Wire-controlled steering feel simulator, vehicle, and steering wheel resistance control method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of vehicle steering devices, and provides a wire-controlled steering feel simulator, a vehicle, and a steering wheel resistance control method. The wire-controlled steering feel simulator includes a housing, a connecting shaft, and a control circuit; a housing is provided inside the housing, the housing is filled with magnetorheological fluid, and a limiting structure is provided inside the housing; one end of the connecting shaft is used to connect to the steering wheel, and the other end is placed in the housing, and a fan is provided at one end of the connecting shaft in the housing, and the connecting shaft can rotate to drive the fan to stir the magnetorheological fluid; the control circuit can control the resistance of the magnetorheological fluid to the rotation of the fan, and the magnetorheological fluid cooperates with the limiting structure when solidifying to limit the rotation of the fan relative to the housing. Through the mutual cooperation of the control circuit, the connecting shaft, the magnetorheological fluid, and the limiting structure, the wire-controlled steering feel simulator can not only conveniently change the steering wheel rotation resistance to simulate the feel, but also limit the number of steering wheel rotations, thereby simplifying the structure of the vehicle steering system and improving assembly efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of vehicle steering devices, and in particular to a wire-controlled steering feel simulator, a vehicle, and a steering wheel resistance control method. Background Art

[0002] Currently, vehicles use steer-by-wire technology to control the steering of the vehicle. Steer-by-wire technology eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering wheel, breaking away from the limitations of mechanical firmware and using electrical energy to achieve rotation. However, there is no rigid connection between the steering wheel and the steering wheel, so the resistance when the steering wheel is turned cannot reflect the change in rotation. In other words, the driver cannot judge the steering situation of the vehicle by the feel of turning the steering wheel. Therefore, the steer-by-wire system usually installs a motor on the steering wheel, and the motor cooperates with the acceleration and deceleration mechanism to change the resistance of the steering wheel rotation to simulate the feel. In addition, in order to limit the number of turns of the steering wheel, a limit device is also required on the steering wheel shaft. The limit device usually includes a rack and a gear. The rotation of the shaft causes the rack and gear to move relative to each other, and the number of turns of the steering wheel is limited by limiting the movement distance of the rack.

[0003] However, in the existing steer-by-wire technology, the motor and limit device on the steering wheel take up a large space and make the overall structure of the steering wheel and steer-by-wire system complicated, affecting the assembly efficiency of the vehicle's steering system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems or at least partially solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a wire-controlled steering feel simulator, a vehicle, and a steering wheel resistance control method.

[0005] A first aspect of the present application provides a wire-controlled steering feel simulator, comprising a housing, a connecting shaft, and a control circuit;

[0006] The housing is provided with a receiving cavity inside, the receiving cavity is filled with magnetorheological fluid, and a limiting structure is provided inside the receiving cavity;

[0007] One end of the connecting shaft is used to connect to the steering wheel, and the other end is placed in the accommodating cavity. The connecting shaft is provided with a fan blade at one end in the accommodating cavity, and the connecting shaft can rotate to drive the fan blade to stir the magnetorheological fluid;

[0008] The control circuit can control the resistance of the magnetorheological fluid to the rotation of the fan blade, and when the magnetorheological fluid is solidified, it cooperates with the limiting structure to limit the rotation of the fan blade relative to the housing.

[0009] Optionally, an upper cylindrical tube with a hollow interior is connected to the shell, and the upper cylindrical tube is sleeved on the outside of the connecting shaft.

[0010] Optionally, the upper column includes a base and a bracket, the base is connected to the shell so that a placement space is formed between the base and the shell, and the control circuit is arranged in the placement space;

[0011] The bracket is connected to a side of the base facing away from the shell, and an end of the connecting shaft away from the accommodating cavity passes through the base and extends to the interior of the bracket.

[0012] Optionally, a positioning notch is provided on the upper column, and a positioning protrusion is provided on the shell, and the positioning protrusion is plug-connected to the positioning notch.

[0013] Optionally, a bearing is provided between the housing and the connecting shaft, and the connecting shaft is sealedly connected to the inner ring of the bearing.

[0014] Optionally, the connecting shaft includes a mounting seat and a main shaft portion, one side of the mounting seat is connected to the main shaft portion, and the other side is connected to the fan blade;

[0015] The mounting seat is placed on the inner ring of the bearing and drives the inner ring to rotate, and the mounting seat is sealed and connected to the inner ring of the bearing.

[0016] Optionally, the control circuit includes a coil and an electronic control unit, the coil is sleeved on the connecting shaft, and the electronic control unit is electrically connected to the coil so that the electronic control unit controls the current passing through the coil.

[0017] Optionally, the fan blades extend radially along the connecting shaft;

[0018] And / or, the limiting structure includes a plurality of positioning grooves, the plurality of positioning grooves are arranged on the radial inner wall of the accommodating cavity along the connecting shaft, and the plurality of positioning grooves are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the connecting shaft.

[0019] A second aspect of the present application provides a vehicle comprising a steer-by-wire feel simulator as described in any one of the above items.

