Universal structure, steering transmission mechanism, vehicle control method, vehicle controller, storage medium, program product and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a universal structure, a steering transmission mechanism, a vehicle control method, a vehicle controller, a storage medium, a program product and a vehicle. The universal structure comprises a plurality of first connecting parts and a plurality of second connecting parts, wherein the first connecting parts are used for being connected with a first shaft and a second shaft; the driving assembly can drive the first connecting part to be switched between a first state and a second state; when the first connecting part is in the first state, the first shaft is coupled with the second shaft; when the first connecting part is in the second state, the first shaft and the second shaft are decoupled. According to the universal structure, when the first connecting part is in the first state and the second state, the coupling relation between the first shaft and the second shaft can be changed, and when the universal structure is subjected to external stress, the first connecting part of the universal structure can be in the second state so as to prevent parts from being damaged, and the service life of the universal structure is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a universal structure, a steering transmission mechanism, a vehicle control method, a vehicle controller, a storage medium, a program product, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Universal joints are commonly used in mechanical transmissions, enabling variable-angle power transmission between a mating drive shaft and a driven shaft. Consequently, they are widely used in applications requiring complex transmission mechanisms, such as automobiles, lathes, and robotics. Prior art universal joints typically directly couple the drive and driven shafts. When subjected to external stress, these joints are susceptible to damage, impacting the service life of the components. Therefore, those skilled in the art have proposed a universal joint to address the issues raised in the background art. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide a universal structure, a steering transmission mechanism, a vehicle control method, a vehicle controller, a storage medium, a program product, and a vehicle, so that when subjected to external stress, the universal structure can be in a second state to avoid component damage and increase the service life of the universal structure.

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a universal joint structure, comprising: a plurality of first connecting portions, the first connecting portions being configured to connect to a first shaft and a second shaft; a drive assembly capable of driving the first connecting portions to switch between a first state and a second state; when the first connecting portions are in the first state, the first shaft is coupled to the second shaft; and when the first connecting portions are in the second state, the first shaft is decoupled from the second shaft. According to the universal joint structure of the present application, the coupling relationship between the first shaft and the second shaft changes when the first connecting portions are in the first state and the second state. When subjected to external stress, the first connecting portions of the universal joint structure can be in the second state to avoid component damage, thereby increasing the service life of the universal joint structure.

[0005] In a possible implementation, when the first connection part is in the first state, the first connection part is located at a first position; when the first connection part is in the second state, the first connection part is located at a second position; the second position is closer to the center of the universal structure than the first position.

[0006] In a possible implementation, the driving assembly includes a power mechanism, which can drive the first connecting portion to switch between the first state and the second state.

[0007] In a possible embodiment, the drive assembly further includes a second connecting portion, which is connected to the first connecting portion and the power mechanism, and is used to drive the first connecting portion to switch between the first state and the second state under the drive of the power mechanism.

[0008] In a possible embodiment, the second connecting portion includes a pull wire, and both ends of the pull wire are respectively connected to the power mechanism and the first connecting portion, so that the first connecting portion can be switched between the first state and the second state under the drive of the power mechanism.

[0009] In a possible embodiment, the power mechanism is a rotary shrinking machine, and when the first connecting portion is in the second state, at least a portion of the pull wire can be retracted to the rotary shrinking machine.

[0010] In a possible embodiment, the second connecting part includes an elastic member, and both ends of the elastic member are respectively connected to the power mechanism and the first connecting part; when the first connecting part is in the first state, the elastic member is in an extended state; when the first connecting part is in the second state, the elastic member is in a compressed state.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the plurality of first connection portions are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction and are disposed radially outside the drive assembly.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the universal structure further includes: a housing having a receiving cavity, and at least a portion of the first connecting portion and the driving assembly are disposed in the receiving cavity.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the number of the first connecting parts is four, and the accommodating cavity is a cross-axis structure cavity.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the cross-section of the housing is circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the cross-section of the shell is a regular polygon, and the ratio of the side length of the regular polygon to the length of the first connecting portion along the radial direction is 5:1 to 2.5:1.

