a workstation, a network or distributed computing environment, a separate or integrated computer platform, or in communication with a charged particle tool or other imaging device, etc. Various aspects of the present invention can be implemented in machine-readable code stored on a non-transitory storage medium or device, whether removable or integrated into a computing platform, such as a hard disk, an optical read and / or write storage medium, a RAM, a ROM, etc., so that it can be read by a programmable computer, and when the storage medium or device is read by the computer, it responds to configuring and operating the computer to perform the process described herein. In addition, the machine-readable code, or a portion thereof, can be transmitted via a wired or wireless network. When such media includes instructions or programs that implement the above steps in conjunction with a microprocessor or other data processor, the invention of this embodiment includes these and other different types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media. When programmed according to the methods and techniques of the present invention, the present invention also includes the computer itself.

[0055] The computer program can be applied to input data to perform the functions of the present embodiment, thereby converting the input data to generate output data stored in a non-volatile memory. The output information can also be applied to one or more output devices such as a display. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the converted data represents a physical and tangible object, including a specific visual depiction of the physical and tangible object produced on the display.

[0056] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. As long as the technical effects of the present invention are achieved by the same means, any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Within the scope of protection of the present invention, its technical solutions and / or implementation methods may have various modifications and changes.

Claims

1. A steering wheel system, characterized in that: The steering wheel system comprises: Steering wheel; Power generation module; the power generation module is used to be driven by the steering wheel to generate electricity.

2. The steering wheel system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering wheel system further comprises: A steering column, one end of which is connected to the steering wheel.

3. The steering wheel system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The power generation module comprises: A generator rotor; the generator rotor is mounted on the steering column; Generator stator; the generator stator is installed on the periphery of the steering column.

4. The steering wheel system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The steering wheel system further comprises: Transmission module; the transmission module is used to transmit the power of the steering column to the power generation module.

5. The steering wheel system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering wheel comprises a rim and a plurality of spokes; The power generation module includes a generator winding and a magnet. The generator winding is installed in the rim and / or the spokes of the steering wheel. When the steering wheel rotates, the steering wheel rotates relative to the magnet.

6. The steering wheel system according to claim 5, characterized in that: A mounting position is provided at the intersection of the spokes on the steering wheel; The magnet is used to be detachably mounted in the mounting position of the steering wheel.

7. The steering wheel system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The steering wheel system further comprises: Energy storage module; the energy storage module is electrically connected to the power generation module, and the energy storage module is used to receive and store the electrical energy generated by the power generation module.

8. The steering wheel system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The steering wheel system further comprises: A travel locking module; the travel locking module is electrically connected to the vehicle-mounted power supply device, and the travel locking module is used to lock the travel of the steering wheel when the power supply capacity value of the vehicle-mounted power supply device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and to release the travel lock of the steering wheel when the power supply capacity value of the vehicle-mounted power supply device is less than the threshold value; A switch module; the switch module is electrically connected to the vehicle-mounted power supply device, and the switch module is used to cut off the electrical connection between the power generation module and the energy storage module when the power supply capacity value of the vehicle-mounted power supply device is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and to conduct the electrical connection between the power generation module and the energy storage module when the power supply capacity value of the vehicle-mounted power supply device is less than the threshold value.

9. The steering wheel system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The steering wheel system further comprises: Power supply module; the power supply module is electrically connected to the energy storage module, and the power supply module is used to receive the electric energy discharged and output by the energy storage module, and supply the electric energy to the on-board electrical equipment.

10. An automobile, characterized in that: The automobile comprises a steering wheel system according to any one of claims 1-9.

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