[0020] A third aspect of the present application provides a steering wheel resistance control method, including the steering-by-wire feel simulator as described in any one of the above items, the steps of which include:

[0021] determining a resistance to steering wheel rotation based on a rotation angle of the steering wheel relative to an initial position;

[0022] When the resistance to steering wheel rotation needs to be increased, the current intensity in the control circuit is increased; when the resistance to steering wheel rotation needs to be reduced, the current intensity in the control circuit is reduced; when the steering wheel rotates to a set angle and needs to be restricted from further rotation, the current in the control circuit is increased to above the set current to solidify the magnetorheological fluid.

[0023] The technical solution provided by this application has the following advantages compared with the existing technology:

[0024] The present application provides a wire-controlled steering feel simulator, a vehicle, and a steering wheel resistance control method. The wire-controlled steering feel simulator includes a housing, a connecting shaft, and a control circuit. A housing is provided inside the housing, the housing is filled with magnetorheological fluid, and a limiting structure is provided inside the housing. One end of the connecting shaft is used to connect to the steering wheel, and the other end is placed in the housing. A fan is provided at one end of the connecting shaft in the housing, and the connecting shaft can rotate to drive the fan to stir the magnetorheological fluid. The control circuit can control the resistance of the magnetorheological fluid to the fan rotation, and when the magnetorheological fluid solidifies, it cooperates with the limiting structure to limit the rotation of the fan relative to the housing. The magnetorheological fluid fluidity can be adjusted by adjusting the current in the control circuit, thereby changing the force required for the driver to turn the steering wheel, so that the driver has a different feel when turning the steering wheel. The control circuit solidifies the magnetorheological fluid to limit the rotation of the fan blades and prevent the steering wheel from continuing to rotate, thereby achieving the effect of limiting the number of steering wheel rotations; through the mutual cooperation of the control circuit, the connecting shaft, the magnetorheological fluid in the accommodating cavity and the limiting structure, the wire-controlled steering feel simulator can not only conveniently change the steering wheel rotation resistance to simulate the feel, but also limit the number of steering wheel rotations, avoiding the need to set a motor with an acceleration and deceleration mechanism on the steering wheel and a limiting device to limit the number of steering wheel rotations, simplifying the structure of the vehicle steering system and improving vehicle assembly efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wire-controlled steering feel simulator described in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the steer-by-wire feel simulator described in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the housing according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a partial exploded view of the steer-by-wire feel simulator described in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a flow chart of the steering wheel resistance control method described in an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Among them, 1. Shell; 11. Accommodating cavity; 12. Mounting hole; 13. Limiting structure; 14. Bearing; 15. Positioning protrusion; 16. Cover plate; 17. Lower box body; 2. Connecting shaft; 21. Main shaft; 22. Mounting seat; 23. Sealing ring; 3. Control circuit; 31. Coil; 32. Electronic control unit; 4. Fan blade; 5. Upper column; 51. Base; 511. Positioning notch; 52. Bracket; 53. Placement space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to more clearly understand the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of the present application, the scheme of the present application will be further described below. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present application and the features therein can be combined with each other.

[0034] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present application, but the present application can also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein; it is obvious that the embodiments in the specification are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments.

[0035] Reference Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a wire-controlled steering feel simulator, comprising a shell 1, a connecting shaft 2 and a control circuit 3; a accommodating chamber 11 is provided inside the shell 1, the accommodating chamber 11 is filled with magnetorheological fluid, and a limiting structure is provided inside the accommodating chamber 11; one end of the connecting shaft 2 is used to connect to the steering wheel, and the other end is placed in the accommodating chamber 11, and a fan blade 4 is provided at one end of the connecting shaft 2 in the accommodating chamber 11, and the connecting shaft 2 can rotate to drive the fan blade 4 to stir the magnetorheological fluid; the control circuit 3 can control the resistance of the magnetorheological fluid to the rotation of the fan blade 4, and when the magnetorheological fluid is solidified, it cooperates with the limiting structure 13 to limit the rotation of the fan blade 4 relative to the shell 1.

[0036] Specifically, the interior of the housing 1 is hollow, so that the space inside the housing 1 forms a receiving chamber 11. The receiving chamber 11 can be a cylindrical cavity or a cavity of other shapes. The housing 1 is provided with a through hole communicating with the receiving chamber 11 as a mounting hole 12. The connecting shaft 2 is inserted into the mounting hole 12. The connecting shaft 2 is sealed to the inner wall of the mounting hole 12. The mounting hole 12 can be a circular hole, and the outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft 2 abuts the inner wall of the mounting hole 12 to ensure a sealed connection between the connecting shaft 2 and the inner wall of the mounting hole 12, thereby preventing the magnetorheological fluid in the receiving chamber 11 from leaking through the mounting hole 12.

[0037] Of course, you can also choose to set a bearing in the mounting hole 12, the outer ring of the bearing is sealed with the inner wall of the mounting hole 12, the connecting shaft 2 is set inside the inner ring of the bearing, and the connecting shaft 2 is sealed with the inner ring of the bearing. The inner ring of the bearing rotates relative to the outer ring, so that the connecting shaft 2 can rotate relative to the housing 1.