[0016] In a possible embodiment, when the first connection portion is in the first state, at least a portion of the first connection portion is located outside the accommodating cavity; when the first connection portion is in the second state, the first connection portion is retracted inside the accommodating cavity.

[0017] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a steering transmission mechanism, which includes: the above-mentioned universal joint structure, a first shaft and a second shaft, wherein the first connecting portion of the universal joint structure is connected to the first shaft and the second shaft.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the steering transmission mechanism further includes: a steering gear and a steering column, the first shaft is connected between the first connecting portion and the steering gear, and the second shaft is connected between the first connecting portion and the steering column.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the first shaft includes a first universal joint fork, the second shaft includes a second universal joint fork, and the first connecting portion can be installed in a first connecting hole of the first universal joint fork and a second connecting hole of the second universal joint fork.

[0020] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle, which includes the above-mentioned steering transmission mechanism.

[0021] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle control method for the above-mentioned vehicle, the control method comprising: when the vehicle receives a collision signal, controlling the drive component to put the first connection part in the second state; and / or, when the vehicle does not receive a collision signal, controlling the drive component to put the first connection part in the first state.

[0022] In one possible embodiment, when the vehicle receives a collision signal, the drive component is controlled to put the first connection part in the second state, including: when the vehicle receives a collision signal and the vehicle speed meets a first preset condition, the drive component is controlled to put the first connection part in the second state; and / or, when the vehicle receives a collision signal and the steering wheel airbag meets a second preset condition, the drive component is controlled to put the first connection part in the second state.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the control method further includes: when the vehicle receives a collision signal, the vehicle speed does not meet the first preset condition, and the steering wheel airbag does not meet the second preset condition, controlling the drive assembly to place the first connection portion in the first state.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the first preset condition includes: a vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a vehicle speed threshold; and / or the second preset condition includes: a detonation signal of a steering wheel airbag is triggered.

[0025] In one possible embodiment, when the vehicle receives a collision signal, controlling the drive component to put the first connection part in the second state includes: when the vehicle receives a collision signal, locking the steering gear and controlling the drive component to put the first connection part in the second state.

[0026] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle controller, which includes: a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor configured to call the instructions from the memory and to implement the above-mentioned vehicle control method when executing the instructions.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which computer instructions are stored. When the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the above-mentioned vehicle control method.

[0028] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes computer instructions. When the computer instructions are run on a computer, the computer executes the above-mentioned vehicle control method.

[0029] For the detailed description of the second to seventh aspects and their various implementations in this application, reference can be made to the detailed description of the first aspect and its various implementations. For the beneficial effects of the second to seventh aspects and their various implementations, reference can be made to the beneficial effects analysis of the first aspect and its various implementations, and no further details will be given here.

[0030] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the universal structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the universal structure provided in an embodiment of the present application in an extended state;

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the universal structure provided in an embodiment of the present application in a retracted state;

[0034] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the universal structure provided in an embodiment of the present application in an extended state;

[0035] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the universal structure provided in an embodiment of the present application in a retracted state;

[0036] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a steering transmission mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 7 An exploded view of the steering transmission mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the steering transmission mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application before a collision;

[0039] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the steering transmission mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application after a collision;

[0040] Figure 10 A flowchart of a vehicle control method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Reference numerals:

[0042] Universal structure 1, first connecting part 10, power mechanism 20, cable 21, elastic member 22, housing 30, steering transmission mechanism 100, steering gear 2, steering column 3, first shaft 4, first universal joint fork 41, second shaft 5, second universal joint fork 52, steering wheel 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present application, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0044] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0045] The following combination Figures 1-10 The universal structure, steering transmission mechanism, vehicle control method, vehicle controller, storage medium, program product and vehicle according to the embodiments of the present application are described in detail.

[0046] Reference Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the universal joint structure 1 according to the embodiment of the present application includes: a plurality of first connecting parts 10, the first connecting parts 10 being used to connect to the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5; a drive assembly, the drive assembly being capable of driving the first connecting parts 10 to switch between a first state and a second state; when the first connecting parts 10 are in the first state, the first shaft 4 is coupled to the second shaft 5; when the first connecting parts 10 are in the second state, the first shaft 4 is decoupled from the second shaft 5. According to the universal joint structure 1 according to the embodiment of the present application, the coupling relationship between the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5 changes between the first connecting parts 10 in the first state and the second state. When subjected to external stress, the first connecting parts 10 of the universal joint structure 1 may be in the second state, the first shaft 4 is decoupled from the second shaft 5, and the connection of the first connecting parts 10 fails. This can avoid component damage and increase the service life of the universal joint structure 1.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present application, reference Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, when the first connection part 10 is in the first state, the first connection part 10 is in the first position; when the first connection part 10 is in the second state, the first connection part 10 is in the second position; the second position is closer to the center of the universal structure 1 than the first position. When the first connection part 10 is in the first state, the first connection part 10 is in the first position, the first connection part 10 is connected to the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5, and the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5 are coupled; when the first connection part 10 is in the second state, the first connection part 10 is in the second position closer to the center of the universal structure 1 than the first position, and the first connection part 10 is disconnected from the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5, thereby decoupling the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present application, the drive assembly includes a power mechanism 20 that can drive the first connection portion 10 to switch between a first state and a second state. The power mechanism 20 of the drive assembly can serve as a power source, and the first connection portion 10 can be driven by the power mechanism 20 to move between the first position and the second position, thereby switching the first connection portion 10 between the first state and the second state.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present application, the drive assembly further includes: a second connection portion, the second connection portion being connected to the first connection portion 10 and the power mechanism 20, and the second connection portion being configured to drive the first connection portion 10 to switch between the first state and the second state under the drive of the power mechanism 20. The power mechanism 20 can drive the first connection portion 10 to move between the first position and the second position via the second connection portion connected between the first connection portion 10 and the power mechanism 20, thereby switching the first connection portion 10 between the first state and the second state.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present application, the second connection part includes: a pull wire 21, and the two ends of the pull wire 21 are respectively connected to the power mechanism 20 and the first connection part 10, so that the first connection part 10 can switch between the first state and the second state under the drive of the power mechanism 20. Under the action of the power mechanism 20, the pull wire 21 can move the first connection part 10 from the first position to the second position, so that the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5 are switched from the coupled state to the decoupled state. Specifically, the first connection part 10 and the power mechanism 20 are provided with pull wire holes, and the two ends of the pull wire 21 pass through the pull wire hole of the first connection part 10 and the pull wire hole of the power mechanism 20, and are fixedly connected to the first connection part 10 and the power mechanism 20. Optionally, the pull wire 21 can be arranged inside the power mechanism 20, and connected to the pull wire hole of the first connection part 10 through the extension of the pull wire hole of the power mechanism 20.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present application, the power mechanism 20 is a rotary shrinking machine, and when the first connecting part 10 is in the second state, at least a portion of the pull wire 21 can be retracted to the rotary shrinking machine. Upon receiving a control instruction for the first connecting part 10 to switch from the first state to the second state, the rotary shrinking machine begins to rotate to drive one end of the pull wire 21 to retract, and the other end of the pull wire 21 drives the first connecting part 10 from the first position to the second position. Optionally, the power mechanism 20 is a roller structure that can rotate when powered, and when the first connecting part 10 is in the second state, at least a portion of the pull wire 21 can be wound around the roller structure.