[0038] The aforementioned magnetorheological fluid exhibits low-viscosity Newtonian fluid properties under zero magnetic field conditions, but exhibits high viscosity and low fluidity under strong magnetic fields. The viscosity of the fluid correlates with the magnetic flux; the greater the magnetic flux, the lower the fluidity. Magnetorheological fluids can transform from a free-flowing liquid to a semi-solid or even solid within milliseconds, exhibiting highly controllable rheological properties. This instantaneous change, coupled with low energy consumption, has led to some applications in automotive steering systems.

[0039] The steering wheel has a transmission shaft. Rotating the steering wheel drives the transmission shaft to rotate. After the transmission shaft is connected to the connecting shaft 2, the rotation of the steering wheel transmission shaft drives the connecting shaft 2 to rotate synchronously. The connecting shaft 2 is provided with a fan blade 4 at one end within the accommodating chamber 11. The fan blade 4 is in contact with the magnetorheological fluid within the accommodating chamber 11. The magnetorheological fluid can be selected to fill the accommodating chamber 11 so that the magnetorheological fluid can wrap the fan blade 4. Alternatively, a space is left between the magnetorheological fluid and the accommodating chamber 11, and the fan blade 4 is always completely located inside the magnetorheological fluid, and the magnetorheological fluid is always in contact with the limiting structure 13.

[0040] When the connecting shaft 2 rotates, the fan blades 4 rotate in the magnetorheological fluid in the accommodating chamber 11. When the magnetorheological fluid is not subjected to an external magnetic field, the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid is low and the resistance to the rotation of the fan blades 4 is small. When an external magnetic field is applied to the magnetorheological fluid, the resistance to the rotation of the fan blades 4 increases. When the intensity of the magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid is greater than the set value, the magnetorheological fluid is converted into a solid structure and solidified. The solidified magnetorheological fluid wraps the fan blades 4, so that the fan blades 4 and the solidified magnetorheological fluid form a block structure. Since the magnetorheological fluid fills the chamber The housing 11 allows the magnetorheological fluid to always maintain contact with the limiting structure 13, and the block structure formed by the fan blades 4 and the magnetorheological fluid will be in a clamping state with the limiting structure 13, so that the limiting structure 13 limits the block structure formed by the fan blades 4 and the magnetorheological fluid from rotating in the housing 11, so that after the magnetorheological fluid solidifies, it will be clamped and connected with the limiting structure 13 to limit the rotation of the fan blades 4 in the housing 11, so that after the magnetorheological fluid solidifies, the connecting shaft 2 cannot rotate relative to the shell 1, thereby achieving the effect of limiting the steering wheel from continuing to rotate.

[0041] The control circuit 3 can be optionally mounted on the housing 1 or on the connecting shaft 2. When energized, the control circuit 3 generates a magnetic field. Increasing the current within the control circuit 3 increases the magnetic field strength; decreasing the current within the control circuit 3 decreases the magnetic field strength. The magnetic field generated by the control circuit 3 passes through the housing 1 and is applied to the magnetorheological fluid within the accommodating chamber 11. Adjusting the current within the control circuit 3 controls the magnetic field strength applied to the magnetorheological fluid, thereby adjusting the fluidity of the magnetorheological fluid.

[0042] The above-mentioned limiting structure 13 can be selected as a groove arranged on the inner wall of the accommodating chamber 11, or a protrusion arranged on the inner wall of the accommodating chamber 11. The interior of the accommodating chamber 11 is filled with magnetorheological fluid so that the magnetorheological fluid can fill the groove or wrap the protrusion. When the magnetorheological fluid can flow, the limiting structure 13 will not restrict the flow of the magnetorheological fluid; when the magnetorheological fluid solidifies, the solid structure formed by the magnetorheological fluid will be inserted into the groove, or the fixed structure formed by the magnetorheological fluid will be engaged with the protrusion, so that the solidified magnetorheological fluid cannot rotate in the accommodating chamber 11.

[0043] The above-mentioned shell 1 can be selectively connected to the frame structure inside the vehicle, or to the bracket inside the vehicle for installing the steering wheel, so that the shell 1 cannot rotate in the vehicle. When the magnetorheological fluid solidifies and cannot rotate in the accommodating cavity 11, the fan blades 4 are wrapped in the solidified magnetorheological fluid, so that the connecting shaft 2 cannot rotate relative to the shell 1. At this time, the rotation of the steering wheel connected to the connecting shaft 2 is restricted; that is, after the steering wheel rotates a set number of times, the current in the control circuit 3 increases to above the set value, causing the magnetorheological fluid to solidify and restrict the continued rotation of the steering wheel.

[0044] When the wire-controlled steering feel simulator provided in the embodiment of the present application is used, connecting shaft 2 is connected to the steering wheel. When the steering wheel rotates, connecting shaft 2 rotates. When connecting shaft 2 rotates, fan blades 4 rotate in the accommodating chamber 11, stirring the magnetorheological fluid. The steering wheel position when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line is used as the initial position. The current in control circuit 3 is adjusted according to the angle of rotation of the steering wheel relative to the initial position. The magnetic field generated by control circuit 3 is applied to the magnetorheological fluid, changing the fluidity of the magnetorheological fluid, thereby changing the force required by the driver to turn the steering wheel, thereby changing the driver's feel when turning the steering wheel and realizing a simulated feel operation.