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present application, the second connection portion includes an elastic member 22, the two ends of which are connected to the power mechanism 20 and the first connection portion 10 respectively; when the first connection portion 10 is in the first state, the elastic member 22 is in an extended state; when the first connection portion 10 is in the second state, the elastic member 22 is in a compressed state. Under the combined action of the pull wire 21 and the elastic member 22, under the force of the power mechanism 20, the power mechanism 20 can move the first connection portion 10 from the first position to the second position through the pull wire 21, while the elastic member 22 is compressed, and the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5 can be switched from a coupled state to a decoupled state; under the reverse force of the power mechanism 20, as the length of the pull wire 21 between the power mechanism 20 and the first connection portion 10 changes, the elastic member 22 can move the first connection portion 10 from the second position to the first position, and the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5 can be switched from a decoupled state to a coupled state.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present application, an elastic member 22 is disposed between the cable hole of the first connecting portion 10 and the cable hole of the power mechanism 20. The elastic member 22 can provide outward support for the first connecting portion 10. Optionally, the power mechanism 20 is a roller structure that rotates when powered. When the roller structure rotates, the cable 21 is pulled onto the roller structure, thereby contracting the cable 21 and the elastic member 22. Conversely, the cable 21 is released from its restraint, and the maximum pulling distance of the cable 21 is the same as the support distance of the elastic member 22.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present application, a plurality of first connection portions 10 are circumferentially spaced and disposed radially outward of the drive assembly. The first connection portions 10 can move radially inward or radially outward under the driving force of the drive assembly to switch the first connection portions 10 between the first state and the second state.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present application, the universal structure 1 further includes a housing 30, the housing 30 having a receiving cavity, and at least a portion of the first connection part 10 and the drive assembly are disposed in the receiving cavity. The elastic member 22 can limit the extension length of the first connection part 10, and the first connection part 10 can extend out of the housing 30 under the action of the elastic member 22; the first connection part 10 can be retracted into the receiving cavity of the housing 30 under the action of the pull wire 21, and the elastic member 22 is compressed at the same time. When the first connection part 10 switches between the first state and the second state, the first connection part 10 moves toward the inside or outside of the receiving cavity, and the portion of the first connection part 10 located in the receiving cavity in the first state is less than the portion of the first connection part 10 located in the receiving cavity in the second state. Optionally, the drive assembly is fixed at the center position in the receiving cavity, and the portion of the housing 30 other than the receiving cavity is a solid structure.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present application, there are four first connecting parts 10, and the accommodating cavity is a cross-axis structure cavity. The four first connecting parts 10 form a cross-axis universal joint structure. Two first connecting parts 10 arranged opposite each other can be connected to the first shaft 4, and the other two first connecting parts 10 arranged opposite each other can be connected to the second shaft 5. Optionally, the portion of the housing 30 other than the cross-axis structure cavity is a solid structure.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present application, the cross-sectional shape of the housing 30 is circular, elliptical, or polygonal. The cross-sectional shape of the housing 30 can be selected or adjusted according to the number and arrangement position of the first connecting parts 10.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present application, the cross-sectional shape of the housing 30 is a regular polygon, and the ratio of the side length of the regular polygon to the radial length of the first connecting portion 10 is 5:1 to 2.5:1. Setting the ratio of the side length of the regular polygon to the radial length of the first connecting portion 10 to 5:1 to 2.5:1 ensures that the accommodating cavity of the housing 30 has sufficient space to accommodate the first connecting portion 10.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present application, when the first connection portion 10 is in the first state, at least a portion of the first connection portion is located outside the accommodating cavity; when the first connection portion 10 is in the second state, the first connection portion is retracted inside the accommodating cavity. Figure 4 As shown, when the first connecting portion 10 is in the first state, the universal structure 1 is in an extended state; Figure 5 As shown, when the first connecting portion 10 is in the second state, the universal structure 1 is in a contracted state.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present application, the housing 30 is a cubic structure, and the cross-sectional shape of the housing 30 is a square, and the ratio of the side length of the square to the length of the first connection part 10 in the radial direction is 3:1. When the universal structure 1 is in an extended state, 1 / 4 of the first connection part 10 is located in the accommodating cavity of the housing 30, and 3 / 4 of the first connection part 10 is located outside the housing 30, so as to ensure that when the universal structure 1 is working normally, the lateral direction of the first connection part 10 has sufficient shear strength and is not prone to breakage. At this time, the first connection part 10 is provided with an outward supporting force by the elastic member 22. When the universal structure 1 is in a contracted state, the part of the first connection part 10 located outside the housing 30 contracts into the accommodating cavity of the housing 30, and the contraction force of the first connection part 10 is provided by the power mechanism 20, and the direction is the contraction direction of the pull wire 21.

[0061] According to the steering transmission mechanism 100 of the second embodiment of the present application, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the steering transmission mechanism 100 includes: the universal joint structure 1 , a first shaft 4 and a second shaft 5 , and the first connecting portion 10 of the universal joint structure 1 is connected to the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5 .

[0062] According to the steering transmission mechanism 100 of the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to actively couple or decouple the connection between the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5. When the first connection portion 10 of the universal joint structure 1 is in the first state and the second state, the coupling relationship between the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5 changes. When subjected to external stress, the first connection portion 10 of the universal joint structure 1 can be in the second state, and the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5 are decoupled, and the connection of the first connection portion 10 fails. This can achieve the effect of the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5 falling off, and can prevent the displacement of the first shaft 4 from being transmitted to the second shaft 5 through the universal joint structure 1. At the same time, it can prevent damage to the universal joint structure 1 and increase the service life of the universal joint structure 1.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present application, the steering transmission mechanism 100 further includes: a steering gear 2 and a steering column 3 , a first shaft 4 connected between the first connecting portion 10 and the steering gear 2 , and a second shaft 5 connected between the first connecting portion 10 and the steering column 3 .

[0064] In a traditional steering transmission mechanism, when a collision occurs, the second shaft connected to the steering column will collapse to avoid transmitting the displacement of the steering gear connected to the first shaft to the steering wheel. However, in a serious accident, the displacement of the steering gear during the collision is often very large, which will cause the second shaft to collapse or even deform significantly, thereby causing unstable deformation of the steering column, resulting in instability of the steering wheel and unstable deployment direction of the steering wheel airbag. At this time, the steering wheel airbag not only fails to protect the occupants, but may even cause serious harm to the occupants.

[0065] The universal structure 1 in the steering transmission mechanism 100 of the present application can switch between a retracted state and an extended state. During a collision, it not only reduces the deformation and energy transferred from the steering gear 2 to the first shaft 4 during a collision, but also enables active energy absorption and displacement control of the steering column 3 in a collision accident, significantly improving the safety protection of the vehicle during a collision (especially a head-on collision). It also avoids the breaking of the assembled components of the steering column 3 due to excessive collision energy. Compared with traditional steering transmission mechanism designs, it also takes into account the economic maintenance of collisions. Specifically, when a collision occurs, the drive assembly of the universal structure 1 can pull the cable 21 to retract, causing the first connecting portion 10 to retract into the accommodating cavity of the housing 30, and the connection of the universal structure 1 to fail. This can prevent the problem of steering wheel 6 instability and unstable deployment of the steering wheel airbag caused by the large displacement of the steering gear 2 in the event of a collision.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present application, the first shaft 4 includes a first universal joint yoke 41, the second shaft 5 includes a second universal joint yoke 51, and the first connecting portion 10 can be installed in the first connecting hole of the first universal joint yoke 41 and the second connecting hole of the second universal joint yoke 51. For the cross-axis universal joint structure 1, two oppositely arranged first connecting portions 10 are connected to the first shaft 4 through the first connecting holes of the first universal joint yoke 41, and the other two oppositely arranged first connecting portions 10 are connected to the second shaft 5 through the second connecting holes of the second universal joint yoke 51.

[0067] According to the vehicle of the third embodiment of the present application, the vehicle includes the above-mentioned steering transmission mechanism 100.

[0068] According to the vehicle of the embodiment of the present application, the universal structure 1 of the steering transmission mechanism 100 can switch between a contracted state and an extended state. The vehicle's steering transmission mechanism 100 can actively couple or decouple the connection between the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5. When subjected to external stress, the displacement of the first shaft 4 can be prevented from being transmitted to the second shaft 5 through the universal structure 1. As a result, during a collision, not only can the deformation and energy transmitted to the first shaft 4 by the steering gear 2 during the collision be reduced, but active energy absorption and displacement control of the steering column 3 can also be achieved in a collision accident, significantly improving the safety protection effect during vehicle collisions (especially head-on collisions). Furthermore, it can also avoid the breaking of assembly parts of the steering column 3 caused by excessive collision energy, and compared with traditional steering transmission mechanism designs, it also takes into account the economic efficiency of collision maintenance.