[0045] The greater the current in the control circuit 3, the lower the fluidity of the magnetorheological fluid and the greater the resistance to steering wheel rotation. When the steering wheel rotates a set number of turns, for example, the steering wheel rotates one and a half turns, that is, the steering wheel rotates 540° in one direction relative to the initial position, the current in the control circuit 3 is greater than the set value, causing the magnetorheological fluid to solidify and the fan blades 4 to be unable to rotate in the accommodating cavity 11. At this time, the steering wheel cannot continue to rotate.

[0046] The wire-controlled steering feel simulator provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a housing 1, a connecting shaft 2 and a control circuit 3; the housing 1 is provided with a accommodating chamber 11, the accommodating chamber 11 is filled with magnetorheological fluid, and a limiting structure is provided in the accommodating chamber 11; one end of the connecting shaft 2 is used to connect to the steering wheel, and the other end is placed in the accommodating chamber 11, and one end of the connecting shaft 2 in the accommodating chamber 11 is provided with a fan blade 4, and the connecting shaft 2 can rotate to drive the fan blade 4 to stir the magnetorheological fluid; the control circuit 3 can control the resistance of the magnetorheological fluid to the rotation of the fan blade 4, and when the magnetorheological fluid solidifies, it cooperates with the limiting structure 13 to limit the rotation of the fan blade 4 relative to the housing 1. The fluidity of the magnetorheological fluid can be adjusted by adjusting the current in the control circuit, thereby changing the force required for the driver to turn the steering wheel, so that the driver has different feelings when turning the steering wheel. The control circuit 3 solidifies the magnetorheological fluid to limit the rotation of the fan blades 4 and prevent the steering wheel from continuing to rotate, thereby achieving the effect of limiting the number of steering wheel rotations; through the mutual cooperation of the control circuit 3, the connecting shaft 2, the magnetorheological fluid in the accommodating cavity 11 and the limiting structure 13, the wire-controlled steering feel simulator can not only conveniently change the steering wheel rotation resistance to simulate the feel, but also limit the number of steering wheel rotations, avoiding the need to set a motor with an acceleration and deceleration mechanism on the steering wheel and a limiting device to limit the number of steering wheel rotations, simplifying the structure of the vehicle steering system and improving vehicle assembly efficiency.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the housing 1 is connected with an upper cylindrical cylinder 5 with a hollow interior, and the upper cylindrical cylinder 5 is sleeved on the outside of the connecting shaft 2. In this way, the upper cylindrical cylinder 5 can protect the connecting shaft 2.

[0048] Specifically, the upper cylinder 5 can be a hollow cylindrical structure. It is positioned on the side of the housing 1 where the mounting hole 12 is located. The mounting hole 12 is located on the inner side of the upper cylinder 5. The upper cylinder 5 extends axially along the mounting hole 12. The portion of the connecting shaft 2 outside the housing 1 is located inside the upper cylinder 5, thereby protecting the connecting shaft 2. The inner portion of the upper cylinder 5, which is adjacent to the housing 1, can be configured to fit against the outer circumference of the connecting shaft 2, thereby providing a positioning effect for the connecting shaft 2. The steering wheel's drive shaft extends into the upper cylinder 5 and connects to the connecting shaft 2.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the upper column 5 includes a base 51 and a bracket 52. The base 51 is connected to the shell 1 to form a placement space 53 between the base 51 and the shell 1, and the control circuit 3 is arranged in the placement space 53; the bracket 52 is connected to the side of the base 51 facing away from the shell 1, and the end of the connecting shaft 2 away from the accommodating cavity 11 passes through the base 51 and extends to the interior of the bracket 52.

[0050] With such an arrangement, the placement space 53 formed between the base 51 and the shell 1 can protect the control circuit 3 and prevent the control circuit 3 from being broken by external collisions or foreign objects; the bracket 52 can protect the connecting shaft 2, and the connecting shaft 2 will pass through the base 51, so that the base 51 can support the connecting shaft 2, thereby improving the stability of the connecting shaft 2 located outside the shell 1 and preventing the connecting shaft 2 from shaking in the radial direction of the connecting shaft 2.

[0051] Specifically, the base 51 can be selected to include a plate body and a skirt board, the skirt board is connected to the edge of the plate body, and the skirt board is arranged around the center of the plate body. The plate body and the side of the shell 1 where the mounting hole 12 is provided are arranged opposite to each other and are connected to each other, and the skirt board is connected to the shell 1, so that the plate body, the skirt board and the shell 1 together form a placement space 53, and the control circuit 3 is arranged in the placement space 53.

[0052] Of course, the base 51 can also be selected as a block structure, and the interior of the base 51 is hollow, so that the internal space of the base 51 forms a placement space 53, and two through holes are formed on the opposite side surfaces of the block structure respectively. The two through holes are coaxially arranged with the mounting hole 12, and the part of the connecting shaft 2 on the outside of the shell 1 is passed through the two through holes of the base 51.

[0053] A portion of the connecting shaft 2 is in the placement space 53 , and the control circuit 3 can be connected to the base 51 in the placement space 53 , or it can be connected to the shell 1 , or the control circuit 3 can be set on the connecting shaft 2 in the placement space 53 .

[0054] The bracket 52 can be configured as a frame structure, with a mounting channel formed inside the bracket 52. The portion of the connecting shaft 2 located on the side of the base 51 facing away from the housing 1 can enter the mounting channel, and the steering wheel drive shaft can be inserted into the mounting channel formed by the bracket 52 to connect with the connecting shaft 2. Alternatively, the bracket 52 can be disposed on the side of the base 51 facing away from the housing 1, and the bracket 52 can be disposed around the connecting shaft 2, so that when the steering wheel drive shaft is connected to the connecting shaft 2, the bracket 52 can protect the connecting shaft 2.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the upper cylinder 5 is provided with a positioning notch 511, and the housing 1 is provided with a positioning protrusion 15, which is plugged into the positioning notch 511. In this arrangement, when the upper cylinder 5 is connected to the housing 1, the positioning protrusion 15 can be inserted into the positioning notch 511 first to determine the relative position of the upper cylinder 5 and the housing 1, thereby improving the convenience of installing the upper cylinder 5 on the housing 1.

[0056] Specifically, a positioning notch 511 can be set at a position of the upper column cylinder 5 close to the shell 1, and the positioning protrusion 15 can be set on the side of the shell 1 facing the upper column cylinder 5. When the upper column cylinder 5 is installed on the shell 1, the positioning protrusion 15 is first inserted into the positioning notch 511 to determine the position of the upper column cylinder 5 on the shell 1, and then the upper column cylinder 5 is connected to the shell 1 by welding, bonding or bolting.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, a bearing 14 is provided between the housing 1 and the connecting shaft 2, and the connecting shaft 2 is sealedly connected to the inner ring of the bearing 14. This arrangement improves the stability of the connecting shaft 2 when rotating on the housing 1, reduces friction during the rotation of the connecting shaft 2, and the sealed connection between the connecting shaft 2 and the inner ring prevents the magnetorheological fluid from spilling out of the housing 1.

[0058] Specifically, a mounting hole 12 is provided on the housing 1, and the bearing is arranged in the mounting hole 12. The bearing 14 includes an inner ring, an outer ring and multiple rotating parts. The diameter of the inner ring is smaller than the diameter of the outer ring. The inner ring and the outer ring are coaxially arranged. The inner ring is arranged on the inner side of the outer ring. Multiple rotating parts are arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring. The rotating parts can be selected as multiple balls or multiple cylindrical rolling columns. The rotating parts rotate between the inner ring and the outer ring, so that the inner ring can rotate relative to the outer ring.

[0059] The above-mentioned outer ring is sealedly connected to the inner wall of the mounting hole 12. The outer ring can be tightly fitted to the inner wall of the mounting hole 12 and bonded with a sealant, or the outer ring and the inner wall of the mounting hole 12 can be connected to each other by welding, so that the outer ring and the inner wall of the mounting hole 12 are sealed, and the magnetorheological fluid will not flow to the outside of the accommodating cavity 11 through the space between the outer ring and the mounting hole 12.

[0060] The above-mentioned connecting shaft 2 is passed through the inner ring and is sealed with the inner ring. The outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft 2 can be selected to fit tightly with the inner ring. Of course, sealing material can also be filled between the outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft 2 and the inner ring, as long as the magnetorheological fluid cannot pass through the space between the connecting shaft 2 and the inner ring.

[0061] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the connecting shaft 2 includes a mounting seat 22 and a main shaft portion 21. One side of the mounting seat 22 is connected to the main shaft portion 21, and the other side is connected to the fan blade 4. The mounting seat 22 is placed on the inner ring of the bearing 14 and drives the inner ring to rotate. The mounting seat 22 is sealed to the inner ring of the bearing 14. Specifically, the mounting seat 22 can be sealed to the inner ring of the bearing 14 via a sealing ring 23.

[0062] With such an arrangement, in order to ensure structural stability and the connection strength between the connecting shaft 2 and the bearing 14, the size of the bearing 14 is usually larger, but the overall force on the steering wheel is smaller, and there is no need to use a connecting shaft 2 with a larger diameter to transmit the force acting on the steering wheel; however, in order to adapt to the bearing 14, the diameter of the connecting shaft 2 will be larger, which wastes the manufacturing material of the connecting shaft 2 and increases the overall weight of the vehicle steering system; the present application uses the mounting seat 22 as a structure connected to the bearing 14, and the main shaft portion 21 extends in a direction away from the accommodating cavity 11 to connect with the steering wheel, so that the diameter of the main shaft portion 21 can be smaller than the diameter of the mounting seat 22, so as to reduce the material required to make the connecting shaft 2, thereby reducing the weight of the connecting shaft 2.