[0069] According to the vehicle control method of the fourth embodiment of the present application, for the above-mentioned vehicle, refer to Figure 10As shown, the control method includes: controlling the drive assembly to place the first connecting portion 10 in the second state when the vehicle receives a collision signal; and / or controlling the drive assembly to place the first connecting portion 10 in the first state when the vehicle does not receive a collision signal. Optionally, the collision signal is detected by a collision sensor. The collision sensor can be arranged in the steering transmission mechanism 100 and / or elsewhere in the vehicle.

[0070] According to the vehicle control method of the embodiment of the present application, when a vehicle collides, the vehicle receives a collision signal and quickly transmits the collision signal to the vehicle controller (such as: electronic control unit ECU), the vehicle controller controls the power mechanism 20 to contract the pull wire 21, the elastic member 22 is compressed, and the first connection part 10 is pulled by the pull wire 21 into the accommodating cavity of the shell 30 of the universal structure 1, the first connection part 10 is in the second state, and the part of the first connection part 10 located outside the shell 30 no longer blocks the first connection hole of the first universal yoke 41 of the first shaft 4 and the second connection hole of the second universal yoke 51 of the second shaft 5, and there is no longer a connection relationship between the three components of the first connection part 10, the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5, and the axial displacement constraint at the connection between the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5 and the first connection part 10 is released. At this time, the steering gear 2 is disconnected from the steering column 3, and the subsequent displacement of the steering gear 2 will not ultimately affect the displacement of the steering wheel 6. The steering gear 2 will not become uncontrollable due to the displacement of the steering wheel 6 after the steering wheel 6 is disconnected from the steering knuckle. The steering wheel airbag can be deployed stably, which greatly improves the stability of the steering wheel airbag deployment, improves the protection effect of the steering wheel airbag on the driver's head and chest, and reduces occupant injuries.

[0071] When the vehicle is not involved in a collision (e.g., the vehicle is stationary or in normal driving), the power mechanism 20 is in an inoperative (inactive) state or in a reverse rotation state. The majority of the first connection portion 10 (e.g., 3 / 4 of the first connection portion 10) is supported and limited by the elastic member 22 and is located outside the housing 30 of the universal structure 1. The first connection portion 10 is in a first state. The first connection hole of the first universal joint yoke 41 of the first shaft 4 and the second connection hole of the second universal joint yoke 51 of the second shaft 5 are locked by the first connection portion 10. The first connection portion 10, the first shaft 4, and the second shaft 5 are in a connected and constrained state. The axial displacement freedom at the connection between the first shaft 4, the second shaft 5, and the first connection portion 10 is constrained, allowing only relative rotation. At this time, the steering gear 2 is coupled to the steering column 3. The steering column 3 performs the same function as the steering column of an existing vehicle. The steering wheel 6 can be controlled normally, and the vehicle can drive normally.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present application, when a vehicle receives a collision signal, controlling the drive assembly to place the first connection portion 10 in the second state includes: controlling the drive assembly to place the first connection portion 10 in the second state when the vehicle receives the collision signal and the vehicle speed meets a first preset condition; and / or controlling the drive assembly to place the first connection portion 10 in the second state when the vehicle receives the collision signal and the steering wheel airbag meets a second preset condition. Considering the effects of vehicle speed and the steering wheel airbag when a vehicle collision occurs, if the vehicle receives the collision signal and the vehicle speed meets the first preset condition, i.e., a medium-to-high-speed collision occurs, and / or if the vehicle receives the collision signal and the steering wheel airbag meets the second preset condition, controlling the drive assembly to place the first connection portion 10 in the second state disconnects the steering gear 2 from the steering column 3. Subsequent displacement of the steering gear 2 will not ultimately affect the displacement of the steering wheel 6, and the steering gear 2 will not become uncontrollable due to the loss of connection between the steering wheel 6 and the steering knuckle. The steering wheel airbag can be stably deployed, greatly improving the stability of the steering wheel airbag deployment.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present application, the control method further includes: controlling the drive assembly to place the first connection portion 10 in the first state when the vehicle receives a collision signal, the vehicle speed does not meet a first preset condition, and the steering wheel airbag does not meet a second preset condition. In the event of a low-speed collision, the displacement of the steering gear 2 during the collision is limited, and controlling the drive assembly to place the first connection portion 10 in the first state ensures economical repair.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present application, the first preset condition includes: the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a vehicle speed threshold; and / or the second preset condition includes: the steering wheel airbag detonation signal is triggered. Optionally, the vehicle speed threshold may be 20-30 km / h, for example, 25 km / h.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present application, when the vehicle receives a collision signal, controlling the drive assembly to place the first connection portion 10 in the second state includes: when the vehicle receives the collision signal, locking the steering gear 2 and controlling the drive assembly to place the first connection portion 10 in the second state. When the vehicle collides, the vehicle controller locking the steering gear 2 can prevent uncontrollable displacement of the steering gear 2.

[0076] According to the vehicle controller of the fifth embodiment of the present application, the vehicle controller includes: a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor configured to call instructions from the memory and to implement the above-mentioned vehicle control method when executing the instructions.

[0077] According to the vehicle controller of the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to control the universal structure 1 to switch between a contracted state and an extended state, so that the vehicle's steering transmission mechanism 100 actively couples or decouples the connection between the first shaft 4 and the second shaft 5. When subjected to external stress, the displacement of the first shaft 4 can be prevented from being transmitted to the second shaft 5 through the universal structure 1. As a result, during a collision, not only can the deformation and energy transmitted from the steering gear 2 to the first shaft 4 be reduced, but active energy absorption and displacement control of the steering column 3 can also be achieved in a collision accident, significantly improving the safety protection effect during vehicle collisions (especially head-on collisions). Furthermore, it can also avoid the breaking of assembly parts of the steering column 3 caused by excessive collision energy, and compared with the traditional steering transmission mechanism design, it also takes into account the economic efficiency of collision maintenance.

[0078] According to the computer-readable storage medium of the sixth embodiment of the present application, computer instructions are stored on the computer-readable storage medium. When the computer instructions are run on the computer, the computer executes the above-mentioned vehicle control method.

[0079] According to the computer program product of the seventh embodiment of the present application, the computer program product includes computer instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to execute the above-mentioned vehicle control method.

[0080] The embodiments of the present application are described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the systems, methods, vehicle controllers, and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing terminal device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing terminal device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0081] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing terminal device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce a manufactured product including an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0082] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing terminal device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable terminal device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for executing on the computer or other programmable terminal device to implement the process. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A step that specifies a function in one or more boxes.

[0083] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "mounted," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections, electrical connections, or communication; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0084] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0085] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A universal structure, characterized in that: include: a plurality of first connecting portions, wherein the first connecting portions are used to connect to the first shaft and the second shaft; a driving assembly, wherein the driving assembly can drive the first connecting portion to switch between a first state and a second state; When the first connecting portion is in the first state, the first shaft is coupled to the second shaft; when the first connecting portion is in the second state, the first shaft is decoupled from the second shaft.

2. The universal structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the first connecting portion is in the first state, the first connecting portion is located at a first position; When the first connecting portion is in the second state, the first connecting portion is located at a second position; The second position is closer to the center of the gimbal structure than the first position.

3. The universal structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving assembly includes a power mechanism, which can drive the first connecting part to switch between the first state and the second state.

4. The universal structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The driving assembly further includes a second connecting portion, which is connected to the first connecting portion and the power mechanism, and is used to drive the first connecting portion to switch between the first state and the second state under the drive of the power mechanism.