[0063] Specifically, the main shaft portion 21 is a shaft structure, connected to one side of the mounting seat 22, and the fan blade 4 is connected to the other side of the mounting seat 22. The mounting seat 22 can be a disc structure, and the diameter of the mounting seat 22 is larger than the diameter of the main shaft portion 21. The mounting seat 22 can also be a block structure of other shapes; a portion of the mounting seat 22 can be selected to be within the inner ring, and the remaining portion can be selected to be within the accommodating cavity 11. The mounting seat 22 can be selected to fit tightly with the inner ring of the bearing 14 to ensure a sealed connection between the mounting seat 22 and the bearing seat 14. Of course, a sealing ring 23 can also be selected to be sleeved on the mounting seat 22, and the sealing ring 23 can abut against the mounting seat 22 and the inner ring of the bearing 14 to ensure that the sealing ring 23 seals the mounting seat 22 and the bearing 14.

[0064] The above-mentioned sealing ring 23 is sleeved on the portion of the mounting seat 22 located in the accommodating cavity 11, and the sealing ring 23 is in close contact with the inner ring on the side of the mounting hole 12 axially close to the accommodating cavity 11, so that the sealing ring 23 is sealedly connected to the inner ring, and the sealing ring 23 is sealedly connected to the mounting seat 22, so that the magnetorheological fluid cannot flow out of the accommodating cavity 11 from the space between the mounting seat 22 and the inner ring.

[0065] Of course, you can also choose to set the mounting seat 22 completely on the inner side of the inner ring, and set the sealing ring 23 between the outer peripheral surface of the mounting seat 22 and the inner ring. One side of the sealing ring 23 is sealed to the outer peripheral surface of the mounting seat 22, and the other side is sealed to the inner ring, so that the outer peripheral surface of the mounting seat 22 is sealed to the inner ring.

[0066] The housing 1 may optionally include a lower box body 17 and a cover plate 16. The lower box body 17 has a space inside and an opening on one side thereof as a box opening. The cover plate 16 covers the box opening of the lower box body 17 so that the cover plate 16 and the lower box body 17 together form a receiving chamber 11. The mounting hole 12 is provided on the cover plate 16. The upper cylinder 5 is mounted on the cover plate 16. When the cover plate 16 and the lower box body 17 are assembled, magnetorheological fluid can be first poured into the interior of the lower box body 17, and then the cover plate 16 can be mounted on the lower box body 17. Furthermore, the connecting shaft 2 can be first assembled with the mounting hole 12 on the cover plate 16, and then the cover plate 16 with the connecting shaft 2 assembled can be mounted on the lower box body 17, thereby improving the ease of mounting the connecting shaft 2 on the housing 1.

[0067] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the control circuit 3 includes a coil 31 and an electronic control unit 32 . The coil 31 is sleeved on the connecting shaft 2 . The electronic control unit 32 is electrically connected to the coil 31 so that the electronic control unit 32 controls the current passing through the coil 31 .

[0068] With this arrangement, when current flows through the multiple annular structures formed by coils 31, the magnetic fields formed by each annular structure can be superimposed on each other. The magnetic flux lines of the magnetic field formed by the entire coil 31 extend axially along the connecting shaft 2, thereby increasing the magnetic field strength applied by the control circuit 3 to the magnetorheological fluid. The electronic control unit 32 controls the current within the coils 31 to control the magnetic field strength applied to the magnetorheological fluid, thereby enhancing the automation and intelligence of the control circuit 3.

[0069] Specifically, the coil 31 is a structural component formed by spirally bending and winding a wire. The coil 31 is sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft 2. When the current flows in the coil 31, the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic field generated by the coil 31 can be arranged along the axial direction of the connecting shaft 2, thereby increasing the magnetic field strength acting on the magnetorheological fluid.

[0070] The electronic control unit 32 can be a chip, a microcomputer, or an onboard computer, or it can be an onboard ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The electronic control unit 32 is electrically connected to both ends of the coil 31 via wires. The electronic control unit 32 can be optionally positioned on the connecting shaft 2 of the housing 1 so that when the connecting shaft 2 rotates, the electronic control unit 32 rotates with the connecting shaft 2. Of course, the wire between the electronic control unit 32 and the coil 31 can also be a flexible wire so that the wire can be wrapped around the connecting shaft 2 when the connecting shaft 2 rotates, thereby ensuring that the electronic control unit 32 maintains a continuous electrical connection with the coil 31 during the rotation of the connecting shaft 2.

[0071] The electronic control unit 32 may optionally be equipped with an angle detector capable of detecting the angle of rotation of the steering wheel relative to its initial position. The electronic control unit 32 analyzes the steering wheel rotation angle and adjusts the current value in the coil 31. The electronic control unit 32 may also be equipped with multiple detectors. The electronic control unit 32 may collect vehicle speed signals, steering wheel angle signals, road feel simulator signals, and wheel position, and comprehensively analyze and calculate the resistance value corresponding to steering wheel rotation. The electronic control unit 32 then adjusts the current value in the coil 31 based on the steering wheel rotation angle analyzed by the electronic control unit 32.