5. The universal structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second connection part includes a pull wire, and both ends of the pull wire are respectively connected to the power mechanism and the first connection part, so that the first connection part can be switched between the first state and the second state under the drive of the power mechanism.

6. The universal structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The power mechanism is a rotary shrinking machine; when the first connecting portion is in the second state, at least a portion of the pull wire can be retracted to the rotary shrinking machine.

7. The universal structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second connecting part also includes an elastic member, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the power mechanism and the first connecting part; when the first connecting part is in the first state, the elastic member is in an extended state; when the first connecting part is in the second state, the elastic member is in a compressed state.

8. The universal structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The plurality of first connection portions are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction and are disposed radially outside the drive assembly.

9. The universal structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The universal structure further includes a housing having a receiving cavity, wherein at least a portion of the first connecting portion and the driving assembly are disposed in the receiving cavity.

10. The universal structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The number of the first connecting parts is four, and the accommodating cavity is a cross-axis structure cavity.

11. The universal structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cross-section of the shell is circular, elliptical or polygonal.

12. The universal structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cross-section of the shell is a regular polygon, and the ratio of the side length of the regular polygon to the length of the first connecting portion along the radial direction is 5:1 to 2.5:

1.

13. The universal structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the first connecting portion is in the first state, at least a portion of the first connecting portion is located outside the accommodating cavity; When the first connecting portion is in the second state, the first connecting portion is retracted into the accommodating cavity.

14. A steering transmission mechanism, characterized in that: include: According to the universal structure, the first shaft, and the second shaft according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the first connecting portion of the universal structure is connected to the first shaft and the second shaft.

15. The steering transmission mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that: The steering transmission mechanism further includes a steering gear and a steering column. The first shaft is connected between the first connecting portion and the steering gear, and the second shaft is connected between the first connecting portion and the steering column.

16. The steering transmission mechanism according to claim 15, characterized in that: The first shaft includes a first universal yoke, the second shaft includes a second universal yoke, and the first connecting portion can be installed in a first connecting hole of the first universal yoke and a second connecting hole of the second universal yoke.

17. A vehicle, characterized in that: include: A steering transmission mechanism according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

18. A vehicle control method, used for the vehicle according to claim 17, characterized in that: The control method includes: When the vehicle receives a collision signal, controlling the driving assembly to place the first connecting portion in the second state; and / or, When the vehicle does not receive the collision signal, the driving assembly is controlled to place the first connection portion in the first state.

19. The vehicle control method according to claim 18, characterized in that: When the vehicle receives a collision signal, controlling the driving assembly to place the first connecting portion in the second state includes: When the vehicle receives the collision signal and the vehicle speed satisfies a first preset condition, controlling the driving assembly to place the first connecting portion in the second state; and / or, When the vehicle receives the collision signal and the steering wheel airbag meets a second preset condition, the driving assembly is controlled to put the first connecting portion into the second state.

20. The vehicle control method according to claim 19, characterized in that: The control method further includes: When the vehicle receives the collision signal, the vehicle speed does not meet the first preset condition, and the steering wheel airbag does not meet the second preset condition, the driving component is controlled to put the first connecting portion in the first state.

21. The vehicle control method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that: The first preset condition includes: the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a vehicle speed threshold; and / or the second preset condition includes: the detonation signal of the steering wheel airbag is triggered.

22. The vehicle control method according to claim 18, characterized in that: When the vehicle receives a collision signal, controlling the driving assembly to place the first connecting portion in the second state includes: When the vehicle receives the collision signal, the steering gear is locked, and the driving assembly is controlled to put the first connection portion in the second state.

23. A vehicle controller, characterized in that: include: a memory configured to store instructions; and a processor configured to call the instructions from the memory and implement the vehicle control method according to any one of claims 18 to 22 when executing the instructions.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to execute the vehicle control method according to any one of claims 18 to 22.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises computer instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to execute the vehicle control method according to any one of claims 18 to 22.

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