[0072] The above-mentioned electronic control unit 32 can also be electrically connected to the on-board computer. The vehicle itself can receive the angle information of the steering wheel rotation relative to the initial position. The on-board computer analyzes the angle data of the steering wheel rotation and sends instructions to the electronic control unit 32. The electronic control unit 32 adjusts the strength of the current in the coil 31 according to the instructions; the on-board computer can also collect vehicle speed signals, steering wheel angle signals, road feel simulator signals, and wheel position data for analysis. The on-board computer then sends instructions to the electronic control unit 32, and the electronic control unit 32 adjusts the strength of the current in the coil 31 according to the instructions.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the fan blades 4 extend radially along the connecting shaft 2. This arrangement increases the contact area between the fan blades 4 and the magnetorheological fluid in the accommodating cavity 11. When a relatively small current flows through the control circuit 3, the magnetorheological fluid can provide a relatively large resistance to the rotation of the fan blades 4, thereby reducing the current required to flow through the control circuit 3 and lowering the energy consumption of the steer-by-wire feel simulator.

[0074] Specifically, the blades 4 extend radially along the connecting shaft 2 to increase the area of ​​the blades 4 in the rotational direction of the connecting shaft 2, allowing the blades 4 to contact more magnetorheological fluid during rotation. Furthermore, the blades 4 can also extend axially along the connecting shaft 2, forming a rectangular panel structure within the accommodating cavity 11.

[0075] Reference Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the limiting structure 13 includes a plurality of positioning grooves, and the plurality of positioning grooves are arranged on the radial inner wall of the accommodating cavity 11 along the connecting shaft 2, and the plurality of positioning grooves are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the mounting hole 12. In this manner, the plurality of positioning grooves can limit the solidified magnetorheological fluid, thereby enhancing the effect of the limiting structure 13 in limiting the rotation of the solidified magnetorheological fluid. When the solidified magnetorheological fluid is engaged with the plurality of positioning grooves, the force applied to the connecting shaft 2 will be dispersed at the connection between the solidified magnetorheological fluid and the plurality of positioning grooves, thereby avoiding stress concentration that may cause the solidified magnetorheological fluid to break, thereby allowing the connecting shaft 2 to continue to rotate.

[0076] Specifically, the positioning groove is a groove formed by being recessed in the radial direction of the connecting shaft 2. When the magnetorheological fluid fills the accommodating cavity 11, the magnetorheological fluid will fill multiple positioning grooves. When the magnetorheological fluid solidifies, the solid structure formed by the magnetorheological fluid will be plugged into the multiple positioning grooves. At this time, the force applied to the connecting shaft 2 will be dispersed in the multiple positioning grooves, avoiding stress concentration and causing the solidified magnetorheological fluid to break, so that the connecting shaft 2 can continue to rotate.

[0077] A second aspect of the present application provides a vehicle comprising a steering-by-wire feel simulator as described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0078] By using the above-mentioned wire-controlled steering feel simulator in a vehicle, the structure of the vehicle's steering system is simplified. By setting the wire-controlled steering feel simulator in the vehicle and connecting it to the steering wheel, the driver can have different feelings when turning the steering wheel. When the steering wheel is rotated a set number of times, the wire-controlled steering feel simulator can limit the steering wheel from turning further, thereby improving the overall assembly efficiency of the vehicle.

[0079] When the wire-controlled steering feel simulator and vehicle provided by this application are used, the end of the main shaft portion 21 away from the mounting seat 22 is connected to the drive shaft of the steering wheel, and the shell 1 is fixed in the vehicle. When the steering wheel is rotated, the electronic control unit 32 controls the current in the coil 31 according to the angle of rotation of the steering wheel relative to the initial position, thereby changing the resistance of the magnetorheological fluid to the fan blade 4.

[0080] When the steering wheel rotates a set number of times relative to its initial position, the electronic control unit 32 increases the current in the coil 31 to a value that solidifies the magnetorheological fluid. After solidification, the magnetorheological fluid engages with the multiple positioning slots and wraps around the fan blades 4, restricting their further rotation and preventing the steering wheel from turning further. At this point, if the user turns the steering wheel in the opposite direction, the electronic control unit 32 detects the opposing force acting on the steering wheel and reduces the current in the coil 31, allowing the steering wheel to rotate back to its initial position.

[0081] Reference Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a third aspect of the present application provides a steering wheel resistance control method, including a wire-controlled steering feel simulator as described in any of the above items, the steps comprising: S1, determining the resistance to steering wheel rotation based on the rotation angle of the steering wheel relative to an initial position; specifically, when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line, the steering wheel is in the initial position, and the steering wheel can be rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction away from the initial position. The current in the control circuit 3 is adjusted based on the rotation angle of the steering wheel away from the initial position and the direction of the force applied to the steering wheel to adjust the resistance to steering wheel rotation.

[0082] S21, when it is necessary to increase the resistance to steering wheel rotation, increase the current intensity in the control circuit 3.

[0083] S22, when it is necessary to reduce the steering wheel rotation resistance, reduce the current intensity in the control circuit 3.

[0084] In step S23, when the steering wheel is rotated a set angle and further rotation of the steering wheel needs to be restricted, the current in the control circuit increases to a value exceeding the set current, causing the magnetorheological fluid to solidify. Specifically, when the steering wheel is rotated a set number of times and the direction of force acting on the steering wheel is in the same direction as the steering wheel rotation, the current in the control circuit 3 increases to a value exceeding the set current, causing the magnetorheological fluid to solidify and engage with the positioning groove, thereby restricting further rotation of the steering wheel. After the magnetorheological fluid solidifies due to the steering wheel rotation of the set angle, when the direction of force acting on the steering wheel returns to the initial position, the current in the control circuit 3 decreases.

[0085] The set angle of the steering wheel rotation is determined according to the number of turns of the steering wheel designed for the vehicle. For example, the set number of turns for a car is one and a half turns, that is, when the steering wheel rotates 540° clockwise and the direction of force on the steering wheel is in the clockwise direction; the higher the current intensity in the control circuit 3, the greater the flow resistance of the magnetorheological fluid. When the current in the control circuit 3 increases to above the set current, the magnetic field intensity generated by the control circuit 3 causes the magnetorheological fluid to solidify, thereby causing the solidified magnetorheological fluid to be connected to the limiting structure 13, so that the fan blades 4 and the solidified magnetorheological fluid cannot rotate in the accommodating chamber 11, thereby limiting the steering wheel from continuing to rotate. It is also possible to choose to rotate the steering wheel 540° counterclockwise and when the direction of force on the steering wheel is in the counterclockwise direction, the current in the control circuit 3 increases to above the set current, and the magnetic field intensity generated by the control circuit 3 causes the magnetorheological fluid to solidify, thereby limiting the steering wheel from continuing to rotate.

[0086] When the steering wheel is rotated to a set number of turns and the force applied to the steering wheel is in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the steering wheel, the current in the control circuit 3 decreases, allowing the steering wheel to rotate toward the initial position.

[0087] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising the element.

[0088] The foregoing description is intended only to provide specific embodiments of the present application, which will enable those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is intended to be construed in the broadest manner consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A wire-controlled steering feel simulator, characterized in that: It comprises a housing (1), a connecting shaft (2) and a control circuit (3); A receiving chamber (11) is provided inside the housing (1), the receiving chamber (11) is filled with magnetorheological fluid, and a limiting structure (13) is provided inside the receiving chamber (11); One end of the connecting shaft (2) is used to be connected to the steering wheel, and the other end is placed in the accommodating cavity (11), and a fan blade (4) is provided at one end of the connecting shaft (2) in the accommodating cavity (11), and the connecting shaft (2) can rotate to drive the fan blade (4) to stir the magnetorheological fluid; The control circuit (3) can control the resistance of the magnetorheological fluid to the rotation of the fan blade (4), and when the magnetorheological fluid solidifies, it cooperates with the limiting structure (13) to limit the rotation of the fan blade (4) relative to the housing (1).

2. The steer-by-wire feel simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that: An upper column (5) with a hollow interior is connected to the housing (1), and the upper column (5) is sleeved on the outside of the connecting shaft (2).

3. The steer-by-wire feel simulator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper column (5) includes a base (51) and a bracket (52), the base (51) is connected to the housing (1) so that a placement space (53) is formed between the base (51) and the housing (1), and the control circuit (3) is arranged in the placement space (53); The bracket (52) is connected to the side of the base (51) facing away from the shell (1), and the end of the connecting shaft (2) away from the accommodating cavity (11) passes through the base (51) and extends to the interior of the bracket (52).

4. The steer-by-wire feel simulator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper column (5) is provided with a positioning notch (511), and the housing (1) is provided with a positioning protrusion (15), and the positioning protrusion (15) is plug-connected with the positioning notch (511).

5. The steer-by-wire feel simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A bearing (14) is provided between the housing (1) and the connecting shaft (2), and the connecting shaft (2) is sealedly connected to the inner ring of the bearing (14).

6. The steer-by-wire feel simulator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting shaft (2) comprises a mounting seat (22) and a main shaft portion (21), one side of the mounting seat (22) is connected to the main shaft portion (21), and the other side is connected to the fan blade (4); The mounting seat (22) is placed on the inner ring of the bearing (14) and drives the inner ring to rotate, and the mounting seat (22) is sealed and connected to the inner ring of the bearing (14).

7. The steer-by-wire feel simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control circuit (3) comprises a coil (31) and an electronic control unit (32), wherein the coil (31) is sleeved on the connecting shaft (2), and the electronic control unit (32) is electrically connected to the coil (31) so that the electronic control unit (32) controls the current passing through the coil (31).

8. The steer-by-wire feel simulator according to claim 1, wherein: The fan blades (4) extend radially along the connecting shaft (2); And / or, the limiting structure (13) includes a plurality of positioning grooves, the plurality of positioning grooves are arranged on the radial inner wall of the accommodating cavity (11) along the connecting shaft (2), and the plurality of positioning grooves are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the connecting shaft (2).

9. A vehicle, characterized in that: A steering-by-wire feel simulator comprising the one described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A steering wheel resistance control method, characterized in that: The method comprises the steer-by-wire feel simulator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the steps include: determining a resistance to steering wheel rotation based on a rotation angle of the steering wheel relative to an initial position; When the resistance to steering wheel rotation needs to be increased, the current intensity in the control circuit is increased; when the resistance to steering wheel rotation needs to be reduced, the current intensity in the control circuit is reduced; when the steering wheel rotates to a set angle and needs to be restricted from further rotation, the current in the control circuit is increased to above the set current to solidify the magnetorheological fluid.

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